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Pablo's Apprentice: Where Insane meets Intellect
A satisfying and fulfilling thriller.Two women from opposite sides of the track interact due to circumstances. Both lose the love of their lives from the other’s actions.Rose has a horrible home life and ends up in prison. She falls in love with her cellmate, and the two conspire to become famous bank robbers. They study the strengths and weaknesses of criminals before them. Rose makes a set of rules to live by and evade capture. Planning the escape is as essential as the actual crime. She’s a stickler for discipline. Violence excites her roommate, and neither shows any hesitation when shooting people. Britney has moved to the East Coast to start over and hopefully find a meaningful relationship with someone. She wants to leave the past behind her. She was no longer a cop’s fiancé. And her police friends were back in California. There were too many reminders everywhere she turned, so she moved, making her lonely and vulnerable in her new home.Rose avoids the FBI, the state police, and local cops. Britney becomes determined to avenge the deaths of her loved ones. She tracks Rose halfway across the world to an isolated location in Bhutan along the Crocodile River.This story is layered with suspense, intrigue, violence, and revenge.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 2, 2022
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/pablos-appr...
The concept here is certainly a novel one. The main problem is execution that is flat out painful, to the point where it overwhelms the positives. First off, there are an embarrassing number of typos and other errors here. The very first sentence refers to the helicopter manufacturer “McDonald Douglas”. D’you want fries with that ‘copter? I also suppressed a derisive snort at someone “shooting heroine”, “marring Brandy” (instead of marrYing), “a celestial seen of a galaxy” and “a social click”. But where typos and bad research finally had to give way to a poor grasp of English, was when somebody was described as “Hiding in plane site.” Really? I would have been embarrassed to write that at age 11.
The concept here is certainly a novel one. The main problem is execution that is flat out painful, to the point where it overwhelms the positives. First off, there are an embarrassing number of typos and other errors here. The very first sentence refers to the helicopter manufacturer “McDonald Douglas”. D’you want fries with that ‘copter? I also suppressed a derisive snort at someone “shooting heroine”, “marring Brandy” (instead of marrYing), “a celestial seen of a galaxy” and “a social click”. But where typos and bad research finally had to give way to a poor grasp of English, was when somebody was described as “Hiding in plane site.” Really? I would have been embarrassed to write that at age 11.
January 24, 2019
Pablo's Apprentice is an engaging thriller centered around two strong ladies. Here one is sweet and good, while the other is hardened and bad. The good is chased by the bad and suffers much pain in the other's hand, ultimately the sweet becomes toughened and takes her revenge on the bad.
The theme is dark and this darkness is visible throughout the story. The author has done a good job of making a long story short and glossing over many bad events- writing about them in almost an impersonal manner. Hence, the reader is saved from much mental anguish if these events would have been written in detail. The pace is fast and the characters are well developed.
The author has done a wonderful job of showing how parents can mold their children in any direction (whether knowingly or unknowingly) simply through their actions. The heroine is good simply because she received a good upbringing, while the antagonist is bad because her childhood was full of suffering. An example of this could be seen in the antagonist's mother's attempt to show her that she is loved even when she criticized or hit her. When the little girl did something wrong, her mother would smile and hit her. The hit was to correct the child, while the smile was to show her that she was loved even when she was wrong. Ultimately the child started feeling scared of all the smiles and when someone smiled at her, she showed them their back because she (the child) expects the hit to come any moment and wants to avoid that slap on the face.
The theme is dark and this darkness is visible throughout the story. The author has done a good job of making a long story short and glossing over many bad events- writing about them in almost an impersonal manner. Hence, the reader is saved from much mental anguish if these events would have been written in detail. The pace is fast and the characters are well developed.
The author has done a wonderful job of showing how parents can mold their children in any direction (whether knowingly or unknowingly) simply through their actions. The heroine is good simply because she received a good upbringing, while the antagonist is bad because her childhood was full of suffering. An example of this could be seen in the antagonist's mother's attempt to show her that she is loved even when she criticized or hit her. When the little girl did something wrong, her mother would smile and hit her. The hit was to correct the child, while the smile was to show her that she was loved even when she was wrong. Ultimately the child started feeling scared of all the smiles and when someone smiled at her, she showed them their back because she (the child) expects the hit to come any moment and wants to avoid that slap on the face.
December 30, 2018
Geniuses are always branded as crazy – Pablo Escobar
Virginia author Richard DeVall is a retired contractor who has turned to writing. OLD LETTERS AND NEW DEMONS was his debut publication, and he follows that with PABLO’S APPRENTICE: WHER INSANE MEETS INTELLECT.
Richard’s voice is new in more ways than simply being fresh to the literary world. His writing is complex, able to explore the degrees of sanity and its periphery while creating characters as vivid as life. His writing is mesmerizing and thought provoking and at all times entertaining. His book is not unlike a massive puzzle – one with missing pieces until the events scurry around to make them present. He writes fine mysteries and rolls them through his kaleidoscope of imagination and the end product is dazzling.
For those who need a more solid grasp of DeVall’s talent, he offers a very condensed teaser for us – ‘2016 Santa Clara, California David Turner strolled around the McDonald Douglas law enforcement helicopter thinking about Brandy Bednarz, his fiancé, a blonde beauty he couldn’t believe was going to be his wife. Her name harkens back to a Polish ancestry and it’s true some of her facial features go back to the Balto-Slavic area. But, there are others forces at play. Her eyes are deep and dark, mysterious reflecting pools, not the grey, green, blue or brown colors associated with Poland. David felt she had a touch of gypsy juice stirred into her chromosomal soup. Her nose isn’t the classic snub that characterizes Central Europe. Her nose is something in between Roman and aquiline. Time has left her checks high and smooth. And she’s a girl that likes to eat. She doesn’t pick at her food and stir it around while speaking in a quiet dainty tone. She attacks her plate like an escaped convict and eats it like she means it. She eats fast, like him and doesn’t get lost in small talk. When she does speak it’s often followed with a quick smile, and she doesn’t mind laughing at herself. These attributes quickly wore him down. Her entire package, her small stature and her toned arms, snuggled into his heart and soon he couldn’t see himself without her. Everything about her grabbed him from their first date forward. Her no-nonsense eating habit was simply one more hook. And, as usual, she was totally oblivious to how attractive she was. He could write a sonnet about the way her hair swayed when she walked. He could sing a ballad on the way she gnawed her fingernails and became distracted when her mother called. But he was a cop and a pilot and he didn’t get mushy with poems and songs. He told her how he felt with his eyes and sometimes he even used words. There were times when he stopped doing whatever it was he was doing and stared at her as she explained something about her day. He was in awe of her, caught in a trance and nailed in place with her sheer beauty.’
The strange and exotic lot is summarized by the author –‘A female victim is hunted by a female pursuer to the point of being mentally shattered. Out of the ashes of a complete collapse and with the encouragement and help of her psychiatrist, herself a victim, Brandy turns the table and now who’s hunting whom?’
For a journey into the interstices of a creative mind whose generosity of talent includes significant doses of wit and sarcasm, slowly read this psychological thriller. It is a true discovery! Highly Recommended.
Virginia author Richard DeVall is a retired contractor who has turned to writing. OLD LETTERS AND NEW DEMONS was his debut publication, and he follows that with PABLO’S APPRENTICE: WHER INSANE MEETS INTELLECT.
Richard’s voice is new in more ways than simply being fresh to the literary world. His writing is complex, able to explore the degrees of sanity and its periphery while creating characters as vivid as life. His writing is mesmerizing and thought provoking and at all times entertaining. His book is not unlike a massive puzzle – one with missing pieces until the events scurry around to make them present. He writes fine mysteries and rolls them through his kaleidoscope of imagination and the end product is dazzling.
For those who need a more solid grasp of DeVall’s talent, he offers a very condensed teaser for us – ‘2016 Santa Clara, California David Turner strolled around the McDonald Douglas law enforcement helicopter thinking about Brandy Bednarz, his fiancé, a blonde beauty he couldn’t believe was going to be his wife. Her name harkens back to a Polish ancestry and it’s true some of her facial features go back to the Balto-Slavic area. But, there are others forces at play. Her eyes are deep and dark, mysterious reflecting pools, not the grey, green, blue or brown colors associated with Poland. David felt she had a touch of gypsy juice stirred into her chromosomal soup. Her nose isn’t the classic snub that characterizes Central Europe. Her nose is something in between Roman and aquiline. Time has left her checks high and smooth. And she’s a girl that likes to eat. She doesn’t pick at her food and stir it around while speaking in a quiet dainty tone. She attacks her plate like an escaped convict and eats it like she means it. She eats fast, like him and doesn’t get lost in small talk. When she does speak it’s often followed with a quick smile, and she doesn’t mind laughing at herself. These attributes quickly wore him down. Her entire package, her small stature and her toned arms, snuggled into his heart and soon he couldn’t see himself without her. Everything about her grabbed him from their first date forward. Her no-nonsense eating habit was simply one more hook. And, as usual, she was totally oblivious to how attractive she was. He could write a sonnet about the way her hair swayed when she walked. He could sing a ballad on the way she gnawed her fingernails and became distracted when her mother called. But he was a cop and a pilot and he didn’t get mushy with poems and songs. He told her how he felt with his eyes and sometimes he even used words. There were times when he stopped doing whatever it was he was doing and stared at her as she explained something about her day. He was in awe of her, caught in a trance and nailed in place with her sheer beauty.’
The strange and exotic lot is summarized by the author –‘A female victim is hunted by a female pursuer to the point of being mentally shattered. Out of the ashes of a complete collapse and with the encouragement and help of her psychiatrist, herself a victim, Brandy turns the table and now who’s hunting whom?’
For a journey into the interstices of a creative mind whose generosity of talent includes significant doses of wit and sarcasm, slowly read this psychological thriller. It is a true discovery! Highly Recommended.
December 2, 2019
PABLO’S APPRENTICE – Where revenge meets romance.
*Spoiler Alert*
Some parts of the story have been referred to in this review.
Pablo’s Apprentice opens with a quote from Pablo Escobar “Geniuses are always branded as crazy”. The action begins from the very first chapter. Police helicopter pilot, David Turner, is engaged to the love of his life, Brandy Bednarz. His friend, and co-pilot is Larry Talheim. When a brazen armored truck robbery happens while David and Larry are conducting their usual flight pattern, their eyes in the sky are required to keep an eye on the vehicle absconding with the robbers and the money. The car skids to a halt and the two occupants get out and set up guns on tripods. One trained on the two squad cars, the other trained on David’s and Larry’s helicopter. Too late, David tries to out-manoeuvre the bullets flying in their direction, but the gas beneath the chopper is hit. The squad cars, and the police officers inside, are shredded with bullets, and the helicopter spirals out of control and smashes into the ground, killing David and Larry.
Rose Alvaro is the offspring of 17-year-old Peach and her husband, Marcos Alvaro. Peach runs from her Mexican husband, taking money from her mother and driving until her car breaks down in Callahan, Florida, which is where she stays. She pledges her and her daughter Rose to be children of God to have help to raise Rose. But when Peach loses her licence, she has to attend AA and ends up bringing Troy Jackson home -and he never leaves. Troy and Peach end up marrying and when Rose is a teenager with dreams and aspirations of going to college, Troy comes into her room and takes her innocence. When Rose has a part-time job as a cashier in a store, it is robbed, which gives Rose an adrenaline rush. As a result of this robbery, Rose asks Troy to get her gun and teach her how to use it. Rose turns the gun on her abuser, then calls for help, convincing her mother and the police it was an accident. Or so she thought.
Brandy is beside herself with grief over losing David, the love of her life. Larry’s mother, Rachael, finally convinces Brandy to move back to her parents in Virginia to allow herself to heal. Brandy gets a job, meets her Boss’ son, Toby Robinson, becomes best friends with Natalia, head of housekeeping at the hotel where she works as a secretary, and decides to get her recreational helicopter licence as a way to honor David’s memory as she becomes a couple with Toby.
It is here that we, the reader, find out who the initial armored vehicle robbers are, and how they became known to one another. For me, it was a *gasp* moment. From this point forward, all their lives are intertwined with secrets, relationships, romance, betrayal, love, and revenge. We travel the globe as the hunted becomes the hunter, and is out for retribution – without, they doubt they can leave their past behind them.
I really enjoyed this book. It is plainly evident that the author, Richard DeVall, researched immensely for this novel. The action begins with chapter one, and continues throughout the entire book. The intricate relationships, examining the characters psychology in depth, and the heartache that is suffered, has the reader feeling all the feels as they unfold through the story. In Brandy’s shoes, I think I would have done the same. The ending is very fitting. I highly recommend this book.
*Spoiler Alert*
Some parts of the story have been referred to in this review.
Pablo’s Apprentice opens with a quote from Pablo Escobar “Geniuses are always branded as crazy”. The action begins from the very first chapter. Police helicopter pilot, David Turner, is engaged to the love of his life, Brandy Bednarz. His friend, and co-pilot is Larry Talheim. When a brazen armored truck robbery happens while David and Larry are conducting their usual flight pattern, their eyes in the sky are required to keep an eye on the vehicle absconding with the robbers and the money. The car skids to a halt and the two occupants get out and set up guns on tripods. One trained on the two squad cars, the other trained on David’s and Larry’s helicopter. Too late, David tries to out-manoeuvre the bullets flying in their direction, but the gas beneath the chopper is hit. The squad cars, and the police officers inside, are shredded with bullets, and the helicopter spirals out of control and smashes into the ground, killing David and Larry.
Rose Alvaro is the offspring of 17-year-old Peach and her husband, Marcos Alvaro. Peach runs from her Mexican husband, taking money from her mother and driving until her car breaks down in Callahan, Florida, which is where she stays. She pledges her and her daughter Rose to be children of God to have help to raise Rose. But when Peach loses her licence, she has to attend AA and ends up bringing Troy Jackson home -and he never leaves. Troy and Peach end up marrying and when Rose is a teenager with dreams and aspirations of going to college, Troy comes into her room and takes her innocence. When Rose has a part-time job as a cashier in a store, it is robbed, which gives Rose an adrenaline rush. As a result of this robbery, Rose asks Troy to get her gun and teach her how to use it. Rose turns the gun on her abuser, then calls for help, convincing her mother and the police it was an accident. Or so she thought.
Brandy is beside herself with grief over losing David, the love of her life. Larry’s mother, Rachael, finally convinces Brandy to move back to her parents in Virginia to allow herself to heal. Brandy gets a job, meets her Boss’ son, Toby Robinson, becomes best friends with Natalia, head of housekeeping at the hotel where she works as a secretary, and decides to get her recreational helicopter licence as a way to honor David’s memory as she becomes a couple with Toby.
It is here that we, the reader, find out who the initial armored vehicle robbers are, and how they became known to one another. For me, it was a *gasp* moment. From this point forward, all their lives are intertwined with secrets, relationships, romance, betrayal, love, and revenge. We travel the globe as the hunted becomes the hunter, and is out for retribution – without, they doubt they can leave their past behind them.
I really enjoyed this book. It is plainly evident that the author, Richard DeVall, researched immensely for this novel. The action begins with chapter one, and continues throughout the entire book. The intricate relationships, examining the characters psychology in depth, and the heartache that is suffered, has the reader feeling all the feels as they unfold through the story. In Brandy’s shoes, I think I would have done the same. The ending is very fitting. I highly recommend this book.
March 22, 2019
PABLO’s Apprentice, Where Revenge Meets Romance, assumed published, copyright and written by Richard A. DeVall.
The book opens with a quote from Pablo Escobar: “Geniuses are always branded as crazy” and follows the life and escapades of psychopathic killer Rose Alvara who idolized his thoughts and actions, and how it affected her and the people her life touched. The story opens with the death of David Turner, a California police helicopter pilot and several other police officers at the expense of Rose and her lover and former cell mate, Little Bee as they escape a somewhat botched bank robbery. The reader then is introduced to Brandy Bednarz, David’s utterly devastated love which begins a second thread to follow in this lengthy novel of revenge. She is utterly despondent and moves east to live with her parents where she finally recovers enough to obtain a job and sentimentally begins training to become a recreational helicopter pilot. On her final instructor-accompanied flight, their flight plan takes them by fate over an area where Rose and Little Bee have just pulled another bank robbery and have evaded the police. However, Brandy and her instructor catch the police report, spot the escapees and give directions to the pursuers. Rose and Bee come close to downing their plane with long range rifles, but they escape. The two psychopaths continue their flight but Little Bee is killed and Rose decides to ‘make Brandy suffer’. The story continues on a complicated and hugely Karma influenced path leading eventually to foreign lands and ends in a most interesting manner.
Discussion: This is a fascinating, albeit chilling story depending upon development of a series of fate-influenced actions that severely nudge credibility. It consists of the development of a somewhat sadistic, unusually intelligent narcissistic psychopathic killer, and her resulting activities. It also presents the evolution of a second protagonist who is confused and greatly depressed from the series of fateful actions that she has encountered and eventually sees a psychiatrist. She also has acquired a new romantic attachment who is as confused a person as she is. The two, as a result of her being the recipient of Rose’s hatred, the ineffectual police activity, and being gradually nudged by the selected psychiatrist who also seems to have been psychologically injured, eventually evolve into thinking in a vengeful manner. The characters are well-presented but the action is slowed repeatedly by rather voluminous descriptions of the individuals during their introspective or soul-searching periods. Fortunately, most is mitigated by the fast-moving tempo so the reader’s interest is retained at a sufficient level to want to continue to read to the end.
Summary: A somewhat unevenly paced novel about interrelationships among several psychologically disturbed individuals with some performing particularly vicious activity. Regrettably from this reader’s perspective, judicious editing would have provided some reduction in the plot’s overly heavy dependence upon the influence of fate. The characters are well-portrayed and their indulgence in frequent periods of self-analysis are believable, relevant and well-justified, but again judicious handling could do much to enhance the pace
3* 5* Fascinating albeit unpleasant tale rated for reasons stated.
The book opens with a quote from Pablo Escobar: “Geniuses are always branded as crazy” and follows the life and escapades of psychopathic killer Rose Alvara who idolized his thoughts and actions, and how it affected her and the people her life touched. The story opens with the death of David Turner, a California police helicopter pilot and several other police officers at the expense of Rose and her lover and former cell mate, Little Bee as they escape a somewhat botched bank robbery. The reader then is introduced to Brandy Bednarz, David’s utterly devastated love which begins a second thread to follow in this lengthy novel of revenge. She is utterly despondent and moves east to live with her parents where she finally recovers enough to obtain a job and sentimentally begins training to become a recreational helicopter pilot. On her final instructor-accompanied flight, their flight plan takes them by fate over an area where Rose and Little Bee have just pulled another bank robbery and have evaded the police. However, Brandy and her instructor catch the police report, spot the escapees and give directions to the pursuers. Rose and Bee come close to downing their plane with long range rifles, but they escape. The two psychopaths continue their flight but Little Bee is killed and Rose decides to ‘make Brandy suffer’. The story continues on a complicated and hugely Karma influenced path leading eventually to foreign lands and ends in a most interesting manner.
Discussion: This is a fascinating, albeit chilling story depending upon development of a series of fate-influenced actions that severely nudge credibility. It consists of the development of a somewhat sadistic, unusually intelligent narcissistic psychopathic killer, and her resulting activities. It also presents the evolution of a second protagonist who is confused and greatly depressed from the series of fateful actions that she has encountered and eventually sees a psychiatrist. She also has acquired a new romantic attachment who is as confused a person as she is. The two, as a result of her being the recipient of Rose’s hatred, the ineffectual police activity, and being gradually nudged by the selected psychiatrist who also seems to have been psychologically injured, eventually evolve into thinking in a vengeful manner. The characters are well-presented but the action is slowed repeatedly by rather voluminous descriptions of the individuals during their introspective or soul-searching periods. Fortunately, most is mitigated by the fast-moving tempo so the reader’s interest is retained at a sufficient level to want to continue to read to the end.
Summary: A somewhat unevenly paced novel about interrelationships among several psychologically disturbed individuals with some performing particularly vicious activity. Regrettably from this reader’s perspective, judicious editing would have provided some reduction in the plot’s overly heavy dependence upon the influence of fate. The characters are well-portrayed and their indulgence in frequent periods of self-analysis are believable, relevant and well-justified, but again judicious handling could do much to enhance the pace
3* 5* Fascinating albeit unpleasant tale rated for reasons stated.
March 23, 2019
The hunter becomes the hunted. This felt like a long read and the middle dragged some, but the ending was satisfyingly climatic. Devall appears to have dome a lot of research on the technical elements of the story and goes into to a bit too much minutia. In areas I’m knowledgable of, I get the feeling of somebody who has memorized a lot of technical jargon without much real world experience. His descriptions of weapons, both the selection and use, was never completely wrong but often felt implausible. And he did occasionally refer to magazines as clips. The doubt of those imperfections followed me into areas where I had no knowledge, and I wondered about most of his other technical declarations.
The story opens with bang, but then slides into a long, slow, dredge of introspection. The lives of the two main antagonists violently collide on the west coast, then improbably come together again a few months later on the east coast. The chain of events that form the backbone of the story require an unlikely set of coincidences and convergences. I think it might have been better to simply let the reader engage in some suspension of disbelief, rather than belabor the point by suggesting some divine providence.
The story is not told in a completely liner fashion. Several times we spend chapters leading up to an event only to turn the page and find it a matter of history. More than once, I’ve flipped back pages, thinking I’d missed something. Then we jump back in time to relive the events that lead up to the spot we previously jumped to. I found that distracting and think a more natural progression would have been more enjoyable.
This was entertaining, and worth the time I spent reading it. Tightening things up some could get this to a solid 5 stars.
The story opens with bang, but then slides into a long, slow, dredge of introspection. The lives of the two main antagonists violently collide on the west coast, then improbably come together again a few months later on the east coast. The chain of events that form the backbone of the story require an unlikely set of coincidences and convergences. I think it might have been better to simply let the reader engage in some suspension of disbelief, rather than belabor the point by suggesting some divine providence.
The story is not told in a completely liner fashion. Several times we spend chapters leading up to an event only to turn the page and find it a matter of history. More than once, I’ve flipped back pages, thinking I’d missed something. Then we jump back in time to relive the events that lead up to the spot we previously jumped to. I found that distracting and think a more natural progression would have been more enjoyable.
This was entertaining, and worth the time I spent reading it. Tightening things up some could get this to a solid 5 stars.
February 12, 2019
If you want a fast paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller with interesting and, often in books of this genre, underused strong female characters, this is the thing. On the other hand, you will have to forgive it some of not so stellar things like trashy cover, sub par editing and sentence structure and even a main character which is, at times, almost a bit too much. This is a revenge thriller so it is obvious that the character, in this case Rose, is motivated by thirst for revenge and anger that fuels it. The thing is, she is angry so much, so often and so intense that I don't know how she doesn't burst into flames. But that is a personal nitpick I have and doesn't have to impact your reading experience at all. The fact is, this novel is very readable, entertaining and you would want to get to the end to see what happens, and that is all you can want in an action thriller. Maybe the female characters could be explored more and that angle could be more interesting, but on the other hand maybe the author just didn't want to accentuate that part. Anyway, I am a little torn, but I will award it with four stars.
January 30, 2020
This was a pretty intense thriller full of suspense
There is so many things I can think of to say about this book but the first thing that comes to mind is…. WOW! This is an intense thriller that is full of suspense and crazy twists and turns that leads you on a wild adventure that touches on romance, sex, love, hate, revenge, murder a little mayhem and so much more. The story follows Rose Alvaro as the main character. Rose had a rough start to life and it set the scene for Rose to become criminal on the run. Along the way Rose seeks revenge on those who have wronged her and she murders anyone in her path. The characters are well written and multidimensional. Just when you think you’re getting to know they character they do something that is surprising. There are times I found it hard to keep up with the story as it jumped around a little bit. It could have been organized a little differently but also I wondered if the author did that so it was more like what it is like to be in the mind of a mentally unstable person.
There is so many things I can think of to say about this book but the first thing that comes to mind is…. WOW! This is an intense thriller that is full of suspense and crazy twists and turns that leads you on a wild adventure that touches on romance, sex, love, hate, revenge, murder a little mayhem and so much more. The story follows Rose Alvaro as the main character. Rose had a rough start to life and it set the scene for Rose to become criminal on the run. Along the way Rose seeks revenge on those who have wronged her and she murders anyone in her path. The characters are well written and multidimensional. Just when you think you’re getting to know they character they do something that is surprising. There are times I found it hard to keep up with the story as it jumped around a little bit. It could have been organized a little differently but also I wondered if the author did that so it was more like what it is like to be in the mind of a mentally unstable person.
November 24, 2018
I want to share my impressions about the book "Pablo's Apprentice: Where Romance Meets Revenge". The talented author and the wonderful story! I am very impressed with the reading. I can say that the author Richard DeVall is a talented writer, because a book with a unique idea. The author surprisingly described the characters with such different characters, and I liked how he gradually revealed them throughout the book, which made it mysterious and interesting. I liked that the main characters had completely different fates and life difficulties, like you are reading two different books. All this contributed to the fact that I could not stop reading, interest increased with each page turned. In the story there is love and disappointment, separation - the real emotions that every reader can feel. I advise everyone to purchase and read it. The book is worthy of your free time. I think you will not regret for sure.
November 27, 2018
This book popped up in my suggestion list and I almost didn’t buy it. The cover does nothing for the book and the synopsis was confusing, without letting us know what to expect, and with a writing style that is not appealing at all. My second step is always to check the reviews and was surprised by the appraisal, so decided to give it a shot.
Pablo’s Apprentice: Where Romance meets Revenge is a very good thriller book. Again, the title does not do this book any justice. If you like thrillers and strong, complicated female main characters, this will tick all the boxes for you. The plot is quite good, exploring the flaws of the characters and what led them to a life of crime and what causes the need for revenge. The book has a very good pace, with some interesting plot twists, and offering characters that grow from chapter to chapter. The secondary plots are not as interesting, but they all work together nicely.
Pablo’s Apprentice: Where Romance meets Revenge is a very good thriller book. Again, the title does not do this book any justice. If you like thrillers and strong, complicated female main characters, this will tick all the boxes for you. The plot is quite good, exploring the flaws of the characters and what led them to a life of crime and what causes the need for revenge. The book has a very good pace, with some interesting plot twists, and offering characters that grow from chapter to chapter. The secondary plots are not as interesting, but they all work together nicely.
December 31, 2018
Pablo's Apprentice: Where Romance Meets Revenge by Richard Devall clearly showcases the author's talent for creating interesting characters, a fast paced plot, and nuanced writing. This book centers around the need for revenge, and the story in fact revolves around Rose Alvaro and her need to set things right with the world. She is overflowing with anger and desperation after being raised in poverty by less than wonderful parents. The plot twists and turns as she and her lover leave a sordid trail of destruction in their path with little regard for their impact on lives along the way. This is a deep, morbid, psychological thriller, bordering on depravity and psychopathy. An eye for an eye is the best kind of revenge, and Rose is hell bent on avenging her lover's death. All around a thrilling read with enough action to keep you engaged, and a crazy character with intense emotions. Highly recommend.
January 4, 2019
Richard DeVall used Pablo Escobar’s signature crime scheme in Pablo’s Apprentice: Where Insane meets Intellect. That was, always leave an escape route, or two. Rose and Little Bee spent years preparing, studying, and gathering skills needed to pull heists that will set them up for years. As you learn more about these criminals, their psychopathic beliefs and disregard for other humans is alarming. David was one of the police officers killed in their first robbery, leaving behind his fiancée, Brandy. Moving across the country only brings these girls together accidentally, or some could call it karma.
Pablo’s Apprentice: Where Insane meets Intellect is a fast-paced and engaging. Richard DeVall creates a plot full of mystery and anticipation. I love the research he put into this novel as it reveals the well-developed characters’ lives. Crime, soul-seeking, and mystique wraps this book up; which makes it a read hard to put down until justice someone serves justice to these psychos.
Pablo’s Apprentice: Where Insane meets Intellect is a fast-paced and engaging. Richard DeVall creates a plot full of mystery and anticipation. I love the research he put into this novel as it reveals the well-developed characters’ lives. Crime, soul-seeking, and mystique wraps this book up; which makes it a read hard to put down until justice someone serves justice to these psychos.
January 15, 2019
A riveting thriller
This is a fast paced and twisted psycho thriller about Rose Alvero and her rise to be a criminal mastermind. From a young age Rose studied and planned along with her single friend who was also her lover. They have no regard for anyone or anything other than becoming rich. During the course of a high risk operation, a police officer dies leaving behind his family and the two women responsible. Revenge is sweet and Brandy, the wife of the slain officer, becomes the cause of Roses girlfriends death. Rose is on the path of revenge and justice while Brandy is learning to live again. Will Rose kill Brandy or will she fail and end up dead or in prison? The characters are developed and the story is gripping and draws you in and keeps you guessing. I recommend this one to all the readers who love a good adventure with love , theft, murder, and revenge. Check this one out, it's well written and a fun journey.
This is a fast paced and twisted psycho thriller about Rose Alvero and her rise to be a criminal mastermind. From a young age Rose studied and planned along with her single friend who was also her lover. They have no regard for anyone or anything other than becoming rich. During the course of a high risk operation, a police officer dies leaving behind his family and the two women responsible. Revenge is sweet and Brandy, the wife of the slain officer, becomes the cause of Roses girlfriends death. Rose is on the path of revenge and justice while Brandy is learning to live again. Will Rose kill Brandy or will she fail and end up dead or in prison? The characters are developed and the story is gripping and draws you in and keeps you guessing. I recommend this one to all the readers who love a good adventure with love , theft, murder, and revenge. Check this one out, it's well written and a fun journey.
March 1, 2019
This novel by Richard DeVall tells the thrilling tale of Brandy, a young woman being hunted by another which takes a toll on her both physically and mentally. In fact, it becomes so terrifying to Brandy that she needs to visit a psychiatrist who tries to encourage her to overcome her fears and fight back. Along the way she finds Rose Alvaro, a woman who worked to kill her husband. Brandy eventually finds the courage to hunt her stalker who is out for revenge and must overcome many twists and turns along the way to find peace.
If you enjoy thrilling psychological novels, this a story you’ll definitely want to check out. DeVall writes with a captivating style that will have you second-guessing what happens next. The characters are also well-developed which adds even more intrigue to this suspenseful story. While the novel is a little long (379 pages), it’s certainly worth the investment.
If you enjoy thrilling psychological novels, this a story you’ll definitely want to check out. DeVall writes with a captivating style that will have you second-guessing what happens next. The characters are also well-developed which adds even more intrigue to this suspenseful story. While the novel is a little long (379 pages), it’s certainly worth the investment.
August 31, 2019
A special tale of revenge, redemption, and resilience...
What started as a character driven tale about love and relationships, suddenly turned into more as the stakes are raised and the depth of the writing comes full circle. This novel was so much more than what it appears to be in the beginning. Is it a thrilling story filled with violence and mentally disturbed individuals? Sure. However, it’s also a story about nature or nurture and how we can still control our own destinies and decisions, no matter what obstacles life throws out ways. It’s also about unwavering friendship and love, what it means to forgive and forget when need be but also be strong enough to hold your ground and even scores with ones who have done you harm. I couldn’t get enough of this wonderful tale and the layers the author so cleverly infused into the story. Read it, you won’t regret it...
What started as a character driven tale about love and relationships, suddenly turned into more as the stakes are raised and the depth of the writing comes full circle. This novel was so much more than what it appears to be in the beginning. Is it a thrilling story filled with violence and mentally disturbed individuals? Sure. However, it’s also a story about nature or nurture and how we can still control our own destinies and decisions, no matter what obstacles life throws out ways. It’s also about unwavering friendship and love, what it means to forgive and forget when need be but also be strong enough to hold your ground and even scores with ones who have done you harm. I couldn’t get enough of this wonderful tale and the layers the author so cleverly infused into the story. Read it, you won’t regret it...
November 27, 2018
Spanning the globe, this story had a lot packed into it. The synopsis was as intriguing as it was confusing, but one thing is for certain: this revenge tale is like no other. And yes, there is romance, but it is almost more of a side plot, not truly needed for the main story. Rose Alvaro is angry and this anger fuels almost everything she does. It leads her down a criminal path and she goes willingly. Learning about the criminal underworld of bank robbers amongst other things, Rose sets herself up and vows to take revenge on her ex-lover who stilted her. After a bonnie and Clyde type run of heists, Rose may or may not find a happy ever after in the end. This book takes a deep and twisting turn down into the criminal mind and you need to keep an open mind to read this book.
December 3, 2018
If you are into narcos or those thriller tv shows like “who did I marry?” this is right up your alley. Not only does it dive into some pretty unstable relationships surrounded by excitement, criminal activity, and abuse, it delivers some thrilling delivery that gives readers more than just a complicated love story. While this may appear to be just a revenge love story, there is plenty to dive into. Like the story of the victim, the psychology behind it all, and how quickly things can go wrong.
I enjoyed this story very much, it has its heavy parts but I was so into it I read through the book fairly quickly.
I enjoyed this story very much, it has its heavy parts but I was so into it I read through the book fairly quickly.
January 14, 2020
A very provocative writing style. I’ve read a couple of Devall’s books and consider him a very talented writer with a fast paced style that sucks the reader into the minds of his characters. Pablo’s apprentice puts Devall’s story telling skill on display once more in a revenge thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The prose is nothing short of colorful and the book delivers immersive psychological looks into all that shapes each character within. The ending was as strange as it was perfect—a very enjoyable read. Would recommend if you enjoy a no holds barred type of writing that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.
January 8, 2019
A thriller -interesting plot!
As the name suggests the book is highlighting two different characters - a strong woman, Rose with not good childhood, filled with anger, lived in poverty and now wants to change her life and engages in criminal life with very little regret. Another woman, Brandy is actually a victim of crime and wants to seek revenge. The contrast is the highlight and the author has done a good job in explaining their characters, thoughts and background. A good thriller that has good pace.
As the name suggests the book is highlighting two different characters - a strong woman, Rose with not good childhood, filled with anger, lived in poverty and now wants to change her life and engages in criminal life with very little regret. Another woman, Brandy is actually a victim of crime and wants to seek revenge. The contrast is the highlight and the author has done a good job in explaining their characters, thoughts and background. A good thriller that has good pace.
March 14, 2019
This book really surprised me! I wasn’t sure what to expect from it based on the cover, but I was pleasantly surprised. This book features extremely well-written strong female characters, which I really appreciated. I also liked how the romance was more of a side plot, so the characters could develop throughout the story instead of just being one half of a romance. It’s a fast-moving revenge thriller that kept me engaged the whole time. Great characters and super entertaining.
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March 23, 2021Unbelievable.
Significant copy editing errors and overall over the top malevolence makes this generally good story fall short of being really good. With polishing it would certainly be four star worthy.It is entertaining for the reader who is very forgiving and looking for a concept and good passages for the reader to ponder.
Significant copy editing errors and overall over the top malevolence makes this generally good story fall short of being really good. With polishing it would certainly be four star worthy.It is entertaining for the reader who is very forgiving and looking for a concept and good passages for the reader to ponder.
Read
March 18, 2021A nice twist
I enjoyed the book, it wasn't what I would usually choose, but I was looking forward to my free time to be able to fit in a few pages which turned into a few chapters at each sitting. Nice closure at the end.
I enjoyed the book, it wasn't what I would usually choose, but I was looking forward to my free time to be able to fit in a few pages which turned into a few chapters at each sitting. Nice closure at the end.
June 5, 2021
Awesome read!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Long enough for a good read with time to flesh out the characters. Kept me engaged.
The author has a phenomenal vocabulary. Sadly, he or his editors can’t spell worth a crap. Still a good book, just annoying.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Long enough for a good read with time to flesh out the characters. Kept me engaged.
The author has a phenomenal vocabulary. Sadly, he or his editors can’t spell worth a crap. Still a good book, just annoying.
January 14, 2019
It checked off a lot of boxes I like, travel, romance, crime, intrigue and plot twist.
April 23, 2019
Great read
This book was very interesting through out. Do not hesitate to download it. Just a GREAT read!! Get it today.
This book was very interesting through out. Do not hesitate to download it. Just a GREAT read!! Get it today.
December 26, 2020
Starts slow then it hooks you
It was a good portrayal of a very nasty villain. I wanted to kill her. It was an interesting book, well worth reading.
It was a good portrayal of a very nasty villain. I wanted to kill her. It was an interesting book, well worth reading.
March 7, 2021
Weird
Poorly edited with many misspelled and misused words. Some suspense but mostly useless violence. It could have made a great short story with proper editing.
Poorly edited with many misspelled and misused words. Some suspense but mostly useless violence. It could have made a great short story with proper editing.
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