Review of The Poe Consequence
-
Cassandra Cameron
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 24 Aug 2021, 15:04
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 3
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cassandra-cameron.html
- Latest Review: There's a Rooster in My Bathroom! by Trish Ostroski
Review of The Poe Consequence
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Poe Consequence" by Keith Steinbaum.]
The Poe Consequence, by Keith Steinbaum, is a paranormal, Edgar Allan Poe-inspired novel. After being killed in a street-gang crossfire, Warren, a literature teacher and father, becomes a spirit obsessed in getting revenge from the two gangs responsible for his death. As the police starts to investigate several mysterious gang members’ deaths, the story follows his twin brother, Kevin, and son, Seth, as they get entwined, despite themselves, in the gang-members destiny.
The premise of the story is very daring and at first captivating: who would think of mixing up street-gang issues and Edgar Allan Poe in a supernatural thriller? The recurrent use of Poe-themed elements gives a nice rhythm to the book, and the themes explored, such a gang-violence, prejudice, forgiveness and redemption, are important ones. The idea of an innocent victim getting payback from his murderers is also quite enticing, and brings forth crucial moral issues.
However, the characters are quite stereotyped, which makes it even hard to differentiate between the gang members in the beginning, as they are all described as vile, lustful, and blood- thirsty brutes. Similarly, women are merely represented as victims and cowards, whose weak attempts at defending themselves must be applauded. Even though the book seems to aim to explore and expose prejudices, it falls short throughout most of the book. Rather, is comes off as racist and misogynistic, even though it doesn’t seem to be the author’s intention. The story plot is also highly predictable, leaving the reader feeling like a passenger on a train towards a clear destination. Since the book uses the voices of Warren, Seth, Kevin and his new girlfriend, as well as several gang members, there is no mystery left for the reader. There is even a fortune teller explaining were the story in going! However, the story feels like it has been stretched thin, without enough real content. Some additional editing is required, as several errors are still present, and some words are used incorrectly (e.g. bazaar for bizarre). Furthermore, some expressions are misused or overused (e.g. several moments).
I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. Despite an interesting premise, the book fails to captivate or to create any real attachment with the characters. The supernatural/paranormal aspect should be the main strength of the book, but it is brought in a rather clumsy way.
This book would particularly appeal to fans of supernatural, haunting-spirits stories, and anyone who has ever daydreamed on getting revenge on the evils of this world.
******
The Poe Consequence
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
The Poe Consequence, by Keith Steinbaum, is a paranormal, Edgar Allan Poe-inspired novel. After being killed in a street-gang crossfire, Warren, a literature teacher and father, becomes a spirit obsessed in getting revenge from the two gangs responsible for his death. As the police starts to investigate several mysterious gang members’ deaths, the story follows his twin brother, Kevin, and son, Seth, as they get entwined, despite themselves, in the gang-members destiny.
The premise of the story is very daring and at first captivating: who would think of mixing up street-gang issues and Edgar Allan Poe in a supernatural thriller? The recurrent use of Poe-themed elements gives a nice rhythm to the book, and the themes explored, such a gang-violence, prejudice, forgiveness and redemption, are important ones. The idea of an innocent victim getting payback from his murderers is also quite enticing, and brings forth crucial moral issues.
However, the characters are quite stereotyped, which makes it even hard to differentiate between the gang members in the beginning, as they are all described as vile, lustful, and blood- thirsty brutes. Similarly, women are merely represented as victims and cowards, whose weak attempts at defending themselves must be applauded. Even though the book seems to aim to explore and expose prejudices, it falls short throughout most of the book. Rather, is comes off as racist and misogynistic, even though it doesn’t seem to be the author’s intention. The story plot is also highly predictable, leaving the reader feeling like a passenger on a train towards a clear destination. Since the book uses the voices of Warren, Seth, Kevin and his new girlfriend, as well as several gang members, there is no mystery left for the reader. There is even a fortune teller explaining were the story in going! However, the story feels like it has been stretched thin, without enough real content. Some additional editing is required, as several errors are still present, and some words are used incorrectly (e.g. bazaar for bizarre). Furthermore, some expressions are misused or overused (e.g. several moments).
I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. Despite an interesting premise, the book fails to captivate or to create any real attachment with the characters. The supernatural/paranormal aspect should be the main strength of the book, but it is brought in a rather clumsy way.
This book would particularly appeal to fans of supernatural, haunting-spirits stories, and anyone who has ever daydreamed on getting revenge on the evils of this world.
******
The Poe Consequence
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Latest Review: There's a Rooster in My Bathroom! by Trish Ostroski
