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The Messenger
Beneath the Caribbean sea, a salvage diver hears a voice calling to him from the wreckage of a nineteenth-century ship. He becomes enslaved to the voice, which promises him wealth and urges him to hunt for a man named Tyler Hawthorne. But who is this mysterious man? From where does this spine-tingling voice emerge, and should it be trusted? Packed with nail-biting action and suspense, The Messenger is sure to delight readers with its artful approach to capturing what captivates them about the supernatural.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 20, 2008
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384 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
January 23, 2009
Terrible book, sort of an occult Harlequin's romance, in which our homely heiress falls (chastely) for an immortal Tyler Hawthorne, who is blessed/cursed with the ability to hear the wishes of the dying. (people in comas, for instance, people who can talk are on their own). He has a dog, who is also somewhat spooky and there's an evil mastermind who, like Voldemort, has died and has to reconstitute himself. why do I read this tripe?
Oh, yeah, it's moderately entertaining. And I pulled it almost at random from the new books shelf at the library.
Oh, yeah, it's moderately entertaining. And I pulled it almost at random from the new books shelf at the library.
January 10, 2009
This book was a bit cheesy. Mostly I felt like I was reading a book that wanted to be and borrowed VAMPIRE themes. It was a bit weak. Not an entirely horrible read, it just didn't have any meat to it. Nothing a reader could really sink their teeth into. In some ways I felt like I was just reading a romance. I think with the 'messenger' aspect, the author could have gone much deeper and darker. Somehow the last words of the dying seemed silly. Or maybe it was just me?
January 17, 2009
I'm a longtime fan of Jan Burke's Irene Kelly series. This standalone horror/occult/whatEVER novel is a mess, though. I had to go back and reread several passages in an effort to understand the logic of the plot. Even then, it just didn't make sense. She could have had a more interesting story leaving out the villain and the supernatural crud, and focusing on the main characters. I was extremely disappointed.
February 14, 2009
I am a fan of Jan Burke's entertaining light mysteries. I opened this book and found it wasn't what I expected. But since my family says I am OCD I decided to read it. [After all I'd read all her others:] Not my kind of book at all [ghosts, immortals, magical spells etc:], but I did enjoy it [not as well as her 'Irene' books. This book is set up for a series with these same characters which disappoints me since I'm ready for Irene.
November 4, 2023
This is a thriller and suspense. Tyler Hawathorne has been given the gift of eternal life. After more than two hundred years of living, he wants to die. Tyler has the power to communicate with the dying to convey their last wishes on earth. Lord Varre knows how to kill Tyler and take his powers. Tyler thought he killed Lord Varre centuries ago. Good and Evil fighting against each other.
In comes Amanda Clarke his curious neighbor. She sees Tyler hit by a truck and stomped on. She was positive he died. When he recovers quickly from his injuries. She becomes suspicious and wants to find out more about Tyler and his huge black dog Spade. What she finds out leaves her her in chills. Amanda herself has a secret to share. She sees the ghost of her dead parents and what makes it more thrilling her deceased aunt and uncle are with them. A very quick read.
Quotes:
"To make a long story short, I've got some relatives out there in California who never had a snowflake's chance in hell of inheriting my money, but they have taken it into their crazy heads that you cooked up some plot with Max to trick me into changing my will."
"There's an old saying, 'You can't lie to a dog.' I believe it."
"Is the arrangement," Tyler asked Shade in a low voice, "that you command me? Or even that I, in reality, command you?
In comes Amanda Clarke his curious neighbor. She sees Tyler hit by a truck and stomped on. She was positive he died. When he recovers quickly from his injuries. She becomes suspicious and wants to find out more about Tyler and his huge black dog Spade. What she finds out leaves her her in chills. Amanda herself has a secret to share. She sees the ghost of her dead parents and what makes it more thrilling her deceased aunt and uncle are with them. A very quick read.
Quotes:
"To make a long story short, I've got some relatives out there in California who never had a snowflake's chance in hell of inheriting my money, but they have taken it into their crazy heads that you cooked up some plot with Max to trick me into changing my will."
"There's an old saying, 'You can't lie to a dog.' I believe it."
"Is the arrangement," Tyler asked Shade in a low voice, "that you command me? Or even that I, in reality, command you?
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by Steph for TeensReadToo.com
Tyler Hawthorne is a mystery. He is never sick and seems to heal from any injury at an alarming rate. He's suave, confident, and extremely wealthy.
But Amanda Clarke doesn't like him. In her opinion, bringing hope to her dying best friend, Ron, is just plain stupid. Ron has been sick for ages and will most likely die - how dare Tyler bring him hope of recovering?
Only Ron does recover. And as Amanda begins to learn more and more about this Mr. Hawthorne character, she becomes more intrigued and enamored with him.
But Tyler's past doesn't come free. Someone's out to get him, and will go to any means to get a hold of a precious lost item that Tyler now has. And that puts others in danger, such as Amanda, whom Tyler has grown very fond of. Sometimes even man's best friend - the enormous, black-as-night dog, Shade - can't help his master get out of every dangerous situation.
Jan Burke writes a thrilling tale of a mysterious man and a normal woman. Throughout the story, more is learned of Tyler and his "powers", which only intrigues the reader to keep going to the next chapter to find out the next puzzle piece of his life. Then there's the actual plot of who is after Tyler and why, which unfolds in such a way that the reader will never want to put the book down until the last page.
Burke's story is truly engrossing, and with its many mysteries and plot twists, it is sure to entertain all readers.
Tyler Hawthorne is a mystery. He is never sick and seems to heal from any injury at an alarming rate. He's suave, confident, and extremely wealthy.
But Amanda Clarke doesn't like him. In her opinion, bringing hope to her dying best friend, Ron, is just plain stupid. Ron has been sick for ages and will most likely die - how dare Tyler bring him hope of recovering?
Only Ron does recover. And as Amanda begins to learn more and more about this Mr. Hawthorne character, she becomes more intrigued and enamored with him.
But Tyler's past doesn't come free. Someone's out to get him, and will go to any means to get a hold of a precious lost item that Tyler now has. And that puts others in danger, such as Amanda, whom Tyler has grown very fond of. Sometimes even man's best friend - the enormous, black-as-night dog, Shade - can't help his master get out of every dangerous situation.
Jan Burke writes a thrilling tale of a mysterious man and a normal woman. Throughout the story, more is learned of Tyler and his "powers", which only intrigues the reader to keep going to the next chapter to find out the next puzzle piece of his life. Then there's the actual plot of who is after Tyler and why, which unfolds in such a way that the reader will never want to put the book down until the last page.
Burke's story is truly engrossing, and with its many mysteries and plot twists, it is sure to entertain all readers.
March 4, 2009
THE MESSENGER (Para/Super-Amada/Tyler-California-Cont) - DNF
Burke, Jan – Standalone
Simon & Schuster, 2009, US Hardcover – ISBN: 0743273877
First Sentence: Come to me.
Amada Clark lives in the house left to her by her parents. She is not alone as the ghosts of her parents, aunt and uncle are there with her. She has a new neighbor, Tyler Hawthorne, and his black dog, Shade.
Tyler, ever aged 24, has been alive since the 1800s and was injured at Waterloo. It is Tyler’s responsibility to comfort the dying. Tyler and Amanda team up against Lord Varre, from whom Tyler received a memento more ring those 200 years ago and who must be destroyed in order that Tyler may be mortal again.
Although I am a long-standing fan of Jan Burke, this just did not work for me at all. I did read past my normal 50-page rule, but finally had to give up.
The writing seemed very simplistic, although it was written for young adults. The protagonist, Amanda, annoyed me beyond words. Admittedly, I didn’t read terribly far into the book, but there seemed to be little character development.
I would love to be wrong and know others found the book improved significantly as it went on, but it just wasn’t for me.
Burke, Jan – Standalone
Simon & Schuster, 2009, US Hardcover – ISBN: 0743273877
First Sentence: Come to me.
Amada Clark lives in the house left to her by her parents. She is not alone as the ghosts of her parents, aunt and uncle are there with her. She has a new neighbor, Tyler Hawthorne, and his black dog, Shade.
Tyler, ever aged 24, has been alive since the 1800s and was injured at Waterloo. It is Tyler’s responsibility to comfort the dying. Tyler and Amanda team up against Lord Varre, from whom Tyler received a memento more ring those 200 years ago and who must be destroyed in order that Tyler may be mortal again.
Although I am a long-standing fan of Jan Burke, this just did not work for me at all. I did read past my normal 50-page rule, but finally had to give up.
The writing seemed very simplistic, although it was written for young adults. The protagonist, Amanda, annoyed me beyond words. Admittedly, I didn’t read terribly far into the book, but there seemed to be little character development.
I would love to be wrong and know others found the book improved significantly as it went on, but it just wasn’t for me.
February 23, 2010
guess who's back, liz's back, tell a friend!
ok. i have taken a bit of a break but after reading most of this book i couldn't be silent for long. erg. have you read the dialogue in this book? here is a sample taken from the part were amanda's cousin betrays them to an evil undead guy bent on destroying love and happiness and kittens....
friend of amanda not really important to the story except to add possible love non-triange: "Do you know that they tried to kill Tyler that night, and almost killed Amanda?"
annoying rich dude who almost killed tyler and amanda: "What?"
tyler, almost dead dude: "We're both okay. Please don't add that to your worries [annoying rich dude:]. I think we should probably thank you really....We got to know each other because of that accident, so yes, thank you.""
SERIOUSLY? seriously? he's all like hey fuhgeddaboudit, i met some chic and might get some nookie so it's all good?? really? who's like that? ARGH!!!!!!
ok, ok. i'm fine now. maybe it will get better...and maybe i will sprout wings and save money on plane tickets. who knows, anything is possible.
ok. i have taken a bit of a break but after reading most of this book i couldn't be silent for long. erg. have you read the dialogue in this book? here is a sample taken from the part were amanda's cousin betrays them to an evil undead guy bent on destroying love and happiness and kittens....
friend of amanda not really important to the story except to add possible love non-triange: "Do you know that they tried to kill Tyler that night, and almost killed Amanda?"
annoying rich dude who almost killed tyler and amanda: "What?"
tyler, almost dead dude: "We're both okay. Please don't add that to your worries [annoying rich dude:]. I think we should probably thank you really....We got to know each other because of that accident, so yes, thank you.""
SERIOUSLY? seriously? he's all like hey fuhgeddaboudit, i met some chic and might get some nookie so it's all good?? really? who's like that? ARGH!!!!!!
ok, ok. i'm fine now. maybe it will get better...and maybe i will sprout wings and save money on plane tickets. who knows, anything is possible.
January 13, 2009
This is the type of book that you can read in one sitting and it leaves you wanting more. Much more. It is on the odd side but the people are who you love. And if you happen to be a dog person there is something in for you also. WARNING!!!! If you don't like insects this might not be the book for you at all.
April 18, 2009
Jan Burke's latest book is a standalone that could best be described as a paranormal mystery. Tyler Hawthorne was born in 1791, and died in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. While he lay dying on the battlefield, he spoke to a mysterious person who gave him a ring, and a dog, and the task of Messenger.
The Messenger carries the wishes of the dying who can no longer communicate verbally to their living loved ones.
When we meet Tyler, he is living in present-day Los Angeles. He lives a solitary life, with only his dog Shade as a real companion. Somehow,Tyler knows when dying people need his services, and he goes to them to offer comfort and more. Yet, after over 200 years, having outlived all his peers and being unable to die, he wishes he had given a different answer to the being who approached him on the battlefield.
He buys a mansion in the hills, and befriends Ron, the grandson of the previous owner. Ron's friend Amanda, a "trust-funder" who lives nearby, is suspicious of Tyler's Samaritanship, but is unsure what to do about her misgivings.
Driving home from a party in the desert, she witnesses a truck running him down on his motorcycle, and is pretty sure he's dead. But he's still alive, despite what Amanda saw. Now the men in the truck are after her, too, and Tyler has to tell her about himself so he can protect her.
Jan Burke has crafted another spellbinding tale. She is an amazing writer, and has obviously done painstaking research for this book. Don't pass it by because it's not part of the Irene Kelly series!
The Messenger carries the wishes of the dying who can no longer communicate verbally to their living loved ones.
When we meet Tyler, he is living in present-day Los Angeles. He lives a solitary life, with only his dog Shade as a real companion. Somehow,Tyler knows when dying people need his services, and he goes to them to offer comfort and more. Yet, after over 200 years, having outlived all his peers and being unable to die, he wishes he had given a different answer to the being who approached him on the battlefield.
He buys a mansion in the hills, and befriends Ron, the grandson of the previous owner. Ron's friend Amanda, a "trust-funder" who lives nearby, is suspicious of Tyler's Samaritanship, but is unsure what to do about her misgivings.
Driving home from a party in the desert, she witnesses a truck running him down on his motorcycle, and is pretty sure he's dead. But he's still alive, despite what Amanda saw. Now the men in the truck are after her, too, and Tyler has to tell her about himself so he can protect her.
Jan Burke has crafted another spellbinding tale. She is an amazing writer, and has obviously done painstaking research for this book. Don't pass it by because it's not part of the Irene Kelly series!
October 2, 2009
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick read who likes supernatural romance stories and who isn't looking for anything too challenging for the brain.
In the Publisher's Weekly review on Burke's website they make a comparison between this work and those of Charlaine Harris which I object to. This book while entertaining, lacks some of the believability of Harris' supernatural series and does not manage to make the characters' as fully fleshed or engaging. The same review draws another comparison to Dean Koontz's works which also falls flat as this book is nowhere near as dynamic as his books are - and has none of his grotesk horror.
I like the central male character, and the notion of cemetery dogs is an interesting one, however the female protagonist is barely drawn and hardly believable in her motivations. This novel is a bit of a 'me too' which I reckon was published off the back of the recent success of other better books in this genre - designed to be read while waiting for the next Sookie Stackhouse adventure (due May 2010)! ;o)
In the Publisher's Weekly review on Burke's website they make a comparison between this work and those of Charlaine Harris which I object to. This book while entertaining, lacks some of the believability of Harris' supernatural series and does not manage to make the characters' as fully fleshed or engaging. The same review draws another comparison to Dean Koontz's works which also falls flat as this book is nowhere near as dynamic as his books are - and has none of his grotesk horror.
I like the central male character, and the notion of cemetery dogs is an interesting one, however the female protagonist is barely drawn and hardly believable in her motivations. This novel is a bit of a 'me too' which I reckon was published off the back of the recent success of other better books in this genre - designed to be read while waiting for the next Sookie Stackhouse adventure (due May 2010)! ;o)
February 7, 2009
I love Burke's mysteries, so while I don't usually go for the supernatural thriller, I decided to check this out. The story holds your interest but, ultimately, it is a supernatural thriller that lacks the darkness and mad fantastical elements of urban faerie tales/urban fantasy.
Tyler Hawthorne has been alive for two hundred years--his task, in payment for this gift he now views as a curse, is to communicate with the dying so he can relay their last messages to loved ones. Several of the dying warn him that things are going to change. When Tyler tells Amanda's friend Ron that he will recover from leukemia, she confronts him with what she views as his manipulation. From here, their relationship plays out while an old enemy tries to regain corpreal form and target Tyler. There's a cemetary dog, too, that bites bad guys and they burst into flames--that was pretty cool.
Tyler Hawthorne has been alive for two hundred years--his task, in payment for this gift he now views as a curse, is to communicate with the dying so he can relay their last messages to loved ones. Several of the dying warn him that things are going to change. When Tyler tells Amanda's friend Ron that he will recover from leukemia, she confronts him with what she views as his manipulation. From here, their relationship plays out while an old enemy tries to regain corpreal form and target Tyler. There's a cemetary dog, too, that bites bad guys and they burst into flames--that was pretty cool.
March 26, 2009
This was utter rubbish! I can't believe she wrote a book like this. It was really, really bad on so many levels that I can't begin to list them. I did finish it cuz it was an easy read and silly and light and for the moment I was in the mood for light reading, just not this bad.
Be warned, don't bother!
February 7, 2016
Mõnus põnevik väikeste paranormaalsete sugemetega. Amanda on kindel, et tema uus naaber Tyler on petis, sest ta ütles tema vähki surevale sõbrale Ronile, et ta saab terveks. Aga Ron hakkabki paranema ja Amanda hakkab huvi tundma, kes tema naaber on. Amanda saab teada, et Tyler on sõnumitooja, kes edastab surijate viimaseid soove. Sündmused lähevad põnevaks, kui püütakse tappa Tylerit.
January 19, 2009
Excellent reviews and interesting excerpt led to high expectations for this one and I was very disappointed. The style is flat, even some newspapers columns have more emotion, the characters univolving and there is no suspense, no sense of the fantastic, just a thriller with extra stuff.
March 13, 2009
This was not her usual detective story. It was very sci-fi-ish and not up my alley.
October 26, 2009
I was almost a third of the way through this book before I realized how AWFUL it is.
Utter dreck.
Utter dreck.
March 22, 2010
This is a very differnt Jan Burke book. It is about a supernatural man who carries messages for dying people. He himself is immortal (became the messenger during the Napleonic wars), never ages, and repairs himself after injuries. He is protected by a "cemetary" dog, a large black scary looking dog. When he bites someone, they go up in flames and totally disappear. I don't usually like science fiction, but I did enjoy this book.
October 5, 2018
An eerie tale of those who are immortal & invincible from some ancient act of necromancy/magic....one for good and one for evil. Tyler Hawthorne's acts of benevolence include comforting the dying & listening [inaudibly] to their final wishes, confessions, requests. The other, Adrian/ Lord Varre symbolizes lust, greed, sadism. Amanda is Tyler's neighbor who innocently becomes wrapped up in his work, his life and his battles with Lord Varre.
We know that good triumphs over evil. And of course love is eternal.
We know that good triumphs over evil. And of course love is eternal.
February 7, 2018
Erilist vaimustust antud raamat ei pakkunud.
Tayler on Sõnumitooja, kes kohtub viimasel hetkel surijatega.
Amanda Clarke on kaunis naaber, kellesse Tayler kiiduma hakkab.
Kaklused, õnnetused ja sissemurdmistest saavad Amanda ja Tayleri igapäevane tegevus.
Amanda usub Tayleri sõnu, kes ta on ja mida ta teeb. Kuid kas Amanda on tema järglane.
Kurjus tuleb tagasi ja ta tahab Taylerilt midagi tagasi, kuid koos Amandaga on nad võitmatud.
Tayler on Sõnumitooja, kes kohtub viimasel hetkel surijatega.
Amanda Clarke on kaunis naaber, kellesse Tayler kiiduma hakkab.
Kaklused, õnnetused ja sissemurdmistest saavad Amanda ja Tayleri igapäevane tegevus.
Amanda usub Tayleri sõnu, kes ta on ja mida ta teeb. Kuid kas Amanda on tema järglane.
Kurjus tuleb tagasi ja ta tahab Taylerilt midagi tagasi, kuid koos Amandaga on nad võitmatud.
January 2, 2022
I read this for the first time in high school and thought it was the greatest book ever. Reading it again as an adult wasn't as impressive. The romance between Amanda and Tyler went from 0-10 without any building it seemed. That wasn't the main story line, but something that bothered me as a whole. If it was longer - with more character building/development it could have been better.
The only reason it gets 3 stars is because I remember enjoying it so much when I first read it.
The only reason it gets 3 stars is because I remember enjoying it so much when I first read it.
August 29, 2017
This is the second time that I have read the book. Enjoyed it both times.
November 16, 2017
meh. not at all my favorite of ms. burke's books, not just because it's not an Irene Kelly book, but just never got going for me.
October 6, 2019
GREAT book. Wow! I couldn't put it down but then I'm that way with many well-written books.
Read
August 20, 2022not my usual read..like it..love story and more
January 12, 2015
I grabbed the book because it was in the bargain price area at the book store
I must say these type of books are completely not my thing and I hate a good book being trifled by any unnecessary romance. I did however, take it because it was paranormal. I was surprised to see that the rating wasn't so good though and after reading the book myself, certain things weren't pointed out as to WHY it should be bad. I think it was actually a good book although this isn't my strong point. Generally, I should have hated it.
Amanda Clarke, early twenties, rich as hell and is haunted by her dead parents and her aunt and uncle. Out of the blue, Tyler Hawthorne moves in "next door" and also happens to be super rich and did I mention immortal? So this guy is 24 and he heals super fast and he can't die but he also takes the last words from the dead and passes them onto their loved ones. What a sweetheart right? He has nothing to do with Amanda since Amanda does absolutely nothing and still makes money. But fate said these two had to meet and not just because they were neighbors, because they both know this guy named Ron who is dying in the hospital with leukemia. Tyler declares that Ron shall live and Amanda is sure he'll die. I'd like to point out that even if I saw little hope in a friend who's like an older brother to me, chance's of survival, I wouldn't dislike this random guy who comes in and tells him that he'll get better. Of course Amanda does anyway because Ms. Burke wanted a hate at first sight and then love you later type relationship.
So what happens? They're drawn to one another and Tyler is actually over 200 years old and means to tell me he's never been attracted to anyone? But he tells Amanda that he's fiddled around in his earlier times and that he understands how a guy thinks and etc etc etc. Tyler is actually the king of "I AM THE KINDEST PERSON ALIVE AND CAN'T HARM ANYONE. I AM A SAINT." and can never ever be real. Thank god he's a character in a book.
So this dude who gave him the power in the first place, Lorde Varre, wants his power back and obviously doesn't get that he's retarded on account of many things and anyone who agreed to work for him was unnaturally dumb to accept. Honestly, REALLY dumb. It's just not how things are arranged and should have happened more naturally. Lorde Varre also sucks as a villain. His childlike behavior appears too often and he's weaker than a sac of beans for being someone with so much power.
Amanda is a weak protagonist and i'm not surprised since everyone (over generalization) seems to write weak female protagonists. Tyler though, most likely sees her as a weak as hell rose petal that might decay because someone is breathing for he asks her if she is okay throughout the entire 305 pages of the book.
There are grammatical errors in the book and things that Ms. Burke most likely didn't think through and also rushed through. If Amanda left the party first, Tyler should not have been in front of her. Tyler should have also seen the truck. Later on, Lorde Varre tells Danial to remove his shoes and toss them in the basement then leave. He does but when he reaches his room, apparently he removes them again and goes to bed. You already removed your shoes...? Colby is never explained as a character. He is rather important but of no importance at all. Also, why is it that no one can see the ghosts but when it's convenient the ghost decide to be there? That's not how this works. You need to keep your character trait.
Alex is unnatural to me. Rebecca is dumb. Amanda panics at everything. Tyler loves Amanda too much and is too stubborn. I never understood why Brad had to be beaten before he was taken to his destination. I do think Shade (the dog) is the only real character through the book. He keeps face and if Tyler can read this dog like a book, he should've understood what the hell Shade wanted him to know but he didn't. The dead gave strange messages. I don't know how the dead behave since I am alive but it disturbed the mood of the story through their dialogues.
In all, the story was incredibly amusing. Some readers didn't get through the hazardous beginning where it was hard to pull through. The amusement comes to me after a while. Tyler's reactions are quite funny and Amanda's are actually quite natural. The OVERLY kind behavior displayed between some of the characters are strange though. There should've been much more hostility for what happens. We are not among angels, we're among the dead.
The story was okay, it wasn't horrible if you don't think about it. It's actually funny if you don't hate them. I didn't hate them.
I must say these type of books are completely not my thing and I hate a good book being trifled by any unnecessary romance. I did however, take it because it was paranormal. I was surprised to see that the rating wasn't so good though and after reading the book myself, certain things weren't pointed out as to WHY it should be bad. I think it was actually a good book although this isn't my strong point. Generally, I should have hated it.
Amanda Clarke, early twenties, rich as hell and is haunted by her dead parents and her aunt and uncle. Out of the blue, Tyler Hawthorne moves in "next door" and also happens to be super rich and did I mention immortal? So this guy is 24 and he heals super fast and he can't die but he also takes the last words from the dead and passes them onto their loved ones. What a sweetheart right? He has nothing to do with Amanda since Amanda does absolutely nothing and still makes money. But fate said these two had to meet and not just because they were neighbors, because they both know this guy named Ron who is dying in the hospital with leukemia. Tyler declares that Ron shall live and Amanda is sure he'll die. I'd like to point out that even if I saw little hope in a friend who's like an older brother to me, chance's of survival, I wouldn't dislike this random guy who comes in and tells him that he'll get better. Of course Amanda does anyway because Ms. Burke wanted a hate at first sight and then love you later type relationship.
So what happens? They're drawn to one another and Tyler is actually over 200 years old and means to tell me he's never been attracted to anyone? But he tells Amanda that he's fiddled around in his earlier times and that he understands how a guy thinks and etc etc etc. Tyler is actually the king of "I AM THE KINDEST PERSON ALIVE AND CAN'T HARM ANYONE. I AM A SAINT." and can never ever be real. Thank god he's a character in a book.
So this dude who gave him the power in the first place, Lorde Varre, wants his power back and obviously doesn't get that he's retarded on account of many things and anyone who agreed to work for him was unnaturally dumb to accept. Honestly, REALLY dumb. It's just not how things are arranged and should have happened more naturally. Lorde Varre also sucks as a villain. His childlike behavior appears too often and he's weaker than a sac of beans for being someone with so much power.
Amanda is a weak protagonist and i'm not surprised since everyone (over generalization) seems to write weak female protagonists. Tyler though, most likely sees her as a weak as hell rose petal that might decay because someone is breathing for he asks her if she is okay throughout the entire 305 pages of the book.
There are grammatical errors in the book and things that Ms. Burke most likely didn't think through and also rushed through. If Amanda left the party first, Tyler should not have been in front of her. Tyler should have also seen the truck. Later on, Lorde Varre tells Danial to remove his shoes and toss them in the basement then leave. He does but when he reaches his room, apparently he removes them again and goes to bed. You already removed your shoes...? Colby is never explained as a character. He is rather important but of no importance at all. Also, why is it that no one can see the ghosts but when it's convenient the ghost decide to be there? That's not how this works. You need to keep your character trait.
Alex is unnatural to me. Rebecca is dumb. Amanda panics at everything. Tyler loves Amanda too much and is too stubborn. I never understood why Brad had to be beaten before he was taken to his destination. I do think Shade (the dog) is the only real character through the book. He keeps face and if Tyler can read this dog like a book, he should've understood what the hell Shade wanted him to know but he didn't. The dead gave strange messages. I don't know how the dead behave since I am alive but it disturbed the mood of the story through their dialogues.
In all, the story was incredibly amusing. Some readers didn't get through the hazardous beginning where it was hard to pull through. The amusement comes to me after a while. Tyler's reactions are quite funny and Amanda's are actually quite natural. The OVERLY kind behavior displayed between some of the characters are strange though. There should've been much more hostility for what happens. We are not among angels, we're among the dead.
The story was okay, it wasn't horrible if you don't think about it. It's actually funny if you don't hate them. I didn't hate them.
January 25, 2012
According to the book jacket, this novel is about a man who hears the last thoughts of dying people and conveys those messages to their loved ones.Tyler Hawthorne inherited this gift centuries ago as he himself lay dying on the battlefield of Waterloo. The bestower, a mysterious man named Adrian, saves Tyler's life and grants him immortality, but in exchange Tyler must forever comfort the dying and act as The Messenger conveying last wishes to surviving relatives. And oh yeah, there's an overprotective dog named Shade who comes as part of the deal.
I am torn as to how to review this book. I certainly don't think it deserved a starred review from Publishers Weekly, but I admit that I willingly finished the book and enjoyed many parts of it. Here's the thing I realized as I read the final chapters- You must read the whole thing with tongue firmly in cheek, as that is how the author MUST have written it. If you try to take it seriously, you will only get annoyed with this derivative work as you suffer flashback after flashback from every other paranormal book you've ever read. For instance, the villain's name is Lord Varre and he seeks to restore his corporeal form after being killed long ago. Not convinced that's a nod to JK Rowling's series? OK, how about the noticeable scar on the forehead of one of the main characters and her loss of both parents as a youngster?
Then there's the whole romance thing. Tyler falls for his neighbor, Amanda, but they both suffer extreme angst over this doomed-before-it-starts love affair because he is immortal and she is just a human. They have several opportunities to consummate their love, but Tyler refuses to bend to his own lust, opting to sleep on the floor when she takes to his bed. Sound familiar? Even Amanda recognizes the story line as she asks Tyler at one point if he's a vampire. Like I said: Tongue. In. Cheek.
If you can read this book with a sense of humor, you'll enjoy it as I did. You won't even notice (much) the unrealistic 'maid and butler' dialog (Well, Bob, as you know...), Amanda's quasi-Bella lack of self-esteem (How could he possibly think I'm pretty compared to my drop-dead gorgeous cousin), the incessant apologies that preceded every scene between Amanda and Tyler (I'm sorry I frightened you. No, I'm sorry to have been frightened by you. No, no *I'm* sorry you're sorry to have been frightened by me....), the lame fight scenes (one punch and the bad guy is out), the alarmingly high number of car accidents that either take place in this book or are used to explain the convenient disappearance of parents, Lord Varre's completely ineffectual and comically incompetent assistants, the lack of day jobs of ANY of the characters (Oh, what shall I doooo today? I guess I'll just cash my trust fund check and gaze out the balcony of my mansion at that other mansion up the hill), or the uber-bizarre climax requiring a collegiate-level understanding of insect anatomy (don't worry if you're not an entomologist, Amanda will conveniently explain everything for you right before you need to know).
I was literally laughing out loud during the final fight scene, especially with the dialogue between the characters ("I can't imagine that, just now. I mean-- I can't even figure out how you breathe without a nose." "Can't you?" he asked, staring at her in his unnerving way.) See what I mean? That's a direct quote from Chapter 55! It is then followed by a polite yet surreal discussion on respiratory anatomy between the villain and his prey.
It was impossible to read this book with a straight face. And that's why I have to believe it wasn't written with one, either.
So, three stars because, once I realized the book was not to be taken seriously, I was able to enjoy it for what it was: a fun, silly Twilight/Harry Potter/Lassie mash-up with a Douglas Adams flair for the highly improbable that pushed it right over the top and firmly into Camp-ville.
I am torn as to how to review this book. I certainly don't think it deserved a starred review from Publishers Weekly, but I admit that I willingly finished the book and enjoyed many parts of it. Here's the thing I realized as I read the final chapters- You must read the whole thing with tongue firmly in cheek, as that is how the author MUST have written it. If you try to take it seriously, you will only get annoyed with this derivative work as you suffer flashback after flashback from every other paranormal book you've ever read. For instance, the villain's name is Lord Varre and he seeks to restore his corporeal form after being killed long ago. Not convinced that's a nod to JK Rowling's series? OK, how about the noticeable scar on the forehead of one of the main characters and her loss of both parents as a youngster?
Then there's the whole romance thing. Tyler falls for his neighbor, Amanda, but they both suffer extreme angst over this doomed-before-it-starts love affair because he is immortal and she is just a human. They have several opportunities to consummate their love, but Tyler refuses to bend to his own lust, opting to sleep on the floor when she takes to his bed. Sound familiar? Even Amanda recognizes the story line as she asks Tyler at one point if he's a vampire. Like I said: Tongue. In. Cheek.
If you can read this book with a sense of humor, you'll enjoy it as I did. You won't even notice (much) the unrealistic 'maid and butler' dialog (Well, Bob, as you know...), Amanda's quasi-Bella lack of self-esteem (How could he possibly think I'm pretty compared to my drop-dead gorgeous cousin), the incessant apologies that preceded every scene between Amanda and Tyler (I'm sorry I frightened you. No, I'm sorry to have been frightened by you. No, no *I'm* sorry you're sorry to have been frightened by me....), the lame fight scenes (one punch and the bad guy is out), the alarmingly high number of car accidents that either take place in this book or are used to explain the convenient disappearance of parents, Lord Varre's completely ineffectual and comically incompetent assistants, the lack of day jobs of ANY of the characters (Oh, what shall I doooo today? I guess I'll just cash my trust fund check and gaze out the balcony of my mansion at that other mansion up the hill), or the uber-bizarre climax requiring a collegiate-level understanding of insect anatomy (don't worry if you're not an entomologist, Amanda will conveniently explain everything for you right before you need to know).
I was literally laughing out loud during the final fight scene, especially with the dialogue between the characters ("I can't imagine that, just now. I mean-- I can't even figure out how you breathe without a nose." "Can't you?" he asked, staring at her in his unnerving way.) See what I mean? That's a direct quote from Chapter 55! It is then followed by a polite yet surreal discussion on respiratory anatomy between the villain and his prey.
It was impossible to read this book with a straight face. And that's why I have to believe it wasn't written with one, either.
So, three stars because, once I realized the book was not to be taken seriously, I was able to enjoy it for what it was: a fun, silly Twilight/Harry Potter/Lassie mash-up with a Douglas Adams flair for the highly improbable that pushed it right over the top and firmly into Camp-ville.
February 24, 2017
Very good unique story.
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