Brian Hill (8)

Desolation by Brian Hill is a novel that offers a unique and somewhat somber reading experience. The story is a contemplative exploration of the human psyche, delving into the complexities of grief and loss.

Hill's writing is introspective and thought-provoking. He delves deep into the emotions and thoughts of the characters, providing an intimate look at their struggles. The narrative takes its time to develop, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the minds of the characters.

The book's show more pacing is deliberate, which may not be everyone's cup of tea. Some readers might find it a bit slow, especially if they prefer a more action-packed storyline. However, the deliberate pace contributes to the novel's introspective nature.

The characters in Desolation are well-developed, and their internal conflicts and relationships are portrayed with nuance. The novel's strength lies in its ability to capture the complexity of human emotions, particularly in the face of adversity. While Desolation might not be an easy or lighthearted read, it serves as a reminder of the profound impact of grief and the various ways people cope with it. It offers a glimpse into the human condition, making readers reflect on their own experiences and emotions.

In summary, Desolation by Brian Hill is a novel that leans toward the contemplative and introspective side of storytelling. Its slow pacing may not be for everyone, but those who appreciate deep character exploration and a focus on the human psyche will find it an engaging read. It's a book that encourages readers to ponder the intricacies of grief and how it shapes individuals and their relationships. In spite of all that, I'm not sure if I really liked the book. show less

I wasn't sure what to expect at first with this book, but I really enjoyed it. It had great Lovecraft vibes. It's 1984 and Rev Parata is a Native American P.I. hired by the Cultural Preservation Society to locate a missing Egyptologist employee who stole the Jar of Nephren-Ka, an ancient Egyptian black onyx jar with a pharaoh head. What seems like an average missing persons case for Rev turns into a strange series of traveling to creepy mansions, mysterious supernatural rituals, hospital show more visits, and exploring the occult.

It starts off a bit slow, but it picks up and becomes a book you can't put down. The author is extremely descriptive and it really helps paint a proper picture. It's almost like you are standing in the room with the characters and experiencing what they are seeing and doing. I personally loved it as I've read other books where a character seems to magically jump from one place to another with no description on the events in between. I am looking forward to following Rev on his next adventure!

I received a free copy of this book via LibraryThing and am voluntarily leaving a review. show less

I received a copy of this title from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this title. I have read a lot of apocalyptic fiction (a lot!) and it has been very hard lately to find a new approach to the genre but Hill’s take on the end of the world was a very welcome and entertaining read. The main character is mid-career IT professional Will Hale, who is teaching a seminar in an unfamiliar city when he and his students start feeling sick. When Hale show more wakes up, he has no idea how long he was ill or what has happened around him. Hill shines when he is describing the psychological progression that his character goes through as the realization that everyone around him is dead becomes apparent. A large portion of the novel consists of flashbacks that relay Hale’s history, underscoring the importance of his family to his ongoing mental stability and overall well being. Hill’s approach to how an everyday person with no survival training would be able to function in a world turned upside down with no warning is extremely well done. No zombies, cannibals, or meteors, just an unknown illness and a desperate desire to get back to loved ones. show less

In reading this book, which I received gratis for an honest review, I find myself grappling with a perplexing issue: how to categorize it. While the promotional material boasts a clever fusion of "The Martian" and "The Stand," the book itself defies such easy classification, presenting instead a curious amalgamation of disparate elements.

And yet, for all its genre-bending qualities, the book proves to be a thoroughly engaging read. I devoured it in a single lazy Saturday, a feat I rarely show more accomplish. Although it lacks the propulsive tension of a typical thriller, and while it can at times become bogged down in minutiae, the book's pacing remains largely in tune with the protagonist's introspective character.

While the book is not overtly terrifying or gory, it maintains a compelling sense of apocalyptic dread. It is not, however, a traditional horror story. Indeed, attempting to pigeonhole this book into any particular genre feels reductive and unsatisfactory.

Upon reflection, I cannot help but consider the book's final act. While I will not divulge any spoilers, I must confess that I predicted the outcome halfway through the narrative. And while this did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the book, I cannot help but wonder if an unexpected twist might have heightened the book's emotional impact.

As I sit here typing this review, it occurs to me that the book reads like an early draft, one that could benefit from additional rounds of revision. Nevertheless, its flaws do not detract from its inherent appeal.

In conclusion, I would recommend this book to readers willing to approach it with an open mind, free from preconceptions and expectations. The book's unconventional narrative structure demands a flexible approach to reading and interpretation, but the rewards are well worth the effort. show less