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Lincoln Delabar #1
Blank: Life or Nothing
There’s a violence in me. My name is Lincoln Delabar. I was born without a face. Yes, you heard that right. Smooth, clear skin from my forehead to my chin.I see the world differently, yet it is still a place that holds wonder. At least most of the time. With my uniqueness comes a burden. My mind is powerful. Very powerful. And I have an obligation, a purpose, to see things in my own special way. Some of the things I see are frightening. The evil in this world is beyond anyone’s control. Or so you might think. There is a violence in me. I’m not afraid. I can control it. But should I?
524 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2014
320 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
About the author
Richard C. Hale
36 books180 followersRichard C Hale has worn many hats in his lifetime including Greens Keeper, Bartender, Musician, Respiratory Therapist, and Veteran Air Traffic Controller. You can usually find him controlling Air Traffic over the skies of the Southeastern U.S. where he lives with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 11, 2015
"Blank" started out really good. It was emotional, dramatic, and full of heartbreak. In the beginning, Linc tells the tale of how he was born absolutely FACELESS and the struggles his family suffered with his rather unique telepathic and telekinetic abilities. The story then follows your typical YA theme, character identity, self-discovery, romance, peer-pressure and the every day hardships of teenage life. However, as the story unfolds, there's some murder mystery, gang violence, and other dangerous aspects that come into play and even more dangerous homicidal villains. While I did enjoy "Blank", there were a few issues I had with the book.
1. Pacing- The story was just tooooooooooooo long! I felt like the author could have chopped down a lot of the dangerous action and overload of side plots. About half way through the book, the situations got a bit repetitive in some places and seemed a little forced and unrealistic in a way. It was almost like watching 3 seasons of Teen Wolf stuffed in one book where all this crazy and spontaneous violence/villianry happens out of nowhere. Like seriously, how many times will knives be waved, people shot, almost rapped and killed in a span of three months? And also, how many times do the same villains have to return before they can stay locked up or dead?!
3. Characters- I really enjoyed Linc. I thought he was a humble, reactive, and generally interesting character. I mean, he has NO FACE, so how can he not be. I like only two other characters, Linc's mother, a snarky alcoholic, and his best friend Tuck. Joey, his uncle, was whimsy and mysterious, so I guess I liked him too. I absolutely DID NOT LIKE either of Linc's love interests. Avril, a freaking saint, puritan to the core, is just too pure it's annoying. And Sydney, who comes along out of no where later on with powers like Linc's claiming they belong together every third page of the book. She was an utterly pointless character. ANNOYING!!
4. Romance- Oh boy. The romance was juvenile, way to mushy for my tastes, and repetitive! It also just felt FLAT. Linc and Avril are supposed to "be destined for each other" as they put it, but wherever I read their romance scenes, it screamed YAWN and FORCED. I don't know, even though they go through some heavy trials together, the FEELING just wasn't there for me, so it just seemed to take up space.
5. Ending- The ending was not too great. Basically it was not a "happily ever after" for anyone. It was, once again, too dramatic for me, which would have been great if it was the only super dramatic incident in the story, but since all these other outrageous moments of violence and killing came before it, it just tasted stale.
All in all, I felt this story could have been a mighty 3.5 stars, or 4 stars. But things just kind of fell apart in some places. It was like a roller coaster. Good moment, okay moment, Ugh moment, repeat. BUT it was still a fun read with some great mystery and character depth from our protagonist Linc, AKA, Blank. I would still recommend it, if your into the strange, slightly paranormal, YA mystery deal!
1. Pacing- The story was just tooooooooooooo long! I felt like the author could have chopped down a lot of the dangerous action and overload of side plots. About half way through the book, the situations got a bit repetitive in some places and seemed a little forced and unrealistic in a way. It was almost like watching 3 seasons of Teen Wolf stuffed in one book where all this crazy and spontaneous violence/villianry happens out of nowhere. Like seriously, how many times will knives be waved, people shot, almost rapped and killed in a span of three months? And also, how many times do the same villains have to return before they can stay locked up or dead?!
3. Characters- I really enjoyed Linc. I thought he was a humble, reactive, and generally interesting character. I mean, he has NO FACE, so how can he not be. I like only two other characters, Linc's mother, a snarky alcoholic, and his best friend Tuck. Joey, his uncle, was whimsy and mysterious, so I guess I liked him too. I absolutely DID NOT LIKE either of Linc's love interests. Avril, a freaking saint, puritan to the core, is just too pure it's annoying. And Sydney, who comes along out of no where later on with powers like Linc's claiming they belong together every third page of the book. She was an utterly pointless character. ANNOYING!!
4. Romance- Oh boy. The romance was juvenile, way to mushy for my tastes, and repetitive! It also just felt FLAT. Linc and Avril are supposed to "be destined for each other" as they put it, but wherever I read their romance scenes, it screamed YAWN and FORCED. I don't know, even though they go through some heavy trials together, the FEELING just wasn't there for me, so it just seemed to take up space.
5. Ending- The ending was not too great. Basically it was not a "happily ever after" for anyone. It was, once again, too dramatic for me, which would have been great if it was the only super dramatic incident in the story, but since all these other outrageous moments of violence and killing came before it, it just tasted stale.
All in all, I felt this story could have been a mighty 3.5 stars, or 4 stars. But things just kind of fell apart in some places. It was like a roller coaster. Good moment, okay moment, Ugh moment, repeat. BUT it was still a fun read with some great mystery and character depth from our protagonist Linc, AKA, Blank. I would still recommend it, if your into the strange, slightly paranormal, YA mystery deal!
April 25, 2014
What will Richard C. Hale come up with next? This is an incredible story of a young boy born without a face but capable of many things despite his handicap. He has an advanced mind in that he can read other people's minds and transport his thoughts back to them. It becomes a little unnerving for his family, so much so that his father finally leaves.
This is just Season 1 of an emotional and surprising rollercoaster of a ride. Linc, the main character explores his mind-control capabilities with animals and realizes some impossible scenarios.
What will Linc do next? How far will he go with his powers? Is he a hero or a villain? This story moved quickly with easy-to-read dialogue between the two main characters. I found myself turning pages quickly to find out what Linc would and wouldn't do! It is quite a fascinating story with so many future possibilities coming. I can't wait to read some more.
I think talented author, Richard C. Hale, has a winner here with Blank. His star is rising!
This is just Season 1 of an emotional and surprising rollercoaster of a ride. Linc, the main character explores his mind-control capabilities with animals and realizes some impossible scenarios.
What will Linc do next? How far will he go with his powers? Is he a hero or a villain? This story moved quickly with easy-to-read dialogue between the two main characters. I found myself turning pages quickly to find out what Linc would and wouldn't do! It is quite a fascinating story with so many future possibilities coming. I can't wait to read some more.
I think talented author, Richard C. Hale, has a winner here with Blank. His star is rising!
February 21, 2020
i hated this book so much just could not get into it at
June 3, 2014
Linc or Blank is back and there is no stopping his powers as they continue to grow stronger as he matures into a man.
He can read minds, levitate objects and fly and he has the ability to heal others' injuries. He has many new adventures and heartaches. Will he survive them all or will he turn to the dark side. He has two loves in his life. Will he be able to choose between them?
I have read Blank 1-6 now and can't get enough. The characters are so well defined, some are likable while others are not and you will love to hate them. Some shocking events take place and you will feel for Linc in every instance. Richard C. Hale has created a gem in Linc and readers will be hooked from Book 1. If you haven't read the first book yet, hurry up and pick yours up. Don't be left behind and miss out on all the action and suspense of what will Linc do next! I am eagerly anticipating Book 7. Keep 'me coming, Richard!
He can read minds, levitate objects and fly and he has the ability to heal others' injuries. He has many new adventures and heartaches. Will he survive them all or will he turn to the dark side. He has two loves in his life. Will he be able to choose between them?
I have read Blank 1-6 now and can't get enough. The characters are so well defined, some are likable while others are not and you will love to hate them. Some shocking events take place and you will feel for Linc in every instance. Richard C. Hale has created a gem in Linc and readers will be hooked from Book 1. If you haven't read the first book yet, hurry up and pick yours up. Don't be left behind and miss out on all the action and suspense of what will Linc do next! I am eagerly anticipating Book 7. Keep 'me coming, Richard!
September 6, 2014
I couldn't stop reading this. It was easy to read and the story went into just the right amount of detail. Well put together...now I have to read the other five!
November 2, 2015
Interesting start ... but rather repetitive as it went on.
If I was blank I would have killed all the bad guys...
really
If I was blank I would have killed all the bad guys...
really
August 8, 2017
Lincoln Delabar was born without a face; quite literally, a smooth expanse on the front of his head, with only two holes where his nostrils would be, through which he breathes and takes sustenance, liquids which he cannot taste. But, as with all things, when a door closes, a window opens. Lincoln, or Blank, as his father dubbed him, has other abilities. He can sense electrical energy, enabling him to ‘see’ things around him, and he can ‘connect’ with people who touch his face, an action which enables a two-way sharing of memories.
As Linc, his favored name, reaches puberty, he develops friends and contacts beyond his mother and sister—his father having deserted the family because of his inability to cope with both Linc’s deformity and his power—including his uncle, Joey, who is hiding some dark secret, Tuck, a neighborhood boy with whom he develops a close and enduring friendship, and a girl who is able to look past his lack of a face and see the real him.
But, he has enemies, too. People who hate him for what he is, and those who fear him for his ability to ‘see’ them.
Blank by Richard C. Hale is not your usual novel. While all its main characters are teens, the theme is decidedly adult, as they struggle with a serial rapist/killer, drug dealers, and high school bullies who sometimes go way too far. It’s tempting to call it a coming-of-age novel, but it’s not that either. What it is; a darn interesting and intriguing read, handled in such a way that you find yourself believing that such a creature could actually exist.
A five-star premiere to what I predict will be a series that will acquire a cult following.
As Linc, his favored name, reaches puberty, he develops friends and contacts beyond his mother and sister—his father having deserted the family because of his inability to cope with both Linc’s deformity and his power—including his uncle, Joey, who is hiding some dark secret, Tuck, a neighborhood boy with whom he develops a close and enduring friendship, and a girl who is able to look past his lack of a face and see the real him.
But, he has enemies, too. People who hate him for what he is, and those who fear him for his ability to ‘see’ them.
Blank by Richard C. Hale is not your usual novel. While all its main characters are teens, the theme is decidedly adult, as they struggle with a serial rapist/killer, drug dealers, and high school bullies who sometimes go way too far. It’s tempting to call it a coming-of-age novel, but it’s not that either. What it is; a darn interesting and intriguing read, handled in such a way that you find yourself believing that such a creature could actually exist.
A five-star premiere to what I predict will be a series that will acquire a cult following.
November 7, 2017
I liked it; although I must say, it is a strange story. This is a whole other level of paranormal.
BLANK is the story of a boy born without a face. As he grows, he develops various "super powers". How he uses these powers defines who he is. The only problem is that he's a teenager, and teenagers rarely know who they are and haven't developed into any particular type of character. This leads to confusion and turmoil within himself.
Richard Hale brings all the teenage angst into a super natural human and weaves a totally believable tale that takes the reader through a variety of emotions.
One sure thing ... this is a story that you won't soon forget.
BLANK is the story of a boy born without a face. As he grows, he develops various "super powers". How he uses these powers defines who he is. The only problem is that he's a teenager, and teenagers rarely know who they are and haven't developed into any particular type of character. This leads to confusion and turmoil within himself.
Richard Hale brings all the teenage angst into a super natural human and weaves a totally believable tale that takes the reader through a variety of emotions.
One sure thing ... this is a story that you won't soon forget.
June 19, 2023
At first I thought I’d made a mistake as it seemed like a book aimed at young adults but with a small amount of grim violence. With hindsight this is probably who it is intended for, but it is an easy read and I enjoyed it.
The author slips up the gears with ease in the way Lincs powers increase, his explanations of auras and the sight given to the lead is extremely well done.
Become addictive eventually and i will probably read the rest of the series at some point,
I would recommend this to a young adult who wants a book with a bit of an edge.
The author slips up the gears with ease in the way Lincs powers increase, his explanations of auras and the sight given to the lead is extremely well done.
Become addictive eventually and i will probably read the rest of the series at some point,
I would recommend this to a young adult who wants a book with a bit of an edge.
January 22, 2021
I have read many Richard Hale books and always liked them, especially the Jason Jennings series. The book was extremely different. It has a unique storyline and keeps moving. It is the first in a series so it is a cliffhanger. Good characters and a lot of action. Looking forward to reading the next one.
September 22, 2017
Kept me wondering
I enjoyed the book. It built up a great suspense. I was a little disappointed how it ended. I am intrigued enough to want to read the next book to see if perhaps the ending was just a brief plot twist.
I enjoyed the book. It built up a great suspense. I was a little disappointed how it ended. I am intrigued enough to want to read the next book to see if perhaps the ending was just a brief plot twist.
December 18, 2018
Interesting Mix
Not much interested in Sci fit or Fantasy, I did like this book. The story,and characters were interesting and well developed which kept me interested. First book in the series.
Not much interested in Sci fit or Fantasy, I did like this book. The story,and characters were interesting and well developed which kept me interested. First book in the series.
January 29, 2017
Loved the first 3/4 of book. Very creative story & characters. Great friendships & super hero adventures.
Thought the last 1/4 was a bit too self destructive of the main character.
Thought the last 1/4 was a bit too self destructive of the main character.
May 14, 2017
That was a great very interesting read!
December 9, 2017
Good read
This was a good enjoyable read. Hardly put the book down. It was simple and well written and filled with twists and turns. Recommended read
This was a good enjoyable read. Hardly put the book down. It was simple and well written and filled with twists and turns. Recommended read
December 15, 2017
Interesting read
Must let your imagination and reality go while reading this book. The ending was not a surprise, although it was sad.
Must let your imagination and reality go while reading this book. The ending was not a surprise, although it was sad.
December 31, 2017
Interesting
To some extent Linc could be real and not a fiction. Enjoyable read but too many loose ends,
I realise this is a series so has to be some.
To some extent Linc could be real and not a fiction. Enjoyable read but too many loose ends,
I realise this is a series so has to be some.
January 5, 2018
Disappointing, interesting concept but read like it was written for children despite some violence. Very rarely give up on books but left this one half way through.
October 14, 2018
Awesome book
Such a vivid storyteller. It blew me away! It makes you wonder if this could really happen. Can't wait to read the next book
Such a vivid storyteller. It blew me away! It makes you wonder if this could really happen. Can't wait to read the next book
November 7, 2021
Well, it's just too juvenile for my taste.
November 22, 2021
Didn't realize this was going to be about a bunch of teenagers, and first loves and all that gushy stuff. Linc's power was pretty cool, if he grows up in subsequent books I may try another.
Want to read
April 3, 2023Not read. Goodreads won't update correctly.
March 11, 2024
Honestly one of the books that made me feel really sad
July 12, 2015
Everyone looks different; that's a fact of life. Symmetry, asymmetry, blemishes, smooth skin, missing appendages, "normal" appendages, etc. But most people don't look as different as Lincoln Delabar, a.k.a. Linc or Blank, whose face is nonexistent, aside from two slits for a nose. Richard C. Hale's Blank details the unique experiences of Linc as he encounters the world.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Seeing the world though Linc's perspective is interesting because he doesn't see the world in the traditional sense, through eyes; rather, Linc sees the world through electric impulses, or in easier to understand terms, sonar. While Linc is deprived of facial features, he is gifted with extraordinary abilities, such as telepathy with those who touch his face and telekinesis when his emotions, particularly negative emotions, are running high.
From the connective hive-like mind that results within Linc's family, inclusive of his mother, father, and sister Kaylin, tensions run high as there are no secrets between them. From this transparency, Linc's father leaves them, ushering in his Uncle Joey to act as his new male role model while his mother constantly drinks herself into a stupor. It's not until Linc learns he can communicate telepathically with animals and goes to the zoo that he finds he has an impact on the animals around him and senses that something is wrong as many of the animals have lost their babies recently. After he forms connection with the chimpanzee, he learns who is behind the deaths of the baby animals and seeks his revenge.
Due to the nature of the new, strange idea presented, there tends to be quite a lot of explanation to describe Linc and his interactions with the world around him in order to thoroughly set the scene. While this is slated as number one in a series, it felt a bit too rushed to get to a climax through the rising action, as if it had to offer this action right now, but then it immediately drops off into nothingness as it attempts to set itself up for subsequent stories.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Seeing the world though Linc's perspective is interesting because he doesn't see the world in the traditional sense, through eyes; rather, Linc sees the world through electric impulses, or in easier to understand terms, sonar. While Linc is deprived of facial features, he is gifted with extraordinary abilities, such as telepathy with those who touch his face and telekinesis when his emotions, particularly negative emotions, are running high.
From the connective hive-like mind that results within Linc's family, inclusive of his mother, father, and sister Kaylin, tensions run high as there are no secrets between them. From this transparency, Linc's father leaves them, ushering in his Uncle Joey to act as his new male role model while his mother constantly drinks herself into a stupor. It's not until Linc learns he can communicate telepathically with animals and goes to the zoo that he finds he has an impact on the animals around him and senses that something is wrong as many of the animals have lost their babies recently. After he forms connection with the chimpanzee, he learns who is behind the deaths of the baby animals and seeks his revenge.
Due to the nature of the new, strange idea presented, there tends to be quite a lot of explanation to describe Linc and his interactions with the world around him in order to thoroughly set the scene. While this is slated as number one in a series, it felt a bit too rushed to get to a climax through the rising action, as if it had to offer this action right now, but then it immediately drops off into nothingness as it attempts to set itself up for subsequent stories.
February 23, 2017
Excellent book.
I really enjoyed the storyline in this book, lots of edge of the seat things going on. Can't wait to read the next one.
I really enjoyed the storyline in this book, lots of edge of the seat things going on. Can't wait to read the next one.
November 7, 2014
Blank: The Complete First Season Collection: Episodes 1 - 6
by Richard C. Hale
Blank is the story of young Lincoln "Linc" Delabar, also known as Blank. He was born without a face, just two slits where his nose should be. He is different, unique in the way he communicates, sees, eats and lives. He also has special abilities, he can see things others can't.
With this ability comes a great responsibility, he has the potential be evil. He must learn to control his emotions and act appropriately. We see how Linc grows, makes friends, relates to his family and face daily challenges, some are easy to overcome, others become a challenge. Some decisions he must make can be dangerous, but Linc will do what ever it takes to protect the ones he loves.
Linc is very likable. He does not have an easy life, we watch how he copes and wants to be liked and have a good life. He has a kind heart and a love for animals. He also has an inner dark side, which adds thrilling suspense to his story.
I feel that readers of many genres will enjoy Blank: The Complete First Season Collection: Episodes 1 - 6 by Richard C. Hale and highly recommend to all. I look forward to the next season collection.
by Richard C. Hale
Blank is the story of young Lincoln "Linc" Delabar, also known as Blank. He was born without a face, just two slits where his nose should be. He is different, unique in the way he communicates, sees, eats and lives. He also has special abilities, he can see things others can't.
With this ability comes a great responsibility, he has the potential be evil. He must learn to control his emotions and act appropriately. We see how Linc grows, makes friends, relates to his family and face daily challenges, some are easy to overcome, others become a challenge. Some decisions he must make can be dangerous, but Linc will do what ever it takes to protect the ones he loves.
Linc is very likable. He does not have an easy life, we watch how he copes and wants to be liked and have a good life. He has a kind heart and a love for animals. He also has an inner dark side, which adds thrilling suspense to his story.
I feel that readers of many genres will enjoy Blank: The Complete First Season Collection: Episodes 1 - 6 by Richard C. Hale and highly recommend to all. I look forward to the next season collection.
June 18, 2015
I've enjoyed other books by this author but I'm really not sure what I think about this very unusual YA. First of all, top marks for originality and such an ambitious project.
The central character is a young boy born without any facial features except two small nostrils through which he is able to breath and take in liquid food via a tube. He does however have strong physic powers such as being able to see in perfect detail via auras despite having no eyes, being able to talk to animals and connect and communicate internally with those close to him. With a small group of friends, one being a very attractive classmate with a troubled past, he meets a lot of prejudice and has various "adventures" which become increasingly violent.
I very much liked the idea behind the book and there was some interesting points about how people react to what they fear and the dangers of reading minds and fully experiencing other people's emotions.
From the outset the author was asking for a suspension of reality and there were moments I was happy to go along with it. But I wasn't sufficiently immersed into the story to sustain this throughout the read.
An interesting but not wholly convincing read.
.
The central character is a young boy born without any facial features except two small nostrils through which he is able to breath and take in liquid food via a tube. He does however have strong physic powers such as being able to see in perfect detail via auras despite having no eyes, being able to talk to animals and connect and communicate internally with those close to him. With a small group of friends, one being a very attractive classmate with a troubled past, he meets a lot of prejudice and has various "adventures" which become increasingly violent.
I very much liked the idea behind the book and there was some interesting points about how people react to what they fear and the dangers of reading minds and fully experiencing other people's emotions.
From the outset the author was asking for a suspension of reality and there were moments I was happy to go along with it. But I wasn't sufficiently immersed into the story to sustain this throughout the read.
An interesting but not wholly convincing read.
.
May 17, 2017
Very creative writing, this storyline has a fascinating theme to it, its humorous and also thought provoking, a good read
The book layout is well presented as another life obstical for a person of interesting powers trying to cope in a mixed up woeld
The book layout is well presented as another life obstical for a person of interesting powers trying to cope in a mixed up woeld
February 8, 2016
I believe that young adults and adults will enjoy this series? I wasn't sure what to expect when I started to read Blank. The opening lines made me wonder if it was a horror book but having read many of Richards books I didn't think it would be so I was intrigued as to how the story would develop.
Richard didn't disappoint, the depth of emotional connections Lincoln develops with the world around him had me enthralled from page one. I like the fact that the story is short because I would have struggled to put this book down, it leaves you with many unanswered questions but the suspense is all part of the enjoyment .
I was fascinated by the connections with animals, Linc, his family and friends. The fact that adults found it harder to cope was not surprising but at the moment I am not sure about Joey, he clearly enjoys spending time with Linc so what is he frightened of, why is he so reluctant to connect with Linc, does he have something to hide? How will what's happened affect Linc as he grows older? Will he be able to gain more control or will the blackness start to control him? I can't what for the next book to be released.
Richard didn't disappoint, the depth of emotional connections Lincoln develops with the world around him had me enthralled from page one. I like the fact that the story is short because I would have struggled to put this book down, it leaves you with many unanswered questions but the suspense is all part of the enjoyment .
I was fascinated by the connections with animals, Linc, his family and friends. The fact that adults found it harder to cope was not surprising but at the moment I am not sure about Joey, he clearly enjoys spending time with Linc so what is he frightened of, why is he so reluctant to connect with Linc, does he have something to hide? How will what's happened affect Linc as he grows older? Will he be able to gain more control or will the blackness start to control him? I can't what for the next book to be released.
February 2, 2016
Blank, the very first book I've read by Richard C Hale, grabbed my attention and teased my curiosity from the first page. Lincoln Delabar, a child born with no face, must live in a world that sees him as a monster. He’s a special boy with budding powers. In this first installment to the trilogy, we are introduced to Lincoln, his family, and his friends. I watch him grow into his teenage self as he grows into some of his powers. It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride with many adult situations. Since it is the first, many back stories must be presented making it a long read, but well worth sticking it out through the end.
I recently joined Hale’s Street Team and needed to buy and read both Blank and Blank: Threads before getting to Blank: Apocalypse, my ARC. He has a way of writing that makes the characters very real and you become invested in what happens to each of them. Though some parts are difficult to read, they make this story more realistic. I’m glad I was able to pick up Blank: Threads right after so I didn’t have long to find out what happens to Linc next.
I recently joined Hale’s Street Team and needed to buy and read both Blank and Blank: Threads before getting to Blank: Apocalypse, my ARC. He has a way of writing that makes the characters very real and you become invested in what happens to each of them. Though some parts are difficult to read, they make this story more realistic. I’m glad I was able to pick up Blank: Threads right after so I didn’t have long to find out what happens to Linc next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews