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(Para)normal Society: Island Complex
**DISCLAIMER:** Previously published as 'Between the Veil' by A.D. Wills.
What would you do if two percent of you suddenly died? For Curtis Yakimura, he doesn't have much say in the matter. Stuck between the living and the dead, Curtis is now pestered by all kinds of different oddities, aberrations, anomalies, and the troubles they bring.
This time, Curtis is given information about an odd message originating on a nearby island from someone who claims to not know who or where they are. While reluctant as usual, Curtis--alongside his not-so-trusty, and self-proclaimed mentor, Yana, a Goddess of Fortune, decides to look into it.
When Curtis and Yana start to finally find some answers, they only reveal to them a much more sinister situation than they could have imagined before arriving, one that neither of them are qualified to solve. The problem is, the two of them are the only ones who know about it.
Who or what is it that sent those messages? Just what did Curtis and Yana stumble their way into? And how will Curtis face something he's all too familiar with?
Jump into the perspective of Curtis Yakimura, a paranoid, anxious, curmudgeon, without a whole lot going for him, who reluctantly finds his way through this new life, and a chance at newfound meaning.
What would you do if two percent of you suddenly died? For Curtis Yakimura, he doesn't have much say in the matter. Stuck between the living and the dead, Curtis is now pestered by all kinds of different oddities, aberrations, anomalies, and the troubles they bring.
This time, Curtis is given information about an odd message originating on a nearby island from someone who claims to not know who or where they are. While reluctant as usual, Curtis--alongside his not-so-trusty, and self-proclaimed mentor, Yana, a Goddess of Fortune, decides to look into it.
When Curtis and Yana start to finally find some answers, they only reveal to them a much more sinister situation than they could have imagined before arriving, one that neither of them are qualified to solve. The problem is, the two of them are the only ones who know about it.
Who or what is it that sent those messages? Just what did Curtis and Yana stumble their way into? And how will Curtis face something he's all too familiar with?
Jump into the perspective of Curtis Yakimura, a paranoid, anxious, curmudgeon, without a whole lot going for him, who reluctantly finds his way through this new life, and a chance at newfound meaning.
171 pages, ebook
First published April 16, 2020
7 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 13, 2020
Thrilling paranormal story
The story is an enjoyable thriller. With the backdrop of the mysterious island, the happenings there and how each event leads to another was really great to read. Enjoyed it.
The story is an enjoyable thriller. With the backdrop of the mysterious island, the happenings there and how each event leads to another was really great to read. Enjoyed it.
August 1, 2021
With Paranormal Society, A.D Willis has created a truly unique tale with creative characters. The world-building is fast and jarring, and you’re never quite sure if you’re being thrust into the imagination of the human conscious or some other realm of being. The uncertainty of it seems intentional, as it lends to the mysticism and disorienting nature of the challenges presented to the protagonist.
For a protagonist, Curtis is unusually apathetic; however, his self-deprecating view of self, dry wit, and honest, divergent trains of thought make him very relatable. But for me, Yana was the most interesting and entertaining character of Paranormal Society. A sarcastic goddess of fortune participating in a one-way relationship with Curtis, her sarcasm and eccentricities were highly entertaining, and their banter served as some of my favorite parts of the book.
The story itself was more intense than I was anticipating in a good way. With a deep examination of human psychology, the story deals with anxiety and depression in a very real, poignant manner by conveying how powerful feelings can be in our lives, especially when allowed to fester. Yet despite dark moments, hope continually shines through the narration and characters.
Some of the writing becomes a bit slow paced in places, and the prose/grammar could’ve been tightened, but overall, this story is highly enjoyable, and its uniqueness makes it truly special. This author has an amazing imagination and gift for storytelling, and I definitely recommend this book for someone looking for a strange story grounded in authenticity and important themes.
For a protagonist, Curtis is unusually apathetic; however, his self-deprecating view of self, dry wit, and honest, divergent trains of thought make him very relatable. But for me, Yana was the most interesting and entertaining character of Paranormal Society. A sarcastic goddess of fortune participating in a one-way relationship with Curtis, her sarcasm and eccentricities were highly entertaining, and their banter served as some of my favorite parts of the book.
The story itself was more intense than I was anticipating in a good way. With a deep examination of human psychology, the story deals with anxiety and depression in a very real, poignant manner by conveying how powerful feelings can be in our lives, especially when allowed to fester. Yet despite dark moments, hope continually shines through the narration and characters.
Some of the writing becomes a bit slow paced in places, and the prose/grammar could’ve been tightened, but overall, this story is highly enjoyable, and its uniqueness makes it truly special. This author has an amazing imagination and gift for storytelling, and I definitely recommend this book for someone looking for a strange story grounded in authenticity and important themes.
October 11, 2021
I had been very curious about “Paranormal Society: Island Complex”, by A.D. Wills, and when it finally came up on my TBR, I prepared myself for a wild ride, because of other readers’ comments. I was glad I was ready to buckle in, because it truly was quite the trip! I have never read anything like it before. I will try to cogently put my thoughts down about the book here.
To be clear, this was a difficult book for me to assess. I remain unsure, even during the moments of writing this review after finishing the novel, if the book was not about one large dive into the subconscious, or if it was supposed to be representative of reality. It was challenging to differentiate between what was metaphorical or if it was actually supposed to have happened.
One things Wills does very well is throw the reader off, periodically, to make them second guess as to whether there is any reliability to the tale being told at all. It was often jarring, but still, makes for an interesting journey.
The protagonist of the book, Curtis, is not quite alive, and not quite dead, it seems. Curtis has unique and abstract powers that allow him to intervene and assist others when possible. He appears to be able to enter the minds of others and help them confront their emotional trauma. He is also friends (although their relationship seems to lean towards possible future or previous romance) with a minor goddess called Yana, and a mysterious figure called “The Dungeon Master”. Together these three investigate a serious of anomalies that leads them to eventually confront a demon, aspiring to be a god, who is in possession of a tortured young mind.
The psychedelic, surreal world that is the book’s setting is narrated omnisciently first person by Curtis, who is insouciant, to say the least. He is one of the most casual narrators I have ever encountered in fiction, and certainly not easily relatable, at least at first. Though he is extremely laid back, he is also a flawed character, seeming somewhat ambivalent to his own existence.
His antipathy towards his confusing situation as one who is partially dead stands out, and makes him very intriguing. Curtis possesses a droll humour, and his nonchalant, witty and ironic style of speaking grew on me as the novel progressed. I found him, despite his equivocating, to be very compassionate, caring, and motivated to do good.
The banter between Curtis and the secondary characters is quite amusing, and one of my favourite parts of the novel. But overall, despite the humour, the themes explored are quite dark, including emotional abuse, bullying, and depression. There also seems to be a core themes of healing, and what classifies as therapeutic, versus what is harmful to the psyche instead.
It would seem Curtis is a combination of a psychologist and spiritual healer, and able to address people’s mental issues by exposing and isolating mind-scape to get to the root of the matter. The role that others have in impacting one’s mental health in a positive or negative way shines through clearly in the book, despite the sometimes blurry way this message is packaged.
The world building is indistinct, yet by the conclusion of the novel I did have a much better vision and understanding of the Paranormal Society (I think). I have to give AD Wills a lot of credit for writing this book – it was not an easy one to pull off, but overall, despite the disorienting feeling of the narrative for me personally I felt “Paranormal Society: Island Complex” is very much a book worth reading.
The uniqueness of the style of the book and the and creativity displayed, and the willingness to tackle tough themes demonstrated by AD Wills is commendable, and I recommend this book to those looking for something truly different to add to their TBR.
To be clear, this was a difficult book for me to assess. I remain unsure, even during the moments of writing this review after finishing the novel, if the book was not about one large dive into the subconscious, or if it was supposed to be representative of reality. It was challenging to differentiate between what was metaphorical or if it was actually supposed to have happened.
One things Wills does very well is throw the reader off, periodically, to make them second guess as to whether there is any reliability to the tale being told at all. It was often jarring, but still, makes for an interesting journey.
The protagonist of the book, Curtis, is not quite alive, and not quite dead, it seems. Curtis has unique and abstract powers that allow him to intervene and assist others when possible. He appears to be able to enter the minds of others and help them confront their emotional trauma. He is also friends (although their relationship seems to lean towards possible future or previous romance) with a minor goddess called Yana, and a mysterious figure called “The Dungeon Master”. Together these three investigate a serious of anomalies that leads them to eventually confront a demon, aspiring to be a god, who is in possession of a tortured young mind.
The psychedelic, surreal world that is the book’s setting is narrated omnisciently first person by Curtis, who is insouciant, to say the least. He is one of the most casual narrators I have ever encountered in fiction, and certainly not easily relatable, at least at first. Though he is extremely laid back, he is also a flawed character, seeming somewhat ambivalent to his own existence.
His antipathy towards his confusing situation as one who is partially dead stands out, and makes him very intriguing. Curtis possesses a droll humour, and his nonchalant, witty and ironic style of speaking grew on me as the novel progressed. I found him, despite his equivocating, to be very compassionate, caring, and motivated to do good.
The banter between Curtis and the secondary characters is quite amusing, and one of my favourite parts of the novel. But overall, despite the humour, the themes explored are quite dark, including emotional abuse, bullying, and depression. There also seems to be a core themes of healing, and what classifies as therapeutic, versus what is harmful to the psyche instead.
It would seem Curtis is a combination of a psychologist and spiritual healer, and able to address people’s mental issues by exposing and isolating mind-scape to get to the root of the matter. The role that others have in impacting one’s mental health in a positive or negative way shines through clearly in the book, despite the sometimes blurry way this message is packaged.
The world building is indistinct, yet by the conclusion of the novel I did have a much better vision and understanding of the Paranormal Society (I think). I have to give AD Wills a lot of credit for writing this book – it was not an easy one to pull off, but overall, despite the disorienting feeling of the narrative for me personally I felt “Paranormal Society: Island Complex” is very much a book worth reading.
The uniqueness of the style of the book and the and creativity displayed, and the willingness to tackle tough themes demonstrated by AD Wills is commendable, and I recommend this book to those looking for something truly different to add to their TBR.
May 4, 2021
This is a very interesting book. Written in a stream-of-conscious style, the (Para)normal Society follows not-so-nearly human and rather jaded Curtis, and his "lifelong partner" and minor goddess, Yana (my favorite) as they investigate a mysterious disturbance. The banter between them and the other side characters is fabulous, and it was interesting to watch the subtle world-building flow throughout the story. Honestly, I was kind of picturing an anime as I read it. Since Curtis is SUPER chill and not really an emotional guy, it was a little difficult for me to really relate to him, but it was fun watching him roll with the aberrations and oddities thrown his way... as well as handle his colorful companions (who were all pretty amusing). Overall, I thought it was an enjoyable read for anyone looking for a unique paranormal tale with fun banter and an interesting cast of characters.
May 11, 2021
Take a journey into the surreal. I have to admit, I love venturing into lesser explored lands and dabbling into the unknown. I felt that (Para)Normal Society delivered in this regard. It is a journey like no other.
(Para)Normal Society by author A.D. Wills is a trip into… well, I’m actually not certain if it is some variation of the spirit world or the subconscious. Does it matter? And it is this question that points me to the clever manner in the way the setting is written. To me, it felt like this detail was obscured intentionally because perhaps they—the spirit world and the subconscious—are one in the same. And hence a psychospiritual world unfolds enhanced by anime-like characters. Who better to tell such a tale?
Full of wit and plenty of snark, I enjoyed these non-conventional characters. They fit the unusual story. I admit, it took me a bit to acclimate to Curtis’ narration style, but once I got used to being part of his inner dialogue, I enjoyed it. He’s someone who I found to be authentic, thoughtful, inquisitive, caring, and yet not without his flaws which, without giving spoilers, are revealed to him in this journey.
Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read with quirky authentic characters set in an incredibly imaginative and clever world. I look forward to reading more from Wills.
(Para)Normal Society by author A.D. Wills is a trip into… well, I’m actually not certain if it is some variation of the spirit world or the subconscious. Does it matter? And it is this question that points me to the clever manner in the way the setting is written. To me, it felt like this detail was obscured intentionally because perhaps they—the spirit world and the subconscious—are one in the same. And hence a psychospiritual world unfolds enhanced by anime-like characters. Who better to tell such a tale?
Full of wit and plenty of snark, I enjoyed these non-conventional characters. They fit the unusual story. I admit, it took me a bit to acclimate to Curtis’ narration style, but once I got used to being part of his inner dialogue, I enjoyed it. He’s someone who I found to be authentic, thoughtful, inquisitive, caring, and yet not without his flaws which, without giving spoilers, are revealed to him in this journey.
Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read with quirky authentic characters set in an incredibly imaginative and clever world. I look forward to reading more from Wills.
May 4, 2021
Oh wow, what a read! Where do I start with this extremely unique and intense work?
I'll start with Curtis--he is a super interesting character. The way this is written allows me to see every thought in his mind, and it's so... disjointed, yet there, at the same time. His reactions are extremely logical, and lack the typical emotion that I'm used to with protagonists. This is a look into a different kind of mind than from what I'm used to, and I love it. His approach to matters is so interesting--he says everything exactly how he thinks it, doesn't hide his thoughts on something, and explains things in depth. Even the wandering-off in his thought process was a joy to read here, that's something I could wholeheartedly empathize with.
START SPOILERS
-----
I ADORE his lack of reaction to Yana, who by the way was another super interesting character. I couldn't tell at first if she was malicious... or sinister. But as I got through the story, I realized that she feels, to me, like someone that does have a good heart. She's there for the adventure, the story, and does value Curtis more than I believe he can see. Her sarcasm and jabs were a joy to read, and I found myself chuckling at her antics. Though she's a god, she's so... down to earth, if that makes sense. Sassy, hilarious, and just... present and in the moment. I absolutely love how a powerful deity can be depicted this way. She felt human, and despite her powers, never went overboard or felt 'all powerful and too good for you'. Sure, she had an ego, that much was clear. But again, it was realistic.
Then, Gray, and that entire storyline--let me just say, that was emotional and struck a cord so many times. My heart bled for her, and honestly? This work created a villain that, really, I couldn't find myself hating so much. Alice wanted to be something. I almost felt like, despite how selfish she was, she wanted to cling to making a difference. For better or for worse. I could feel her pain through the writing. I actually felt sad at the endpoint of this arc. Then, Gray, in contrast, and her shy but present demeanor worked well against her. She was such a strong character, and it makes me happy to see a lady protagonist written with such a strong resolve despite going through so much.
Finally, Curtis's story in the end. I wanted to make mention of how anxiety/depression was depicted here. It felt so real, I actually almost began to cry. What a cord it struck with me. The feeling of going nowhere, being no one, forgotten, left behind, with possibly no future. I myself haven't ever had no one, but I've felt that empty, hopeless feeling myself. The thought that there is no strong future or anywhere to go. Unlike Alice, I felt it was SOMETHING. I could not blame Curtis for being that way. I really do appreciate how this work depicts that you don't have to go through some tragic backstory to feel this way. That it can happen regardless--and that, no matter what, the feelings are still real, and still valid.
-----
END SPOILERS
All in all, I give this five stars. This work was captivating, and it was different. I highly recommend and feel that it should be given a strong chance. There are some REALLY rich and important lessons in this work that will resonate with people. It teaches about vengeance, loneliness, and selflessness.
Oh, and I can't end this without mentioning the world building. We were given tidbits as we went, and it was blended so naturally with the real world. I love the 'no big deal' feeling for everything that was shown (though, with Curtis speaking, that of course makes sense). The fantasy/paranormal elements kept expanding as it went, which was good fun.
Some might think the work is slow at first, which is fair, but honestly the buildup is worth it and important for the excellent edge-of-seat moments that come toward the middle and end.
I'll start with Curtis--he is a super interesting character. The way this is written allows me to see every thought in his mind, and it's so... disjointed, yet there, at the same time. His reactions are extremely logical, and lack the typical emotion that I'm used to with protagonists. This is a look into a different kind of mind than from what I'm used to, and I love it. His approach to matters is so interesting--he says everything exactly how he thinks it, doesn't hide his thoughts on something, and explains things in depth. Even the wandering-off in his thought process was a joy to read here, that's something I could wholeheartedly empathize with.
START SPOILERS
-----
I ADORE his lack of reaction to Yana, who by the way was another super interesting character. I couldn't tell at first if she was malicious... or sinister. But as I got through the story, I realized that she feels, to me, like someone that does have a good heart. She's there for the adventure, the story, and does value Curtis more than I believe he can see. Her sarcasm and jabs were a joy to read, and I found myself chuckling at her antics. Though she's a god, she's so... down to earth, if that makes sense. Sassy, hilarious, and just... present and in the moment. I absolutely love how a powerful deity can be depicted this way. She felt human, and despite her powers, never went overboard or felt 'all powerful and too good for you'. Sure, she had an ego, that much was clear. But again, it was realistic.
Then, Gray, and that entire storyline--let me just say, that was emotional and struck a cord so many times. My heart bled for her, and honestly? This work created a villain that, really, I couldn't find myself hating so much. Alice wanted to be something. I almost felt like, despite how selfish she was, she wanted to cling to making a difference. For better or for worse. I could feel her pain through the writing. I actually felt sad at the endpoint of this arc. Then, Gray, in contrast, and her shy but present demeanor worked well against her. She was such a strong character, and it makes me happy to see a lady protagonist written with such a strong resolve despite going through so much.
Finally, Curtis's story in the end. I wanted to make mention of how anxiety/depression was depicted here. It felt so real, I actually almost began to cry. What a cord it struck with me. The feeling of going nowhere, being no one, forgotten, left behind, with possibly no future. I myself haven't ever had no one, but I've felt that empty, hopeless feeling myself. The thought that there is no strong future or anywhere to go. Unlike Alice, I felt it was SOMETHING. I could not blame Curtis for being that way. I really do appreciate how this work depicts that you don't have to go through some tragic backstory to feel this way. That it can happen regardless--and that, no matter what, the feelings are still real, and still valid.
-----
END SPOILERS
All in all, I give this five stars. This work was captivating, and it was different. I highly recommend and feel that it should be given a strong chance. There are some REALLY rich and important lessons in this work that will resonate with people. It teaches about vengeance, loneliness, and selflessness.
Oh, and I can't end this without mentioning the world building. We were given tidbits as we went, and it was blended so naturally with the real world. I love the 'no big deal' feeling for everything that was shown (though, with Curtis speaking, that of course makes sense). The fantasy/paranormal elements kept expanding as it went, which was good fun.
Some might think the work is slow at first, which is fair, but honestly the buildup is worth it and important for the excellent edge-of-seat moments that come toward the middle and end.
January 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this story of Curtis, who can go into the head of other people and kick out the oddities that feed on negative thoughts and emotions and mess with their mental health. If only he really existed!
Curtis’s has a strong, consistent voice. The characters are great, and I loved Yana, the goddess of fortune, who has a one sided romance with Curtis.
The story is interesting, but I would have liked some more detail so that the ending had the impact it deserved.
While the dialogue is engaging and humorous, it would have been nice to have more description in some of the scenes.
I enjoyed this original novel and look forward to reading the further adventures of Curtis.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Curtis’s has a strong, consistent voice. The characters are great, and I loved Yana, the goddess of fortune, who has a one sided romance with Curtis.
The story is interesting, but I would have liked some more detail so that the ending had the impact it deserved.
While the dialogue is engaging and humorous, it would have been nice to have more description in some of the scenes.
I enjoyed this original novel and look forward to reading the further adventures of Curtis.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2021
First, let me start off by saying that this was probably the most untraditional book I've read in a very long time. That said, it doesn't mean it wasn't enjoyable. Just different. And given the right audience, this book can definitely shine.
What I liked:
The dialogue - it was witty and easy to read
The narrative voice - it painted an engaging picture of our hero that was consistent throughout the story. It really felt like could I picture him. While some might call him apathetic (okay, he kind of was, but consistently so!), it was in such an amusing way as to not bother me. Granted, I'm a longtime fan of animes such as One Punch Man, where the leading character is almost always blank-faced and indifferent to his surroundings. I can understand that it wouldn't appeal to everyone.
Overall, I thought it was a unique and interesting story with amusing characters, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the idea of reading an anime-like, paranormal mystery.
What I liked:
The dialogue - it was witty and easy to read
The narrative voice - it painted an engaging picture of our hero that was consistent throughout the story. It really felt like could I picture him. While some might call him apathetic (okay, he kind of was, but consistently so!), it was in such an amusing way as to not bother me. Granted, I'm a longtime fan of animes such as One Punch Man, where the leading character is almost always blank-faced and indifferent to his surroundings. I can understand that it wouldn't appeal to everyone.
Overall, I thought it was a unique and interesting story with amusing characters, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the idea of reading an anime-like, paranormal mystery.
February 17, 2021
This book is definitely not my usual style, and I did struggle in some places with the stream-of-consciousness style. However, that did not stop me from very much enjoying the story and its characters, who are the backbone of this book. Curtis could have potentially been a very different (read: bad) protagonist, but Wills masterfully balances apathy and curiosity and keeps the reader engaged and connected with him, particularly through his relationships with the other characters. I did feel that the prose could have been stronger throughout, but I think overall the book manages to finish strong. I am looking forward to more from this author!
March 1, 2021
I can say without a shred of doubt that (Para)normal Society: Island Complex is the most unusual and unique book I have ever read. This is a good thing. The plot was so original. That alone was enough to keep me reading. Strange totally works for this book.
(Para)normal Society is written in first person and although our narrator, Curtis, is apathetic and tends to avoid giving us definitive details or stories that would've been nice to hear about, I did enjoy the narration style. The writing and plot held my interest and the side characters were fun additions.
If you're looking for something different, this is the book for you! I look forward to reading more by A.D. Wills!
(Para)normal Society is written in first person and although our narrator, Curtis, is apathetic and tends to avoid giving us definitive details or stories that would've been nice to hear about, I did enjoy the narration style. The writing and plot held my interest and the side characters were fun additions.
If you're looking for something different, this is the book for you! I look forward to reading more by A.D. Wills!
October 26, 2020
Curtis is living in-between dead and alive, this is because two percent of him dies. This makes him an almost human. He now sees oddities and anomalies along with their troubles. We can see an example how how he helps people right at the beginning, he is able to find the trouble and helps the person to figure it out for themselves. After dealing with that oddity and he hears news of a new oddity who has made themselves present online. Curtis heads straight to the home of the Dungeon Master to find out more. The Dungeon Master seems to be the information finder for the team, he gives Curtis all the knowledge to set off on his task.
He does not get very far before his "mentor" called Yana, the Goddess of Fortune, turns up along the way. Yana and Curtis go on this adventure together to find the new oddity which Curtis learned about from his friend the Dungeon Master. Once they arrive and start exploring, they realise that the problem is bigger and more dangerous than they first thought. On this perfect island, them two are the only ones who know about the problem.
I enjoyed the relationship Curtis has with the reader. He is the main characters of the book but it feels like he is talking about things with the reader and explaining things. It made me feel like I was alongside Curtis and his adventures. The last paragraph was very humorous, if you know then you know. Also, the relationship between Curtis and Yana was amusing to read about. They seem to have a deep history and they have stuck together ever since. Yana seems to hint at wanting to take the relationship further but Curtis shuts down the idea immediately. I find them both humorous to read about when they are together. I would have thought Yana would be in charge of their relationship but Curtis has the upper hand. Even the friendship Curtis has with the Dungeon Master is funny, the underlying theme of the book is serious but the conversations Curtis has with Yana and the Dungeon Master does give the book another dimension.
The title of this book really intrigued me, I wanted to know about the (Para) Normal Society and find how why it is called that. Things can seem normal when looking in from the outside but when you look deeper, things might not be as they seem. This oddity was difficult for Curtis and Yana to track down and no one seemed to really know what they were talking about when they asked around.
I enjoyed reading this book, there was a good mixture between seriousness and humour. The storyline seemed very unique, it was interesting to read about, and the characters were amazing. This book deals with both the human world and the paranormal world and how they come together. I think the author done a great job of explaining the two and how they are connected. 5/5 star, thank you for sending me this book A.D. Wills.
He does not get very far before his "mentor" called Yana, the Goddess of Fortune, turns up along the way. Yana and Curtis go on this adventure together to find the new oddity which Curtis learned about from his friend the Dungeon Master. Once they arrive and start exploring, they realise that the problem is bigger and more dangerous than they first thought. On this perfect island, them two are the only ones who know about the problem.
I enjoyed the relationship Curtis has with the reader. He is the main characters of the book but it feels like he is talking about things with the reader and explaining things. It made me feel like I was alongside Curtis and his adventures. The last paragraph was very humorous, if you know then you know. Also, the relationship between Curtis and Yana was amusing to read about. They seem to have a deep history and they have stuck together ever since. Yana seems to hint at wanting to take the relationship further but Curtis shuts down the idea immediately. I find them both humorous to read about when they are together. I would have thought Yana would be in charge of their relationship but Curtis has the upper hand. Even the friendship Curtis has with the Dungeon Master is funny, the underlying theme of the book is serious but the conversations Curtis has with Yana and the Dungeon Master does give the book another dimension.
The title of this book really intrigued me, I wanted to know about the (Para) Normal Society and find how why it is called that. Things can seem normal when looking in from the outside but when you look deeper, things might not be as they seem. This oddity was difficult for Curtis and Yana to track down and no one seemed to really know what they were talking about when they asked around.
I enjoyed reading this book, there was a good mixture between seriousness and humour. The storyline seemed very unique, it was interesting to read about, and the characters were amazing. This book deals with both the human world and the paranormal world and how they come together. I think the author done a great job of explaining the two and how they are connected. 5/5 star, thank you for sending me this book A.D. Wills.
December 17, 2020
Curtis has abilities that most humans don’t possess, but then again he isn’t quite human either. He can help other people face their emotional issues in a one-on-one session in their mind-scape. Yana, a Goddess of fortune is intent on helping Curtis develop his talents, whether he wants her help or not.
Receiving information about an unknown oddity/aberration and an individual with complete memory loss, Curtis and Yana head to Bellfield. Something feels off the moment they arrive. The town of Bellfield is a little too perfect, and nice; the only exceptions being the pool of malice and hatred on the outskirts of town, and the twisted anomaly surrounding the high school.
Gray, a lost aberration with no memory, allows Curtis into her mind-scape, in order to figure out why a “God” that looks like her would be using the anomaly to change the town. Within Gray’s mind-scape Curtis finds a clique of six girls bullying, tormenting, and otherwise constantly abusing Gray. Even causing her to fall down a flight of cement stairs, while they laughed. The fall injured Gray bad enough, her body went into a coma state to heal. While in the coma, a small lump of malice and hatred preyed on Gray’s feelings of anger and hatred. The lump promised Gray (Alice) that it could take away everyone’s pain and hate, creating a truly peaceful place, if Alice would just let it in.
After watching the lump take over Alice’s body, and expel the small splinter of goodness that is Gray, both Curtis and Gray return to reality. Yana helps to stabilize Gray’s essence before she fades away completely. Curtis and his friends discuss the “lump of malice”, and it’s goals. Realizing the entity that took over Alice’s body is a demon trying to become a god, gives clarity to the entire situation. Using the six girls who tormented Alice as a sacrifice should allow the demon to ascend. Can Curtis and his friends find the sixth sacrifice before the demon, or will all hell break loose again?
This book deals with bullying and depression in ways I’ve never seen before. Locating the core of a person’s issues in their own mind-scape leads to healing. The author has turned a mental landscape into a physical place for their characters to visit. I recommend this book to anyone who has attended, will attend, or is attending high school. Realizing the power words have to touch others, in positive and negative ways, is an important lesson to take away from this book.
I received this book for free for this review.
Receiving information about an unknown oddity/aberration and an individual with complete memory loss, Curtis and Yana head to Bellfield. Something feels off the moment they arrive. The town of Bellfield is a little too perfect, and nice; the only exceptions being the pool of malice and hatred on the outskirts of town, and the twisted anomaly surrounding the high school.
Gray, a lost aberration with no memory, allows Curtis into her mind-scape, in order to figure out why a “God” that looks like her would be using the anomaly to change the town. Within Gray’s mind-scape Curtis finds a clique of six girls bullying, tormenting, and otherwise constantly abusing Gray. Even causing her to fall down a flight of cement stairs, while they laughed. The fall injured Gray bad enough, her body went into a coma state to heal. While in the coma, a small lump of malice and hatred preyed on Gray’s feelings of anger and hatred. The lump promised Gray (Alice) that it could take away everyone’s pain and hate, creating a truly peaceful place, if Alice would just let it in.
After watching the lump take over Alice’s body, and expel the small splinter of goodness that is Gray, both Curtis and Gray return to reality. Yana helps to stabilize Gray’s essence before she fades away completely. Curtis and his friends discuss the “lump of malice”, and it’s goals. Realizing the entity that took over Alice’s body is a demon trying to become a god, gives clarity to the entire situation. Using the six girls who tormented Alice as a sacrifice should allow the demon to ascend. Can Curtis and his friends find the sixth sacrifice before the demon, or will all hell break loose again?
This book deals with bullying and depression in ways I’ve never seen before. Locating the core of a person’s issues in their own mind-scape leads to healing. The author has turned a mental landscape into a physical place for their characters to visit. I recommend this book to anyone who has attended, will attend, or is attending high school. Realizing the power words have to touch others, in positive and negative ways, is an important lesson to take away from this book.
I received this book for free for this review.
January 31, 2021
Unconventional & Quirky
I didn’t know what to expect with this book. It’s told in first person with the main character introduced as Curtis Yakimura, a single man living in an abandoned building. He explains that he’s partially dead and that is what allows him to do what he does, search for hidden ailments in others, called “oddities” and help get rid of them. He really makes you think of how the programs inside people prey on them from within. The premise is unique, and the plot has some twists and turns. While I found the narrator quite chatty at some points, I enjoyed the story, and it was one that makes you think. I found it a little jarring when I couldn’t tell what was really happening versus what he imagined.
I didn’t know what to expect with this book. It’s told in first person with the main character introduced as Curtis Yakimura, a single man living in an abandoned building. He explains that he’s partially dead and that is what allows him to do what he does, search for hidden ailments in others, called “oddities” and help get rid of them. He really makes you think of how the programs inside people prey on them from within. The premise is unique, and the plot has some twists and turns. While I found the narrator quite chatty at some points, I enjoyed the story, and it was one that makes you think. I found it a little jarring when I couldn’t tell what was really happening versus what he imagined.
May 24, 2021
How to describe this entertaining and surprisingly cathartic story? Reading it is like playing through a first-person video game that encourages you to confront your own inner darkness as you navigate a unique world and an intriguing mystery alongside the protagonist. An unlikely yet admirable hero, a wise and empathetic portrayal of mental health, and a delightfully quirky supporting cast, are just a few of the elements that make this book such a special read. Sequel, please!!
January 13, 2021
Not an easy book to settle into as there are no familiar reference points, but I’m glad I persevered. It is a unique view of niceness and nastiness, animated insecurities and divine randomness! I loved the relationship between the female God of Fortune and our poor ‘nearly human’ hero! You have to work quite hard to get the overall picture, but the humour kept me reading until I became so curious I had to see where it was all going. A great mental work out and I’m left with some new refreshing attitudes.
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