Official Review: Da-vid by Steven Lancaster

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 05 Jan 2018, 07:31

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Da-vid" by Steven Lancaster.]

3 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

Da-vid is the third book in the Jacob Series written by Steven Lancaster. The author prefers to call it futuristic fiction that ‘encompasses how to live better and more conscious lives.’

After the assassination of Scott Mulligan, Jacob King’s former partner, Scott’s daughter Ma-tha is raised by his mother Elizabeth in Weatherly in Australia. Meanwhile, Hasheed Viaz, the man who was sent to kill Scott but switched sides, recovers consciousness, escapes his escorts and seeks refuge in Weatherly and works for Elizabeth. However, since his daughter Aisha is being held by the OSI, Hasheed agrees to go to France to search for Dr. Irenee de Compostela whose former partner David Sommer was killed along with Jacob King a few years back. Unbeknownst to the OSI, Irenee has a son, Da-vid, who is chosen to continue Jacob’s mission to educate the people on Earth so that they could continue on their evolutionary path.

Told for the most part in the third person perspective, the book begins with synopsis of the first two books in the series Jacob and Scott. The story unfolds in Agent Hill’s discovery of an unconscious person who turns out to be Jacob King, a man who has been missing for forty years. Not only has Jacob not aged in forty years, he also has no recollection of anything. Most important of all, however, was the disc in the back of his neck. These led to Jacob’s and eventually Scott’s murder.

This is an exciting and suspenseful science fiction novel that covers multiple themes including love, friendship, politics, secrecy, betrayal, homosexuality, power, manipulation, greed, corruption and control among others. The subjects include global warming, free will, collective will, religious beliefs, extraterrestrial race and religious virtues. The story takes place in Australia, France, America and a little in Canada.

The plot is undoubtedly interesting and the author successfully keeps the suspense at high level making the book a real page turner with its unpredictable turns of events and unexpected twists. Moreover, though this is already the third book in the series it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, thanks to the synopsis of the first two books and the complete and elaborate back stories. Finally, as is common among book series, it has a cliffhanger but if I may say so satisfactory ending in preparation for the next and final book.

However, I found some of the dialogues somehow unnatural. Moreover, it was difficult to tell one character from another through their manner of speaking, eg. between Elizabeth and Hasheed when they were talking with Ma-tha or between Hasheed and Irenee when they were talking with Aisha. Furthermore, I found the depiction of the future not as convincing as I hoped with the minimal use of electronic gadgets or the absence of futuristic technology like new computer program or system. Finally, I noticed several errors within the entire book like you’re instead of your and roll instead of role.

I, therefore, rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. It is interesting, exciting, intriguing and suspenseful. I recommend it to fans of science fiction, political thriller and romance.

******
Da-vid
View: on Bookshelves

Like kimmyschemy06's review? Post a comment saying so!

inaramid · Post by **inaramid** » 06 Jan 2018, 09:45

Wow, this sounds so...complex. The author has obviously taken some time to develop so many plot threads--and characters! Even though you said that it can be read as a standalone, I don't think I might be able to keep up. I've once read the third book in a series and I didn't fare well with that one. The errors you've pointed out are concerning as well. It makes me think that this is not a right fit for me.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 06 Jan 2018, 11:00

It's too bad about the errors as well as the inability to tell between the characters. I don't think I would enjoy this one, but I'm glad you were able to. Thanks for another good review.

Kat Berg · Post by **Kat Berg** » 06 Jan 2018, 12:50

I, too, am glad you were able to enjoy this book, but it doesn't quite capture my interests, and these days, if I am choosing a book to read, just for fun, it must be well edited and mistake free.

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 06 Jan 2018, 23:41

inaramid wrote: ↑06 Jan 2018, 09:45 Wow, this sounds so...complex. The author has obviously taken some time to develop so many plot threads--and characters! Even though you said that it can be read as a standalone, I don't think I might be able to keep up. I've once read the third book in a series and I didn't fare well with that one. The errors you've pointed out are concerning as well. It makes me think that this is not a right fit for me.

Apparently the author took such a great time developing his plot with such a multitude of themes and subjects

and he did a great job except, of course, for the errors.

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 06 Jan 2018, 23:42

kandscreeley wrote: ↑06 Jan 2018, 11:00 It's too bad about the errors as well as the inability to tell between the characters. I don't think I would enjoy this one, but I'm glad you were able to. Thanks for another good review.

You're welcome. I truly enjoyed the book despite my issues and I wish I've read the first two books

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 06 Jan 2018, 23:45

Kat Berg wrote: ↑06 Jan 2018, 12:50 I, too, am glad you were able to enjoy this book, but it doesn't quite capture my interests, and these days, if I am choosing a book to read, just for fun, it must be well edited and mistake free.

Quite understandable

CommMayo · Post by **CommMayo** » 14 Jan 2018, 18:01

Someone else seemed to hit the nail on the head when they said the book sounds complex. Seems like you really need to read the whole series to understand what is going on.

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 14 Jan 2018, 22:41

CommMayo wrote: ↑14 Jan 2018, 18:01 Someone else seemed to hit the nail on the head when they said the book sounds complex. Seems like you really need to read the whole series to understand what is going on.

Actually it can be enjoyed as a standalone as there was an ample backstory about the two previous books. BUT, it is still advisable to read the entire series and in proper order

Post by **bookowlie** » 15 Jan 2018, 09:49

Great review as always.

A previous poster took the words right out of my mouth - the plot sounds very complex and I don't usually enjoy a busy plot. I also don't like it when it's hard to distinguish which character is speaking. Overall I don't think this book is for me, but I am glad you enjoyed it!

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 15 Jan 2018, 21:52

bookowlie wrote: ↑15 Jan 2018, 09:49 Great review as always. A previous poster took the words right out of my mouth - the plot sounds very complex and I don't usually enjoy a busy plot. I also don't like it when it's hard to distinguish which character is speaking. Overall I don't think this book is for me, but I am glad you enjoyed it!

Thank you very much! Yes, I find it enjoyable despite my issues.

04Good Books · Post by **04Good Books** » 27 Mar 2018, 19:33

When Steven Lancaster’s books were recommended to me I was sceptical and thought they weren’t for me. How wrong could I be!! I loved David also enjoyed Jacob and Scott. I’m looking forward to the next one I recommend reading all the books though they do stand alone.
I’m amazed at the comments saying the plot sounds too complex!! Surely the complexity makes these books more intriguing
Who are these people who only want to read boring simple plots

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 28 Mar 2018, 11:42

04Good Books wrote: ↑27 Mar 2018, 19:33 When Steven Lancaster’s books were recommended to me I was sceptical and thought they weren’t for me. How wrong could I be!! I loved David also enjoyed Jacob and Scott. I’m looking forward to the next one I recommend reading all the books though they do stand alone.
I’m amazed at the comments saying the plot sounds too complex!! Surely the complexity makes these books more intriguing
Who are these people who only want to read boring simple plots

Just like you I'm looking forward to reading the next book.