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Touch of the Whimsy
Touch of the Whimsy
You don't have to travel half way round the planet to find yourself, but sometimes it helps!
Dave and John are alien entities, who have been tasked with discovering the meaning of life... preferably before the end of their shift!
Dave is not too fazed, as he has spent the majority of his considerable existence learning how to make life as easy as possible, especially his own life!
Cece, on the other hand, thinks it is the end of the world when she is first dumped, and then made redundant!
Until, that is, the tropical cruise that she has treated herself to is interrupted by a freak wave, leaving her marooned on a deserted island!
But when strange and unsettling activities start to occur, Cece begins to wonder if the island actually is uninhabited...?
Or maybe she is not the only one to have washed ashore?
Or perhaps her mind has decided to wander off and take a little vacation of its own?
And something...possibly calling itself Heracles...observes Cece's deliberations...and reports back...
You don't have to travel half way round the planet to find yourself, but sometimes it helps!
Dave and John are alien entities, who have been tasked with discovering the meaning of life... preferably before the end of their shift!
Dave is not too fazed, as he has spent the majority of his considerable existence learning how to make life as easy as possible, especially his own life!
Cece, on the other hand, thinks it is the end of the world when she is first dumped, and then made redundant!
Until, that is, the tropical cruise that she has treated herself to is interrupted by a freak wave, leaving her marooned on a deserted island!
But when strange and unsettling activities start to occur, Cece begins to wonder if the island actually is uninhabited...?
Or maybe she is not the only one to have washed ashore?
Or perhaps her mind has decided to wander off and take a little vacation of its own?
And something...possibly calling itself Heracles...observes Cece's deliberations...and reports back...
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 12, 2026
There is more than a touch of the whimsy to this book. It's probably the most whimsical book I've ever read, including Scalzi's 'When the moon hits your eye'.
So, there's these conditionally immortal chaps who are observing humanity. They're called Dave and John. There's CeCe, an amazingly unselfconscious Yorkshirewoman who gets washed overboard from her cruise ship and deposited on a tropical island. Then there's Eric / Heracles, created by Dave from 'spare' cosmic matter and instructed to interact with CeCe. A supporting cast of various baffled sea creatures carries the story onwards quite happily, and very whimsically. I enjoyed this.
So, there's these conditionally immortal chaps who are observing humanity. They're called Dave and John. There's CeCe, an amazingly unselfconscious Yorkshirewoman who gets washed overboard from her cruise ship and deposited on a tropical island. Then there's Eric / Heracles, created by Dave from 'spare' cosmic matter and instructed to interact with CeCe. A supporting cast of various baffled sea creatures carries the story onwards quite happily, and very whimsically. I enjoyed this.
April 29, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Touch of the Whimsy was a really imaginative and enjoyable read. I loved how it blended humor, mystery, and a surreal sense of wonder. Cece’s journey and the strange happenings on the island kept me curious from start to finish.
The mix of reality, symbolism, and characters like Dave, John, and Heracles made the story feel unique and thought-provoking. A warm, clever, and memorable book that I’d definitely recommend.
Touch of the Whimsy was a really imaginative and enjoyable read. I loved how it blended humor, mystery, and a surreal sense of wonder. Cece’s journey and the strange happenings on the island kept me curious from start to finish.
The mix of reality, symbolism, and characters like Dave, John, and Heracles made the story feel unique and thought-provoking. A warm, clever, and memorable book that I’d definitely recommend.
December 17, 2025
Whimsical indeed
“Touch of the Whimsy” is exactly what its title promises - a whimsical, imaginative, and delightfully unique story, very different from your typical sci-fi alien encounter. Rather than focusing on invasions or nonstop action, the book leans into humor, reflection, and the wonderfully strange ways life can unfold when viewed from unexpected perspectives.
Cici is a joy to follow as a protagonist. She’s fun, resourceful, and full of spark, making her journey both entertaining and emotionally engaging. Her reactions to being stranded and to the increasingly bizarre situations she finds herself in feel natural and relatable, grounding the story even as it drifts into more surreal territory. The overall narrative is written with a great sense of humor, and the author clearly enjoys playing with language, timing, and perspective.
The alien observers add an extra layer of charm and laughter. Their detached yet curious interactions and commentary bring a lighthearted tone while also reinforcing the book’s deeper themes. At its core, this is a philosophical, self-discovery sci-fi story - one that invites readers to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the journey rather than rush toward explosions or constant conflict. It’s a perfect fit for readers who appreciate thoughtful, elaborated narratives infused with wit and heart.
“Touch of the Whimsy” is exactly what its title promises - a whimsical, imaginative, and delightfully unique story, very different from your typical sci-fi alien encounter. Rather than focusing on invasions or nonstop action, the book leans into humor, reflection, and the wonderfully strange ways life can unfold when viewed from unexpected perspectives.
Cici is a joy to follow as a protagonist. She’s fun, resourceful, and full of spark, making her journey both entertaining and emotionally engaging. Her reactions to being stranded and to the increasingly bizarre situations she finds herself in feel natural and relatable, grounding the story even as it drifts into more surreal territory. The overall narrative is written with a great sense of humor, and the author clearly enjoys playing with language, timing, and perspective.
The alien observers add an extra layer of charm and laughter. Their detached yet curious interactions and commentary bring a lighthearted tone while also reinforcing the book’s deeper themes. At its core, this is a philosophical, self-discovery sci-fi story - one that invites readers to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the journey rather than rush toward explosions or constant conflict. It’s a perfect fit for readers who appreciate thoughtful, elaborated narratives infused with wit and heart.
December 17, 2025
A Touch of The Whimsy… such a quirky book and an even more quirkier story… Cece and Heracles.. two completely unique characters with a very unique bond…
If you decide to step in the driving seat you won’t be disappointed, a little slow start of first gear and a lot of what the hell is going on but then we step up a couple of gears and you just can’t put it down!
If you decide to step in the driving seat you won’t be disappointed, a little slow start of first gear and a lot of what the hell is going on but then we step up a couple of gears and you just can’t put it down!
July 5, 2026
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Touch of the Whimsy
Author: Jules Oliver Wilkinson
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
14 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
Female, 34
I picked this up because the blurb sounded quirky, but I wasn't expecting to enjoy it quite this much. It's funny, clever and surprisingly thoughtful all at once. Cece is such an easy character to root for, and the ending genuinely caught me off guard. Definitely one of those books that stays with you after you've finished.
Male, 58
This was one of those rare books that made me smile almost from the first chapter. The mix of sci-fi, comedy and mystery works brilliantly.
What I appreciated most was that beneath all the humour there's a genuine heart to the story. Cece's journey never feels predictable, and Heracles adds an intriguing layer that kept me guessing. By the time I reached the final twist, I realised how cleverly everything had been put together. A thoroughly entertaining read.
Female, 46
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect, and that's probably why this book was such a lovely surprise. It's imaginative without becoming confusing, funny without trying too hard, and full of characters who quickly feel like old friends.
Cece is wonderfully relatable, especially after everything life throws at her, while Dave and John are an absolute riot. Their observations had me laughing out loud more than once. Then there's Heracles, who adds an air of mystery that keeps the pages turning.
It's one of those books that's easy to read but still leaves you thinking afterwards. If you enjoy stories that are a little different and don't fit neatly into one genre, I'd happily recommend this.
Male, 29
The humour completely won me over. I loved the contrast between Cece trying to survive on the island and the wonderfully sarcastic aliens trying to work out the meaning of life before their shift ends! It's original, entertaining and packed with unexpected moments. Great fun from start to finish.
Female, 67
I've read a lot of fiction over the years, and every now and then a book comes along that feels refreshingly different. Touch of the Whimsy certainly fits that description.
The writing has such an effortless style that I found myself reading "just one more chapter" well into the evening. The characters are charming, particularly Cece, whose resilience makes her impossible not to admire. Dave and John provide plenty of comic relief, while Heracles brings a thoughtful, almost philosophical quality that balances everything beautifully.
What impressed me most was how the story manages to be funny, imaginative and surprisingly moving at the same time. It's an inventive novel with warmth, wit and a memorable ending. I'll certainly be recommending it to friends.
Male, 41
This is exactly the sort of book I love discovering. It's quirky, intelligent and never goes where you expect it to. The humour feels natural, the characters are memorable, and the final chapters tied everything together perfectly. I finished it with a big grin on my face and immediately started recommending it.
To Sum It Up:
“A witty, imaginative adventure that blends laugh-out-loud humour, sci-fi intrigue and heartfelt self-discovery into a delightfully original page-turner. A FINALIST and highly recommended!” Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Touch of the Whimsy
Author: Jules Oliver Wilkinson
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
14 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
Female, 34
I picked this up because the blurb sounded quirky, but I wasn't expecting to enjoy it quite this much. It's funny, clever and surprisingly thoughtful all at once. Cece is such an easy character to root for, and the ending genuinely caught me off guard. Definitely one of those books that stays with you after you've finished.
Male, 58
This was one of those rare books that made me smile almost from the first chapter. The mix of sci-fi, comedy and mystery works brilliantly.
What I appreciated most was that beneath all the humour there's a genuine heart to the story. Cece's journey never feels predictable, and Heracles adds an intriguing layer that kept me guessing. By the time I reached the final twist, I realised how cleverly everything had been put together. A thoroughly entertaining read.
Female, 46
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect, and that's probably why this book was such a lovely surprise. It's imaginative without becoming confusing, funny without trying too hard, and full of characters who quickly feel like old friends.
Cece is wonderfully relatable, especially after everything life throws at her, while Dave and John are an absolute riot. Their observations had me laughing out loud more than once. Then there's Heracles, who adds an air of mystery that keeps the pages turning.
It's one of those books that's easy to read but still leaves you thinking afterwards. If you enjoy stories that are a little different and don't fit neatly into one genre, I'd happily recommend this.
Male, 29
The humour completely won me over. I loved the contrast between Cece trying to survive on the island and the wonderfully sarcastic aliens trying to work out the meaning of life before their shift ends! It's original, entertaining and packed with unexpected moments. Great fun from start to finish.
Female, 67
I've read a lot of fiction over the years, and every now and then a book comes along that feels refreshingly different. Touch of the Whimsy certainly fits that description.
The writing has such an effortless style that I found myself reading "just one more chapter" well into the evening. The characters are charming, particularly Cece, whose resilience makes her impossible not to admire. Dave and John provide plenty of comic relief, while Heracles brings a thoughtful, almost philosophical quality that balances everything beautifully.
What impressed me most was how the story manages to be funny, imaginative and surprisingly moving at the same time. It's an inventive novel with warmth, wit and a memorable ending. I'll certainly be recommending it to friends.
Male, 41
This is exactly the sort of book I love discovering. It's quirky, intelligent and never goes where you expect it to. The humour feels natural, the characters are memorable, and the final chapters tied everything together perfectly. I finished it with a big grin on my face and immediately started recommending it.
To Sum It Up:
“A witty, imaginative adventure that blends laugh-out-loud humour, sci-fi intrigue and heartfelt self-discovery into a delightfully original page-turner. A FINALIST and highly recommended!” Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews