Review of Sent to Watch
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Prabhat Sunil Mathur
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Review of Sent to Watch
[Following is a volunteer review of "Sent to Watch" by David J. Lebenstein.]
In "Sent to Watch" by David J. Lebenstein, the novel begins with a captivating prologue that depicts the aftermath of the Battle of Waterloo in post-Waterloo England, where the scars of war continue to linger both physically and emotionally for Major Robert Weatherby and Lieutenant William Greenhill. Dimly lit pub scenes introduce us to these characters, each shaped by their unique experiences and bonded by a friendship enduring the challenges of war.
Major Weatherby, distinguished by a scar on his left cheek and a demeanor that commands respect, contrasts sharply with Lieutenant Greenhill, who seeks solace in the bottom of a pint glass, drowning the memories of Waterloo in beer and ale. A fascinating turn is taken when the duo is drawn into the unknown by an otherworldly glow in the night sky. The discovery of a massive metallic object suspended in the air, bathed in an eerie red glow, serves as the gateway to an interplanetary adventure. The contrast between the quaint English pub and the surreal encounter with this mysterious object sets the stage for a plot that transcends the boundaries of conventional reality. With his seamless integration of Waterloo into his narrative, Lebenstein skillfully blends historical fiction and science fantasy. The author's ability to blur the lines between reality and fiction, exemplified by the use of aliases for interplanetary agents, adds a layer of complexity to the story, keeping readers eagerly anticipating the twists and turns that lie ahead.
Coming to some potential negatives, A deeper exploration of characters’ backgrounds and motivations could enhance the overall engagement, especially for those who appreciate more intricate character development. Earth 48, the unique planet introduced in the prologue, offers a fascinating glimpse into its peculiarities. However, the brevity of this introduction might leave readers yearning for a more comprehensive exploration of the world's distinctive features and their impact on the characters. A few familiar tropes may be present in the science fiction plot. This predictability could be a potential drawback for readers well-acquainted with science fiction, who might seek more unexpected twists or unconventional elements to heighten the narrative's originality. But these could not make me deduct stars. This book is perfectly well-edited. Therefore, I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
In a nutshell, Lebenstein's attention to detail and atmospheric descriptions create a sense of anticipation, drawing readers into a world where the familiar and the extraordinary coexist. "Sent to Watch" holds the promise of a genre-defying odyssey, where historical events meld seamlessly with science and fantasy, offering readers a unique and enthralling reading experience that transcends the boundaries of time and space.
******
Sent to Watch
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In "Sent to Watch" by David J. Lebenstein, the novel begins with a captivating prologue that depicts the aftermath of the Battle of Waterloo in post-Waterloo England, where the scars of war continue to linger both physically and emotionally for Major Robert Weatherby and Lieutenant William Greenhill. Dimly lit pub scenes introduce us to these characters, each shaped by their unique experiences and bonded by a friendship enduring the challenges of war.
Major Weatherby, distinguished by a scar on his left cheek and a demeanor that commands respect, contrasts sharply with Lieutenant Greenhill, who seeks solace in the bottom of a pint glass, drowning the memories of Waterloo in beer and ale. A fascinating turn is taken when the duo is drawn into the unknown by an otherworldly glow in the night sky. The discovery of a massive metallic object suspended in the air, bathed in an eerie red glow, serves as the gateway to an interplanetary adventure. The contrast between the quaint English pub and the surreal encounter with this mysterious object sets the stage for a plot that transcends the boundaries of conventional reality. With his seamless integration of Waterloo into his narrative, Lebenstein skillfully blends historical fiction and science fantasy. The author's ability to blur the lines between reality and fiction, exemplified by the use of aliases for interplanetary agents, adds a layer of complexity to the story, keeping readers eagerly anticipating the twists and turns that lie ahead.
Coming to some potential negatives, A deeper exploration of characters’ backgrounds and motivations could enhance the overall engagement, especially for those who appreciate more intricate character development. Earth 48, the unique planet introduced in the prologue, offers a fascinating glimpse into its peculiarities. However, the brevity of this introduction might leave readers yearning for a more comprehensive exploration of the world's distinctive features and their impact on the characters. A few familiar tropes may be present in the science fiction plot. This predictability could be a potential drawback for readers well-acquainted with science fiction, who might seek more unexpected twists or unconventional elements to heighten the narrative's originality. But these could not make me deduct stars. This book is perfectly well-edited. Therefore, I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
In a nutshell, Lebenstein's attention to detail and atmospheric descriptions create a sense of anticipation, drawing readers into a world where the familiar and the extraordinary coexist. "Sent to Watch" holds the promise of a genre-defying odyssey, where historical events meld seamlessly with science and fantasy, offering readers a unique and enthralling reading experience that transcends the boundaries of time and space.
******
Sent to Watch
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Severed Roots by Nego Huzcotoq
