Richard Finney

Another excellent book from Richard Finney, this one heavily illustrated by Gabriel Hardman. It was easy to fly through this one; the writing style is poetic, effective, and to the point to complement the action going on in the story. The small illustrations surrounded by the text are detailed, loaning a graphic novel vibe.

It's a set-up type of book where there is still much to uncover with future novels. Each chapter is separated by the code of the Ki Warriors, which was a nice nod in the fantasy genre direction. I always liked stories involving the wind and powers with the elements, so that’s another bonus in the novel’s favor.

Society has been savaged and the world is not a friendly place to exist and struggle to survive in. I’m curious how the role of the Ki Warriors and those with the power of controlling the wind will clash with the surviving residents and to see what’s really going on and what will happen. I’m guessing the child may be a savior of sorts, but there is another contender who may be another savior, Tristan, where little is revealed but much is curious.

I enjoyed the main character, Jake, who as a young boy is more than he seems. When the story is shown through his eyes the book gets a childlike sense, which fits in well with the illustrations. There is a darkness present with many of the events, and I have a feeling that darkness is waiting for Jake as well after the ending.

As with most of Finney’s books, genres cross each other to unveil a story that’s far from formulaic. Multiple viewpoints are used, but they’re switched at the right areas to keep this from being distracting, giving just enough to add to the mystery and interest of the storyline. It ends on the edge of a continued adventure, one I look forward to continuing when the next book is released.
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This excellent book does end on a wicked cliffhanger but the author warns about that and it's part of a series. An unusual twist is taken to the vampire genre as Mark, ex-military, and his friend Jay are shown coming to Mark's ex wife's house to see if she's still alive. They've been on the run for a long time, caught in a world gone upside down as it's now ruled by vampires who round up humans to be kept in concentration camps. They're sadly caught and Mark is thrust into a camp himself, where he mixes with prisoners, plots, and surprises.

There's never a dull moment. Something suspenseful is always going down in a realistic way with tight pacing. It's told in third- person POV but head hopping is kept to a minimum. The writing style is to the point of the story, not sparing extras to bog it down, serving the atmosphere and pacing of the bizarre world well.

Characters are realistically painted, especially in the loner Mark and his associations with fellow prisoners as they try to survive - both mentally and physically - a dangerous world which sees humans as "juice boxes." There's a lot of yo-yoing between characters and their wide range of personalities, and even so with vampires and their ambitions and changes. I liked the addition of placing some humans above others in deranged cooperation and reading about the interesting twists and layers this brings to the story.

It's not overly gory for shock value but there is a grim realism that encases the book, and it was hard to put this one down. Highly recommended for any horror, suspense, apocalyptic, or vampire fans. Stunning stuff and can't wait to read the next book!… (altro)

Since Richard Finney wowed me with his release of Drawing Blood in 2012, I was naturally eager to read more of his stuff. I’m not a science fiction expert if the story or premise is complicated – worlds which are too rarified have intimidated me to the point where I just “haven’t tried them yet,” but this turned out to be a clear cut sci-fi theme for the everyday reader. Perhaps it helps that I enjoy a side of horror or chills with my science fiction. And while this one wasn’t scary, it does hold mystery with it that has the potential to be.

The story is easy to follow along with and holds plenty of curiosity on what’s happening next without crossing the cheesy line of leaving too many obvious “read more” cliffhanger carrots dangling. I can’t say much about the plot safely, fearing to accidentally give too much away, but I can say it is a slow, delicate revealing of a bigger picture.

Richard Finney holds a knack for creating convincing, likeable characters without having to put a lot of excess wording in or use explained back history to do it. Of course Black Mariah stands as the most intriguing of the characters. Even if there is a surprising revelation about him at the end, he stands embraced in mystery most of the time. He gets less page time than one would expect, but this makes him more interesting when does appear.

The focus is on another strange man who has something wrong with him. (What it is exactly also remains a bit of a mystery, one I’d love to solve in the next novel.) The cliffhanger on that side story certainly intrigued. I enjoyed the humor of two other mains, Chris and Jeri, and the author purposely keeps the reader in the dark on their exact intent until the perfect timing.

Overall a clean, quick read that holds interest from the beginning, leaves a dusting of questions making you want more when it’s over and done with, but not so much that you’re left feeling frustrated. There’s plenty left to be learned regarding the characters, many questions raised, and all the mains personalities endeared them to me. Recommended for everyone to give a try, whether you’re a strong sci-fi fan or a mild one (like me.)
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I was actually sent the second book DEMON DAYS – Angel of Light by Richard Finney & DL Snell for review and since this was a prequel (or the start) of the story the authors were kind enough to include it for me. I have not read the second book yet. This review is of Demon Days by Richard Finney & DL Snell. World Building – This story takes place in modern times, and in various locations around the world. It is the “real world” so there is not a lot
of “world building” needed to get the jist of where we are. The book starts out in Har Megiddo, and then jumps to the main characters in New York and follows them to various locations such as Hawaii. Characters – The main characters in this story are:
Father Olsen is a priest who gains the knowledge that the “end of days” is coming.
Sandy Travis is a reporter in New York. Unlike most “vanity” reporters, Sandy “hard nosed” and is interested in bringing the hard hitting stories.
Tom Hanson is a struggling artist who has just landed his first gallery exhibit. He is also Sandy’s fiance. Plot – As the synopsis states, this book is primarily about Sandy and Tom. Tom has a “near death” experience and afterwards is just not the same. Sandy, who is friends with a Father Olsen, notices the changes and begins to wonder if the changes in Tom’s behavior is more then just a coincidence with the events the Father has related to her. What the synopsis doesn’t tell you, and I wont either because I refuse to SPOIL it for you, are the moments in which I sat on the edge of my seat biting my nails while reading – stopping only long enough to turn the page. There is a church “scene”, in particular, that had me reading with my mouth hanging open (and then I abruptly closed it!). In Conclusion:
I enjoyed Demon Days, a lot. Like I said on my goodreads updates, this book reminded me of Constantine End of Days the Prophecy movies, all rolled into one tiny book. Would definitely recommend, especially if you like the afore mentioned movies. I am looking forward in picking up the second book DEMON DAYS – Angel of Light by Richard Finney & DL Snell. Mom Notes:
Contains violence
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