Review of Roan

[Salome Ogani]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Roan" by E. R. Barr.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Roan: The Tales of Conor Archer, vol. 1 by E. R. Barr takes place in Wisconsin and follows a 17-year-old boy named Conor Archer, who is a musician in a Celtic band in downtown Chicago. Conor's mother, Finola Archer, is in the final stages of cancer. On the night of his mother's death, Conor encounters a strange biker named Rory Nalan, who gives him a strange liquor, bites him on the hand, and tells him that he is about to undergo significant changes. Before his mother's passing, Conor's mother reveals that he must go to Tinker's Grove, Wisconsin, to stay with his aunt Emily. Conor is unfamiliar with this town, which stirs his curiosity. Disoriented from grief and infection, Conor arrives in Tinker's Grove and is taken under the care of Father Abbot, Jason, Beth, Troubles the Labrador, and Doctor Luke. What changes will Conor undergo? What roles will these new people play?

I must say that this book was a considerably long book for me, but guess what? I enjoyed every bit of it! The narrative was so captivating that I felt completely engrossed, as though I were witnessing the events firsthand. In the course of the novel, Barr went into the themes of identity, selflessness, community, and the conflict between light and darkness. In a struggle to embrace his true nature, Conor questions his identity and the prophesied legend surrounding him.

I also loved the author's writing style, as it was filled with descriptions that clearly animated the characters and setting. Conor's mind is conflicted with self-sacrifice and self-centeredness. I appreciate Conor's character because he realistically depicts the average human, how each of us is conflicted between selfishness and selflessness, and how the choices he made despite his suffering were inspiring. The antagonists in this book were also well-developed, and I appreciate the author for it.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy fantasy books. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars because there was nothing I disliked about it and nothing needed improvement. The book was professionally edited, and I look forward to reading Vol. 2.

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Roan
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[NetMassimo]

I might be old for a story that seems aimed at young adults but this beginning of a fantasy series seems engaging with some classic tropes that transcend genres and well-constructed characters. Thank you for your great review!