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White Dragon Black #1
Tomorrow Wendell
When predictions tell Wendell Courtney he’s going to die, he turns to the one man he hopes can help. Jonathan Alvey’s no stranger to the strange. But, unlike the private investigator’s run-of-the-mill zombie cases, he can find no trace of magic around Wendell, and no hint of an adversary. Alvey certainly has magic and wits enough to solve the mystery, but is his offering to the insatiable dragon black sufficient? Or is Wendell truly destined to die?
- GenresParanormal
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2014
2 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
R.M. Ridley
7 books25 followersR. M. Ridley lives in Ontario, Canada and, from his front porch, can see the middle of nowhere. His yard is filled with fowl and, despite having a green thumb, not much else.
Married to a woman patient enough to listen about plot ideas over morning coffee, he is truly blessed. He carries a flashlight with him to the bathroom as to not trip over when his St. Bernard who always sleeps in the most inconvenient places, and to avoid the four cats who fling themselves between his legs, for the shear joy of watching him fail his arms wildly against gravity.
Currently, R. M. Ridley is working on writing the sixth novel in the White Dragon Black world, and has a few short stories in various states of completion making him feel guilty that they are unfinished.
When not writing a fictional world, Ridley lives in one, by being a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism – a historical recreation group. His hobby with-in this hobby, is spending time building calluses on his fingers, in the hopes of producing pretty things for people to wear. Never satisfied with really knowing how to do one thing, when he can know a little of everything, he flings himself into new challenges constantly. He has never quite mastered the following skills; blacksmithing, bone carving, jewelry making, and lapidary work – and is still looking for more things he can dabble in.
The SCA also helps allow Ridley try to keep a physical a shape that isn’t pear. He accomplishes this by spending a number of hours every week, widely flailing a rapier about, picturing himself as D’Artagnan while appearing more as a ten year old with a stick. But the sound of steel clashing on steel gets his blood pumping and, with a sword in one hand, and a dagger in the other, there is always a wide grin on his face.
To those who call Ridley an escapist from reality – he has only one response, ‘From what?’ Reality isn’t always kind to Ridley, as he suffers from severe bipolar disorder – that is thankfully well controlled due to proper medication. R. M. Ridley believes wholeheartedly in being open about his mental health issues because myths should be kept to stories.
Married to a woman patient enough to listen about plot ideas over morning coffee, he is truly blessed. He carries a flashlight with him to the bathroom as to not trip over when his St. Bernard who always sleeps in the most inconvenient places, and to avoid the four cats who fling themselves between his legs, for the shear joy of watching him fail his arms wildly against gravity.
Currently, R. M. Ridley is working on writing the sixth novel in the White Dragon Black world, and has a few short stories in various states of completion making him feel guilty that they are unfinished.
When not writing a fictional world, Ridley lives in one, by being a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism – a historical recreation group. His hobby with-in this hobby, is spending time building calluses on his fingers, in the hopes of producing pretty things for people to wear. Never satisfied with really knowing how to do one thing, when he can know a little of everything, he flings himself into new challenges constantly. He has never quite mastered the following skills; blacksmithing, bone carving, jewelry making, and lapidary work – and is still looking for more things he can dabble in.
The SCA also helps allow Ridley try to keep a physical a shape that isn’t pear. He accomplishes this by spending a number of hours every week, widely flailing a rapier about, picturing himself as D’Artagnan while appearing more as a ten year old with a stick. But the sound of steel clashing on steel gets his blood pumping and, with a sword in one hand, and a dagger in the other, there is always a wide grin on his face.
To those who call Ridley an escapist from reality – he has only one response, ‘From what?’ Reality isn’t always kind to Ridley, as he suffers from severe bipolar disorder – that is thankfully well controlled due to proper medication. R. M. Ridley believes wholeheartedly in being open about his mental health issues because myths should be kept to stories.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 4, 2014
NOTE:I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Positives
Tomorrow Wendell is an excellent read with a well-developed plot and strong characterization. The lead character, Jonathan Alvey is so well designed that you start to connect with him right from the start of the book. With each and every page you’ll be able to understand him better and at some point, you’ll start thinking about the entire situation like him. After reading the book, I can say that he is one of the best PI I’ve ever read. And the best part of the book is that Alvey is a practitioner of magic!
For a paranormal lover like me it was a breather to read something other than Vampires and Ware-wolfs for a change. Alvey’s magic seemed so real that for the entire time I read the book I was spell-bounded by whatever he did and literally adored his talent and also felt very bad for it’s after-effects on him! yes the aftermaths of using magical energy is the reason why everything seemed so real. Mr. Ridley did a fantastic job by not making magic look easy. He made it look like a science of energies which had some serious repercussions.
Like a lot of books you won’t find a man whose just perfect in everything he does. Like everyone, Alvey has made some mistakes in his life and tries to run away from dealing with them (unlike the all-perfect detectives you really wanna slap!) He drinks and also smokes a lot but the reason for it you’ll find satisfying.
There were a lot of unique creatures that will make you recoil at times. The entire book was like an adventure and din’t even realise when it got over. There was not even a single dull moment!
Negatives
The ending was a bit offhand! It was so sudden, that I felt a bit confused. And some of the questions were left unanswered, the biggest being WHY and Who? The negatives, in this case, can only be justified by a sequel. And like hell I’m looking forward to it.
Conclusion
Tomorrow Wendell is a brilliant read and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves reading. It has something or the other of everything, suspense, drama, emotions, magic, thrill, a bit of a romance (only a pinch), and a lot more. If you are looking for a breather from whatever you are reading, I’ll say read Tomorrow Wendell. And I’m sure you’ll be happy that you read it.
You can read the original review at The Reading Bud.
Positives
Tomorrow Wendell is an excellent read with a well-developed plot and strong characterization. The lead character, Jonathan Alvey is so well designed that you start to connect with him right from the start of the book. With each and every page you’ll be able to understand him better and at some point, you’ll start thinking about the entire situation like him. After reading the book, I can say that he is one of the best PI I’ve ever read. And the best part of the book is that Alvey is a practitioner of magic!
For a paranormal lover like me it was a breather to read something other than Vampires and Ware-wolfs for a change. Alvey’s magic seemed so real that for the entire time I read the book I was spell-bounded by whatever he did and literally adored his talent and also felt very bad for it’s after-effects on him! yes the aftermaths of using magical energy is the reason why everything seemed so real. Mr. Ridley did a fantastic job by not making magic look easy. He made it look like a science of energies which had some serious repercussions.
Like a lot of books you won’t find a man whose just perfect in everything he does. Like everyone, Alvey has made some mistakes in his life and tries to run away from dealing with them (unlike the all-perfect detectives you really wanna slap!) He drinks and also smokes a lot but the reason for it you’ll find satisfying.
There were a lot of unique creatures that will make you recoil at times. The entire book was like an adventure and din’t even realise when it got over. There was not even a single dull moment!
Negatives
The ending was a bit offhand! It was so sudden, that I felt a bit confused. And some of the questions were left unanswered, the biggest being WHY and Who? The negatives, in this case, can only be justified by a sequel. And like hell I’m looking forward to it.
Conclusion
Tomorrow Wendell is a brilliant read and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves reading. It has something or the other of everything, suspense, drama, emotions, magic, thrill, a bit of a romance (only a pinch), and a lot more. If you are looking for a breather from whatever you are reading, I’ll say read Tomorrow Wendell. And I’m sure you’ll be happy that you read it.
You can read the original review at The Reading Bud.
June 11, 2014
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for an open and honest review. My short story, "Ghost Townies," was also featured in the "Shades and Shadows" short story anthology along with R.M. Ridley's "Cost of Custody."
That being said, "Cost of Custody" introduced us to the magical private investigator, Jonathan Alvey, and since reading it, I've been excitedly awaiting the first full novel featuring him as a character. For the most part, "Tomorrow Wendell" did not disappoint.
Alvey is a "practitioner"--that is, a magician. In his world (which is much like ours, but with more things that go bump in the night. And the daytime. Actually, things go bump all the time in this novel) magic is akin to a drug, and "using," as Alvey calls it, will eventually kill him.
But he doesn't have a choice. As a private investigator who often tangles with otherworldly opponents, Alvey is forced to use in order to help his clients--and often, to save their lives (and his own).
In general, this novel is a page turner. Ridley does a great job of easing you into the world of New Hades and introducing the characters and situations that drive the action forward to the climax. Ridley is establishing a universe here, and he's taking his time with it. By the time you finish the novel, you'll realize just how much room he's given himself to explore in future books in the series.
There are a few issues with the book. One, the paragraphs are annoyingly short. Many pages are made up of nothing but one-sentence paragraphs. It kills momentum as you read and at some points I found myself confused and frustrated: I'd move to a new paragraph expecting a new idea, only to find that it was a actually a continuation of the previous one.
A second issue was the use of passive tense and to be verbs. There were quite a few "he began to..." and "he started to..." that could have been easily fixed with some light editing.
Finally, there was a nice little twist at the end, but it felt a little rushed and more explosive than it needed to be. I finished the last chapter and turned the page expecting another, surprised to find that the novel was over.
But none of these issues changes the fact that this is a great story and introduction to Alvey's world. I look forward to future books in the series. Ridley has a good voice, and with a little technical help and some additional editing, he's going to bring magic to life in a way that would leave Harry Potter shaking in his dress robes.
That being said, "Cost of Custody" introduced us to the magical private investigator, Jonathan Alvey, and since reading it, I've been excitedly awaiting the first full novel featuring him as a character. For the most part, "Tomorrow Wendell" did not disappoint.
Alvey is a "practitioner"--that is, a magician. In his world (which is much like ours, but with more things that go bump in the night. And the daytime. Actually, things go bump all the time in this novel) magic is akin to a drug, and "using," as Alvey calls it, will eventually kill him.
But he doesn't have a choice. As a private investigator who often tangles with otherworldly opponents, Alvey is forced to use in order to help his clients--and often, to save their lives (and his own).
In general, this novel is a page turner. Ridley does a great job of easing you into the world of New Hades and introducing the characters and situations that drive the action forward to the climax. Ridley is establishing a universe here, and he's taking his time with it. By the time you finish the novel, you'll realize just how much room he's given himself to explore in future books in the series.
There are a few issues with the book. One, the paragraphs are annoyingly short. Many pages are made up of nothing but one-sentence paragraphs. It kills momentum as you read and at some points I found myself confused and frustrated: I'd move to a new paragraph expecting a new idea, only to find that it was a actually a continuation of the previous one.
A second issue was the use of passive tense and to be verbs. There were quite a few "he began to..." and "he started to..." that could have been easily fixed with some light editing.
Finally, there was a nice little twist at the end, but it felt a little rushed and more explosive than it needed to be. I finished the last chapter and turned the page expecting another, surprised to find that the novel was over.
But none of these issues changes the fact that this is a great story and introduction to Alvey's world. I look forward to future books in the series. Ridley has a good voice, and with a little technical help and some additional editing, he's going to bring magic to life in a way that would leave Harry Potter shaking in his dress robes.
September 2, 2016
I am not a great review writer by anyone's standards, but man did I love this book! I would classify it as a paranormal mystery/detective novel. I fell in love with the main character Jonathan Alvey right from the start, even with his bourbon drinking, chain smoking smartass attitude. From the moment Courtney Wendell walks into his office you are hoping for a good outcome for him, even though he seems destined to die in 3 days. Alvey goes through great lengths to try and figure out who is out to get Wendell, and to keep him alive. The magic, monsters and characters we meet along the way are all uniquely written by Ridley. Even the zombies are not your typical zombies. This book belongs on everyones TBR shelf. I can't wait to get my hands on the next White Dragon Black novel.
June 27, 2014
I can already hear the comparisons that people will be making in regards to R.M.Ridley's TOMORROW WENDELL. Paranormal Private Investigator is all they would need to hear before making that jump. And while I understand, please don't!
Once I started reading, I could not put this book down. The story is fluid and fast-paced, the characters nuanced, everything shown as opposed to told. Jonathan Alvey is a magic-wielding paranormal private investigator, a functioning alcoholic, a magic addict who is constantly fighting down the addiction with other addictions, a good man who is struggling with a past, and hellbent on helping others. It's not for a paycheck, although of course that's nice as a guy needs to eat. It's because he CAN help and therefore feels he SHOULD help.
I think what I liked best about this was its realism. Yes, yes, I know. Magic ain't real, kid. But that's not what I'm talking about. I'm referring to the fact that this world is encumbered with nightmares from our fairy tales, legends, and myths. Perhaps if we all took a step to the left, we'd cross that barrier and see the things that Jonathan sees.
Wendell Courtney is Jonathan's newest client and the title character. On an impulse, Wendell visits an antique shop near his dentist, slides a coin into a fortune telling machine, and receives a death sentence. He turns up in Jonathan's office, begging for help. As Jonathan begins to investigate, nothing makes sense. There are no magical traces of malicious intent. Completely puzzled, Jonathan is determined to save his client.
With characters that are relatable, action that will have you rubbing your own stomach and ribs in sympathy, quirks that make him utterly likable, and an ending that will blow you away, this was one hell of a start to a series. I eagerly await the next installment and hope that Author R.M. Ridley writes fast!
Once I started reading, I could not put this book down. The story is fluid and fast-paced, the characters nuanced, everything shown as opposed to told. Jonathan Alvey is a magic-wielding paranormal private investigator, a functioning alcoholic, a magic addict who is constantly fighting down the addiction with other addictions, a good man who is struggling with a past, and hellbent on helping others. It's not for a paycheck, although of course that's nice as a guy needs to eat. It's because he CAN help and therefore feels he SHOULD help.
I think what I liked best about this was its realism. Yes, yes, I know. Magic ain't real, kid. But that's not what I'm talking about. I'm referring to the fact that this world is encumbered with nightmares from our fairy tales, legends, and myths. Perhaps if we all took a step to the left, we'd cross that barrier and see the things that Jonathan sees.
Wendell Courtney is Jonathan's newest client and the title character. On an impulse, Wendell visits an antique shop near his dentist, slides a coin into a fortune telling machine, and receives a death sentence. He turns up in Jonathan's office, begging for help. As Jonathan begins to investigate, nothing makes sense. There are no magical traces of malicious intent. Completely puzzled, Jonathan is determined to save his client.
With characters that are relatable, action that will have you rubbing your own stomach and ribs in sympathy, quirks that make him utterly likable, and an ending that will blow you away, this was one hell of a start to a series. I eagerly await the next installment and hope that Author R.M. Ridley writes fast!
June 19, 2014
I'm used to reading a lot of paranormal books but most involve the same types of paranormals. This contained so many that I've never heard of but were intriguing enough to make me look them up and find out more. Tomorrow Wendell contained so many different elements that I never got bored. The main character, Jonathan Alvey, in the White Dragon Black series has become my new favorite detective. He's not your typical detective and Ridley has described this character in so much detail that he feels pretty real to me. I can't help but love him. The other main character in this book is Wendell Courtney. He seeks Alvey's help when he is delivered a message that he will die in 3 days. Will he or won't he? Alvey goes to extreme lengths to make sure it doesn't happen. I have to admit that I was shocked by the outcome of the book. It just made it that much better. R.M. Ridley has done a fantastic job of leaving us wanting more and I can't wait until the next in the series is available.
June 4, 2014
R.M. Ridley is a writing force to be reckoned with, that is for certain. Tomorrow Wendell is a superbly written blend of horror and noir, reading much like Daschiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon only with plenty black magic and gore mixed in for good measure.
I found that I couldn't stop turning the pages, each scene flowed so flawlessly into the next. The descriptions are vivid, the characters completely solid, and the plot engaging. The ending was a tad of a let down, but not because of any flaw in the story or writing, but because, of course, I would have liked to have things end a bit...differently. But all in all, Tomorrow Wendell will make a worthy addition to any summer TBR list.
I found that I couldn't stop turning the pages, each scene flowed so flawlessly into the next. The descriptions are vivid, the characters completely solid, and the plot engaging. The ending was a tad of a let down, but not because of any flaw in the story or writing, but because, of course, I would have liked to have things end a bit...differently. But all in all, Tomorrow Wendell will make a worthy addition to any summer TBR list.
June 20, 2014
Welcome to New Hades, a city with a seething underground of mystical powers and mythological creatures. "Tomorrow Wendell" by R.M. Ridley is the debut novel of his series "White Dragon Black". Jonathan Alvey is a compelling main character, a private investigator of all things paranormal. His vices include bourbon, cigarettes, and the use of magic. As a practitioner of magic, Alvey pays a heavy price because the need to use magic is an addiction far stronger than any drug, and is even more damaging.
The plot hooks you from the first chapter and the pace continues to gain momentum through the first fifteen chapters. Although the final act is quite long, the action and interesting creatures keep you reading and wondering until the very end. I look forward to finding out more about Jonathan Alvey and his bizarre cases in the second installment.
~Kaitlyn Rockwell~
The plot hooks you from the first chapter and the pace continues to gain momentum through the first fifteen chapters. Although the final act is quite long, the action and interesting creatures keep you reading and wondering until the very end. I look forward to finding out more about Jonathan Alvey and his bizarre cases in the second installment.
~Kaitlyn Rockwell~
July 30, 2014
Original review posted at JC's Book Haven
Source: provided for honest review
"And so, with this reassurance, I took a coin from my pocket. It cost only a nickel see, and I figured what the devil. Well, they do say you shouldn't tempt fate or the devil, don't they, Mr. Alvey?"
The Good
What interested me in Tomorrow Wendell was the private investigator mixed in with the magic story-line. The main character Jonathan Alvey is what you want in your PI. He's a bit rough around the edges with only a few friends to count on, and he drinks and smokes too much, but that's just to take off the edge that casting magic creates. I felt like I got to know him enough to understand him and why he sticks it out. Why he uses magic despite the cost and why he fights for the little guy when he's outgunned. I really liked how Ridley handled some of the magic casting and charms used in the story, the explanations he used and techniques he described. I liked that he didn't go with the usual magical creatures to fight as the book went on and went outside the box. I enjoyed the pace of the story as it didn't feel rushed, while at the same time I never felt bored and just wanted it to pick up.
The Bad
My only real complaint would be the abrupt end of the story. I felt like there were more than a few questions left unanswered, but I guess we'll call that a build up for the next book.
The Romance
Like any good private investigator, Jonathan does have a love interest. Their relationship felt a little cookie cutter for the situation. He has the dangerous job, but if he doesn't who will? She wants him to quit because she is afraid of what will happen to him, but he's stubborn. I like their relationship despite it being the common 'I wish you wouldn't but I have to' type deal.
Conclusion
Overall, Tomorrow Wendell was what I was hoping it would be. A brooding PI racking his brain while running down leads to try and save his client. When trouble shows up, he uses everything from his fists, to his gun, to magic, to varying ways to fight back for overcoming the bad guys. It's not cover to cover action so if you need that, it's not going to interest you. I recommend this to anyone looking for a change of pace magic creature wise. No vampires or werewolves here.
Source: provided for honest review
"And so, with this reassurance, I took a coin from my pocket. It cost only a nickel see, and I figured what the devil. Well, they do say you shouldn't tempt fate or the devil, don't they, Mr. Alvey?"
The Good
What interested me in Tomorrow Wendell was the private investigator mixed in with the magic story-line. The main character Jonathan Alvey is what you want in your PI. He's a bit rough around the edges with only a few friends to count on, and he drinks and smokes too much, but that's just to take off the edge that casting magic creates. I felt like I got to know him enough to understand him and why he sticks it out. Why he uses magic despite the cost and why he fights for the little guy when he's outgunned. I really liked how Ridley handled some of the magic casting and charms used in the story, the explanations he used and techniques he described. I liked that he didn't go with the usual magical creatures to fight as the book went on and went outside the box. I enjoyed the pace of the story as it didn't feel rushed, while at the same time I never felt bored and just wanted it to pick up.
The Bad
My only real complaint would be the abrupt end of the story. I felt like there were more than a few questions left unanswered, but I guess we'll call that a build up for the next book.
The Romance
Like any good private investigator, Jonathan does have a love interest. Their relationship felt a little cookie cutter for the situation. He has the dangerous job, but if he doesn't who will? She wants him to quit because she is afraid of what will happen to him, but he's stubborn. I like their relationship despite it being the common 'I wish you wouldn't but I have to' type deal.
Conclusion
Overall, Tomorrow Wendell was what I was hoping it would be. A brooding PI racking his brain while running down leads to try and save his client. When trouble shows up, he uses everything from his fists, to his gun, to magic, to varying ways to fight back for overcoming the bad guys. It's not cover to cover action so if you need that, it's not going to interest you. I recommend this to anyone looking for a change of pace magic creature wise. No vampires or werewolves here.
June 10, 2014
I've reviewed this on my blog: http://sheilavdhc.com/2014/06/10/book...
September 24, 2014
A fresh take on the supernatural.
I don’t even know where to start with this… I rarely get ‘fangirl’ moments, but after finishing Tomorrow Wendell I felt compelled to track down Mr Ridley to tell him that he is, as they say, ‘The Shit’. The Bomb. The Most Awesomest Author In The World. Fuckin’ A.
I think that what I’m experiencing is known as a book hangover, but in truth it’s more like a book comedown - the high was amazing, then I finished it. In the cold light of day I find myself covered in literary goosebumps, jonesing for my next Ridley/Alvey fix while reliving my favourite moments.
The Bit’N review pile towers higher and higher with every day that passes. Already buried in virtual bookishness, and having issued myself a firm ‘no more’, Wendell appeared in my newsfeed, and I think that one of the reasons that I wanted to read it was because it looked like it contained absolutely no romance. None whatsoever. I might be a girl, but even I get tired of the smooshy shit after a while.
Meet Jonathan Alvey, New Hades private dick. A chain smoking, just-about-functional alcoholic. A junkie with a magical monkey on his back and a thirst for bourbon, the strange, and a secretary who won’t leg it when the going gets tough and zombies catch fire in the office. I’ll gladly fill that vacancy if it’s still available *hint, hint*.
Poor Jonathan barely has the chance to dispose of the evidence of his most recent zombie problem, before Wendell Courtney shows up with a slip of paper, a magic 8-ball, and a tale to tell. As far as tales go, it’s a tall one, but despite Jonathan’s investigations to the contrary, it’s very real. Wendell Courtney will die in three days’ time, and it’s up to Jonathan to find out why and how.
The irresistible lure of the Dragon Black calls to him, like a junkie’s next hit. Alvey knows it’ll be the death of him one way or another, but he fights its siren song tooth and nail, riding the wave between the White Dragon and the Dragon Black while suffering the consequences in relative silence.
The use of magic was a drug.
If you pulled energy from within—or someplace deeper—cascading it through yourself, used your own atoms as both power source and conduit, there was no way it could not change you.
Channeling such energy through your physical body actually changed the chemical balance in your brain. New proteins were built. Synapses fired differently. Peculiar compounds formed. Brain waves became altered. Once they changed, they never reverted back. No methadone existed for magic. Once you used, you walked a razor-fine line of abuse or abused.
The Dragon Black ate you up inside and then replaced what had been there with something else. Eventually, nothing of the original you resided in the flesh, only the thing that got drawn along with the magic summoned by, and through, you.
If you were one of the lucky ones, you died a slow, wasting death from the final stages of your very self being replaced. If not, then you became something inhuman. Something housed in flesh, moved not by a soul but the energy which had fed your magic. Powerful but brittle.
Calling on all his resources, Alvey employes a reluctant Cycanthrope (a were-dog) to trail Wendell, finding nothing but psychopomps and portents instead of any indication of who (or what) has cursed Wendell, and why. As the deadline draws ever closer, the pair hole themselves up in Jonathan’s dilapidated office building, planning on staying put until Wendell’s time of death has come and gone.
Like it could be that simple. The above mentioned Cycanthrope may have been a slight hint that R.M. Ridley hasn’t followed the done to death supernatural creatures trend - he’s delved much deeper into myth and legend of old, notably Scottish, Irish, and Haitian in origin, bringing more depth and intrigue to the tale. Despite not having heard of a couple of the entities in Tomorrow Wendell, they were explained extremely well without disrupting the flow of the story - as was Jonathan’s past, and it’s something I want more of. (Luckily, according to various social networks, book two is well underway).
Tomorrow Wendell is a book that will keep you guessing from start to finish, and as it draws to its conclusion, Ridley amps up the tension and the fear factor, while keeping hold of the quirky, dark sense of humour which is present throughout.
Full marks for this one - I wish I could give it more, but we’re operating on a five-star rating system here, more’s the pity. It’s going on my list of ‘best books of 2014’ and ‘books I want in actual-real-physical-form’, and there’s fewer than five books in each of those lists. It’s really that good!
Reviewed for Bit'N Book Promoters web | facebook | twitter
I don’t even know where to start with this… I rarely get ‘fangirl’ moments, but after finishing Tomorrow Wendell I felt compelled to track down Mr Ridley to tell him that he is, as they say, ‘The Shit’. The Bomb. The Most Awesomest Author In The World. Fuckin’ A.
I think that what I’m experiencing is known as a book hangover, but in truth it’s more like a book comedown - the high was amazing, then I finished it. In the cold light of day I find myself covered in literary goosebumps, jonesing for my next Ridley/Alvey fix while reliving my favourite moments.
The Bit’N review pile towers higher and higher with every day that passes. Already buried in virtual bookishness, and having issued myself a firm ‘no more’, Wendell appeared in my newsfeed, and I think that one of the reasons that I wanted to read it was because it looked like it contained absolutely no romance. None whatsoever. I might be a girl, but even I get tired of the smooshy shit after a while.
Meet Jonathan Alvey, New Hades private dick. A chain smoking, just-about-functional alcoholic. A junkie with a magical monkey on his back and a thirst for bourbon, the strange, and a secretary who won’t leg it when the going gets tough and zombies catch fire in the office. I’ll gladly fill that vacancy if it’s still available *hint, hint*.
Poor Jonathan barely has the chance to dispose of the evidence of his most recent zombie problem, before Wendell Courtney shows up with a slip of paper, a magic 8-ball, and a tale to tell. As far as tales go, it’s a tall one, but despite Jonathan’s investigations to the contrary, it’s very real. Wendell Courtney will die in three days’ time, and it’s up to Jonathan to find out why and how.
The irresistible lure of the Dragon Black calls to him, like a junkie’s next hit. Alvey knows it’ll be the death of him one way or another, but he fights its siren song tooth and nail, riding the wave between the White Dragon and the Dragon Black while suffering the consequences in relative silence.
The use of magic was a drug.
If you pulled energy from within—or someplace deeper—cascading it through yourself, used your own atoms as both power source and conduit, there was no way it could not change you.
Channeling such energy through your physical body actually changed the chemical balance in your brain. New proteins were built. Synapses fired differently. Peculiar compounds formed. Brain waves became altered. Once they changed, they never reverted back. No methadone existed for magic. Once you used, you walked a razor-fine line of abuse or abused.
The Dragon Black ate you up inside and then replaced what had been there with something else. Eventually, nothing of the original you resided in the flesh, only the thing that got drawn along with the magic summoned by, and through, you.
If you were one of the lucky ones, you died a slow, wasting death from the final stages of your very self being replaced. If not, then you became something inhuman. Something housed in flesh, moved not by a soul but the energy which had fed your magic. Powerful but brittle.
Calling on all his resources, Alvey employes a reluctant Cycanthrope (a were-dog) to trail Wendell, finding nothing but psychopomps and portents instead of any indication of who (or what) has cursed Wendell, and why. As the deadline draws ever closer, the pair hole themselves up in Jonathan’s dilapidated office building, planning on staying put until Wendell’s time of death has come and gone.
Like it could be that simple. The above mentioned Cycanthrope may have been a slight hint that R.M. Ridley hasn’t followed the done to death supernatural creatures trend - he’s delved much deeper into myth and legend of old, notably Scottish, Irish, and Haitian in origin, bringing more depth and intrigue to the tale. Despite not having heard of a couple of the entities in Tomorrow Wendell, they were explained extremely well without disrupting the flow of the story - as was Jonathan’s past, and it’s something I want more of. (Luckily, according to various social networks, book two is well underway).
Tomorrow Wendell is a book that will keep you guessing from start to finish, and as it draws to its conclusion, Ridley amps up the tension and the fear factor, while keeping hold of the quirky, dark sense of humour which is present throughout.
Full marks for this one - I wish I could give it more, but we’re operating on a five-star rating system here, more’s the pity. It’s going on my list of ‘best books of 2014’ and ‘books I want in actual-real-physical-form’, and there’s fewer than five books in each of those lists. It’s really that good!
Reviewed for Bit'N Book Promoters web | facebook | twitter
September 27, 2014
I received this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Private investigators and magic are common ingredients in Urban Fantasy novels, but in "Tomorrow Wendell" they are used and mixed in a new and interesting way, blowing a breath of fresh air in the genre with its fascinating combination of noir and supernatural.
Jonathan Alvey is a P.I. and also a practitioner, i.e. a performer of magic in the city of New Hades - an interesting choice of name at that. In this world, magic and the metaphysical exist side-by-side with everyday life but never cross because, as Alvey explains at some point, people school themselves to see only what is acceptable: consensual reality is the lens through which average citizens choose to filter and un-see details that are outside of accepted experience.
"…as we get older, we are taught that our imaginary friends are not only not real, but frowned on - discouraged. One by one, beliefs are stripped away."
There is a sad realization here, one that reached out from the page and spoke loudly to me: as a long-time consumer of speculative fiction I have had to deal with the frowning bafflement of those who could not understand my interest for stories and worlds that exist a few steps away from reality. The magic is indeed here, it's just that not everyone is ready (or willing…) to see and appreciate it.
Back to the story at hand, one day Jonathan Alvey is contacted by Wendell Courtney, a man haunted by threats about his imminent demise, all given by inanimate objects: an automatic fortune teller, a prediction toy and so on. The investigator understands that, no matter who or what wants Wendell's death, magic is part of the equation and he takes the case to heart. One of the reasons Jonathan comes across as such a sympathetic character is that he cares deeply about his clients: we'll learn the reason why in the course of the book, but knowing it does not detract from his essential humanity, a trait that is also mirrored in the way people he has befriended react to him. Contrary to the usual cliché of the cynical and world-weary private investigator, Jonathan is passionate about what he does and never takes personal consequences into account when he's on the job.
Yes, because the use of magic, an important tool in his chosen profession, does not come without a price: it is addictive and physically harmful as drug abuse, if not more, since in a startling parallel with drugs, the more one practices it, the more its need takes hold. The story is punctuated by Jonathan's constant battle with the ups and downs of magic use - labelled the White and Black Dragon, and symbolized by the yin-yang motif that's a practitioner's emblem: his way of keeping the addiction at bay is to smoke and drink heavily - a choice that made me wonder at the character's possible death wish because in the end he seems fated to die of some form of addiction anyway…
Alvey's quest to discover the origin of the threats to Wendell starts somewhat slowly, but gains momentum along the way, transforming into a breathless battle with various creatures as the hour appointed for the client's death draws near. It's a grim battle, one that taxes Jonathan both mentally and physically and at the same time showcases his stubborn resilience - and his sense of humor: there's a sentence that I underlined in the book, because it was both quietly funny and well timed as a tension breaker.
"He listened, waiting for the sound of footsteps, bat wings, or maybe tentacles slapping agains the faux marble of the hallway."
Such a huge build-up ends quite abruptly, though, and even if the shocking resolution is believable and well prepared through a subtle throwaway hint, it left me a little disconcerted because the story is good and… I wanted more. Hopefully there will be other books, since this one has all the markings of the beginning of a series, but still the "door" closed too suddenly in front of my face…
On a "technical" side, in the course of the book I kept thinking it would have worked even better if it had been written in the first person: although Jonathan Alvey comes across as a likable character, the third-person narration keeps him somewhat removed from the reader, and a more direct connection with his thoughts would have brought him closer. There are also a few typos, and repeated or misspelled words that mar the fluidity of the storytelling, but not in a major way.
All in all, a series and an author to keep on my (and anyone's!) radar for its fresh and intriguing approach.
http://spaceandsorcery.wordpress.com/...
Private investigators and magic are common ingredients in Urban Fantasy novels, but in "Tomorrow Wendell" they are used and mixed in a new and interesting way, blowing a breath of fresh air in the genre with its fascinating combination of noir and supernatural.
Jonathan Alvey is a P.I. and also a practitioner, i.e. a performer of magic in the city of New Hades - an interesting choice of name at that. In this world, magic and the metaphysical exist side-by-side with everyday life but never cross because, as Alvey explains at some point, people school themselves to see only what is acceptable: consensual reality is the lens through which average citizens choose to filter and un-see details that are outside of accepted experience.
"…as we get older, we are taught that our imaginary friends are not only not real, but frowned on - discouraged. One by one, beliefs are stripped away."
There is a sad realization here, one that reached out from the page and spoke loudly to me: as a long-time consumer of speculative fiction I have had to deal with the frowning bafflement of those who could not understand my interest for stories and worlds that exist a few steps away from reality. The magic is indeed here, it's just that not everyone is ready (or willing…) to see and appreciate it.
Back to the story at hand, one day Jonathan Alvey is contacted by Wendell Courtney, a man haunted by threats about his imminent demise, all given by inanimate objects: an automatic fortune teller, a prediction toy and so on. The investigator understands that, no matter who or what wants Wendell's death, magic is part of the equation and he takes the case to heart. One of the reasons Jonathan comes across as such a sympathetic character is that he cares deeply about his clients: we'll learn the reason why in the course of the book, but knowing it does not detract from his essential humanity, a trait that is also mirrored in the way people he has befriended react to him. Contrary to the usual cliché of the cynical and world-weary private investigator, Jonathan is passionate about what he does and never takes personal consequences into account when he's on the job.
Yes, because the use of magic, an important tool in his chosen profession, does not come without a price: it is addictive and physically harmful as drug abuse, if not more, since in a startling parallel with drugs, the more one practices it, the more its need takes hold. The story is punctuated by Jonathan's constant battle with the ups and downs of magic use - labelled the White and Black Dragon, and symbolized by the yin-yang motif that's a practitioner's emblem: his way of keeping the addiction at bay is to smoke and drink heavily - a choice that made me wonder at the character's possible death wish because in the end he seems fated to die of some form of addiction anyway…
Alvey's quest to discover the origin of the threats to Wendell starts somewhat slowly, but gains momentum along the way, transforming into a breathless battle with various creatures as the hour appointed for the client's death draws near. It's a grim battle, one that taxes Jonathan both mentally and physically and at the same time showcases his stubborn resilience - and his sense of humor: there's a sentence that I underlined in the book, because it was both quietly funny and well timed as a tension breaker.
"He listened, waiting for the sound of footsteps, bat wings, or maybe tentacles slapping agains the faux marble of the hallway."
Such a huge build-up ends quite abruptly, though, and even if the shocking resolution is believable and well prepared through a subtle throwaway hint, it left me a little disconcerted because the story is good and… I wanted more. Hopefully there will be other books, since this one has all the markings of the beginning of a series, but still the "door" closed too suddenly in front of my face…
On a "technical" side, in the course of the book I kept thinking it would have worked even better if it had been written in the first person: although Jonathan Alvey comes across as a likable character, the third-person narration keeps him somewhat removed from the reader, and a more direct connection with his thoughts would have brought him closer. There are also a few typos, and repeated or misspelled words that mar the fluidity of the storytelling, but not in a major way.
All in all, a series and an author to keep on my (and anyone's!) radar for its fresh and intriguing approach.
http://spaceandsorcery.wordpress.com/...
July 26, 2014
Note: This review is based on a copy I received from the publisher. There was no expectation of a positive review.
R. M. Ridley's TOMORROW WENDELL is a gripping supernatural detective story. It stands out amongst similar novels (such as the inevitable comparison of the Dresden Files series) mostly in the crispness of the writing and the thought given to the detailed magic system Ridley has devised. Ridley's setting of New Hades (a thinly disguised Detroit, Michigan, I believe) is sparsely described as a whole, but this lends narrative power to the areas of the setting that Ridley does decide to explore. His protagonist, Jonathan Alvey, meanwhile, has earmarks of other more established characters (John Constantine from HELLBLAZER and CONSTANTINE leaped immediately to mind for me) while maintaining enough nuance to be a fleshed out, interesting character all on his own.
In short, TOMORROW WENDELL is a stand-out first novel from a talented author. It rises above the majority of its competition handily, carving a place out for itself in an already crowded sub-genre. Though there are echoes of other works here, they disappear quickly as Ridley puts all of his pieces in place to reveal a tightly plotted story propped up with a strong foundation of world-building. I mentioned the magic system in the paragraph above, and it deserves to be discussed again: Ridley devoted a significant amount of development to his thaumaturgy, and it shows - to its advantage. The supernatural elements of the White Dragon Black series is complex, complicated, and uniquely peppered with heretofore little-known creatures and ritual aspects. Whereas in other series magical elements require suspension of the reader's disbelief in order to function, here the depth of his metaphysics actually adds to the realism - even the verisimilitude - of the whole.
I had to reach to think of criticisms of Ridley's novel, and as a result the two I could come up with are more than a bit nit-picky. The first is that most of Ridley's paragraphs are very short (as in, two or three sentences at most). I found this less than optimum simply because it does not give Ridley's prose room to breathe. His writing is, as I've said, crisp and engaging - I often wanted him to slow down and spend more time moving through particular sections! This is, again, remarkably nit-picky, and the fact remains that Ridley's writing - short in places as it is - does move the plot along at a rapid pace sure to keep the reader turning pages. Even if the speed left me breathless I still couldn't wait to get to the next page.
My second criticism, and it is just as petty as the first, is that TOMORROW WENDELL seemed, to me, to spend too much time establishing a series and not enough time just being a novel. That is, many of the locations and characters - interesting as they are - have little to do with the plot on hand, and seem predesigned to only relate to future works. While it's great that Ridley obviously has many more stories to tell within the White Dragon Black universe, it would have been more enjoyable if elements important to future texts were given slightly more connection to THIS text.
All of that being said, TOMORROW WENDELL is a cracking good read for fans of urban fantasy, supernatural detective fiction, and even (I would say) supernatural fiction and detective fiction in general. With a solid universe to support his works, well-drawn characters to inhabit that universe, and a tense plot to give those characters motivation, Ridley has delivered a solid, entertaining book. I can honestly say that I am eagerly awaiting the next entry in his series, and trust that I will be able to leave my pettiness at the door when it comes around.
R. M. Ridley's TOMORROW WENDELL is a gripping supernatural detective story. It stands out amongst similar novels (such as the inevitable comparison of the Dresden Files series) mostly in the crispness of the writing and the thought given to the detailed magic system Ridley has devised. Ridley's setting of New Hades (a thinly disguised Detroit, Michigan, I believe) is sparsely described as a whole, but this lends narrative power to the areas of the setting that Ridley does decide to explore. His protagonist, Jonathan Alvey, meanwhile, has earmarks of other more established characters (John Constantine from HELLBLAZER and CONSTANTINE leaped immediately to mind for me) while maintaining enough nuance to be a fleshed out, interesting character all on his own.
In short, TOMORROW WENDELL is a stand-out first novel from a talented author. It rises above the majority of its competition handily, carving a place out for itself in an already crowded sub-genre. Though there are echoes of other works here, they disappear quickly as Ridley puts all of his pieces in place to reveal a tightly plotted story propped up with a strong foundation of world-building. I mentioned the magic system in the paragraph above, and it deserves to be discussed again: Ridley devoted a significant amount of development to his thaumaturgy, and it shows - to its advantage. The supernatural elements of the White Dragon Black series is complex, complicated, and uniquely peppered with heretofore little-known creatures and ritual aspects. Whereas in other series magical elements require suspension of the reader's disbelief in order to function, here the depth of his metaphysics actually adds to the realism - even the verisimilitude - of the whole.
I had to reach to think of criticisms of Ridley's novel, and as a result the two I could come up with are more than a bit nit-picky. The first is that most of Ridley's paragraphs are very short (as in, two or three sentences at most). I found this less than optimum simply because it does not give Ridley's prose room to breathe. His writing is, as I've said, crisp and engaging - I often wanted him to slow down and spend more time moving through particular sections! This is, again, remarkably nit-picky, and the fact remains that Ridley's writing - short in places as it is - does move the plot along at a rapid pace sure to keep the reader turning pages. Even if the speed left me breathless I still couldn't wait to get to the next page.
My second criticism, and it is just as petty as the first, is that TOMORROW WENDELL seemed, to me, to spend too much time establishing a series and not enough time just being a novel. That is, many of the locations and characters - interesting as they are - have little to do with the plot on hand, and seem predesigned to only relate to future works. While it's great that Ridley obviously has many more stories to tell within the White Dragon Black universe, it would have been more enjoyable if elements important to future texts were given slightly more connection to THIS text.
All of that being said, TOMORROW WENDELL is a cracking good read for fans of urban fantasy, supernatural detective fiction, and even (I would say) supernatural fiction and detective fiction in general. With a solid universe to support his works, well-drawn characters to inhabit that universe, and a tense plot to give those characters motivation, Ridley has delivered a solid, entertaining book. I can honestly say that I am eagerly awaiting the next entry in his series, and trust that I will be able to leave my pettiness at the door when it comes around.
September 3, 2014
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Actual rating: 3.5
Private Investigator Jonathan Alvey is your everyday practitioner, trying to work against cursed objects and the odd Zombie, but when Wendell turns up on his doorstep asking for help, Jonathan's life suddenly gets a whole lot more interesting. Wendell only has three days to live, and now Alvey is set against the clock to discover who cursed his client and to protect him at all costs.
This concept is really interesting. Not only does it meld the mystery genre with the paranormal and fantasy genre, but it also has an entirely new idea about the use of magic. Suddenly, magic is a very real and very dangerous thing. It isn't the type of thing that comes from thin air, but from a tangible force inside of each person and beyond them. Magic no longer is for fun and games, it is a drug that consumes you from the inside-out, bringing euphoria riddled with crashing lows. This is an adult type of magic, and a totally new and interesting take on something that has been around for so long.
The supernatural elements were well done here, blending our own experiences with fairly believably reasoning. The monsters created come from popular folklore and mythologies, and are depicted as we would expect them to be in popular fiction, but dealt with very differently in the context. This is a world and a style of magic that really makes utter sense.
Jonathan is a great multi-faceted character, and we get that sense that in this book we have only scratched the surface into who he really is as a person. While Jonathan is an intrinsically good character, he has some serious issues to contend with, not just with paranormal entities but with his past and with his addictions. On that point, he is a very complex character and strangely likeable considering that he is an alcoholic magic-abuser with a bad habit for smoking and eating too much fast food. His lifestyle is unlike anything that a normal person could truly empathise with, and yet we find ourselves understanding his basic character traits; he wants to do good, he has an addiction as many people have, and though he deals with it well, he uses other addictions to negate his largest one. He is a strange protagonist, perhaps even an anti-hero, and yet you root for him and like him all the same.
This book was quite enjoyable but probably not everyone's cup of tea. It kept me thinking and guessing as to who is behind the curse and how it was done, but at the end felt rather like a cliffhanger. You can really see the end coming, and perhaps a little bit more leeway into the case could have had me thinking a little bit differently. This book is useful for a quick getaway into a strange world as well as a first foray into a genre mash-up. However, I could not find much particular meaning behind the story or any themes to really consider, so I would say it is more for those who like a little bit of action.
Actual rating: 3.5
Private Investigator Jonathan Alvey is your everyday practitioner, trying to work against cursed objects and the odd Zombie, but when Wendell turns up on his doorstep asking for help, Jonathan's life suddenly gets a whole lot more interesting. Wendell only has three days to live, and now Alvey is set against the clock to discover who cursed his client and to protect him at all costs.
This concept is really interesting. Not only does it meld the mystery genre with the paranormal and fantasy genre, but it also has an entirely new idea about the use of magic. Suddenly, magic is a very real and very dangerous thing. It isn't the type of thing that comes from thin air, but from a tangible force inside of each person and beyond them. Magic no longer is for fun and games, it is a drug that consumes you from the inside-out, bringing euphoria riddled with crashing lows. This is an adult type of magic, and a totally new and interesting take on something that has been around for so long.
The supernatural elements were well done here, blending our own experiences with fairly believably reasoning. The monsters created come from popular folklore and mythologies, and are depicted as we would expect them to be in popular fiction, but dealt with very differently in the context. This is a world and a style of magic that really makes utter sense.
Jonathan is a great multi-faceted character, and we get that sense that in this book we have only scratched the surface into who he really is as a person. While Jonathan is an intrinsically good character, he has some serious issues to contend with, not just with paranormal entities but with his past and with his addictions. On that point, he is a very complex character and strangely likeable considering that he is an alcoholic magic-abuser with a bad habit for smoking and eating too much fast food. His lifestyle is unlike anything that a normal person could truly empathise with, and yet we find ourselves understanding his basic character traits; he wants to do good, he has an addiction as many people have, and though he deals with it well, he uses other addictions to negate his largest one. He is a strange protagonist, perhaps even an anti-hero, and yet you root for him and like him all the same.
This book was quite enjoyable but probably not everyone's cup of tea. It kept me thinking and guessing as to who is behind the curse and how it was done, but at the end felt rather like a cliffhanger. You can really see the end coming, and perhaps a little bit more leeway into the case could have had me thinking a little bit differently. This book is useful for a quick getaway into a strange world as well as a first foray into a genre mash-up. However, I could not find much particular meaning behind the story or any themes to really consider, so I would say it is more for those who like a little bit of action.
May 8, 2017
“Tomorrow Wendell” a paranormal detective mystery heats up when Jonathan Alvey after a violent confrontation with zombie lackeys from Apatedyne sent in retaliation for removing some spells and hexes on their products gets swept up in Wendell Courtney’s case; a man frightened by predictions of his death. Finding no trace of magic around Wendell, Alvey investigates other possibilities, searching for the prankster or psychic power that’s targeting his client.
Baffled and helpless in the face of a dead-end after exhausting his wits, sources and magic to solve the mystery, Alvey is determined more than ever to save Wendell from death. But he’s not sure his magic and the pain incurred afterwards by an "insatiable" black dragon will be enough to solve the case and save his client.
Set in New Hades the plot is fast-paced, the action never slowing as Jonathan Alvey searches for evidence of an evil hand in omens that include a card from a coin-operated gypsy mannequin at an antique store with the cryptic words “you will die in three days”, the prediction of a magic 8-ball and a fortune cookie. A practitioner of magic and knowing its danger, he's intoxicated by the strength and power inherent in the White Dragon (magic) only to suffer afterwards with the Blackness of the Dragon that saps his energy and could eventually bring about his death.
Masterfully structured and innovative R.M. Ridley weaves the supernatural into an investigation that has him flummoxed and paying a heavy price for the use of his magic. Yet amid all the mystery and turmoil Alvey attracts like wildfire there is even a slice of humor with Alvey’s vices- his cigarettes, bourbon and addiction to magic- as well as the continual loss of his secretary after chaos erupts in his office. Intensity and suspense continually escalate as events unfold in a thrill-ride that has him clashing with nightmarish creatures determined to steal Wendell’s body and soul only to climax in a shocking twist at the end.
R.M. Ridley skilfully creates characters that are dark, complex and unforgettable, infusing this imaginative plot with high-energy, excitement and nerve-racking tension. Jonathan Alvey a private investigator and practitioner of the magic arts is a loner who’s haunted by the loss of his father. A man who dulls his pain in bourbon he’s self-reliant, frank yet generous. Wendell Courtney is his kind, conscientious and likable client who’s weighed down by fear while his sources include the humble, and reliable lycanthrope Frank and Mary Parsons a tarot card reader who’s empathetic and caring.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Tomorrow Wendell” a gripping paranormal detective mystery with a well-developed story and intense characters that I couldn’t put down until finished.
Baffled and helpless in the face of a dead-end after exhausting his wits, sources and magic to solve the mystery, Alvey is determined more than ever to save Wendell from death. But he’s not sure his magic and the pain incurred afterwards by an "insatiable" black dragon will be enough to solve the case and save his client.
Set in New Hades the plot is fast-paced, the action never slowing as Jonathan Alvey searches for evidence of an evil hand in omens that include a card from a coin-operated gypsy mannequin at an antique store with the cryptic words “you will die in three days”, the prediction of a magic 8-ball and a fortune cookie. A practitioner of magic and knowing its danger, he's intoxicated by the strength and power inherent in the White Dragon (magic) only to suffer afterwards with the Blackness of the Dragon that saps his energy and could eventually bring about his death.
Masterfully structured and innovative R.M. Ridley weaves the supernatural into an investigation that has him flummoxed and paying a heavy price for the use of his magic. Yet amid all the mystery and turmoil Alvey attracts like wildfire there is even a slice of humor with Alvey’s vices- his cigarettes, bourbon and addiction to magic- as well as the continual loss of his secretary after chaos erupts in his office. Intensity and suspense continually escalate as events unfold in a thrill-ride that has him clashing with nightmarish creatures determined to steal Wendell’s body and soul only to climax in a shocking twist at the end.
R.M. Ridley skilfully creates characters that are dark, complex and unforgettable, infusing this imaginative plot with high-energy, excitement and nerve-racking tension. Jonathan Alvey a private investigator and practitioner of the magic arts is a loner who’s haunted by the loss of his father. A man who dulls his pain in bourbon he’s self-reliant, frank yet generous. Wendell Courtney is his kind, conscientious and likable client who’s weighed down by fear while his sources include the humble, and reliable lycanthrope Frank and Mary Parsons a tarot card reader who’s empathetic and caring.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Tomorrow Wendell” a gripping paranormal detective mystery with a well-developed story and intense characters that I couldn’t put down until finished.
July 21, 2014
I'm finished with Tomorrow Wendell:
Woo Hoo! I have a brand new book series that I am excited about! I love getting hooked on a great series. I just finished reading Tomorrow Wendell by R.M. Ridley and can only say that I loved it! This is the first book in the White Dragon Black series and I can't wait for the rest of the books to come out! Here's a quick review, without any spoilers, because they are just no fun at all!
This series follows the adventures or should I say, the misadventures of Jonathan Alvey. He's a PI on the job to help out the people in his community of New Hades. Of course, he has some "special abilities" to make his job a bit easier, when the going gets rough or scary.
I really enjoy the main character, Jonathan Alvey and his snarky attitude and his love of Singapore Noodles. Even though he's not the most likable guy, you really do get drawn into Alvey's orbit just to see what's going to happen in the next sentence. He's a great main character and I can't wait to see what happens in the books to come!
This book, of course, revolves around Wendell. He is soon to be a client of Alvey's, who is having a really bad day, without hope of it getting better. The whole time you are wondering if Alvey can help Wendell or not. It goes like this right up until the end of the book. You just have to keep reading to figure it all out!
My only disappointment with the book would be the ending of the novel. The story seemed to end rather abruptly. I know there are more books planned in the series, so maybe that is why it ended like it did. I was really left hanging saying, "What just happened?" You will probably have a question or 2 regarding unresolved plot lines, much like i did. You are definitely left with a cliffhanger of an ending with this book, which isn't necessarily bad.
The story is a fun and easy read. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read. It falls into a couple of categories like mystery, fantasy, and the paranormal genres. I recommend it!
Woo Hoo! I have a brand new book series that I am excited about! I love getting hooked on a great series. I just finished reading Tomorrow Wendell by R.M. Ridley and can only say that I loved it! This is the first book in the White Dragon Black series and I can't wait for the rest of the books to come out! Here's a quick review, without any spoilers, because they are just no fun at all!
This series follows the adventures or should I say, the misadventures of Jonathan Alvey. He's a PI on the job to help out the people in his community of New Hades. Of course, he has some "special abilities" to make his job a bit easier, when the going gets rough or scary.
I really enjoy the main character, Jonathan Alvey and his snarky attitude and his love of Singapore Noodles. Even though he's not the most likable guy, you really do get drawn into Alvey's orbit just to see what's going to happen in the next sentence. He's a great main character and I can't wait to see what happens in the books to come!
This book, of course, revolves around Wendell. He is soon to be a client of Alvey's, who is having a really bad day, without hope of it getting better. The whole time you are wondering if Alvey can help Wendell or not. It goes like this right up until the end of the book. You just have to keep reading to figure it all out!
My only disappointment with the book would be the ending of the novel. The story seemed to end rather abruptly. I know there are more books planned in the series, so maybe that is why it ended like it did. I was really left hanging saying, "What just happened?" You will probably have a question or 2 regarding unresolved plot lines, much like i did. You are definitely left with a cliffhanger of an ending with this book, which isn't necessarily bad.
The story is a fun and easy read. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read. It falls into a couple of categories like mystery, fantasy, and the paranormal genres. I recommend it!
May 17, 2015
Wow! This book is a mix of genres...a dark seedy private eye story ( I envisaged a little bit of the Maltese Falcon with Humphrey Bogart), then add a darker version of Harry Potter with magic and mystery followed by a domesticated version of the Walking Dead - where the Zombies act as henchmen debt collectors.
I had no idea what type of adventure I was getting into with this book, but O.M.G Mr Ridley has an extremely amazing imagination.
Wendell receives a prediction that can only be interpreted as his imminent death...After sheepishly approaching the police with his concerns that someone was out to kill him, he is redirected to Jonathan Alvey who's expertise is in all that is metaphysical, mysterious and unexplainable.
Jonathan has taken it upon himself to clean up this town of those who abuse magic for their own gain. When Wendell approaches him with his plight he knows this is just the job for him.
Racking his brain for all the possible causes of this threat on Wendell's life, Jonathan often hits a brick wall. But defeat is definitely not in his vocabulary and he soldiers on to the very end of this story determined to break the supposed prediction and allow Wendell to live a long a fruitful life.
Mr Ridley has written so vividly that I almost believe that the magic in this story could be very real. A fantastic fast paced story that will intrigued any reader who decides to read it!
I had no idea what type of adventure I was getting into with this book, but O.M.G Mr Ridley has an extremely amazing imagination.
Wendell receives a prediction that can only be interpreted as his imminent death...After sheepishly approaching the police with his concerns that someone was out to kill him, he is redirected to Jonathan Alvey who's expertise is in all that is metaphysical, mysterious and unexplainable.
Jonathan has taken it upon himself to clean up this town of those who abuse magic for their own gain. When Wendell approaches him with his plight he knows this is just the job for him.
Racking his brain for all the possible causes of this threat on Wendell's life, Jonathan often hits a brick wall. But defeat is definitely not in his vocabulary and he soldiers on to the very end of this story determined to break the supposed prediction and allow Wendell to live a long a fruitful life.
Mr Ridley has written so vividly that I almost believe that the magic in this story could be very real. A fantastic fast paced story that will intrigued any reader who decides to read it!
July 19, 2016
NOTE: I was provided with a free copy for review purposes with no expectation of a favorable review.
Having read the short story featuring the main character, I was pleased to get the opportunity to read the beginning of a series of books that will detail Jonathan Alvey's adventures as a private investigator whose cases are a bit more... unusual than most.
Let's get one thing out of the way real quick. There was one element regarding magic in here that I was really not a huge fan of that plays a huge role in the story and thought that one particular element showed up a bit too often for my taste. Still, I found this an enjoyable and exciting read. The writing style drew me in, as well Mr. Alvey's character. He's a resourceful and determined guy who will go to any lengths necessary to protect his latest client, who is getting inundated with death predictions.
The story drew me in quickly, as Ridley has built a diverse and interesting world that is full of surprises. He paced the story well and kept me on the edge of my seat as I waited to see how the whole thing would play out. Through it all, Ridley added in little bits of humor and ridiculousness that helped to break the tension a bit while not taking away from the main story and tone. I would definitely recommend this one to fans of paranormal and detective stories.
Having read the short story featuring the main character, I was pleased to get the opportunity to read the beginning of a series of books that will detail Jonathan Alvey's adventures as a private investigator whose cases are a bit more... unusual than most.
Let's get one thing out of the way real quick. There was one element regarding magic in here that I was really not a huge fan of that plays a huge role in the story and thought that one particular element showed up a bit too often for my taste. Still, I found this an enjoyable and exciting read. The writing style drew me in, as well Mr. Alvey's character. He's a resourceful and determined guy who will go to any lengths necessary to protect his latest client, who is getting inundated with death predictions.
The story drew me in quickly, as Ridley has built a diverse and interesting world that is full of surprises. He paced the story well and kept me on the edge of my seat as I waited to see how the whole thing would play out. Through it all, Ridley added in little bits of humor and ridiculousness that helped to break the tension a bit while not taking away from the main story and tone. I would definitely recommend this one to fans of paranormal and detective stories.
August 3, 2014
On Friday, I read the book Tomorrow Wendell by R. M. Ridley. Full disclosure, I consider him to be a friend, but he has not requested anything from me in a review but my honesty. It's always a little worrisome reading something a friend has written; I must admit, before I started, I was afraid I would have to be honest. This was not the case. I am instead overjoyed to be able to tell you honestly that this is a very good book. I read the entire thing on a Friday, so in that you know I couldn't put it down.
In Tomorrow Wendell, private detective and practitioner of magic Jonathon Alvey attempts to defend his latest client against a threat that defies explanation. The author expertly evokes a dark world, where things really do go bump in the night, and somehow manages to use excellent metaphor and wordplay to infuse it with a levity that is, at times, much needed, and is always timely. The only fault that I can find with this novel is that it ended, and I will have to wait for the next installment.
In Tomorrow Wendell, private detective and practitioner of magic Jonathon Alvey attempts to defend his latest client against a threat that defies explanation. The author expertly evokes a dark world, where things really do go bump in the night, and somehow manages to use excellent metaphor and wordplay to infuse it with a levity that is, at times, much needed, and is always timely. The only fault that I can find with this novel is that it ended, and I will have to wait for the next installment.
October 21, 2014
Jonathan Alvey is a private investigator with a difference. He is also a practitioner of magic and makes use of ages old magic to solve his cases and protect some of his more special clients from a world which exists in the shadows. When Wendell Courtney comes through his door and presents him with a card he got from a fortune telling machine which tells Wendell he is going to die, Jonathan starts an investigation into whether Wendell is the victim of dark magic. No matter what he tries, he can find no evidence at all but it soon becomes clear that Wendell really does have a problem.
I really got in to this story. It was so well told and a real mystery from the first chapter. Forget the zombies as they are just a very small part of a story with a very clear and cleverly written message. I loved the ending; sharp and unpredictable and in those few pages the story came together in a really satisfying way. If you like a mystery with a large helping of paranormal then this one is for you.
I really got in to this story. It was so well told and a real mystery from the first chapter. Forget the zombies as they are just a very small part of a story with a very clear and cleverly written message. I loved the ending; sharp and unpredictable and in those few pages the story came together in a really satisfying way. If you like a mystery with a large helping of paranormal then this one is for you.
June 30, 2014
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book is the constant edge Jonathan has to walk when using his magic. Though he’s a typical ass, Jonathan is written in a way that you can’t help but feel sympathy for his addiction to magic and enjoy him as a person. It’s an awesome metaphor to drug abuse, but at times it seems to take over the story. It can be argued that there is a point where it becomes redundant, but it adds so much to the story often times I didn’t mind it.
The progression of the character’s relationship with Wendell was perfect and by the end you want to see them succeed. It’s not often I’ve found detective stories where I cared as much for the characters as this one and I hope to see more from the author in the future.
The progression of the character’s relationship with Wendell was perfect and by the end you want to see them succeed. It’s not often I’ve found detective stories where I cared as much for the characters as this one and I hope to see more from the author in the future.
July 4, 2014
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
This was a fun read. I appreciated the description the author gave to the world he created and the characters in it...I was really rooting for Wendell and Jonathan. The mystery keeps you engaged throughout and while it doesn't have the ending you would expect (will keep out spoilers) I think it was fitting for the storeyline. All in all a very well done blending of fantasy and detective work! I would definitely read another book starring Jonathan solving more magical mysteries.
This was a fun read. I appreciated the description the author gave to the world he created and the characters in it...I was really rooting for Wendell and Jonathan. The mystery keeps you engaged throughout and while it doesn't have the ending you would expect (will keep out spoilers) I think it was fitting for the storeyline. All in all a very well done blending of fantasy and detective work! I would definitely read another book starring Jonathan solving more magical mysteries.
December 7, 2016
A solidly entertaining paranormal hardboiled novel***.
The premise is this: a guy walks into the office of a paranormal private eye. Three omens in a row said he was going to die in three days. He wants to know why, and he wants to survive. And so our hero, Jonathan Alvey, puts his shoulder holster on under his trench coat, takes careful stock of which flask holds bourbon and which flask holds holy water, and sets out into the dark streets.
And we're on our way into a classic mystery/noir with a paranormal slant that's just tons of fun.
Now, beyond the surface-level story, the thing I found most interesting about this book was the idea of magic as an addiction. I've heard Brandon Sanderson say that in coming up with a magical system, one rule you must have is that magic has to have a cost. And here, it has a fascinating cost:
using magic - "riding the white dragon" - is always followed by a miserable withdrawal - "the black dragon." And the more you use, the more the magic deteriorates your body.
So you use to stay high and avoid withdrawal, and you want so desperately to stop, and you know it will eventually kill you. But you can't stop. Magical junkies. Just a great idea. I love that. I love it that Jonathan IS an alcoholic, but intentionally, to distract him from his more serious addiction. Heroes need to have flaws, and here the flaws and the magic and the ambiance all come together perfectly. Good stuff there.
Let's see here. What else? Pace is good - no slow spots. Characters are round (at least Jonathan is). The writing! On a sentence and paragraph level, the writing is solid. For the most part, this is what I think of as "invisible prose". I don't know if that's my own term or if I picked that up from someone else, but the idea is that you don't notice the words. Some writers (Ray Bradbury, C. S. Lewis) have such careful and colorful word choice that you notice them in a good way. You stop and re-read sentences, mulling them over, either to consider the meaning or to savor the feeling. Other writers have visible prose in a bad way - you enjoy the story, but you keep getting shocked out of it by the terrible choice of words or poor mechanics of the writing. Invisible prose is in the middle - it just tells the story, and the words don't get in the way (think Stephen King). This was that. He does occasionally throw in some colorful similes (after a night of drinking and being beaten up, the main character's stomach feels "like it had been run over by pickup truck loaded with roadkill corpses"), but mostly it's just invisible, and I think that works fine.
And now for the part of the review where I'm not glowing. I did not like the way this ended. I can't say much more before the spoiler tags come out, but I'll say that there was some significant stuff that goes unresolved here, and while there's a sequel, I don't think that's an excuse to leave things this open. Specifically,
All in all, other than some lack of resolution, I liked it. Really interesting world and a fun story. Looking forward to reading more from Ridley in the future.
***I would have called this a "noir" but right before I posted this review, I learned of the distinction between noir and hardboiled - in noir, the protagonist isn't the detective. But this is dumb, because you can't use "hardboiled" as a noun the same way you can "noir", can you? I hate this new word.
The premise is this: a guy walks into the office of a paranormal private eye. Three omens in a row said he was going to die in three days. He wants to know why, and he wants to survive. And so our hero, Jonathan Alvey, puts his shoulder holster on under his trench coat, takes careful stock of which flask holds bourbon and which flask holds holy water, and sets out into the dark streets.
And we're on our way into a classic mystery/noir with a paranormal slant that's just tons of fun.
Now, beyond the surface-level story, the thing I found most interesting about this book was the idea of magic as an addiction. I've heard Brandon Sanderson say that in coming up with a magical system, one rule you must have is that magic has to have a cost. And here, it has a fascinating cost:
using magic - "riding the white dragon" - is always followed by a miserable withdrawal - "the black dragon." And the more you use, the more the magic deteriorates your body.
So you use to stay high and avoid withdrawal, and you want so desperately to stop, and you know it will eventually kill you. But you can't stop. Magical junkies. Just a great idea. I love that. I love it that Jonathan IS an alcoholic, but intentionally, to distract him from his more serious addiction. Heroes need to have flaws, and here the flaws and the magic and the ambiance all come together perfectly. Good stuff there.
Let's see here. What else? Pace is good - no slow spots. Characters are round (at least Jonathan is). The writing! On a sentence and paragraph level, the writing is solid. For the most part, this is what I think of as "invisible prose". I don't know if that's my own term or if I picked that up from someone else, but the idea is that you don't notice the words. Some writers (Ray Bradbury, C. S. Lewis) have such careful and colorful word choice that you notice them in a good way. You stop and re-read sentences, mulling them over, either to consider the meaning or to savor the feeling. Other writers have visible prose in a bad way - you enjoy the story, but you keep getting shocked out of it by the terrible choice of words or poor mechanics of the writing. Invisible prose is in the middle - it just tells the story, and the words don't get in the way (think Stephen King). This was that. He does occasionally throw in some colorful similes (after a night of drinking and being beaten up, the main character's stomach feels "like it had been run over by pickup truck loaded with roadkill corpses"), but mostly it's just invisible, and I think that works fine.
And now for the part of the review where I'm not glowing. I did not like the way this ended. I can't say much more before the spoiler tags come out, but I'll say that there was some significant stuff that goes unresolved here, and while there's a sequel, I don't think that's an excuse to leave things this open. Specifically,
All in all, other than some lack of resolution, I liked it. Really interesting world and a fun story. Looking forward to reading more from Ridley in the future.
***I would have called this a "noir" but right before I posted this review, I learned of the distinction between noir and hardboiled - in noir, the protagonist isn't the detective. But this is dumb, because you can't use "hardboiled" as a noun the same way you can "noir", can you? I hate this new word.
October 9, 2014
Another fantastic piece of work in the Paranormal genre. This is the second book I got to read of this Genre and I am extremely happy about not skipping it. Apart from Alvey, I am sure the author has got a great level of magic in his writing. Articulation of the extreme characters of Opposite poles is thoroughly incredible. The theme is realistic and the “Magic” is apt for the process of Investigation in an attempt to save Wendell. Look forward to read the next in the series.
February 2, 2017
An intriguing look into the world of the functional non-functional. I'm looking forward to reading more of this authors work.
April 12, 2017
Between obsessively chain-smoking (every time Alvey lit up, I felt I had to) and strange cravings for Chinese food, I ripped through this book. Loved it!!! Can't wait to read the further adventures of Mr. Alvey!
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