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Deep Blue
Book by Wilson, David Niall
344 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2004
17 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
David Niall Wilson
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David Niall Wilson has been writing and publishing horror, dark fantasy, and science fiction since the mid-eighties. An ordained minister, once President of the Horror Writer 's Association and multiple recipient of the Bram Stoker Award. He lives outside Hertford, NC with the love of his life, Patricia Lee Macomber, His children Zane and Katie, occasionally their older siblings, Stephanie, who is in college, and Bill and Zach who are in the Navy, and an ever-changing assortment of pets.
David is CEO and founder of Crossroad Press, a cutting edge digital publishing company specializing in electronic novels, collections, and nonfiction, as well as unabridged audiobooks and print titles.
Join my street team on Facebook to win prizes, discuss my work with others, and get exclusive content and offers
David Niall Wilson has been writing and publishing horror, dark fantasy, and science fiction since the mid-eighties. An ordained minister, once President of the Horror Writer 's Association and multiple recipient of the Bram Stoker Award. He lives outside Hertford, NC with the love of his life, Patricia Lee Macomber, His children Zane and Katie, occasionally their older siblings, Stephanie, who is in college, and Bill and Zach who are in the Navy, and an ever-changing assortment of pets.
David is CEO and founder of Crossroad Press, a cutting edge digital publishing company specializing in electronic novels, collections, and nonfiction, as well as unabridged audiobooks and print titles.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 16, 2013
Hmm. The writing is very good. It was on another level. Deep comes to mind. The writing was deep and it flowed with its own lyrical tempo.
The story itself was melancholic. The story didn't pull me in. Maybe because I'm unfamiliar with bands and music. I'm just not that in touch. And the whole book used music/instruments as a tool to communicate and extricate feelings.
The characters were real in their pain. They just didn't excite me, or make me care.
This read was soul searchingly lonely, longingly lamented, wanting acceptance, receiving it, unable to grasp it, maddeningly sorrowful , and unrelenting in its quest for understanding.
For me, it was just too much. I need an upper after reading it.
The story itself was melancholic. The story didn't pull me in. Maybe because I'm unfamiliar with bands and music. I'm just not that in touch. And the whole book used music/instruments as a tool to communicate and extricate feelings.
The characters were real in their pain. They just didn't excite me, or make me care.
This read was soul searchingly lonely, longingly lamented, wanting acceptance, receiving it, unable to grasp it, maddeningly sorrowful , and unrelenting in its quest for understanding.
For me, it was just too much. I need an upper after reading it.
July 30, 2018
I'm not much of a music lover and, according to my wife, I have terrible taste in music. However, I've always believed in the power of music and stories which use it as a supplement to magic are a great one. This is different from David Niall Wilson's urban fantasy series, though, like the Dechance Chronicles. Instead, this is Magical Realism. It is a place which the supernatural intrudes in on the "real" world in a way which is both beautiful and tragic.
The story is a variation on the myth of Robert Johnson, legendary blues man who supposedly made a deal with the Devil at the crossroads in order to play better than anyone else. It may or may not have happened depending on your beliefs (his son said his father's gift was from God) but it makes a hell of a story. David Wilson takes the premise and alludes to it many times while leaving our protagonist in the dark for much of it.
Brandt is a great character and feels utterly authentic. As a writer, I have sympathy for people who are passionate about their subject and the art form but haven't quite found the fame or fortune that might come with a better break. Truth be told, Brandt may not even be that good at what he does. He's perpetually drunk, lazy, and his devotion to his craft is spotty. He loves the music and feels impassioned by it but he has replaced the best of their band after his death while having a complete lack of respect for the other member (who he lusts after). They're going nowhere and he blames it on circumstance and bad luck than the reality.
Brandt isn't a bad guy, though. He's a man who deeply loves his craft even if it's questionable just how good he is at it. He's certainly capable of recognizing what is the best music, THE song if you will, and wanting it for its own sake rather than any desire for fame or fortune. He's a wholly believable in his relationships both failed and successful plus his friendships because I've known plenty of people who live in the moment like he and his friends.
Deep Blue is a novel more about experiencing music and it's power rather than explaining it, though. The prose is like a rhythm on page, getting us deep in the mind of its characters and explaining in epic flourishes what it means to be affected by the music. It's not going to be for everyone but is probably my favorite of David Niall Wilson's books.
10/10
The story is a variation on the myth of Robert Johnson, legendary blues man who supposedly made a deal with the Devil at the crossroads in order to play better than anyone else. It may or may not have happened depending on your beliefs (his son said his father's gift was from God) but it makes a hell of a story. David Wilson takes the premise and alludes to it many times while leaving our protagonist in the dark for much of it.
Brandt is a great character and feels utterly authentic. As a writer, I have sympathy for people who are passionate about their subject and the art form but haven't quite found the fame or fortune that might come with a better break. Truth be told, Brandt may not even be that good at what he does. He's perpetually drunk, lazy, and his devotion to his craft is spotty. He loves the music and feels impassioned by it but he has replaced the best of their band after his death while having a complete lack of respect for the other member (who he lusts after). They're going nowhere and he blames it on circumstance and bad luck than the reality.
Brandt isn't a bad guy, though. He's a man who deeply loves his craft even if it's questionable just how good he is at it. He's certainly capable of recognizing what is the best music, THE song if you will, and wanting it for its own sake rather than any desire for fame or fortune. He's a wholly believable in his relationships both failed and successful plus his friendships because I've known plenty of people who live in the moment like he and his friends.
Deep Blue is a novel more about experiencing music and it's power rather than explaining it, though. The prose is like a rhythm on page, getting us deep in the mind of its characters and explaining in epic flourishes what it means to be affected by the music. It's not going to be for everyone but is probably my favorite of David Niall Wilson's books.
10/10
August 24, 2010
Are you a music lover? Have you ever found yourself slipping away, lost inside the notes of a great tune? If so, you will love this book!
Wilson brings us a down and out band, playing in dive bars and drinking way too much alcohol. They're all in search of that one song that will be their own; the one that will bring them fame. Then a chance encounter between one member and an old man playing achingly beautiful blues on a harmonica takes them on a strange journey that changes all their lives. We crawl inside the musical notes and experience the pain and redemption in a way I've never experienced with a written word.
Wilson brings us a down and out band, playing in dive bars and drinking way too much alcohol. They're all in search of that one song that will be their own; the one that will bring them fame. Then a chance encounter between one member and an old man playing achingly beautiful blues on a harmonica takes them on a strange journey that changes all their lives. We crawl inside the musical notes and experience the pain and redemption in a way I've never experienced with a written word.
June 22, 2014
If the Blood Is the Life, Music is the Redemption...
DEEP BLUE, by David Niall Wilson, should rise to the top of your ‘to be read’ list so you can experience the joy of reading a novel written so beautifully that you are carried along on a musical riff that binds the characters to the plot and you to the words on the page.
The blues is the music of heartache and pain and torture. The wail of it all brings tears to the eye and a catch in the throat. It is the background music of life itself. The band plays the blues to audiences who don’t give a damn what they hear and that reflects back upon the members of the band who finish their gig not really caring what they played. Especially Brandt, on lead guitar, who paints his face in garish white and stands apart from Syn on bass, Shaver on guitar, and Dexter on drums. Each member of the band is accomplished at their craft, and each one has a deeply personal story to tell, and each one will be called to play his or her part in the redemption of souls in torment, not the least of which are their own.
I am one of those people who cry at the best concerts. The band or singer hits that magic note and the tears begin to trickle. I make no apologies for this; it is my way of appreciating perfection. While reading DEEP BLUE, I had the feeling that if I were lucky enough to hear them play the piece that calls them, one by one, to a place that needs their music like the earth needs rain, the tears would not trickle but run down my face as great sobs wracked my breathing. There is power in music that is hard to capture in the written word. David Niall Wilson has done this, and done it well.
The very nature of the book forbids me retelling the story here. You must read and be surprised as I was. You will read about individuals in a band that are dragged apart only to be drawn back together because the universe needs them to fulfill their individual and collective destinies. Theirs is a journey that is both one of self realization and coming to grips with the supernatural. The folks they meet along the way are their guides to an ending that is all about salvation.
If you are enthralled by the beauty of perfection in language as I am, you will find DEEP BLUE much to your liking. The prose is both music and poetry that makes the story into a song worthy of the blues.
DEEP BLUE, by David Niall Wilson, should rise to the top of your ‘to be read’ list so you can experience the joy of reading a novel written so beautifully that you are carried along on a musical riff that binds the characters to the plot and you to the words on the page.
The blues is the music of heartache and pain and torture. The wail of it all brings tears to the eye and a catch in the throat. It is the background music of life itself. The band plays the blues to audiences who don’t give a damn what they hear and that reflects back upon the members of the band who finish their gig not really caring what they played. Especially Brandt, on lead guitar, who paints his face in garish white and stands apart from Syn on bass, Shaver on guitar, and Dexter on drums. Each member of the band is accomplished at their craft, and each one has a deeply personal story to tell, and each one will be called to play his or her part in the redemption of souls in torment, not the least of which are their own.
I am one of those people who cry at the best concerts. The band or singer hits that magic note and the tears begin to trickle. I make no apologies for this; it is my way of appreciating perfection. While reading DEEP BLUE, I had the feeling that if I were lucky enough to hear them play the piece that calls them, one by one, to a place that needs their music like the earth needs rain, the tears would not trickle but run down my face as great sobs wracked my breathing. There is power in music that is hard to capture in the written word. David Niall Wilson has done this, and done it well.
The very nature of the book forbids me retelling the story here. You must read and be surprised as I was. You will read about individuals in a band that are dragged apart only to be drawn back together because the universe needs them to fulfill their individual and collective destinies. Theirs is a journey that is both one of self realization and coming to grips with the supernatural. The folks they meet along the way are their guides to an ending that is all about salvation.
If you are enthralled by the beauty of perfection in language as I am, you will find DEEP BLUE much to your liking. The prose is both music and poetry that makes the story into a song worthy of the blues.
November 17, 2011
The introduction of the book is fascinating as Dave talks about the elements that inspired him to write the book... the base concept of a blues band whose lead singer/ rhythm guitarist gains the ability to feel all the worlds pain, and he MUST play it... very cool. Since this is a Dave Niall Wilson story we have a balancing force of darkness and some mish mash of religious ideals that are battling it out.
November 3, 2024
Apparently I'm not a true music fan.
April 21, 2016
First off this is one deep book.The writer takes you on a spiritual,journey.It is written based on his personal experiences from places he visited,like the Holocaust museum. To visit that place would be a life changing experience in itself,butnto put it into words and music is another journey in itself. We have Brandt,who is a guitar playing down and out dope head,alcoholic, just trying to find his song. When he finally finds his song,the others soon follow. Syn,a little girl trapped in her own pain followed by angels,who hears Brandts pain and music calling to her.Soon the others feel their pain and music.The struggle to male sense of it all,the visions,the pain,the calling.Wilson leads us to the crashing point of his song written and poured out into this story as they all come together.Here it reminds me of the Devil went down to Georgia. You have the devil calling them all together,saying take their pain,use it swallow it,like the sineater in the mountains of Liz's home,the one in the vision,the reason for your quest. Then the pain will be free,but it isn't.They need to each tackle their own demons,their own past,only then can they come together for the good.Along the journey they have sent Angels to rest. But it grows this pain and it is driving them crazy.Finally Wilson drives us to the conclusion of the song,the finale,the fight of evil and good.Who will win? Will their pain and his pain finally be released and all made whole again? This is one of those books for us that feel the music,who gets a tear in our eyes on a certain song,some songs release happiness, for me there is a certain song brings me pain and memories.David Wilson seems like an old soul,in a young mans body.He has a tremendous talent.I felt the music of Hank,I grew up with that music.What song draws you in?
April 6, 2019
Wilson puts a new spin on the old tale; instead of losing his soul to the devil, a blues musician who is already lost is given the power to truly play the blues.
The novel starts with Brandt, a blues guitarist, so broke he cannot make the rent and so drunk he cannot perform. As he stumbles from a failed gig, the sound of a harmonica draws him into an alley, and toward the dark heart of the blues. Burdened by a new feeling for pain, one final gig with his band becomes a descent into horror, and he disappears into the night. Over the next few days the remains of the band and their friends are drawn into the secret, and into his wake.
As befits a novel about a blues band, the language is dark and sometimes jagged, yet always lyrical.
The reinvention of the traditional devil’s bargain is skilled, leaving the reader uncertain what Brandt has actually gained and what the price truly was until late in the story. Although Wilson seeds the story with references to the bluesman’s deal, especially the crossroads, it is deftly integrated, forming part of a new narrative rather than a pure homage.
Each of the leading characters is flawed, on the surface by the similar issues of substance abuse and poverty; but beneath the similarities are unique flaws which both explain the damage and build sympathy. Just as each has unique issues, so Wilson gives them each unique opportunities to resolve them; some must be overcome by will, others could be powerful abilities once the veneer of fear and misconception is stripped away.
I enjoyed this book immensely – even if it did leave me humming The Devil Went Down to Georgia for several days. I recommend it to readers who enjoy magical prose, and tales of redemption.
The novel starts with Brandt, a blues guitarist, so broke he cannot make the rent and so drunk he cannot perform. As he stumbles from a failed gig, the sound of a harmonica draws him into an alley, and toward the dark heart of the blues. Burdened by a new feeling for pain, one final gig with his band becomes a descent into horror, and he disappears into the night. Over the next few days the remains of the band and their friends are drawn into the secret, and into his wake.
As befits a novel about a blues band, the language is dark and sometimes jagged, yet always lyrical.
The reinvention of the traditional devil’s bargain is skilled, leaving the reader uncertain what Brandt has actually gained and what the price truly was until late in the story. Although Wilson seeds the story with references to the bluesman’s deal, especially the crossroads, it is deftly integrated, forming part of a new narrative rather than a pure homage.
Each of the leading characters is flawed, on the surface by the similar issues of substance abuse and poverty; but beneath the similarities are unique flaws which both explain the damage and build sympathy. Just as each has unique issues, so Wilson gives them each unique opportunities to resolve them; some must be overcome by will, others could be powerful abilities once the veneer of fear and misconception is stripped away.
I enjoyed this book immensely – even if it did leave me humming The Devil Went Down to Georgia for several days. I recommend it to readers who enjoy magical prose, and tales of redemption.
January 24, 2020
Let's cut to the chase. I had to mark this one as Did Not Finish (DNF). I tried but I just didn't care enough about the story and wasn't involved enough to finish the book. It started well. I liked the first chapter. Then somewhere around the start of chapter two or chapter three, I suddenly lost 90% of my interest in the story. I remember thinking "Oh, it's going to be one of *those* books." but I don't remember what I meant by "those books". I suppose I could go back and figure out why but I'm marking it DNF because I don't want to spend more time on the book.
There was a large tie-in to blues music which I'm not a fan so that probably pulled me out also. The setting felt more like New Orleans but was some town in California which was a bit off-putting. The characters were rude to each other for no apparent reason and were making decisions that made no sense. And then usually I give books a break if the punctuation is bad; I figure that the author is trying to tell a story and they shouldn't be blamed for bad editing. In this case though, it was so consistent that it made the reading experience even worse. Different scenes would flow together across paragraphs with no space break to inform the reader that it was a new scene. Anyway, I'll stop here. I do have two more books by David Niall Wilson on my To Be Read list. I'm hoping for better.
There was a large tie-in to blues music which I'm not a fan so that probably pulled me out also. The setting felt more like New Orleans but was some town in California which was a bit off-putting. The characters were rude to each other for no apparent reason and were making decisions that made no sense. And then usually I give books a break if the punctuation is bad; I figure that the author is trying to tell a story and they shouldn't be blamed for bad editing. In this case though, it was so consistent that it made the reading experience even worse. Different scenes would flow together across paragraphs with no space break to inform the reader that it was a new scene. Anyway, I'll stop here. I do have two more books by David Niall Wilson on my To Be Read list. I'm hoping for better.
February 14, 2017
Rating: 4.25
Have you ever felt the blues? No man I mean like really felt it.
Brandt is a good guitarist, but his band is going nowhere, and really his life up to this point has been going nowhere. He is broke and if he is awake he is drunk. One night after a gig, he has his bottle and his guitar and is walking down the street. He comes across an old black man who helps him with his music in ways he could never imagine. Wally often breaks out his harmonica and can change the mood of a room. Brandt looks to Wally for guidance and inspiration. As Brandt explores his new ability to really feel his music Sinthia comes along for the ride.
Each member of the band starts to feel what Brandt feels. They all can sense things that normal people do not. As they all start bonding over their new found connection, the band really grows.
Once Liz opens up about her story they realize they have to go to Friendly California. Upon arrival there they have a meeting with Pastor Pain, a man they have all met before. The band plays the tightest set they have ever played. Dexter playing the drums doesn't come in right away, he is feeling the vibe and waiting for the right time. When he slides in, the sound is so great it could literally alter the universe.
Have you ever felt the blues? No man I mean like really felt it.
Brandt is a good guitarist, but his band is going nowhere, and really his life up to this point has been going nowhere. He is broke and if he is awake he is drunk. One night after a gig, he has his bottle and his guitar and is walking down the street. He comes across an old black man who helps him with his music in ways he could never imagine. Wally often breaks out his harmonica and can change the mood of a room. Brandt looks to Wally for guidance and inspiration. As Brandt explores his new ability to really feel his music Sinthia comes along for the ride.
Each member of the band starts to feel what Brandt feels. They all can sense things that normal people do not. As they all start bonding over their new found connection, the band really grows.
Once Liz opens up about her story they realize they have to go to Friendly California. Upon arrival there they have a meeting with Pastor Pain, a man they have all met before. The band plays the tightest set they have ever played. Dexter playing the drums doesn't come in right away, he is feeling the vibe and waiting for the right time. When he slides in, the sound is so great it could literally alter the universe.
January 25, 2021
I have enjoyed everything I've read from David Niall Wilson, and this was no exception. Great characters, that I came to really care about. Action, folklore, and the blues. Fantastic.
April 15, 2016
Deep Blue by David Niall Wilson is a complicated book with many mixed emotions. You will find the style of two of his favorite authors in this book, Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King. This book is mystical, dark, and exploiting pain of the people who have passed in the music being played by Brandt. I found this book gritty and uncomfortable to read, but I truly believe that was the goal of the author, to stir up emotions while reading this book.
Brandt was a guitar player in a band, but is drawn to a man who plays the “blues” with his harmonica. Brandt learns that the “blues” cannot be taught, but it is felt. Then Brandt starts feeling what those around him are feeling and it comes out in his music. This starts him and his band on a trip that allows Brandt to help people find their way.
Brandt was a guitar player in a band, but is drawn to a man who plays the “blues” with his harmonica. Brandt learns that the “blues” cannot be taught, but it is felt. Then Brandt starts feeling what those around him are feeling and it comes out in his music. This starts him and his band on a trip that allows Brandt to help people find their way.
April 8, 2017
Weird, mystical book about what? A young musician has a mystical experience one night while drunk and meets and old harmonica player who becomes sort of his soul guide. He then connects with his band mates and helps resolve some old hurts and maybe rid the world of something evil. Lots of blues and music imagery, which was interesting, but the plot left me thinking--Is that all there is?
June 25, 2013
This one was painful to read. It felt like two different books were being read and forced together no matter how awkwardly they fit.
The stories about the sineater were very interesting and promising. But the story with the blues band was less interesting and promising.
Oh well.
The stories about the sineater were very interesting and promising. But the story with the blues band was less interesting and promising.
Oh well.
April 6, 2015
Awesome
Much like Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked, good and evil fighting across the cosmos with a solid bass, lightening fast riffs, blended together between the drum beat, melody line and the solid love of friends.
Much like Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked, good and evil fighting across the cosmos with a solid bass, lightening fast riffs, blended together between the drum beat, melody line and the solid love of friends.
September 30, 2016
Boring.not my type of reading.couldn't read more than a page at a time.
Boring.notvmy type of reading.couldn't read more than a page before putting it down.it was only $1so no waste.like to be hooked I to a story.
Boring.notvmy type of reading.couldn't read more than a page before putting it down.it was only $1so no waste.like to be hooked I to a story.
March 20, 2017
I was not able to keep up with this one.It was confusing and I felt, boring.Not what I usually get from anything David N Wilson has written. Chris Patton was a fine narrator.I was given this book free by the author, narrator or publisher.
February 11, 2020
That was different.
This was a well written book that I had a hard time putting down. I didn't actually like it a whole lot but I respect it as an incredible story of good vs. evil. I may not have enjoyed reading it but will not forget this one.
This was a well written book that I had a hard time putting down. I didn't actually like it a whole lot but I respect it as an incredible story of good vs. evil. I may not have enjoyed reading it but will not forget this one.
May 29, 2020
Extraordinarily well written!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! His writing is so descriptive I could feel and see the scenes he was writing about. I had never read "dark fantasy" but after reading this, I will definitely be reading more writings from Mr. Wilson and his friends 😉
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! His writing is so descriptive I could feel and see the scenes he was writing about. I had never read "dark fantasy" but after reading this, I will definitely be reading more writings from Mr. Wilson and his friends 😉
May 31, 2008
This book was a fantastic read. Dark, gritty and full of characters so real you half-expect them to walk through your door for an impromptu jam session.
Read
April 21, 2024I just couldn't get into this one for some reason and set it aside.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews