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Black Switch
Sebastian Sinclair is on his way to becoming one of the greatest spiritual healers of our time. He came down to earth with certain abilities. These gifts he gave himself are an evolution of what normal humans have never seen before in this lifetime. Seeing ghosts and angels are just the preliminary steps of what he will eventually receive in the future.
But he must be careful about the many pitfalls that will arise while trying to fulfill his destiny. Never did he think that Sophia Freemont, the love of his life, would ever become entangled in the extraordinary obstacles that lie ahead of him. Unfortunately, he will have to learn that nothing great ever comes without a price.
In his ambition to succeed, he very well may have taken on more than he can handle. If that happens, it could put him on an altered life course. A path more grim then he could possibly imagine.
Sebastian is now on the planet Earth living out his existence. He has been alive now for 27 years and is just about to go through his first real painful life lesson as an adult. It is the stepping stone for his enormous transformation to becoming what he was meant to be.
But he must be careful about the many pitfalls that will arise while trying to fulfill his destiny. Never did he think that Sophia Freemont, the love of his life, would ever become entangled in the extraordinary obstacles that lie ahead of him. Unfortunately, he will have to learn that nothing great ever comes without a price.
In his ambition to succeed, he very well may have taken on more than he can handle. If that happens, it could put him on an altered life course. A path more grim then he could possibly imagine.
Sebastian is now on the planet Earth living out his existence. He has been alive now for 27 years and is just about to go through his first real painful life lesson as an adult. It is the stepping stone for his enormous transformation to becoming what he was meant to be.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2022
2 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 10, 2022
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
It was a lovely romance novel but it was hard to read.
It was a lovely romance novel but it was hard to read.
March 24, 2025
There's a 4-star book hidden in here somewhere. This story feels like an overly-ambitious but admiral amateur project. Mild spoilers ahead.
Likes:
- There's a lot of fun ideas in here about how the spiritual world works, reincarnation, and different classes of mediums with different skills.
- Ghost therapy
- Interesting twist ending that sets up a second book
- The most compelling parts are always when things are going wrong
Dislikes
- Like a lot of indie books, desperately needs an editor. Lots of typos, incorrect words used, weird spacing choices between lines, etc.
- The romance side of the story is it's weakest aspect. There's a little too much "normal" about it where you can go an entire chapter and it's literally just a romantic vacation with no supernatural shenanigans. It really bogs down the middle of the book specifically, which is then saved when things really start going wrong at about the 60% mark.
- Characters tend to under-react when significant revelations are made about the supernatural. They are way too matter-of-fact about it, or literally say something banal like "Wow, that's overwhelming."
- There's an SA subplot and a suicide subplot that are mishandled, in my opinion. They are way too serious and messed up compared to what happens in the rest of the book and probably should have been toned way down. I think a good solution without changing up the story too much would have been to replace SA with an abusive relationship that the character in question was reluctant to leave and that is why she is reserved about it. The other plot just doesn't work in the 1 chapter it's featured in and should have been cut, replaced, or taken longer.
Likes:
- There's a lot of fun ideas in here about how the spiritual world works, reincarnation, and different classes of mediums with different skills.
- Ghost therapy
- Interesting twist ending that sets up a second book
- The most compelling parts are always when things are going wrong
Dislikes
- Like a lot of indie books, desperately needs an editor. Lots of typos, incorrect words used, weird spacing choices between lines, etc.
- The romance side of the story is it's weakest aspect. There's a little too much "normal" about it where you can go an entire chapter and it's literally just a romantic vacation with no supernatural shenanigans. It really bogs down the middle of the book specifically, which is then saved when things really start going wrong at about the 60% mark.
- Characters tend to under-react when significant revelations are made about the supernatural. They are way too matter-of-fact about it, or literally say something banal like "Wow, that's overwhelming."
- There's an SA subplot and a suicide subplot that are mishandled, in my opinion. They are way too serious and messed up compared to what happens in the rest of the book and probably should have been toned way down. I think a good solution without changing up the story too much would have been to replace SA with an abusive relationship that the character in question was reluctant to leave and that is why she is reserved about it. The other plot just doesn't work in the 1 chapter it's featured in and should have been cut, replaced, or taken longer.
December 18, 2024
It is a combination of emotional depth and otherworldly themes, using the supernatural as a means to delve into complex human emotions and relationships.
This book follows the journey of Sebastian, a self-centered corporate figure who undergoes a significant transformation. The novel excels in character development and thematic exploration, particularly focusing on second chances and the importance of introspection. As Sebastian becomes more attuned to the emotional and spiritual aspects of life, readers witness a personal growth that many can relate to.
While the narrative incorporates supernatural elements, some may find these aspects underdeveloped, with a desire for clearer explanations of Sebastian’s abilities and the broader implications of the supernatural world. At times, the story risks being overwhelmed by these occurrences without adequately addressing their real-world consequences.
The story does take the main character’s painful life circumstances and as in our life, it turns out to be a steppingstone not a insurmountable mountain.
This book follows the journey of Sebastian, a self-centered corporate figure who undergoes a significant transformation. The novel excels in character development and thematic exploration, particularly focusing on second chances and the importance of introspection. As Sebastian becomes more attuned to the emotional and spiritual aspects of life, readers witness a personal growth that many can relate to.
While the narrative incorporates supernatural elements, some may find these aspects underdeveloped, with a desire for clearer explanations of Sebastian’s abilities and the broader implications of the supernatural world. At times, the story risks being overwhelmed by these occurrences without adequately addressing their real-world consequences.
The story does take the main character’s painful life circumstances and as in our life, it turns out to be a steppingstone not a insurmountable mountain.
November 6, 2023
A unique Romantic/Sci-Fi story
This is the first book I've read from this author and it was quite a unique romantic novel. I've never really been into love stories but this one caught my attention. I liked Sebastion's and Sophia's romance and it interwove pretty well into the plot. I liked Sebastion's ability to talk to the ghosts and spirits and thought that it was a unique take on a romantic story. And it was also the most suspenseful, interesting moments in the novel. This story focuses on coming of age for protagonist Sebastion on how he uses his powers to help others, such as Josephine, a girl he meets though Sophia, and Margaret a woman who loses her father. I recommend this story for people who are into romantic and science fiction stories or either one of the two. This is my honest review and I would like to see more stories made from D. Van Bui.
This is the first book I've read from this author and it was quite a unique romantic novel. I've never really been into love stories but this one caught my attention. I liked Sebastion's and Sophia's romance and it interwove pretty well into the plot. I liked Sebastion's ability to talk to the ghosts and spirits and thought that it was a unique take on a romantic story. And it was also the most suspenseful, interesting moments in the novel. This story focuses on coming of age for protagonist Sebastion on how he uses his powers to help others, such as Josephine, a girl he meets though Sophia, and Margaret a woman who loses her father. I recommend this story for people who are into romantic and science fiction stories or either one of the two. This is my honest review and I would like to see more stories made from D. Van Bui.
April 21, 2024
D. Van Bui in Black Switch took us on a journey of a man with his gifts and taught us so much about our own lives. The book could be taken as deep or as shallow as you want with so many concepts, lessons, and themes that can enhance your life. I am a life coach and all the themes brought up are things that my clients come to me with. From the good and evil in our lives, to what our role in this life is, to free-will and choices we make, to the desire to rise up, all of it is brought up and accessible. This book is relevant to our lives. It is wonderful to see so much insight packed into a wonderful story of what we will do for the sake of love. The internal struggles, love, growth, questions, highs and lows are told so well in ways that draw you in and feel a part of the story. The more you sit with it, the more lessons you can pull from it. A great gift to the world.
July 18, 2024
A Spiritual Journey with High Stakes
Black Switch is a captivating tale of a man's extraordinary life beginning as a self-indulgent jerk to becoming a man full of kindness and empathy. Sebastian Sinclair, finds out later in life that the world does not revolve around him. Upon changing his attitude, he discovers he has some unique abilities, such as the ability to communicate with ghosts and angels. Once he meets Sophia Freemont, he has a partner to go through the learning process of his newfound talents, and they grow to love one another.
Sebastian has come to earth for a great purpose, to bring people hope. He faces numerous pitfalls as the story explores the theme that greatness often comes at a significant cost and his intense love for Sophia could also be his demise. The author's portrayal of Sebastian's internal and external battles keeps the reader engaged, rooting for him as he strives to fulfill his destiny. Black Switch is a thought-provoking and inspiring read, perfect for those interested in the intersection of the spiritual and the everyday struggles of life. I wish the ending had been a bit more definite, but I look forward to a possible continuation of the story.
Black Switch is a captivating tale of a man's extraordinary life beginning as a self-indulgent jerk to becoming a man full of kindness and empathy. Sebastian Sinclair, finds out later in life that the world does not revolve around him. Upon changing his attitude, he discovers he has some unique abilities, such as the ability to communicate with ghosts and angels. Once he meets Sophia Freemont, he has a partner to go through the learning process of his newfound talents, and they grow to love one another.
Sebastian has come to earth for a great purpose, to bring people hope. He faces numerous pitfalls as the story explores the theme that greatness often comes at a significant cost and his intense love for Sophia could also be his demise. The author's portrayal of Sebastian's internal and external battles keeps the reader engaged, rooting for him as he strives to fulfill his destiny. Black Switch is a thought-provoking and inspiring read, perfect for those interested in the intersection of the spiritual and the everyday struggles of life. I wish the ending had been a bit more definite, but I look forward to a possible continuation of the story.
May 9, 2025
Black Switch is a unique novel. There's a lot to love with the world building and science fiction elements to it. I found myself really enjoying the parts of the novel that really subverted my expectations. The plot itself is also really well thought out and I won't go into too much detail to spoil it. I had some issues with the storytelling in parts because the author swaps between point of views, but it wasn't anything to the point where I was left confused. I would say that the romance wasn't what I had hoped, but it wasn't completely devoid of value, it certainly appeared and had its place but I think more time could have been spent on it. That said, despite that criticism, it did still feel "deserved" if that makes any sense. There were also some pacing issues at the beginning, but a lot of that was resolved by the end as the plot ramped up. I'd recommend it!
February 3, 2024
Twist on Sci-fi
I loved this book. The development of Sebastian is beautiful. Making decisions like any other human but on a more serious scale. The romance was beautiful and that ending has me begging for the next book.
I loved this book. The development of Sebastian is beautiful. Making decisions like any other human but on a more serious scale. The romance was beautiful and that ending has me begging for the next book.
May 13, 2024
I just finished reading "Black Switch" and I'm still reeling from the experience. This book is a masterful blend of science fiction, romance, and spirituality that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Sebastian Sinclair, a young man who discovers he has supernatural abilities and must navigate a complex web of love, danger, and personal growth.
What sets this book apart is its unique fusion of genres. The author, D. Van Bui, has woven together elements of sci-fi, romance, and spirituality to create a narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Sebastian's journey being particularly compelling.
The writing style is engaging and easy to follow, with a pace that's both quick and immersive. The author's use of descriptive language is vivid and immersive, making it easy to become fully invested in the world of the story.
One of the standout aspects of "Black Switch" is its exploration of themes such as positive and negative energy, free will, and personal growth. The author has done a remarkable job of incorporating these concepts into the narrative in a way that feels organic and authentic.
Overall, I would highly recommend "Black Switch" to anyone looking for a compelling and thought-provoking read. It's a truly unique and captivating story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
What sets this book apart is its unique fusion of genres. The author, D. Van Bui, has woven together elements of sci-fi, romance, and spirituality to create a narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Sebastian's journey being particularly compelling.
The writing style is engaging and easy to follow, with a pace that's both quick and immersive. The author's use of descriptive language is vivid and immersive, making it easy to become fully invested in the world of the story.
One of the standout aspects of "Black Switch" is its exploration of themes such as positive and negative energy, free will, and personal growth. The author has done a remarkable job of incorporating these concepts into the narrative in a way that feels organic and authentic.
Overall, I would highly recommend "Black Switch" to anyone looking for a compelling and thought-provoking read. It's a truly unique and captivating story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
December 9, 2022
such a tangled web…
The tangle of good and evil and the juxtaposition of true love! I enjoyed this wild ride and these complex, and fatally flawed, characters. I am really looking forward to the next book, as this one left me hanging.
The tangle of good and evil and the juxtaposition of true love! I enjoyed this wild ride and these complex, and fatally flawed, characters. I am really looking forward to the next book, as this one left me hanging.
July 1, 2024
I had a hard time putting this book down as I wanted to go to sleep, but there would be an interesting twist or dialogue that would pull me back in!
August 11, 2023
A captivating and imaginative science fiction romance novel that will leave you wanting more.
As a fan of the science fiction romance genre, I was blown away by D. Van Bui's Black Switch. The story follows Sebastian Sinclair, a spiritual healer with extraordinary abilities, as he navigates a world filled with danger and love. Bui's writing style is captivating and heartwarming, making it easy to follow and engage with the story from the very beginning.
One of the things that I enjoyed most about this book was the imaginative plotline. It's not your typical love story, as it expertly blends in elements of science fiction and metaphysical discussions, making it a truly unique reading experience. The characters are well-crafted, and the world-building is top-notch, creating an immersive and atmospheric reading journey.
The romance between the main character and his love interest, Sophia Freemont, is thrilling and passionate. The blind leap of faith in love is a theme that runs throughout the book and adds an emotional depth to it. The interactions between Sebastian and the ghosts he encounters are some of the best moments in the book, adding a mysterious and ominous quality to the story.
I also appreciated the clever and witty writing style that Bui employs, making the book entertaining and lighthearted, despite the dark themes that it touches on. I found myself eagerly flipping through its pages to see what happens next.
I highly recommend Black Switch and can't wait to see what D. Van Bui comes up with next.
As a fan of the science fiction romance genre, I was blown away by D. Van Bui's Black Switch. The story follows Sebastian Sinclair, a spiritual healer with extraordinary abilities, as he navigates a world filled with danger and love. Bui's writing style is captivating and heartwarming, making it easy to follow and engage with the story from the very beginning.
One of the things that I enjoyed most about this book was the imaginative plotline. It's not your typical love story, as it expertly blends in elements of science fiction and metaphysical discussions, making it a truly unique reading experience. The characters are well-crafted, and the world-building is top-notch, creating an immersive and atmospheric reading journey.
The romance between the main character and his love interest, Sophia Freemont, is thrilling and passionate. The blind leap of faith in love is a theme that runs throughout the book and adds an emotional depth to it. The interactions between Sebastian and the ghosts he encounters are some of the best moments in the book, adding a mysterious and ominous quality to the story.
I also appreciated the clever and witty writing style that Bui employs, making the book entertaining and lighthearted, despite the dark themes that it touches on. I found myself eagerly flipping through its pages to see what happens next.
I highly recommend Black Switch and can't wait to see what D. Van Bui comes up with next.
February 18, 2025
skillful and interesting!
"Black Switch" is a compelling exploration of spirituality and self-discovery, skillfully crafted by an insightful author. The protagonist, Sebastian Sinclair, embodies the struggles and aspirations we all face as he evolves from a gifted individual into a formidable spiritual healer.
The narrative intricately weaves supernatural elements with the complexities of love and ambition, particularly through Sebastian's relationship with Sophia Freemont. Their bond adds emotional depth, illustrating how love can both inspire and complicate one's journey.
What distinguishes "Black Switch" is its examination of the cost of greatness. As Sebastian navigates extraordinary challenges, readers are drawn into a world where every choice matters, and each lesson propels him toward transformation. The prose is lyrical yet accessible, immersing readers in his spiritual experiences.
In summary, "Black Switch" is a remarkable tale of growth and the pursuit of destiny, encouraging reflection on personal sacrifices for dreams. A must-read for those seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the spiritual journey. Highly recommended! Please be so kind and inform BookRoar about my submitted review.
"Black Switch" is a compelling exploration of spirituality and self-discovery, skillfully crafted by an insightful author. The protagonist, Sebastian Sinclair, embodies the struggles and aspirations we all face as he evolves from a gifted individual into a formidable spiritual healer.
The narrative intricately weaves supernatural elements with the complexities of love and ambition, particularly through Sebastian's relationship with Sophia Freemont. Their bond adds emotional depth, illustrating how love can both inspire and complicate one's journey.
What distinguishes "Black Switch" is its examination of the cost of greatness. As Sebastian navigates extraordinary challenges, readers are drawn into a world where every choice matters, and each lesson propels him toward transformation. The prose is lyrical yet accessible, immersing readers in his spiritual experiences.
In summary, "Black Switch" is a remarkable tale of growth and the pursuit of destiny, encouraging reflection on personal sacrifices for dreams. A must-read for those seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the spiritual journey. Highly recommended! Please be so kind and inform BookRoar about my submitted review.
July 3, 2025
I’m not the best at writing well formatted reviews as my sister but I’m just going to cover the 4 main things that stood out to me that I loved about Black Switch.
The first thing I loved about this book was, when I read this book as a middle schooler, the first thing I realized was I was able to understand the book. I know it sounds kind of silly to say it like that, but I HATE when an author over describes everything, adds a bunch of metaphors (despite me loving poetry, sometimes it gets to a point where it’s TOO much,) and a bunch of advanced words to describe a scenery or plot. I feel like this book was perfectly straightforward, but also still left enough for the reader's imagination. I wasn’t able to relate to this book like Audi was with anxiety, yes I will say she was more emotionally intelligent at the time of reading, but I found a familiarity with dad’s powers and the spiritual realm. But what stood out to me the most about Black Switch was that it has a plot mature enough for adult audiences while still being able to please a wide audience.
The second thing I loved was how the theme was conveyed in the book. Black Switch captures the struggle of the mental overcomings, and shows a representation of how most people in the world deal with conflict. The theme this story displays was also in Romeo and Juliet, “Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast.” Oftentimes when someone is going through tough/emotional times they don’t take a second to step back and look at the situation, whether because they rush for a solution, or because they’re too emotional to rationally think about the situation. Oftentimes when overcoming a problem, you are often given the knowledge needed to overcome it, yet the part where people struggle is applying the knowledge. Sebastian is given knowledge most people aren’t given, a literal angel telling him that this doesn’t have to be the road he goes down. He never took a step back and self reflected on the situation as a whole, because of this his emotions made the decisions for him. The emotion that pulled Sebastian down the wrong path was fear. He was so scared with how his powers would affect him, in an attempt to control it before it hurt his loved ones, he ended up hurting them anyway.
The third thing I loved about Black Switch was how Sebastian Sinclair’s character stayed consistent and evident throughout the book. Reading this book it becomes very clear that Sebastian lacks self awareness. In the very beginning he gets caught up in his career and workload, he never self reflected on how much it absorbed his life. So much he didn’t even realize it was affecting his marriage, he realized too late. In search of a new job, yes he reflected on how he could’ve done things differently, but he never reflected on how his character had led to these turn of events. So when he met Sofia, unaware of this flaw, when a situation more severe came along he didn’t have the self awareness he should’ve learned from the divorce. When he met Josephine, because he lacked self awareness, he never realized how Josephine was going to negatively affect his life. It started off real tame, but slowly the longer he spent with Josephine the harder the situation was to leave her. Even WITH Thomas telling him that he was going down the wrong path talking to Josephine, he lacked the self awareness and was too narrow minded to understand what thomas was communicating.
The fourth thing I loved about this book was D. Van Bui did exactly what an author is supposed to do, convey plot and emotion of the protagonist through every aspect of the book. The plot was conveyed through Sebastian's character as previously mentioned, the emotion was perfectly conveyed through the mood of every scene. I felt like I was a part of the scene, like I was Sebastian in the book. The book was paced to make it feel like what Sebastian was emotionally going through the entire time. Even though this story happened over a few months, Sebastian felt rushed to decide how he was going to deal with the Josephine situation. Even though he was given many opportunities to choose the right path, because Sebastian’s character was too blind to see these opportunities, every opportunity felt rather skipped over, which is what the pacing conveyed.
I one hundred percent recommend this book as it is versatile to many types of reader’s preferences. I loved how the author referenced places in Kentucky, it felt really relatable because of that. As a Highschooler now, reflecting on this book, It perfectly blends my favorite genres (Supernatural, Romance,) While also conveying a good Shakespeare’s theme. This story pokes at the irony of most people's situations, I can’t wait to see how the plot continues in Flickering Lights.
It's glaze and I don't usually like reading as much but this book deserves it. As a 15 year old reader who never finds a book as captivating this book has opened my eyes and bias with reading.
The first thing I loved about this book was, when I read this book as a middle schooler, the first thing I realized was I was able to understand the book. I know it sounds kind of silly to say it like that, but I HATE when an author over describes everything, adds a bunch of metaphors (despite me loving poetry, sometimes it gets to a point where it’s TOO much,) and a bunch of advanced words to describe a scenery or plot. I feel like this book was perfectly straightforward, but also still left enough for the reader's imagination. I wasn’t able to relate to this book like Audi was with anxiety, yes I will say she was more emotionally intelligent at the time of reading, but I found a familiarity with dad’s powers and the spiritual realm. But what stood out to me the most about Black Switch was that it has a plot mature enough for adult audiences while still being able to please a wide audience.
The second thing I loved was how the theme was conveyed in the book. Black Switch captures the struggle of the mental overcomings, and shows a representation of how most people in the world deal with conflict. The theme this story displays was also in Romeo and Juliet, “Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast.” Oftentimes when someone is going through tough/emotional times they don’t take a second to step back and look at the situation, whether because they rush for a solution, or because they’re too emotional to rationally think about the situation. Oftentimes when overcoming a problem, you are often given the knowledge needed to overcome it, yet the part where people struggle is applying the knowledge. Sebastian is given knowledge most people aren’t given, a literal angel telling him that this doesn’t have to be the road he goes down. He never took a step back and self reflected on the situation as a whole, because of this his emotions made the decisions for him. The emotion that pulled Sebastian down the wrong path was fear. He was so scared with how his powers would affect him, in an attempt to control it before it hurt his loved ones, he ended up hurting them anyway.
The third thing I loved about Black Switch was how Sebastian Sinclair’s character stayed consistent and evident throughout the book. Reading this book it becomes very clear that Sebastian lacks self awareness. In the very beginning he gets caught up in his career and workload, he never self reflected on how much it absorbed his life. So much he didn’t even realize it was affecting his marriage, he realized too late. In search of a new job, yes he reflected on how he could’ve done things differently, but he never reflected on how his character had led to these turn of events. So when he met Sofia, unaware of this flaw, when a situation more severe came along he didn’t have the self awareness he should’ve learned from the divorce. When he met Josephine, because he lacked self awareness, he never realized how Josephine was going to negatively affect his life. It started off real tame, but slowly the longer he spent with Josephine the harder the situation was to leave her. Even WITH Thomas telling him that he was going down the wrong path talking to Josephine, he lacked the self awareness and was too narrow minded to understand what thomas was communicating.
The fourth thing I loved about this book was D. Van Bui did exactly what an author is supposed to do, convey plot and emotion of the protagonist through every aspect of the book. The plot was conveyed through Sebastian's character as previously mentioned, the emotion was perfectly conveyed through the mood of every scene. I felt like I was a part of the scene, like I was Sebastian in the book. The book was paced to make it feel like what Sebastian was emotionally going through the entire time. Even though this story happened over a few months, Sebastian felt rushed to decide how he was going to deal with the Josephine situation. Even though he was given many opportunities to choose the right path, because Sebastian’s character was too blind to see these opportunities, every opportunity felt rather skipped over, which is what the pacing conveyed.
I one hundred percent recommend this book as it is versatile to many types of reader’s preferences. I loved how the author referenced places in Kentucky, it felt really relatable because of that. As a Highschooler now, reflecting on this book, It perfectly blends my favorite genres (Supernatural, Romance,) While also conveying a good Shakespeare’s theme. This story pokes at the irony of most people's situations, I can’t wait to see how the plot continues in Flickering Lights.
It's glaze and I don't usually like reading as much but this book deserves it. As a 15 year old reader who never finds a book as captivating this book has opened my eyes and bias with reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2024
With a complex group of characters supporting and providing adequate antagonist vibes, Sebastian is put through the wringer. The story starts with an unsettling account of how badly Sabastian messed up his life. We take a short time to hop into the present, where Sabastian is living a very different life and quickly comes to terms with what a jerk he used to be. This seems to be the key that unlocks his unique abilities.
Sebastian has a hard time understanding what’s happening to him as he begins to hear/see spirits, but later, his abilities take him to another level, and he can communicate with angels and even enter different dimensions through a spiritual tunnel of sorts. The imagery was well put together on this, I’m not doing it justice by trying to redescribe it here.
Sebastian falls in love with Sophia, who at first I thought was only in this because of his abilities and her curiosity, but their love grows quickly. He soon realizes he can’t live without her. That said, he tells her an enormous stack of lies to keep her safe, which blows up in his face (as it should). I would say this part was a little predictable. However, the end did take additional turns I wasn’t expecting, which is always fun and what every reader hopes for. This book ends on a cliffhanger, in case anyone needs to know that upfront. Generally, I wouldn’t say I like cliffhangers, but my review will not reflect that because it’s a personal opinion.
Throughout the story, Sebastian has this darkness in him that he can’t control. It begins to manifest in dreams but then starts to ooze into his life in other ways that make it apparent that he needs to get rid of it. Some dark, horror-like elements came into play, which was really interesting. No spoilers! I will say he puts his trust in the wrong person, putting his life and that of Sophia’s in danger. I really enjoyed the characters who supported him and even the evil ones that were out to get him.
Trigger warnings: rap, which was detailed in a flashback scene; some domestic violence scenes that were dreams but also detailed enough I wanted to mention them.
Sebastian has a hard time understanding what’s happening to him as he begins to hear/see spirits, but later, his abilities take him to another level, and he can communicate with angels and even enter different dimensions through a spiritual tunnel of sorts. The imagery was well put together on this, I’m not doing it justice by trying to redescribe it here.
Sebastian falls in love with Sophia, who at first I thought was only in this because of his abilities and her curiosity, but their love grows quickly. He soon realizes he can’t live without her. That said, he tells her an enormous stack of lies to keep her safe, which blows up in his face (as it should). I would say this part was a little predictable. However, the end did take additional turns I wasn’t expecting, which is always fun and what every reader hopes for. This book ends on a cliffhanger, in case anyone needs to know that upfront. Generally, I wouldn’t say I like cliffhangers, but my review will not reflect that because it’s a personal opinion.
Throughout the story, Sebastian has this darkness in him that he can’t control. It begins to manifest in dreams but then starts to ooze into his life in other ways that make it apparent that he needs to get rid of it. Some dark, horror-like elements came into play, which was really interesting. No spoilers! I will say he puts his trust in the wrong person, putting his life and that of Sophia’s in danger. I really enjoyed the characters who supported him and even the evil ones that were out to get him.
Trigger warnings: rap, which was detailed in a flashback scene; some domestic violence scenes that were dreams but also detailed enough I wanted to mention them.
March 27, 2025
WOW! (and not in a good way)
Black Switch (by D. Van Bui) is a graphic indictment of its publisher, Austin Macauley Publishers LLC, since no apparent editing or even proofreading went into it before it was published. I counted fifteen typos, grammatical errors, or awkward phrasings in its fairly brief Chapter One alone — and by awkward phrasing, I mean the kind that made me wonder if a first draft had accidentally been published or even if English were the author’s first language. And these kinds of flaws, not to mention an abundance of cliches, doesn’t let up throughout the book. What reputable publishing house would put its imprint on such a thing? It was published in April, 2022, yet now, almost three years later, it is still replete with such glaring errors, even after a number of reviewers have long since pointed them out.
The story is a tale of enlightenment involving a kind of New Age spiritualism in which “God… is actually an ‘it.’ And ‘it’ represents both male and female species,” plus there’s reincarnation, dimension hopping, etc., etc. The protagonist starts feeling other people’s “energies” and sees and hears ghosts and angels and learns to read people’s minds. Then it’s one episode after another of his developing of his extraordinary psychic healing powers, since the grandiose purpose of his powers is to “help evolve mankind in a big way.” But his journey has its ups AND serious downs because of the intrusions of unsavory characters, as well as the protagonist’s nightmares and personal shortcomings. And all along the way there’s lots of tedious and/or vacuous and awkwardly worded action, philosophizing, and dialogue.
As for the protagonist’s topsy-turvy romance with his damaged girlfriend, a little inadvertent humor is interjected with these kinds of things: “He put his arms around her and embraced her with his lips” and “if she thinks she can just leave me this way…SHE HAS ANOTHER THING COMING!”
The author has conjured the potential for an interesting psychological drama, but the writing needs considerable trimming, revision, and rewriting. So where was the publisher’s editor?
Black Switch (by D. Van Bui) is a graphic indictment of its publisher, Austin Macauley Publishers LLC, since no apparent editing or even proofreading went into it before it was published. I counted fifteen typos, grammatical errors, or awkward phrasings in its fairly brief Chapter One alone — and by awkward phrasing, I mean the kind that made me wonder if a first draft had accidentally been published or even if English were the author’s first language. And these kinds of flaws, not to mention an abundance of cliches, doesn’t let up throughout the book. What reputable publishing house would put its imprint on such a thing? It was published in April, 2022, yet now, almost three years later, it is still replete with such glaring errors, even after a number of reviewers have long since pointed them out.
The story is a tale of enlightenment involving a kind of New Age spiritualism in which “God… is actually an ‘it.’ And ‘it’ represents both male and female species,” plus there’s reincarnation, dimension hopping, etc., etc. The protagonist starts feeling other people’s “energies” and sees and hears ghosts and angels and learns to read people’s minds. Then it’s one episode after another of his developing of his extraordinary psychic healing powers, since the grandiose purpose of his powers is to “help evolve mankind in a big way.” But his journey has its ups AND serious downs because of the intrusions of unsavory characters, as well as the protagonist’s nightmares and personal shortcomings. And all along the way there’s lots of tedious and/or vacuous and awkwardly worded action, philosophizing, and dialogue.
As for the protagonist’s topsy-turvy romance with his damaged girlfriend, a little inadvertent humor is interjected with these kinds of things: “He put his arms around her and embraced her with his lips” and “if she thinks she can just leave me this way…SHE HAS ANOTHER THING COMING!”
The author has conjured the potential for an interesting psychological drama, but the writing needs considerable trimming, revision, and rewriting. So where was the publisher’s editor?
June 23, 2023
The Black Switch by D. Van Bui is about Sebastian Sinclair, a man who discovers he has spiritual powers. He meets Sophia Freemont after she overhears him telling a friend about his newfound ability and demonstrating this. She admits to eavesdropping and tells him she has a friend who also has abilities. Sophia suggests they meet.
Through this person, Sebastian meets others, including the flirty and outspoken Josephine, with limited powers. However, Sebastian is the only one who seems to receive all the powers. Sebastian and Josephine discuss a dark energy he struggles with, and Josephine tells him she can help him. This is a harbinger of things to come.
Sophia and Sebastian are attracted to each other and date. The book follows the two as their relationship strengthens. Unfortunately, they encounter difficulties.
At work, Sebastian meets his boss’s wife, Margaret. Sebastian helps Margaret when she loses her father and through this spiritual help, Margaret finds strength to take positive steps. One is starting a new business with Sebastian and Sophia to help others. They rent a house from suspiciously generous business executive Christopher Church. Despite relying on donations alone, Margaret’s proposed business venture is a success.
The book shines during Sebastian’s descriptions of his experiences with his varied powers. I also enjoyed Margaret’s story. She is a happy, generous person who deserves a happy ending.
I picked up on who the baddies were fairly early. They feature in the abrupt, cliffhanger ending of the book.
Due to the point of view jumps, I had difficulties at times keeping straight who said/thought what. The book is described as a science fiction romance and while the romance very much exists, I didn’t see much in the way of science fiction writing. Assuming there will be a book two, perhaps this will become clearer there.
I thought the book was a wonderful effort for a fledgling author. The premise is intriguing, but I’d advise trigger warnings and additional editing.
Through this person, Sebastian meets others, including the flirty and outspoken Josephine, with limited powers. However, Sebastian is the only one who seems to receive all the powers. Sebastian and Josephine discuss a dark energy he struggles with, and Josephine tells him she can help him. This is a harbinger of things to come.
Sophia and Sebastian are attracted to each other and date. The book follows the two as their relationship strengthens. Unfortunately, they encounter difficulties.
At work, Sebastian meets his boss’s wife, Margaret. Sebastian helps Margaret when she loses her father and through this spiritual help, Margaret finds strength to take positive steps. One is starting a new business with Sebastian and Sophia to help others. They rent a house from suspiciously generous business executive Christopher Church. Despite relying on donations alone, Margaret’s proposed business venture is a success.
The book shines during Sebastian’s descriptions of his experiences with his varied powers. I also enjoyed Margaret’s story. She is a happy, generous person who deserves a happy ending.
I picked up on who the baddies were fairly early. They feature in the abrupt, cliffhanger ending of the book.
Due to the point of view jumps, I had difficulties at times keeping straight who said/thought what. The book is described as a science fiction romance and while the romance very much exists, I didn’t see much in the way of science fiction writing. Assuming there will be a book two, perhaps this will become clearer there.
I thought the book was a wonderful effort for a fledgling author. The premise is intriguing, but I’d advise trigger warnings and additional editing.
December 7, 2023
Sebastian Sinclar finds himself at a pivotal moment in his very unhappy and artificial life when he acquires certain gifts that allow him to interact with the Spirit world. He meets his love, Sophia, as he explores the powers and attempts to refocus his life on helping people heal. The future seems bright for their relationship and the journey to healing others, but of course, there is always someone who wants powers that others possess. Sebastian soon finds himself struggling with how to protect Sophia, help others, escape negative energy, and ultimately outwit those who want his powers for evil.
I found the plot and the story very intriguing. At times it felt like a video game with the main character running along and then discovering a new ability that he has to learn how to use and control. The story itself is imaginative, magical, and compelling. The conflict doesn’t really start into the second half of the book but it didn’t detract from the story much because I found myself enjoying following Sebastian around as he acquired new abilities and also seeing the relationship between him and Sophia grow.
The author primarily follows the protagonist but writes in a third person omniscient style which threw me off at first because I didn’t know whose mind I was in. But once I picked up on the style, I could follow it easily. The ability to know all the characters' thoughts served as kind of a cheat sheet in understanding how they really felt, although it may have taken away some opportunities for the author to show and not tell.
The plot and creativity certainly steal the show in this book. The dialogue felt odd at times, either sounding too formal or making the characters seem too agreeable. That said, the dialogue sets a tone that gets challenged when the conflict begins so it’s a good mechanism to make the reader feel a little uneasy when the honeymoon is over and it’s time for business!
I found the plot and the story very intriguing. At times it felt like a video game with the main character running along and then discovering a new ability that he has to learn how to use and control. The story itself is imaginative, magical, and compelling. The conflict doesn’t really start into the second half of the book but it didn’t detract from the story much because I found myself enjoying following Sebastian around as he acquired new abilities and also seeing the relationship between him and Sophia grow.
The author primarily follows the protagonist but writes in a third person omniscient style which threw me off at first because I didn’t know whose mind I was in. But once I picked up on the style, I could follow it easily. The ability to know all the characters' thoughts served as kind of a cheat sheet in understanding how they really felt, although it may have taken away some opportunities for the author to show and not tell.
The plot and creativity certainly steal the show in this book. The dialogue felt odd at times, either sounding too formal or making the characters seem too agreeable. That said, the dialogue sets a tone that gets challenged when the conflict begins so it’s a good mechanism to make the reader feel a little uneasy when the honeymoon is over and it’s time for business!
November 11, 2023
"Black Switch" by D. Van Bui is a remarkable read that takes a unique approach to the science fiction and romance genre. The main themes of the book revolve around spirituality, personal growth, and of course, love. The protagonist, Sebastian Sinclair, is an intriguing character, who grapples with understanding and controlling his spiritual powers, which adds a thrilling element to the narrative.
The book's strengths lie in its character development and the vivid descriptions of Sebastian's experiences with his varied powers, which are genuinely compelling. The chemistry between Sebastian and Sophia Fremont is palpable, making their love story feel both authentic and captivating. The sub-plot involving Margaret, a woman who finds strength through Sebastian's help, adds further depth to the narrative.
The themes of spirituality and personal growth deeply resonated with me, prompting me to reflect on our innate human potential. Sebastian's journey of self-discovery serves as a stark reminder of the power of self-belief and determination, making "Black Switch" a thought-provoking read.
In terms of comparison, in my opinion D. Van Bui's exploration of spiritual themes is reminiscent of Paulo Coelho's mystical narratives. However, the injection of romance and the sci-fi spin gives "Black Switch" its distinctive flavor.
However, I have to admit here were moments where the point of view switched abruptly, causing some confusion for the reader. Additionally, while the book is labeled as a science fiction romance, but I would of loved to see more of the science fiction elements (but that's just my personal preference!). Nevertheless, I think this is a promising debut from D. Van Bui.
I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series to see how the cliffhanger resolves.
The book's strengths lie in its character development and the vivid descriptions of Sebastian's experiences with his varied powers, which are genuinely compelling. The chemistry between Sebastian and Sophia Fremont is palpable, making their love story feel both authentic and captivating. The sub-plot involving Margaret, a woman who finds strength through Sebastian's help, adds further depth to the narrative.
The themes of spirituality and personal growth deeply resonated with me, prompting me to reflect on our innate human potential. Sebastian's journey of self-discovery serves as a stark reminder of the power of self-belief and determination, making "Black Switch" a thought-provoking read.
In terms of comparison, in my opinion D. Van Bui's exploration of spiritual themes is reminiscent of Paulo Coelho's mystical narratives. However, the injection of romance and the sci-fi spin gives "Black Switch" its distinctive flavor.
However, I have to admit here were moments where the point of view switched abruptly, causing some confusion for the reader. Additionally, while the book is labeled as a science fiction romance, but I would of loved to see more of the science fiction elements (but that's just my personal preference!). Nevertheless, I think this is a promising debut from D. Van Bui.
I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series to see how the cliffhanger resolves.
August 2, 2023
Black Switch by D Van Bui is probably one of the most engaging read I have had this year. Keep in mind, you have to enjoy science fiction and allow yourself to be open minded when reading this book. That being said, I really REALLY enjoyed it. I thought the author did a fantastic job at keeping the reader engaged, and had me thinking and rereading paragraphs. I did lile the attention to detail that was provided as well.
Now this is a romance novel as well, but not your typical run of the mill style. Again, science fiction. The main characters are Sebastian and Sophia who are set out to alter the universe. They fall for each other in a delightful way (read to find out) and I thought it was very well played out. With each turn of the book, you are filled with curosity and wonder, and has you, at times, sexond guessing the choices that Sebastian made, however fate or whatever you want to call it, has it going right every time.
Now to me, this is a book you would want to read if you are in that new feeling of falling in love. It reminded me of how I felt and it did catch me off guard at times. That rush, that feeling seemed to come back to me with reading this story. Now it is a romance book, and when I stated before it was not your typical romance, that is because it is not the main idea of the book. To me, it was the second in line but not the main idea. The universe and the decisions that they characters made determined that and you will find out!
5 stara for keeping the readers attention and not having a dull moment. I will 100% look for more worls from this author and will also recommend this to my book club. Thanks to the author! And please ceck this book out, especially on a rainy summer day!
Now this is a romance novel as well, but not your typical run of the mill style. Again, science fiction. The main characters are Sebastian and Sophia who are set out to alter the universe. They fall for each other in a delightful way (read to find out) and I thought it was very well played out. With each turn of the book, you are filled with curosity and wonder, and has you, at times, sexond guessing the choices that Sebastian made, however fate or whatever you want to call it, has it going right every time.
Now to me, this is a book you would want to read if you are in that new feeling of falling in love. It reminded me of how I felt and it did catch me off guard at times. That rush, that feeling seemed to come back to me with reading this story. Now it is a romance book, and when I stated before it was not your typical romance, that is because it is not the main idea of the book. To me, it was the second in line but not the main idea. The universe and the decisions that they characters made determined that and you will find out!
5 stara for keeping the readers attention and not having a dull moment. I will 100% look for more worls from this author and will also recommend this to my book club. Thanks to the author! And please ceck this book out, especially on a rainy summer day!
May 26, 2024
"Black Switch" by D. Van Bui is an enthralling blend of science fiction and romance that kept me captivated from start to finish. The story follows Sebastian Sinclair, a man at a crossroads in his life, who discovers he can interact with the spirit world. As he navigates his newfound abilities, he meets Sophia, the love of his life, and embarks on a quest to help others heal.
Bui’s writing style is both smooth and engaging, making it easy to immerse oneself in Sebastian’s world. The imaginative plotline feels like a thrilling video game, with Sebastian gaining and mastering new powers as he goes. The romance between Sebastian and Sophia is heartwarming and adds an emotional depth to the story that is both thrilling and passionate.
The novel’s unique premise explores profound themes of personal growth, redemption, and the balance of positive and negative energies in the universe. Bui skilfully navigates these themes, creating a thought-provoking and enjoyable reading experience. The characters are well-crafted, and the world-building is top-notch, making the story atmospheric and immersive.
Despite its complexity, Bui's clever and witty writing keeps the narrative lighthearted and entertaining. The interactions between Sebastian and the ghosts are some of the book's highlights, adding a mysterious and ominous quality that keeps readers eagerly flipping pages.
"Black Switch" is a must-read for fans of romance, adventure, and the supernatural. D. Van Bui has crafted a unique and interesting story that leaves a lasting impression, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Five out of five stars!
Bui’s writing style is both smooth and engaging, making it easy to immerse oneself in Sebastian’s world. The imaginative plotline feels like a thrilling video game, with Sebastian gaining and mastering new powers as he goes. The romance between Sebastian and Sophia is heartwarming and adds an emotional depth to the story that is both thrilling and passionate.
The novel’s unique premise explores profound themes of personal growth, redemption, and the balance of positive and negative energies in the universe. Bui skilfully navigates these themes, creating a thought-provoking and enjoyable reading experience. The characters are well-crafted, and the world-building is top-notch, making the story atmospheric and immersive.
Despite its complexity, Bui's clever and witty writing keeps the narrative lighthearted and entertaining. The interactions between Sebastian and the ghosts are some of the book's highlights, adding a mysterious and ominous quality that keeps readers eagerly flipping pages.
"Black Switch" is a must-read for fans of romance, adventure, and the supernatural. D. Van Bui has crafted a unique and interesting story that leaves a lasting impression, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Five out of five stars!
June 18, 2024
Sebastian begins Black Switch as a career-driven narcissist—that is, until his wife Alexia leaves him. It sets him on a path of redemption and empathy that carries throughout the novel. It is this emotional path that ultimately resonates most throughout the book.
His first step is forgiveness: of his wife, and of himself. The book has almost religious undertones in that respect. He can feel for other people in ways he never could before. Once this happens, Sebastian’s mind begins to open up, and with it comes his supernatural powers. At the outset, his is most finely attuned to seeing the dead, but through Sophia—his part-guide, part-love interest—he finds out that there are all sorts of powers in this world. New dimensions, life histories, a heaven called the “Great Library Dome”: these all exist and can be accessed with harnessing of powers. And Sebastian has the potential to outshine them all. This leaves a lot of room for development, and it’s ambitious, but it’s also a bit of a dangerous catch-all: sometimes, the novel feels like Sebastian is a bit purposeless, as a lot needs to be explained to him instead of having him have a goal he’s trying to achieve. This does pick up as the novel goes on, but at the outset he can seem a bit passive.
Sebastian and Sophia have great chemistry in the novel. You can feel it from the outset. This is a new adult novel, but it also reads almost like YA, in that Sebastian’s journey really is a coming-of-age tale about finding oneself and one’s purpose in the world.
If you like redemption stories, ones about finding purpose through helping others with a supernatural twist, this book is for you.
His first step is forgiveness: of his wife, and of himself. The book has almost religious undertones in that respect. He can feel for other people in ways he never could before. Once this happens, Sebastian’s mind begins to open up, and with it comes his supernatural powers. At the outset, his is most finely attuned to seeing the dead, but through Sophia—his part-guide, part-love interest—he finds out that there are all sorts of powers in this world. New dimensions, life histories, a heaven called the “Great Library Dome”: these all exist and can be accessed with harnessing of powers. And Sebastian has the potential to outshine them all. This leaves a lot of room for development, and it’s ambitious, but it’s also a bit of a dangerous catch-all: sometimes, the novel feels like Sebastian is a bit purposeless, as a lot needs to be explained to him instead of having him have a goal he’s trying to achieve. This does pick up as the novel goes on, but at the outset he can seem a bit passive.
Sebastian and Sophia have great chemistry in the novel. You can feel it from the outset. This is a new adult novel, but it also reads almost like YA, in that Sebastian’s journey really is a coming-of-age tale about finding oneself and one’s purpose in the world.
If you like redemption stories, ones about finding purpose through helping others with a supernatural twist, this book is for you.
October 19, 2022
Summary:
This book follows Sebastian Sinclair, a man who has the power of speaking to ghosts. With his newfound power and the help of a friend, Sebastian starts an organization to help those still living find peace with the death of a family member or someone close to them. However, Sebastian's power comes with a price, a price that endangers his girlfriend Sophia...
My thoughts:
I give this book five stars for its plot line. The plot is an original idea that has an incredible amount of potential to go very far. I have read books about individuals struggling with a newfound power, but not often do they try to use that power to help others as Sebastian does with his organization.
The reason I am giving this book three stars is due to two things:
1) The spelling and grammar errors Throughout this book are multiple spelling and grammar errors. For example, in chapter 1, instead of the word "something" it says "someSthing." Another example of such a mistake is the use of "and I" instead of "and me" in the sentence "the fact that you even set this up with Clarissa and I was kind of you"
2) the lack of sophistication in the writing This book was written very simply and without the sophistication that a book of this caliber needs.
Overall, I think this a book with a lot of potential to go far.
I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book follows Sebastian Sinclair, a man who has the power of speaking to ghosts. With his newfound power and the help of a friend, Sebastian starts an organization to help those still living find peace with the death of a family member or someone close to them. However, Sebastian's power comes with a price, a price that endangers his girlfriend Sophia...
My thoughts:
I give this book five stars for its plot line. The plot is an original idea that has an incredible amount of potential to go very far. I have read books about individuals struggling with a newfound power, but not often do they try to use that power to help others as Sebastian does with his organization.
The reason I am giving this book three stars is due to two things:
1) The spelling and grammar errors Throughout this book are multiple spelling and grammar errors. For example, in chapter 1, instead of the word "something" it says "someSthing." Another example of such a mistake is the use of "and I" instead of "and me" in the sentence "the fact that you even set this up with Clarissa and I was kind of you"
2) the lack of sophistication in the writing This book was written very simply and without the sophistication that a book of this caliber needs.
Overall, I think this a book with a lot of potential to go far.
I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
November 5, 2023
In "Black Switch" by D. Van Bui, the realms of fiction and the paranormal converge to delve into the fascinating interaction between the supernatural and human existence. The novel introduces us to Sebastian Sinclair, a character endowed with extraordinary spiritual talents, as he embarks on a transformative journey to become a revered healer. Bui masterfully navigates Sebastian's development, from his initial encounters with ghosts and angels to the myriad challenges he confronts while striving to fulfill his remarkable destiny.
The author's adept character growth and vivid descriptions render Sebastian's transformation and trials both accessible and enthralling. The inclusion of Sophia Freemont, Sebastian's romantic interest, adds emotional depth to the narrative, further immersing readers in this intricately woven tale.
"Black Switch" thoughtfully explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the repercussions of pursuing greatness. Bui's writing is both descriptive and spellbinding, and the meticulously crafted world-building offers readers a comprehensive and immersive reading experience. This book will particularly resonate with enthusiasts of paranormal romance and those intrigued by narratives revolving around extraordinary abilities and their consequences. D. Van Bui skillfully delivers a compelling story that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.
The author's adept character growth and vivid descriptions render Sebastian's transformation and trials both accessible and enthralling. The inclusion of Sophia Freemont, Sebastian's romantic interest, adds emotional depth to the narrative, further immersing readers in this intricately woven tale.
"Black Switch" thoughtfully explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the repercussions of pursuing greatness. Bui's writing is both descriptive and spellbinding, and the meticulously crafted world-building offers readers a comprehensive and immersive reading experience. This book will particularly resonate with enthusiasts of paranormal romance and those intrigued by narratives revolving around extraordinary abilities and their consequences. D. Van Bui skillfully delivers a compelling story that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.
December 16, 2023
BLACK SWITCH by D. Van Bui is a novel that mixes romance with the paranormal.
The main character, Sebastian Sinclair, divorced at age 27, finds himself at a pivotal point in his life and positioned for a downward fall. But he then meets his romantic interest and also starts to discover his budding paranormal gifts and everything changes. The story follows him as he seeks happiness and to fulfill his apparent destiny, potentially using his new gifts to impact the world in a positive way. Along the way, he sees ghosts and angels and meets a host of other similarly gifted individuals.
The plot and story premises are interesting enough, with thematic echoes from that old Bruce Willis movie, resulting in a very nice effort by an aspiring new novelist.
There were some issues with the writing. Unattributed dialogue (with no tags) at times makes it confusing as to whom is speaking or thinking. The author uses omniscient third person, improperly at times, leading to POV jumps within the same scene as the story head-hops from one consciousness to the next. There are also extended info-dumps camouflaged as lengthy dialogue. The romantic arc was pleasant enough but a little more sizzle would have helped.
Overall this novel feels like a newish author’s strong first draft and would have benefited from a harsh edit to make it stronger and more coherent. As is, it is difficult to suspend disbelief and stay in the story. But lots to like here, though.
The main character, Sebastian Sinclair, divorced at age 27, finds himself at a pivotal point in his life and positioned for a downward fall. But he then meets his romantic interest and also starts to discover his budding paranormal gifts and everything changes. The story follows him as he seeks happiness and to fulfill his apparent destiny, potentially using his new gifts to impact the world in a positive way. Along the way, he sees ghosts and angels and meets a host of other similarly gifted individuals.
The plot and story premises are interesting enough, with thematic echoes from that old Bruce Willis movie, resulting in a very nice effort by an aspiring new novelist.
There were some issues with the writing. Unattributed dialogue (with no tags) at times makes it confusing as to whom is speaking or thinking. The author uses omniscient third person, improperly at times, leading to POV jumps within the same scene as the story head-hops from one consciousness to the next. There are also extended info-dumps camouflaged as lengthy dialogue. The romantic arc was pleasant enough but a little more sizzle would have helped.
Overall this novel feels like a newish author’s strong first draft and would have benefited from a harsh edit to make it stronger and more coherent. As is, it is difficult to suspend disbelief and stay in the story. But lots to like here, though.
November 27, 2024
D. Van Bui’s Black Switch is a science fiction romance of spiritual exploration. The story follows Sebastian Sinclair, a man with extraordinary ability to communicate with spirits and angels, as he goes on a journey of self-discovery, redemption, and love. Alongside Sophia Freemont, his love interest, Sebastian learns to harness his powers while dealing with personal struggles and a deeper cosmic purpose.
The plot feels imaginative and engaging, blending supernatural elements with a touching love story. Sebastian’s transition from self-centered to empathetic is well-crafted, although some might find the spiritual themes occasionally slightly heavy-handed. The pacing does a good job on balancing between introspective moments and action, though the ending might feel a bit ambiguous to those seeking closure. The writing style itself in general is smooth, the descriptions are vivid but not flowery. There were instances where the text could have benefited from further editing. The characters feel lively and the settings immersive.
Bui’s worldbuilding is immersive, offering a good backdrop for Sebastian’s adventures. The interactions with ghosts provide some of the novel’s most intriguing and suspenseful moments. Themes of free will, balance, and the sacrifices of greatness carry throughout the book, giving it kind of a philosophical edge.
I would perhaps compare this to The Lovely Bones or The Shack. It gives an original take on the supernatural.
The plot feels imaginative and engaging, blending supernatural elements with a touching love story. Sebastian’s transition from self-centered to empathetic is well-crafted, although some might find the spiritual themes occasionally slightly heavy-handed. The pacing does a good job on balancing between introspective moments and action, though the ending might feel a bit ambiguous to those seeking closure. The writing style itself in general is smooth, the descriptions are vivid but not flowery. There were instances where the text could have benefited from further editing. The characters feel lively and the settings immersive.
Bui’s worldbuilding is immersive, offering a good backdrop for Sebastian’s adventures. The interactions with ghosts provide some of the novel’s most intriguing and suspenseful moments. Themes of free will, balance, and the sacrifices of greatness carry throughout the book, giving it kind of a philosophical edge.
I would perhaps compare this to The Lovely Bones or The Shack. It gives an original take on the supernatural.
September 17, 2023
D. Van Bui's "Black Switch" offers a narrative that seamlessly merges fiction and paranormal elements, presenting a story that explores the intersection of the supernatural and human lives.
The novel introduces Sebastian Sinclair, a character endowed with extraordinary spiritual abilities, embarking on a journey toward becoming a revered healer. Bui effectively delves into Sebastian's progression, from his initial encounters with paranormal phenomena like ghosts and angels to the challenges that arise as he strives to fulfill his destiny. The author's adept character development and descriptive prowess make Sebastian's transformation and challenges accessible yet intriguing.
The addition of Sophia Freemont, Sebastian's love interest, adds emotional depth to the narrative, further immersing readers in the story's intricate web.
"Black Switch" thoughtfully examines themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the repercussions of pursuing greatness. Bui's writing is both descriptive and engaging, and the world-building is well-crafted, providing a thorough reading experience.
"Black Switch" will particularly appeal to fans of paranormal romance and those interested in stories centered on exceptional abilities and their consequences. D. Van Bui delivers a compelling narrative that leaves a lasting impression, sparking contemplation even after the final page is turned.
The novel introduces Sebastian Sinclair, a character endowed with extraordinary spiritual abilities, embarking on a journey toward becoming a revered healer. Bui effectively delves into Sebastian's progression, from his initial encounters with paranormal phenomena like ghosts and angels to the challenges that arise as he strives to fulfill his destiny. The author's adept character development and descriptive prowess make Sebastian's transformation and challenges accessible yet intriguing.
The addition of Sophia Freemont, Sebastian's love interest, adds emotional depth to the narrative, further immersing readers in the story's intricate web.
"Black Switch" thoughtfully examines themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the repercussions of pursuing greatness. Bui's writing is both descriptive and engaging, and the world-building is well-crafted, providing a thorough reading experience.
"Black Switch" will particularly appeal to fans of paranormal romance and those interested in stories centered on exceptional abilities and their consequences. D. Van Bui delivers a compelling narrative that leaves a lasting impression, sparking contemplation even after the final page is turned.
April 18, 2024
I’m a paranormal romance fan, so I’m always excited when I stumble onto a book like The Black Switch. There is nothing lacking in the supernatural elements in this book, all centered around Sebastian, who suddenly starts to see ghosts and develops healing powers. Then he meets Sophia, herself mysteriously talented, and the two embark on a journey together as Sebastian struggles to control his newfound abilities.
The author throws you right into the action, as Sebastian's life is turned upside down early on in the story. Beyond that, the book is generally well-paced. There are occasionally perspectives slips in the writing, today heavily frowned on by critics, but not enough to diminish my experience. I was always keen to see what would happen next. (So-called “head-hopping,” by the way, has not always been frowned on in literature!)
Sebastian and Sophia's chemistry keep the romantic element keeps moving throughout the book. Watching their relationship grow is really the heart of the story.
Is this novel the most polished read? No. But I think the author has produced something fun and original enough here to be worth checking out. Also, the cliffhanger ending carries enough impact that it left me wanting more, which can’t always be said! So, if you, too, enjoy paranormal romance, then give The Black Switch a chance.
The author throws you right into the action, as Sebastian's life is turned upside down early on in the story. Beyond that, the book is generally well-paced. There are occasionally perspectives slips in the writing, today heavily frowned on by critics, but not enough to diminish my experience. I was always keen to see what would happen next. (So-called “head-hopping,” by the way, has not always been frowned on in literature!)
Sebastian and Sophia's chemistry keep the romantic element keeps moving throughout the book. Watching their relationship grow is really the heart of the story.
Is this novel the most polished read? No. But I think the author has produced something fun and original enough here to be worth checking out. Also, the cliffhanger ending carries enough impact that it left me wanting more, which can’t always be said! So, if you, too, enjoy paranormal romance, then give The Black Switch a chance.
June 19, 2023
Fate, karma, trying to change the nature of the universe, and fighting against the events that transpire in your life, instead of attempting to change yourself, all make up a major portion of Black Switch. Diving into the metaphysics of a famous Newtonian law, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction but applied to the actions of our main character Sebastian. When dealing with science fiction, I often think that metaphysical discussions are kind of the bread and butter of the genre. That's not to say that you can't have epic space operas, but that sci-fi just has an innate ability to discuss existential themes in a different and creative way from other genres.
I think the author does that very well here. Discussing a relationship gone rather horribly wrong, driven perhaps by motivations that are good but actions that are negative, and then of course the main character attempts to fight the universe itself before looking inward to change the one thing a person has the power to alter. Themselves. At least that's what I took away from it. Maybe you'll find something different.
If you're looking for paranormal sci-fi with some existential themes, I think this is a fairly solid read.
I think the author does that very well here. Discussing a relationship gone rather horribly wrong, driven perhaps by motivations that are good but actions that are negative, and then of course the main character attempts to fight the universe itself before looking inward to change the one thing a person has the power to alter. Themselves. At least that's what I took away from it. Maybe you'll find something different.
If you're looking for paranormal sci-fi with some existential themes, I think this is a fairly solid read.
September 18, 2023
Black Switch by D. Van Bui takes a unique spin on the sci-fi genre. As an avid fan of reading/watching sci-fi and fantasy, I love when writers employ spiritual themes to intermingle with the overarching world, especially when they are deeply engrained in the main characters’ lives. The author does a magnificent job of this, and it makes the romantic plot even more attractive.
The main character, Sebastian, is well-written and relatable, having made some terrible decisions in his life that he now regrets and looks to move on, attempting to better himself in the process. Sebastian has a special ability that allows him to commune with the deceased, and these moments are a highlight of the story.
There are times when the story felt a little rushed, filling in details as if time is passing quickly, which broke immersion but they are short-lived moments and there aren’t too many of them. I’m a very “get to the point” type of reader so I don’t mind it as much, but I can see how others would be dissatisfied with the tactic.
Overall, I recommend this book if you’re a fan of sci-fi romance and appreciate a spiritual twist. It is highly worth the read, and you’ll love the unique storyline.
The main character, Sebastian, is well-written and relatable, having made some terrible decisions in his life that he now regrets and looks to move on, attempting to better himself in the process. Sebastian has a special ability that allows him to commune with the deceased, and these moments are a highlight of the story.
There are times when the story felt a little rushed, filling in details as if time is passing quickly, which broke immersion but they are short-lived moments and there aren’t too many of them. I’m a very “get to the point” type of reader so I don’t mind it as much, but I can see how others would be dissatisfied with the tactic.
Overall, I recommend this book if you’re a fan of sci-fi romance and appreciate a spiritual twist. It is highly worth the read, and you’ll love the unique storyline.
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