Review of Heritage of Evil
Posted: 03 Jan 2024, 14:08
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Heritage of Evil" by Peter J. Summers.]
Dejected by his high school crush, Terry departs from Darklyn Cove with a fierce determination to prove his worth. He achieves his boyhood ambition of becoming a detective. Soon, he discovers he lacks the agency to showcase and demonstrate his value. Terry is offered a chance to join the prestigious Australian Police Force, marking a significant milestone in his promising career. He soon becomes caught up in a dangerous and volatile situation deep in the heart of Bucharest, Romania.
Amid it all, a little bundle of joy enters that same coastal town. Steve, the son of Ben and Marci Strickland, is quite a remarkable little one, considering he was born to a mother who had just undergone a hysterectomy. The child is surrounded by an ominous undercurrent and shadowy unease, hinting at the possibility of an unsettling presence within. The only apparent similarities between Steve and Terry are an overarching aversion towards fellow human beings, a youthful deficiency in intestinal fortitude, and their origins in Darklyn Cove, Australia. How might these lives converge, and to what end?
The Heritage of Evil by Peter J. Summers features two parallel narratives that eventually converge. The book is written with British grammar but is liberally laced with an abundance of American references that will appeal to readers on both sides of the Atlantic. Each chapter of the narrative alternates between these two plotlines.
What I enjoyed most about this work is that the author does an excellent job of character development. Steve's character flawlessly captures the depths of inner self-loathing and angst within him. In contrast, Terry's character effectively portrays adolescent rejection's pain and enduring impacts. The story is brimming with elements that craft suspense and allude to a dark presence, gradually weaving together the two distinct storylines destined to collide. The book was filled with clever nods to pop culture that I found incredibly entertaining. Including this element of realism enhances the narrative and makes it more relatable. The author cleverly found a way to sidestep the tired tropes often associated with vampires as well.
There were a few elements that didn't quite align with my preferences. At times, the longer alternating chapters caused a brief moment of disorientation as I tried to remember the details from the previous connected chapter. The introduction captivates your attention right from the start, but the subsequent pacing slows down, making it more challenging to stay fully engaged. The most enticing aspects of the book only reveal themselves in the final stages, at around 80% completion. The book also concludes rather abruptly, which left me with a sense of dissatisfaction. I also found certain descriptions of events, like the haunted house, to be excessive and lengthy. Additionally, the continued story of Evelyn seems unnecessary since she doesn't play a significant role later on. The lack of clarity surrounding Mark Tucker's ascent to his position is quite frustrating, as is the swift and effortless defeat Terry inflicts upon his adversary, especially considering the extensive time the book dedicates to developing his adversary's skills.
Regrettably, this book would benefit from another round of editing, as it contains several errors. In light of these factors, I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Although there were certain aspects that didn't quite align with my personal taste, I would highly recommend this book to individuals who appreciate a more leisurely pace, unconventional vampire storylines, and thought-provoking exploration of the clash between organized religion and evil. This reading is best suited for mature audiences due to its abundant use of profanity, explicit sexual content, and violent scenes.
******
Heritage of Evil
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Dejected by his high school crush, Terry departs from Darklyn Cove with a fierce determination to prove his worth. He achieves his boyhood ambition of becoming a detective. Soon, he discovers he lacks the agency to showcase and demonstrate his value. Terry is offered a chance to join the prestigious Australian Police Force, marking a significant milestone in his promising career. He soon becomes caught up in a dangerous and volatile situation deep in the heart of Bucharest, Romania.
Amid it all, a little bundle of joy enters that same coastal town. Steve, the son of Ben and Marci Strickland, is quite a remarkable little one, considering he was born to a mother who had just undergone a hysterectomy. The child is surrounded by an ominous undercurrent and shadowy unease, hinting at the possibility of an unsettling presence within. The only apparent similarities between Steve and Terry are an overarching aversion towards fellow human beings, a youthful deficiency in intestinal fortitude, and their origins in Darklyn Cove, Australia. How might these lives converge, and to what end?
The Heritage of Evil by Peter J. Summers features two parallel narratives that eventually converge. The book is written with British grammar but is liberally laced with an abundance of American references that will appeal to readers on both sides of the Atlantic. Each chapter of the narrative alternates between these two plotlines.
What I enjoyed most about this work is that the author does an excellent job of character development. Steve's character flawlessly captures the depths of inner self-loathing and angst within him. In contrast, Terry's character effectively portrays adolescent rejection's pain and enduring impacts. The story is brimming with elements that craft suspense and allude to a dark presence, gradually weaving together the two distinct storylines destined to collide. The book was filled with clever nods to pop culture that I found incredibly entertaining. Including this element of realism enhances the narrative and makes it more relatable. The author cleverly found a way to sidestep the tired tropes often associated with vampires as well.
There were a few elements that didn't quite align with my preferences. At times, the longer alternating chapters caused a brief moment of disorientation as I tried to remember the details from the previous connected chapter. The introduction captivates your attention right from the start, but the subsequent pacing slows down, making it more challenging to stay fully engaged. The most enticing aspects of the book only reveal themselves in the final stages, at around 80% completion. The book also concludes rather abruptly, which left me with a sense of dissatisfaction. I also found certain descriptions of events, like the haunted house, to be excessive and lengthy. Additionally, the continued story of Evelyn seems unnecessary since she doesn't play a significant role later on. The lack of clarity surrounding Mark Tucker's ascent to his position is quite frustrating, as is the swift and effortless defeat Terry inflicts upon his adversary, especially considering the extensive time the book dedicates to developing his adversary's skills.
Regrettably, this book would benefit from another round of editing, as it contains several errors. In light of these factors, I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Although there were certain aspects that didn't quite align with my personal taste, I would highly recommend this book to individuals who appreciate a more leisurely pace, unconventional vampire storylines, and thought-provoking exploration of the clash between organized religion and evil. This reading is best suited for mature audiences due to its abundant use of profanity, explicit sexual content, and violent scenes.
******
Heritage of Evil
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The longer alternating chapters caused a brief moment of disorientation as we tried to remember the details from the previous connected chapter.
(My niece is a published author with Random House, and I know her first book is her baby!) On the other hand, as a reviewer, we must be honest so that we don't let the readers down (or the authors, in the long run). I have read books that received horrible reviews but still enjoyed the book. I also have loved books that others did not enjoy at all. So, we have to be truthful with how we perceive a book, even the critical parts. Your review offers the perfect balance of honesty!