Official Review: ODIN by Riano D. McFarland

[AvidBibliophile]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "ODIN" by Riano D. McFarland.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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ODIN by Riano D. McFarland is a bittersweet story of love, dogs, trauma, and healing. As a young divorcée, Katherine has experienced her fair share of grief and disappointment. Involvement in a traumatic car accident while pregnant left her with the loss of an unborn child. As a consultant for an investment brokerage, her career has become her sole focus. While out for a jog one chilly morning, she realizes a burlap bag has just been carelessly tossed from a bridge. As a litter of 2-week-old puppies is sinking into the icy river water, she instinctively retrieves the sack and goes on to form an unbreakable bond with the surviving pup she names Odin. Despite having no prior experience with pet ownership, she dedicates her future days to finding love, family, and a better work-life balance. When a mystery ailment changes everything, her hopes and dreams must shift. This story encompasses the tumultuously transformative life Katherine and Odin shared.

As a rambunctious and quirky black Labrador, readers will quickly come to admire Odin’s loyalty, intuition, quiet confidence, and love of fried chicken, bacon, cornbread, and pickup trucks. He loves the water, despite it having nearly claimed his life as a pup, and he’s fearless when beheading venomous snakes with a decapitating crunch. He can use scents to detect the presence of certain people and their identifying characteristics, giving him the ability to help solve mysteries.

The author uses a third-person omniscient narrative style, so readers are also privy to the unique thoughts of the dog. In Odin’s mind, his entire existence is dedicated to “protecting (Katherine) from dangers both seen and unseen.” When a little girl, Isabel, goes missing from a park, Odin helps courageously lead the search. As she later experiences PTSD and night terrors, she is able to find comfort in a new puppy of her very own.

Themes of obedience training, arson, and insurance fraud provide a varied bit of substance, while the dangers of impulsively disturbed work associates make a deadly appearance as well. For readers who may be sensitive to such topics, there is a child abuse/abduction component that joins some mentions of bullying, name-calling, and undeserved victimization. There was nothing I disliked about the story, beyond the handful of grammatical and typographical errors I encountered. Despite having no notable sexual content, there are some instances of violence and scattered profanity throughout, so certain portions of dialogue and abuse themes have made the content more suitable for mature audiences over the age of 14.

I enjoyed encountering scenes of rekindled love, moments of humor, and some unexpected character connections that were revealed along the way. Similar to McFarland’s other novels, there is a commendable theme of eco-conscious responsibility and awareness woven in, and he effectively highlights the beneficial presence of emotional support animals in helping children cope with trauma. This 97-page novel is a fairly quick read, and I would happily recommend it to other dog lovers like myself!

This story of rescue will resonate strongly with anyone who has ever nursed a baby or abandoned animal back to health. The inevitable circle of life helps bring this story to a naturally fitting conclusion. I gladly award this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. The unconditional love is palpable, and the message is touching and heartfelt. There will be justice, there will be tears, but canine companionship aims to conquer all. The author dedicates this book to all “no-kill” animal shelters and the efforts they make to preserve the underappreciated lives that deserve a 2nd chance.

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ODIN
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[Elvis Best]

Katherine and Odin seem to have shared an unbreakable bond. I enjoyed reading this lovely review. Good job!

[Vic Chimezie]

Lovely plot by the author. You have done justice to the book by writing a well detailed review. Thank you for your recommendation

[AvidBibliophile]

Katherine and Odin seem to have shared an unbreakable bond. I enjoyed reading this lovely review. Good job!

Such an unforgettable series of scenes and milestones they shared! I hope many others get the chance to enjoy this dog tale as well. Thanks, Elvis!

[AvidBibliophile]

Lovely plot by the author. You have done justice to the book by writing a well detailed review. Thank you for your recommendation

Greatly appreciate your kind words of feedback! I recommend this one without hesitation. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment!

[Gabrielle Sigaki]

This book seems to have a beautiful and dramatic story. The theme of animal abandon is something that always touches me. Also, Katherine seems to be passing through a hard phase, in the beginning, I'm curious to see her interaction with Odin, a lovely dog. Thanks for the informative review!

[Erin Dydek]

The unconditional love of a rescue dog is the best! I love the premise of this book and you highlighted so many interesting and emotional aspects of the story. Thanks for the wonderful review!

[do20]

I liked Odin's loyalty to katherine. In fact, this story reminds me that sometimes, we, human beings fail to be grateful to people who have positively impacted our lives. Thanks for your insightful review. Great job.

[RetiredOBNurse]

Oh what a wonderful story this must be! Once again, your description of Katherine and Odin and their lives woven together touches my heart. Your review is exceptionally well written and I believe many will read this book as you make it sound so appealing. Thanks for the wonderful review!

[Priyanka2304]

This was a lovely review. I am a huge pet lover, so maybe I would be able to connect with characters to the core. Thanks for the review.

[Lizziemarcel]

This book seems to be an interesting and emotional book. Great review, welldone. My kind of book though.

[Christabel Uzoamaka]

This is a story of pure love shared between a human and a dog. I love that Odin always thinks of protecting Katherine. The strong bond they share is inspiring and beautiful.
I would definitely enjoy this book.

Great review!

[AvidBibliophile]

This book seems to have a beautiful and dramatic story. The theme of animal abandon is something that always touches me. Also, Katherine seems to be passing through a hard phase, in the beginning, I'm curious to see her interaction with Odin, a lovely dog. Thanks for the informative review!

The animal abandonment component is such an emotionally charged theme, but all too realistic in the world we live in. There were so many beautiful, touching, and dramatic moments - this one will stick with me for many years to come!! Thank you so much for the sweet words.

[AvidBibliophile]

The unconditional love of a rescue dog is the best! I love the premise of this book and you highlighted so many interesting and emotional aspects of the story. Thanks for the wonderful review!

Most definitely! And the rescue duality benefits both parties in some truly priceless ways, especially over a whole lifetime together. Thank you so much for the kind comment and feedback. Glad it touched your heart as well!

[AvidBibliophile]

I liked Odin's loyalty to katherine. In fact, this story reminds me that sometimes, we, human beings fail to be grateful to people who have positively impacted our lives. Thanks for your insightful review. Great job.

The loyalty and love between these two was undeniable! And I agree, I think humankind often has the tendency to take things for granted and overlook the small blessings that will sometimes cross our paths. Appreciate your kind compliment!