The Fort: A Short Story by Alan Lastufka

The Fort: A Short Story Reviews

• 
  Vivian Hernandez

  This is a haunting story that deals with social class, friendship, and greed. It cuts in all the best ways. In this short story, the characters live vibrantly through their struggles and develop in a mere 13 pages.
  
  The writing is very reminiscent of works by Shirley Jackson and Ray Bradbury. It left a stirring in the back of my head that followed me to bed. This story will sink into you and leave you wanting more.
• 
  Bobby Jones

  Disclaimer: I was provided an Advanced Reader's Copy of this story for the purpose of this review by the author
  Alan Lastufka.
  
  It is very difficult to review this story without providing spoilers, so I will not be adding any details about the events in the book at all, just giving my impressions and feelings. The text is only 13 pages long, so just go pick up a copy for yourself, it'll be worth it.
  
  
  The Fort: A Short Story is a seriously enjoyable short story, but it is very much that: SHORT. Just as the book sank it's main hook into me I was surprised to see that it was over. This story feels like a gripping opening chapter to what could be an awesome and spooky story, but the rest of the book is just missing. The Fort left me wishing for a flash-forward in time by several decades to reveal how the events in this opening chapter had effected our main characters Aaron and Tim.
  
  Perhaps Alan will give us additional "chapters" in the future. If he does then I will be the first in line to read the additional stories that take place within the fictional Cellar, Ohio universe.
• 
  Keri

  "The Fort" is a wonderful short story that could only really benefit from there being more of it! I think this could certainly serve as a prequel short story to a future novel, because even if it was just a few pages long, it was captivating, creepy, and promised more horrors yet undefined.
  
  Lastufka gives us a pair of best friends who are looking at a future separated by distance, social class, and the constant struggle of emerging into adulthood versus remaining in the nostalgia of youth. These differences hinge upon a Fort (capital "F") which the two characters - Tim and Aaron - had discovered in their childhood and now is "acting" strange. It is their reaction not only to the changes in the Fort, but to the decision either friend makes regarding it, that culminates in a final image that is positively haunting.
  
  Highly recommend this short story by Lastufka and cannot wait to read more, whether in the short or long form!
• 
  Ash

  Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this story from the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
  
  "
  The Fort: A Short Story" is a fascinating exploration of where horror meets magical realism. The dialogue makes this an easy read, while still capturing the innocence and wonder of youth. The characters and setting are both well established immediately, making this an easy and immersive story to get into.
  
  The only problem with this fast-paced story is exactly that - its pacing. A slower build would have created a more unsettling tension making the ending feel more earned.
  
  That being said, the shocking final image is exactly what I want out of a story like this, and I would absolutely love to read more.
• 
  April Lyn

  I received this book for free in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
  
  I love short stories as a genre. It’s so hard to find one that’s both unpredictable and memorable. And then, there’s the writing. I just can’t with crap writing.
  
  Lastufka’s story was a big hit for me. I couldn’t tell where it was going until I was already there... and once there I was pleasantly surprised to find the premise very unique. It’s hard to do “new” horror, and I’m impressed. I also thought the writing was excellent and the dialogue meaningful and believable.
  
  If I had to give a down side, I’d say that the ending wasn’t also a surprise. It was more of a shock and I tend to prefer subtlety. Also, as others have noted, it may have been too short.
  
  I’ll definitely be reading more of his writing.
• 
  Kai

  What a great story! A Clever idea that slowly builds. Great pacing despite its short length. I think horror is most impactful when it remains grounded in a meaningful way (Stephen King is an expert at this). Alan Lastufka grounds the story through Tim and Aaron’s friendship. The potential loss of that friendship will resonate well with anyone who has had a relationship end due to a change in circumstances (a move, change in school, etc.).
  
  The final image is delightfully disturbing and well earned. Going into the moment, the reader has enough information to know that something terrible is going to be seen when Aaron arrives. However, the actual result is better than I imagined.
  
  I can’t wait to read more from the writer!
• 
  Catherine Clark

  I love a good spec fic thriller and this short story of two boys re-discovering a childhood fort hooked me immediately. It has a lean and pointed narrative that felt appropriately visceral to match the story’s undertones. The dynamic between the main characters felt real and layered and left me wanting more.
  
  The ending was the only place where I felt a minor disconnection to the story. Without spoilers, there was a good amount of trepidation and that prickly awareness of foreboding that I love, but I wanted something else from it. Either way, it was still a satisfying ending well worth the quick read.
  
  Disclaimer: I was provided an advanced copy of this story by the author. All opinions are my own.
• 
  Aslanenlisted

  Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this story from the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
  
  This is an absolute stellar read from start to finish.
  
  Few short stories are able to create such a believable world with in such a limited space. With in a few sentences I was fully engaged in the story. The characters are fully realized from the start and feel bit as real as their old Fort. Lastufka does an absolutely brilliant job with this story. Can't wait for more.
• 
  Paul K. Bisson

  I listened to the audio version. Well produced and performed. The constant bird-chirping was a little much — some underscore during the read would have mixed well with it (in for a penny and all that). Overall the story feels like something close to home, perhaps written long ago when Alan was as kid — like Tim and Aaron — pulled out of an old Trapper Keeper and touched-up a bit for the new kids. Turn the lights out, grab your headphones, and add it to your stash.
• 
  Jason

  I liked the initial setup of the characters and plot but the creepy horror vibe didn't really come through for me (perhaps it was a little too grounded).
  
  Thanks to Alan for sending an early copy!
• 
  Cori

  Fun read!
  
  In the spirit of Stephen King, The Fort shines as gem of a story. It drew me in immediately and kept me engaged and wanting more.
• 
  Steve Rufle

  Read as a free download. Very short story, but an enjoyable horror tale.
• 
  Iasmina

  Very much enjoyed this spooky short story. Fantastic concept. I only wish it was explored further.
• 
  Tatra

  Woah, that was amazing. I loved the characters. I felt like you really got to know them even though this is a short story. The plot was fascinating and super creepy. And that ending blew my mind. I didn’t expect that at all. Definitely worth reading.
• 
  Erin Foster

  The combination of youthful curiosity and boyish banter, Tim, Aaron, and their Fort come to life on the page in this enthralling short story. A picture-perfect horror, "The Fort" leaves you turning the page and wishing for more... Even after the twisted ending.