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Wrath and Remembrance
As Jack Parrish struggles to survive and hold onto his sanity in an ever-changing world, someone from his forgotten past is hunting him.
The car crash he survived as a child has left him without parents and struck by amnesia for the next 18 years.
What do his nightmares mean?
Are they distorted flashes from his past or premonitions of what will be?
Why is someone out to kill him?
Just when life seems to be going right for Jack those close to him are being murdered and Jack is forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse.
The car crash he survived as a child has left him without parents and struck by amnesia for the next 18 years.
What do his nightmares mean?
Are they distorted flashes from his past or premonitions of what will be?
Why is someone out to kill him?
Just when life seems to be going right for Jack those close to him are being murdered and Jack is forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse.
625 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
2 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 24, 2009
I love books that don’t fit neatly into just one genre. Wrath and Remembrance is a revenge thriller, drama, and crime fiction with a hint of paranormal that leads readers into the life and struggles of hero, Jack Parrish. This is the first book of four in the “Dark Retribution” quartet series.
I was immediately drawn into this story from the first sentence, “I ran for my life.” John Walker has expertly spun a tale about Jack Parrish who survived a car crash as a child that has left him with amnesia. He is then left with nightmares and premonitions of possibly what’s to come, but most disturbing is someone wants him dead.
The characters and locales are extremely well developed and vivid to the imagination. The first person narrative allows you to feel the hope, anguish and intensity of the story through Jack’s eyes. The last several chapters were fantastic and the ending was superbly executed, but be sure to buckle up because it’s going to be a bumpy ride! This is definitely not a light read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. I’m looking forward to book 2 in the series.
I was immediately drawn into this story from the first sentence, “I ran for my life.” John Walker has expertly spun a tale about Jack Parrish who survived a car crash as a child that has left him with amnesia. He is then left with nightmares and premonitions of possibly what’s to come, but most disturbing is someone wants him dead.
The characters and locales are extremely well developed and vivid to the imagination. The first person narrative allows you to feel the hope, anguish and intensity of the story through Jack’s eyes. The last several chapters were fantastic and the ending was superbly executed, but be sure to buckle up because it’s going to be a bumpy ride! This is definitely not a light read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. I’m looking forward to book 2 in the series.
July 27, 2011
When I sit down to read a book, I want to be able to read the words in front of me and see what the author is telling me. I want to be looking through a two way mirror into the author’s mind and see it all happen the way they wished it to be seen, hear the words said the way they wished for them to be heard. I don’t want to have to make up pictures for anything in my mind. I want the writer to use such depth that it gives me everything. Reading Wrath and Remembrance by John Walker did just that.
Starting with the title of this book the word “Wrath” means; strong, vengeful, anger and “Remembrance”; the act of recalling to mind. When you put these two words together it explains the entire concept of this book. The lead character Jack Parrish is just that, recalling from mind the vengeful anger of his past. How does he deal with it?
During this book you go through a series of years with Jack, from the age of 9 into his early adulthood. From the start of this book, you begin to see the anger and pain in Jack and how he goes about dealing with it. Each year detailed out by the most pressing events of his life, making it feel like he is sitting in front of you telling you his own personal story. You feel the whirlwind of emotions that Jack does. You will feel the anger, the fear, the pain and the loss, but you will also find yourself smiling and laughing along with the antics that Jack and his best friend Tony get into.
As each year of Jack’s life passes, he will take you on a short history lesson. At first I found this quite odd, but as the story progressed, I quickly found myself looking forward to his year in review as he recounted top news stories from around the world, his favorite movies and the music from that year that had touched him the most. This run down of each year only made me feel closer to Jack as I too remembered those moments, music and movies. This made Jack Parrish move from a 2D character on a piece of paper to a 3D character full of life in my mind.
The writing style of Mr. Walker is relaxed and creative. He has the ability to explain things in detail without over explaining them, giving you just the right amount of information at every turn. I cannot recall a moment in the book when I thought to myself, “wait… you didn’t explain that or I don’t understand”. Although there might have been a word of two from the British language that trumped me as an American reader, I was usually able to figure it out though. Mr. Walker was able to move me smoothly through the story, carrying me along all the way.
I am impressed by Mr. Walker’s style. While I have read dramatic thriller mystery types before, this book seemed to be of a different caliber. Not only did it give you the mystery and action, but it applied a small bit of paranormal fantasy to it that gave it that extra spark of life.
I highly enjoyed Wrath and Remembrance and I look forward to reading Comparing Scars the second book in the Dark Retribution quartet.
Starting with the title of this book the word “Wrath” means; strong, vengeful, anger and “Remembrance”; the act of recalling to mind. When you put these two words together it explains the entire concept of this book. The lead character Jack Parrish is just that, recalling from mind the vengeful anger of his past. How does he deal with it?
During this book you go through a series of years with Jack, from the age of 9 into his early adulthood. From the start of this book, you begin to see the anger and pain in Jack and how he goes about dealing with it. Each year detailed out by the most pressing events of his life, making it feel like he is sitting in front of you telling you his own personal story. You feel the whirlwind of emotions that Jack does. You will feel the anger, the fear, the pain and the loss, but you will also find yourself smiling and laughing along with the antics that Jack and his best friend Tony get into.
As each year of Jack’s life passes, he will take you on a short history lesson. At first I found this quite odd, but as the story progressed, I quickly found myself looking forward to his year in review as he recounted top news stories from around the world, his favorite movies and the music from that year that had touched him the most. This run down of each year only made me feel closer to Jack as I too remembered those moments, music and movies. This made Jack Parrish move from a 2D character on a piece of paper to a 3D character full of life in my mind.
The writing style of Mr. Walker is relaxed and creative. He has the ability to explain things in detail without over explaining them, giving you just the right amount of information at every turn. I cannot recall a moment in the book when I thought to myself, “wait… you didn’t explain that or I don’t understand”. Although there might have been a word of two from the British language that trumped me as an American reader, I was usually able to figure it out though. Mr. Walker was able to move me smoothly through the story, carrying me along all the way.
I am impressed by Mr. Walker’s style. While I have read dramatic thriller mystery types before, this book seemed to be of a different caliber. Not only did it give you the mystery and action, but it applied a small bit of paranormal fantasy to it that gave it that extra spark of life.
I highly enjoyed Wrath and Remembrance and I look forward to reading Comparing Scars the second book in the Dark Retribution quartet.
October 12, 2011
Wrath and Remembrance is an impressive, well-written book. The story is told entirely in the first person by the protagonist, a working class Britain from the Newcastle upon Tyne in northeastern England, and it took this American reader a chapter or two to become accustomed to the British working class idioms of the narrator. Suffice it to say that the writing becomes so fluid and natural that one ceases to notice its excellence. The characters, particularly the protagonist, are well developed and interesting. He is kind, caring and generous, but he has serious problems with honesty, impulse control and anger management.
I’m not sure what the author’s intention is with regard to this book or the quartet of which this is the first book. It becomes clear quite quickly that this is a serious work, a literary fiction. The author’s own description led me to expect a mystery, and there is some of that. Other reviewers have described the book as a thriller, and it has some aspects of that genre. Initially, I thought it was a coming of age story and then a life story, but then there were hints of the supernatural. Very late in this long book a major character (not the protagonist) states an unequivocal and explicit theological position that the protagonist is asked to embrace, and it became clear that the work is religious fiction. This explained several serious incidents (“accidents”) that otherwise looked a bit contrived to serve the plot. Given the theological point of view, they are necessary and not at all contrived. This is a big plus from a literary standpoint.
I don’t know whether author Walker shares the theological position of his character(s?). I have occasionally given theological positions to characters in my own books, but they have never been at the core of those novels as in Wrath and Remembrance. Serious books are always about the human condition, and this is a serious book, I think. What part the supernatural plays in the human condition is a matter for the spiritual views of the individual. Introducing it is certainly legitimate, but may not be for all readers. If you like religious fiction and aren’t put off by determinism (bad things that happen are in accordance with God’s plan despite a profession of a belief in free will), you should like this book very much.
I’m not sure what the author’s intention is with regard to this book or the quartet of which this is the first book. It becomes clear quite quickly that this is a serious work, a literary fiction. The author’s own description led me to expect a mystery, and there is some of that. Other reviewers have described the book as a thriller, and it has some aspects of that genre. Initially, I thought it was a coming of age story and then a life story, but then there were hints of the supernatural. Very late in this long book a major character (not the protagonist) states an unequivocal and explicit theological position that the protagonist is asked to embrace, and it became clear that the work is religious fiction. This explained several serious incidents (“accidents”) that otherwise looked a bit contrived to serve the plot. Given the theological point of view, they are necessary and not at all contrived. This is a big plus from a literary standpoint.
I don’t know whether author Walker shares the theological position of his character(s?). I have occasionally given theological positions to characters in my own books, but they have never been at the core of those novels as in Wrath and Remembrance. Serious books are always about the human condition, and this is a serious book, I think. What part the supernatural plays in the human condition is a matter for the spiritual views of the individual. Introducing it is certainly legitimate, but may not be for all readers. If you like religious fiction and aren’t put off by determinism (bad things that happen are in accordance with God’s plan despite a profession of a belief in free will), you should like this book very much.
April 29, 2009
I struggled a little with how many stars to give this book. I liked it, but it wasn't my normal genre, so I felt a little out of my element. It definitely deserved more than three stars, so it got four.
It's a long book, with a thorough set up for the rest of the books in the series, as well a well thought out character development. I've been told the rest of the books in the series are not this long.
If your book tastes run a little on the dark side, where right and wrong are not always black and white you will probably enjoy it. It won't win any feel good book of the year trophies, but I don't think it was meant to. It's definitely not a fluff read :D
Enjoy!
It's a long book, with a thorough set up for the rest of the books in the series, as well a well thought out character development. I've been told the rest of the books in the series are not this long.
If your book tastes run a little on the dark side, where right and wrong are not always black and white you will probably enjoy it. It won't win any feel good book of the year trophies, but I don't think it was meant to. It's definitely not a fluff read :D
Enjoy!
October 3, 2009
WOW,
I loved reading this book....
I am not too sure why I loved it so much - does that sound weird!!! Does to me.
Its like being a fly on the wall to someones life and I for what ever reason it was fascinating to me.
I liked Jack and he was like a mate at the end and you really cared what happened to him.
I will get into the next one "Comparing Scars" soon.
Read John Walker he will not let you down.
I loved reading this book....
I am not too sure why I loved it so much - does that sound weird!!! Does to me.
Its like being a fly on the wall to someones life and I for what ever reason it was fascinating to me.
I liked Jack and he was like a mate at the end and you really cared what happened to him.
I will get into the next one "Comparing Scars" soon.
Read John Walker he will not let you down.
August 16, 2010
Excellent mystery read! Totally engrossing. A must read to be sure.
September 14, 2011
How can a character so forgetful be so memorable?
I can't give every character I read a two-page layout in the Review, but I could for John Walker's man of many thoughts, Jack Parrish. If you want that gentle punch in the gut from the get-go, only to still feel it (like the great burn you get from a strong and furious work-out) at the end, I highly recommend this story. Despite the presence and talk of amnesia, Jack is a very controlled character in a very smooth setting in a very stylish story. The amphitheater of Jack's brain is full of memories that give us all great recall. And length here is no matter. I started and was a third into it before I realized I still had my own life to live. This story escalates perfectly and rings a bell with anyone who can't remember s**t! And if Jack knocks on your door and asks for your help, just say yes.
I can't give every character I read a two-page layout in the Review, but I could for John Walker's man of many thoughts, Jack Parrish. If you want that gentle punch in the gut from the get-go, only to still feel it (like the great burn you get from a strong and furious work-out) at the end, I highly recommend this story. Despite the presence and talk of amnesia, Jack is a very controlled character in a very smooth setting in a very stylish story. The amphitheater of Jack's brain is full of memories that give us all great recall. And length here is no matter. I started and was a third into it before I realized I still had my own life to live. This story escalates perfectly and rings a bell with anyone who can't remember s**t! And if Jack knocks on your door and asks for your help, just say yes.
January 19, 2011
It’s difficult to imagine someone who has a harder life than the central character of this story. The great thing about the high quality of the writing in this book is that by the time I reached the end, I felt like I knew Jack Parrish personally and knew him like a close friend. At least, I would hope to have him as a friend because I’d sure hate to be his enemy. This story is told from Jack’s point of view, from his childhood, through his teens, and then on into adulthood. Life, love, heartbreak, trials, tribulations, betrayal, murder and revenge. It’s all here! I’ve got all of John Walker’s books and I’ve read them twice and they’ve just got better. I know I’ll read them again in the future. Not the usual “thriller” in the general sense. Brilliant read.
December 21, 2010
This one will wad your emotions up and take charge of them. John Walker has the ability to make it seem as if you are watching his characters from some unseen location. They do not seem as if they are in a book, but more as if you are in their heads.
This one may leave you with a need for some quiet time for a few weeks after reading it as it will leave you with a lot of emotional energy that is unresolved. This is apparently on purpose all the way and is done very well.
I highly recommend reading this even though it may cause some slight discomfort in your head afterwards for a while. When that goes away, it is as if you have experienced something that was difficult but got through it.
This one may leave you with a need for some quiet time for a few weeks after reading it as it will leave you with a lot of emotional energy that is unresolved. This is apparently on purpose all the way and is done very well.
I highly recommend reading this even though it may cause some slight discomfort in your head afterwards for a while. When that goes away, it is as if you have experienced something that was difficult but got through it.
March 7, 2011
In Wrath and Remembrance author John Walker writes a riveting tale of the chased and the chaser. A psychological thriller, but one where the protagonist Jack Parrish, who is amnestic for his childhood, begins to be haunted by violent nightmares. But which is real, the conscious life of Jack by day or the premonitions in his nightmares? Recall can be a dangerous thing, as Jack soon finds out when his search to remember what he has forgotten leads a killer to hunt him down, and in the process murders those closest to him one by one. Jack’s existential journey encompasses his attempts to navigate the murky terrain of the real and unreal which test his sanity and plunge him into the depths of horrific violence. Exciting first work in an innovative series by John Walker.
May 4, 2012
I still don't have a microphone :( so no Flipped Book Review this week. But I wanted to give you guys something, and I only just realized that I have yet to review Wrath and Remembrance, by John Walker. I read this book months back, and somehow never got around to the review. So here it is :)
Title: Wrath and Remembrance by John Walker
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Goodreads description:
As Jack Parrish struggles to survive and hold onto his sanity in an ever-changing world, someone from his forgotten past is hunting him.
The car crash he survived as a child has left him without parents and struck by amnesia for the next 18 years.
What do his nightmares mean?
Are they distorted flashes from his past or premonitions of what will be?
Why is someone out to kill him?
Just when life seems to be going right for Jack those close to him are being murdered and Jack is forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse.
First and Foremost, I really enjoyed the story of Wrath and Remembrance. There is some great character development and the plot is strong and easy to follow.
Jack Parrish is the protagonist, and I have a hard time believing that anyone could read this book, and not be on his side. The author guides us seamlessly through Jack's world, and kept me on the edge of my seat through most of the book. Since I remark on editing for all of my indie reviews, I have to say that Wrath and Remembrance was well crafted and honed and well as any big label book. However, I am not a huge fan of the cover art for this one. I think with such a great story, John would do well to get a cover that will draw people to his work.
Now I don't have any problem with an author sharing some political or religious views through his or her writing, (in fact, I think that this is one of the things that most great literature has in common throughout history) but it's something you should be aware of before you start reading. This one has some definite religious themes, but they don't take away from the story at all.
I give John Walker's, Wrath and Remembrance, 5 stars out of 5!
Title: Wrath and Remembrance by John Walker
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Goodreads description:
As Jack Parrish struggles to survive and hold onto his sanity in an ever-changing world, someone from his forgotten past is hunting him.
The car crash he survived as a child has left him without parents and struck by amnesia for the next 18 years.
What do his nightmares mean?
Are they distorted flashes from his past or premonitions of what will be?
Why is someone out to kill him?
Just when life seems to be going right for Jack those close to him are being murdered and Jack is forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse.
First and Foremost, I really enjoyed the story of Wrath and Remembrance. There is some great character development and the plot is strong and easy to follow.
Jack Parrish is the protagonist, and I have a hard time believing that anyone could read this book, and not be on his side. The author guides us seamlessly through Jack's world, and kept me on the edge of my seat through most of the book. Since I remark on editing for all of my indie reviews, I have to say that Wrath and Remembrance was well crafted and honed and well as any big label book. However, I am not a huge fan of the cover art for this one. I think with such a great story, John would do well to get a cover that will draw people to his work.
Now I don't have any problem with an author sharing some political or religious views through his or her writing, (in fact, I think that this is one of the things that most great literature has in common throughout history) but it's something you should be aware of before you start reading. This one has some definite religious themes, but they don't take away from the story at all.
I give John Walker's, Wrath and Remembrance, 5 stars out of 5!
January 8, 2012
I really enjoyed this story! What I liked the most was that the Author took his time in giving the hero a background. He took his time in giving the hero a "life" if you will and in so doing laid the foundation for a very interesting and great story. At the end of the story you sit and think to your self, "How could such an average Joe, be so unforgettable?"
Great story! Two thumbs up!
Great story! Two thumbs up!
June 10, 2012
A good read, and well written.
August 29, 2012
John Walker has a unique way of writing that puts the main characters right into your head. A great read full of twists and turns. Looking forward to the next one in the series by John Walker.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews