Review of FLAIL (Published on Amazon)

[Kathy-Smith]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "FLAIL (Published on Amazon)" by Peter Anthony Fitzgerald.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Flail by Peter Anthony Fitzgerald is an exciting adventure that masterfully blends Irish lore and history. The protagonist, Danny Murphy, is an “everyman” character with a quest thrust upon him. His family was thrown into turmoil when he was three years old. They were touring through Ireland on a bus with his father’s rugby team. Danny and his pregnant mother explored a hill during a pitstop, and Danny was struck by a vision of the past when fairies made a deal with invading conquerors. A menacing fairy appeared in the “real world.” Danny’s mother grabbed a trinket he dropped. Later that evening, she gave birth to a baby girl, whom the evil fairy then stole in the middle of the night, throwing the family into mental anguish that lasted for years.
Seventeen years later, Danny is a borderline alcoholic living in Australia near his father. His mother abandoned them years ago to live in Ireland so she could look for her missing daughter. Danny is struggling to find success in work or love. The only bright spot in his life is playing on a rugby team. The rugby team is traveling internationally and is about to leave for Ireland when Danny gets a call that his mother is dying. While in Ireland, he visits her, and she gives him a seemingly impossible quest.
I love how relatable Danny is. He is an average person put into a supernatural situation that he bumbles through with a handful of supporting characters. The human characters have flaws that remind the reader that anyone could find themselves in an unimaginable situation that they must work through. Their dialogue is also well-written. It’s the characters that make this book so enjoyable.
There is some sexual content in the book, and it is fascinating how the author chose to write it. One scenario is awkward for the characters and written awkwardly. Another is abrupt and direct, and the author’s word choice reflects that.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. There are a few typos, but not enough to make the experience unpleasant. The author takes the reader through a journey alongside Danny, ensuring we feel the same emotional highs and lows. It is well done, and I cannot recommend it enough!

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FLAIL (Published on Amazon)
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[Mercy Bolo]

I like that Danny is an average Joe who was thrust into the supernatural world. It's unfortunate that his mother has challenges of her own that hinder her from being close to her son.

[Kathy-Smith]

I like that Danny is an average Joe who was thrust into the supernatural world. It's unfortunate that his mother has challenges of her own that hinder her from being close to her son.

I agree, that was the most heartbreaking part. She was so focused on finding her daughter that she missed out on being part of the family and seeing her son grow up.

[NetMassimo]

Rugby and fairies mark the Irish setting being among Ireland's most important sports and folklore creatures. Rugby was the highlight of Danny's life and I wonder how he dealt with the supernatural coming abruptly into his life. Thank you for your great review!