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Rorschach
Would you want to know the future? What if it involved murder? After witnessing a disturbing event, Lucas receives a bottle of ink from a fortune teller that offers glimpses of things to come, but he soon learns that these clairvoyant powers come at a price. For a man who wants nothing more than to help people, Lucas finds himself unable to keep death out of his life. When he tries to leave the Rorschach behind, he only finds himself falling deeper into the inkwell.
In this chilling battle between destiny and free will, Rorschach explores the haunting can one change their fate, or are some futures etched in blood?
In this chilling battle between destiny and free will, Rorschach explores the haunting can one change their fate, or are some futures etched in blood?
- GenresHorror
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2024
About the author
Aaron Lebold
13 books22 followersAaron Lebold is an author of psychological horror, sometimes dabbling in extreme elements. His love of the genre began at an early age with all the best slasher films. Writing has always been something of interest but he didn’t make any serious attempts at it until 2017. Since that time he has completed several novels and novellas. His short stories can be found in various anthologies by various publishers. Some of his short stories have been narrated for the Cryo-Pod Podcast. His novel “Born Sick” took second place at the Godless 666 awards for best novel of 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 22, 2024
Okay so
Rorschach
Aaron Lebold
4/5 stars
I really liked the idea of this when I saw it.
So I was already prepared to like it, but Im kinda obsessed a bit with this one now lol
The future from ink blots and the ever insane battle of can you change the future or is it destined?? I felt the struggle, trying to fix it, help everyone, and somehow it still dosent work out and you wonder.. Are you fighting a loosing battle or.. Is there a chance for you to bend the future to your will?
I think this might be the first thing I've read from this author, but I'm looking forward to more now.
My brain is still a little wonky from this one folks, check it out!
Rorschach
Aaron Lebold
4/5 stars
I really liked the idea of this when I saw it.
So I was already prepared to like it, but Im kinda obsessed a bit with this one now lol
The future from ink blots and the ever insane battle of can you change the future or is it destined?? I felt the struggle, trying to fix it, help everyone, and somehow it still dosent work out and you wonder.. Are you fighting a loosing battle or.. Is there a chance for you to bend the future to your will?
I think this might be the first thing I've read from this author, but I'm looking forward to more now.
My brain is still a little wonky from this one folks, check it out!
September 1, 2024
Having never read this author before and going into the book blind, I didn't know what to expect. Holy smokes!! This was intense and creepy. I was totally captured by the story from the first chapter. There's not a lot of "action" but it's still fast paced. The author's writing style is smooth, the chapters flowing easily from one to the next.
Some people may call this extreme horror, but the level of gore was pretty minimal, but there were some shocking things that were important to the story line.
I can't say enough good things about this book so read it and see for yourself.
Some people may call this extreme horror, but the level of gore was pretty minimal, but there were some shocking things that were important to the story line.
I can't say enough good things about this book so read it and see for yourself.
September 17, 2024
First, I’d like to thank Broken Brain Books and author Aaron Lebold for providing me with an ARC of Rorschach in exchange for my honest review. Lebold never disappoints with his writing— and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to read this psychological horror.
”I wasn’t sure why, but somehow I had come to truly believe in the forces I was feeling. I was being guided by something. Maybe it was the universe, maybe it was God, maybe it was the Rorschach.”
Rorschach wasn’t my first book by Aaron Lebold, nor will it be my last. I was thoroughly impressed with this read and it hooked me from the very beginning.
This is a story that dances heavily around fate and free will.
The book begins by loosely basing the story around the true and public suicide of R. Bud Dwyer in the eighties— and our main character, Lucas, witnesses his self-execution. Lucas is understandably haunted and struggles endlessly to move on from what he’s witnessed and why. Lucas, possibly by fate— then comes across a fortune teller in the seedy part of town who introduces him to an inkblot test with a twist. Just a drop of his blood mixed with ink will show him meaning through the cards. After his visit, he takes the papers and ink with him, not realizing just how drastically and quickly his life will alter.
From there, every decision and finality seems to stem from the cards. Choices are made, or maybe they’re destined. Vengeance is sought, murder seems to soar, and many questions about morality arise. Lucas battles with himself excessively in Rorschach as people continuously and brutally die— and much of this book plays around with ideas in philosophy. Is Lucas playing God, or is it truly the Rorschach?
Can a mortal person walk as judge, jury, and executioner?
Can you be chosen to choose the destiny of others?
Would you answer your calling?
I enjoyed the deep psychology in what I was reading. Lebold did a fantastic job at letting us dig into the mind and soul of Lucas. The first-person narrative made the story quite unique for this reason. I am used to the author writing more gory, quick-paced novellas— but this one took its time, and often changed its rhythm. And the best part? It makes you think.
What a creative tale with a well-written and promising twist at the end. I was thoroughly intrigued and I’m looking forward to more releases from this author, as I’ve loved everything already read. This was a
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star read for me, and if you’re into psychological, philosophical, or paranormal books— this one will probably be for you, too.
”I wasn’t sure why, but somehow I had come to truly believe in the forces I was feeling. I was being guided by something. Maybe it was the universe, maybe it was God, maybe it was the Rorschach.”
Rorschach wasn’t my first book by Aaron Lebold, nor will it be my last. I was thoroughly impressed with this read and it hooked me from the very beginning.
This is a story that dances heavily around fate and free will.
The book begins by loosely basing the story around the true and public suicide of R. Bud Dwyer in the eighties— and our main character, Lucas, witnesses his self-execution. Lucas is understandably haunted and struggles endlessly to move on from what he’s witnessed and why. Lucas, possibly by fate— then comes across a fortune teller in the seedy part of town who introduces him to an inkblot test with a twist. Just a drop of his blood mixed with ink will show him meaning through the cards. After his visit, he takes the papers and ink with him, not realizing just how drastically and quickly his life will alter.
From there, every decision and finality seems to stem from the cards. Choices are made, or maybe they’re destined. Vengeance is sought, murder seems to soar, and many questions about morality arise. Lucas battles with himself excessively in Rorschach as people continuously and brutally die— and much of this book plays around with ideas in philosophy. Is Lucas playing God, or is it truly the Rorschach?
Can a mortal person walk as judge, jury, and executioner?
Can you be chosen to choose the destiny of others?
Would you answer your calling?
I enjoyed the deep psychology in what I was reading. Lebold did a fantastic job at letting us dig into the mind and soul of Lucas. The first-person narrative made the story quite unique for this reason. I am used to the author writing more gory, quick-paced novellas— but this one took its time, and often changed its rhythm. And the best part? It makes you think.
What a creative tale with a well-written and promising twist at the end. I was thoroughly intrigued and I’m looking forward to more releases from this author, as I’ve loved everything already read. This was a
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star read for me, and if you’re into psychological, philosophical, or paranormal books— this one will probably be for you, too.
September 12, 2024
"Rorschach" is a story truly inspired, taking the idea of inkblot tests to an entirely new level - a blend of the psychological and the occult originating in a very real fact: the public unaliving of the politician Bud Dwyer in 1987. The book might be seen as an extended meditation in narrative form on the trauma haunting Lucas, the main character, after witnessing the event firsthand. Right in the middle of some serious self-questioning about his life choices, Lucas meets a fortune teller (a "gypsy") who uses Rorschach methods to tell one's future. Forget what you know about Rorschach tests: what one sees on these cards may be obscure, but turns out to be fully meaningful for the viewer. Lucas ends up with the cards and the ink used to stain them, and what ensues is a riveting, complex tale of murder, fate, extreme moral choices, revenge, and, oh, there's some sex too. But one moral issue dominates: who deserves to have a future? who deserves to live? and who decides?
The story is told in first-person, as Lucas confesses how he ended up regretting many of his decisions. To be frank, I felt the story would be better served if it'd been told in third-person; Lucas' mind in clear view lessened the suspense somewhat, turning what might have been a sort of occult detective story into a series of personal romantic shenanigans and supernatural adventure (with no explanations provided, since most of what's going on is inaccessible to Lucas' POV by default). The story needed jump-starting several times as a result of the rather uneven pacing, with many fast-paced scenes interrupted by the narrative restricted to Lucas' moments of indecisiveness.
That said, the story has much promise and the ending delivers a much-needed twist, bringing closure smoothly and intriguingly. I enjoyed the book a lot!
The story is told in first-person, as Lucas confesses how he ended up regretting many of his decisions. To be frank, I felt the story would be better served if it'd been told in third-person; Lucas' mind in clear view lessened the suspense somewhat, turning what might have been a sort of occult detective story into a series of personal romantic shenanigans and supernatural adventure (with no explanations provided, since most of what's going on is inaccessible to Lucas' POV by default). The story needed jump-starting several times as a result of the rather uneven pacing, with many fast-paced scenes interrupted by the narrative restricted to Lucas' moments of indecisiveness.
That said, the story has much promise and the ending delivers a much-needed twist, bringing closure smoothly and intriguingly. I enjoyed the book a lot!
September 15, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it definitely will not be the last! I went into this book mostly blind and wondering how a Rorschach test could be creepy and boy did I find out.
I do think that some of the characters felt a little bit one dimensional and could use a little more fleshing out. Lucas, however, I found myself sympathizing with and connected to.
I think the ending of this book is one I’m going to find myself thinking about often in the future. The twist and the way everything came full circle was very satisfying and disturbing.
I do think that some of the characters felt a little bit one dimensional and could use a little more fleshing out. Lucas, however, I found myself sympathizing with and connected to.
I think the ending of this book is one I’m going to find myself thinking about often in the future. The twist and the way everything came full circle was very satisfying and disturbing.
September 4, 2024
First read by this author and wow was I hooked!
This is the type of story where it wasn’t really scary or too gory (some, but not really much) but it’s the type that gets under your skin and you can’t help but finish it all in a day.
The story, the pace, the characters and everything in between to me, was perfection.
This is the type of story where it wasn’t really scary or too gory (some, but not really much) but it’s the type that gets under your skin and you can’t help but finish it all in a day.
The story, the pace, the characters and everything in between to me, was perfection.
September 19, 2024
This was my first read by Aaron Lebold and it was definitely a bloody ride. After witnessing the very public suicide of Bud Dwyer in 1987, Lucas is struggling with his chosen career of journalism. A chance encounter with a unique fortune teller changes the course of his life and several others dramatically. The fortune teller utilizes ink mixed with three drops of the receiver’s blood to reveal three pictures that will occur in the near future.
Rorschach is a fairly fast paced bloodbath of a book. It starts off slow but when the things get going they never slow down. Lucas isn’t the most likable protagonist as he tends to be fairly passive and I struggled to connect with him. We see his life unfold but never really get details about his past or what’s shaped him into who he is. It made it somewhat difficult to empathize with him in the book. The book takes place over several years and there’s not much growth in his character at all.
I do think the book would benefit from some further dimension added to the characters. Some of the dialogue and side characters felt like Lucas was interacting with NPC’s in a video game. None of the female characters were affable and too often fell into that trope of women constantly throwing themselves at the protagonist, who’s just kind of bland, tbh.
I did find myself enjoying the ending. I love when things come full circle. It’s a terrifying thought to think of some of these horrors just looping in a never ending cycle. I definitely would be interested in checking out more from Lebold in the future. While this didn’t entirely meet the vibe for me, I think fast paced, bloody horror lovers will enjoy this one. It’s an interesting concept that will drum up the question of whether we are in control of our future, or simply not watching life unfold.
Rorschach is a fairly fast paced bloodbath of a book. It starts off slow but when the things get going they never slow down. Lucas isn’t the most likable protagonist as he tends to be fairly passive and I struggled to connect with him. We see his life unfold but never really get details about his past or what’s shaped him into who he is. It made it somewhat difficult to empathize with him in the book. The book takes place over several years and there’s not much growth in his character at all.
I do think the book would benefit from some further dimension added to the characters. Some of the dialogue and side characters felt like Lucas was interacting with NPC’s in a video game. None of the female characters were affable and too often fell into that trope of women constantly throwing themselves at the protagonist, who’s just kind of bland, tbh.
I did find myself enjoying the ending. I love when things come full circle. It’s a terrifying thought to think of some of these horrors just looping in a never ending cycle. I definitely would be interested in checking out more from Lebold in the future. While this didn’t entirely meet the vibe for me, I think fast paced, bloody horror lovers will enjoy this one. It’s an interesting concept that will drum up the question of whether we are in control of our future, or simply not watching life unfold.
September 3, 2024
The book begins with Luke, who is a reporter covering a statement by a politician who has been found guilty of slew of charges. During the press conference, R. Budd Dwyer proceeded to claim his innocence before pulling a gun, warning the press to back up, and putting a bullet in a brain.
Thus begins Luke's transformation to Lucas. He starts by wandering the city, and ending up in a bad neighborhood, walking into a Fortune Teller's storefront. The teller's specialty? Prick your finger, place 3 drops of your blood on the cards, and see what they look like to you. Because you are the only one that can see them.
Lucas subsequently goes back to school, earns his Masters, and begins his new life as a therapist. But he always remembers the ink test. And Claire, the woman who stole it from him. That is, until she shows up once again in his life.
I was rather surprised to read the Budd Dwyer story at the beginning of the book. I grew up in Pennsylvania. I am familiar with the story. I have seen the news footage of his suicide. And I agree with the author - it's not something you forget. It was an interesting place to start; an incident that many people probably have never heard of. But it specifically peaked my interest in the book. (I even read the scene to my non-reading BF, who immediately knew what it was. As a child, he saw it live on the news.) I like the use of the traumatic event to kickstart the story, and it's use later as well. As for the story itself, it is an unusual concept in fortune telling. There is no real telling - the person spilling their own blood can see the images, but not anyone else. Very creative. Despite being pissed off at Claire for most of the book, but I really enjoyed this.
Four stars.
Thus begins Luke's transformation to Lucas. He starts by wandering the city, and ending up in a bad neighborhood, walking into a Fortune Teller's storefront. The teller's specialty? Prick your finger, place 3 drops of your blood on the cards, and see what they look like to you. Because you are the only one that can see them.
Lucas subsequently goes back to school, earns his Masters, and begins his new life as a therapist. But he always remembers the ink test. And Claire, the woman who stole it from him. That is, until she shows up once again in his life.
I was rather surprised to read the Budd Dwyer story at the beginning of the book. I grew up in Pennsylvania. I am familiar with the story. I have seen the news footage of his suicide. And I agree with the author - it's not something you forget. It was an interesting place to start; an incident that many people probably have never heard of. But it specifically peaked my interest in the book. (I even read the scene to my non-reading BF, who immediately knew what it was. As a child, he saw it live on the news.) I like the use of the traumatic event to kickstart the story, and it's use later as well. As for the story itself, it is an unusual concept in fortune telling. There is no real telling - the person spilling their own blood can see the images, but not anyone else. Very creative. Despite being pissed off at Claire for most of the book, but I really enjoyed this.
Four stars.
September 19, 2024
Wow, this was awesome! The story was creepy and unique. I was hooked from the first chapter and wasn’t sure where it was going to go. I loved it!
Lucas is struggling with his chosen career as a journalist after witnessing a public suicide in 1987. Shortly after, he happens upon a fortune teller that will change his life. All he has to do is take a Rorschach test and provide 3 drops of his blood, mixed with the fortune teller’s ink, to reveal three images that only he can see. These 3 images show a glimpse of what will happen in the near future.
The cards and ink end up in his possession, and what ensues is a gripping tale full of twists and turns that kept me engaged and reading while I should be working.. I thought the ending was great and brought the story full circle.
I really enjoyed the moral dilemma within the story. Can you change the future or is it destined? What is a “bad” person vs a “good” person? Who has the right to make that choice? Once we decide someone is “bad”, do we have the right to kill them/know they will be killed?
This was my first book by Aaron Lebold, and it will definitely not be my last. I highly recommend Rorschach!
Lucas is struggling with his chosen career as a journalist after witnessing a public suicide in 1987. Shortly after, he happens upon a fortune teller that will change his life. All he has to do is take a Rorschach test and provide 3 drops of his blood, mixed with the fortune teller’s ink, to reveal three images that only he can see. These 3 images show a glimpse of what will happen in the near future.
The cards and ink end up in his possession, and what ensues is a gripping tale full of twists and turns that kept me engaged and reading while I should be working.. I thought the ending was great and brought the story full circle.
I really enjoyed the moral dilemma within the story. Can you change the future or is it destined? What is a “bad” person vs a “good” person? Who has the right to make that choice? Once we decide someone is “bad”, do we have the right to kill them/know they will be killed?
This was my first book by Aaron Lebold, and it will definitely not be my last. I highly recommend Rorschach!
September 20, 2024
I have heard of these psychological tests but have never really understood what the purpose of the test is. I have seen an image but nothing comes of such images. This author took this famous test and turned it into an amazing novel. Lucas seemed like a regular guy that experienced some incredibly traumatic moments in his life. Once he decided to complete the test with the Gypsy woman the reader could tell he was having second thoughts. Especially after what happened after the first test. I was not sure if he would use the test again but he did. Reading how Lucas’ life was fairly normal until he ran into Claire again was a lull in the action but a nice way. Once the tests began again, Lucas life began to go out of control. And that is putting it mildly. This book was one heck of a reason to not get caught up in testing fate. I was not expecting the ending and was truly shocked!
September 6, 2024
Aaron Lebold’s Rorschach is the story where the psychological test that involves inkblots is able to foretell the future by amplifying the outcome with elements of mystical supernatural intervention. If all you had to do was adding a few drops of blood, would you take the test to know the future?! It immediately peaked my interest. So when I was given the opportunity to read this story I jumped on it. The story quickly starts to unfold with the toll the test has on the people involved and the ultimate price they pay. Like the characters in the story, you too will be drawn in and held captive. The question is would you do it?! It’s human nature to be curious. Sit back and let Lucas explain what happened.
Available for preorder.
Available for preorder.
September 14, 2024
I had never read anything by this author before, but this book grabbed my attention right away. The story was really chilling and kept me on edge. After a slow start, the pace of the book quickened and stayed that way. Wasn’t expecting a couple things that ended up happening and also wasn’t expecting the ending.
Would you agree to give three drops of your blood if it meant taking a special ink blot test that could actually predict future events? Luke's ordinary workday takes a dramatic turn when a chance encounter with a fortune teller has an impact on his life and the lives of numerous others.
Would you agree to give three drops of your blood if it meant taking a special ink blot test that could actually predict future events? Luke's ordinary workday takes a dramatic turn when a chance encounter with a fortune teller has an impact on his life and the lives of numerous others.
September 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this book by Aaron Lebold, which brings together a witness to a suicide, a fortune teller, and a test that, if anyone offered to me now, I would never even consider. Luke is a man without any real direction, after seeing a politician take his own life. He finds himself at a fortune teller who, with a simple ink test, changes the course of Luke's life, and so many others.
The pace of this novel is crisp and, at times, even frantic. The characters are well written, except for 1 or 2 that seemed a little one-dimensional. There is a good deal of violence, and maybe you should check the trigger warnings, if you have certain sensitivities. This was the first novel I have read by this author, and it was certainly good enough for me to read more of him.
The pace of this novel is crisp and, at times, even frantic. The characters are well written, except for 1 or 2 that seemed a little one-dimensional. There is a good deal of violence, and maybe you should check the trigger warnings, if you have certain sensitivities. This was the first novel I have read by this author, and it was certainly good enough for me to read more of him.
August 30, 2024
This book was a mind blowing read. A man goes to work like any other day. But what conspires during this work day was beyond his comprehension. What follow after that are things that are not so easily explained but part of a bigger picture. I was glued to this book because it’s so intense and shocking. This author drops a crumb and you run after the whole loaf all through the book. The twists and turns will make you say WTH, I didn’t see that coming. I highly highly recommend this book.
September 19, 2024
Thank you to Broken Brain Books for providing a review copy.
Rorschach was a lot of fun! I love the cursed object trope, and this was a cool twist on that. The writing is solid, of a bit simple, and I enjoyed the ending. There were a couple of moments in the book that I thought were a bit ridiculous, but overall I had a great time with it. 3.5 stars
Rorschach was a lot of fun! I love the cursed object trope, and this was a cool twist on that. The writing is solid, of a bit simple, and I enjoyed the ending. There were a couple of moments in the book that I thought were a bit ridiculous, but overall I had a great time with it. 3.5 stars
September 23, 2024
this was an excellent book!!! very well written. think I read it in 2 days because I just needed to know what was going to happen next. If you had the power to see little clippets of the future. . . would anyone be able to resist this? Definitely recommend this book and like I said in the main title I will be checking out more of his work. really enjoyed this book.
September 19, 2024
This was a fun and quick read. The idea of using a Rorschach was original and creepy. I liked the writing, my first from this author, and the characters were interesting too. The main character, Lucas, whose first person narrative we follow, had to deal with fate and ideas about free will and being pushed into situations that were predicted for him. An interesting premise that the author approached well. I definitely recommend this one!
Thanks to Broken Brain Books for the ARC and the opportunity to give my review.
Thanks to Broken Brain Books for the ARC and the opportunity to give my review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews