Review by cristinhughes -- Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
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cristinhughes
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Review by cristinhughes -- Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
[Following is a volunteer review of "Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)" by Barry Litherland.]
Barry Litherland's 2019 book Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) has all the makings of a small-town political thriller, though the heart of the story is the bond formed between a group of friends who first meet in primary school. It is a story of deep loyalty featuring a cast of main characters willing to risk it all in the name of friendship.
The story is set in the village of Sefton in the UK and is told in first-person present tense. It centers around: Phil, the narrator; Wayne, the friend with the troubled past; Stevie, who always stands up for what's right; and Tina, Phil's former crush and Wayne's current girlfriend.
When Wayne is accused of a vicious attack in which an important file disappears, his friends work to prove Wayne's innocence, though Wayne offers little in his own defense. Gangsters, henchmen hired by mysterious clients, and Wayne's recently paroled brother, Tyrone, begin threatening Phil in order to get what they are certain Wayne has stolen, knowing Phil to be an easier target than quick-with-his-fists Wayne. Time is not on their side as they struggle to find a way out before large men who deliver blows that land like anvils return to Phil's doorstep demanding answers.
I thought this book was a great read. I didn't notice any editing, punctuation, spelling, or grammar mistakes, and the narrative flowed smoothly without any extra description or exposition weighing down the scenes. At no point did I feel like I had to slog through information I didn't need, nor did I notice plot holes or unanswered questions.
While the burglary and violence part of the story is there to move the plot along and offer excitement, a job it does well, the part that really captivated me was the bond between these friends. Throughout their lives, several events occur that would have driven most friend groups apart. However, these traumas only served to draw the group closer. The loyalty, devotion, and the lengths they were willing to go to for each other was what kept me turning the pages.
I have nothing critical to say about this book. The story is great, the setting is interesting, and the voice in which the story is told feels really original. I look forward to finding more books by this author.
I give Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) by Barry Litherland four out of four stars. It is an intriguing story and I would absolutely recommend others read this book. I would like to include a trigger warning for child abuse and say that the book also has quite a bit of vulgar language, though not in a gratuitous way. If either of those things are something that could upset you, this may not be the book for you. Otherwise, anyone looking for a good thriller that's also a moving book about the bond of friendship should pick this one up.
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Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Barry Litherland's 2019 book Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) has all the makings of a small-town political thriller, though the heart of the story is the bond formed between a group of friends who first meet in primary school. It is a story of deep loyalty featuring a cast of main characters willing to risk it all in the name of friendship.
The story is set in the village of Sefton in the UK and is told in first-person present tense. It centers around: Phil, the narrator; Wayne, the friend with the troubled past; Stevie, who always stands up for what's right; and Tina, Phil's former crush and Wayne's current girlfriend.
When Wayne is accused of a vicious attack in which an important file disappears, his friends work to prove Wayne's innocence, though Wayne offers little in his own defense. Gangsters, henchmen hired by mysterious clients, and Wayne's recently paroled brother, Tyrone, begin threatening Phil in order to get what they are certain Wayne has stolen, knowing Phil to be an easier target than quick-with-his-fists Wayne. Time is not on their side as they struggle to find a way out before large men who deliver blows that land like anvils return to Phil's doorstep demanding answers.
I thought this book was a great read. I didn't notice any editing, punctuation, spelling, or grammar mistakes, and the narrative flowed smoothly without any extra description or exposition weighing down the scenes. At no point did I feel like I had to slog through information I didn't need, nor did I notice plot holes or unanswered questions.
While the burglary and violence part of the story is there to move the plot along and offer excitement, a job it does well, the part that really captivated me was the bond between these friends. Throughout their lives, several events occur that would have driven most friend groups apart. However, these traumas only served to draw the group closer. The loyalty, devotion, and the lengths they were willing to go to for each other was what kept me turning the pages.
I have nothing critical to say about this book. The story is great, the setting is interesting, and the voice in which the story is told feels really original. I look forward to finding more books by this author.
I give Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) by Barry Litherland four out of four stars. It is an intriguing story and I would absolutely recommend others read this book. I would like to include a trigger warning for child abuse and say that the book also has quite a bit of vulgar language, though not in a gratuitous way. If either of those things are something that could upset you, this may not be the book for you. Otherwise, anyone looking for a good thriller that's also a moving book about the bond of friendship should pick this one up.
******
Waves Break (on Unknown Shores)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Seeds of Hope by Debbie Tremel
