Official Review: Alba by B. E. Okoh

Please use this sub-forum to discuss any fantasy or science fiction books or series.
User avatar
Harmony Hills
Posts: 226
Joined: 30 May 2017, 06:36
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... 0734">Anne of Green Gables</a>
Bookshelf Size: 60
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-harmony-hills.html
Latest Review: "Alba" by B. E. Okoh

Official Review: Alba by B. E. Okoh

Post by Harmony Hills »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Alba" by B. E. Okoh.]
Book Cover
1 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


Alba is an interesting, happy-feel, fast-paced sci-fi/fantasy book that might the first of a still unnamed series by B.E. Okoh.

Sam is an odd boy, or so others think. He's always bothered by things around him especially clocks and can't seem to focus on anything other than that. One day, he accidentally called his principal "stupid" that got him suspended and after telling his mother what happened in school, he went to the swing at the back of his house to think. While on it, he found himself transported to the world of Alba-- a place he never knew existed. He got the chance to know new things including a flying animal called rhizum with beautiful colored wings and have an ability to talk with human beings.

Having managed to convince the Generals of Alba that he is one of their people, they've sent him to the camp where civilians live. Sam thought he'd stay there until a dragon owned by the Third Country which is Alba's adversary, burned the camp. He then was sent to one of Alba's groups called Chandelier. The other two groups are called Michelson and Meyer, and all three of them were named after the late founders of Alba. There in Chandelier group, he met a girl named Agnes, his new friends/teammates/roommates namely John, James and Andrew, and his very own rhizum named Diana. While on training for a competition and the times he spent in the group, Sam found out that he could do things that others can't like moving things using his mind and talking to dragons-- like magic. All of these are the ability of Kastiel, the Third Country's best man against Alba who also came from Earth. After the competition, the Third Country kidnapped the descendants of each founders leading Sam, Agnes, Jack of Meyer and one of the Generals to do a rescue mission. Will Sam and the others get out alive? Or will Sam die together with the truth of his very own existence?

Alba is a book that kids and kids-at-heart might be interested to read. The idea of new worlds always thrill me and excite me to learn the things on this new universe presented to me by the creator, the author himself. I liked how Sam was transported suddenly in the swing into the new world, like it was just a normal thing for a peculiar kid, or like i was reading Narnia and it made me jealous for once living in a real world. I also liked the rhizums created by the author. It was described to have beautiful wings and colorful body. The connection they have with their owner is intimate like a friend and loyal as a pet. I commend the author's creativity.

Given the genre, i suppose the author is pressured because the bar was set so high. Not only that, Mr. Okoh got a lot of competition. I believe that many readers have read one or more fantasy books in their entire life. Personally as a fan, I've read tons of fantasies and found Alba to be very predictable. At first, i was really interested. The author started to let readers imagine a dragon. Then while the plot is building, events and obstacles happened, I already have an idea who the traitor is or what will happen in the end. The way the author built his foundations for the plot twist are clearly visible he'd given them all away.

Also, Mr. Okoh seemed to be confused with the names he himself had given. For example, "Team Syler" sometimes becomes "Team Slyer" and their mentor "Mr. Johanson" is "Mr. Johnson" so often even i got confused what really are the names of their team and mentor.

Well, the worst part is there's no character and relationship development. Sam actually is born with the ability of magic but i was hoping that the author put a little effort for him to develop, not just because he's born with it, but molded into it. I was also excited to see how Sam and the other members of the team develop their friendship, just how Hermione, Harry and Ron did. But in Alba, after some time of just being with each other, they were already sharing secrets and feel guilty not to.

With all of that being said, I rate this book a 1 out of 4 stars. There's not much typos and grammatical issues, but it appears to be poorly written. Still, i hope the author will find time to improve the book, and i suggest he resolve the whole issue in one. The thing is, it have a sequel based on the hanging ending but still doesn't make me any more curious. I do believe that there's more to it than this, so the 2, 3 and 4 will be reserved for that.

******
Alba
View: on Bookshelves | on iTunes

Like Harmony Hills's review? Post a comment saying so!
“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” ― Neil Gaiman, Coraline
Latest Review: "Alba" by B. E. Okoh
User avatar
Afuglsan
Posts: 346
Joined: 05 Jun 2017, 11:20
Currently Reading: The Masked City
Bookshelf Size: 5445
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-afuglsan.html
Latest Review: "STARLESS and Bible Black" by Gerard DiLeo

Post by Afuglsan »

Bummer about the predictability and lack of development. The plot sounds like a super cute fantasy novel though. I may just give it a try.
Latest Review: "STARLESS and Bible Black" by Gerard DiLeo
User avatar
Amagine
Posts: 5441
Joined: 04 Mar 2017, 19:27
Favorite Author: James Patterson
Bookshelf Size: 721
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-amagine.html
Latest Review: "Salome and Gogo visit Soweto" by Cora Groenewald
Reading Device: B00IKPYKWG
fav_author_id: 3251

Post by Amagine »

There is nothing worse than a book without any type of development.

Great Review! ?
"Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude." -A.A Milne

"I am grateful for all the books that sparked my imagination." -Unknown
Latest Review: "Salome and Gogo visit Soweto" by Cora Groenewald
User avatar
kandscreeley
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 11757
Joined: 31 Dec 2016, 20:31
Bookshelf Size: 495
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kandscreeley.html
Latest Review: The Elf Revelation by Jordan David

Post by kandscreeley »

Wow! I'm sorry this one was so bad. I guess I won't be picking it up. Thanks for the review, though.
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
User avatar
Reverse flash
Posts: 2
Joined: 01 Sep 2017, 13:29
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by Reverse flash »

So,interesting! Especially about the part of the other world with the talking rhizuim!
User avatar
Alicnim
Posts: 229
Joined: 22 Aug 2017, 10:23
Bookshelf Size: 18
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-alicnim.html
Latest Review: "Ever After" by H M Irwing

Post by Alicnim »

I love magical creatures, too bad this didn't live up to your hype.
Latest Review: "Ever After" by H M Irwing
LINA M-EMBER AMA
Posts: 80
Joined: 25 Jul 2017, 16:02
Bookshelf Size: 36
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lina-m-ember-ama.html
Latest Review: "Lemoncella Cocktail" by Rene Natan

Post by LINA M-EMBER AMA »

Great review. I wish the writer will re-work this beautiful story-line.
Latest Review: "Lemoncella Cocktail" by Rene Natan
User avatar
Harmony Hills
Posts: 226
Joined: 30 May 2017, 06:36
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... 0734">Anne of Green Gables</a>
Bookshelf Size: 60
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-harmony-hills.html
Latest Review: "Alba" by B. E. Okoh

Post by Harmony Hills »

Hi everyone. Thank you for taking time reading my review. :) New worlds really have a space in my heart, but i suggest you read this one after the author (i hope) will improve the book. Happy reading.
“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” ― Neil Gaiman, Coraline
Latest Review: "Alba" by B. E. Okoh
User avatar
Manang Muyang
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 11224
Joined: 02 May 2017, 20:17
Favorite Book:
Currently Reading: The Cult Next Door
Bookshelf Size: 697
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-manang-muyang.html
Latest Review: Your Great Name by Shawn Funk
Reading Device: B00KC6I06S

Post by Manang Muyang »

Hi, Harmony Hills! Thanks for hanging on to the book despite the major flaws. I hope the author makes the needed adjustments before he releases the sequel.
User avatar
Harmony Hills
Posts: 226
Joined: 30 May 2017, 06:36
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... 0734">Anne of Green Gables</a>
Bookshelf Size: 60
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-harmony-hills.html
Latest Review: "Alba" by B. E. Okoh

Post by Harmony Hills »

Hi Miriam! Thank you for reading my review. Yes. I kept on reading despite of its flaws hoping that in the end, my questions will be answered. Unfortunately it did not. Haha.

And I also hope what you hope. :)
“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” ― Neil Gaiman, Coraline
Latest Review: "Alba" by B. E. Okoh
Donatelloo
Posts: 925
Joined: 17 Jun 2017, 12:25
Bookshelf Size: 21
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-darakhshan-nazir.html
Latest Review: "Twisted Threads" by Kaylin McFarren

Post by Donatelloo »

Book doesn't seem appealing to me . Thank you for your honest review
Latest Review: "Twisted Threads" by Kaylin McFarren
0719672189
Posts: 111
Joined: 19 Jul 2017, 07:37
Currently Reading: Apollo's Raven
Bookshelf Size: 16
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-0719672189.html
Latest Review: "Heartaches" by H.M. Irwing

Post by 0719672189 »

Thank you for your great review,other than the few issues i would read this great book.
Latest Review: "Heartaches" by H.M. Irwing
User avatar
Harmony Hills
Posts: 226
Joined: 30 May 2017, 06:36
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... 0734">Anne of Green Gables</a>
Bookshelf Size: 60
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-harmony-hills.html
Latest Review: "Alba" by B. E. Okoh

Post by Harmony Hills »

0719672189 wrote:Thank you for your great review,other than the few issues i would read this great book.
You might actually enjoy it :) Happy reading and thanks for reading my review.

-- 07 Sep 2017, 18:18 --
Darakhshan Nazir wrote:Book doesn't seem appealing to me . Thank you for your honest review
Well, it's my job to write an honest review :D Thank you for commenting :)
“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” ― Neil Gaiman, Coraline
Latest Review: "Alba" by B. E. Okoh
User avatar
RegularGuy3
Posts: 293
Joined: 08 Jul 2017, 10:50
Currently Reading: All the Light We Cannot See
Bookshelf Size: 15
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-regularguy3.html
Latest Review: Farmer Beau's Farm by Kathleen Geiger

Post by RegularGuy3 »

Isn't it odd to think about all the effort put into the book only for it to fall so short in so many ways? I've encountered that a lot lately. Thanks for the review.
User avatar
Harmony Hills
Posts: 226
Joined: 30 May 2017, 06:36
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... 0734">Anne of Green Gables</a>
Bookshelf Size: 60
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-harmony-hills.html
Latest Review: "Alba" by B. E. Okoh

Post by Harmony Hills »

RegularGuy3 wrote:Isn't it odd to think about all the effort put into the book only for it to fall so short in so many ways? I've encountered that a lot lately. Thanks for the review.
That's so true. But i also believe that this book still has a chance to redeem itself. Thank you for stopping by. ;)
“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” ― Neil Gaiman, Coraline
Latest Review: "Alba" by B. E. Okoh
Post Reply

Return to “Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books”