The Forgotten Threshold   By: Edward Joseph Harrington O'Brien (1890-1941)

In Edward Joseph Harrington O'Brien's novel, The Forgotten Threshold, readers are taken on a captivating journey through time and space. The story presents a unique blend of science fiction and historical fiction, interweaving the impact of real-life events with an imaginative twist.

The plot centers around a group of archaeologists who stumble upon a mysterious artifact, hidden for centuries within an ancient burial site. As they delve deeper into the artifact's origins, they discover its profound connection to a forgotten civilization. Through intricate details and well-researched historical context, O'Brien effortlessly transports readers into the depths of ancient history, unraveling the secrets of a lost world.

O'Brien's writing style is both accessible and lyrical, painting vivid imagery of the settings and characters. The prose is elegant, capturing the essence of each era it portrays. Moreover, the author displays a deep understanding of the historical periods explored, giving readers a sense of authenticity that greatly enhances the story's impact.

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Forgotten Threshold is the way it seamlessly merges science fiction elements with historical events. O'Brien skillfully introduces a time-travel plot device that allows the characters to witness pivotal moments in history firsthand. This integration adds an exciting layer to the story, fostering a sense of awe and wonder as readers navigate between the past, present, and future.

The characters themselves are well-developed and multi-dimensional, each with their own personal conflicts and motivations. O'Brien pays close attention to character growth, allowing their experiences and interactions to shape their individual journeys. It is through these characters that readers can fully immerse themselves in the narrative, forming emotional connections that heighten the stakes and deepen the overall reading experience.

Another exceptional aspect of this novel is its commentary on the cyclical nature of history. By juxtaposing different time periods, O'Brien explores how the past inevitably shapes the future and how seemingly forgotten events can resurface with great impact. This thought-provoking theme adds depth and substance to the story, encouraging readers to reflect on the implications of their own actions and the collective responsibility of humanity.

The only minor flaw in The Forgotten Threshold is that, at times, the intricate historical details can overshadow the overall pacing of the plot. O'Brien's careful research is admirable but occasionally slows down the story's momentum. However, once readers become fully engulfed in the intricate web of the narrative, any pacing issues become inconsequential.

Overall, The Forgotten Threshold is a masterful blend of genres and an enthralling journey through time. Edward Joseph Harrington O'Brien's meticulous attention to detail and evocative writing transport readers to distant eras, while his well-rounded characters and thought-provoking themes make the story resonate on a deeper level. This novel is a testament to O'Brien's talent as a writer, and it is sure to fascinate anyone who appreciates a captivating blend of fiction and history.

First Page:

Before Arthur Middleton died he gave me this record among others in the belief that it would help to tell me what he had always known in the silences, yet could never in life transmute into the friendly counters of speech. During the last years of his all too brief experience of his friends, more than once he shyly sought to tell what he knew, yet always silence claimed him, and nothing but the wonder of his eyes revealed the dream that consumed his heart. Because beauty claims these words in a deeper knowledge than we had before, I have transcribed this fragment of them here, confident that in these white intuitions of his youth there is a revelation of the Light behind beauty beyond our poor knowledge and still poorer faith. I have omitted only what was most sacred to the privacies of his heart and our affection. He was of the old faith and would have wished had he published these pages to have expressed his entire and passionate loyalty to the Roman Catholic Church in faith and deed, and to have disclaimed any word therein which conflicted with the intimacies of its truth. I can do no more than to echo his wish, and mourn the unhappy chance which took him from us on an April tide, though it befell on the Easter that he loved and at that hour when the flaming symbol of the Divine Sacrifice was setting in the west... Continue reading book >>