Official Review: Ye Olde Idea Shoppe - A Fantasy Short St...

[Enigma]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Ye Olde Idea Shoppe - A Fantasy Short Story" by Roberto Scarlato.]

A shop that sells ideas from writers to other writers. What a novel idea (excuse the pun.)

Roberto creates a fascinating, if not bizarre world in this easy to read short tale. The strange characters such a Sunshine Raven and the writer Blake, and the storyline, which involves the writer typing on onion skin, make this an enjoyable nibble.

Sunshine Raven has been looking after the store for Arthur, the owner, but she’s been so engrossed in the book she was reading, she didn’t realize she’d sold all the ideas. It’s been so long since Arthur has needed to order, that most of his suppliers have either died, or vanished. Only one strange genius can save the store and replenish the stock. But Arthur needs to understand how to switch on Blake’s inspiration before the writer can get to work.

Favourite quote: Sunshine beamed.

There’s not a lot of character creation in this tale, as you don’t need it. The story is about the bizarre world and this little shop of ideas. The only negative point I will make is that, I couldn’t get my head around the fact that in the week the owner was away, the shelves suddenly became empty. What did they have a sale?

As with all short stories, the author could easily develop this into something bigger. I think it would work well as a scene from a fantasy novel.

I’d love to know where this shop is located.

POWERLESS is a bonus short story that the author added at the end of the book. It’s Stepford Wives meets Hancock. Instead of the mother being a robot, she’s an alien with the power to control. I wish this short story had a start, middle and end. Unfortunately, it doesn’t end satisfactory. It just stops.

I like the author’s style of writing, easy to read, straight to the point, no flowery details. And he has a great, if not warped imagination. I would certainly read more of his work.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.

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