The Authors of This Dream by Seth Mullins

A radical, character-driven exploration of philosophy, meaning, music, and life itself, The Authors of This Dream by Seth Mullins is a rare piece of heart-baring fiction.

Brandon is the volatile and vulnerable lead singer behind The Edge of the Known; he’s a passionate musician seeking to exorcise his demons, but often inviting more along for the ride. Bursts of violence, drug use, existential crises, and manic episodes initially seem like the price of being a rock star, but it also triggers memories of his traumatic childhood. Suffering spells of nihilism, bursts of creative genius, and a lifetime of seeing – and hearing – the world differently than others, Brandon is the razor-sharp center of this dark ode to music and healing.

The reading experience veers wildly between visceral excess and intensive self-reflection, which keeps the pace high, but also encourages readers to circle back to savor the most profound lines. Mullins captures wild-eyed sprees of dialogue as authentically as he summons rowdy crowds at packed and sweaty underground shows, demonstrating a deft pen and a clear admiration for the power of live music.

Well-edited and poignantly written, this aggressively deep read is unafraid to dissect the darkness that can consume us, nor is it too jaded to remind readers of the potential for redemption.

Book Links