Review of Deathly Gifted

[Hazel Arnaiz]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Deathly Gifted" by Terry R. King.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Robert Anderson can sense the emotions of deceased individuals, especially those who have died violently. Authorities doubted his abilities, but families sought him out to document the final moments of their loved ones in a "death journal." When a suspected serial killer supposedly commits suicide, the case is closed, but families believe the murderer is still at large and ask Robert to investigate. As he uncovers the truth, he realizes the impact of his abilities on his personal life and his role in fighting crime.

Terry R. King combines psychological, paranormal, and criminal thriller elements in Deathly Gifted. I particularly liked how the paranormal aspect added depth to the story. It explores social prejudices, delves into paranormal capabilities, and offers insights into the legal system and police work.

The book explores paranormal abilities, delving into the lives of well-known individuals who possessed these skills, examining the historical context, and exploring the possibility of inheriting such abilities. The book enhances understanding for those keen on the subject and encourages skeptics to consider the topic. I suggest including a list of references for those interested in delving deeper. The pace was slow at the beginning due to the extensive backstories. It has much information about Robert's life, giving it a memoir vibe in the earlier part. The book hints at a series, so the detailed background could be an attempt to explain the origin story of the main character.

The paranormal reflects society's perception of straying from norms. Most people resist anything unconventional and adhere to established beliefs. Peculiar individuals hide their unique characteristics to avoid rejection or stigma. Concealing the strangeness impedes deeper exploration and hinders a more profound understanding.

Resorting to unconventional approaches to solving criminal cases indicates a decreasing confidence in the government's ability to uphold the law and administer justice. Organizing independent groups to handle crime implies a lack of trust in the existing system.

The book also covers gender roles, mental health, and the psychology of serial killers. It examines the behavioral patterns of serial killers and also addresses various factors that contribute to mental health issues. Additionally, it presents a reversal of gender roles.

I noticed some drawbacks. The story mainly tells rather than shows, relying on journals and visions, which leads to repetitive scenes. The journals and the visions both refer to some of the same events. The repetitious details of the murders seem intentional to highlight the patterns of the serial killer. However, this approach lessens the impact of the gore, eventually desensitizing the readers. It only adds pages, affecting the pace. The romantic aspect of the story is also predictable. The love interest is capable of defending herself but still falls into the classic plot device of being the target of the enemy and eventually rescued by the leading man. The passionate moment following the case seemed forced and added little to the story, focusing more on physical intimacy than emotional development. The repeated emphasis on the female character's superior qualifications for physical protection and security felt unnecessary and seemed to highlight strengths using the weaknesses of others. The new ability introduced later in the story hints at other hidden talents but feels like an afterthought to advance the plot.

The story wraps up the case and suggests more adventures. The book is a standalone, but it can also be an introduction to a series or the origin story of a member of a crime-fighting team.

The storyline is simple to understand because of the vocabulary and language. The violence, sexual content, and profanity make it more suitable for adult readers. It contains depictions of incestuous relationships, sexual abuse, and torture. However, it does not offend any religious group. It will appeal to those who appreciate disturbing crime thrillers, and it is ideal for anyone intrigued by paranormal abilities and the behaviors of serial killers.

I am deducting a star because of the drawbacks and the number of editing issues. Nonetheless, the book gets four out of five due to its social relevance and extensive information.

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Deathly Gifted
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[Martin Shae]

Deathly Gifted by Terry R. King masterfully blends psychological, paranormal, and criminal thriller elements. Robert Anderson, who can sense the emotions of those who died violently, uses his abilities to document their final moments in a 'death journal.' Despite skepticism from authorities, families seek his help. When a suspected serial killer's case is closed as a suicide, Robert is asked to investigate further, leading to startling discoveries. The paranormal aspect adds depth to the story, exploring social prejudices, paranormal abilities, and the intricacies of the legal system and police work.

[Adam Bryce Stern]

An interesting review that peaked my interest in the book while also highlighting the drawbacks of the book. Congrats on a well written review.

[NetMassimo]

Despite the flaws you pointed out, this novel offer interesting themes linked to mental health with various ramifications concerning the paranormal element. Well-developed characters are used to develop the various psychological angles in this thriller. Thank you for your great review!

[Boring Pigeon]

Based on the review, the book "Deathly Gifted" seems like an intriguing read for those who enjoy a mix of psychological, paranormal, and criminal thriller elements. The author delves into the world of paranormal abilities and their impact on society, while also exploring themes of gender roles and mental health. The story may have a slow start, but it sets the stage for the main character's background and potential series. However, there are some drawbacks, such as repetitive scenes and a predictable romantic subplot. The violence and mature content make it more suitable for adult readers. Overall, the book receives a rating of four out of five stars for its social relevance and thought-provoking themes. Evocative descriptions, brought scenes to life.