OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Environmentally Friendly" by Elias Zanbaka.]

"Environmentally Friendly" by Elias Zanbaka is a short story thrill-ride that packs a punch. The setting is on Hollywood Boulevard surrounded by environmental protesters. Sergeant Schaefer is a police officer motivated to make sure a flame throwing and chainsaw wielding criminal, known as the target, is able to complete his mission. The story has no set date that it takes place. There is a strong implication that it is set in the current time period or sometime in the future. According to my iBook app the story was 49 pages long.

The narrative unfolds at a fast pace, with the majority of the emphasis on physical movement. The details of the main plot are threaded throughout the action sequences and eventually reveal a clear picture of what is happening. There were a few times the action heavy storytelling became frustrating and difficult to decipher exactly what was happening. The confusion does work in the author’s favor because it helps make the short story a page-turner. The use of descriptions delivered a vivid image of the pulse pounding action and provide a lot of information without over explanation or the dreaded information overload.

The character Sergeant Schaefer is revealed through insightful inner monologue, split second decisions, and brief dialogue. His backstory is not discussed, but the reader gets enough information to determine that he is likeable. The target is a compelling character whose identity is revealed slowly. The side characters are mainly there to give the reader a clearer picture of Sergeant Schaefer.

There are few faults to be found in this exciting short tale. There are a couple of mixed up words such as, “welding” instead of wielding. The intense action can sometimes be overly descriptive. There was a confusing scene that did not have enough explanation because of too much action. Otherwise it was a very effective and exhilarating short story.

The end gave a sense of relief and nice moment of realization. There are a lot of unanswered questions that leave the reader with a sense of possibility and a desire for more. It could easily be expanded into a full book.
I rate this short story 4 out of 4 stars. It was a lot of fun and kept me guessing. I enjoyed the slow reveals that blended perfectly with the fast pace action. There was enough information given about the Sergeant Schaefer that I felt invested in his attempts at success. I recommend this to readers that enjoy fast pace thrillers.

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Environmentally Friendly
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When I saw the title, I thought it was a non-fiction book at first. Sounds good, though I prefer much longer stories. Thank you for the great review!

gali wrote:When I saw the title, I thought it was a non-fiction book at first. Sounds good, though I prefer much longer stories. Thank you for the great review!

I thought the same thing when I saw the title! I usually go for longer stories as well, but this one caught my attention. I kept having to remind myself that I had to manage my need for more information and keep focused on what was in front of me. It's a great short story in so many ways that I can't share because of spoilers.

Thanks for a thorough review. Sounds like a nice, short little adventure. Glad you enjoyed it!

PashaRu wrote:Thanks for a thorough review. Sounds like a nice, short little adventure. Glad you enjoyed it!

Thanks! @PashaRu That's exactly what it is- an adventure!

Great review! You made a good point about the supporting characters mainly being there to give a better picture of the main character. I've also noticed this in many books. Glad you enjoyed the story!

bookowlie wrote:Great review! You made a good point about the supporting characters mainly being there to give a better picture of the main character. I've also noticed this in many books. Glad you enjoyed the story!

Thank you! @bookowlie The author had an effective use of side characters!

Wonderful review, bluemel4! I always enjoy reading your reviews! This sounds like a book that I would enjoy. Even with its bits of confusion, I feel, like you, it would become a page-turner for me. Congratulations to the author for receiving such a great review!

hsimone wrote:Wonderful review, bluemel4! I always enjoy reading your reviews! This sounds like a book that I would enjoy. Even with its bits of confusion, I feel, like you, it would become a page-turner for me. Congratulations to the author for receiving such a great review!

Thank you for your kind words. @hsimone It is a quick and interesting read. I had to keep reminding myself that different rules apply to short stories and I had to stop my mind from wanting more. If you focus on what is given it is a clever story that will make you think.

This book sounds like a very interesting read. Shorter books that are well-written can be a nice change of pace from some of the longer, more intense books. This is a great, informative review that gives a good idea of what to expect from this story. I like the idea of the slow reveals throughout the action-packed story. Congratulations to the author for the idea for such a good story.

Amheiser wrote:This book sounds like a very interesting read. Shorter books that are well-written can be a nice change of pace from some of the longer, more intense books. This is a great, informative review that gives a good idea of what to expect from this story. I like the idea of the slow reveals throughout the action-packed story. Congratulations to the author for the idea for such a good story.

Excellent review

says Vermont Reviews

This sounds really interesting, though not at all what I would have thought it to be based on the title! I find short stories can be very hit or miss, so I'm glad you liked this one.

It sounds interesting, too bad the author didn't expand the story. Sometimes more is more and sometimes less leaves you wanting more. I like a little more. Glad you liked it! Good Review!

-- 29 Aug 2016, 13:34 --

Thank you!

gali wrote:When I saw the title, I thought it was a non-fiction book at first. Sounds good, though I prefer much longer stories. Thank you for the great review!

I thought the same thing. Sounds like an intriguing read. I may check it out!

Awesome review bluemel4!

And congrats to the author as well on a positive review!