Description:Ken Lowery is a man at odds with his life. He hates his job, is disappointed in his marriage, and feels resigned to leading a mundane existence.
That all changes when his wife brings home a rambunctious Black Labrador puppy named Silas, who forges a remarkable connection with Ken and begins to heal his inner turmoil. When some neighborhood children start to go missing, he takes it upon himself to protect those around him and is thrust into a surreal world where monsters roam. Not everything is what it seems to be, he soon discovers, including his new best friend.At the beginning of the book we meet Ken at the end of his life. He suddenly gets a moment of clarity and decides to share his story with a orderly who is willing to listen. Ken's story, which seemly appears to be about a man going through a mid-life crises, is suddenly confronted with his wife's introduction to a new family member, a black lab pup. The story continues from this point on to one of a man who is taken over by the dog and starts to learn small lessons about life and the selfishness he has been indulging. Even so the main story takes on the remarkable sensitivity and affect Silas has on his human counterparts. Even to a child who was critically ill. Even though this might sound mundane, it is not. You are caught up within Ken's storytelling voice.
Suddenly the story takes an unusual turn. There is suspense building about kidnappings and killers but the outcome to that suspense was unexpected to say the least. And if you think I'm going to spoil it... you are sadly mistaken. *evil laugh* (ah I feel better now) I will say, however, that the story does turn into one that has a bit of sci-fi, a bit dystopian, a dash of paranormal, and a whole lot of adventure. The adventure is compelling and left me in a *gasp* from time to time. The adventure ends in a huge *bang* and then you are back to Ken's contemporary life. The life and character he is now transformed into; someone who values others and compassion above his selfishness.
In the end, I give this book a high 4 1/2 stars. It will make you look at your dog or the dog of someone you know a bit differently. ;) And if you want a good adventure that has you hanging on the edge of your seat, then give this book a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I received this book from the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.
Below is a vlog of Robert introducing Silas! You can also see Leo, his dog. :)
Don't forget to go to the blog tour post and enter to win a kindle! All deets HERE!
Fantastic review Mel! It is amazing what a difference an animal can make to one's life. Sounds like this book had a great blend of heart and adventure.
ReplyDeleteAnimals can be the best cure! I like the sound of this book, but I hate the name Silas - I remember studying Silas Marner at school and hating taking about every line and metaphor for meaning. Maybe this will allow me to like the name Silas again! :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like an interesting book, thanks for your review!
ReplyDeleteA bit of sci-fi, a bit dystopian, a dash of paranormal, and a whole lot of adventure - sounds like a good read to me, thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI would need to know the dog makes it at the end before I read it LOL However, it does sound like you discovered quite the little gem there :)
ReplyDelete@Nic... oh it did. I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDelete@Mel... I think he was named after an uncle if I remember correctly, so no mention of Marner. ;D
@anachronist... yw! :)
@...Petty... yes, I think you'd like it.
@Felicia... I am the SAME way. Trust me. ;)
Wow! I was not expecting to actually be interested in this story, but you certainly have my brain buzzing with your review. See, this is why dogs are a Man's best friend. No denying how helpful and loyal they are and how many adventures they can take you on!
ReplyDeleteAnd go ahead, get that evil laugh out of your system. It will come back to bit you in the petunia. hehe
I like that the book taking a different turn in the middle make sense in this case and doesn't come out of left field and make you go "wait, what?" Fabulous review Melissa, 4.5 stars means I need to get this one immediately!
ReplyDeleteFab review! I loved the cover! And i Lvoe suspense! I love how much the characters changes. Character growth is important!
ReplyDeleteI just now noticed the dog on the cover, which is on the forefront of the hero. So the dog plays a big part??? It has your name written all over it, Melissa!
ReplyDeleteWhat is going on in that cover? Something scary behind him! Look out
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure dude... It sounds pretty interesting, but I'm not sure about the whole dog thing playing such a huge part...
ReplyDeleteOoo, sounds like an amazing combination of items here in this book. Many different genres mixed here to make an awesome sounding book. :) Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteThank you for participating in this tour, I have been haunting it and I appreciate your review. I think it sounds like a good read and would love to read Silas!
ReplyDelete