Official Review: The Psyman by Nick Bruechle

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Jgideon
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Official Review: The Psyman by Nick Bruechle

Post by Jgideon »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Psyman" by Nick Bruechle.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Does patience always yield the expected fruits? Gneiss, who taught his first class for over ten years, gave the best of his lessons to his favorite pair, Biz and Bock. He hoped to use them as tools of change to the world. He dreamt of a better future and did everything that he thought was good for the pair to yield such a future. What would Biz and Bock offer him in return?

The Psyman by Nick Bruechle is a well-knit novel that reflects on how people make decisions that impact their lives and that of others. Some experience a great awakening in the process of becoming good citizens while others only think of ways to control the lives of other people for their selfish gains. I loved the contrast that played between the selfless and the selfish. For instance, the great ruler of the world in this novel, Joe, driven by his cabinet uses the Interface to keep his subjects glued to their ‘cocoons’. Cocoons would be the equivalent of a hi-tech device that streams different videos and pieces of information with the intent of keeping the populace away from thinking independently. The three tools that are used in controlling them are freedom, fear, and fame. On the other hand, Gneiss came up with a plan that would help people gain their freedom, especially from the influence of the cocoons.

The characters in The Psyman, though many, are well developed. Characters, such as Nib, Globe, Necker, Bloat, Dirndl, Navel, Knead, Particle, and Mandril made me develop a clear understanding of the themes incorporated in the book. Some of the themes include, but not limited to, the effect of social media and technology on society, capitalism, dictatorship, the use of psychological manipulation and its effects, and misuse of power.

Although this turned out to be an enjoyable read, it took quite a while for the story to grab my attention. The first third of the book, where most of the characters were being introduced, was quite an uphill climb. The other two-thirds flowed really well. The suspense factor was well executed as I always looked forward to finding out more about what Biz was up to, especially with his ‘hidden’ interest on Particle. The end of the novel came as a surprise as the series of events took a different twist than what I would have looked forward to. I loved it the most.

I believe that this is a book for everyone, especially those who are imprisoned by social media and fame. I strongly recommend it to young readers who find it difficult to sculpt a life of their own outside the influence of social media. The novel does have several instances of profanity. Those who are easily offended by such should stay away from it.

The Psyman deserves a perfect score. Thus, I gladly give it 4 out of 4 stars. I did not give it a lower rating because the author did a very good job in world-building and character development. It was professionally edited.

******
The Psyman
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Savannah M
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Post by Savannah M »

Wow, I have read some of Bruechle's books and with this great review I think I will read this book too. Thanks for the insight and detailed review.
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FEislandqueen13
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Post by FEislandqueen13 »

the setting of this story is appealing and so relatable to our world controlled by social media.
great rewiew! :tiphat:
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Splendour0606
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Post by Splendour0606 »

The book sounds interesting.I look forward to reading it.Thanks for your review.
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Lisa A Rayburn
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Post by Lisa A Rayburn »

I love sci-fi, especially if it has a 'different' flare from the mainstream. This one seems to fit that bill. It's an added extra that the author explores topics that are relevant to today's world as well (i.e., capitalism, the use of psychological manipulation, etc.). I think I'm going to enjoy this one. I'll just have to wade through the first third keeping firmly in mind that the following two-thirds are well worth the wait. Thanks for the honest review!
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NetMassimo
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Post by NetMassimo »

A novel that addresses themes that are crucial in our society, so there's suspense and after the end there's also food for thought left, which makes the book even better. Thank you for your great review!
Ciao :)
Massimo
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SunVixen
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Post by SunVixen »

"Characters, such as Nib, Globe, Necker, Bloat, Dirndl, Navel, Knead, Particle, and Mandril made me develop a clear understanding of the themes incorporated in the book."

These characters have very strange names. How can anyone be called "Navel"?

Anyway, thanks for the good review.
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NatRose
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Post by NatRose »

Hmm, this sounds interesting. I do like books that give social commentary and make me think, but I also tend to avoid those with an "uphill climb" at the beginning.
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Post by Nath_chuks »

Thanks for your review.
The book sounds interesting. I will add to my shelf
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Adanna Inya
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Post by Adanna Inya »

Looks like I'm going to find this one interesting. Thank you.
Ediomis_Enwongo01
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Post by Ediomis_Enwongo01 »

Believe it or not, this book is for everyone. The reason is simple. Everybody seems to be a fan of the social media consciously or unconsciously. Great review.
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Arieldohinog
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Post by Arieldohinog »

Thanks for the motivation.
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