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Neogothic
In Neogothic, a Fantasy novella, Rob, a recovering addict turned counselor falls--yet again--into shadow as New York's underworld surfaces at the nexus of three planes of existence, and a DemonLord is pitted against an alliance of humans and Belladoran races--fairies, elves, halflings, dwarves and dragons--in possession of a powerful malevolent relic; and they bet their lives the horrendous maw of malice will self-devour.
83 pages, ebook
First published February 28, 2013
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95 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Jerome Brown
2 books3 followersAnthony is the author of the Fantasy novellas Dragon's Dialogue and Neogothic. He lives in NYC with his wife, two daughters, and two cats. Anthony attained a B.A. in Psychology from Oberlin College, an M.S.W. from Yeshiva University, and a J.D. from Rutgers University.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 15, 2013
I got this e-book free in exchange for an honest review( Lover of Paranormal).
This review may contain spoilers.
Rating 5 of 10
I was really a bit disapointed in that book. The idea was great, really original. But the way it was executed sort of ruined it. My first problem was the fact that everything happened waaaay too fast. There was practically no time to get to know the characters. It was like riding a rollercoaster. I knew time was passing in the book but only because I was told so, I never actually felt it. And the characters didn't seem to develope at all. Would have been nice if we had a better insight of them.
The second major point that bothered me were the dialogues. Or more likely the lack of them. Everything was like one big monologue all the time. Like when Atara was explaining the origins of the species in the book and she kept talking and talking and talking for pages. Sort of I don't believe that Rob won't ask questions and interupt her at least once. Also hate how the characters kept explaining themselves like "I did this and then she did that and after I did something else..." And then there were the repeating of the same things. For example, Atara described how some of the warriors looked like and later when Rob meets them we ger the same description all over again. Or when they were fighting in the club and we got a detailed dscription where the door and the bar and the sofas were and after we get it again like the door is behind Rob's back and so on....
I would have loved to give that book a better rating as the idea is really one of the best I have stumbled upon but it really looked like being written by an amateur, more like a fanfiction than a book... Next time maybe.
This review may contain spoilers.
Rating 5 of 10
I was really a bit disapointed in that book. The idea was great, really original. But the way it was executed sort of ruined it. My first problem was the fact that everything happened waaaay too fast. There was practically no time to get to know the characters. It was like riding a rollercoaster. I knew time was passing in the book but only because I was told so, I never actually felt it. And the characters didn't seem to develope at all. Would have been nice if we had a better insight of them.
The second major point that bothered me were the dialogues. Or more likely the lack of them. Everything was like one big monologue all the time. Like when Atara was explaining the origins of the species in the book and she kept talking and talking and talking for pages. Sort of I don't believe that Rob won't ask questions and interupt her at least once. Also hate how the characters kept explaining themselves like "I did this and then she did that and after I did something else..." And then there were the repeating of the same things. For example, Atara described how some of the warriors looked like and later when Rob meets them we ger the same description all over again. Or when they were fighting in the club and we got a detailed dscription where the door and the bar and the sofas were and after we get it again like the door is behind Rob's back and so on....
I would have loved to give that book a better rating as the idea is really one of the best I have stumbled upon but it really looked like being written by an amateur, more like a fanfiction than a book... Next time maybe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2015
Neogothic is a fantasy story full of humans, faeries, dragons and demons. The story begins in the human world, shortly opening the eyes of the main character (Rob) to fantastical beings that have been present all around. Bad luck has followed him for years. At last, through the gift of a friend, Rob discovers his bad luck is the working of something sinister.
The story reads quickly, moves fast. In fact, there are times where I felt areas could have been expanded on. I thought the characters were too agreeable: especially Rob seemed too quick to accept his situation or destiny. I would have expected more denial or argument. However, there were several action scenes, which was nice.
The highlight of Neogothic, for me, was in the explaining of the beginning of time, of the One Demon, I Am That I Am, etc. This part was especially a fun read, but then I am, at times, partial to origin stories.
Over all, the story is entertaining and, for those with not a lot of time, it is a fast read.
Note: I was given a free electronic copy for review as part of the book of the month discussion.
The story reads quickly, moves fast. In fact, there are times where I felt areas could have been expanded on. I thought the characters were too agreeable: especially Rob seemed too quick to accept his situation or destiny. I would have expected more denial or argument. However, there were several action scenes, which was nice.
The highlight of Neogothic, for me, was in the explaining of the beginning of time, of the One Demon, I Am That I Am, etc. This part was especially a fun read, but then I am, at times, partial to origin stories.
Over all, the story is entertaining and, for those with not a lot of time, it is a fast read.
Note: I was given a free electronic copy for review as part of the book of the month discussion.
July 3, 2013
Up front let me say that I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, here is that review:
Neogothic is a fantasy tale that weaves many fantastical elements like dragons, faeries and demons into the world we know. The story concerns a man who has experienced a pretty rough life and how he gets involved in a world most people aren't aware of.
The story itself is fast paced, a little bit too much so in my opinion. There's a lot of new and strange ideas being thrown around and it would have been nice to let them settle in before throwing the next idea at the reader. It's not a major issue though. The creation myth is well done and probably the highlight of the story.
It's a fun book which I enjoyed reading.
Neogothic is a fantasy tale that weaves many fantastical elements like dragons, faeries and demons into the world we know. The story concerns a man who has experienced a pretty rough life and how he gets involved in a world most people aren't aware of.
The story itself is fast paced, a little bit too much so in my opinion. There's a lot of new and strange ideas being thrown around and it would have been nice to let them settle in before throwing the next idea at the reader. It's not a major issue though. The creation myth is well done and probably the highlight of the story.
It's a fun book which I enjoyed reading.
August 10, 2013
I must not have a sense of humor.
Rob is your typical loser. Can't hold a job. Draws baddies to him like a magnet. And really, that's it.
The characters are one dimensional and the story zig zags incomprehensibly from one weird scene to the next. And let's not forget the big pause in the middle to explain the history of the magical beings in the story. It was like, one moment here's the action, then there's a new chapter barfing up all the backstory I'll ever need. Except by the end I was bored.
So yeah, I did not like this one bit.
And I received a free copy for review!
Rob is your typical loser. Can't hold a job. Draws baddies to him like a magnet. And really, that's it.
The characters are one dimensional and the story zig zags incomprehensibly from one weird scene to the next. And let's not forget the big pause in the middle to explain the history of the magical beings in the story. It was like, one moment here's the action, then there's a new chapter barfing up all the backstory I'll ever need. Except by the end I was bored.
So yeah, I did not like this one bit.
And I received a free copy for review!
May 14, 2013
Won from a librarything.com member giveaway.
A very enjoyable novella. Well written with a whole host of fascinating fun characters. at once you're thrown into a very layered fantasy world. It did take a a while to wrap my head around what was going on but its a quick, easy read. Fantastic world building with a vivid back history and a satisfying conclusion, with a nice coda that could possibly lead to a sequel.
A very enjoyable novella. Well written with a whole host of fascinating fun characters. at once you're thrown into a very layered fantasy world. It did take a a while to wrap my head around what was going on but its a quick, easy read. Fantastic world building with a vivid back history and a satisfying conclusion, with a nice coda that could possibly lead to a sequel.
July 3, 2013
Nice fantasy story explaining the creations of dragons and fairies and how the universe(s) were created. Middle with the history dragged a little and the story would have been much better with a little more character develepment at the begining for the fairies. Decent enough action sequences make for fun read. Enjoyable enough and was a nice way to spend the afternoon in the sun and look forward to reading any type of sequel that might be written.
July 13, 2013
Intense Dark Fantasy… An Interesting Read
Rob chose the worst building one could possible want to have rooms. It was owned by a demon lord. Fortunately, he had a half human, half fairy duo looking out for him.
Neogothic is intense dark fantasy. The story uses all the elements of fantasy to vanquish evil. It’s an interesting read.
Rob chose the worst building one could possible want to have rooms. It was owned by a demon lord. Fortunately, he had a half human, half fairy duo looking out for him.
Neogothic is intense dark fantasy. The story uses all the elements of fantasy to vanquish evil. It’s an interesting read.
August 11, 2013
This cross-genre Paranormal/Urban Fantasy work was amazing! Neogothic's really exciting, very creative and unusual. I loved the powerful female characters! This could be a movie.
June 30, 2013
Robert (Rob) Wright has had a difficult time, even spending a period of time living on the streets. After having gotten back up on his feet, he is now facing potential homelessness again, and he is close to despair. After his last light bulb burns out, he lights a mysterious candle given to him by one of his clients. This candle summons the assistance of a magical creature, Atara, who warns him of impending danger. When Rob stumbles into even greater danger at the club Neogothic, he again calls upon Atara for help. What he discovers is an ancient battle between the forces of darkness and light, and he must fight for his own soul.
The plot has a lot of potential. However, I think that it needs much more development beyond its current 76 pages (epub version). Most of the work was spent recounting the creation myth for Atara's home and subsequent battles between good and evil. There was a lot less emphasis placed on character development. There was quite a bit of repetition, and the dialogue did not flow very naturally. I definitely see this becoming a full-length novel or even perhaps a trilogy.
The plot has a lot of potential. However, I think that it needs much more development beyond its current 76 pages (epub version). Most of the work was spent recounting the creation myth for Atara's home and subsequent battles between good and evil. There was a lot less emphasis placed on character development. There was quite a bit of repetition, and the dialogue did not flow very naturally. I definitely see this becoming a full-length novel or even perhaps a trilogy.
August 26, 2013
Neogothic is an interesting concept which reads, in its current form, like the notes to a much more detailed and longer novel. There is so much more that could be said about the world of Belladora and its rulers. I would have loved a description of the city of Enas Alabar, especially as the main character, Rob, spends two days there waiting. But the description is scant enough that I didn't even form an idea of what it might look like.
I was also unprepared for the action that developed quickly. A little more lead in to Rob's problems both past and current might have prepared me for the sudden fight that erupted in chapter 2! This story will certainly not waste time on extra words as it quickly races ahead, with only one pause as Atara explains the connection between Belladora and Earth.
I would be interested in seeing the story fleshed out more, with deeper characters. The ideas are great and show promise. As it is, Neogothic is great for a quick, action packed read that will not only be enjoyable, but will get you thinking.
I was also unprepared for the action that developed quickly. A little more lead in to Rob's problems both past and current might have prepared me for the sudden fight that erupted in chapter 2! This story will certainly not waste time on extra words as it quickly races ahead, with only one pause as Atara explains the connection between Belladora and Earth.
I would be interested in seeing the story fleshed out more, with deeper characters. The ideas are great and show promise. As it is, Neogothic is great for a quick, action packed read that will not only be enjoyable, but will get you thinking.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews