Deep Blue

Rating:
Summary: Wilson shines through Deep Blue
Review: Deep Blue is one of those exceptional works of horror fiction that is able transcend genre. Rarely bloody but often unsettling, Wilson's language is poetic, his imagery surreal, and the overall impression is that the reader has stepped into a world that is similar--but not exactly the same--as the one we live in.

One of the greatest strengths of the novel are Wilson's characters, each one unique, each with a secret that drives the plot home. Down and out guitarist Brandt is given center stage at the opening, but by the end of the book the drummer Dexter, with his ability to recognize patterns and shapes in the randomness of life, has become one of its most important players. Like the novelist himself pulling plot strings, Dexter is the one who pulls them together at the end, fitting the pieces into a whole that is much greater than the sum of its parts.

Beginning in a city full of restless ghosts, ending in a rural backwoods setting complete with an electrifying mountain legend called the Sineater, Wilson's Deep Blue is a masterful work of fiction, and one of the most unique and thought-provoking novels you will read this year.

Rating:
Summary: engaging but weird fantasy
Review: Guitarist and vocalist Brandt knows that the booze has taken him down so far as he barely can perform at gigs. He is so drunk he has left his keys behind so he cannot enter his apartment. When he hears strange sounding blues, he investigates and meets harmonica playing Wally. Not long afterward, Brandt plays the performance of his life and walks away

Band member Synthesia follows with her most incredible show and leaves. That leaves band members Shaver and Dexter to cross over, but both fears where the music will take them. Unless the entire band takes the giant leap along with Shaver's artist pal Liz, they will not be able to accomplish their mission when they confront their enemy in the California Mountains.

This is an engaging but weird fantasy that needs patience and a bit of adjustment to comprehend what is going on as David Niall Wilson keeps readers guessing. Once the readers begins to grasp the underlying parable that emerges slowly that there is more to this band and its mentor than a local gig, the tale hooks the audience with its magic's in the music theme. Readers who give the plot time to develop will appreciate the complex DEEP BLUE allegory.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: engaging but weird fantasy
Review: Guitarist and vocalist Brandt knows that the booze has taken him down so far as he barely can perform at gigs. He is so drunk he has left his keys behind so he cannot enter his apartment. When he hears strange sounding blues, he investigates and meets harmonica playing Wally. Not long afterward, Brandt plays the performance of his life and walks away

Band member Synthesia follows with her most incredible show and leaves. That leaves band members Shaver and Dexter to cross over, but both fears where the music will take them. Unless the entire band takes the giant leap along with Shaver's artist pal Liz, they will not be able to accomplish their mission when they confront their enemy in the California Mountains.

This is an engaging but weird fantasy that needs patience and a bit of adjustment to comprehend what is going on as David Niall Wilson keeps readers guessing. Once the readers begins to grasp the underlying parable that emerges slowly that there is more to this band and its mentor than a local gig, the tale hooks the audience with its magic's in the music theme. Readers who give the plot time to develop will appreciate the complex DEEP BLUE allegory.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: 5 Stars for "DEEP BLUE"
Review: In my opinion David Niall Wilson shines brightest when writing about hidden folkways and arcane religious images. In Deep Blue, Wilson creates imagery that is both original, and at the same time reminiscent of Manly Wade Wellman. Deep Blue contains passages that will take you, the reader, out of yourself and into a world you will be glad to return from in one piece. David Wilson weaves a tapestry of music, suspense, and horror that grips the reader and pulls them along for a great ride. This has been my favorite David N. Wilson work yet. This book is a must read for Wilson's established fan base, and a great first time read for those unfamiliar with his work. Bravo ! Mr. Wilson, Bravo !