Deux Ex Review

Deus Ex
By Miles Watson

The literary term deus ex can be used to describe a godlike character who miraculously survives and escapes from seemingly impossible situations. Readers who are willing to suspend reality will be rewarded with a captivating character in Miles Watson’s novelette Deus Ex.

Godlike character? Check. Emperor Magnus Antonius Magnus has evolved from a lowly soldier named John to the ruthless tyrant governing a massive emperor. Seemingly impossible situations? Yup. As his Empire crumbles, Magnus conducts a farewell tour to tie up the loose ends of his reign. From the intimate encounter with his worshiping mistress to his increasingly expanding mass murder of all he’s encountered, Magnus has orchestrated the ultimate slash and burn suicide mission, but he would need more than one miracle to execute his whole plan.

As Magnus executes his plan, he looks back on the rise and fall of his empire. In hindsight, he can see decision points that could have changed his fate. He realizes he could have handled relationships better and events that contribute to the empire’s decline. It’s a case of too little too late, given the finality of his actions. If he had a chance, would he have made different decisions? Or would the godlike emperor be set in his ways and do everything the same way? It’s an interesting question for the reader to consider as the story progresses.

Deus Ex is a prime reason why novelettes are effective. Watson crisply presents a concentrated plot with a strong main character. Writing a longer work would have diluted the story by forcing subplots, more fleshed-out characters, etc. Watson’s writing is so rich that he can fully develop a story in fewer words while giving the reader the details necessary to enjoy his tale.

Deus Ex is only 75 pages long. Watson is a fan of novelettes and wants to bring more readers to these smaller length works. Keep writing novelettes like Deus Ex, and the readers will follow. The first time I read one of Miles Watson’s shorter works, I was hooked by his writing quality, and I’ll read whatever length he wants to write.   

Thanks to Henry Roi PR for a review copy of this book.