Review of Dark Origins
Posted: 16 Jun 2023, 10:01
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dark Origins" by AJ Parnell.]
Dark Origins by AJ Parnell is the first book in a horror series called Making Monsters. The book has a shifting POV, which revolves around the main characters. We first meet Vander, a nine-year-old boy who lives in the 'shanties' of Cape Town, South Africa. Vander lives a hard life of subsistence through theft and begging. Although he lives with his parents, he's better off alone, as he provides food and money for his abusive and alcoholic father, who regularly beats Vander and his mother.
Next, we meet Erin Reese and Peter O'Reily, two Interpol agents, who arrive in Cape Town following a string of horrific murders committed by a depraved serial killer known for his beautiful floral carvings in his victims' flesh. Can they catch the killer in this land of corruption and violence? Along comes Alexander Dayton, a philanthropist, who is building a school in Cape Town for underprivileged youths. Alexander takes Vander under his wing, but will he help the boy or cause more suffering than before?
There is a significant paranormal element to the story as Vander possesses gifts that allow him to see spirits; have premonitions; and travel through the veil, which separates existence from the afterlife in his sleep. Vander has seen more in his young life than many will see through their decades-long journey through this world.
My favorite part of this book was the search for the serial killer. Throughout most of the book, I bounced back and forth on who I potentially thought could be responsible for the murder and desecration of so many victims. There is a shifting POV between Vander, Agent Reese, Alexander, the corrupt Major Kgotso, and others. This perspective shift added intriguing yet unanswered questions until the author finally revealed the killer. I enjoyed the mystery aspect of this horror novel.
It's hard to say I found nothing to dislike when the author filled this book with the worst aspects of humanity. However, the author's ability to depict this horrifying setting while evoking pity, sorrow, anger, and compassion within the reader is nothing short of amazing. This story is impactful, and I highly recommend that readers who can stomach the topics within try this book out.
My heart aches for Vander as he endures hardships daily that certainly would traumatize me for years if I lived through just one. The author elicited an incredible amount of emotion through his writing. To think that the abuse and violence depicted in this story are commonplace somewhere in the world is horrifying. Because of the author's ability to evoke emotion in the reader, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. The book is well-written and professionally edited. I eagerly await the next installment in the series, Dark Variations.
******
Dark Origins
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Dark Origins by AJ Parnell is the first book in a horror series called Making Monsters. The book has a shifting POV, which revolves around the main characters. We first meet Vander, a nine-year-old boy who lives in the 'shanties' of Cape Town, South Africa. Vander lives a hard life of subsistence through theft and begging. Although he lives with his parents, he's better off alone, as he provides food and money for his abusive and alcoholic father, who regularly beats Vander and his mother.
Next, we meet Erin Reese and Peter O'Reily, two Interpol agents, who arrive in Cape Town following a string of horrific murders committed by a depraved serial killer known for his beautiful floral carvings in his victims' flesh. Can they catch the killer in this land of corruption and violence? Along comes Alexander Dayton, a philanthropist, who is building a school in Cape Town for underprivileged youths. Alexander takes Vander under his wing, but will he help the boy or cause more suffering than before?
There is a significant paranormal element to the story as Vander possesses gifts that allow him to see spirits; have premonitions; and travel through the veil, which separates existence from the afterlife in his sleep. Vander has seen more in his young life than many will see through their decades-long journey through this world.
My favorite part of this book was the search for the serial killer. Throughout most of the book, I bounced back and forth on who I potentially thought could be responsible for the murder and desecration of so many victims. There is a shifting POV between Vander, Agent Reese, Alexander, the corrupt Major Kgotso, and others. This perspective shift added intriguing yet unanswered questions until the author finally revealed the killer. I enjoyed the mystery aspect of this horror novel.
It's hard to say I found nothing to dislike when the author filled this book with the worst aspects of humanity. However, the author's ability to depict this horrifying setting while evoking pity, sorrow, anger, and compassion within the reader is nothing short of amazing. This story is impactful, and I highly recommend that readers who can stomach the topics within try this book out.
My heart aches for Vander as he endures hardships daily that certainly would traumatize me for years if I lived through just one. The author elicited an incredible amount of emotion through his writing. To think that the abuse and violence depicted in this story are commonplace somewhere in the world is horrifying. Because of the author's ability to evoke emotion in the reader, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. The book is well-written and professionally edited. I eagerly await the next installment in the series, Dark Variations.
******
Dark Origins
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon