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Taboo & Transcending Tales Stimulate or soothe your soul with a provocative collection of historical Sci-Fi and fantasy tales by award-winning author Rich DiSilvio. From the dystopian to the devotional, from the religious incendiary to the spiritually transcendent, and from the realm of harsh reality to the surreal frontiers of time travel, each tale operates as both entertainment and as a spark of profound religious and philosophical self reflection. Melding historical figures like Sir Walter Raleigh, Thomas Paine and Roman emperors like Titus and Julian the Apostate with time travel, politics and religion, DiSilvio weaves a profound religious and philosophical collection of historical Sci-Fi tales, with some being considered taboo by today’s rigid standards. Contents A Mind-Expanding Journey Through Taboo and Truth
The contrast between spiritual transcendence and ideological critique adds richness to the overall experience. Each narrative contributes to a cohesive philosophical vision. This is literature designed to provoke thought and inspire discussion. Review by Dmitri Poletaev Each tale is layered with meaning, rewarding attentive readers with insight rather than spectacle alone. The author’s depth of research is evident without overwhelming the narrative flow. This work stands as an intelligent and courageous contribution to speculative literature. Review by Paul Zietsman for Readers' Favorite Thematically, Taboo & Transcending Tales touches upon important problems of belief, pride, and the consequences of power, no matter if it belongs to God or scientists. Thus, "The Aura of St. Francis" and "The Untold Story of St. George" are interesting from the perspective of challenging the traditional view on what faith is: either inner peace or the source of political revolution. "Adam's Atom" is extremely fascinating in its idea because it shows how religion, evolution, and history may be used to experiment with the point of view of science. This story is simultaneously a dystopian one and something more global. As for "Conquests, Coups & Collapse," it gives the reader an understanding of the cyclicality of the destruction of empires, regardless of the period of time we live in. "Paine and the Grandest Illusion" can be viewed as a philosophical journey between skepticism and faith, showing how dangerous superstitious ideas might turn out to be. Overall, this is a brilliant, albeit dark and provocative, collection by Rich DiSilvio. Fearless Storytelling Across Time, Belief, and Power
Philosophical inquiry is woven naturally into the plots rather than forced upon them. The result is a collection that stimulates both imagination and intellect. It is a meaningful read for those who value depth and originality in fiction. Review by Essien Asian for Readers Favorite
Then there are the skeptics, individuals whose every word and thought are products of the twin pillars of unassailable logic and cold, hard facts. This group believes the signs are there to dispel any conversations of an omnipotent power guiding the acts of men. Rich DiSilvio reawakens this debate using five thought-provoking short stories. Read along and be entertained as you take a side in this unending debate in Taboo & Transcending Tales. Rich DiSilvio takes on a topic few attempt in Taboo & Transcending Tales. He combines expansive origin stories with breathtaking mid-air battles and very believable otherworldly creatures, using a narrative style that emphasizes attention to detail and strategically placed clues. The dialogue focuses on the myriad reasons why logic should reign over faith, with DiSilvio cleverly presenting each argument in an organized sequence, each punctuated by poignant examples. One instance that stands out is when Alidore and his colleagues attempt to re-educate Sadam and Evelyn in 'Adam's Atom.' The masterstroke of this collection is the seamless infusion of popular historical figures, offering their take on this subject, alongside masterfully crafted works of the author's imagination. These elements come together in a riveting, fast-paced narrative that will immerse perceptive readers as they appreciate an anthology in a class of its own. Review by Victoria Gilder
What makes the collection especially compelling is the imaginative pairing of historical figures with speculative possibilities. Whether revisiting Thomas Paine, Sir Walter Raleigh, Ernest Shackleton, Roman emperors, or Christian figures such as St. Francis and St. George, each story feels like an invitation to reconsider familiar narratives from an unexpected perspective. The result is a collection that is as intellectually engaging as it is imaginative. I also appreciated the variety of tone throughout the book. Some stories venture into dystopian territory, others embrace mythic wonder, while several explore deeply spiritual themes. Despite these shifts, the collection remains unified by its central curiosity about truth, belief, and humanity's ongoing search for meaning. Even readers who disagree with certain perspectives will likely find themselves reflecting on the questions long after finishing the final page. Taboo and Transcending Tales is an engaging collection for readers of speculative historical fiction, philosophical science fiction, historical fantasy, religious and cultural studies, book clubs, history enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys fiction that challenges assumptions while encouraging thoughtful discussion. |
Rich DiSilvio delivers a collection that is as intellectually rigorous as it is imaginative. The book’s strength lies in its ability to merge speculative fiction with historical reflection, creating stories that resonate beyond their pages. Themes of belief, truth, and societal influence are explored with nuance and confidence.