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A Book Without Dragons
This book contains no dragons. It does, however, contain individuals who Willow Ayers believes would benefit from the addition of some magical creatures. A broken marriage, a failed career, an abusive the people around Willow are trapped inside problems so isolating they can only be expressed by constantly changing tenses and writing styles. It is not the sort of book Willow would read; he prefers fantasy novels with consistent styles and happy endings. But this is not a fantasy book, and Willow’s idea to bring about his own ‘happily ever after’ is crumbling. Decades ago, he saw the way humanity relied on so many flawed systems—Internet, GPS, cell phones, electronic banking—and created Unitime, the perfect system to unite all systems. Now his Satellites are malfunctioning, and what seemed an innocent glitch in technology might prove to be something darker, something infinitely more dangerous. Even so, Willow believes people can overcome such things, even though it seems as unlikely as a book that starts in five different writing styles, but ends in just one.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
254 pages, Paperback
Published May 21, 2016
20 people are currently reading
636 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Berrier
11 books58 followersOlivia Berrier is often clueless and always shoeless. She left behind many footprints at Hollins University in Virginia, where she studied Creative Writing and Mathematics. After college, her bare feet have carried her through many experiences, but her life remains anchored by writing. Olivia writes fantasy fiction, sometimes with a mathematical inclination, and has been dropping stories like breadcrumbs across the Internet since 2007.
When she is not writing (and sometimes also when she is writing) Olivia is in love with candles, tea, yoga, running, snail-mail correspondence, napping, and memorizing the decimals of Pi. She also loves connecting with people who share her love for the written word and the singular magic that it creates.
When she is not writing (and sometimes also when she is writing) Olivia is in love with candles, tea, yoga, running, snail-mail correspondence, napping, and memorizing the decimals of Pi. She also loves connecting with people who share her love for the written word and the singular magic that it creates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 6, 2018
With a title like A Book without Dragons you might think this fantasy obsessed reviewer wouldn't be interested. However the premise of Olivia Berrier's story intrigued me. Anytime you can take the concept of time and how it flows, moves, etc. I am game to read about it.
Plot Premise
While the plot is simple in concept, it is anything but simple for our characters to navigate. Time has been centralized, to one set of satellites. Almost all electronics have been connected to this set of satellites and so everything now runs off one continuous, 'perfect' system. No one ever has a clock, watch or device that reads a different time, EVER. So what happens when it all comes crashing down?
Obviously if the world were to start to rely on one system for too many things we could be in big trouble. What happens if the system is hacked, overloaded or otherwise fallible. Then what? No more time. But in Berrier's story it's not just no more time, it's no more medical devices working, refrigerators, water systems, electricity, etc. EVERYTHING that could be hooked up is hooked up to this one set of satellites and so taking it down, more or less, takes down all of society across the Earth.
Dystopia
I love dystopian books, so there was no doubt I was game for A Book Without Dragons. Even if the spoiler in the title is true. There are no real dragons in the book. As with most dystopian books we see the crumbling of society when time 'stops working'. I think a lot of writers have finally figured out that the best way to write a dystopian novel, is to focus on the characters and how they handle the situations given. As opposed to focusing too much on events themselves.
Characters
The characters and their treatment is the true genius of this book. Berrier has five main characters that include a child and a dog. Yes that's right a dog! I love the dog's simple perspective and his way of 'learning' information that people are thinking because he hears what they say when no one is around. This is a clever device to give the reader information without having to have the character disclose it to someone else in dialogue (and to get it second-hand from outside their thoughts).
All of the five characters were really well-written. I loved each of them in their own way. And hated some aspects of each as well. And of course, as all good writing does, these five stories pull together at the end for a final climax.
Overall
I've left out a ton of juicy tidbits about Berrier's novel as I don't want to given even a hint of anything away. But I will say that the time crisis may seem easy on a dog, a bit complex for a child, more complex for a husband and at ultimate complexity for the person that created the time singularity (if you will) to start with. Entwined into this brilliant story is a mystery, complex feelings, desires to make the world a better place, and a rubber ball that the dog loves.
What I will say is that this is a shorter read and it is well worth the time. I loved it and cannot wait to read more from Berrier in the future. Although I am hoping that her next book has actual dragons in it (lol).
For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Plot Premise
While the plot is simple in concept, it is anything but simple for our characters to navigate. Time has been centralized, to one set of satellites. Almost all electronics have been connected to this set of satellites and so everything now runs off one continuous, 'perfect' system. No one ever has a clock, watch or device that reads a different time, EVER. So what happens when it all comes crashing down?
Obviously if the world were to start to rely on one system for too many things we could be in big trouble. What happens if the system is hacked, overloaded or otherwise fallible. Then what? No more time. But in Berrier's story it's not just no more time, it's no more medical devices working, refrigerators, water systems, electricity, etc. EVERYTHING that could be hooked up is hooked up to this one set of satellites and so taking it down, more or less, takes down all of society across the Earth.
Dystopia
I love dystopian books, so there was no doubt I was game for A Book Without Dragons. Even if the spoiler in the title is true. There are no real dragons in the book. As with most dystopian books we see the crumbling of society when time 'stops working'. I think a lot of writers have finally figured out that the best way to write a dystopian novel, is to focus on the characters and how they handle the situations given. As opposed to focusing too much on events themselves.
Characters
The characters and their treatment is the true genius of this book. Berrier has five main characters that include a child and a dog. Yes that's right a dog! I love the dog's simple perspective and his way of 'learning' information that people are thinking because he hears what they say when no one is around. This is a clever device to give the reader information without having to have the character disclose it to someone else in dialogue (and to get it second-hand from outside their thoughts).
All of the five characters were really well-written. I loved each of them in their own way. And hated some aspects of each as well. And of course, as all good writing does, these five stories pull together at the end for a final climax.
Overall
I've left out a ton of juicy tidbits about Berrier's novel as I don't want to given even a hint of anything away. But I will say that the time crisis may seem easy on a dog, a bit complex for a child, more complex for a husband and at ultimate complexity for the person that created the time singularity (if you will) to start with. Entwined into this brilliant story is a mystery, complex feelings, desires to make the world a better place, and a rubber ball that the dog loves.
What I will say is that this is a shorter read and it is well worth the time. I loved it and cannot wait to read more from Berrier in the future. Although I am hoping that her next book has actual dragons in it (lol).
For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
June 14, 2016
I won this book from a goodreads giveaway. I was hooked right away, and if it hadn't been for the fact that I was at work, and had clients to take care of I would have read this entire book in one sitting. There is a lot going on throughout the story, and because it's not very long I was worried there wasn't enough time for everything to tie together....I had no reason to worry. It all came together seamlessly. This book is a little bit dystopian fiction, a little bit thriller, and a little bit literary. It's got an excellent message, and I think you should read it!!! Looking forward to more from Olivia Berrier.
June 13, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I was fortunate enough to have heard the beginning read aloud at a launch party (by 5 different readers) and I became fascinated by the idea of the 5 characters each using a different tense to tell their part of the story.
Normally something like that would bother me, formatting and all, but it really gave each character their own personality that was easy to follow.
The story was well thought out and while we can't always have the perfect ending (Bethany tries) I come away very satisfied for having read this book!
Normally something like that would bother me, formatting and all, but it really gave each character their own personality that was easy to follow.
The story was well thought out and while we can't always have the perfect ending (Bethany tries) I come away very satisfied for having read this book!
April 6, 2022
2.2 CBC round 2 - Momma’s pick
A two in the best sense. Interesting concept, a creative character in the pup and an easy clear read.
A two in the best sense. Interesting concept, a creative character in the pup and an easy clear read.
July 14, 2018
I don't really know how to feel about this book. We have different characters but the more we read the more they become connected with each other. I like how with each narrative, the perspective and writing style changed, it was interesting, but as their story (and themselves) grow the narrative itself change and at one point everything was the same and it was difficult to distingue from who we were reading. I like the fact the narratives were all different and the fact they change as their character change themselves, but it became way too confusing.
The story itself about the technology and how people act around/without it was interesting, but I find like everything was for nothing at the end, so that was disappointing.
The story itself about the technology and how people act around/without it was interesting, but I find like everything was for nothing at the end, so that was disappointing.
August 14, 2021
Awwwww
Beautiful and heartwrenching and heartwarming, all at the same time. I loved these characters and their story. And sheesh, Cider deserved better. What a sweetheart.
Beautiful and heartwrenching and heartwarming, all at the same time. I loved these characters and their story. And sheesh, Cider deserved better. What a sweetheart.
March 30, 2018
"It's like we're all in a story together, but we were each in different tenses. Imagine if there was a book where every time you switched to a new character, the writing style changed. It would bounce between past and present and first person and third and second, and it would be a nightmare!
"A book like that would be so confusing and disorienting and no one would ever want to read it. But that's not where we are anymore. For the first time, we're all finally in the same tense. And it's even more than that! It's like, we're not even separate points of view anymore. It's omniscient. There aren't any boundaries between my problems and your problems. We're finally telling the story together."
The best explanation I can offer for this book is delivered by one of the characters at the climax of the book itself. In the beginning, this book is told using the unique voices of multiple characters through various points of view. Mid-chapter, the character will change and introduce their own personal problems. The only factor that seems to tie them all together is that they all live in the same town and that time is on the fritz (but that's the case all around the world). As the book goes on though, they all come to interact with one another until the point of view combines, and they're all in the same place. This was one of the major things that drew me to read the book in the first place, and I was more than pleased when it finally paid off.
As the name of the book implies, if you're looking for fire-breathing fire lizards, you're in the wrong place. The title is not a clever ruse, simply truth. The only hint of a dragon is reoccurring references to the book Quest for the Enchanted Dragon. Instead, the evil to be slain comes in the form of what is known as Unitime. The original concept of Unitime was to unify time all over the world and then have all machines run under this system in order to eliminate most crimes and human error. Fourteen years after its creation, time has suddenly stopped syncing up with itself, which, understandably, causes mass panic.
Our story begins here, starting with the five characters being introduced to the concept that time isn't running how it should. The police chief Snowiks is about to retire after a career that he sees as pretty unsuccessful. He's spent most of his life waiting for a big case that would never come. He starts receiving calls from panicked people about the fact that time isn't running how it should. Bethany works as a secretary for a laboratory. Since the laboratory runs on Unitime, it shuts down, leaving her at home. Her husband, a philosophy professor at the local college, invites her to come to work with him, but she just doesn't see the point. He knows that she doesn't understand the sort of thing, or want to for that matter, all she wants is for them to have a baby. Zabby, short for Elizabeth, works as a waitress at a dinner. Originally, she wanted to be a nurse, but that just didn't pan out for her. Instead, she has to listen to people try to make small talk about the fact that time isn't working right. Then, there's Cider, the bestest pupper ever who just can't understand why his family is so upset. Finally, there's Willow Ayres, the co-creator of Unitime that everyone is relying on to fix it.
I love all of the unique voices. The story has enough intrigue to it that it kept me reading, but at a certain point, had I not been invested in these characters, I might have lost interest. Willow and Zabby's friendship is super pure. I was sad when he took the time to say goodbye to her. Bethany's need to fill the hole left by the lack of child with Zabby was also incredibly heartbreaking. AND ALL CIDER WANTED WAS CUDDLES! HE WAS SUCH A GOOD BOY! As much as this story is about solving the problem with Unitime, it is a story about finding unity and love.
I think one of my biggest beefs with this book was the ending. An ideal and happy world seems to be reached, but then it quickly returns to normal. People suck again, but it's fine because some of us remember when it was better? No. I know that's probably what would really happen, but it almost felt like the book had multiple conclusions. The first one where it seems like everyone has had their epiphanies and then the one where and we just accept that life moves on and won't ever be as good again. I'd have been pretty happy with the "first" conclusion." In fairness, I do get it because Unitime wasn't technically fixed according to the true definition of "fixed."
Anyway, this was a great introduction to Berrier. I look forward to one day picking up one of her other books. Hopefully, I'll see her in person at con again so I can just buy it then.
"A book like that would be so confusing and disorienting and no one would ever want to read it. But that's not where we are anymore. For the first time, we're all finally in the same tense. And it's even more than that! It's like, we're not even separate points of view anymore. It's omniscient. There aren't any boundaries between my problems and your problems. We're finally telling the story together."
The best explanation I can offer for this book is delivered by one of the characters at the climax of the book itself. In the beginning, this book is told using the unique voices of multiple characters through various points of view. Mid-chapter, the character will change and introduce their own personal problems. The only factor that seems to tie them all together is that they all live in the same town and that time is on the fritz (but that's the case all around the world). As the book goes on though, they all come to interact with one another until the point of view combines, and they're all in the same place. This was one of the major things that drew me to read the book in the first place, and I was more than pleased when it finally paid off.
As the name of the book implies, if you're looking for fire-breathing fire lizards, you're in the wrong place. The title is not a clever ruse, simply truth. The only hint of a dragon is reoccurring references to the book Quest for the Enchanted Dragon. Instead, the evil to be slain comes in the form of what is known as Unitime. The original concept of Unitime was to unify time all over the world and then have all machines run under this system in order to eliminate most crimes and human error. Fourteen years after its creation, time has suddenly stopped syncing up with itself, which, understandably, causes mass panic.
Our story begins here, starting with the five characters being introduced to the concept that time isn't running how it should. The police chief Snowiks is about to retire after a career that he sees as pretty unsuccessful. He's spent most of his life waiting for a big case that would never come. He starts receiving calls from panicked people about the fact that time isn't running how it should. Bethany works as a secretary for a laboratory. Since the laboratory runs on Unitime, it shuts down, leaving her at home. Her husband, a philosophy professor at the local college, invites her to come to work with him, but she just doesn't see the point. He knows that she doesn't understand the sort of thing, or want to for that matter, all she wants is for them to have a baby. Zabby, short for Elizabeth, works as a waitress at a dinner. Originally, she wanted to be a nurse, but that just didn't pan out for her. Instead, she has to listen to people try to make small talk about the fact that time isn't working right. Then, there's Cider, the bestest pupper ever who just can't understand why his family is so upset. Finally, there's Willow Ayres, the co-creator of Unitime that everyone is relying on to fix it.
I love all of the unique voices. The story has enough intrigue to it that it kept me reading, but at a certain point, had I not been invested in these characters, I might have lost interest. Willow and Zabby's friendship is super pure. I was sad when he took the time to say goodbye to her. Bethany's need to fill the hole left by the lack of child with Zabby was also incredibly heartbreaking. AND ALL CIDER WANTED WAS CUDDLES! HE WAS SUCH A GOOD BOY! As much as this story is about solving the problem with Unitime, it is a story about finding unity and love.
I think one of my biggest beefs with this book was the ending. An ideal and happy world seems to be reached, but then it quickly returns to normal. People suck again, but it's fine because some of us remember when it was better? No. I know that's probably what would really happen, but it almost felt like the book had multiple conclusions. The first one where it seems like everyone has had their epiphanies and then the one where and we just accept that life moves on and won't ever be as good again. I'd have been pretty happy with the "first" conclusion." In fairness, I do get it because Unitime wasn't technically fixed according to the true definition of "fixed."
Anyway, this was a great introduction to Berrier. I look forward to one day picking up one of her other books. Hopefully, I'll see her in person at con again so I can just buy it then.
April 21, 2016
I think this book is pretty freaking amazing. It does an amazing job of taking one of those "what if" questions and turning it into a story.
A Book Without Dragon takes on (I think) 5 different point-of-views in 5 different styles, tenses, etc. I feel like Olivia Berrier did a fantastic job of really letting the reader into each character's head. (She even takes a POV from a cute lovable dog, and it's totally believable!) They each have their own distinct personality. The styling reminds me of Dean Koontz's books.
I'm only giving it 4 stars because I kind of feel like the ending could've used a little more... oomph. I really wouldn't know how to describe what I'm looking for. I guess more answers as to what really happened that lead to certain events. (I don't want to go into too much detail because spoilers!) It's touched on, but I feel like it's not quite resolved. But maybe it's one of those stories that's not supposed to have everything resolved. There is still a lot of unfinished business in the end, but I'm okay with most of that.
I should probably mention that I got a free copy in exchange for an honest review. But I think this book is so awesome that I've been telling a lot of people about it so when it comes out, they can buy it!! (I've thought about loaning it, but I plan on reading it again soon). Yeah, it's definitely one I plan on reading more than once!!
A Book Without Dragon takes on (I think) 5 different point-of-views in 5 different styles, tenses, etc. I feel like Olivia Berrier did a fantastic job of really letting the reader into each character's head. (She even takes a POV from a cute lovable dog, and it's totally believable!) They each have their own distinct personality. The styling reminds me of Dean Koontz's books.
I'm only giving it 4 stars because I kind of feel like the ending could've used a little more... oomph. I really wouldn't know how to describe what I'm looking for. I guess more answers as to what really happened that lead to certain events. (I don't want to go into too much detail because spoilers!) It's touched on, but I feel like it's not quite resolved. But maybe it's one of those stories that's not supposed to have everything resolved. There is still a lot of unfinished business in the end, but I'm okay with most of that.
I should probably mention that I got a free copy in exchange for an honest review. But I think this book is so awesome that I've been telling a lot of people about it so when it comes out, they can buy it!! (I've thought about loaning it, but I plan on reading it again soon). Yeah, it's definitely one I plan on reading more than once!!
June 11, 2016
I really wasn't sure what to think of this book. I was anxious about the five different writing styles. I thought for sure that they would bother me, but they really didn't. The narrative flowed well and the different styles complimented the story.
The characters were very interesting and engaging. The concepts, likewise, were fascinating and meant to provoke deep thought without the text being heavy.
If you like technology, small towns, sweet dogs, fairy tales or hopeful stories of the world working together, this is an excellent book.
My only gripe, and it's a small one, is that the technological aspect wasn't always explained thoroughly. The details were kind of glossed over. However, as the main themes of the book were really about the people and how they interacted in the face of a Time Crisis, it didn't hurt the story much.
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for my honest opinion. This did not alter my review in any way.
The characters were very interesting and engaging. The concepts, likewise, were fascinating and meant to provoke deep thought without the text being heavy.
If you like technology, small towns, sweet dogs, fairy tales or hopeful stories of the world working together, this is an excellent book.
My only gripe, and it's a small one, is that the technological aspect wasn't always explained thoroughly. The details were kind of glossed over. However, as the main themes of the book were really about the people and how they interacted in the face of a Time Crisis, it didn't hurt the story much.
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for my honest opinion. This did not alter my review in any way.
June 14, 2016
I received this book as a free offering from Goodreads Giveaways, and am glad I entered for this chance. The story was told from the viewpoint of various characters which kept it fresh. The whole idea of technology running our lives is distressing to me, so the theme was one I applauded at times. The characters, flawed though they are, are endearing, and we even come to understand and empathize with those who wish harm on others. All in all, this is a book I would recommend, and may suggest it to my book club.
January 6, 2019
This is a unique and engaging reading. "Spread the word." My rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
Here are the characters identified by subsections in the first chapter:
The Police Chief With No Stories
The Wife Who Answers Phones
The Waitress Who Failed to be a Nurse.
A Dog Who Is A Good Dog
The Scientist in Charge of Unitime
Willow is one of the scientists who developed Unitime, a satellite system that controls all electronics and was put into place 14 years before. The system provided free energy and set the world on the path of a peaceful easy-going life with minimal crime and discontent. But now in 2054, suddenly the clocks are wrong – which means something has gone wrong with the Unitime system.
The government, communication, banking and other systems are breaking down. People go on strike or get relieved of work, frustrations and tempers mount. Crime and violence erupt with the chaos of having no control.
The world is hunting for Willow, depending on him to find the glitch in the system and fix it. They can’t even return to the old NASA satellites without getting the Unitme system fixed to launch them. Willow is working on simulations and reading a fantasy novel called Quest for the Enchanted Dragon while waiting for results. But he has a secret that could throw the world into more chaos – if that is possible.
The book starts with a little confusion as the seemingly unrelated characters are introduced with the point of view (first person, second person, third person) and tense (past, present and even future), changing with each character. I was pulled into the mystery and the plot ride as the flawed characters grew on me and their lives become woven together. I even loved Cider, the dog. The story is engaging and unique and well worth the read – well done. I recommend it to readers who like their sci fi with mystery or their mystery with fantasy and readers who just love to be entertained! Spread the word!
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Here are the characters identified by subsections in the first chapter:
The Police Chief With No Stories
The Wife Who Answers Phones
The Waitress Who Failed to be a Nurse.
A Dog Who Is A Good Dog
The Scientist in Charge of Unitime
Willow is one of the scientists who developed Unitime, a satellite system that controls all electronics and was put into place 14 years before. The system provided free energy and set the world on the path of a peaceful easy-going life with minimal crime and discontent. But now in 2054, suddenly the clocks are wrong – which means something has gone wrong with the Unitime system.
The government, communication, banking and other systems are breaking down. People go on strike or get relieved of work, frustrations and tempers mount. Crime and violence erupt with the chaos of having no control.
The world is hunting for Willow, depending on him to find the glitch in the system and fix it. They can’t even return to the old NASA satellites without getting the Unitme system fixed to launch them. Willow is working on simulations and reading a fantasy novel called Quest for the Enchanted Dragon while waiting for results. But he has a secret that could throw the world into more chaos – if that is possible.
The book starts with a little confusion as the seemingly unrelated characters are introduced with the point of view (first person, second person, third person) and tense (past, present and even future), changing with each character. I was pulled into the mystery and the plot ride as the flawed characters grew on me and their lives become woven together. I even loved Cider, the dog. The story is engaging and unique and well worth the read – well done. I recommend it to readers who like their sci fi with mystery or their mystery with fantasy and readers who just love to be entertained! Spread the word!
Source: NetGalley 2018.
November 8, 2019
This was a kind of small-town cyberpunk tragedy, set in a near-future where the single computer system that runs all other systems has begun to fail, starting with clocks showing the wrong time.
Small inconveniences rapidly escalate into a situation that is looking apocalyptic, as five characters (including a dog who pretty nearly steals the show) that at first seem to have no connection to each other are brought together in a series of events that will affect them and the world around them forever.
The book starts with a different point-of-view and writing style for each character, a device that is transformed into a metaphor for the larger issues addressed in the story. I didn't find the clash of narration styles to be a hindrance to my enjoyment of the story, and the author does a nice job of using the mechanism of those styles coming together to build tension as the book reaches its climactic scenes.
The characters are very engaging, without there being the standard heroes and villains (that one might find in a book with dragons; this is part of the point here).
The future technology isn't given all that much attention, but there is excellent detail work on other aspects of life in the small-town setting. The pacing is great, and I thought the ending was pretty powerful.
Small inconveniences rapidly escalate into a situation that is looking apocalyptic, as five characters (including a dog who pretty nearly steals the show) that at first seem to have no connection to each other are brought together in a series of events that will affect them and the world around them forever.
The book starts with a different point-of-view and writing style for each character, a device that is transformed into a metaphor for the larger issues addressed in the story. I didn't find the clash of narration styles to be a hindrance to my enjoyment of the story, and the author does a nice job of using the mechanism of those styles coming together to build tension as the book reaches its climactic scenes.
The characters are very engaging, without there being the standard heroes and villains (that one might find in a book with dragons; this is part of the point here).
The future technology isn't given all that much attention, but there is excellent detail work on other aspects of life in the small-town setting. The pacing is great, and I thought the ending was pretty powerful.
August 31, 2017
This was an original, imaginative and extremely well-written book. I'd picked it up at a writer's conference but before I could read it, my 20 year old daughter grabbed it and read it in two days (a major record for her). Seeing her excitement at finishing the novel, my wife then read it in a day and a half (another record set) and also loved it. I finally got to read it myself (had no choice, the other two insisted). Haven't read such a clever, interesting book in quite some time. At first I was taken aback by the changes in perspective and tense (one character is written in first person, past tense, another third person, present tense - there's even one whose scenes are in third person FUTURE tense... what? but it works - and kudos to Berrier, very few writers can swing some of these methods well, let alone all of them). I quickly understood it was deliberate and rolled with it. It added to the enjoyment of the book. In fact, it was critical. Anyway, buy this book, relax and trust the author to bring you along for the ride.
January 2, 2018
A Book Without Dragons uses an experimental style of writing that helps the reader feel what is happening in the story. At the beginning of the book, the reader is introduced to five, seemingly unrelated, point of view characters. Each character is introduced using a different point of view and different verb tense (1st person present, 1st person past, 2nd person present, 3rd person present, and 3rd person past). The characters are so different from one another, both in their life styles and verb tenses, that at first, the reading experience is a little jarring. As the reader continues the story, the characters’ lives overlap in the most surprising ways. As they influence each other’s lives, their point of view and grammar tense are also influenced. I was very impressed with how Olivia Berrier expertly tied everything together and used the grammar to make the reader feel something beyond what the story caused. And yes, as promised, there are absolutely no dragons in the book.
March 15, 2021
I admit the main reason I chose to read this book is it's title. I mean, A Book Without Dragons is a fabulous title, right? Now, how do I describe how I feel about this book? How do I even describe this book? It is unlike any book I've read. I'm not even sure of the proper genre to classify it. It was mysterious, heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and occasionally a little humorous. It took me a bit to get into the flow of it. It has a lot of characters, and the author changes the tense and the point of view of those characters throughout the book. Sometimes in mid-sentence. It seems confusing and just plain wrong at first, but then I realized there had to be some clever literary reason for it, so I just went with it, waiting for it to make sense. Which it does eventually. And it's very clever, indeed. This book may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I'm glad the title pulled me in, because I kind of loved it. 😉
July 7, 2018
Perfect story for readers in the 21st century who love dystopian novels and speculative fiction. This book takes a topic that many people think about and discuss and turns it into a page turning suspense novel. What if all of our technology crashed tomorrow and it was up to us as a society to work together to make our world functional again? This novel explores the importance of being self sufficient, building relationships, sharing what you have to offer with others, and taking control of your own happiness. Even though there are perspective and writing style changes, the author merges these changes seamlessly creating an experimental writing style that is easy to follow. This is an original plot that can be enjoyed by young adults and grown ups alike.
July 17, 2018
I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley
I thought it was a fun and fast paced book that had a really interesting premise.
I was apprehensive about reading a book written in different tenses. I was worried it would be jarring to switch from one to the other but I thought it was done so well and gave each character a distinctive voice. After the first few sections, I stopped noticing the changes because it just flowed so well. I still think the idea is a little gimmicky but I really enjoyed it.
There is a dog that gave me all of the feelings. I am not an animal person at all and normally get annoyed when books lean on the fact that most people love animals. This dog made me almost like dogs.
I thought it was a fun and fast paced book that had a really interesting premise.
I was apprehensive about reading a book written in different tenses. I was worried it would be jarring to switch from one to the other but I thought it was done so well and gave each character a distinctive voice. After the first few sections, I stopped noticing the changes because it just flowed so well. I still think the idea is a little gimmicky but I really enjoyed it.
There is a dog that gave me all of the feelings. I am not an animal person at all and normally get annoyed when books lean on the fact that most people love animals. This dog made me almost like dogs.
November 6, 2018
*thank you to Netgalley and Olivia Berrier for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
4 stars.
Wow, this was a surprise. I enjoyed it more than I thought. I thought the story sounded interesting enough but was really surprised with how much I did actually enjoy it. I will admit that I was a bit worried about the writing style. It's very jumpy, but if you can manage to keep up, it's worth it. I would not recommend reading this in small dosages as it could easily get too confusing, but that's just my thoughts. Some people might find it easier in small reads but thats up to each individual. The cover for this is what grabbed my attention at first. I just love it.
4 stars.
Wow, this was a surprise. I enjoyed it more than I thought. I thought the story sounded interesting enough but was really surprised with how much I did actually enjoy it. I will admit that I was a bit worried about the writing style. It's very jumpy, but if you can manage to keep up, it's worth it. I would not recommend reading this in small dosages as it could easily get too confusing, but that's just my thoughts. Some people might find it easier in small reads but thats up to each individual. The cover for this is what grabbed my attention at first. I just love it.
September 23, 2018
This book makes you think about the tradeoffs of striving for peace, of “slaying dragons.” The plot is deceptively meandering. Be prepared for both pleasantness and gut wrenching. The main idea was unusual, well considered, and expertly executed. The characters were relatable and human, and the dialogue flowed naturally. It’s very well constructed and a worthwhile read, but I would have difficulty rereading it. If you need an escape that puts your problems in a perspective and asks you to reevaluate, this is it.
August 21, 2022
This book was phenomenal! It was unique in its writing styles which followed the flow of story well. At first, the world of the book is disjointed and exclusive of others beyond the self, but in the end it has been tied back together with the characters and the writing styles. The plot was interesting, and it kept my attention through out. A concept of a world that has lost time is intriguing to think about. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end.
You can't help but smile when you read the sections from the dog's point of view. He is such a good boy. :-)
You can't help but smile when you read the sections from the dog's point of view. He is such a good boy. :-)
December 14, 2017
While this book wasn't as great as I had hoped (for some reason I thought the title meant to trick us that dragons are actually in it), but I think it would be an AMAZING play. There would be issues with having a live dog so that would need to be finessed, but I would definitely go see it. The characters are phenomenal, but the writing style, although poetic, was disjointed in an unpleasant way.
May 16, 2022
I bought this book at a Book Expo years ago and it sadly languished only my shelf until now. I’m so glad I finally read it! What a clever, creative, and gripping story! Cider the dog is just the best. Going to cuddle my dogs now. 😭❤️
March 23, 2023
Still reeling. No words. I loved this book.
September 11, 2024
This was such a unique story and I loved every minute of it! Besides, who doesn't want a dogs POV?!
September 10, 2016
The author of this book tries to make sure you're aware that what you're about to read is off the beaten path, and indeed it is...in all the best ways possible. The first thing people should understand about this book is that, disclaimers aside, the narrative here is well-designed, cleanly delivered, and the ambition behind its concept has propelled it into the realm of absolute brilliance. Its perspectives change as the focus shifts from one character to another, a technique that accomplishes two very important things. First, it draws a firmer contrast between the story's subjects, making it easier--at least for me--to change gears in a story that features a lot of equally important characters. Second, it expertly hammers home one of the book's main theses, which I won't discuss here to avoid spoilers. In fact, there are probably a hundred things I would LIKE to talk about in this review, but can't for fear of doing a disservice to a story that deserves to be experienced by a reader first hand. Suffice it to say that all of these perspectives are each handled with a different sort of literary grace, showcasing the author's uncanny and intimate understanding of what it's like to feel, exist, desire, fear, hope, and heal.
Let me at least say this: this story does what only a very, very few number of stories succeed in doing, regardless of medium. The story is actually much bigger, and much more important, and much more practically relevant to the human condition than its physical size and makeup would suggest. That is to say, it transcends ink on a page and becomes something capable of guiding one's thoughts to places that they aren't used to going. At its absolute worst, it's a very thoughtful, very entertaining inspection of what the possible ramifications of a collective over-dependence are, and at it's best, it is unrivaled--and unprecedented--in concept, delivery, and meaning. This book is wonderful, and very truly a work of art.
Let me at least say this: this story does what only a very, very few number of stories succeed in doing, regardless of medium. The story is actually much bigger, and much more important, and much more practically relevant to the human condition than its physical size and makeup would suggest. That is to say, it transcends ink on a page and becomes something capable of guiding one's thoughts to places that they aren't used to going. At its absolute worst, it's a very thoughtful, very entertaining inspection of what the possible ramifications of a collective over-dependence are, and at it's best, it is unrivaled--and unprecedented--in concept, delivery, and meaning. This book is wonderful, and very truly a work of art.
September 20, 2016
This is one of those stories that shows you just how awesome experimental fiction is. Not only is the plot interesting--a busted satellite screwing up every timekeeping device in the world--but the format itself is clever and imaginative. We get different POVs told in different tenses, and as the story goes on...well, I won't spoil it for you. If you want a story that's creative, unique, and fun, I highly suggest you pick up a copy.
August 30, 2016
I absolutly LOVE this book! If I could give it 6 stars, I would.
I got it as free E-Book from Amazon, and it totally blew me away.
It switches between charakter viewpoints and even tenses all the time, but it always fits. One of the viewpoints even is a dog! (I love this dog, he's such a good boy).
Go get it and read it!
I got it as free E-Book from Amazon, and it totally blew me away.
It switches between charakter viewpoints and even tenses all the time, but it always fits. One of the viewpoints even is a dog! (I love this dog, he's such a good boy).
Go get it and read it!
August 3, 2016
Ragged
Very good even though I hated the changes in time and tense between characters. An interesting experiment but I would not care to repeat it.
Very good even though I hated the changes in time and tense between characters. An interesting experiment but I would not care to repeat it.
April 13, 2017
I met Olivia at the York Comic Con last year and she told me about this book. It wasn't out yet but I had to have it. I got it last May and I just got to it in my to be read pile. The book was absolutely fantastic. The story (multiple stories) are told from different character's perspectives including a dog (might just be my favorite part). The story hooks you right from the start and develops well as you progress through the book. You fall in love with the characters, even the bad ones, and you can really sympathize with them. This book is perfect for anyone that likes sci-fi, or fantasy, or just a great book. I bought one of her other books "No More Heros" at the show as well and I can't wait to get to it.
April 21, 2017
A classic book about our reliance on technology that captures the reader through the introduction and merging of several different story lines. What sets this book apart is it does not leave the reader feeling a sense of dread for the future. While not being overly happy or optimistic, it still ends with a hopeful prediction and evaluation of humanity.
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