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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
Okay
I read it, rather strange but it did mostly explain things as you went along. Plus a meaty plot. But I can't say I would ever read another book by this author.
I read it, rather strange but it did mostly explain things as you went along. Plus a meaty plot. But I can't say I would ever read another book by this author.
So I'm getting so tired of books and stories that intentionally stoke hatred by depicting loathsome villains whose sole purpose for existing is to make you despise them.
This book does this, and it's especially irritating because there are some interesting aspects to the story like what exactly is happening to Seb after he's visited by a mysterious alien. But of course before he can find out he's got to contend the evil sociopathic black ops operative who loves killing in a myriad of gruesome and sadistic ways. And if you're bored with that or need some more loathing in your literature, well, there's always his murderous power hungry mafia-style boss, or some deluded witchy woman whose only purpose is to kill for Satan. Oh yeah, and there's the psychopathic kid in Seb's past who also really gets his kicks out of hurting other people. So all the villains either seem to lack the capacity to care about their murder victims, or they get a thrill out of it.
All this is obviously being done in the name of revenge porn, which is never particularly satisfying anyway. I'm actually about 3/4 of the way through the first book, and I'm putting it down. If any of the villains survive, then you know it's because the writer needs them to keep on acting like a bunch of assholes in book 2. Like an idiot I bought the second book in the series when I got the first, and I bought audiobooks, so that's a lot of money wasted. But I'm just too pissed off to bother finishing this empty, vacant and largely humourless story. I find it especially irritating since, In spite of seeing the writer going on about using meditation to calm one's spirit, his drives his own plot by cultivating hatred in his readers.
This book does this, and it's especially irritating because there are some interesting aspects to the story like what exactly is happening to Seb after he's visited by a mysterious alien. But of course before he can find out he's got to contend the evil sociopathic black ops operative who loves killing in a myriad of gruesome and sadistic ways. And if you're bored with that or need some more loathing in your literature, well, there's always his murderous power hungry mafia-style boss, or some deluded witchy woman whose only purpose is to kill for Satan. Oh yeah, and there's the psychopathic kid in Seb's past who also really gets his kicks out of hurting other people. So all the villains either seem to lack the capacity to care about their murder victims, or they get a thrill out of it.
All this is obviously being done in the name of revenge porn, which is never particularly satisfying anyway. I'm actually about 3/4 of the way through the first book, and I'm putting it down. If any of the villains survive, then you know it's because the writer needs them to keep on acting like a bunch of assholes in book 2. Like an idiot I bought the second book in the series when I got the first, and I bought audiobooks, so that's a lot of money wasted. But I'm just too pissed off to bother finishing this empty, vacant and largely humourless story. I find it especially irritating since, In spite of seeing the writer going on about using meditation to calm one's spirit, his drives his own plot by cultivating hatred in his readers.
Overall, I guess I liked this book. Honestly, though, I could tell that it was from an early point in an author's career. There's something slightly OFF about the pacing, but I'm not enough of a literary critic to be able to explain it any better than that. The plot was good, if not overly original. I'm going to read the next book, as I do see some potential here.
Audiobook notes: The Narrator (Todd Boyce) did a decent job, with only occasional mispronunciations that might actually just be the difference between a British speaker and an American one.
Audiobook notes: The Narrator (Todd Boyce) did a decent job, with only occasional mispronunciations that might actually just be the difference between a British speaker and an American one.
06/09/2020 Notes:
Rating Raised from 3 Stars to 4 Stars
4 Stars for Narration by Todd Boyce (He is a good fit for Seb.)
4 Stars for Philosophy, Magic Concepts
4 Stars for Fun Characters
3 Stars for Plot
- Great book in audio format.
- Fun characters with unique traits.
- Engaging story flow from start to finish.
07/30/2017 Review:
When I first saw the blurb for this book, I had these ideas that it would about about hopping around in alternate dimensions. It wasn't entirely inaccurate, but not really what the story was about. Todd Boyce did a great job narrating the story, and he definitely made it fun experience to listen to the story.
[b:The World Walker|29612579|The World Walker (The World Walker, #1)|Ian W. Sainsbury|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1458845508l/29612579._SY75_.jpg|49954357] is about a guy who was ready to throw in the towel before his illness destroyed what little health he had. He went for a walk, settled by a pretty view, drank a fair share of whisky, wrapped himself with familiar music and used a blade to let himself go.
Here the story begins. One about magic, aliens and following the heart from within the endless calm.
Something pulled him back from death and changed him. There's no time to figure out what the hell just happened or why he's still alive. Seb's forced to run for his life and awkwardly look for answers.
The first book of the World Walker series is an intro to Seb and the characters that impact his life. A bit of a look behind the scenes, the primary idea and a close up on what makes Seb tick. The tale starts in the present and goes back in time for select events. It was well done.
I found many of the interactions in the story to be charming in how relatable they were to real life. Not that it would be something that I would do but they were things I could imagine happening to myself or friends. I laughed when I shouldn't and snarked at every available instance.
It was an enjoyable ride with a dollop of philosophical natures, ideals and religious ramifications. For a cast comprised with mostly "bad guys", there's a pretty steep range of motivations behind the characters. Sainsbury did it right and I empathized with the bad guys even as I was horrified by their actions. It's not unusual to choose yourself over others. Some would say that is a weakness. Others would say that is a strength.
This is the story to set up who and what. I'm pretty sure the next story will establish why, when and revisit the idea of who.
Seb ends up with absurdly powerful abilities but he's pretty clueless on what's going on and how to use what he has. There's no manual to tell him what to do. I like that. I like that he's bumbling his way around and trying to figure out how to find his balance. The journey starts here. I wonder where it will lead and how it will end?
Rating Raised from 3 Stars to 4 Stars
4 Stars for Narration by Todd Boyce (He is a good fit for Seb.)
4 Stars for Philosophy, Magic Concepts
4 Stars for Fun Characters
3 Stars for Plot
- Great book in audio format.
- Fun characters with unique traits.
- Engaging story flow from start to finish.
07/30/2017 Review:
When I first saw the blurb for this book, I had these ideas that it would about about hopping around in alternate dimensions. It wasn't entirely inaccurate, but not really what the story was about. Todd Boyce did a great job narrating the story, and he definitely made it fun experience to listen to the story.
[b:The World Walker|29612579|The World Walker (The World Walker, #1)|Ian W. Sainsbury|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1458845508l/29612579._SY75_.jpg|49954357] is about a guy who was ready to throw in the towel before his illness destroyed what little health he had. He went for a walk, settled by a pretty view, drank a fair share of whisky, wrapped himself with familiar music and used a blade to let himself go.
Here the story begins. One about magic, aliens and following the heart from within the endless calm.
Something pulled him back from death and changed him. There's no time to figure out what the hell just happened or why he's still alive. Seb's forced to run for his life and awkwardly look for answers.
The first book of the World Walker series is an intro to Seb and the characters that impact his life. A bit of a look behind the scenes, the primary idea and a close up on what makes Seb tick. The tale starts in the present and goes back in time for select events. It was well done.
I found many of the interactions in the story to be charming in how relatable they were to real life. Not that it would be something that I would do but they were things I could imagine happening to myself or friends. I laughed when I shouldn't and snarked at every available instance.
It was an enjoyable ride with a dollop of philosophical natures, ideals and religious ramifications. For a cast comprised with mostly "bad guys", there's a pretty steep range of motivations behind the characters. Sainsbury did it right and I empathized with the bad guys even as I was horrified by their actions. It's not unusual to choose yourself over others. Some would say that is a weakness. Others would say that is a strength.
This is the story to set up who and what. I'm pretty sure the next story will establish why, when and revisit the idea of who.
Seb ends up with absurdly powerful abilities but he's pretty clueless on what's going on and how to use what he has. There's no manual to tell him what to do. I like that. I like that he's bumbling his way around and trying to figure out how to find his balance. The journey starts here. I wonder where it will lead and how it will end?
It's not magic, it's, err, nano-technology!
This book has some interesting ideas, but very bland writing. And some gaping plot-holes that aren't really addressed, but which book about modern-day magic, aliens and conspiracies doesn't have those. It would be so easy to make fun of the author by pointing out that there are more ways to describe women than by how sexy they are. At points I felt like reading the power-fantasies of a 14 year old, but unfortunately this excuse doesn't count because the author is way older than that.
The main character starts suicidal before accepting that he's now pretty much a god without really acknowledging it or even being bothered by it too much.
"Meh, saw this alien, and he didn't even put a probe where the sun don't shine. Whatever.".
"Meh, yeah, guess I'm super fast now, whatever".
"Meh, got my face burned off and regenerated it quicker than Wolverine, big deal.".
"Meh, my unconscious can now surf the internet while I talk to people. How does that work? Who cares! Nanotechnology. Alien nanotechnology. Whatever.".
Or, explaining all his new powers and problems to his not-girlfriend with "I am a world-walker now", as if everyone on this planet would know what that is. Seeing as he seems to be the first of his kind, it makes even less sense.
Also, like in 80s movies, people are either very good or plain evil; and I doubt the villains could be written in a more stereotypical way. Yawn.
All in all, I was hoping for the book to get better after a mediocre start, but it actually got worse. I am not going to buy books 2 to 4 or however many there are.
This book has some interesting ideas, but very bland writing. And some gaping plot-holes that aren't really addressed, but which book about modern-day magic, aliens and conspiracies doesn't have those. It would be so easy to make fun of the author by pointing out that there are more ways to describe women than by how sexy they are. At points I felt like reading the power-fantasies of a 14 year old, but unfortunately this excuse doesn't count because the author is way older than that.
The main character starts suicidal before accepting that he's now pretty much a god without really acknowledging it or even being bothered by it too much.
"Meh, saw this alien, and he didn't even put a probe where the sun don't shine. Whatever.".
"Meh, yeah, guess I'm super fast now, whatever".
"Meh, got my face burned off and regenerated it quicker than Wolverine, big deal.".
"Meh, my unconscious can now surf the internet while I talk to people. How does that work? Who cares! Nanotechnology. Alien nanotechnology. Whatever.".
Or, explaining all his new powers and problems to his not-girlfriend with "I am a world-walker now", as if everyone on this planet would know what that is. Seeing as he seems to be the first of his kind, it makes even less sense.
Also, like in 80s movies, people are either very good or plain evil; and I doubt the villains could be written in a more stereotypical way. Yawn.
All in all, I was hoping for the book to get better after a mediocre start, but it actually got worse. I am not going to buy books 2 to 4 or however many there are.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Oh my god. Not much of a reviewer but this book blew me away. And when I read in the authors notes that it was his first book and he had not been sure if people would like it I just couldn't believe it. Completely original ideas that make so much sense and the story telling is out of this world.
The fact the second and third book came out so quick and are written so well is amazing also. Can't wait for book four.
The fact the second and third book came out so quick and are written so well is amazing also. Can't wait for book four.
06/09/2020 Notes:
Rating Raised from 3 Stars to 4 Stars
4 Stars for Narration by Todd Boyce (He is a good fit for Seb.)
4 Stars for Philosophy, Magic Concepts
4 Stars for Fun Characters
3 Stars for Plot
- Great book in audio format.
- Fun characters with unique traits.
- Engaging story flow from start to finish.
07/30/2017 Review:
When I first saw the blurb for this book, I had these ideas that it would about about hopping around in alternate dimensions. It wasn't entirely inaccurate, but not really what the story was about. Todd Boyce did a great job narrating the story, and he definitely made it fun experience to listen to the story.
[b:The World Walker|29612579|The World Walker (The World Walker, #1)|Ian W. Sainsbury|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1458845508l/29612579._SY75_.jpg|49954357] is about a guy who was ready to throw in the towel before his illness destroyed what little health he had. He went for a walk, settled by a pretty view, drank a fair share of whisky, wrapped himself with familiar music and used a blade to let himself go.
Here the story begins. One about magic, aliens and following the heart from within the endless calm.
Something pulled him back from death and changed him. There's no time to figure out what the hell just happened or why he's still alive. Seb's forced to run for his life and awkwardly look for answers.
The first book of the World Walker series is an intro to Seb and the characters that impact his life. A bit of a look behind the scenes, the primary idea and a close up on what makes Seb tick. The tale starts in the present and goes back in time for select events. It was well done.
I found many of the interactions in the story to be charming in how relatable they were to real life. Not that it would be something that I would do but they were things I could imagine happening to myself or friends. I laughed when I shouldn't and snarked at every available instance.
It was an enjoyable ride with a dollop of philosophical natures, ideals and religious ramifications. For a cast comprised with mostly "bad guys", there's a pretty steep range of motivations behind the characters. Sainsbury did it right and I empathized with the bad guys even as I was horrified by their actions. It's not unusual to choose yourself over others. Some would say that is a weakness. Others would say that is a strength.
This is the story to set up who and what. I'm pretty sure the next story will establish why, when and revisit the idea of who.
Seb ends up with absurdly powerful abilities but he's pretty clueless on what's going on and how to use what he has. There's no manual to tell him what to do. I like that. I like that he's bumbling his way around and trying to figure out how to find his balance. The journey starts here. I wonder where it will lead and how it will end?
Rating Raised from 3 Stars to 4 Stars
4 Stars for Narration by Todd Boyce (He is a good fit for Seb.)
4 Stars for Philosophy, Magic Concepts
4 Stars for Fun Characters
3 Stars for Plot
- Great book in audio format.
- Fun characters with unique traits.
- Engaging story flow from start to finish.
07/30/2017 Review:
When I first saw the blurb for this book, I had these ideas that it would about about hopping around in alternate dimensions. It wasn't entirely inaccurate, but not really what the story was about. Todd Boyce did a great job narrating the story, and he definitely made it fun experience to listen to the story.
[b:The World Walker|29612579|The World Walker (The World Walker, #1)|Ian W. Sainsbury|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1458845508l/29612579._SY75_.jpg|49954357] is about a guy who was ready to throw in the towel before his illness destroyed what little health he had. He went for a walk, settled by a pretty view, drank a fair share of whisky, wrapped himself with familiar music and used a blade to let himself go.
Here the story begins. One about magic, aliens and following the heart from within the endless calm.
Something pulled him back from death and changed him. There's no time to figure out what the hell just happened or why he's still alive. Seb's forced to run for his life and awkwardly look for answers.
The first book of the World Walker series is an intro to Seb and the characters that impact his life. A bit of a look behind the scenes, the primary idea and a close up on what makes Seb tick. The tale starts in the present and goes back in time for select events. It was well done.
I found many of the interactions in the story to be charming in how relatable they were to real life. Not that it would be something that I would do but they were things I could imagine happening to myself or friends. I laughed when I shouldn't and snarked at every available instance.
It was an enjoyable ride with a dollop of philosophical natures, ideals and religious ramifications. For a cast comprised with mostly "bad guys", there's a pretty steep range of motivations behind the characters. Sainsbury did it right and I empathized with the bad guys even as I was horrified by their actions. It's not unusual to choose yourself over others. Some would say that is a weakness. Others would say that is a strength.
This is the story to set up who and what. I'm pretty sure the next story will establish why, when and revisit the idea of who.
Seb ends up with absurdly powerful abilities but he's pretty clueless on what's going on and how to use what he has. There's no manual to tell him what to do. I like that. I like that he's bumbling his way around and trying to figure out how to find his balance. The journey starts here. I wonder where it will lead and how it will end?
This was a much more engaging story than I expected it to be and I'm excited to jump right in to the next one.
It does, however, suffer from some fairly poor copy editing. Things like verb tense switches, duplicate words, typos and the like. Just enough to be distracting but not enough to ruin the story or cause you to stumble trying to understand the author.
Even with all that it's a solid 4 star story, maybe more.
It does, however, suffer from some fairly poor copy editing. Things like verb tense switches, duplicate words, typos and the like. Just enough to be distracting but not enough to ruin the story or cause you to stumble trying to understand the author.
Even with all that it's a solid 4 star story, maybe more.