Official Review: ByTheWay by Dennis Santos

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Iva Stoyanova
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Official Review: ByTheWay by Dennis Santos

Post by Iva Stoyanova »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "ByTheWay" by Dennis Santos.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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The book ByTheWay by Dennis Santos is an amazing fiction which includes many themes. Some of them are happiness, grief, joy, appreciation, spirituality, etc. The story begins with Dalan, the protagonist, who experiences a big emotional trauma. From this moment forward, Dalan loses hope and his desire to live. However, an unexpected encounter with a new friend called Buddy changes his entire life.

Dalan and Buddy set off on an adventure with Buddy’s spaceship. They crash on a planet where desperate people live only to survive. The planet has undergone many unpleasant events leading its people to hopelessness and life in misery. A few days later on that planet, and many new feelings, experiences, and thoughts, Dalan is undoubtedly changed.

The book is narrated in a third-person point of view. There are many dialogues, which make every situation easily imaginable. I could instantly feel as if I am part of the story, following every action or thought that the characters share. In addition, there are many beautifully written descriptions of the surrounding world. Thanks to them, the reader can very easily imagine the world that the characters are in. For instance, the passage: ‘Like a curtain revealing a stage in small increments, the horizon shifted from black to light blue, to golden and finally a blazing bright ball seemed to rise from the ground. The jagged dusty hills glowed red ...’

What I enjoyed most about this book was the presence of so many themes. We follow Dalan’s feelings from the very beginning until the end. Initially, we witness his grief, desperation, and apathy. Subsequently, with the changing circumstances and new encounters, we observe a shift in his attitude and feelings. Happiness, joy, and most importantly hope begin to emerge changing him in a promising way.

The other thing I absolutely enjoyed was the presence of humor. It is mainly presented with the character of Buddy. Moreover, he happened to become my favorite character from this book. He is charismatic, easy-going, and with a good sense of humor.

There isn’t anything I could dislike about this book. What's more, I consider the book to be professionally edited. I have detected some minor errors, but they didn’t deter me from enjoying the book. Furthermore, the writing style is flowing delightfully. Therefore, I rate the book ByTheWay by Dennis Santos 4 out of 4 stars.

There are no explicit erotic scenes or profane language. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading fiction. Younger readers may not completely grasp the concept and all of the themes in this book, however, it is still a suitable read for them too. 

******
ByTheWay
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Post by Eutoc »

The way you summarized the story made me more eager to check out the book. It seems to not be limited to only a single genre. Thanks for recommeding.
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Post by Iva Stoyanova »

Eutoc wrote: 20 Nov 2020, 04:59 The way you summarized the story made me more eager to check out the book. It seems to not be limited to only a single genre. Thanks for recommeding.
Thank you so much for stopping by! You should definitely give it a chance!
"You can be more aware and more present simply by resting in the present moment, open to all that is, without trying to control it or grasp it with the mind. Truly, a marvelous way of being!"

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Post by María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda »

Dalan and Buddy set off on an adventure with Buddy’s spaceship. They crash on a planet where desperate people live only to survive. The planet has undergone many unpleasant events leading its people to hopelessness and life in misery. A few days later on that planet, and many new feelings, experiences, and thoughts, Dalan is undoubtedly changed.
After a year like 2020, we can all probably relate to that feeling of despair. I usually don't go for books of this genre but this one appears to be original and bringing much-needed hope.
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Post by Iva Stoyanova »

Lunastella wrote: 22 Nov 2020, 23:52
Dalan and Buddy set off on an adventure with Buddy’s spaceship. They crash on a planet where desperate people live only to survive. The planet has undergone many unpleasant events leading its people to hopelessness and life in misery. A few days later on that planet, and many new feelings, experiences, and thoughts, Dalan is undoubtedly changed.
After a year like 2020, we can all probably relate to that feeling of despair. I usually don't go for books of this genre but this one appears to be original and bringing much-needed hope.
Indeed! It brings hope and light, it was worth reading it. :)
"You can be more aware and more present simply by resting in the present moment, open to all that is, without trying to control it or grasp it with the mind. Truly, a marvelous way of being!"

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Post by A Y reviews »

Your review is concise and informative but I would be slipping this book. Well done
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Post by Pandora10 »

From the excellent review, and the sample this book appears to be one where the protagonist will endure a change in his life that will be difficult, but he will ultimately find hope. I enjoy a fictional story of this nature so this will be on my reading list.
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Post by Hiruni Hansika »

The story seems amusing. As it has kind of self help book effect with an adventure in another world. The idea itself seems funny to me. Maybe I got it wrong. Therefor I'll give a try and find out.
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Post by Brenda Creech »

This sounds like an intriguing book. I like the fact it is a book that brings hope, which we all could use a little of right now during this pandemic the world has been facing! I don't usually read books of this type, but I may have to check this one out! Thank you for the great review!
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Post by Hogwarts03 »

I wasn't sure I wanted to read it but your review definitely changed my mind. Thanks for the excellent review...I guess it's something I'm going to enjoy reading at a time like this
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Post by meike schroeder »

Great review, redoing the second paragraph, it immediately felt like what is happening to our world with the pandemic, a lot of countries are just surviving the best way they can. It sounds life a good inspirational book.
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Post by AntonelaMaria »

I'm not one to read sci-fi books but this one seems like it has many relatable topics. I like the humor in writing as a juxtaposition of all heavy subjects. Very informative review, thank you.
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Post by Bertha Jackson »

Life can throw some hard punches. This sounds like a gripping story of love, tragedy, despair, and home. This book is a definite read for me. Thank you for your review.
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Post by Ferdinand_Otieno »

This is an interesting adventure fiction novel highlighting  happiness, grief, loss, joy, appreciation, spirituality, friendship, and growth. The book is free on Kindle Unlimited and has a well-written OnlineBookClub review. Congrats on the BOTD selection.
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Post by Aan Granados »

Science Fiction is not my first choice but I like a book with humor, so this book warrants a try. Thanks for your review.
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