Review of The Devil Pulls the Strings
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Nancy004
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Review of The Devil Pulls the Strings
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Devil Pulls the Strings" by J. W. Zarek.]
J.W. Zarek's The Devil Pulls the Strings is an exciting mix of fantasy, science fiction, and mystery that takes readers on a thrilling journey across time and space. The story centers on Boone Daniels, a musician from Missouri, who suddenly finds himself caught up in an epic adventure. His journey takes him to the bustling streets of New York City, where he stumbles into a world of secret societies and supernatural beings.
Boone Daniels, a small-town musician and jouster at Renaissance Fairs, finds his life turned upside down after a jousting accident seriously injures his best friend, Flynn. To honor Flynn's request, Boone travels to New York City to take his place as the lead singer for their band, The Village Idiots.
Boone's trip, which he thought would be straightforward, quickly turns dangerous. Upon arriving in the city, he finds Professor Stone, the band's contact, dead and narrowly escapes an attack with the help of Sapphire Anjou, Stone's assistant and a brilliant violinist. Together, Boone and Sapphire are drawn into a hidden world of secret societies and supernatural beings.
The duo discovers an age-old conflict between the Lavender and Roses Society and the Dragons and Nymphs Society. Both groups are in pursuit of three priceless compositions by Niccolo Paganini, rumored to have the power to awaken the Devil if played together. As Boone and Sapphire delve deeper, they face threats from vampires, werewolves, and an immortal being named Sinti, who is trying to prevent the resurrection of Baba Yaga.
Throughout this perilous journey, Boone must also confront the Wendigo, a terrifying entity that has haunted him since childhood. With the help of Sapphire and other allies, Boone races against time to find the Paganini music sheets and stop the evil forces from unleashing chaos upon New York City and the world.
One of the book's standout features is its rich, descriptive storytelling. Zarek's vivid imagery brings scenes to life, such as the chilling moment when Boone encounters a book that vividly depicts the devil, leaving readers with a sense of fear and wonder. The story cleverly includes real historical figures, like the famous violinist Paganini, which makes it feel like a real-world story even though it’s fictional.
The humor sprinkled throughout the book adds a delightful touch. For example, there's a hilarious scene where Boone, armed only with an umbrella, faces off against a group of gun-wielding adversaries. This kind of comic relief provides a nice balance to the more intense, darker moments of the story.
The characters are another highlight. Boone, with his relentless curiosity and determination, drives the narrative. His interactions with fascinating characters like the clever cat Machiavelli add to the story's charm. Themes of good versus evil, love, and hope are woven throughout, making Boone's journey not just an adventure but also a tale of personal growth.
However, the book isn't without its flaws. The prologue can be a bit overwhelming, throwing a lot of names and events at the reader right from the start, which can be confusing. But as the story progresses, the characters and plotlines become clearer and more engaging. The nonstop action and multiple subplots, while exciting, might feel a bit too much at times, making it hard to keep track of everything.
Despite these minor issues, The Devil Pulls the Strings is a well-crafted and entertaining read. Its blend of fantasy, history, and mystery is compelling, and the characters are memorable and well-developed. The text is well edited and free of errors. I would give this book a solid 5 out of 5 stars.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good adventure filled with historical mysteries and supernatural twists. It's especially great for fans of sci-fi and fantasy who enjoy complex plots and vivid storytelling.
******
The Devil Pulls the Strings
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
J.W. Zarek's The Devil Pulls the Strings is an exciting mix of fantasy, science fiction, and mystery that takes readers on a thrilling journey across time and space. The story centers on Boone Daniels, a musician from Missouri, who suddenly finds himself caught up in an epic adventure. His journey takes him to the bustling streets of New York City, where he stumbles into a world of secret societies and supernatural beings.
Boone Daniels, a small-town musician and jouster at Renaissance Fairs, finds his life turned upside down after a jousting accident seriously injures his best friend, Flynn. To honor Flynn's request, Boone travels to New York City to take his place as the lead singer for their band, The Village Idiots.
Boone's trip, which he thought would be straightforward, quickly turns dangerous. Upon arriving in the city, he finds Professor Stone, the band's contact, dead and narrowly escapes an attack with the help of Sapphire Anjou, Stone's assistant and a brilliant violinist. Together, Boone and Sapphire are drawn into a hidden world of secret societies and supernatural beings.
The duo discovers an age-old conflict between the Lavender and Roses Society and the Dragons and Nymphs Society. Both groups are in pursuit of three priceless compositions by Niccolo Paganini, rumored to have the power to awaken the Devil if played together. As Boone and Sapphire delve deeper, they face threats from vampires, werewolves, and an immortal being named Sinti, who is trying to prevent the resurrection of Baba Yaga.
Throughout this perilous journey, Boone must also confront the Wendigo, a terrifying entity that has haunted him since childhood. With the help of Sapphire and other allies, Boone races against time to find the Paganini music sheets and stop the evil forces from unleashing chaos upon New York City and the world.
One of the book's standout features is its rich, descriptive storytelling. Zarek's vivid imagery brings scenes to life, such as the chilling moment when Boone encounters a book that vividly depicts the devil, leaving readers with a sense of fear and wonder. The story cleverly includes real historical figures, like the famous violinist Paganini, which makes it feel like a real-world story even though it’s fictional.
The humor sprinkled throughout the book adds a delightful touch. For example, there's a hilarious scene where Boone, armed only with an umbrella, faces off against a group of gun-wielding adversaries. This kind of comic relief provides a nice balance to the more intense, darker moments of the story.
The characters are another highlight. Boone, with his relentless curiosity and determination, drives the narrative. His interactions with fascinating characters like the clever cat Machiavelli add to the story's charm. Themes of good versus evil, love, and hope are woven throughout, making Boone's journey not just an adventure but also a tale of personal growth.
However, the book isn't without its flaws. The prologue can be a bit overwhelming, throwing a lot of names and events at the reader right from the start, which can be confusing. But as the story progresses, the characters and plotlines become clearer and more engaging. The nonstop action and multiple subplots, while exciting, might feel a bit too much at times, making it hard to keep track of everything.
Despite these minor issues, The Devil Pulls the Strings is a well-crafted and entertaining read. Its blend of fantasy, history, and mystery is compelling, and the characters are memorable and well-developed. The text is well edited and free of errors. I would give this book a solid 5 out of 5 stars.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good adventure filled with historical mysteries and supernatural twists. It's especially great for fans of sci-fi and fantasy who enjoy complex plots and vivid storytelling.
******
The Devil Pulls the Strings
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Why Paul by S. R. Ely
