Old Man Odyssey
In Old Man Odyssey by K. Fleischhacker, the author’ imagination is undeniable. There are strange and unique beings, places and events scattered throughout this story. It comes across as some kind of mix between Mad Max, Tank Girl and John Carter. Magic, alchemy, the paranormal and science fiction whirl back and forth through each other psychotically.
…a great deal of combat, fighting and blood spattering action.
Apparently, something important happens, but having read the book, I am not at all sure what exactly. I have a suspicion that a deep and meaningful story lies at the heart of this book, frustratingly I am not at all sure what it might be. I honestly couldn’t say what the plot might be or if it has one at all. There appear to be multiple ‘Deus ex Machina’ and un-foreshadowed necessary coincidences scattered throughout the action. The only thing I can say with any certainty is that there does indeed appear to be a great deal of combat, fighting and blood spattering action.
Unfortunately, the style of prose ruined any chance of enjoyment for me. It is both impenetrable and obfuscating. Much of the descriptive vocabulary appears to have been chosen at random form an antiquated dictionary. The narration stumbles back and forth between past and present tense whilst slipping between 1st and 3rd person at unexpected points. The unnatural dialogue feels stiff and forced. The grammar is utterly wild and untamed. I really cannot imagine that any kind of professional editing or even peer review was performed on this manuscript before publishing.
A creativity 2 out of 5 stars for Kyle Fleischhacker. However, unless future book prose are far more coherent, I really can’t imagine continuing reading if this were to become a series.
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