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Waves Break
Past events cast shadows you can't outrun. Wayne and Phil knew that better than anyone. Theirs was the shadow of a death witnessed in childhood. A pebble dropped in a pool. Ripples spreading outwards. Who knew where they would end? On unknown shore, perhaps.
252 pages, Paperback
Published August 14, 2019
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9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 6, 2021
You can find my original review of this book on my blog.
Whenever I read a thriller, I want it to feel real. I want the plot to sound plausible, and I want the characters to be believable—and, well, if there’s one thing I can say about Barry Litherland’s Waves Break (on Unkown Shores), it’s that it feels very real.
The story is as much about the past as it is about the present; it focusses on journalist Phil Tyler, who has a very unlikely friendship with a man called Wayne. The two have been close friends ever since a traumatic event from their childhood tied them together. Now, Phil feels strangely responsible for Wayne, and he does his best to stand by him, even when Wayne is accused of committing an outrageous crime. Phil doesn’t want to believe that Wayne could be capable of something like that—but how can he be sure? The novel flips between Phil and Wayne’s adult relationship and the connection they had as children, and, as the truth about the present is revealed, the past is also thrown under a spotlight.
The thing I liked most about Waves Break was Phil himself. I’ve always thought that one of the best ways to keep a reader engaged is to tell a story through the eyes of an interesting narrator, and this is exactly what this novel excels at. Phil’s distinct, quirky narrations turn an ordinary story into something much more successful. This means that while the plot of Waves Break can seem predictable at times, it is made interesting through Phil’s narration. He has a dry, sarcastic sense of humour that is subtly hilarious. More than anything else, though, his is a voice of a real character. He is genuine and dismally honest to the point that he succeeds in grounding Litherland’s novel in an impressive level of realism. The story is exciting, but it would mean very little without Phil’s calculated assumptions and dry sense of humour.
I also enjoyed the emotional side of Waves Break. The journey into Phil’s past continually impacts everything that takes place in the present; it makes it matter, because, honestly, one story would hold very little power without the other. As a result, I would have to argue that if you’re looking for a simple crime thriller, where the emphasis is on courtroom dramas or complex crime networks, this isn’t the book for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a story that takes you inside the protagonist’s mind, recounting what is, in reality, a very personal, climactic journey, then you should certainly consider picking up a copy of Waves Break.
Whenever I read a thriller, I want it to feel real. I want the plot to sound plausible, and I want the characters to be believable—and, well, if there’s one thing I can say about Barry Litherland’s Waves Break (on Unkown Shores), it’s that it feels very real.
The story is as much about the past as it is about the present; it focusses on journalist Phil Tyler, who has a very unlikely friendship with a man called Wayne. The two have been close friends ever since a traumatic event from their childhood tied them together. Now, Phil feels strangely responsible for Wayne, and he does his best to stand by him, even when Wayne is accused of committing an outrageous crime. Phil doesn’t want to believe that Wayne could be capable of something like that—but how can he be sure? The novel flips between Phil and Wayne’s adult relationship and the connection they had as children, and, as the truth about the present is revealed, the past is also thrown under a spotlight.
The thing I liked most about Waves Break was Phil himself. I’ve always thought that one of the best ways to keep a reader engaged is to tell a story through the eyes of an interesting narrator, and this is exactly what this novel excels at. Phil’s distinct, quirky narrations turn an ordinary story into something much more successful. This means that while the plot of Waves Break can seem predictable at times, it is made interesting through Phil’s narration. He has a dry, sarcastic sense of humour that is subtly hilarious. More than anything else, though, his is a voice of a real character. He is genuine and dismally honest to the point that he succeeds in grounding Litherland’s novel in an impressive level of realism. The story is exciting, but it would mean very little without Phil’s calculated assumptions and dry sense of humour.
I also enjoyed the emotional side of Waves Break. The journey into Phil’s past continually impacts everything that takes place in the present; it makes it matter, because, honestly, one story would hold very little power without the other. As a result, I would have to argue that if you’re looking for a simple crime thriller, where the emphasis is on courtroom dramas or complex crime networks, this isn’t the book for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a story that takes you inside the protagonist’s mind, recounting what is, in reality, a very personal, climactic journey, then you should certainly consider picking up a copy of Waves Break.
September 2, 2021
Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) is a bildungsroman novel which flips between the past and present to show how the protagonist, Phil, has managed to end up with a friend like Wayne. Tied together by a childhood trauma, ever since then, Wayne has been... read the full review here: https://www.amybucklesbookshelf.co.uk...
August 31, 2019
I've read several novels by Barry Litherland and he always brings something new, fresh and exhilarating to each of his works.
Wave Break (on Unknown Shores) was the first of his novels that I discovered and I am so pleased that I found this amazingly gifted writer. He possesses that rare combination of exceptional mood, tone and description, combined with memorable characters that are real, flawed, authentic and endearing and a spot-on sense of plot that keeps the reader engaged, engrossed and at the edge of their seat.
A master of creating slow moving tension, building it to a boil and then releasing it in an explosive climax, Litherland presents a wonderful contrast between the innocence of childhood memories and the frustrating challenges of adulthood. You feel the connection between this cast of childhood friends and acquaintances in this novel whether during the flash back portions of this inventive story, or during the conflict of the present day.
Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) gripped me from the first descriptions of the protagonist, tightened its grip on me with each introduction of his distinct and unique characters and held my attention from cover to cover. One of my favorite writers I can't recommend Barry Litherland any more enthusiastically. Whether you read this one, or any of his others, once you finish, you will definitely want more!
Wave Break (on Unknown Shores) was the first of his novels that I discovered and I am so pleased that I found this amazingly gifted writer. He possesses that rare combination of exceptional mood, tone and description, combined with memorable characters that are real, flawed, authentic and endearing and a spot-on sense of plot that keeps the reader engaged, engrossed and at the edge of their seat.
A master of creating slow moving tension, building it to a boil and then releasing it in an explosive climax, Litherland presents a wonderful contrast between the innocence of childhood memories and the frustrating challenges of adulthood. You feel the connection between this cast of childhood friends and acquaintances in this novel whether during the flash back portions of this inventive story, or during the conflict of the present day.
Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) gripped me from the first descriptions of the protagonist, tightened its grip on me with each introduction of his distinct and unique characters and held my attention from cover to cover. One of my favorite writers I can't recommend Barry Litherland any more enthusiastically. Whether you read this one, or any of his others, once you finish, you will definitely want more!
January 15, 2020
I would like to thank https://lovebooksgroup.com/ and the publisher for an ARC copy of this book
This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I am sure that it won’t be my last.
Phil and Wayne share a bond of friendship that was forged through the loss of a mutual childhood friend. Twenty years have passed, and Wayne’s troubled brother Tyrone returns, stirring up memories from the past and exposing them to danger. In this fast-paced thriller, Litherland combines well-fleshed out characters with page-turning suspense that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
Paced perfectly, both in terms of mystery and writing, with just enough tension building to keep the reader turning to the next chapter, wanting to know more. A well-constructed mystery and well-written.
This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I am sure that it won’t be my last.
Phil and Wayne share a bond of friendship that was forged through the loss of a mutual childhood friend. Twenty years have passed, and Wayne’s troubled brother Tyrone returns, stirring up memories from the past and exposing them to danger. In this fast-paced thriller, Litherland combines well-fleshed out characters with page-turning suspense that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
Paced perfectly, both in terms of mystery and writing, with just enough tension building to keep the reader turning to the next chapter, wanting to know more. A well-constructed mystery and well-written.
Read
August 24, 2019I have read all his books to date, because I study his style and structure. I admire him, because he is such a great craftsman and master of suspense and mystery. I think he self publishes, but he certainly could earn profits for any house. He is that good a writer.
August 23, 2019
I enjoyed the story. Well developed throughout. Great ending as well. Loved it! The twists and turns kept me engaged and turning the pages.
March 16, 2021
This review is for Waves Break (on Unknown Shores) by Barry Litherland, which I reviewed in March 2021 for Online Book Club. I found it difficult to get into and to remain involved with the story. I think the book was professionally edited, as I didn’t find any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors and just a few missed words.
Waves Break is a novel in which the leading character, Phil Tyler, narrates his story about how a traumatic childhood event between three friends shapes his journey into adulthood. One of these friends, Wayne, is Phil’s best friend and has never seemed to fit into Phil’s world, either childhood or adulthood. Phil gives the impression of being rather straitlaced and almost boring, whereas Wayne appears zany, oblivious to other people’s feelings and often selfish. As we progress through the book, it is apparent that Wayne is like this as a defence mechanism against his sufferings as a child. As the book develops, Wayne grows as a person and becomes well-liked and trusted by the people who matter most to him.
Waves Break is part thriller, part mystery, and I guess part romance. As crimes are committed, people are hurt, and the same crimes are inevitably solved, but, as in a previous novel by Litherland, the police don’t play a huge part in this, indeed it is the main characters in the book who play the major role in working out what is happening.
The novel includes humour and wit, tears and laughter, friendship and enemies, and the author describes the characters well, ensuring that we are aware of their stories and how they fit into the plot.
The thing that I enjoyed most about this book was how Wayne developed from an unruly child, although understandably so, to an unruly, rather selfish adult initially but growing into a young man who cares for other people and how his actions affect their lives.
The plot wasn’t as fast-paced as I’d have liked, and this is probably what I disliked the most. I did enjoy the story, but I found that sometimes my mind wandered, and I wasn’t as gripped with Waves Break as I was with Shifting Sands, a Barry Litherland novel I have read previously.
The book would appeal to readers who enjoy mystery and thriller novels, but due to the bad language, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone under 18.
Waves Break is a novel in which the leading character, Phil Tyler, narrates his story about how a traumatic childhood event between three friends shapes his journey into adulthood. One of these friends, Wayne, is Phil’s best friend and has never seemed to fit into Phil’s world, either childhood or adulthood. Phil gives the impression of being rather straitlaced and almost boring, whereas Wayne appears zany, oblivious to other people’s feelings and often selfish. As we progress through the book, it is apparent that Wayne is like this as a defence mechanism against his sufferings as a child. As the book develops, Wayne grows as a person and becomes well-liked and trusted by the people who matter most to him.
Waves Break is part thriller, part mystery, and I guess part romance. As crimes are committed, people are hurt, and the same crimes are inevitably solved, but, as in a previous novel by Litherland, the police don’t play a huge part in this, indeed it is the main characters in the book who play the major role in working out what is happening.
The novel includes humour and wit, tears and laughter, friendship and enemies, and the author describes the characters well, ensuring that we are aware of their stories and how they fit into the plot.
The thing that I enjoyed most about this book was how Wayne developed from an unruly child, although understandably so, to an unruly, rather selfish adult initially but growing into a young man who cares for other people and how his actions affect their lives.
The plot wasn’t as fast-paced as I’d have liked, and this is probably what I disliked the most. I did enjoy the story, but I found that sometimes my mind wandered, and I wasn’t as gripped with Waves Break as I was with Shifting Sands, a Barry Litherland novel I have read previously.
The book would appeal to readers who enjoy mystery and thriller novels, but due to the bad language, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone under 18.
August 12, 2020
You’re Defined by the Company You Keep
➡️ People are a Product of Their Experiences
“...reputations can be tarnished by the flimsiest of unfortunate associations.” In this book, readers will encounter detention centers, cigarette burns, implied acts of animal cruelty, burglaries, theft allegations, and unwilling corroborators (when friends suddenly find themselves ‘guilty by association’). Volatile confrontations and mischievous smiles, suspects, alibis, and incriminating evidence abound.
Language deteriorates as tempers rise, and it’s always wise to trust your ‘that-guy-is-bad-news’ barometer. Compulsive liars become malevolent miscreants, and delinquents who lack impulse control always leave a long line of victims in their wake.
“He implies knowledge he doesn’t possess...” but journalism jurisdiction extends to every nook and cranny. Deep pockets can make potentially libelous claims seem like unsavory endeavors, but the truth WILL come out, and the truth will be told. This story will keep readers invested until the very end! Will revenge be assured? Will retribution find a way to balance the scales?✖️Only the final pages will tell...
➡️ People are a Product of Their Experiences
“...reputations can be tarnished by the flimsiest of unfortunate associations.” In this book, readers will encounter detention centers, cigarette burns, implied acts of animal cruelty, burglaries, theft allegations, and unwilling corroborators (when friends suddenly find themselves ‘guilty by association’). Volatile confrontations and mischievous smiles, suspects, alibis, and incriminating evidence abound.
Language deteriorates as tempers rise, and it’s always wise to trust your ‘that-guy-is-bad-news’ barometer. Compulsive liars become malevolent miscreants, and delinquents who lack impulse control always leave a long line of victims in their wake.
“He implies knowledge he doesn’t possess...” but journalism jurisdiction extends to every nook and cranny. Deep pockets can make potentially libelous claims seem like unsavory endeavors, but the truth WILL come out, and the truth will be told. This story will keep readers invested until the very end! Will revenge be assured? Will retribution find a way to balance the scales?✖️Only the final pages will tell...
October 2, 2022
Breaking Waves by Barry Litherland.
Phil Tyler Thriller Series Book 1.
Past events cast shadows you can't outrun. Wayne and Phil knew that better than anyone, after what happened when they were children, bullied by Wayne’s murderous brother. When Tyrone returns after many years, bent on revenge, they are about to be drawn back into his dangerous world.
A brilliant start to a new series. I can't wait for the next book. Great story and plot. 5*.
Phil Tyler Thriller Series Book 1.
Past events cast shadows you can't outrun. Wayne and Phil knew that better than anyone, after what happened when they were children, bullied by Wayne’s murderous brother. When Tyrone returns after many years, bent on revenge, they are about to be drawn back into his dangerous world.
A brilliant start to a new series. I can't wait for the next book. Great story and plot. 5*.
June 1, 2021
I originally reviewed this book for onlinebookclub.org.
The characters are well-developed and the detailed glimpse into the childhoods of Phil, Wayne, Stevie and Tina was helpful to sympathise with the characters. I liked the wit and dark humour, the author has employed in the narration.
There was too much profanity and swearing, though. Hence the 4-star rating.
The characters are well-developed and the detailed glimpse into the childhoods of Phil, Wayne, Stevie and Tina was helpful to sympathise with the characters. I liked the wit and dark humour, the author has employed in the narration.
There was too much profanity and swearing, though. Hence the 4-star rating.
April 5, 2021
I didnt expect this to be so good. Well written and the ending made me emotional. I love Phil's humor and I cant count how many times he made me laugh. Also I love Wayne and Tina's chemistry.
"For Stevie" 😭
"For Stevie" 😭
April 30, 2020
Had some comedy moments but I found the story a little flat. I’m sure others will like it, but it didn’t draw me in.
July 4, 2020
No es que sea una mala novela, pero a mi no me ha gustado. Es muy simple para mi gusto, y muy predecible.
August 27, 2020
You can read my full review on OnlineBookClub: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
April 30, 2020
View my full review here:
https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
November 19, 2019
Waves Break (On unknown Shores) was my first book by Barry Litherland, but will definitely not be the last.
The book is really well written. The writing style felt very simple and uncomplicated, which I thought was spot on for the plot. The plot it self was fast paced, and it had me gripped from start to finish. As the plot progresses a few surprise twists happen, which I really wasn’t expecting.
The author has done a brilliant job in creating such realistic and interesting characters. I really enjoyed learning about them through their backstories and seeing how their past childhood has impacted on their adult lives in the present.
Overall, a great read. Can’t wait to read the sequel that’s coming soon. If you’re a fan crime, mystery, thrillers or just looking for a tense, character driven read this is definitely a book I recommend.
A big thank you to Barry Litherland for getting in touch and sending me a copy of this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
The book is really well written. The writing style felt very simple and uncomplicated, which I thought was spot on for the plot. The plot it self was fast paced, and it had me gripped from start to finish. As the plot progresses a few surprise twists happen, which I really wasn’t expecting.
The author has done a brilliant job in creating such realistic and interesting characters. I really enjoyed learning about them through their backstories and seeing how their past childhood has impacted on their adult lives in the present.
Overall, a great read. Can’t wait to read the sequel that’s coming soon. If you’re a fan crime, mystery, thrillers or just looking for a tense, character driven read this is definitely a book I recommend.
A big thank you to Barry Litherland for getting in touch and sending me a copy of this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
August 23, 2019
I wanted to use the following remark for my review: This reminded me greatly of Stephen King's "It" - the boys going to and from childhood and adulthood days, linked by trauma. (My favorite book by King, no less). Litherland delivered those innocent childhood remembrances expertly. His characters were dynamic - young and adult - drawn to order. There is a good deal of sarcasm and wit that the reader can appreciate in Phil, a part of his character. And the use of description and metaphors are delightful, truly original. Paced perfectly, both in terms of mystery and writing, with just enough tension building to keep the reader turning to the next chapter, wanting to know more. A well-constructed mystery and well-written. The use of first person was refreshing. This should be a best seller. I enjoyed the read.
August 22, 2019
The first of three Litherland books I've had the pleasure to experience. I remember quite lucidly the process of reading it, how the story got its meat hooks in me right away, and the giddiness I felt at knowing I'd discovered a proficient, polished author on a beta-reading site for amateurs. This book has every shot of going mainstream and making Litherland a household name, at least among literate crime junkies who love a well-crafted story. Reliable sources have also whispered to me that a full-fledged trilogy may be in the works, charting these beloved characters. A cause for celebration if there ever was one. #slatteryforprez
August 22, 2019
So great it's criminal!
If you told me Barry Litherland was publishing more crime/thriller books, I would pay for each and every one of them--maybe twice. That's how good this mystery/crime drama is. It's all FANTASTIC! --the character development, the crisp and descriptive writing, the way he weaves elements from characters' pasts with what's happening in the present, the pace of the story, the way the mystery unravels and reveals, the incisive laugh-out-loud humor--ALL of it. I loved this book!
If you told me Barry Litherland was publishing more crime/thriller books, I would pay for each and every one of them--maybe twice. That's how good this mystery/crime drama is. It's all FANTASTIC! --the character development, the crisp and descriptive writing, the way he weaves elements from characters' pasts with what's happening in the present, the pace of the story, the way the mystery unravels and reveals, the incisive laugh-out-loud humor--ALL of it. I loved this book!
August 19, 2019
What a great read, I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down. This is an expertly crafted thriller. It's fast paced, builds tension and suspense and delivers a few surprises. The author seamlessly interweaves the threads of a past mystery into the fabric of the contemporary plot. It keeps you guessing.
It's well written, has great characters and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend it.
It's well written, has great characters and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend it.
September 11, 2019
Amazing read, hooked from beginning to end. Particularly love this
authors skill at creating a complete image in the readers head of each
character he introduces and how they relate to each other. Great
storyline which not only keeps you guessing about the present crime
but also arouses intrigue with hints of something sinister from the
past of the main characters, effortlessly intertwining the two. A must
read for thriller lovers.
authors skill at creating a complete image in the readers head of each
character he introduces and how they relate to each other. Great
storyline which not only keeps you guessing about the present crime
but also arouses intrigue with hints of something sinister from the
past of the main characters, effortlessly intertwining the two. A must
read for thriller lovers.
August 23, 2019
A V good read. To be honest, I only intended reading the first few chapters, but quickly got hooked and thoroughly enjoyed the read. I loved the simple uncomplicated writing style. The inclusion of humour (well I found parts of it funny!) is not an easy thing to do but in my humble opinion, the author does it very well.
I wish him well.
Eamon
I wish him well.
Eamon
August 25, 2019
An absolutely fantastic read! Only meant to read the first chapter, but found myself hooked and couldn't put it down! Good pace throughout, very believable characters, an all round, jolly good book! First of a series maybe?
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews