Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Probability Angels

Joseph Devon

Matthew Huntington's problems seem to keep growing.  Not only is he seeing things in garbage cans but his mentor doesn't think he's working up to his full potential, his best friend can't offer any solace but drunken confusion and his wife is dying in Central Park.  Of course, the fact that Matthew himself died over two decades ago isn't helping things.

Join Matthew as he steps into a new world with a little help from a two-thousand year old Roman Slave and discover how the summit of Mount Everest, a Japanese ronin and the far side of Mercury all fit together.

My Take:

Well, I didn't think it possible for a book to be both tedious and interesting at the same time, but Probability Angels sure was.  I was extremely intrigued at the start of the book, but had a hard time moving through the pages.  Unfortunately while the book started out equal parts tedium and entertainment, as it went on the balance began to shift.  I found myself getting very restless and speed reading just to get through it.  I just don't think a book can survive solely on a fascinating concept, the reading experience, "the journey", if you'll indulge me one cheesy/cliche metaphor, must be an enjoyable one.   I was entertained at beginning and end, not from beginning to end.  Another aspect that didn't work for me (and I stress for me, because this is a very distinct style of writing many people love, but I personally just don't care for) is the vagueness.  I really don't like those fuzzy ambiguous scene changes.  Angels fading from this location to that without any notice or explanation drives me nuts!  This is something I am finding bothers me with a lot of book s that deal with the hereafter and angels and such, things just aren't clear and my OCD brain is bothered by that.  Don't get me wrong, I don't always want an author to hit me over the head with obvious descriptions and dumbed down writing, I just like to know what it going on scene wise.  Now to end this on a positive note, I enjoyed the fact that this book made me think, it wasn't a book you read to fall asleep at night, but instead stimulates and encourages deeper thinking.  Probability Angels is definitely what self publishing is meant for, to get a book out there that is solidly written, but very different, and mainstream readers might not get it or like it.  So while I did get it, but did not necessarily like it, I am excited to get the word out on this book for other independent thinkers to enjoy!    4, Borrow from a Friend

Tell me your opinion! Do you agree with my review?  Do you think I'm totally off base?  What impression do you get from the cover of this book and the description?  Do you think you'd enjoy this book?  What is your take on the writing style I talked about? Hit the comments!

If Probability Angels was a movie it would likely be rated R for strong language




***FTC Disclosure:  This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was given, all opinions are my own***

If you are interested in purchasing Probability Angels, please consider supporting The Book Buff by purchasing from the following Amazon links, thank you!


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6 comments:

Kelsa P. said...

I'm not going to read most of your review for the simple reason I don't want to spoil it for me. ;)

I'm getting this one in the mail in the next couple of day or so from a contest. It look really interesting from what I read about it. Great review!

~Kelsa

ThaiHoa Burroughs said...

The cover makes it intriguing I think along with the title. I actually like those kinds of books because it stimulates my brain versus making me fall asleep as why most people read. Following on Twitter now. You can also find me on Twitter 1tootiefoodie

Kate the Book Buff said...

@AmateurVoice, after you read it, come back here and let me know what you thought of it :)

@ThaiHoa, if you enjoy that style, totally read the book, you'll probably really like it :) also, thanks for the Twitter follow!

Fireflywishes said...

I found your site from the comment you left on my book blog ning site and now am a new follower, thank you so much for your kind words and offering to help! That place does seem like it can get overwhelming and such an incredible resource too though!

I just changed the name of my site today so the URL changed too, the new URL is : http://shelfconfessions.blogspot.com/

I would love for you to stop by and possibly follow me to :)

Kate the Book Buff said...

@Fireflywishes-I'm off to check out your blog right now!

Gaylle said...

I know exactly what you mean by some authors over-describing. Please... leave the reader to have some thoughts on the scenes unfolding :)

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