By: Peter McGee
Marjorie K. Noble, an accomplished figure in both the classroom and the film industry, has successfully transitioned into the literary world, creating compelling, cinema-worthy novels that draw readers into unique, high-stakes worlds. Known for her horror and science fiction stories, Noble brings her insider knowledge of media storytelling into her books, blending complex characters, layered narratives, and cinematic atmosphere.
As an English teacher turned casting director, Noble’s creative expertise extends far beyond the written page. Her love for storytelling began at an early age, and it continues to evolve in her work today. Recalling her childhood in California, Noble remembers an early fascination with literature that spanned everything from cereal boxes to classic science fiction. “I loved to read anything,” she says, “and I especially liked anything scary.” This curiosity led her to a life-changing discovery when she was fifteen. After her family moved to Glendale, Noble unearthed a treasure trove of science fiction books left behind by former tenants. “Bradbury, Sturgeon, Heinlein, Asimov—what a blissful summer! I fell in love with science fiction,” she recalls.
Noble’s immersion in these works ignited a passion for creating worlds of her own. Today, her novels resonate with the same sense of awe and wonder that first captivated her as a teenager.
Her two notable works so far, The Demon Rift and Babylon Dreams, showcase her ability to craft intense narratives that explore themes of power, betrayal, and the unseen forces shaping our lives.
Babylon Dreams: A Digital Afterlife Shattered by a Dark Past
Babylon Dreams presents a chilling, thought-provoking exploration of a digital afterlife, where one man’s idealized virtual world begins to crumble. Gunter, a resident of Bali Hai—a VR Eden designed as a haven for the deceased—lives in fear of his past. His memories, fragmented and distorted, haunt him as he faces the looming threat of a merger that will destroy his perfect world. As he recounts his story to Tom, another virtual resident, the true depth of Gunter’s betrayals is revealed. In a place where the past is meant to be forgotten, secrets and unspeakable acts come back to haunt him.
A what-if exploration of the concept of mind-uploading, Babylon Dreams raises questions about the cost of perfection. “I had read an article by Ray Kurzweil on mind-uploading and VR,” Noble says, reflecting on the inspiration behind the book. “He painted a utopia where you could copy your mind and be anyone you wanted to be. But just how glorious would it be? Babylon Dreams is one man’s designer Eden, where everything is perfect but the past.”
This gripping, philosophical story is a sharp commentary on the dangers of privatized, synthetic utopias, with themes of capitalism, greed, and the haunting nature of personal history. Babylon Dreams has been praised by Kirkus Reviews for its “keen and absorbing” portrayal of a digital afterlife gone wrong. It’s a timely exploration of the intersection between technology and human nature, providing readers with a glimpse into a future that may be more unsettling than hopeful.
The Demon Rift: A Battle Between Good and Evil in a Christmas-Tinged Horror Story
In The Demon Rift, Noble turns her focus to the horrors lurking beneath the surface of a small town during the holiday season. Set in 2004, The Demon Rift takes place in Redhill, Ohio, where a new mall brings hope to a dying community—until the murders begin. As Christmas Eve approaches, the town’s residents are thrust into a battle that will determine the fate of the universe itself. The novel blends the eerie atmosphere of a ghost story with elements of parallel universes, demons, and the power of Christmas shopping.
Noble’s inspiration for this dark tale comes from her grandfather’s recollections of a Cleveland orphanage where he and his brother spent part of their youth. “The Demon Rift started with my grandfather’s stories,” she explains. “Instead of a ghost story, it became a story spanning 120 years. No ghosts, but you’ll find dreams, parallel universes, third eyes, and, of course, demons.”
Praise for the book includes a glowing review from Seattle Book Review, which describes the work as a gripping tale with a villain who will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final showdown. The novel’s strong characters, intense suspense, and supernatural elements make it a standout in the horror genre.
Looking Ahead: A New VR-Themed Novel in the Works
Marjorie K. Noble is not resting on her laurels. She is currently working on a sequel to Babylon Dreams titled Shemathra’s Realm, set in a VR version of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. The story is expected to build on the rich, digital worlds introduced in Babylon Dreams, while exploring the potential consequences of virtual environments that reflect—or alter—our own reality.
Marjorie K. Noble’s novels are not only an escape into thrilling, high-stakes worlds but a chance to reflect on the deeper implications of our evolving digital landscapes. Whether exploring a haunted small town or a futuristic VR Eden, she captures the imagination with powerful stories that resonate long after the final page is turned. Noble’s works continue to captivate readers, offering both entertainment and intellectual stimulation. Her novels explore the boundaries between technology, morality, and the human soul, posing critical questions about the world we are creating and the one we are leaving behind.
For more information on Marjorie K. Noble and her books, visit mknobleauthor.com.
Published by Anne C.
