Review by Kitticuss -- Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)

[Kitticuss]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)" by Barry Litherland.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Waves Break(On Unknown Shores).

Barry Litherland.

The first line of the book grabbed me- pulling me into a tale of intrigue, betrayal and unshakeable loyalty. This tale incorporates the good, the bad and the ugly, with a couple of psychopaths thrown into the mix.

It begins with 3 school friends, Phil (who is telling the story), Wayne and Stevie- The three musketeers- not forgetting Tina-their D’Artagnan. Their lives are intertwined throughout the book- childhood and adulthood alike. Barry Litherland brings them to life effortlessly and draws in the surrounding characters with such vivid descriptions that I feel I am right there with them. I can picture their faces and hear their voices.

Phil is an instantly likeable character, man and boy; Wayne, with his beast of a big brother Tyrone, and alcoholic mother tugged at my heartstrings, and little Stevie the wannabe superhero was endearing with his forthright manner and fearless sense of justice, which often provoked the wrath of Tyrone. Tina is a feisty child with the heart of a lion. Tyrone and his cronies are constant flies in the ointment, casting their dark bullying shadows over the children as they forge their unbreakable friendship.

The book is suitable for adults only due to the use of profanity, which kicks off in the first line, but is well placed and used completely within context of the story. It is not offensive in the least and made the characters all the more real. The F word is employed several times, but not gratuitously. Readers who enjoy crime/suspense thrillers will be in for a treat when they buy this book.

The author has masterfully woven a tale that follows two separate story lines (childhood and present day) which ultimately combine into a gripping, suspense filled climax. The first three chapters develop the personalities of the main characters as children- I was well and truly hooked at this point- I wanted to find out more about the beastly Tyrone. Chapter 4 introduces the present day storyline. Phil is a fledgling reporter for a free local paper who becomes unwittingly embroiled in a cover up/conspiracy the goes right to the top.

Not only is the storyline brilliant, as an added bonus, Barry Litherland injects punchy one liners throughout the book that had me chuckling out loud .For example:” A man in an apron that’s white in a parallel universe scowls and then sidles over to take our order.” Absolute genius that will make you like Phil all the more.

Things begin to get dicey when Phil comes to the attention of Mackie-a local gangster who is not to be messed with, let alone his body guard Denny-a great wall of a man with “a look that could fracture granite”

This well written story draws you into the atmosphere of the book hook line and sinker. I was literally experiencing Phil’s thoughts and fears. I sweated along with Phil when he was faced with the Mackie’s malevolent sidekick. My heart was pounding every bit as fast as his as the danger of his predicament was brought to life. The story gathers speed from chapter 13 as Phil tries to figure a way out of his dilemma. Betray a friend or suffer the consequences dished out by Mackie and Denny. Phil is so unused to the intrigue/danger laden situations he has found himself in- the author captures this brilliantly, I could almost be reading my own thoughts as I absorb Phil’s reluctant involvement, accompanied by a generous side order of unsolicited paranoia! Excellently done. I identified with Phil 100%, he’s so real. The dry humour persists and adds additional entertainment value- it invokes recollections of a Dick Tracy movie I once watched many years ago.

Phil’s reluctant involvement morphs into a quest as his childhood nemesis Tyrone reaches his zenith-unleashing evil and danger in his wake. Phil is like a dog with a bone, (and the reader will become that same dog) knowing the danger but unable to stop himself from pursuing the truth. All leading up to the nail biting showdown in a deserted development site- the atmosphere loaded with menace and suspense- could this be the end of Phil? I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

As the last few chapters unfold, the extent of Tyrone’s evil side hits home, and Stevie’s fate is revealed. For Phil, Tina and Wayne, their childhood game of playing at secret agents becomes a bone chilling, full technicolour reality in the final twist of the tale. As I neared the end of the story, my heart was in my mouth, the suspense carried right to the end. I feel disappointed that the book is finished, it leaves me wanting more. If there is ever a sequel to this book I will be buying it!

There is nothing I didn’t like about this book. It grabbed me from page one and I read it in 2 days! I give it 4 out of 4 stars.

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Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Sanju Lali]

Thanks for your insightful review about the story which comprises the good, the bad and the ugly, with a couple of psychopaths thrown into the mix. The story sounds to be quite engaging.

[Aniza Butt]

I love thrillers and am sure this one is great. I am adding it to my Want-to-read list. Am sure it would provide a good value for time.
Thanks a lot for an insightful review Kitticuss ☺.

[Julius_]

I'd also enjoy reading those punchy lines. This looks like a very entertaining book. Thanks for the review.

[xoxoAnushka]

A thriller story filled with friendship, loyalty and suspense is great, plus it contains some dry humour too. Nice review!

[Kitticuss]

Thanks for your insightful review about the story which comprises the good, the bad and the ugly, with a couple of psychopaths thrown into the mix. The story sounds to be quite engaging.

I am so glad you like my review It is my first one, so I am pleased to receive positive feedback, thank you!

[Kitticuss]

I love thrillers and am sure this one is great. I am adding it to my Want-to-read list. Am sure it would provide a good value for time.
Thanks a lot for an insightful review Kitticuss ☺.

Thank you I really enjoyed the story, you wont be disappointed. I really appreciate your feedback

[Kitticuss]

I'd also enjoy reading those punchy lines. This looks like a very entertaining book. Thanks for the review.

Thank you Julius, the book is full of quick wit and punchy humour. You will enjoy it I'm sure!

[Kitticuss]

A thriller story filled with friendship, loyalty and suspense is great, plus it contains some dry humour too. Nice review!

Thank you so much for your feedback! I am very new to reviewing books. I enjoy writing reviews nearly as much as I enjoy reading the books

[Manali_DC]

Thanks for the detailed review! I thought the title of the book was really interesting and I wanted to find out more about this book. After reading your review, I think I am definitely reading this one!!

[Bigwig1973]

I think this is a really enjoyable review for this wonderful book! The reader gets so wrapped up in the whole story, they often miss just how not funny, but hilarious Phil actually is! Sarcastic, cynical, or something...