What do you think?
Rate this book
Life at the Precipice
Best Indie Book Award - Literary Fiction Winner
Leacock Medal for Humour - Long Listed
"The characters in R.F. Vincent's novel are little masterpieces of comic invention . . . Highly, highly recommended" - Vancouver Sun (Tom Sandborn)
"A gripping tale of a man seeking understanding and finding it in an unlikely place." - The British Columbia Review (Sheldon Goldfarb)
In 1959 an earthquake in central Vancouver Island devastated the lakeside community of Pyrite Ridge. The seismic event triggered landslides that isolated the town and killed sixteen people, while a geological anomaly known as a segue caused the lake to drop an astonishing 150 meters. Perched at the precipice of an abyss and cut off from the world by tons of rubble, Pyrite Ridge became a place of myth and lore.
Travis Sivart, an Air Force officer struggling with PTSD, finds a single-page newspaper attached to a red balloon that appears to have originated from Pyrite Ridge, now called The Segway. The headline story about the sighting of a large sea creature in the lake compels Travis to set off on a quest to find the enigmatic town. After an arduous journey he stumbles upon the secluded settlement, which is home to a group of delightfully quirky residents. Travis spends a week in the town, learning of its remarkable history and interacting with the unforgettable inhabitants. Everyone has their own fascinating story of how they came to The Segway, creating an extraordinary tapestry that causes Travis to question his own sanity. Is there a connection between the source of his trauma and the tragic earthquake that struck the region decades earlier? Solving the mystery may be the key to overcoming his personal demons.
Life at the Precipice is a wholly unique blend of drama, mystery, and humour that will captivate readers.
MORE ACCOLADES FOR LIFE AT THE PRECIPICE
NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite - Literary Fiction
Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal Winner - Literary Fiction
The BookLife Prize - Quarter Finalist
Literary Titan Gold Medal Award
Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Recipient
"A captivating literary blend of science and fantasy . . . Readers will find themselves as engaged as the protagonist, and they’ll share his bewilderment with a sense of excitement and wonder.” - Kirkus Reviews (GET IT)
"A fascinating novel that will pull you swiftly into its world and then hold you completely. Un-put-downable." - Bookview Review (Recommended Gold Badge Review)
"Life at the Precipice by R F Vincent is an immediate drop into fantasy and a masterclass in subverting a reader's expectations and inviting them instead to consider the limitations of their own perceptions and interpretations. " - Readers' Favorite (Five Star Review)
"Life at the Precipice is at times funny and absurdist, at others moving and deeply human, and in its entirety filled with a sense of memorable wonder." - The Fiction Fox
"Surreal, fascinating, threaded with humor, and a wonderfully bizarre array of quirky characters, Vincent has produced a stunning novel, full of imagination, originality, and pathos." - IndieReader
"Northern Exposure, but make it smaller, more remote, and quirkier." - Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Fantastic read! Funny in all the right places, and gripping to the last page." - Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I am speechless! What a mystical, fascinating tale." - Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"It reads like a true story but it is just a great story with some great characters. I wish it were real or maybe it is . . . ? - Amazon Customer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I’ve just finished Life at the Precipice by R. F. Vincent and I found it to be such an incredible read. Vincent mixes facts, fiction and fantasy deftly to share the story of a man haunted by his past who eventually comes to accept it and move beyond it." - Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Well written, fantastically entertaining, full of insights and surprises, and includes a cast of true 'characters' who you'll find quirky and lovable. Anybody up for an adventure?" - Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Leacock Medal for Humour - Long Listed
"The characters in R.F. Vincent's novel are little masterpieces of comic invention . . . Highly, highly recommended" - Vancouver Sun (Tom Sandborn)
"A gripping tale of a man seeking understanding and finding it in an unlikely place." - The British Columbia Review (Sheldon Goldfarb)
In 1959 an earthquake in central Vancouver Island devastated the lakeside community of Pyrite Ridge. The seismic event triggered landslides that isolated the town and killed sixteen people, while a geological anomaly known as a segue caused the lake to drop an astonishing 150 meters. Perched at the precipice of an abyss and cut off from the world by tons of rubble, Pyrite Ridge became a place of myth and lore.
Travis Sivart, an Air Force officer struggling with PTSD, finds a single-page newspaper attached to a red balloon that appears to have originated from Pyrite Ridge, now called The Segway. The headline story about the sighting of a large sea creature in the lake compels Travis to set off on a quest to find the enigmatic town. After an arduous journey he stumbles upon the secluded settlement, which is home to a group of delightfully quirky residents. Travis spends a week in the town, learning of its remarkable history and interacting with the unforgettable inhabitants. Everyone has their own fascinating story of how they came to The Segway, creating an extraordinary tapestry that causes Travis to question his own sanity. Is there a connection between the source of his trauma and the tragic earthquake that struck the region decades earlier? Solving the mystery may be the key to overcoming his personal demons.
Life at the Precipice is a wholly unique blend of drama, mystery, and humour that will captivate readers.
MORE ACCOLADES FOR LIFE AT THE PRECIPICE
NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite - Literary Fiction
Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal Winner - Literary Fiction
The BookLife Prize - Quarter Finalist
Literary Titan Gold Medal Award
Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Recipient
"A captivating literary blend of science and fantasy . . . Readers will find themselves as engaged as the protagonist, and they’ll share his bewilderment with a sense of excitement and wonder.” - Kirkus Reviews (GET IT)
"A fascinating novel that will pull you swiftly into its world and then hold you completely. Un-put-downable." - Bookview Review (Recommended Gold Badge Review)
"Life at the Precipice by R F Vincent is an immediate drop into fantasy and a masterclass in subverting a reader's expectations and inviting them instead to consider the limitations of their own perceptions and interpretations. " - Readers' Favorite (Five Star Review)
"Life at the Precipice is at times funny and absurdist, at others moving and deeply human, and in its entirety filled with a sense of memorable wonder." - The Fiction Fox
"Surreal, fascinating, threaded with humor, and a wonderfully bizarre array of quirky characters, Vincent has produced a stunning novel, full of imagination, originality, and pathos." - IndieReader
"Northern Exposure, but make it smaller, more remote, and quirkier." - Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Fantastic read! Funny in all the right places, and gripping to the last page." - Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I am speechless! What a mystical, fascinating tale." - Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"It reads like a true story but it is just a great story with some great characters. I wish it were real or maybe it is . . . ? - Amazon Customer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I’ve just finished Life at the Precipice by R. F. Vincent and I found it to be such an incredible read. Vincent mixes facts, fiction and fantasy deftly to share the story of a man haunted by his past who eventually comes to accept it and move beyond it." - Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Well written, fantastically entertaining, full of insights and surprises, and includes a cast of true 'characters' who you'll find quirky and lovable. Anybody up for an adventure?" - Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- GenresFictionLiterary Fiction
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2023
About the author
R.F. Vincent
2 books73 followersR. F. (Ron) Vincent is an award-winning author. His novel, Life at the Precipice, won the 2023 Best Indie Book Award for literary fiction and was long listed for the prestigious Leacock Medal for Humour. His new novel, The Girl with Autumn Eyes, is a heartwarming romantic comedy that breaks the mold. In addition to writing groundbreaking fiction, he is a professor of Physics and Space Science at the Royal Military College of Canada. He lives in Kingston, Ontario with his wife, JoAnne.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 13, 2023
Life at the Precipice by R.F. Vincent is not what I expected when I picked it for a December read. As usual with my spontaneous picks, the cover caught my attention and dragged me in for a closer look at the description. The blurb describes a desolate location in Vancouver Island that's been cut off from civilization by earthquakes. Sounds like this should be an intense read, doesn't it? Especially this line, "During his week-long stay in the extraordinary town, Travis uncovers a perplexing connection between the source of his trauma and the tragic earthquake that struck the region decades earlier. Solving the puzzle may be the key to overcoming his inner demons."
Contrary to my usual reaction to books not being what I expect, I was so glad this one was different! Life at the Precipice is like no story I could have ever imagined on my own.
Travis Sivart is an Air Force officer with a strong science background. His initial trip to The Segway (the little town cut off from civilization) was to investigate the seismic activity and the resulting changes in the area. The story begins reading like a scientific journal. Then we begin to meet the residents of The Segway and oh ... my ... heart! I fell in love with these quirky characters. They end up teaching Travis so much about the world and about himself. I can't even describe how thoroughly I enjoyed this book. I was so disappointed when it ended because I knew my little visit in The Segway was over.
I received an electronic copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. I will be buying a physical copy to keep on my bookshelf so I can visit with these characters again and again. I loved them that much. R.F. Vincent created something very special here. I'm not surprised at all that it's an award-winning book! I've been telling everyone I know they should read it. That includes you! I give Life at the Precipice five out of five quirky yet bright and shining stars. This book moved me.
Contrary to my usual reaction to books not being what I expect, I was so glad this one was different! Life at the Precipice is like no story I could have ever imagined on my own.
Travis Sivart is an Air Force officer with a strong science background. His initial trip to The Segway (the little town cut off from civilization) was to investigate the seismic activity and the resulting changes in the area. The story begins reading like a scientific journal. Then we begin to meet the residents of The Segway and oh ... my ... heart! I fell in love with these quirky characters. They end up teaching Travis so much about the world and about himself. I can't even describe how thoroughly I enjoyed this book. I was so disappointed when it ended because I knew my little visit in The Segway was over.
I received an electronic copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. I will be buying a physical copy to keep on my bookshelf so I can visit with these characters again and again. I loved them that much. R.F. Vincent created something very special here. I'm not surprised at all that it's an award-winning book! I've been telling everyone I know they should read it. That includes you! I give Life at the Precipice five out of five quirky yet bright and shining stars. This book moved me.
December 9, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up
R.F. Vincent’s debut novel is wonderful. Literally…
It combines elements of literary-, speculative fiction, humor and beautiful character-work, and casts it in the mold of a fictional scientific travel log/tourist-guide to create something I’ve never read before, but couldn’t stop thinking about. It’s a wholly unique combination that sounds like it shouldn’t work, but Vincent pulls it off. Life at the Precipice is at times funny and absurdist, at others moving and deeply human, and in its entirety filled with a sense of memorable wonder.
Synopsis:
In 1959 an earthquake in central Vancouver Island devastated the lakeside community of Pyrite Ridge and triggered a landslide that cut the town off from the rest of the world. Now perched on the precipice of a yawning sinkhole and separated from the world by a wall of rubble, the town became a place of myth and lore.
We follow Travis Sivart, a geophycisist and ex-military pilot battling PTSD, as he embarks on a weeklong research-trip to investigate the scientific truth behind these strange myths. In particular, the rumoured appearance of the towns very own Lake Monster nicknamed Seggie. Along the way, he meets a host of eccentric characters, each with their own fascinating story of how they came to The Segway. Through his research-journal and travel-log, we gain a unique insight into the town, its people and Travis’ own history.
What I loved:
The novel's format was what originally drew me to it, and it didn’t disappoint in its execution. Life at the Precipice reads almost like a non-fiction regional guide, mixed with a scientific journal. It includes maps, diagrams, drawings and footnotes that bring the story and its setting to life, beyond what a typical novel-format would allow.
Pyrite Ridge jumps off the page, and feels like a place you might actually visit. I would personally love to, as it brims with equal parts mystery, quirk and charm. Each character reads like a person with their own history and life story, which adds a level of immersion and depth to the place.
Some of the aspects of the town seem almost whimsical: impossibly impractical architecture, characters working unlikely careers and the hinted presence of creatures like Bigfoot and Seggie hidden in the surrounding wilderness… At other times, parallels drawn to Travis’ own life make the events in town almost more than real.
The key-word in this all is balance. R.F. Vincent manages to balance his various chosen elements to near-perfection. Fact vs myth, community vs isolation, layered allegory vs whimsical entertainment, light-hearted humor vs the true emotional gut-punch that Travis’ own confrontation with his past brings…
What I didn’t love:
My single point of critique comes down to a personal dislike. It’s mentioned in the synopsis that Travis suffers from PTSD, but the nature of his trauma is only “revealed” as a sort of twist at the end. That trope often relies on forced amnesia from the protagonist, and can very easily slip into the territory of using the traumatic event as a “thrilling revelation”, which is risky. In this case, it was done in good faith and taste, so it didn’t bother me, but I can’t say I wasn’t nervous for a second.
Overall, I highly recommend Life at the Precipice It feels like too much of its own thing to give you a single decent comp-title. It has the character-work and emotional development you’d find in any quality small-town-literary fiction-novel of your choice (I’m thinking Snow Falling on Cedars, but that’s probably just the similar cover…). Then add to that the format of “fiction-masquerading-non-fiction/travel-account” of City of Saints and Madmen and the humor and absurdist charm of the setting of Welcome to Night Vale, and I think you might be close.
Many thanks to the author, FriesenPress and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
R.F. Vincent’s debut novel is wonderful. Literally…
It combines elements of literary-, speculative fiction, humor and beautiful character-work, and casts it in the mold of a fictional scientific travel log/tourist-guide to create something I’ve never read before, but couldn’t stop thinking about. It’s a wholly unique combination that sounds like it shouldn’t work, but Vincent pulls it off. Life at the Precipice is at times funny and absurdist, at others moving and deeply human, and in its entirety filled with a sense of memorable wonder.
Synopsis:
In 1959 an earthquake in central Vancouver Island devastated the lakeside community of Pyrite Ridge and triggered a landslide that cut the town off from the rest of the world. Now perched on the precipice of a yawning sinkhole and separated from the world by a wall of rubble, the town became a place of myth and lore.
We follow Travis Sivart, a geophycisist and ex-military pilot battling PTSD, as he embarks on a weeklong research-trip to investigate the scientific truth behind these strange myths. In particular, the rumoured appearance of the towns very own Lake Monster nicknamed Seggie. Along the way, he meets a host of eccentric characters, each with their own fascinating story of how they came to The Segway. Through his research-journal and travel-log, we gain a unique insight into the town, its people and Travis’ own history.
What I loved:
The novel's format was what originally drew me to it, and it didn’t disappoint in its execution. Life at the Precipice reads almost like a non-fiction regional guide, mixed with a scientific journal. It includes maps, diagrams, drawings and footnotes that bring the story and its setting to life, beyond what a typical novel-format would allow.
Pyrite Ridge jumps off the page, and feels like a place you might actually visit. I would personally love to, as it brims with equal parts mystery, quirk and charm. Each character reads like a person with their own history and life story, which adds a level of immersion and depth to the place.
Some of the aspects of the town seem almost whimsical: impossibly impractical architecture, characters working unlikely careers and the hinted presence of creatures like Bigfoot and Seggie hidden in the surrounding wilderness… At other times, parallels drawn to Travis’ own life make the events in town almost more than real.
The key-word in this all is balance. R.F. Vincent manages to balance his various chosen elements to near-perfection. Fact vs myth, community vs isolation, layered allegory vs whimsical entertainment, light-hearted humor vs the true emotional gut-punch that Travis’ own confrontation with his past brings…
What I didn’t love:
My single point of critique comes down to a personal dislike. It’s mentioned in the synopsis that Travis suffers from PTSD, but the nature of his trauma is only “revealed” as a sort of twist at the end. That trope often relies on forced amnesia from the protagonist, and can very easily slip into the territory of using the traumatic event as a “thrilling revelation”, which is risky. In this case, it was done in good faith and taste, so it didn’t bother me, but I can’t say I wasn’t nervous for a second.
Overall, I highly recommend Life at the Precipice It feels like too much of its own thing to give you a single decent comp-title. It has the character-work and emotional development you’d find in any quality small-town-literary fiction-novel of your choice (I’m thinking Snow Falling on Cedars, but that’s probably just the similar cover…). Then add to that the format of “fiction-masquerading-non-fiction/travel-account” of City of Saints and Madmen and the humor and absurdist charm of the setting of Welcome to Night Vale, and I think you might be close.
Many thanks to the author, FriesenPress and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 28, 2024
Northern Exposure, but make it smaller, more remote, and quirkier.
More thoughts to follow.
More thoughts to follow.
September 1, 2023
I am speechless! What a mystical, fascinating tale.
What I initially felt was purely whimsical fantasy morphed into scientific abstract and back again with grace, blending the two in varying percentages throughout.
The inhabitants of The Segway are quirky, mysterious, and heartfelt.
The location of The Segway is a geological wonder.
~ My immense thanks to the author and BookSirens for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. ~
What I initially felt was purely whimsical fantasy morphed into scientific abstract and back again with grace, blending the two in varying percentages throughout.
The inhabitants of The Segway are quirky, mysterious, and heartfelt.
The location of The Segway is a geological wonder.
~ My immense thanks to the author and BookSirens for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. ~
September 22, 2023
I’ve just finished Life at the Precipice by R. F. Vincent and I found it to be such an incredible read. Vincent mixes facts, fiction and fantasy deftly to share the story of a man haunted by his past who eventually comes to accept it and move beyond it.
The setting of the story is a tiny mountainous spot on Vancouver Island. Deep Gorge, a glacial lake provided the town of Pyrite Ridge with fresh water but after a couple of earthquakes the lake dropped 150 meters, and landslides separated it from the rest of the world. Theory was that the first seismic event led to the creation of a segue which allowed the lake waters to flow thru a conduit into the Pacific Ocean. The town literally now sits on the edge of a precipice with the lake far below. It is secluded from the rest of the world. It became known as the Segway. A few residents remained and a few more have joined them over the years, but suffice it to say the region has generated many accounts of strange and mystical occurrences as well as weird scientific phenomena.
The main character Travis Sivart is a geophycisist, Canadian Armed Forces air navigator and specializes in underwater acoustics. After a horrible event during a search and rescue mission for a ship called the Northward Bound in which 16 people aboard lost their lives, Travis feels at fault and cannot move beyond it. It haunts him. He decides to search for the Segway and carries out scientific research there involving strange occurrences which include the appearance of a creature in the lake much like the Loch Ness Monster. What follows is a nine day expedition in the area and Travis’s notes based on his experiences and interviews with the folks he meets.
I loved the strange and eclectic mix of characters. Vincent did a wonderful job describing them, their peculiarities, and the important part each character played in making the town whole. I especially loved the Unkempt Poet, Moll and Paul, Jub, Sarah the mysterious girl of the mountain and Travis himself.
The setting was wild and sometimes unfriendly but beautiful. Very remote and yet the town had a cohesiveness which was incredible. The architecture of the buildings was fabulous, the roles each person played were unique and the lake itself seemed alive at times.
The author is a scientist and he brought that knowledge to the story as we learned about Travis and his career in naval search and rescue and underwater acoustics. Though technical, the information was presented clearly.
Finally it was fulfilling to see Travis come to terms with his overwhelming grief and guilt and know that he was able to move past it. I was drawn to his character, his soft and polite way of interviewing the townsfolk and the deep sadness he held inside. I felt an emotional connection to his suffering as he was forced to meet and deal with his demons head on.
This was a great novel and I’ll look forward to more by R. F. Vincent. I received this advanced reader copy for free for this honest review. Thank you.
The setting of the story is a tiny mountainous spot on Vancouver Island. Deep Gorge, a glacial lake provided the town of Pyrite Ridge with fresh water but after a couple of earthquakes the lake dropped 150 meters, and landslides separated it from the rest of the world. Theory was that the first seismic event led to the creation of a segue which allowed the lake waters to flow thru a conduit into the Pacific Ocean. The town literally now sits on the edge of a precipice with the lake far below. It is secluded from the rest of the world. It became known as the Segway. A few residents remained and a few more have joined them over the years, but suffice it to say the region has generated many accounts of strange and mystical occurrences as well as weird scientific phenomena.
The main character Travis Sivart is a geophycisist, Canadian Armed Forces air navigator and specializes in underwater acoustics. After a horrible event during a search and rescue mission for a ship called the Northward Bound in which 16 people aboard lost their lives, Travis feels at fault and cannot move beyond it. It haunts him. He decides to search for the Segway and carries out scientific research there involving strange occurrences which include the appearance of a creature in the lake much like the Loch Ness Monster. What follows is a nine day expedition in the area and Travis’s notes based on his experiences and interviews with the folks he meets.
I loved the strange and eclectic mix of characters. Vincent did a wonderful job describing them, their peculiarities, and the important part each character played in making the town whole. I especially loved the Unkempt Poet, Moll and Paul, Jub, Sarah the mysterious girl of the mountain and Travis himself.
The setting was wild and sometimes unfriendly but beautiful. Very remote and yet the town had a cohesiveness which was incredible. The architecture of the buildings was fabulous, the roles each person played were unique and the lake itself seemed alive at times.
The author is a scientist and he brought that knowledge to the story as we learned about Travis and his career in naval search and rescue and underwater acoustics. Though technical, the information was presented clearly.
Finally it was fulfilling to see Travis come to terms with his overwhelming grief and guilt and know that he was able to move past it. I was drawn to his character, his soft and polite way of interviewing the townsfolk and the deep sadness he held inside. I felt an emotional connection to his suffering as he was forced to meet and deal with his demons head on.
This was a great novel and I’ll look forward to more by R. F. Vincent. I received this advanced reader copy for free for this honest review. Thank you.
December 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Presented like a documentary, it's loaded with scientific background on geology, airplanes, satellites, sonar, radar, ocean temperatures, and strange sections of the arctic ocean that never freeze. The narrator interviews most of the residents of a tiny, 30 person town, perched precariously on a 150 meter cliff, backed against a sheer mountain wall and boxed in by two landslides. The residents are all very eccentric, but unbelievably respectful of one another and all their idiosyncrasies. It turns out the narrator himself is deeply caught in a traumatic event, and something about this strange town and it's people is very therapeutic for him. The location is so difficult to find and reach, and unappealingly barren, a person would need a very strong motivation to live there. As you meet each resident, you learn why they are there, and become sympathetic toward them. The story comes to a nice, satisfying conclusion.
October 14, 2023
"Life at the Precipice" is a captivating blend of historical tragedy and contemporary exploration that takes readers on a unique journey filled with mystery, eccentric characters, and personal discovery. The narrative beautifully weaves together the devastating earthquake of 1959 in Pyrite Ridge and the modern-day adventures of Travis Sivart, an Air Force officer battling PTSD.
The author's ability to seamlessly merge fact, fiction, and popular science creates a narrative that is both informative and engaging. Readers will find themselves immersed in the story, exploring the town now known as The Segway and its delightful yet enigmatic inhabitants. Each character brings a fascinating tale of their own, adding depth and richness to the narrative.
As Travis delves deeper into the town's history and the peculiar connection between his own trauma and the seismic event of 1959, readers will be on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the secrets hidden within The Segway. The story masterfully explores the concept of facing one's inner demons and the transformative power of self-discovery.
"Life at the Precipice" is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that will appeal to a wide range of readers, from those interested in history and science to those who simply enjoy a well-crafted and immersive story. It's a book that seamlessly combines drama and humor, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who ventures into the enigmatic world of Pyrite Ridge.
The author's ability to seamlessly merge fact, fiction, and popular science creates a narrative that is both informative and engaging. Readers will find themselves immersed in the story, exploring the town now known as The Segway and its delightful yet enigmatic inhabitants. Each character brings a fascinating tale of their own, adding depth and richness to the narrative.
As Travis delves deeper into the town's history and the peculiar connection between his own trauma and the seismic event of 1959, readers will be on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the secrets hidden within The Segway. The story masterfully explores the concept of facing one's inner demons and the transformative power of self-discovery.
"Life at the Precipice" is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that will appeal to a wide range of readers, from those interested in history and science to those who simply enjoy a well-crafted and immersive story. It's a book that seamlessly combines drama and humor, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who ventures into the enigmatic world of Pyrite Ridge.
December 3, 2023
There are few books whereby you can honestly say “that’s different” but this is one of them. Of course, different doesn’t equate with excellence. But this is a good book that keeps you reading right to the end, even though you can see where it is going towards the beginning of the end. At the start of the book and well through it, though, you are saying to yourself what is this and , more significantly, is this fiction or based on real events or what? The author clearly knows his stuff in relation to science and aircraft usage but still… is it true or what? An ex-airman is traumatised by failure to rescue a merchant ship in distress. Lives are lost. Guilt mounts up. Can the airman assuage that guilt? In an attempt to do so the airman visits a cut-off community and the characters he meets there are a cornerstone of this book. They are a weird and wonderful bunch. Are they all what they appear superficially? Are they all real? There are elements of the surreal and of fantasy in this story. I found some bits of the science and of the aircraft descriptions a tad too lengthy - yes, the author clearly knows his stuff but do we need to learn some of the in-depth details? Probably not. However, that is nit-picking. Overall, a cracking read and strongly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you BookSirens.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you BookSirens.
January 24, 2026
Northern Exposure meets North of Sixty with a healthy dash if Corner Gas. The characters were, for the most part, delightfully quirky (as one would expect characters who choose to live in a community not found on a map) but grounded. They all knew exactly why they had gone there and why they stayed. It is a spiritual book, focused on individual experiences and individual reasons for why they come to The Segue. I am not scientifically minded, so the detailed explanations of physics and aerodynamics, while interesting, lost me and I found myself scanning over these parts quickly. This is definitely a ‘me’ problem as anyone else with an interest or background in physics would be absorbed by this. I am going to purchase another RF Vincent book based on the rich storytelling of this one.
December 20, 2025
Wonderful
Wasn't sure at first what to make of this book but deeper I got in to it,I couldn't put it down.I truly enjoyed the story and the quirky characters in it.Really good story telling.
Wasn't sure at first what to make of this book but deeper I got in to it,I couldn't put it down.I truly enjoyed the story and the quirky characters in it.Really good story telling.
June 11, 2025
Weird but great
It reads like a true story but it is just a great story with some great characters. I wish it were real or maybe it is….?
It reads like a true story but it is just a great story with some great characters. I wish it were real or maybe it is….?
June 17, 2025
Fantastic read! Funny in all the right places, and gripping to the last page.
August 30, 2025
Very strange.
July 1, 2025
I couldn't get into this book at all. I doubt I got through 10%, definitely not my cup of tea
May 16, 2026
Yes it took me a month to get through this, as I only read it in bed on my phone before sleep. I thought it was a well written work of fiction that was so full of technical detail that i wondered at times if there weren’t elements of truth in it. The characters that populated the fictional town of “The Segway”somewhere on Vancouver Island, were all a bit bizarre but very colourful and fun to read about. There was a warmth in the writing, also detected in the previous novel by this author, “The Girl With the Autumn Eyes”. I enjoyed the novel, even though I stretched it out over so many days.
January 9, 2024
Travis Sivart is an Air Force navigation officer with a Ph.D. in Physics. Horribly distraught over a failed rescue mission where lives were lost, he finds himself needing to go on leave to reevaluate his life. Around this time, he finds a red balloon attached to a newspaper in a plastic bag about a place called The Segway. Curiosity sends him in search of this place. Once he finds it, he starts exploring and interviewing the eccentric residents. There are 29 to 30 people still residing there.
There is a reason for the number not being decided. The Segway village sits high up on a precipice overlooking Segway Lake. There are seventeen unique buildings around the village and across the lake. Some are more recently built by a local architect. The ones across the lake must be accessed by a perilous rope suspension bridge. The lake is so far down from the precipice because of a major earthquake that occurred in 1959. Sixteen lives were lost, and the lake level dropped drastically. This was believed to be caused by a segue, an unusual geological event, that leads out to the ocean.
It is believed that there is a sea monster in this lake. The town was abandoned after the earthquake, but in time a few people returned. Many were new faces that were led by the red balloons carrying articles about this interesting place. Travis spends a week here and tries to learn as much as he can about the inhabitants, the monster, and the amazing dwellings. In doing so, he also gains some insight into himself.
While on vacation at home, I totally enjoyed escaping from my mundane reality into this amazing tale called, “Life on the Precipice” by R.F. Vincent. This story takes place in a fictional area in Canada. The protagonist is a well-educated young man who also needs a break from his reality. He is likable, and I enjoyed seeing this unique place with its quirky characters through his eyes. The supporting characters all have their own stories about why they ended up in this place. I enjoyed Vincent taking us into their pasts so that we could see why they ended up there, and how they chose their roles to play in this community. I also liked that there was a mysterious character who might not really exist.
The place is well described as are the unique structures. Like the residents, each has its own story of why it was created. The author also provides diagrams of the buildings and the surrounding area. The lake itself is interesting because it has so many questions surrounding it, including that of the mysterious sea monster. The addition of the belief about the segue adds to the mystery. The history of this place is also quite interesting and somewhat believable. It is evident that the author ties in scientific knowledge from his own personal education and experience to help create this place and in some way make it seem more realistic.
In conclusion, “Life at the Precipice” by R.F. Vincent is an exceptionally well-written science fiction tale that seamlessly blends scientific concepts with a fantastic narrative. The characters are multidimensional and fun to follow. There were plenty of heartwarming moments, but there were also some times when I caught myself laughing out loud. This is a must-read for fans of the science fiction genre, who also enjoy a bit of humor and intrigue.
There is a reason for the number not being decided. The Segway village sits high up on a precipice overlooking Segway Lake. There are seventeen unique buildings around the village and across the lake. Some are more recently built by a local architect. The ones across the lake must be accessed by a perilous rope suspension bridge. The lake is so far down from the precipice because of a major earthquake that occurred in 1959. Sixteen lives were lost, and the lake level dropped drastically. This was believed to be caused by a segue, an unusual geological event, that leads out to the ocean.
It is believed that there is a sea monster in this lake. The town was abandoned after the earthquake, but in time a few people returned. Many were new faces that were led by the red balloons carrying articles about this interesting place. Travis spends a week here and tries to learn as much as he can about the inhabitants, the monster, and the amazing dwellings. In doing so, he also gains some insight into himself.
While on vacation at home, I totally enjoyed escaping from my mundane reality into this amazing tale called, “Life on the Precipice” by R.F. Vincent. This story takes place in a fictional area in Canada. The protagonist is a well-educated young man who also needs a break from his reality. He is likable, and I enjoyed seeing this unique place with its quirky characters through his eyes. The supporting characters all have their own stories about why they ended up in this place. I enjoyed Vincent taking us into their pasts so that we could see why they ended up there, and how they chose their roles to play in this community. I also liked that there was a mysterious character who might not really exist.
The place is well described as are the unique structures. Like the residents, each has its own story of why it was created. The author also provides diagrams of the buildings and the surrounding area. The lake itself is interesting because it has so many questions surrounding it, including that of the mysterious sea monster. The addition of the belief about the segue adds to the mystery. The history of this place is also quite interesting and somewhat believable. It is evident that the author ties in scientific knowledge from his own personal education and experience to help create this place and in some way make it seem more realistic.
In conclusion, “Life at the Precipice” by R.F. Vincent is an exceptionally well-written science fiction tale that seamlessly blends scientific concepts with a fantastic narrative. The characters are multidimensional and fun to follow. There were plenty of heartwarming moments, but there were also some times when I caught myself laughing out loud. This is a must-read for fans of the science fiction genre, who also enjoy a bit of humor and intrigue.
May 23, 2024
Life at the Precipice is a book like no other. It provides an interesting diversion from the type of book I normally read. Be prepared for an exciting adventure into the wilds of British Columbia. You will find a host of idiosyncratic (and sometimes bizarre) characters, who live in the most out-of-the-way village called Pyrite Ridge, in homemamde accommodations that are exotic, funky and wacky.
Vincent has masterfully created the world of Travis Sivart that seems strangely real in its offbeat fashion. It reads alternately like sci-fi, history, real life, and fiction. They all blend well. We learn what it's like to perform dangerous search and rescue missions out of Comox, BC. My husband thoroughly enjoyed reading this book also, and he is hard-to-please.
I would highly recommend this Award-winning book, so be sure to add it to your summer reading list.
Vincent has masterfully created the world of Travis Sivart that seems strangely real in its offbeat fashion. It reads alternately like sci-fi, history, real life, and fiction. They all blend well. We learn what it's like to perform dangerous search and rescue missions out of Comox, BC. My husband thoroughly enjoyed reading this book also, and he is hard-to-please.
I would highly recommend this Award-winning book, so be sure to add it to your summer reading list.
November 24, 2023
This was an incredible book. I was a bit disappointed when I figured out it was fiction. It read like a true account but no, it’s all made up.
It’s a great story and very well written. The characters were quirky but believable. People who live off the grid tend to be different and Segway is as off the grid as it gets. I enjoyed meeting the different residents and learning their backstories. They seemed like real people to me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
It’s a great story and very well written. The characters were quirky but believable. People who live off the grid tend to be different and Segway is as off the grid as it gets. I enjoyed meeting the different residents and learning their backstories. They seemed like real people to me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
January 2, 2025
A very enjoyable read! I highly recommend RF Vincent’s book Life at the Precipice. I was impressed by his creative writing style, which combines facts, myth and humour. Mr Vincent does a great job of describing the eccentric, but very likable inhabitants of the town. He makes us, the reader, feel we are visiting the town, along with the main character, Travis Sivart. I am looking forward to his next book.
April 1, 2024
I really like lots of the books I read, but I can honestly say I LOVED THIS BOOK. The way Mr. Vincent combined his knowledge of flying and physics, along with history of what The Segway used to be as a gold mining town was amazing. All the characters had names which reflected their personality as did their homes. It is a perfect combination of fact and fiction.
January 15, 2024
I received a signed copy of this book in a giveaway through Goodreads
I enjoyed this book
I enjoyed this book
December 17, 2024
I'm always a sucker for a book description that says lots of 'quirky' characters, but this one was just over the top with weirdness. I could not get into it at all.
June 14, 2025
3.5 raised to 4 stars. Life at the Precipice has won several Literary and Humour awards and much critical acclaim. It is a difficult book to categorize. It is presented as a documentary containing some facts and footnotes, and as a memoir included in a journal by a person researching this isolated town and its fascinating, bizarre inhabitants. The Book contains fantasy, hints of the supernatural, complex scientific and technical information, humour, pathos, and human drama.
The town of Segway is set in a remote part of the Vancouver Island wilderness. Following an earthquake in 1959, it became more isolated and challenging to reach. Forests, mountains, and landslides hide it. The earthquake killed sixteen people, and many others moved away. By 2003, the population ranged from 29 to 30 residents, as one may not exist. The residents are all charmingly eccentric and quirky.
According to folklore, the town was once the centre of a gold rush. It was named Pirate Ridge to scare further prospectors away. Only pyrite (fool's gold) was found, so its name was Pyrite Ridge until the earthquake, when it assumed its present name of Segway. A seismic event (segue) caused its lake to drop 150 metres. This resulted in the settlement perched on a precipice overlooking an abyss. It is now cut off from the rest of the world by landslides, downed trees, unmapped wilderness, and rubble.
Two village inhabitants are architects who have designed unique homes based on people's preferences, personalities, and work, but lack practicality. There is a museum in a crashed plane. A writer's home resembles a book, a religious cancer survivor's house is in the form of an upright cross,
Another home resembles a ship. The most unusual is the long-standing Nest, built around a treetop from personal objects. Another house is shaped like a Spider, with a central common area and branching out with eight hallways that end in living areas. This was built for The Group of Seven Minus Four.
Travis Silvart is a former Canadian Air Force pilot with a Phd in geophysics. He suffers from guilt over his military service. He specializes in underwater acoustics and oceanography. One day, he found the town's one-page newspaper, The the Segway News ( not a misprint; they have their own rules of grammar), attached to a red balloon. At regular intervals, the town publishes 80 copies of their paper, 30 for the residents, and launch the remaining into the wind carried by balloons. This method has brought new people to the town, and some decide to stay. The page found by Travis describes the sighting of a legendary sea creature, Seggie, in the sunken lake. Travis decides to visit the town, record its history, and interview the fascinating townspeople in his journal, hoping to write a book. His search for Segway is arduous, but he reaches it and plans to stay for one week.
I found the long, complex sections explaining various branches of science and technology tedious and challenging to follow, but they were probably accurate. Oh! I loved his interactions and conversations with the quirky inhabitants and hated seeing Travis's time with them end. His description of the people, their backgrounds, why they came to Segway, and why they chose their new names was fascinating. This could be presented as a humorous character study itself.
The author includes helpful maps and sketches of some of the homes.
The town of Segway is set in a remote part of the Vancouver Island wilderness. Following an earthquake in 1959, it became more isolated and challenging to reach. Forests, mountains, and landslides hide it. The earthquake killed sixteen people, and many others moved away. By 2003, the population ranged from 29 to 30 residents, as one may not exist. The residents are all charmingly eccentric and quirky.
According to folklore, the town was once the centre of a gold rush. It was named Pirate Ridge to scare further prospectors away. Only pyrite (fool's gold) was found, so its name was Pyrite Ridge until the earthquake, when it assumed its present name of Segway. A seismic event (segue) caused its lake to drop 150 metres. This resulted in the settlement perched on a precipice overlooking an abyss. It is now cut off from the rest of the world by landslides, downed trees, unmapped wilderness, and rubble.
Two village inhabitants are architects who have designed unique homes based on people's preferences, personalities, and work, but lack practicality. There is a museum in a crashed plane. A writer's home resembles a book, a religious cancer survivor's house is in the form of an upright cross,
Another home resembles a ship. The most unusual is the long-standing Nest, built around a treetop from personal objects. Another house is shaped like a Spider, with a central common area and branching out with eight hallways that end in living areas. This was built for The Group of Seven Minus Four.
Travis Silvart is a former Canadian Air Force pilot with a Phd in geophysics. He suffers from guilt over his military service. He specializes in underwater acoustics and oceanography. One day, he found the town's one-page newspaper, The the Segway News ( not a misprint; they have their own rules of grammar), attached to a red balloon. At regular intervals, the town publishes 80 copies of their paper, 30 for the residents, and launch the remaining into the wind carried by balloons. This method has brought new people to the town, and some decide to stay. The page found by Travis describes the sighting of a legendary sea creature, Seggie, in the sunken lake. Travis decides to visit the town, record its history, and interview the fascinating townspeople in his journal, hoping to write a book. His search for Segway is arduous, but he reaches it and plans to stay for one week.
I found the long, complex sections explaining various branches of science and technology tedious and challenging to follow, but they were probably accurate. Oh! I loved his interactions and conversations with the quirky inhabitants and hated seeing Travis's time with them end. His description of the people, their backgrounds, why they came to Segway, and why they chose their new names was fascinating. This could be presented as a humorous character study itself.
The author includes helpful maps and sketches of some of the homes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2024
I'm not as impressed with this book as I thought I would be, based on the many great reviews. It is interesting, but not in a "keeps you on the edge of your seat" way.
I think it can be compared to Jules Verne's "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" in that the protagonist is looking for a mysterious location and through research finds clues to where it may be, travels through desolate landscapes and is able to enter the fabled place through a secret passageway. All of that happens here: the story is told through the eyes of Travis Sivart, a young man armed with an impressive education as well as some personal demons. He has heard of the quirky town called The Segway on Vancouver Island, but is intrigued because of conflicting evidence that it actually exists. He sets out on a trek to discover it for himself, and discovers, like in "Journey to the Centre of the Earth", that there exists a world within a world. Travis is welcomed by the townspeople and spends a week there, interviewing as many of them as he can, in the hope of writing a book about it.
The characters in this novel are quite varied and interesting, but each is strange in their own way. Several of them come with unbelievable back stories, some are non-verbal (either by nature or by choice) and a couple have personalities that could definitely be diagnosed by a psychiatrist.
Where this book falls down, in my opinion, is that the author has tried to write it as if it was actually true, with plenty of scientific data, diagrams and technical information. At first, this has the effect of making the reader wonder if it is somehow based on a true story, but the cast of strange characters makes that unlikely. When the protagonist was interacting with the people of the town, the story flows smoothly and kept my interest. When the protagonist was explaining scientific phenomenon, aviation principles or architectural/engineering features, I found it more tedious to read. Nevertheless, there was a time or two when I had to put the book down and "Google" certain names or historical events, only to find that there was some truth to what the author was writing.
Would I recommend this book? That's hard to say: it is a very different type of book and will appeal to readers who like to go along for the adventure. For me, it didn't live up to the hype and was a bit of a slog in parts.
I think it can be compared to Jules Verne's "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" in that the protagonist is looking for a mysterious location and through research finds clues to where it may be, travels through desolate landscapes and is able to enter the fabled place through a secret passageway. All of that happens here: the story is told through the eyes of Travis Sivart, a young man armed with an impressive education as well as some personal demons. He has heard of the quirky town called The Segway on Vancouver Island, but is intrigued because of conflicting evidence that it actually exists. He sets out on a trek to discover it for himself, and discovers, like in "Journey to the Centre of the Earth", that there exists a world within a world. Travis is welcomed by the townspeople and spends a week there, interviewing as many of them as he can, in the hope of writing a book about it.
The characters in this novel are quite varied and interesting, but each is strange in their own way. Several of them come with unbelievable back stories, some are non-verbal (either by nature or by choice) and a couple have personalities that could definitely be diagnosed by a psychiatrist.
Where this book falls down, in my opinion, is that the author has tried to write it as if it was actually true, with plenty of scientific data, diagrams and technical information. At first, this has the effect of making the reader wonder if it is somehow based on a true story, but the cast of strange characters makes that unlikely. When the protagonist was interacting with the people of the town, the story flows smoothly and kept my interest. When the protagonist was explaining scientific phenomenon, aviation principles or architectural/engineering features, I found it more tedious to read. Nevertheless, there was a time or two when I had to put the book down and "Google" certain names or historical events, only to find that there was some truth to what the author was writing.
Would I recommend this book? That's hard to say: it is a very different type of book and will appeal to readers who like to go along for the adventure. For me, it didn't live up to the hype and was a bit of a slog in parts.
September 23, 2023
In 1959, an unprecedented seismic event caused landslides around the tiny lakeside town of Pyrite Ridge. As part of the phenomenon, a segue occurs. It makes the lake plunge steeply down, creating a nearly impassable abyss. The town is effectively cut off from the rest of the world. Subsequently, an Air Force officer named Travis Sivart finds himself drawn to Pyrite Ridge by mysterious events. As Travis gets to know the town’s few remaining reclusive residents, he suspects that painful episodes from his past might connect him to Pyrite Ridge in an unexpected and profound way. Solving the puzzle might be the only way he can retain his sanity.
Life at the Precipice, by R.F. Vincent, is a novel that refuses to adhere to the rules of any single genre. Instead, it walks the line between drama and fantasy, with poignant moments of good-natured humor interspersed throughout. It is somewhat reminiscent of the magical realism style employed so effectively by authors like Haruki Murakami. There is also a contemplative quality that recalls the David Gutterson novel Snow Falling on Cedars, another book about a secluded island that exists almost entirely cut off from the outside world.
Vincent pulls off a rare feat with this narrative: he keeps the reader guessing about what’s real and what isn’t until the very end. It’s tempting to think of Pyrite Ridge as an allegory, with the various characters and circumstances representing parts of the protagonist’s subconscious. It’s never made explicitly clear, but one interpretation of the events presented could be that Travis Sivart has suffered a break from reality. Some or all of what he’s experiencing could be projections created by his own mind.
Ultimately, though, whether that’s true or not becomes irrelevant. When something like the fragile beauty of this story is encountered, trying to explain or quantify it can only minimize the experience. It’s better to simply drift with the narrative and allow it to cast its spell without too much analysis to hinder it.
Life at the Precipice, by R.F. Vincent, is a novel that refuses to adhere to the rules of any single genre. Instead, it walks the line between drama and fantasy, with poignant moments of good-natured humor interspersed throughout. It is somewhat reminiscent of the magical realism style employed so effectively by authors like Haruki Murakami. There is also a contemplative quality that recalls the David Gutterson novel Snow Falling on Cedars, another book about a secluded island that exists almost entirely cut off from the outside world.
Vincent pulls off a rare feat with this narrative: he keeps the reader guessing about what’s real and what isn’t until the very end. It’s tempting to think of Pyrite Ridge as an allegory, with the various characters and circumstances representing parts of the protagonist’s subconscious. It’s never made explicitly clear, but one interpretation of the events presented could be that Travis Sivart has suffered a break from reality. Some or all of what he’s experiencing could be projections created by his own mind.
Ultimately, though, whether that’s true or not becomes irrelevant. When something like the fragile beauty of this story is encountered, trying to explain or quantify it can only minimize the experience. It’s better to simply drift with the narrative and allow it to cast its spell without too much analysis to hinder it.
December 17, 2023
Travis Sivart sets out to explore and document life in a small town that has been repeatedly devastated by geological events, leaving it with just a handful of residents in this interesting blend of fiction and geological science.
I love the title, the cover and the description. but this one just wasn't for me. I don't think that was due to the story so much as the complete miss on the description, which I re-read at least three times and I went through this book. While it does, in a single sentence, reference the face that the town residents are 'eccentric', that's the only clue to the level of bananas the town is right from the get-go. I don't even think I necessarily disliked the level of bizarre, I just wasn't prepared for it. Again, based on the description, I expected a story about reclusive, resourceful type people who live in a very remote, challenging area. The descrption also references PTSD, so again, I was under the impression this would be a serious story. Instead, what I found from the start was insanely bizarre characters. In the first handful of pages you meet a self-appointed gate keeper who is tuxedo-clad and sitting in a formal chair in outside in the middle of the woods and reads newspapers exactly one year out of date and many of the other residents (and their names) are equally as unrealistic. It just was so different from what I expected that I had a hard time shifting my expectations and getting into it and it never really won me over.
All that being said, the writing is good and I think this book would land well with people who enjoy a truly strange cast of characters, but it would definitely be best served by a description that lets people know what they're in for so it doesn't end up with people looking for a serious story who are then squarely disappointed.
I love the title, the cover and the description. but this one just wasn't for me. I don't think that was due to the story so much as the complete miss on the description, which I re-read at least three times and I went through this book. While it does, in a single sentence, reference the face that the town residents are 'eccentric', that's the only clue to the level of bananas the town is right from the get-go. I don't even think I necessarily disliked the level of bizarre, I just wasn't prepared for it. Again, based on the description, I expected a story about reclusive, resourceful type people who live in a very remote, challenging area. The descrption also references PTSD, so again, I was under the impression this would be a serious story. Instead, what I found from the start was insanely bizarre characters. In the first handful of pages you meet a self-appointed gate keeper who is tuxedo-clad and sitting in a formal chair in outside in the middle of the woods and reads newspapers exactly one year out of date and many of the other residents (and their names) are equally as unrealistic. It just was so different from what I expected that I had a hard time shifting my expectations and getting into it and it never really won me over.
All that being said, the writing is good and I think this book would land well with people who enjoy a truly strange cast of characters, but it would definitely be best served by a description that lets people know what they're in for so it doesn't end up with people looking for a serious story who are then squarely disappointed.
May 4, 2024
I am still thinking about Life at the Precipce
The author seamless mixes fact with fiction, imagination with reality and intersperses a bit of humour into the mix with the antics of the residents of the Segue. It is clear the author is very knowledgeable in the technical subjects such as underwater acoustics that are discussed in the book. So much so, I assumed these were facts...but are they? I finished the book with so many unanswered questions such as what's the significance of the number 16? What's the connection between the residents of the Segue and the ship wreck? What's with the newspapers in the red balloons? This was clearly intentional and it really got me thinking. This is the first book that I have read in a long time that has really made me do that. In fact, I'm still thinking about it. Was it all a dream? Great book. Highly recommended.
The author seamless mixes fact with fiction, imagination with reality and intersperses a bit of humour into the mix with the antics of the residents of the Segue. It is clear the author is very knowledgeable in the technical subjects such as underwater acoustics that are discussed in the book. So much so, I assumed these were facts...but are they? I finished the book with so many unanswered questions such as what's the significance of the number 16? What's the connection between the residents of the Segue and the ship wreck? What's with the newspapers in the red balloons? This was clearly intentional and it really got me thinking. This is the first book that I have read in a long time that has really made me do that. In fact, I'm still thinking about it. Was it all a dream? Great book. Highly recommended.
September 6, 2024
I fell in love with the cover of this book first and the description was intriguing, but the book was unlike anything I've read before. It starts out kind of like a travel journal with scientific facts, maps, and descriptions of the area. But once Travis starts interacting with the people in this isolated town, the humor and quirkiness comes out. I wasn't sure what to expect at the beginning, but I really enjoyed this quirky and original story.
July 20, 2024
interesting
A difficult read. The book is non-fiction but reads more like a fantasy. The author drags you along by introducing the oddities of the characters and their lives. Only the last part of the book finally reveals what he has learned, and has been able to forgive himself and move on.
A difficult read. The book is non-fiction but reads more like a fantasy. The author drags you along by introducing the oddities of the characters and their lives. Only the last part of the book finally reveals what he has learned, and has been able to forgive himself and move on.
September 9, 2024
We are proud to announce that LIFE AT THE PRECIPICE by R.F. Vincent has been honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG. This award is a testament to this book's quality and the impact it has had on readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews