Official Review: Asa's Gift by Isaac Green

[AbbyGNelson]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Asa's Gift" by Isaac Green.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Asa’s Gift, by Isaac Green, is a science fiction western, integrating narrative elements of both genres while in the setting of a western. The book begins with a birth. Sadly, Daniel’s first child, Rachel, is born with a heart defect that will not allow her to live a full life. Daniel is insistent on using the full power of his wealth to find a solution to save her. Just before Daniel and Rachel’s departure to San Francisco, for additional medical assistance, Rachel as well as Daniel’s autistic cousin Asa go missing. Daniel realizes that he must find Asa and his daughter before any irreparable damage is done. Daniel follows Asa’s trail to Lagrima, the first town where his family and Asa lived after emigrating, a town that no longer exists.

This is the frame for the rest of the story, as the reader is taken back in time to Daniel and Asa’s childhood in Lagrima. For the tale that Green is weaving in Asa’s Gift, this framing device is extremely important to create the right setup for the eventual payoff at the end. However, the setup feels a bit long and could benefit from being shortened to get into the action more quickly.

As for the rest of the story, again I find that getting into the action takes a bit long, but the action that follows and the depth of the characters Green creates is worth the wait. I love the setup of the Caretaker and the aura of mystery and other-worldliness that he possesses. That is an extremely helpful hint for the reader as more and more supernatural elements creep into this western town. Additionally, Green does an excellent job utilizing all the citizens in the town, while keeping the main characters in the middle of the action. Though the story is a bit gruesome at times, it sets the scene for how dire the situation is and the importance of our heroes’ success.

While the action is exciting and well-paced, the story also has many touching and human scenes between characters. For instance, Javier, Daniel’s best friend, is more of a comic relief character for most of the novel. In the lead up to the climax, Javier shows a different side to his character when he faces an unexpected ally. Another scene involves Daniel and Asa connecting and communicating in a way they never could before. This was hugely important to the story, and a very positive spin on relationships with people with autism.

Speaking of autism, I have never seen an author use autism as heroically as its use here with Asa. Daniel needs Asa’s help; Asa can do what no one else can. What an empowering take on this developmental disorder. Well done.

In conclusion, Asa’s Gift is a book with developed characters, interesting action, and sincere personal moments. Because of the slow start and the few grammar errors, I am going to rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. If you like character driven science fiction, then this might be the book for you.

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Asa's Gift
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[Helen_Combe]

Sci-fi, western, autism. The author has woven a lot into this book! Thanks for the interesting review.

[revna01]

A western with supernatural elements, children with disabilities, and disappearances... Sounds fascinating. I'm not a big fan of slow starts, as I feel it's the author's job to draw me in sooner rather than later. Thanks for a great review!

[Ashiyya Tariq]

The plot of this book is quite interesting,full of mystery and supernatural elements. Addition of an autistic girl gives this plot a fine twist. I have also reviewed a book "That place of knowledge" dealing with an autistic boy. Thanks for your interesting review.

[kandscreeley]

I have a nephew that is Autistic, so I think it's great how the author uses that in his story. I'm just not sure I could get past the slow beginning, though. Still, it's an intriguing concept. Thanks!

[AbbyGNelson]

Sci-fi, western, autism. The author has woven a lot into this book! Thanks for the interesting review.

Yep! Definitely a lot! Thanks for reading

[AbbyGNelson]

A western with supernatural elements, children with disabilities, and disappearances... Sounds fascinating. I'm not a big fan of slow starts, as I feel it's the author's job to draw me in sooner rather than later. Thanks for a great review!

I completely agree with you! If the author were to fix that, it would go a long way!

[AbbyGNelson]

I have a nephew that is Autistic, so I think it's great how the author uses that in his story. I'm just not sure I could get past the slow beginning, though. Still, it's an intriguing concept. Thanks!

I think that's fair. Having a slow start is a big hindrance to a story!

[Bianka Walter]

Wow, a sci-fi western. That's definitely unique.
I love that the author did such a good job with Asa. Autism is a really delicate topic and to come out as strongly as it sounds he did, I think that's very commendable.
Thanks so much for the great review!

[Mildred Tabitha]

Great review. I enjoyed reading the little details you pointed out about the book. I am looking forward to reading the book too so I can find out more about Asa.

[AbbyGNelson]

Wow, a sci-fi western. That's definitely unique.
I love that the author did such a good job with Asa. Autism is a really delicate topic and to come out as strongly as it sounds he did, I think that's very commendable.
Thanks so much for the great review!

Yeah, Asa honestly surprised me! It was a pleasant surprise and well done on the author's part.

[Dolor]

A sci-fi book about autism is not my cup of tea. Asa is heroic with autism seems a good motivation to children who have autism. They won't feel autism as a defect and they can do great things even in a state of autism. Thanks for the detailed review.

[AbbyGNelson]

Great review. I enjoyed reading the little details you pointed out about the book. I am looking forward to reading the book too so I can find out more about Asa.

I hope you like it! I definitely enjoyed it

[AbbyGNelson]

A sci-fi book about autism is not my cup of tea. Asa is heroic with autism seems a good motivation to children who have autism. They won't feel autism as a defect and they can do great things even in a state of autism. Thanks for the detailed review.

It's definitely not a book for everyone, and yeah Asa is great! Thanks for reading!

[gen_g]

Thank you for the enlightening review! It is always good to hear that authors make the effort to create well-developed characters. I'm glad that autism was also woven into the book, as it is a topic that needs more media exposure - it reminds me of the book I just reviewed, which too deals with autism (and service dogs)!