Official Review: Broken Fawn by Michael Burnside

[Kappy]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Broken Fawn" by Michael Burnside.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Broken Fawn (2014), by Michael Burnside, is a gripping supernatural thriller with a story reminiscent of a good episode of The Twilight Zone, along with an unexpectedly satisfying ending. Although the tale is set in the present day, we are not overwhelmed by technological gadgets; this is a story about people and the importance of family. In addition to this 53-page novelette, which some people would call a short story, the author has written three other books; per amazon.com, all four books are available only as Kindle editions.

The protagonist of Broken Fawn, Frank Bowen, is a young adult who has been in a rut, has been abandoning his beloved avocation of drawing, and is gradually becoming overly reclusive. When he is notified that his father has suffered a heart attack, Frank immediately heads to the hospital in a taxi cab. But on his way to the hospital, his simple uneventful life is further shattered after a car accident, when he inexplicably finds himself in the peculiar town of Broken Fawn.

Strange men wearing gas masks are pursuing Frank and attacking him when they catch up to him. He struggles to stay alive and find a way back home, aided by some residents of the sparsely populated town. The cast of characters he meets includes a bartender, three teenaged boys, a 17-year-old girl, and a train station master. They, however, have little fear of the weird masked men. There is also a mysterious man who repeatedly helps Frank, but keeps disappearing. The tale takes place over a short time period, and about half the story is in the form of dialogue, with a minimal use of vulgar language.

Frank's sudden separation from his family, and his efforts to escape from Broken Fawn, give the tale a "there's no place like home" theme somewhat like that in The Wizard of Oz. The author does an excellent job of keeping the story suspenseful throughout. Mr. Burnside writes clearly and concisely, and refrains from unnecessary digressions.

This slim volume clearly would benefit from professional editing, but still earns 4 out of 4 stars for the author's clear writing style coupled with a suspenseful, wholesome, gratifying story. The novelette would have received fewer stars if the author had failed to keep the action captivating throughout the story, or if he had presented a less meaningful ending.

If you're looking for a book with explicit sex, foul language, vampires, etc., you will be disappointed. Otherwise, you most likely will find Broken Fawn to be a good read.

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Broken Fawn
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Like Kappy's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Lisalovecraft]

I want to read this now so I can find out why the protagonist is being pursued by men in gas masks!! I don't know what it is about them, but gas masks sure are creepy!! Great review!!

[Kappy]

Thanks for the kind words!

[TLGabelman]

You had me at "Twilight Zone"!

This will go in my queue...for when I get a kindle.

[Lisalovecraft]

Yes, I love Twilight Zone, too! It does sound like a great story.

[Alexavier-Taiga]

I really want to read this, but it will probably give me nightmares ! (Also, I only read hard copy books)

[Kappy]

I really want to read this, but it will probably give me nightmares ! (Also, I only read hard copy books)

I also much prefer books I can hold in my hands. But the books submitted for review here often are not available in hard copy.