WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT FIRST AND ONLY I wasn't sure what to expect from the cover or the blurb but I couldn't put it down until I finished it --- LB A truly fantastic book, you simply won’t want, nor be able to put it down until you have the answers --- Linda I found myself leaning further towards my laptop screen the further into the book I got --- Janieritson I didn't want to put it down, but at the same time, I really didn't want it to end --- Manchester Anne DESCRIPTION Do you believe in psychics? What if there really was someone who could see into the future, read people’s thoughts and move things with their mind? What kind of person would they be and how would they reveal themselves to the world? Psimon is just such a man, a real and genuine psychic. But Psimon has a problem. In five days time he is going to die at the hands of a serial killer known only as Lucifer. His only hope is to enlist the services of former SAS soldier, Steve Brennus, a man whose family life and business have just collapsed in ruins. Psimon knows he is going to die. He has seen it. But could a former SAS soldier have the strength to overcome the visions of the world’s first psychic? ~ With a small cast of engaging characters, blistering pace and a beautifully drawn villain, FIRST AND ONLY is a great thriller and an impressive debut novel. From the intensity of the first scene to the dramatic and satisfying climax the story pauses just enough for readers to catch their breath. Do not take this book to bed if you fancy an early night. You have been warned.
Psimon, is a Genuine, lovable true psychic that we learn about as an 8 year old boy and then follow his life 16 years later as a young man. A young man with great gifts and an extraordinary burden that has brutal and vicious consequences. Steve Brennus, a former SAS soldier, is hired by Psimon and is the other main character. Steve's story is equally compelling.
It's a heartfelt book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
"First And Only" by Peter Flannery which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is a chilling, heart-stopping psychological thriller that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from the first page to the last. It begins in the Parish Church of St. Joseph's where eight year old Psimon overhears a psychotic killer's confession before his friend Father Kavanagh dies. For fourteen years Psimon, a psychic has lived in terror, his body plagued by the temporary evidence of Lucifer's grisly murders. Plotting the downfall of this invincible killer, Psimon begins having dreams of a lethal confrontation that may mean his own death so he hires Steve Brennus, a former SAS soldier for protection.
Steve Brennus's life is in utter chaos, stricken by a failed business, an injured daughter and a marriage in jeopardy. What he never expects is a business offer from young man claiming a precognitive ability that will have shake the foundation of the scientific and political communities in the U.K. and U.S.A and send agents chasing after them as they prepare to challenge a devil in five days. Can Steve save Psimon or are the visions so real that evil will once again be victorious?
In a plot that follows Psimon's ingenious plan to not only expose his psychic power to a skeptical world but also to bring a serial killer to justice, Peter Flannery builds a powerhouse of tension and emotion with short, exciting chapters where the momentum of the story never slows. Ingeniously he adds subplots, one that revolves around Psimon's intriguing plan to reveal his ability to the world and the other which delves into the psyche of a crazed killer. Yet for all its dark intensity and intrigue there are lighter moments as Psimon and Steve begin building a warm and trusting friendship. Even skeptical Richard Chatham from MI5 lightens the mood when caught between calling his wife and getting involved in a case that peeks his interest. In an atmosphere of violence, death and overwhelming fear, the story radiates stronger elements of bravery, loyalty and unconditional friendship.
Beautifully crafted "First And Only" is a roller-coaster ride that propels the reader into an exciting and terrifying world of suspense and intrigue, and holds them spellbound. Even as events unfold and progress swiftly towards a dramatic and explosive confrontation, the climax gives the reader time to pause, take a deep breath and smile at the satisfying and touching conclusion.
The characters well-developed, realistic and engaging in all their complexity. Psimon is a unique, highly-intelligent individual who's lonely, scared and vulnerable. With a dash of cheekiness, a lot of bravado and an iron will underlying his gentle nature, he's undeniably compelling. Hardened in combat, a skilled strategist Steve Brennus appears tough and violent, hiding a rational, calm and empathetic spirit. Together they forge a friendship that stands unflinching and steadfast against those that would try to separate or kill them.
In a mix of characters that add power, drama and depth to this psychological thrill ride, add a heartless, inhuman and insane murderer. With clever dexterity Peter Flannery has created a terrifying villain who listens to demonic voices, justifies his actions with religious text and is set on a deadly course to cleanse the world of its impurity.
I can't say enough about a novel that I found chilling, but totally mesmerizing. I hope this isn't that last time I'll read about Psimon or Steve Brennus; like the story they are utterly captivating, just as Peter Flannery is an up-and coming author to keep an eye on.
Exceptional first novel. It would be an exceptional 10th novel. The characters are fully developed, plot well paced and intriguing, details were spot on! I couldn't put it down! Psimon and Steve were real without being predictable. Psimon hires Steve to "save" him by killing him but in the end, both men saved each other. Lucifer was dark, creepy and perfectly psychotic. (Dexter would have stalked this guy!) Bravo, Peter Flannery! Can't wait for your next brilliance!
Exceptionally great book. Psimon is the first and only of his kind. He can read minds, move objects, see the future an much more. This book is action packed, fast paced an the mystery keeps you on your toes. It has everything you could ask for and more! I will be keeping an eye out for more of Peter Flannery's books!
Worth every penny ...no doubts a fantastic read!!!!
Absolutely fantastic. This book was recommended to me and when I read the blurb, I thought to myself "I am not going to enjoy this. This really isn't my type of book" but I was incredibly wrong. I would recommend this book to anybody. Absolutely fantastic.
It seems that this is Mr Flannery’s first novel but if it is anything to go by, I hope it’s not his only one. It grips from the start and is an exploration into two minds, one that of a true psychic and the torment that he suffers as a result, and that of his persecutor, the devil on earth from whom our hero flees and yet must one day confront. To assist this he gains the protection of a very sceptical former SAS soldier but their route as they grow closer together takes them to the very top of power in both Britain and the USA. After all, a true psychic would be a huge military asset! But dealing with a psychic is something they had no experience of, and the struggle continues as the day of reckoning with his pursuer draws inevitably and relentlessly closer. A real page turner, and possibly already to be a film.
Absolutely loved reading this book. I truly liked the characters. Of course, I hated the villain. A different twist on a mystery plot and one that leads to great conversation in book groups. Can you imagine the implications if such a person as Psimon lived among us? I wish they would make this one into a movie!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't want to put it down but life got in the way. I feel like I was there with the characters. That's how good the writing was. If you get queasy with graphics then have some crackers handy. It is still worth it.
I was lucky to win an autographed copy of First and Only from a Goodreads Giveaway.
Psimon is psychic. A real psychic with a multitude of various super sensory abilities including precognition. When he was eight, he overheard the confessions of a serial killer and for the next 14 years, both psychic and killer somehow linked as the brutal murders mount and Psimon is the unwitting repository of such demonic visions.
Psimon has foreseen his death in five days time and hires Steve, a former military solider to protect him as he embarks on a journey to reveal his abilities to the world and also as his path with the killer will eventually converge. At the same time, Steve, a skeptic, is dealing with problems of his own; money he and his wife had saved for a business venture stolen by his deadbeat brother in law and his daughter, accidentally injured during Steve's angry outburst.
Psimon is a believable character; kind and sympathetic, young yet cheeky when you least expect it. The best part of the story is Psimon's and Steve's growing bromance and how their relationship develops from a professional one to one of friendship and mutual respect.
The subject matter is dark, inextricably linked with a serial killer's deranged perspective on faith and God and the brutal tortures he subjects his victims to are not for the faint of heart.
The writing is good and though I felt it slow at times, especially during matters when it involved the MI5 and the government (but then I hate politics and anything that deals with government and political matters I feel a veil clouding my vision).
My only caveat is the identity of the killer, who has no personal or emotional ties to Psimon. I feel when the killer has some kind of link to the hero it makes for a more shocking revelation but it may be that I'm just become accustomed to mysteries that have a surprising and unexpected reveal in the end.
Flannery is 2 for 2 with me as I enjoyed this immensely. I prefer Battle Mage, but only because of what type of story it is rather than being inherently better or anything.
The story revolves around three characters: Psimon is a young man with true psychic powers who wants to let the world know that psychics can exist so they can prepare for when the next one comes along. He also met a killer when he was just a boy which leads into our second character, Lucifer. He is a psychotic and delusional person who kills nearly 20 people over the course of his life. He engages in ritual torture with his victims and Psimon shares the experience every time it happens. The third character is Steve, a retired British special forces operative who has fallen on tough times. Psimon reaches out to Steve to be his bodyguard for five days leading up to the point where he has a premonition of dying by Lucifer's hand.
The character naming might not be everybody's cup of tea, but if that's all it takes to turn a person off of a book then it's their loss. They wouldn't have given Robin Hobb's Farseer books a chance either.
This book runs at a breakneck pace. It isn't a long book being a little under 300 pages, but it doesn't even feel that long since the pacing keeps you moving from one thing to the next. From Lucifer's atrocious cleansings to Psimon's elaborate plan being orchestrated over a few days, the reader, like Steve, can't help but be pulled along for the ride.
I can't wait for Mr. Flannery's next book and would recommend this story as well as Battle Mage to anyone and everyone.
Reviews I'd read of this book caught my attention, and I finished it quickly, but I must admit I had to "skim&skip" some of the more graphic depraved violence. It read as if it were an elongated episode of any number of TV crime dramas. Parts of it were good (the relationship between Steve and Psimon, Psimon's clever manipulation of government and military powers, the anguish Steve suffers as a result of accidentally hurting his daughter, Psimon's help to Steve and his family), but parts were not-as-good (Psimon only suffers the agonies of Lucifer's victims, Steve and Psimon quickly bounce back from terrible injuries). The psychotic killer was perhaps too stereotypical: a man (most likely abused by a religious-fanatic father) spends 14 years following orders from voices telling him to kill a rather eclectic series of victims (a kindly priest, various mental health professionals, and psychics). The "first and only" true psychic (Psimon) suffers along with the victims for 14 years before becoming the victim he knew he would always be. He tries to protect himself by hiring a former soldier in need of money.
When Psimmon is a young boy, he hears a man admit to murder before killing the priest he is confessing too.
And thus, the stage is set for First and Only.
Not only did Psimmon hear this confession, Psimmon is an actual, true psychic. And he knows his time on earth is about to end.
So he hires Steve Brennus to guard him. And to kill him.
Brennus's life is in chaos and not in a good place either. And yet, he takes this job to protect Psimmon. He isn't really sure about it at first, but as Psimmon and Brennus run around and bond, Brennus is positive he can save Psimmon without killing him (or allowing him to be killed).
But the man from Psimmon's childhood is still in the picture. And these three lives all converge.
First and Only is a fast-paced book that just flies by. It's a quick read, partially because for most of the book, you won't want to put it down. Though, you'll have to suspend belief and really believe in Psimmon's skills to see the future and all that comes with that. And of course there is evil floating around as well. And I couldn't put it down.
This is a hard one for me to rate because I think the plot is 5⭐ but the execution is 3⭐ I loved Battlemage and the writing in First and Only felt like a step backward, which is understandable since I discovered First And Only was the author's debut. There was too much of Psimon being cryptic through the first half of the book, where simple explanations to Steve would have been more believable. It made Psimon a rather annoying character for me for most of the book, although I warmed toward him in the last bit. It also didn't help that I happen to like persimmons and Psimon's name reminded me of them so once I got that stuck in my head Psimon read as Persimmon for the remainder of the book (this was definitely a 'me' problem though😄). I'd love the author rewrite and re-release this book with the writing experience he has since acquired because I really do think it would be a brilliant nail-biter of a thriller.
The book set around Manchester is an amazing psychological thriller. The way these characters evolve through the book gives real depth. This helps you feel they are real people and that we bear witness to real events. The words of this book holds real suspense. with an epic climax at the end. The fact that we know how it's going to end half way through the book add to the tension. As you think "gosh" I know how it ends !!! But do you really!!! ... ( I'm not giving anything away) The book contains elements of wit and humour from both characters also causing a few arguments causing a weird kinship between the two main characters. These coincide with Psimon's coming of age and a sharp realisation of mistakes steve has made in his life so far!
This is a very superb thriller. A 5 star must read that can't be put down.
oh one more final thing "THIS NOVEL NEEDS TO BE MADE INTO A FILM"
In an alternate universe where the Handful of Women left on the planet are consigned to Throwaway Service Sector Roles, you will be Gripped by the Thrilling Tale of Psimon the Pspoonbender, his Alpha-Male Sidekick Steve, and a Serial Killer with an Unclear Backstory.
If you can get past the fact that all of the characters of consequence are middle-aged white men, this is a decent and well-paced thriller. I look forward to reading more (hopefully more diverse) work by Flannery in the future.
I received my CD version of First and Only by Peter FLannery for free as part of a goodreads giveaway. I listen to audio books as I drive all over San Diego for work during rush hour, meaning many hours.
This book starts with PSimon as an 8 year old and the story expands from here with a psychic connection to a serial killer. It is a thriller, it is a murder tale, it is so much more than that. Character development with relationships with true heart.
First and Only is the story of the first and only psychic in the world. The story starts with an eight year old boy witnessing the brutal murder of his favorite priest. It continues with more brutal murders and tortured by a serial killer. The young boy grows up and feels and experiences the pain of the victims. As a young man, the boy hires a body guard that is tasked with killing him to stop any future murders and tortures. This is a very good book, and I recommend reading it.
Ніхрена не поняв, але дуже цікаво. У історіі багато чого не зрозуміло по сюжету. Хто такий головний злодій і чому у нього ім'я Люцифер? Чи в нього є якись супер скіли? Чому він вбивав всих оцих психіатрів, попів, ще там когось? Хто такий сам Саймон? Чого Люциферу треба було обов'язково вбить свідка, навіть після стількох років? Як Саймон реанімувався у розвязці? Шо оце були за багатоходовочки із оцими капітанами підводних човнів? Тільки для того, шоб взять у них бумажку, шоб у один відповідальний момент Стивена не затримали копіки? На ці і ще на деякі питання я не знайшов відповіді на аудіосторінках цієї аудіокниги. В принципі, воно то і слухаєтсья до кінця тільки з надією, шо нарешті все складеться в одну кучу. Але шось склалося не все. Тому тільки 3. Сцена із БМВ Стівена та байкерами абсурдна. Шо, такий досвідчений S.A.S.івець, як Стивен, і не здогадався до чого це все? Це ж все читається. У цьому місті поржав із фрази "debauchers of anarchy". Мабудь Пітер Фленнері не любить байкерів.
So glad I found this author!!! This book grabbed my attention from start to finish!!! Intense, intriguing, suspenseful and heartfelt story with characters I grew to care about. Well done Peter Flannery!!! I hope the movie captured your story as written. I look forward to reading more of your work. Found this one after reading Battle Mage, truly enjoyed it as well!!!
It was actually nice to be able to listen to someone reading to me rather than me reading to myself for a change. This was the first audio book I have ever listened to. The story was compelling and full of suspense but the voice of the narrator did not do the book the justice it deserved hence the 4 stars rather than 5.
One American in his book he referred to as fat. The other was controlling and arrogant. Does the whole world hate Americans? This author's prejudice is apparent! The book however, is not so bad.... I think for a first book it is good, it would have been interesting on a whole other level had he added depth to the bad guy.
An unusual murder mystery with a bit of mystery: a psychic who is a real psychic (hence the title). Psimon hires Steve to protect him for 5 days and then kill him. Huh? Steve needed the money so why not humor the guy, keep him safe for the 5 days and then forget the last part.
Psimon sees the murders and is tormented by the murderous spirit. He suffers the pain of the victims and dreads the next one. How can he stop the crimes and destroy the killer? Through a series of twists and that involve testing his psychic powers, Psimon leads Steve on an adventure that puts both of their lives as risk.
I was not sure if I would enjoy this book, but I found it surprisingly good. It's about the world's first real psychic. I found Simon a little too good and was very glad that the character Steve was there otherwise it helped keep it from being to predictable. The villain was pretty much a creepy evil archetype.
This is the first book by this author that I have read. and I am so glad I did. This is a great read. I could not put this book down. Read it in two days.. It was the first book that was believable and conceivable concerning psychics. Loved all the characters.
Not my usual cup of tea with psychics and other things that are unreal however I found it surprisingly good. Empathised with both the main characters and whilst you can sort of work out the end, it isn’t written with a deliberate twist. Some great set pieces and fast paced throughout.
This was a great Halloween read. Its main theme really isn't the scary monster that is in the story, not that he isn't a very bad man, but the story of the man that he is chasing after and has threatened to kill by a certain date is much more interesting. Who will win- good or evil? That is really the main theme of the story. and it is a great ride with more than a few surprises along the way.
Honestly the beginning and the ending were one of the best I have ever read. It would not let you put down the book. The only thing that I did not particularly like is the middle was kind of dry. Well more dry than the beginning and the ending. Honestly I would read this book again and you should give this book a try.
If you like fantasy or horror, this is an author to watch. I don’t leave many reviews but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed both his novels! I literally can not wait for his fantasy sequel!
Amazing book. I had just finished reading Battle Mage, and decided to look up the author. Just knowing this same author wrote both was enough to entice me. So well done. Another favorite author! Highly recommend.