Official Review: I'm A Traveller by KL Watkins

[CataclysmicKnight]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "I'm A Traveller" by KL Watkins.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Have you ever had a Matrix moment where suddenly the world seems somehow changed and the things that seemed to matter suddenly don't? That's what happens to Joanna Carter, a researcher and theorist, while working on a top secret project for NASA. Referred to only as "the Project", we learn it's meant to save humanity and is so top secret that it's split into three divisions that don't know what the other divisions are up to.

I'm A Traveller by KL Watkins begins with Joanna working with her rats when suddenly she finds herself lying on the ground. Using newly-refined powers of deduction she realizes she must not have been there long, and although top secret projects have been sabotaged in the past there are no signs of it here. She soon realizes her rats are all different, they're acting... peaceful, relaxed, absolutely unlike they've ever acted before. It passes quickly but somehow Joanna feels different as well. The next day she takes off from work for the first time in ages, and she feels completely detached from everything she's ever known. She also seems hyper-aware, noticing the practices of animals and people more than before. Colors seem brighter and sharper, and she's drawn to things and places without knowing why. Despite the knowledge that her project is vital to humanity, she really couldn't care any less anymore.

Instead of work, Joanna ends up going on a journey to seek out what truly matters, why we're here, who we are and what we're doing. She meets kindred spirits in the unlikeliest of places, all the while getting closer and closer to whatever IT is that woke up inside her that day in her lab. Sometimes it seems to speak for her as if she isn't in control, and while she desperately wants to know what it is and will do anything to figure it out, she knows that once it's revealed she'll never be the same.

From the Amazon description and the two reviews there I was a little leery about reviewing I'm a Traveller. However, when I downloaded the sample and started reading it I knew I had to read it; it was captivating and incredibly well written. I couldn't be happier that I dove in - it maintained that level of intrigue, mystery and captivation for the following 200+ pages. The problem with a book like this one is that it's so hard to describe without spoiling it, and once I read it the Amazon description suddenly made great sense. Like the scene in The Matrix where Neo finally gets it, I'm a Traveller is an experience to a massive revelation. Joanna is as confused by what's going on in her own mind as we are, and so we journey together toward it, a revelation that's shrouded in mystery.

KL Watkins handles this journey masterfully, and from the moment I picked up the book I had trouble putting it down. Although a large part of the book would likely seem slow or dull to those looking for action, it's captivating in a way I can't even describe. All the while, seeds of information are snuck into each scene, to the extent that a second reading would bring on all sorts of "aha!" moments; moments that may not have entirely made sense to the reader or to Joanna herself in the moment make total sense after the huge revelation at the end.

And there's the most important part of any story that builds up to one startling conclusion: if the entire story builds toward one big moment, that moment had better be awesome. In the case of I'm a Traveller, it absolutely is. It's deep and poignant, but at the same time it's so surprising and amazing that it's something I won't forget for a long time. All of my favorite stories have that moment - whether it's that moment in The Matrix, the huge reveals in the Bioshock series of games or the twist at the end of The Sixth Sense. These are the stories that have stuck with me years or even decades after their release, and I believe I'm a Traveller will be right there with them.

As a book reviewer, it's my job to express what a book is about, whether a book is good or bad and why I feel that way. With I'm a Traveller I can't help but feel I'm failing at that last part because of just how much I enjoyed it. If I could give it 5 out of 4 stars I would, and it's with that spirit that I feel secure officially giving it 4 out of 4 stars despite the fact that it could use some editing. The only negative point about the book is that there's a patch in the book where the wrong word is often used - "passed" instead of "past", for example, or "wonder" instead of "wander". Typically that would force me take a point off, but since I truly feel the book deserves more than 4 stars anyway I still feel that's fair. While I can't possibly recommend this book more to those who love a good mystery or observations about the meaning of life, science or religion, folks looking for action should look elsewhere.

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I'm A Traveller
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like CataclysmicKnight's review? Post a comment saying so!

[charlesjr2]

Great review! Am a fan of mystery books. I'm sure I would enjoy myself reading this book!

[Azeline Arcenal]

You did a good job on writing a thorough review. I like reading books filled with action so I think I'll take a pass on this book.

[LadyClaire]

wow! It's amazing the feelings a good book can invoke in the reader. Thanks for reading and sharing, cataclysmicknight. This would make a good break from the action genre.

[Afuglsan]

This sounds like a real "thinker." I absolutely love when authors add in those little "aha" moments for the reader. I typically prefer action, but your description of the book is simply amazing. I'll have to add this to my to-read list.

[Reuben 92]

Oh wow, I love that it's so cleverly written and builds to an impressive conclusion. Another great review, thanks!

[Kitkat3]

Very thorough and well written review. The plot sounds really interesting and not at all what I was expecting. I love books that build to a surprising conclusion, so I'll definitely check it out.

[Heidi M Simone]

It's great to hear that the author made the conclusion worthwhile! I don't mind a non-action-filled story. In fact, too much action and I tend to not like the read. Joanna definitely sounds like she hits some really powerful thoughts and discoveries throughout the read. Too bad about the grammatical errors, but I'm glad that it didn't deter form your enjoyment! Thank you for the great and insightful review!

[GCamer]

When I read the Amazon description, I felt like the book was not so interesting. But after reading your review, I am completely convinced that this book is really worth the 4stars (or more) rating. Thanks for the great review.

[gali]

A book that maintained the level of intrigue till the ending should be good. The premise sounds intriguing and it sounds right up my alley. I love such books and can't wait to dive in. Hopefully, there aren't too many grammatical errors. Thank you for the review!

[KlareAllison]

Great narrative, great review! KL Watkins' I'm A Traveller will definitely make an enjoyable reading. Joanna's experience while working with her experimental rats stretches the imagination.

[tarafarah7]

I just downloaded today's #BOTD and I'm looking forward to starting it! It sounds thought-provoking, and possibly even one that anwers questions and/or challenges beliefs! Sometimes it's nice to take a break from the same 'ole, same 'ole! Thank you for your review...it was very helpful and convincing!

[IDUH ABRAHAM]

it gives you the privillage to know more. its the best.

-- 09 Sep 2017, 09:06 --

thanks for the great review.

-- 09 Sep 2017, 09:07 --

[jaliper]

Oh man, Amazon reviews have no justice! It's a bummer. But I'm just kidding. Your review is just so convincing, really. I thought something was shady too with the book since it only has 2 reviews on Amazon. It looks a bit mysterious too yet, it contains relatable thoughts. This book really needs more reviews like this because it deserves more. Awesome job, bro. Thanks!

[Wesono]

It will be great to experience what you experienced for which reason you wish you could have rated I'm m A Traveler 5 out of 4 stars. Interesting.

-- 09 Sep 2017, 09:14 --

It will be great to experience what you experienced for which reason you wish you could have rated I'm m A Traveler 5 out of 4 stars. Interesting.