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mad_about_books's review against another edition
5.0
GREYLOCK is an exquisite symphony of musical prose. It feeds the senses while engaging the mind. I was immediately enamored of this book because it is a tale of music and whales and murder without actual mayhem. This is a murder mystery where the cerebral aspects of planning are far more interesting than the execution or solution.
Like Boston, Mount Greylock is a real place tucked away in the northwest corner of Massachusetts. It is the highest natural point in the state. These very real places play host to Alexei Georg, composer, pianist and former US Navy submariner who is on a passionate quest to compose his whale symphony. He is haunted by the songs of beluga whales and so much more.
There is a supernatural element at work here. It is woven into the fabric of the tale like a gossamer thread. Into this phantasmagoria, so subtle, I was drawn into believing that folklore is real, that personal demons can take on corporeal substance, and that human beings are so multidimensional as to be truly unfathomable.
I have said it before (if you follow my reviews), and I will say it again... I love beautiful prose. GREYLOCK is a fine example of such writing. While reading, I take note of editorial gaffs. I can't say that I found any here, and I must tip my hat to Ms Cappa for using the word 'whomever' correctly. In the modern world of shortcut writing... text messages, Twitter, email... the bottom line is that we need writers that can pass on the beauty of words used correctly.
In GREYLOCK, Paula Cappa has written an experience to be savored and remembered.
(I received my copy of GREYLOCK from the author in exchange for a review.)
Like Boston, Mount Greylock is a real place tucked away in the northwest corner of Massachusetts. It is the highest natural point in the state. These very real places play host to Alexei Georg, composer, pianist and former US Navy submariner who is on a passionate quest to compose his whale symphony. He is haunted by the songs of beluga whales and so much more.
There is a supernatural element at work here. It is woven into the fabric of the tale like a gossamer thread. Into this phantasmagoria, so subtle, I was drawn into believing that folklore is real, that personal demons can take on corporeal substance, and that human beings are so multidimensional as to be truly unfathomable.
I have said it before (if you follow my reviews), and I will say it again... I love beautiful prose. GREYLOCK is a fine example of such writing. While reading, I take note of editorial gaffs. I can't say that I found any here, and I must tip my hat to Ms Cappa for using the word 'whomever' correctly. In the modern world of shortcut writing... text messages, Twitter, email... the bottom line is that we need writers that can pass on the beauty of words used correctly.
In GREYLOCK, Paula Cappa has written an experience to be savored and remembered.
(I received my copy of GREYLOCK from the author in exchange for a review.)
aly36's review
5.0
This book was a very interesting, very different horror story. I enjoyed the Goth-like style. I loved the book. At first I thought the book was going to be a bit strange but once I understood what the author was doing I enjoyed the book. I don't find unique books every day. I loved the twists and turns the book took me on as well. I was on the edge of my seat with this book. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
thegothiclibrary's review
3.0
*I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Greylock has a very unique and intriguing premise--Alexei Georg is a pianist and composer who unwittingly awakens a dark supernatural power when he discovers a sonata called "October" in an old sea chest and passes it off as his own composition. Now, as he tries to create a new composition inspired by whale songs, he is instead haunted by the mistakes of his and his family's past. The story blends elements of crime thriller (there is a serial killer on the loose), romance, and paranormal fantasy while also exploring subjects like musical composition, the social lives of professional performers, and the habits of beluga whales.
I have to say, I had some trouble getting into this book, mainly because I strongly disliked the main character. He hates his wife, frequently going into detail about how he would like to murder her and at times actually getting physically aggressive with her. Sure, she's not a nice person either, but that doesn't excuse his violent fantasies and and actions. Then, when his wife is murdered, he shows little remorse except for the vague worry that he will be pegged as the culprit. Solidifying my poor opinion of Alexei and his relationships with women were the many instances in which he gaslights his girlfriend Lia in an attempt to continue hooking up with her while hiding the supernatural things going on around him.
I can appreciate the value of a flawed character, but Alexei doesn't appear to change and grow in any of the areas that particularly bothered me by the end of the book, which has the effect of seemingly condoning his behavior. Also, disliking him made it very hard for me to care about and root for him to complete his whale symphony and stave off the demon creature haunting and tempting him.
My favorite aspects of the book were the supernatural elements, and I especially enjoyed the inclusion of Russian folklore and the character of Alexei's spiritual guide, Shemiossa. The overall concept of the story was very Faustian, which I always enjoy. I feel like the book tried to do too many things, though, and the supernatural elements didn't get as much time as they perhaps should have. Overall, I liked many of the concepts of the book, but the character of Alexei prevented me from truly enjoying it.
Greylock has a very unique and intriguing premise--Alexei Georg is a pianist and composer who unwittingly awakens a dark supernatural power when he discovers a sonata called "October" in an old sea chest and passes it off as his own composition. Now, as he tries to create a new composition inspired by whale songs, he is instead haunted by the mistakes of his and his family's past. The story blends elements of crime thriller (there is a serial killer on the loose), romance, and paranormal fantasy while also exploring subjects like musical composition, the social lives of professional performers, and the habits of beluga whales.
I have to say, I had some trouble getting into this book, mainly because I strongly disliked the main character. He hates his wife, frequently going into detail about how he would like to murder her and at times actually getting physically aggressive with her. Sure, she's not a nice person either, but that doesn't excuse his violent fantasies and and actions. Then, when his wife is murdered, he shows little remorse except for the vague worry that he will be pegged as the culprit. Solidifying my poor opinion of Alexei and his relationships with women were the many instances in which he gaslights his girlfriend Lia in an attempt to continue hooking up with her while hiding the supernatural things going on around him.
I can appreciate the value of a flawed character, but Alexei doesn't appear to change and grow in any of the areas that particularly bothered me by the end of the book, which has the effect of seemingly condoning his behavior. Also, disliking him made it very hard for me to care about and root for him to complete his whale symphony and stave off the demon creature haunting and tempting him.
My favorite aspects of the book were the supernatural elements, and I especially enjoyed the inclusion of Russian folklore and the character of Alexei's spiritual guide, Shemiossa. The overall concept of the story was very Faustian, which I always enjoy. I feel like the book tried to do too many things, though, and the supernatural elements didn't get as much time as they perhaps should have. Overall, I liked many of the concepts of the book, but the character of Alexei prevented me from truly enjoying it.
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