Official Review: Before it Began by Thomas Zman

[Melchi Asuma]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Before it Began" by Thomas Zman.]

---

2 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

"After all, to leave imagination run rampant can be quite entertaining. And who really knows what happened so very long ago." This is part of the author's introduction which tries to explain that the purpose of the novel is to try and use imagination to speculate about what happened very long ago in shaping the earth and humanity as we know it today. After all, "When God first created the Heavens and the Earth, he had been busy with matters that over-filled the pages of many books - books that were kept secret, hidden away, and whose content answered questions as to precisely what occurred and why…"

Omegan was born as a single, unattached child in Phoebious, the Phoebians' home planet. The fact that he was born as a single child and not as part of twin children astounded many as this was not the norm. He was also born with the ability to speak, which also set him apart. He was, such chosen by the Heavens to be part of the Hierarchy, the theocratic system of the Phoebians, as a medium whose duty was to be the link between the Heavens and the Hierarchy. Even after he dies on his home planet, his soul attaches himself to an elder, Remsis III, who had secured passage to earth on the mothership due to his status as an elder. While on earth, the Phoebians discard their creed and interfere in human beings' lives and development which brings dire consequences for both humans and the Phoebians.

Before it Began, is a fantasy novel set in the distant past before humans developed to their current state. However, despite being set that far in the past we are introduced to future technologically, quite ironically. I suspect the author intended to infuse the past with the future and thus creating a sense of how much the future and anticipation of it can destroy life in the present. I loved this idea.

However, the writing and narration were not as good. For instance, Omegan died and fused his soul with Remsis III and later with Telsis yet the narration remained the same. I would have expected to get a bit of Omegan, a bit of Remsis, and a bit of Telsis but the author, Thomas Zman, decided to maintain the same style of narration from the start to the end. I always got confused as to who was speaking as there was no difference. There was also little character development as the book was more focused on building the plot to its climax. The poor character development was actually what I disliked most.

I think the idea behind this book would have made for an interesting read if it had been properly executed. I, also, found quite a few grammatical errors which resulted in the conclusion that it had not been properly edited. As such, I have no choice but to give it a 2 out of 4 stars rating. However, avid readers of fantasy novels, historical speculations, and science fiction stories might enjoy it.

******
Before it Began
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[kandscreeley]

I love the cover, which is why I clicked on this. It's too bad, then, that it doesn't live up to expectations. It seems quite complex to me. Thanks anyway.

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

I was also drawn to the cover! It's quite beautiful, but it's too bad it lacked in luster. Thanks for the honest review!

[NetMassimo]

The ancient Atlantis-like civilization is a classic, but from your review I see why you think that the author didn't develop that idea at its best in this novel. Thank you for your honest review!

[Amy747]

The cover is beautiful and the storyline sounds interesting but its a shame the narration remained the same throughout the book.

[kdstrack]

The idea of infusing the past with the future is intriguing. I agree that the constant fusing of the characters does get confusing! I liked your recommendations. Thanks for your excellent review!