What is your opinion?
Rich story, characters, plot - engaging, compelling and beautifuly written
"I've read two short stories of this author before starting reading this one, so I knew already he is an exceptional story teller with excellent writing skills. This story is a long project, one that is very rich in all aspects. The plot is complex and compelling - the main story is connected to a story from the past - full of twists and moments of suspense. The connections between the present day characters as well as with the characters from the past are formed in a believable and logical way. It starts with a story in the past, with well written scenes where the characters and the setting truly come alive. My only critique of these initial chapters would be that sometimes they conclude with a bit too much of "just telling" the reader about how the life story of the character played out, so this is sth I'd suggest to shape it differently before the story turns to the main character in the present. Nevertheless this story has a way to pull you in and before you know it you get attached to the characters and compelled by the plot and want to read more and more of it. Jumping to the main - present day story - it starts with the MC - who in my opinion is brilliantly written and carries the whole story. Characterization, I'd say, is certainly the gem of this story. It is evident the writer draws from real life, and the characters, their dialogues, their manners, behaviour, their past stories, traumas and abilities - all that is some truly excellent writing. All the characters have depth to them and are embellished with unique and very interesting background - all of them not just the MC (i.e. Aslam the killer, or Elaine) Certainly it can be seen that the writer writes from very rich, actual experiences and connections with real people. Another gem of this story are scene/setting descriptions. Each scene is set up very vividly - in terms of physical descriptions as well as when it comes to setting of a particular vibe of the scene (i.e. the trivia competition certainly stayed with me long after I read it). What I also appreciate is that whatever the writer writes about he seems to have a profound knowledge of it - be it about the different types of jobs, history, how to dismantle a gun, or a fighting scene. The subtle supernatural element is woven into the story quite well without exaggerations and it fits into the realistic world of the story. So while (to my humble opinion) there are still parts that need a read over and be improved, when you're reading this story it certainly feels like a real book in the making and I do hope to see it one day on the bookshelves. "
Picking up steam
"(I hope I'm not being too direct, I'm German, I don't have a talent for giving flowery feedback :) So I started this book as a reading swap it not being quite the genre I'd usually read. It might be because of that, that in the beginning it took me some time to warm up with the characters and the writing style. But I'm happy that I did read on, because now I'm hooked and I really want to know what will come next! So, what I'm really liking so far is 1) Descriptions of scenery and places make you really feel like you're in the place and time. 2) The paranormal elements are woven into the story in a believable, interesting way. 3) The characters are edgy, but developed beautifully and really growing as the story progresses. 4) The POV is 3rd person omniscient and mainly follows the main character, but sometimes switches to the thoughts and feelings of other characters on the scene. This first felt a little confusing, but reading on it added wits and dramatic irony to the story. 5) The introduction of the MCs traumatic experiences feels very real. How I think the story could improve: 1) Sometimes the dialogue feels as if it's written to explain something for the reader (e.g. in one chapter Hill tells basically his whole life story to a colleague he's known for years, and it feels a little off because one would think she'd either already know or he wouldn't tell her at this point) 2) There are some typos, but they do not hinder the reading flow So, I'm really looking forward to continue reading this story!"
Going on a treasure hunt!
"Enjoying this fun story. Great characters in this story that are entwined together through small town history. "
Unexpectedly Engaging
"From the very first page, this book captivates with a strong opening that sets the stage for a story rich in detail and drama. The author’s vivid descriptions create a world that is not only easy to visualize but also brimming with life and color. It’s evident that there is a deep passion and love for reading and writing embedded in every word. The dialogue is particularly noteworthy—sharp, engaging, and full of character. It adds a dynamic layer to the narrative, making the interactions between characters not just believable but also deeply compelling. I found myself eagerly anticipating each exchange, and I hope to see more of this strong dialogue as the story unfolds. Drama and intensity are at the heart of this tale, delivering a gripping experience that keeps the pages turning. Although this genre wouldn’t typically be my first choice, this book has been a delightful surprise, exceeding my expectations with every chapter. The unexpected twists not only add excitement but also depth, showcasing the author’s skill in crafting a multifaceted story. One of the most impressive aspects is the flawless narrative switching. The transitions are smooth, making it incredibly easy to follow along with the various perspectives. This new pacing is refreshing and has introduced me to a storytelling style that I’m thoroughly enjoying. In summary, this book is a testament to the author’s storytelling prowess. It’s a journey filled with unexpected turns, intense moments, and a clear dedication to the craft of writing. A story that I might have overlooked has now become a memorable read that I would highly recommend."
The whispering Oaks
"Good story wish it would continue"
