Rebel Town Reviews [OPEN]

Wind (Prologue - Chapter 4) - @AmyMarieZ

Wind (Prologue - Chapter 4) by AmyMarieZ 

Reviewed by _GinaLexis_ 

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Overview: Wind is a horror story that begins with more enigma than a mystery/thriller. We get a bunch of interesting characters, a unique plot and a narrator with an intriguing tone of voice. The metaphors used in the story showcase the brilliance of the author as they are simply marvellous. The story is as fluid as the blood in my veins and the Wind does its best to freeze the same.

Grammar/ Structure: I am too much of a speed reader to notice the nuances of grammar in the writing. (I have to constantly remind myself to read slower) But, I have to admit, the grammar was pretty great. According to me, as long as the writing doesn't jar the flow of the reader, it isn't unforgivable. I did notice some comma splices and punctuation mistakes though, especially in the first paragraph of the second chapter. I suggest that the sentences be broken down at some parts like the one I just mentioned, as they become too wordy.

The narrative structure of the story is admirable. There is a sense of foreshadowing every time the Wind is mentioned. The only problem I have with the narration is that it is very easy to get confused about when this is being narrated. From reading the five parts, I have come to realize that the narration is taking place at a set point of time. But the manner in which it is done, causes a lot of confusion and it is not the nice kind.

I suggest getting rid of the inconsistencies and being very clear as to when the narration is done. Maybe, give some clues about the 'present scenario' of the set point?

Pace: I really liked the pace of Wind. A lot of horror books ignore the fact that any story needs a skeleton to add flesh on. Directly jumping in and mindlessly increasing the pace doesn't help at all, especially in making the readers feel connected to the story. I admire the writer for giving us time to feel attached to the characters. Harper moves through the mysteries of the town in a slow pace, but it is like the entrancing movements of a snake; teasing us here and withdrawing there.

Character Development: The characters in the story remain pretty constant in the chapters that I read, but that's only because it's the beginning. There's still a lot of time for the writer to shape them. One thing that I am very happy about is that they are all very realistic. That's an immediate plus.

The protagonist, Harper, is as human as one can be. He is addicted to tobacco, stubborn enough to break up with his girlfriend when she decides to move out of town, brave enough to admit he never loved her, weak (and strong) enough to cry about it and intuitive enough to realize that there's something crazy going on in town. I say we have a pretty good character here.

The rest of them are not fleshed out enough yet, but there's plenty of time for that. The mysterious character, Joshua is still being explored and I am eager to find out whether he is good or evil.

Vocabulary/ Description: I was intently awaiting this section for I have a lot to say. The writer is brilliant when it comes to the descriptions. The writing is rich with vibrant metaphors and similes that are completely original and astounding. Much of the story is delivered using metaphors. I wondered for quite sometime how it was even possible for the writer to think of them. They were really creative to say the least. The descriptions are on the point. Everything can be easily visualized and that in a horror novel is a blessing (or a curse?) in itself.

Plot: The plot of the story is very original. Wind is an abstract enemy. How do you fight something that has the power to sweep you away? It could be the worst nightmare of a control freak. I am eagerly waiting to see how our protagonist handles it. Something tells me there is more to this mysterious Wind that is chasing the people of the town away (maybe the description, jk)

Summary: An intriguing read that is so fluid that you wouldn't know how the time passed by. Highly recommended.

There is much more to the story than what the cover tells us. Which reminds me, I suggest the cover be changed. It completely screws up the first impression of such a good book.