Arlene Webb

An intriguing premise and incredibly unique world and character building set the stage for this novel. Creating a whole new and different character archetype, the Ron, and imbuing that character with a voice that is alternately sweet and sarcastic, innocent and worldly Arlene Webb has created a story that is difficult to put down. Integrating dimension / world hopping, culture clashes and similarities and the ever present voicing of Caron in his struggle to understand, relate and integrate his newfound experiences into something that makes sense to him.

With a deft hand, the author has integrated quite clever wordplay into the conversations and interactions, as well as the interior voices of the characters. While I found Caron quite refreshingly unique and well developed, and his family bonds well defined and palpable, there were some misses in some of the secondary characters that made them less believable, although that was not dramatic enough to distract from the story. It really is a story of Caron, and he is the highlight and the glue that holds the story in place. While there are places that the plot seems to jump about, and sections could easily have been omitted, if you are patient and stay with the story, it does all come clear: and is well worth the wait.

A story that has so many unique elements that are well done, with dialogue that requires you to just “go along” for the ride until the pattern and rhythm appear – this book was a fun read. Not perfect, but different enough in concept and craft to keep me reading. Certainly one that an older YA reader would enjoy (there are some adult themes and violence) with a character that is bound to make you laugh at his observations and asides. One that will certainly have me looking at more of this author’s work.

I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review as part of my Indies Rock promotion on I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
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I haven't been so sucked into a story in quite a while!!! I'm all in!! This is great! It's Earth-based science fiction with believable and endearing characters. The "aliens" are pure color/energy who are bewildered to find themselves in physical bodies on our world. They, somehow, landed in human bodies and took on some of the personality traits -good and bad - of the humans they displaced. They're lost, confused, incredibly powerful, and just want to go home. I'm going to buy the rest of the books in this series right now :-)… (more)