Review of The Devil Pulls the Strings

Boredreader24 · Post by **Boredreader24** » 15 Dec 2021, 07:00

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Devil Pulls the Strings" by J. W. Zarek.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Boone Daniels, a mix of curiosity and adventure, is the main protagonist of The Devil Pulls The Strings. Haunted by the death of his parents, Boone has not had an easy life. To keep a promise to his best friend, on whom he accidentally delivered a fatal blow, he travels to New York City to play in the Ren Faire festivals. There he witnesses the death of Professor Stone, the person he was meant to meet, and encounters Sapphire Anjou, a student of Professor Stone. On the run for their lives, Boone will encounter Rizos, a detective looking to save the city, Wickhamby, Sapphire's eccentric and brilliant teacher, and Baba Yaga, a force of nature even more fearsome than devils. In a bid to save New York City and possibly the world, while dealing with his ever-growing attraction for the beautiful and intelligent Sapphire, Boone will constantly have to make choices as the line between his dreams and reality begins to blur.

The premise of the story is a fresh breath from your usual run of the mill supernatural novel, as the concept of music is the driving force behind the story, its historical, physical, and emotional aspects all play out to give a wonderful feeling in both groups of characters and readers, which J.W.Zarek does a great job of describing with utmost detail. The amount of research that went into creating this novel is evident as J.W.Zarek gives accurate information on the lores that have been adapted into the book. Also, the fact that politeness is described as an admirable and life-saving quality is worth mentioning.

One of the problems of the novel is the portrayal of vague characters like gravely voice man and especially The Devil, who was built up to be one of the main antagonists but in the end, didn't make an appearance. Also because of the fact, there are many devils in Christianity and other religions, naming a character as The Devil, doesn't seem appropriate. The side characters were not properly focused on, leaving us the readers with a lack of connection to them. For instance, it was never revealed why the taxi drivers required a song for every ride they offered. It was also a bit predictable towards the end

Despite a few problems, the book held my attention, till the end, the information and lore was captivating and so I rate it 4 out of 4 stars

This book does not discriminate against age, sex, or religion and therefore I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys supernatural, suspense, or musical books.

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The Devil Pulls the Strings
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Oyedele Tomijane · Post by **Oyedele Tomijane** » 15 Jan 2022, 13:32

I have read this book, and it was a captivating read. Saving NYC with music is an unparalleled feat. Thanks for the lovely review.

Regard003 · Post by **Regard003** » 15 Jan 2022, 13:38

A death witness. Boone seem an interesting character. Lovely review

Mileylex112 · Post by **Mileylex112** » 15 Jan 2022, 13:54

I have read the book too. This review matched mine too. Boone and Sapphire, very optimistic fellows. I love them. Nice review

Lucy2005 · Post by **Lucy2005** » 15 Jan 2022, 15:58

Boone is an inspiring character that interests me. I'll add this piece to my shelf, thank you for your review.

Akangbe Opeyemi · Post by **Akangbe Opeyemi** » 15 Jan 2022, 18:44

I love how the book was based on the concept of music. Boone seems like an interesting character. Nice review.

Juliette1812 · Post by **Juliette1812** » 15 Jan 2022, 23:47

I've read this book. I love that we feel the same way about it. Well done!

Themmie10 · Post by **Themmie10** » 16 Jan 2022, 09:08

This book interests me, I'll add it to my shelf. Thanks for the review. Nice job!

Ghrey Thel · Post by **Ghrey Thel** » 17 Jan 2022, 06:10

I like Boone already. Nice review

Rita Nuncia · Post by **Rita Nuncia** » 18 Jan 2022, 10:52

This book seems interesting. A supernatural and musical book? I will like to read this book.

Ikeoluwa 02 · Post by **Ikeoluwa 02** » 18 Jan 2022, 15:35

I've read this book and your review did justice to how amazing it was! I totally enjoyed reading this book as well.

DekuSHUN · Post by **DekuSHUN** » 24 Jan 2022, 18:13

Boone definitely sounds like an interesting character, I mean who kills their friend by accident, the book sounds really great to read because of your review. The fact that you noted the effort the writer used to research lores is also really nice

Novel Freak · Post by **Novel Freak** » 28 Jan 2022, 10:29

Your review of the book was superb Boone Daniels seems like an interesting character, an the incorporation of lores and myths into the book was the icing to the cake
Nice job