Reviews

One of the things I've really enjoyed since Sunliner was published has been getting feedback from readers and seeing reviews go up on Amazon and Smashwords. Because I'm slightly vain and proud of the book I thought I'd take the time to collect those reviews together here. So here they are with a big thank you from me for everyone who has taken the time to review the book :-)


Amazon

5.0 out of 5 stars Sci-fi with a soul, 23 Feb 2012
By Pandora Nico
Can only be described as "Page-turningly good" - keeps you guessing throughout eagerly anticipating the next chapter - Use of language and descriptions create beautiful images and emotions through the whole of the book, which stay with you after finishing a chapter, making it all feel very very real.
Would totally recommend this book to anyone who has read either Phillip K Dick or similar as a MUST read for this day.
Am looking forward to reading lots more by the same author.

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4.0 out of 5 stars 50s noir cruises along nicely, 23 Mar 2012
By David (NE Scotland)
This review is from: Sunliner (Kindle Edition)
Sunliner has it all - mystery, romance, murder, action and comedy - and the plot twists and turns almost as often as the genre changes. Starts off by setting the scene, mid-1950s USA, giving it a very film noir feel. But hey, once things get rolling the story changes gears, and certainly does not go where one might expect it! To say more would spoil it, but it climaxes well and comes full circle nicely.
In summary, a real "page turner" and a rewarding yet light read over four or five hours. Written by a first time novellist too, if this is the standard of his future works then I look forward to them.
Recommended!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book, 23 Mar 2012
By Brandersnatch
This review is from: Sunliner (Kindle Edition)
This is a very good read, particularly the way the story takes a sharp left turn half way through. I would definitely recommend this book, it rattles along at a good pace and the use of language is impressive.

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5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling read, March 19, 2012
By Kim
This review is from: Sunliner (Kindle Edition)
I purchased this book at the encouragement of a friend and I am very glad I did. I was hooked by the end of the first chapter and it only continued to get more gripping as the story went on. The storyline was well thought out, the characters were believable, and it was a very entertaining read. Highly recommended and I am eagerly awaiting the authors' next work.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced noir thriller with an unexpected twist, 25 Mar 2012
By D. K. P. Watson "dkpw"
This review is from: Sunliner (Kindle Edition)
This is a really good first novel from Oliver Clarke, written with a strong film noir resonance; set in 50s Los Angeles and featuring a plot which revolves around Curtis Merryweather's business dealings and moral struggles with local gangster, the ruthless JJ.
I found the start of the book a little slow and I was concerned that the plot might have been too generic and the language too clichéd. However after a false start and continuing beyond the initial chapters my persistence was rewarded, as the author extended the characterisations of the main players, maintained an excellent plot pace, provided vivid (and sometimes gruesome) descriptions which kept me pressing the Kindle button to find out what would happen next.
About three quarters of the way in, the plot makes a sharp diversion which results in a radically different outcome from that which could have been imagined from ones reading to that point. Such a tangential plot (and in some ways) genre change could have been grating and over-contrived but it was handled well, leading into action based on the strong characterisations, which maintained continuity within the adjusted context.
I removed one star from my rating, as I noticed throughout small typographical errors. I also felt that sometimes the phraseology and narration could have been condensed; both points indicating that an additional round of proof-reading and editing would have proved useful.
However as an enthralling, fast paced, page-turning enjoyable read, Sunliner is a success!


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Smashwords

4.0 out of 5 stars 
Review by: Eddie Platts on March 23, 2012 :
After the slow start, the story fairly raced along and I was disappointed it wasn't longer. A few strong characters and I look forward to seeing more in this style from this author.
Definitely my type of book.

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4.0 out of 5 stars
Review by: v m on Feb. 28, 2012 :
Loved this book. Not something I'd usually read but glad I gave it a go. I was gripped from start to finish. Believable characters in a good plot with a twist! Would recommend. Looking forward to more from this author.


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4.0 out of 5 stars
Review by: ack z06 on Apr. 04, 2012 :
A fun and fast read. So realistic the antagonist gave me the willies.