Three stars, one for being a compulsive read; two for creating such a memorable character, the feral Kya; and three for the metaphorical images of natThree stars, one for being a compulsive read; two for creating such a memorable character, the feral Kya; and three for the metaphorical images of nature that permeate the writing. While I was reading, I forced myself to suspend disbelief and ignore some major lapses, whether the fault of the editor or the author, I'm not sure. But now that I'm writing a review, I have to point out these failings. Tate's decision not to contact Kya after he returns from college is completely out of character for this empathetic young man. I don't care what reasons the author supplied for his decision, he wouldn't have done it. At the very least, he would have met with Kya and explained his feelings, giving her the opportunity to agree or disagree with his assumptions. At this juncture they could have tested their relationship with problems arising as he had predicted or they could have stopped seeing each other by mutual agreement. Leaving Kya out of the decision entirely should have been unthinkable on his part. Unfortunately, the author uses this plot point to deepen Kya's sense of martyrdom (everyone abandons me) and send her on a collision course with Chase. Using the approach I have suggested could still lead to her liaison with Chase, but in a more realistic manner, rather than what seems like a trick that the author has devised. Next, having Kya appear almost comatose or disembodied during her trial is another trick on the author's part. Because Kya did kill Chase, she can't be thinking about the crime during the testimony or she would reveal to the reader that she is guilty. The author wants this "minor" detail hidden until the big finish of the novel when Tate discovers Kya's hidden cache of incriminating objects and realizes that his wife committed the crime. I would, in fact, have let her think about the details during the testimony--with her thoughts paralleling the sequence of the trial--creating a major climax for the reader, who never really gets to read about Kya's planning or the graphic details of Chase's demise. Her acquittal would then immediately follow, giving even more impact to this approach. The ending of the novel would be the same, as Tate discovers for himself what the reader already knows, enhancing the dramatic irony of the narrative. Finally, the diction of the characters is comical at times, their vernacular at odds with my own close experiences with native North Carolinian speakers (my son-in-law and my frequent travels in the state). I must also mention that Kya, described as a great beauty, never visits a dentist or doctor in the novel and spends a great deal of time outside exposed to the sun and elements--of course, this is part of the pleasing fantasy of the narrative....more
A modern take on the Minotaur myth plus an excellent character study with Suspenseful plotting as a bonus--passages in the presFor cretans not cretins
A modern take on the Minotaur myth plus an excellent character study with Suspenseful plotting as a bonus--passages in the present alternating with those from the past....more
I really enjoyed Joel Lacivita's second novel, a robbery gone bad that turns into a sci-fi thriller along the way. He succeA welcome shot in the rear!
I really enjoyed Joel Lacivita's second novel, a robbery gone bad that turns into a sci-fi thriller along the way. He succeeded admirably in getting inside his characters' heads, particularly George, a university professor and body builder extraordinaire; and Brittany, a sexy criminal with designs on George and the American Dream. Because their thinking was often at cross purposes, the author also succeeded in creating a great deal of amusing dramatic irony. I found myself laughing frequently at the contrast between the sophisticated George and the more naive, dull-witted low-lives and nerds that pepper the plot. Lacivita's allusions to high culture and pop culture added another layer of impressive detail to the narrative as did his sensory details, which made scenes come to life with sights, sounds, tastes, and smells. I liked the science fiction element embodied by the quirky and charismatic Sparks--in fact, I found myself turning the pages faster as this part of the story kicked in with the strange birds, enigmatic hamster, and Asian villainess. My favorite character was George, with his preening, butt shots, and air of superiority--at least in his own swollen head!...more
Amusing and satirical, though the plot rambles at times. I enjoyed the picaresque heroine, Nombeko, and had some good laughs over the idiot twin and hAmusing and satirical, though the plot rambles at times. I enjoyed the picaresque heroine, Nombeko, and had some good laughs over the idiot twin and his angry wife....more
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