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The Tower of Theo
In a world where destroying art is forbidden, mistakes are not easily erased.
The Tower of Theo is the story of how tribulation withered the endurance of three men’s friendship: Leander, the rational artist; Demetrius, the sentimental confidant; and Theo, the imaginative adventurist. The past comes back to haunt the trio, and the stakes rise when the artists’ creations emerge from the canvas, bringing their paintings, and their pasts, to life.
After two decades of severed communications following an untimely death, a letter from Theo arrives at Demetrius’ doorstep as an invitation to heal old wounds. Though Leander warns Demetrius of possible ulterior motives, Demetrius is entirely consumed by the possibility of mending their brotherly bond. The road to reunion is paved with exhausting physical obstacles and even more debilitating mental trials. Each man is uniquely conflicted by an effort to do what he believes is right while also concealing the truth of what happened on that cursed day over twenty years ago, until revelation becomes inevitable.
Never could they have imagined their closest companions and creations becoming their ultimate demise, demolishing what each man spent his whole life building.
The Tower of Theo is the story of how tribulation withered the endurance of three men’s friendship: Leander, the rational artist; Demetrius, the sentimental confidant; and Theo, the imaginative adventurist. The past comes back to haunt the trio, and the stakes rise when the artists’ creations emerge from the canvas, bringing their paintings, and their pasts, to life.
After two decades of severed communications following an untimely death, a letter from Theo arrives at Demetrius’ doorstep as an invitation to heal old wounds. Though Leander warns Demetrius of possible ulterior motives, Demetrius is entirely consumed by the possibility of mending their brotherly bond. The road to reunion is paved with exhausting physical obstacles and even more debilitating mental trials. Each man is uniquely conflicted by an effort to do what he believes is right while also concealing the truth of what happened on that cursed day over twenty years ago, until revelation becomes inevitable.
Never could they have imagined their closest companions and creations becoming their ultimate demise, demolishing what each man spent his whole life building.
252 pages, Paperback
Published January 3, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 12, 2021
'A private man withholds information pertaining only to himself. A secretive man hides the truth that others have the right to know.'
Rating: 4.5/5
I dont really know where to start with this book. As I was reading it, the word that kept coming to me was abstract. Pretty ironic when a primary theme of the book is art. I think it felt abstract because the universe the characters live in, although physically similar, felt completely different. Vines and plants talk to botanists, art is reserved as the highest form of anything, artists have the ability to make drawings become 3D or even come to life by movement of their paintbrush, this part of the world is seemingly cut off from the rest of the world, there seems to be a battle between art and philosophy. There were so many questions about this universe but which we werent really given a background of.
It was a really interesting concept to have a world where art is held in such high regard in society. Considering in our society, art is almost frowned upon as something thats not lucrative or should remain a hobby its like a 360 degree turn around in this universe. Its a very unique concept wich felt refreshing, if not difficult to grasp at the beginning.
I say its difficult for me to know where to start because the whole time reading, I couldnt decide if I liked the book or if it wasn't my cup of tea. Having finished it, Im still not sure of the answer (though upon reflection I feel its the prior). I have huge respect for the author to create such a contemplative and interesting story/world. There's a lot of philosophy in the book (found out after that the author is a philosopher), particularly towards the end by Theo and I'd be lying if I said I understood everything that was said. A lot of it i feel went over my head and at times I felt like Theo's speeches went on for a bit too long where I went "just tell me the secret and what happened!" Also a lot of information the reader had to find for themselves, reading between the lines of what was said and I feel like some parts I'm not certain I quite grasped what was being unsaid. I feel like this is one of those books where the more you read it, the more you realise/discover.
This is a book about friendship but where, in an attempt to protect and help each other, ultimately end up harming eachother and it is so TRAGIC. This book is literally one big tragedy. When I learned what each friends secret was, my heart literally broke for them because I could see where they were coming from but in the end, they made the wrong choice and it destroyed their friendship and caused so much more pain than the truth would have.
Moving on to characters, I never really felt like I cared for or connected with the characters but let me tell you, when I got to the end, my heart felt so heavy, it ached and I cried so much, ugh! Heartbroken. Obviously they integrated themselves in my life without me realising.
I was quite critical of Aruna, Demetrius' partner whilst reading the book, I felt like she didn't necessarily impact the storyline greatly and her only role was to provide context and assistance to Demetrius. But actually at the end - and upon reflection, throughout - her role was to further highlight how strong the friendship between Leander, Demetrius, and Theo was. What we learn about her and Demetrius' relationship is that - although strong - ultimately pales in comparison to Demetrius' relationship with his friends and the ending in particular really highlights this.
The only part of this book I would say I felt could be left out was Gabriella. Apart from telling us that Damian is a bit of a playboy, she doesn't really contribute anything to the story. Particularly her meeting with Caterina, I felt like this was part of the authors attempt to add some intensity into the book more than anything else.
It was a bit slow and over descriptive at times for me and it felt like it took a long time to get to the key part of the story - the reunification of Leander, Demetrius, and Theo - but overall I enjoyed it and I really felt it was refreshing to read a book with such a unique concept.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Id like to thank the author for this.
Rating: 4.5/5
I dont really know where to start with this book. As I was reading it, the word that kept coming to me was abstract. Pretty ironic when a primary theme of the book is art. I think it felt abstract because the universe the characters live in, although physically similar, felt completely different. Vines and plants talk to botanists, art is reserved as the highest form of anything, artists have the ability to make drawings become 3D or even come to life by movement of their paintbrush, this part of the world is seemingly cut off from the rest of the world, there seems to be a battle between art and philosophy. There were so many questions about this universe but which we werent really given a background of.
It was a really interesting concept to have a world where art is held in such high regard in society. Considering in our society, art is almost frowned upon as something thats not lucrative or should remain a hobby its like a 360 degree turn around in this universe. Its a very unique concept wich felt refreshing, if not difficult to grasp at the beginning.
I say its difficult for me to know where to start because the whole time reading, I couldnt decide if I liked the book or if it wasn't my cup of tea. Having finished it, Im still not sure of the answer (though upon reflection I feel its the prior). I have huge respect for the author to create such a contemplative and interesting story/world. There's a lot of philosophy in the book (found out after that the author is a philosopher), particularly towards the end by Theo and I'd be lying if I said I understood everything that was said. A lot of it i feel went over my head and at times I felt like Theo's speeches went on for a bit too long where I went "just tell me the secret and what happened!" Also a lot of information the reader had to find for themselves, reading between the lines of what was said and I feel like some parts I'm not certain I quite grasped what was being unsaid. I feel like this is one of those books where the more you read it, the more you realise/discover.
This is a book about friendship but where, in an attempt to protect and help each other, ultimately end up harming eachother and it is so TRAGIC. This book is literally one big tragedy. When I learned what each friends secret was, my heart literally broke for them because I could see where they were coming from but in the end, they made the wrong choice and it destroyed their friendship and caused so much more pain than the truth would have.
Moving on to characters, I never really felt like I cared for or connected with the characters but let me tell you, when I got to the end, my heart felt so heavy, it ached and I cried so much, ugh! Heartbroken. Obviously they integrated themselves in my life without me realising.
I was quite critical of Aruna, Demetrius' partner whilst reading the book, I felt like she didn't necessarily impact the storyline greatly and her only role was to provide context and assistance to Demetrius. But actually at the end - and upon reflection, throughout - her role was to further highlight how strong the friendship between Leander, Demetrius, and Theo was. What we learn about her and Demetrius' relationship is that - although strong - ultimately pales in comparison to Demetrius' relationship with his friends and the ending in particular really highlights this.
The only part of this book I would say I felt could be left out was Gabriella. Apart from telling us that Damian is a bit of a playboy, she doesn't really contribute anything to the story. Particularly her meeting with Caterina, I felt like this was part of the authors attempt to add some intensity into the book more than anything else.
It was a bit slow and over descriptive at times for me and it felt like it took a long time to get to the key part of the story - the reunification of Leander, Demetrius, and Theo - but overall I enjoyed it and I really felt it was refreshing to read a book with such a unique concept.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Id like to thank the author for this.
November 11, 2021
Sasha Zeiger’s debut novel is a maelstrom of action, emotion, and deep philosophical musings on the relationship between art & artist. She paints her world in brilliant imagery, every detail a careful brushstroke of casted shadows, vivid colors, and surreal lands, transporting the reader from humble homes & rustic gardens to enshrouded caves & moonlit towers. Within this world, you’ll get to know a cast of colorful characters whose wit, charm, and tragedy will no doubt leave a lasting impression upon those who have traversed these hallowed pages. A story whose philosophies echo that of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, in the end we are left to wonder if it is to the credit of the creator or creation for the resounding peace, reflection, or destruction that art may bring into the world. I hope you enjoy this sublime & wondrous tale as much as I have, it was an unforgettable journey.
*In exchange for an honest review, I was given early access to a transcript of The Tower of Theo.
*In exchange for an honest review, I was given early access to a transcript of The Tower of Theo.
November 16, 2021
*In exchange for an honest review, I was given early access to a transcript of The Tower of Theo.*
Sasha Zeiger’s debut novel is a gorgeous and turbulent take one the emotions of humans. A enticing philosophical discussion between artist and their art. And how that translates into their view of the world around them. I fell in love with the brush strokes of the world and characters that touched my heart in ways that felt close to home. It’s a story of tragedy and love in a place of art and wonder. Sasha uses art and words to ask questions that we have all been asking for ages. And I hope you leave this story, as I did. With a little more answers.
Sasha Zeiger’s debut novel is a gorgeous and turbulent take one the emotions of humans. A enticing philosophical discussion between artist and their art. And how that translates into their view of the world around them. I fell in love with the brush strokes of the world and characters that touched my heart in ways that felt close to home. It’s a story of tragedy and love in a place of art and wonder. Sasha uses art and words to ask questions that we have all been asking for ages. And I hope you leave this story, as I did. With a little more answers.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews