Official Review: Power Play by Jeremy Croston

[Timea]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Power Play" by Jeremy Croston.]

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Jeremy Croston’s Power Play is a book of fiction in which hockey, Norse mythology and romance are intertwined. It is a story about finding one’s home and family, and discovering himself through them. Also, fate is at the center point of the events. Is our fate determined, or is it just a probability?

In this action packed book, we are briefly introduced to the main character, Jack Skelton, before the author sends him off to Asgard as early as the second chapter. However, we do learn about him that he is unhappy and looking for something more. Well, he finds a lot more than he expected in Asgard. There he will find true love and learn more about his family. But, perhaps above all else, he will get closer to his true self and learn to accept it. Jack discovers himself and his potential through this alien world. This goes to show that only by facing obstacles and challenging ourselves can we grow and better know ourselves.

Jeremy Croston skillfully used Jack (and his lack of knowledge in this domain) to familiarize us with Norse mythology. Any clarifications the reader might require, Jack does too, and he gets them from the willing creatures he befriended, and therefore so do we. I can say that my knowledge of the Norse mythology was greatly improved by this book and I have the author to thank for that. He did a fine job with the documentation and delivery of the information.

Of course Thor and Loki make quite an appearance in the book. As soon as I read their names I couldn’t help picturing them as Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston. However, unlike the movie Thor, this Power Play mostly took place on the realm of the Dark Elves. So, we got a closer look at a different realm and culture.

The focus in the book remains mostly on action. There is a bit too much for me, it seems rushed sometimes and I feel that by concentrating on the action, some areas, like the dialogue, the psychological profile of the characters remained underdeveloped. Also, I would have preferred more descriptions of the realms and creatures from Asgard. The rich background offered by the alien world remained mostly untapped. And there are a few grammatical errors, especially in the first pages, but do not get discouraged, they rarely appear further on.

I give Jeremy Croston’s Power Play 3 out of 4 stars. The idea of the book is appealing and I like the approach to Asgard, we, as readers spend more time with the Dark Elves and not the Aesir; some witty fight scenes took place, which I quite enjoyed. However, the action absorbed other dimensions of the story, like dialogue, description and characters, which could have used a bit more chiseling.

Jeremy Croston leaves us with these final words: “To be continued”. And I leave you with these: I can’t wait!

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[kasi33]

Excellent job! I like your positive outlook!

[Timea]

Thank you

[rida]

I don't like game books but the way you sound it seems so much more than that.

[clockwork360]

Rida: The Norse mythology isn't based on a game although there are game and video game adaptations and movies/comic books (Marvel Studios/Comics). I like the idea behind this book, to introduce the world to a different setting based on Asgard that isn't revolving around Thor or Loki even if they make appearances. It seems almost like it would be a breather to experience something new, because like Timea said, the first thing that you think of whenever you hear anything having to do with Norse Mythology in this day and age is Marvel oriented.
Thank you for the excellent review and I may or may not read this one but compliment the author on a niche area that probably needed to be tapped and his full exploitation of that. Great Job!

[Cee-Jay Aurinko]

Great review! You got me hooked from the first line. The idea of hockey mixing with Asgard sounds really appealing. I love it when authors explore old ideas in new ways.