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Last Observer: A Magical Battle for Reality
The Last Observer is a compelling tale of magic, alternative realities, murder and conflict. An ordinary man is abruptly dragged into the middle of a violent struggle between black and white magicians who both seek to use his extraordinary powers of imagination and observation. He soon learns that reality is not at all what it seems before being called upon to play a decisive role in determining whose reality will prevail.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2013
2 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
G. Michael Vasey
61 books48 followersWith over 40 books in print, Gary is an established author with notable contributions in the areas of the paranormal (including several #1 best sellers in the Supernatural category), metaphysics, poetry, and business. He is also a collector of strange stories at My Haunted Life Too. In 2016, he resumed his interest in music and released an album of self-penned and self-performed songs called The Early Years that is available at all digital music stores. Since then, he has been churning out catchy songs at a rapid rate and captured the interest of a growing audience. He has recently appeared on Radio Memphis and his songs are played at several radio stations in the USA including Trend City Radio.
He was born in the city of Hull in England, and grew up in East Yorkshire, the eldest of three boys. He survived! Growing up can be extremely tough for any kid, but imagine growing up around poltergeist activity and ghosts? G. Michael Vasey had exactly that kind of childhood, experiencing ghosts, poltergeists, and other strange and scary, supernatural phenomena. In fact, he seemed to attract it, developing an interest in the occult and supernatural at an early age and he has been fascinated ever since.
His “My Haunted Life” trilogy has been highly successful–reaching number one on bestseller lists on both sides of the Atlantic. Now he is also presenting the stories of others. His book about the Black Eyed Kids is currently available on Amazon and continues to capture the morbid interest of hundreds of fans. It’s a must-read for anyone with an interest in the strange happenings of the paranormal world. Then there’s “The Pink Bus And Other Strange Stories From LaLa Land,” a book that lifts the veil on one of the biggest mysteries in human history–the process of death, and what happens to our souls when we die. His novel – The Last Observer – won critical praise and is a twisty story about the nature of reality and magic. His most recent books have included a tour of the supernatural side of the Czech Republic, a set of Kindle shorts on topics like Poltergeists, Ghosts of the Living (bilocation) and The BEK now issued as a compilation volume, a new book of poetry, a look at the recently headlining topic of paranormal sex and, the Halloween Vault of Horror, a new collection of true paranormal stories.
He has appeared on numerous radio shows such as
* Mysterious Radio, * Jim Harold’s paranormal podcasts,
* The Knight’s Pub,* True Ghost Stories Online
* X Radio with Rob McConnell *Passions for the Paranormal
He has also been featured in Chat – Its Fate magazine and been interviewed by Ghost Village and Novel Ideas, amongst others. He also contributes regularly to the Westerner magazine with his ‘Paranormal Corner’
Whether you’ve heard one of G. Michael Vasey’s radio appearances, or read one of his books over the shoulders of an avid reader on the bus, or whether you’ve simply got an interest in the paranormal and stumbled upon this page… You are going to pulled into the paranormal world of G. Michael Vasey, and you will be hooked.
You can discover much more about the supernatural at www.gmichaelvasey.com, read true scary stories at www.myhauntedlifetoo.com or tune in to his tweets at @gmvasey.
“In many ways, I have been very fortunate meeting many wonderful people and visiting a great many beautiful and interesting places in my life to date. Some of my blog articles highlight these wonderful experiences…..In the end, I am fascinated by what we are and why we are here. I am captivated by reality and what it might be. I am a firm believer in magic and the power of the mind to shape reality. That’s what I write about, think about, and obsess about…..”
Professionally, he holds a Ph.D. degree from the University of Strathclyde for research into paleoenvironment and fossil fauna of the Carboniferous period and a B.Sc. (First Class Hons.) in Geological Sciences from the University of Aston, and has publ
He was born in the city of Hull in England, and grew up in East Yorkshire, the eldest of three boys. He survived! Growing up can be extremely tough for any kid, but imagine growing up around poltergeist activity and ghosts? G. Michael Vasey had exactly that kind of childhood, experiencing ghosts, poltergeists, and other strange and scary, supernatural phenomena. In fact, he seemed to attract it, developing an interest in the occult and supernatural at an early age and he has been fascinated ever since.
His “My Haunted Life” trilogy has been highly successful–reaching number one on bestseller lists on both sides of the Atlantic. Now he is also presenting the stories of others. His book about the Black Eyed Kids is currently available on Amazon and continues to capture the morbid interest of hundreds of fans. It’s a must-read for anyone with an interest in the strange happenings of the paranormal world. Then there’s “The Pink Bus And Other Strange Stories From LaLa Land,” a book that lifts the veil on one of the biggest mysteries in human history–the process of death, and what happens to our souls when we die. His novel – The Last Observer – won critical praise and is a twisty story about the nature of reality and magic. His most recent books have included a tour of the supernatural side of the Czech Republic, a set of Kindle shorts on topics like Poltergeists, Ghosts of the Living (bilocation) and The BEK now issued as a compilation volume, a new book of poetry, a look at the recently headlining topic of paranormal sex and, the Halloween Vault of Horror, a new collection of true paranormal stories.
He has appeared on numerous radio shows such as
* Mysterious Radio, * Jim Harold’s paranormal podcasts,
* The Knight’s Pub,* True Ghost Stories Online
* X Radio with Rob McConnell *Passions for the Paranormal
He has also been featured in Chat – Its Fate magazine and been interviewed by Ghost Village and Novel Ideas, amongst others. He also contributes regularly to the Westerner magazine with his ‘Paranormal Corner’
Whether you’ve heard one of G. Michael Vasey’s radio appearances, or read one of his books over the shoulders of an avid reader on the bus, or whether you’ve simply got an interest in the paranormal and stumbled upon this page… You are going to pulled into the paranormal world of G. Michael Vasey, and you will be hooked.
You can discover much more about the supernatural at www.gmichaelvasey.com, read true scary stories at www.myhauntedlifetoo.com or tune in to his tweets at @gmvasey.
“In many ways, I have been very fortunate meeting many wonderful people and visiting a great many beautiful and interesting places in my life to date. Some of my blog articles highlight these wonderful experiences…..In the end, I am fascinated by what we are and why we are here. I am captivated by reality and what it might be. I am a firm believer in magic and the power of the mind to shape reality. That’s what I write about, think about, and obsess about…..”
Professionally, he holds a Ph.D. degree from the University of Strathclyde for research into paleoenvironment and fossil fauna of the Carboniferous period and a B.Sc. (First Class Hons.) in Geological Sciences from the University of Aston, and has publ
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 27, 2013
Here are five reviews...
For some time now I have been thinking about reviewing books, but never quite managed to start doing so. All that has changed following my receiving a review copy of a forthcoming book. "The Last Observer" is an amazingly absorbing story about the nature of reality and it's manipulation. It focuses on Stan, a man who finds the world he can create in his head is far more satisfying than the mundane world we all live in, and how he gets drawn into a dangerous world where people want to use his imagination to change the reality we all know. While the story itself is very well written, with characters you can relate to from the start, what I found most intriguing was the application of quantum theory to place the more fantastical elements of the story into a rational, plausible plot without overwhelming the reader with jargon or feeling like it was jarring or detracting from the events going on around our lead characters. Indeed, this is the first fiction book in ages that has made me want to investigate a topic further. I love a book that draws you in and lets you submerge yourself in the world it creates around you, much like Stan, but this book had me actually leaning in, desperate to turn the page and find out more. For those of us of a magickal persuasion, the concept of using the mind to change the reality around us is familiar, and Dr Vasey writes with authority about the techniques without getting bogged down in ritual for those who are unfamiliar with the practices. In short, this is a well written book that grabs you from the start and doesn't want to let you go. I can't wait for you all to read it and see how much it makes you question your own reality. "The Last Observer" will be published August 30th by Roundfire Books. Blessed be )0( ~ WitchHazel, The Adventures of WitchHazel
Dennis Wheatley brought up to date with a liberal spicing of speculation about the nature of reality, quantum physics and parallel worlds. This thriller novel is written by a practising occultist and it shows in the authenticity of every page. Highly recommended. ~ Herbie Brennan, New York Times best-selling author of Whisperers: The Secret History of the Spirit World.
The Last Observer is like the Devil Rides Out but on steroids. Magic and Science collide, dragging bookworm Stanley into a fast-paced adventure full of intriguing twists and turns and culminating in a battle over reality. Vasey combines ancient magic and quantum physics in a seamless picture of what reality might be and uses it as a theme to weave the devil of a story. It’s a gripping and thought provoking ride. ~ Alan Richardson, Author of Magical Kabbalah and many other books...
We all perceive reality differently, yet the evil Zeltan plans to control the universal consciousness. Because Stanley possesses a unique imagination, he is marked as another victim for the satanic tyrant. While fleeing from this threat, our innocent discovers his soul while Alison, dabbling in the occult, nearly loses hers. The author has created a convincing world of magic, quantum and mind-blowing ideas in which to set an endlessly surprising adventure. Along the way, enormous questions are being asked about how power should be used, whether it is scientific or magical. ~ Gordon Strong, Author of Merlin: Master of Magic and many other books.
Gary tells a classic tale of mystery and suspense but weaves within it a series of themes that would be at home in any modern physics text book. He masterfully uses his own extensive knowledge of modern magical rituals to create a tale that is both mysterious and intriguing. However the mystery soon gives way to something far more sinister and terrifying, a terror that explodes into a finale of epic proportions in which the fate of the universe itself is at stake. Once started this book cannot be put down and once finished you may just find yourself checking the shadows to catch a glimpse of the Lord of the Elements. ~ Anthony Peake, author of Is There Life After Death? The Extraordinary Science of What Happens When We Die and many other books
For some time now I have been thinking about reviewing books, but never quite managed to start doing so. All that has changed following my receiving a review copy of a forthcoming book. "The Last Observer" is an amazingly absorbing story about the nature of reality and it's manipulation. It focuses on Stan, a man who finds the world he can create in his head is far more satisfying than the mundane world we all live in, and how he gets drawn into a dangerous world where people want to use his imagination to change the reality we all know. While the story itself is very well written, with characters you can relate to from the start, what I found most intriguing was the application of quantum theory to place the more fantastical elements of the story into a rational, plausible plot without overwhelming the reader with jargon or feeling like it was jarring or detracting from the events going on around our lead characters. Indeed, this is the first fiction book in ages that has made me want to investigate a topic further. I love a book that draws you in and lets you submerge yourself in the world it creates around you, much like Stan, but this book had me actually leaning in, desperate to turn the page and find out more. For those of us of a magickal persuasion, the concept of using the mind to change the reality around us is familiar, and Dr Vasey writes with authority about the techniques without getting bogged down in ritual for those who are unfamiliar with the practices. In short, this is a well written book that grabs you from the start and doesn't want to let you go. I can't wait for you all to read it and see how much it makes you question your own reality. "The Last Observer" will be published August 30th by Roundfire Books. Blessed be )0( ~ WitchHazel, The Adventures of WitchHazel
Dennis Wheatley brought up to date with a liberal spicing of speculation about the nature of reality, quantum physics and parallel worlds. This thriller novel is written by a practising occultist and it shows in the authenticity of every page. Highly recommended. ~ Herbie Brennan, New York Times best-selling author of Whisperers: The Secret History of the Spirit World.
The Last Observer is like the Devil Rides Out but on steroids. Magic and Science collide, dragging bookworm Stanley into a fast-paced adventure full of intriguing twists and turns and culminating in a battle over reality. Vasey combines ancient magic and quantum physics in a seamless picture of what reality might be and uses it as a theme to weave the devil of a story. It’s a gripping and thought provoking ride. ~ Alan Richardson, Author of Magical Kabbalah and many other books...
We all perceive reality differently, yet the evil Zeltan plans to control the universal consciousness. Because Stanley possesses a unique imagination, he is marked as another victim for the satanic tyrant. While fleeing from this threat, our innocent discovers his soul while Alison, dabbling in the occult, nearly loses hers. The author has created a convincing world of magic, quantum and mind-blowing ideas in which to set an endlessly surprising adventure. Along the way, enormous questions are being asked about how power should be used, whether it is scientific or magical. ~ Gordon Strong, Author of Merlin: Master of Magic and many other books.
Gary tells a classic tale of mystery and suspense but weaves within it a series of themes that would be at home in any modern physics text book. He masterfully uses his own extensive knowledge of modern magical rituals to create a tale that is both mysterious and intriguing. However the mystery soon gives way to something far more sinister and terrifying, a terror that explodes into a finale of epic proportions in which the fate of the universe itself is at stake. Once started this book cannot be put down and once finished you may just find yourself checking the shadows to catch a glimpse of the Lord of the Elements. ~ Anthony Peake, author of Is There Life After Death? The Extraordinary Science of What Happens When We Die and many other books
June 20, 2013
‘The Last Observer’ by Dr G. Michael Vasey
Review by Alienora Taylor
Read at a gallop, this slim racehorse of a novel impressed me enormously with its speed and performance. I was unable to halt the literary ‘ride’ – and nor, in all honesty, did I wish to!
Dr Vasey plays with the conventional understanding of the word ‘observer’ to create a very different ‘tune’, one which contains within it the ability – inherent within most esoteric training – to affect reality through the medium of the imagination, of thought.
And, in Vasey’s intense fictional world, it is precisely this ability which is under attack by what could be defined as the Dark Side.
I do not wish to give the plot away because I think there is something to be said for delayed gratification – and the twists and turns of Vasey’s novel are a pleasure to be savoured!
I will, however, say this: his descriptions of the world of Ritual Magic, and particularly the rituals themselves, are brilliantly done – and eminently believable.
I love the way the Alison/Zeltan and Stanley/Edward strands interweave – and the twist at the end came as a shocking surprise.
I think it very clever the way Dr Vasey has stitched together the worlds of Quantum and of Magic to produce a colourful tapestry which allows us to ponder upon, and question, the nature of reality – and, indeed, our place, as collections of mutable atoms, within that.
I thoroughly recommend ‘The Last Observer’ – and shall be re-reading it myself before long!
Review by Alienora Taylor
Read at a gallop, this slim racehorse of a novel impressed me enormously with its speed and performance. I was unable to halt the literary ‘ride’ – and nor, in all honesty, did I wish to!
Dr Vasey plays with the conventional understanding of the word ‘observer’ to create a very different ‘tune’, one which contains within it the ability – inherent within most esoteric training – to affect reality through the medium of the imagination, of thought.
And, in Vasey’s intense fictional world, it is precisely this ability which is under attack by what could be defined as the Dark Side.
I do not wish to give the plot away because I think there is something to be said for delayed gratification – and the twists and turns of Vasey’s novel are a pleasure to be savoured!
I will, however, say this: his descriptions of the world of Ritual Magic, and particularly the rituals themselves, are brilliantly done – and eminently believable.
I love the way the Alison/Zeltan and Stanley/Edward strands interweave – and the twist at the end came as a shocking surprise.
I think it very clever the way Dr Vasey has stitched together the worlds of Quantum and of Magic to produce a colourful tapestry which allows us to ponder upon, and question, the nature of reality – and, indeed, our place, as collections of mutable atoms, within that.
I thoroughly recommend ‘The Last Observer’ – and shall be re-reading it myself before long!
October 31, 2013
The title is just as intriguing as the entire book! Written as a novel, there is a great deal of content dealing with quantum physics, magic and reality. The story itself is engaging, with believable characters. There are many twists and turns, in a world of black magic, and white magic. I am still pondering the surprising ending, and I will read this book again soon.
June 21, 2013
How would you feel if the reality you knew as intimately as your own thoughts was suddenly brought into question? If, in fact, you became aware that the two were inextricably linked, not just within the confines of your imagination, but in actuality? And if you could begin to understand this strange, unsettling concept, what would you do when it was borne upon you that someone wanted to hijack that reality, twisting it for their own ends and putting more at risk than your life?
Such is the position in which Stanley finds himself. He is just an ordinary man, a loner with a vivid imagination who finds himself dragged into an unfamiliar world where those who share his talent are disappearing in strange and violent circumstances. In a strange and unexpected encounter, Stanley meets Edward, and the dangerous adventure begins.
At the centre of this dangerous web is the enigmatic figure of Zeltan, drawing in the human threads to weave a tapestry that could rewrite history. Dr Vasey’s intimate knowledge of the world of ritual magic is used to dramatic effect as its darker side mirrors the twisted mind of Zeltan, painting a vivid and harrowing picture of the abuse of the potential of the mind.
In ‘The Last Observer’ Dr Vasey explores the nature of reality and the human mind. With his usual incisive style he exposes the knife edge where ego and ambition pave the road to a personal hell and highlights the illusions under which we live, both in regard to the manifested world we see around us and our role within it.
This slim volume packs a thought provoking punch and is an addictive read. The fast paced story leads the reader through the twists and turns of the plot with a feel of being caught within the story. As indeed we are.
Do not look for magic wands, happy ever afters and fairytales within the book’s covers. The Last Observer hits home at the point where science and magic meet and will leave you questioning the nature of your own reality and your place within it.
Such is the position in which Stanley finds himself. He is just an ordinary man, a loner with a vivid imagination who finds himself dragged into an unfamiliar world where those who share his talent are disappearing in strange and violent circumstances. In a strange and unexpected encounter, Stanley meets Edward, and the dangerous adventure begins.
At the centre of this dangerous web is the enigmatic figure of Zeltan, drawing in the human threads to weave a tapestry that could rewrite history. Dr Vasey’s intimate knowledge of the world of ritual magic is used to dramatic effect as its darker side mirrors the twisted mind of Zeltan, painting a vivid and harrowing picture of the abuse of the potential of the mind.
In ‘The Last Observer’ Dr Vasey explores the nature of reality and the human mind. With his usual incisive style he exposes the knife edge where ego and ambition pave the road to a personal hell and highlights the illusions under which we live, both in regard to the manifested world we see around us and our role within it.
This slim volume packs a thought provoking punch and is an addictive read. The fast paced story leads the reader through the twists and turns of the plot with a feel of being caught within the story. As indeed we are.
Do not look for magic wands, happy ever afters and fairytales within the book’s covers. The Last Observer hits home at the point where science and magic meet and will leave you questioning the nature of your own reality and your place within it.
June 12, 2014
The Last Observer is a short novel written around the different schools of thought which revolve around the universe. Science versus magical manifestation.
Edward Bright has been collecting data on unsolved crimes relating to suspicious deaths of people with magical abilities. Edward is a magician himself and believes he's found the next victim.
Stan lives alone and loves his books. He gets absorbed in reading and has a great imagination which at times he's put to good use when he finds a situation that he'd like to change. Edward contacts Stan and persuades him that he is in danger from a group of people who want to make a different reality. He explains that because of Stan's amazing imagination he is what is called "An Observer".
In Houston, Texas, Alison has been in contact with an man called Zelton from London. He runs a school of Elements and offers to help her with her psychic awareness. He invites her to London, paying her fare and hotel.
Stan soon finds himself under attack and goes on the run with the help of Edward and Jo, a lady that Stan is instantly attracted to. Stan learns that "Imagination is the engine room of creation" and begins to understand the danger he is in.
The story opens the reader's eyes and echoes many teachings. Just what is reality and what is imagination? Just a couple of questions which this book may leave you thinking about.
Edward Bright has been collecting data on unsolved crimes relating to suspicious deaths of people with magical abilities. Edward is a magician himself and believes he's found the next victim.
Stan lives alone and loves his books. He gets absorbed in reading and has a great imagination which at times he's put to good use when he finds a situation that he'd like to change. Edward contacts Stan and persuades him that he is in danger from a group of people who want to make a different reality. He explains that because of Stan's amazing imagination he is what is called "An Observer".
In Houston, Texas, Alison has been in contact with an man called Zelton from London. He runs a school of Elements and offers to help her with her psychic awareness. He invites her to London, paying her fare and hotel.
Stan soon finds himself under attack and goes on the run with the help of Edward and Jo, a lady that Stan is instantly attracted to. Stan learns that "Imagination is the engine room of creation" and begins to understand the danger he is in.
The story opens the reader's eyes and echoes many teachings. Just what is reality and what is imagination? Just a couple of questions which this book may leave you thinking about.
August 14, 2013
This is a fast paced, twisty, action-laden adventure, underpinned by a magical realism those interested in things occult will find familiar. It is a delight to encounter writing in the Dion Fortune tradition, drawing on actual magical practice and ideas, rather than being just escapist fantasy.
Avid reader Stan is thrown unexpectedly into a world of real magicians, and told his life may be in danger. It’s a steep learning curve just to stay alive, and far more than Stan’s existence is at stake here.
The Last Observer is very much a plot driven piece of fiction, not much time is given to exploring the characters. However, as the plot is compelling, and does not let up, this isn’t any great problem. An entertaining read underpinned by engaging ideas, if it sounds like the sort of book you go for, I anticipate that you will really enjoy it.
Avid reader Stan is thrown unexpectedly into a world of real magicians, and told his life may be in danger. It’s a steep learning curve just to stay alive, and far more than Stan’s existence is at stake here.
The Last Observer is very much a plot driven piece of fiction, not much time is given to exploring the characters. However, as the plot is compelling, and does not let up, this isn’t any great problem. An entertaining read underpinned by engaging ideas, if it sounds like the sort of book you go for, I anticipate that you will really enjoy it.
December 21, 2013
I loved this book from the moment I started it. For those who have experience in working with the Western Esoteric Tradition you will recognize that Mr. Vasey is speaking from authority. For this who have eyes to see and ears to hear, there are hidden gems of ancient wisdom to be found through out the book.
And, for those who just like a good ride there are thrills aplenty.
Do yourself a favor and take the time to read and enjoy Mr. Vasey's writing.
And, for those who just like a good ride there are thrills aplenty.
Do yourself a favor and take the time to read and enjoy Mr. Vasey's writing.
January 30, 2014
A story of magic...dark and light...one of intrigue, murder and suspense. The author weaves real magic and mystery into this page turning mystery. A very good read.
March 3, 2017
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
Loved it so much, im pretty bad with science and stuff but this story compelled me to know so much more, it was so well balanced and explained I didnt got lost or anything.
the theme was extraordinary and the characters were so well developed I really want to hear this one over and over again.
it truly makes you think a lot about our reality and how it changes with every decision we make along the way and the way we perceive this reality from anyone else.
Loved it so much, im pretty bad with science and stuff but this story compelled me to know so much more, it was so well balanced and explained I didnt got lost or anything.
the theme was extraordinary and the characters were so well developed I really want to hear this one over and over again.
it truly makes you think a lot about our reality and how it changes with every decision we make along the way and the way we perceive this reality from anyone else.
July 11, 2015
Review from website Escapology Reviews
escapologyreviews.com
I received a copy of this for review.
Well this was an interesting book with magic and murder on the streets of London.
We meet Stan who is a loner that enjoys reading his books and living in his own imagination. Stan receives a cryptic phone call from a man named Edward telling him he is in danger. Edward has been putting together a file on the unsolved murders of people who he suspects are magicians. Edward is also a magician but dose not believe he is in danger as he believes he's found the next victim. Stan!
I tried to explain this book to a friend while I was reading it and she gave me a blank look and told me I needed to use more words. It's actually a hard one to explain. It talks a lot about reality and if the reality we live in actually exists. The best way I ended up explaining it to her was by using the old 'If a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it, dose it make a sound?' Well if this reality carries on without someone to observe it, does this reality still exist? In the book a magician named Zaltan is trying to get hold of the last observer to change reality to his liking.
I liked where this story took me and I did not see the twist coming. The only negative is that throughout the book I was always waiting for something more and it was bugging me as I couldn't figure out what it was that was missing. Then it hit me. When I thought about the big finale I realized it came across with more of a whimper than a bang but it's not because of the writing. It's because what was written really needs to be seen. What I mean by that is this book would make a really good film or TV show but as a book it felt a little flat.
The author gave us an interesting perspectives on science verses magic and the idea of alternate and shared collective realities. It wasn't really something I would normally go for but it was an interesting and good read.
6 out of 10 Good, but I had to get out as the water was getting cold.
Review By Brienne Dubh @ Escapology Reviews
escapologyreviews.com
I received a copy of this for review.
Well this was an interesting book with magic and murder on the streets of London.
We meet Stan who is a loner that enjoys reading his books and living in his own imagination. Stan receives a cryptic phone call from a man named Edward telling him he is in danger. Edward has been putting together a file on the unsolved murders of people who he suspects are magicians. Edward is also a magician but dose not believe he is in danger as he believes he's found the next victim. Stan!
I tried to explain this book to a friend while I was reading it and she gave me a blank look and told me I needed to use more words. It's actually a hard one to explain. It talks a lot about reality and if the reality we live in actually exists. The best way I ended up explaining it to her was by using the old 'If a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it, dose it make a sound?' Well if this reality carries on without someone to observe it, does this reality still exist? In the book a magician named Zaltan is trying to get hold of the last observer to change reality to his liking.
I liked where this story took me and I did not see the twist coming. The only negative is that throughout the book I was always waiting for something more and it was bugging me as I couldn't figure out what it was that was missing. Then it hit me. When I thought about the big finale I realized it came across with more of a whimper than a bang but it's not because of the writing. It's because what was written really needs to be seen. What I mean by that is this book would make a really good film or TV show but as a book it felt a little flat.
The author gave us an interesting perspectives on science verses magic and the idea of alternate and shared collective realities. It wasn't really something I would normally go for but it was an interesting and good read.
6 out of 10 Good, but I had to get out as the water was getting cold.
Review By Brienne Dubh @ Escapology Reviews
October 19, 2013
This short book has some of the worst dialogue I have ever read in my life. It's almost worth the .99 cents to be able to read it out loud and wonder does anyone actually talk like this? But of course the answer is "no."
In contrast to reviewers' assertions, it is neither fast-paced nor surprising. The plot is as thin as the page count. Unless you were hatched out of an egg last Thursday, it will not challenge any ideas you have about the nature of reality--not if you've seen The Matrix, Being John Malcovich, any episode of Supernatural, or indeed a kazillion other movies or shows. Not that The Last Observer belongs in this company.
In writing a book, there has to be some attention paid to the craft of writing. You must let others who are well-read read your work, and give you feedback. Could that have been done in this case, with clumsy sentences like these?
"The volume was high and the bass notes were thunderous inside the small cabin of the sports car."
"By the time Stan looked up again, his tea was stone cold and his stomach was telling him that it urgently required filling."
"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to observe it, does it make a noise? he thought echoing something he had read."
And that's just a quick sample across a couple of pages. There is no art, no craft here. The story is a crude illustration of a simplistic philosophical point. It is not worth your time.
In contrast to reviewers' assertions, it is neither fast-paced nor surprising. The plot is as thin as the page count. Unless you were hatched out of an egg last Thursday, it will not challenge any ideas you have about the nature of reality--not if you've seen The Matrix, Being John Malcovich, any episode of Supernatural, or indeed a kazillion other movies or shows. Not that The Last Observer belongs in this company.
In writing a book, there has to be some attention paid to the craft of writing. You must let others who are well-read read your work, and give you feedback. Could that have been done in this case, with clumsy sentences like these?
"The volume was high and the bass notes were thunderous inside the small cabin of the sports car."
"By the time Stan looked up again, his tea was stone cold and his stomach was telling him that it urgently required filling."
"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to observe it, does it make a noise? he thought echoing something he had read."
And that's just a quick sample across a couple of pages. There is no art, no craft here. The story is a crude illustration of a simplistic philosophical point. It is not worth your time.
December 10, 2014
Maybe I shouldn't have read the reviews on Amazon and Goodreads after reading the Last Observer. I had to go back and read it again to make sure I had read the same book.
After a second reading, I still can’t bring myself to agree with either the five star reviews or the one and two star reviews. And that is the beauty of the written word – just as the author provides the platform, the reader adjusts their own interpretation from their own perspective.
The Last Observer is actually a highly entertaining read, a classic good versus evil yarn, which I enjoyed reading (twice) and would maybe merit development into a full novel in order to explore and expand some of the themes, such as the background to the characters, the origins of Zeltan etc, which in turn, would add more plausibility to some aspects of the story.
For readers expecting the same fluent first person story telling style found in My Haunted Life then beware, the third person narration used by G. Michael Vasey in The Last Observer is very different in style and eschews some of the writing conventions often found in the thriller genre.
It’s not a book that asks questions, it’s not another ‘The Devil Rides Out’; it’s simply a short, fun novella that can be consumed in a few hours while unwinding on the sofa on a Sunday afternoon. And for those of us who like their novels served with a dollop of kitsch, then what the author may have inadvertently done here, is create a future cult classic.
After a second reading, I still can’t bring myself to agree with either the five star reviews or the one and two star reviews. And that is the beauty of the written word – just as the author provides the platform, the reader adjusts their own interpretation from their own perspective.
The Last Observer is actually a highly entertaining read, a classic good versus evil yarn, which I enjoyed reading (twice) and would maybe merit development into a full novel in order to explore and expand some of the themes, such as the background to the characters, the origins of Zeltan etc, which in turn, would add more plausibility to some aspects of the story.
For readers expecting the same fluent first person story telling style found in My Haunted Life then beware, the third person narration used by G. Michael Vasey in The Last Observer is very different in style and eschews some of the writing conventions often found in the thriller genre.
It’s not a book that asks questions, it’s not another ‘The Devil Rides Out’; it’s simply a short, fun novella that can be consumed in a few hours while unwinding on the sofa on a Sunday afternoon. And for those of us who like their novels served with a dollop of kitsch, then what the author may have inadvertently done here, is create a future cult classic.
November 25, 2014
The story is about reality, science, magic, both black and white, and the role of one man that will tilt the scale with his abilities.
For the first few pages I was not sure if I liked the book or not, but I continued reading it and found it really intriguing. It is definitely not an easy reading but I don't mean it in a negative way, it's just a type of book that require your full attention.
It is different from the story related to magic that I've been reading so far and I enjoyed it.
For the first few pages I was not sure if I liked the book or not, but I continued reading it and found it really intriguing. It is definitely not an easy reading but I don't mean it in a negative way, it's just a type of book that require your full attention.
It is different from the story related to magic that I've been reading so far and I enjoyed it.
January 23, 2014
With the Devil Rides Out, Dennis Wheatley thrilled the world and introduced occult fiction and with the amazing The Last Observer Dr Vasey has taken over the mantle. A thoughtful and well written book.
I can't to return to this new genre of occult\science fiction.
Keep up the goodd work Dr Vasey,
I can't to return to this new genre of occult\science fiction.
Keep up the goodd work Dr Vasey,
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