Official Review: The Collineau Covenant by Sam Clinton
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Official Review: The Collineau Covenant by Sam Clinton
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Collineau Covenant" by Sam Clinton.]
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The Collineau Covenant is a fast-paced, edge of your seat story centered in the Vatican. Fabio Sebastiani is an Italian colonel who works for the anti-terrorism division of the Carabinieri. His skills defending Italy against Rome threats are put to the test when explosives detonate within the Vatican and surrounding areas, killing the Pope, other clergy, and civilians. He is left to determine who issued the attack and if a threat is still present.
Sebastiani’s investigation leads him not only throughout the debris and rubble of what is left, but also the history of the Vatican empire, stirring up old vendettas and conspiracies that span from as early as the fourteenth century. Through Italy, France, and Tunisia, the drama and action unfold, going from one storyline to the next, coming full circle back to the original terror act on the Vatican. High-ranking Vatican officials, members of the Italian military, and prominent families are all left exposed and guilty at the end of this thriller. During the midst of all this, he must not only fulfill his obligation as an official of the Italian government, but come to terms with the drama that has unfolded in his own life.
Overall, the author has created an engaging and intriguing story line. It unravels in a place that is well-known, and, surprisingly, something that the reader would assume would be protected from an attack of this nature. It is filled with action and mystery throughout the entire duration of the book. It could very well be a nail-biter, but it has not yet reached that potential.
The characters are only barely scratching the surface. The author has attempted to provide a substantial backstory for the protagonist and the supporting characters, but it is all a bit choppy and leaves a lot to be desired. Their humanity is present, at least, but still not enough for a book. As a reader, there were moments of extreme difficulties in understanding what the character was thinking or feeling when something was said or done.
There are also too many characters. Since everyone is named by name, it is difficult to keep track of everyone. Even the most mundane of characters that makes an appearance for only a few seconds is given a complex name, making it more difficult to keep track of what is going on in the story. Too many people to follow – it’s just too much to keep track of at once.
The dialogue was also difficult to follow. There was an over-abundance of dialogue, although it was helpful for the plot. However, the dialogue did not flow well enough to allow to reader to keep track of who was talking, to whom they were talking, and what was being expressed emotionally in addition to verbally.
Overall, this book could be a great book if the author takes the time to go back and rewrite it. It is rushed, which is obvious from not only the pace, but also the length of the book. I give this book 2 out of 4 stars. I think that if the author takes the time to revise, it will be a very interesting book, possibly making a reading list and even becoming a catalyst to his fiction career. However, it is need of some major improvements to help with flow.
***
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Sebastiani’s investigation leads him not only throughout the debris and rubble of what is left, but also the history of the Vatican empire, stirring up old vendettas and conspiracies that span from as early as the fourteenth century. Through Italy, France, and Tunisia, the drama and action unfold, going from one storyline to the next, coming full circle back to the original terror act on the Vatican. High-ranking Vatican officials, members of the Italian military, and prominent families are all left exposed and guilty at the end of this thriller. During the midst of all this, he must not only fulfill his obligation as an official of the Italian government, but come to terms with the drama that has unfolded in his own life.
Overall, the author has created an engaging and intriguing story line. It unravels in a place that is well-known, and, surprisingly, something that the reader would assume would be protected from an attack of this nature. It is filled with action and mystery throughout the entire duration of the book. It could very well be a nail-biter, but it has not yet reached that potential.
The characters are only barely scratching the surface. The author has attempted to provide a substantial backstory for the protagonist and the supporting characters, but it is all a bit choppy and leaves a lot to be desired. Their humanity is present, at least, but still not enough for a book. As a reader, there were moments of extreme difficulties in understanding what the character was thinking or feeling when something was said or done.
There are also too many characters. Since everyone is named by name, it is difficult to keep track of everyone. Even the most mundane of characters that makes an appearance for only a few seconds is given a complex name, making it more difficult to keep track of what is going on in the story. Too many people to follow – it’s just too much to keep track of at once.
The dialogue was also difficult to follow. There was an over-abundance of dialogue, although it was helpful for the plot. However, the dialogue did not flow well enough to allow to reader to keep track of who was talking, to whom they were talking, and what was being expressed emotionally in addition to verbally.
Overall, this book could be a great book if the author takes the time to go back and rewrite it. It is rushed, which is obvious from not only the pace, but also the length of the book. I give this book 2 out of 4 stars. I think that if the author takes the time to revise, it will be a very interesting book, possibly making a reading list and even becoming a catalyst to his fiction career. However, it is need of some major improvements to help with flow.
***
Buy "The Collineau Covenant" on Amazon
Buy "The Collineau Covenant" on Barnes and Noble
Latest Review: "Life is a Circus Run by a Platypus" by Allison Hawn
