Sci-Fi & Scary

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Netgalley for review consideration.

So, I knew there was a chance I wasn't going to like this book, which is why I read a sample before I decided to request it for review consideration. The sample that I read made me think that I would be able to enjoy it, and ultimately I did end up enjoying Paramnesia. It took a while (at least to the 40% mark) before I flipped from annoyed to intrigued, but it did happen.

Paramnesia has problems, as many other readers have pointed out. The prologue is a bit unnecessary. The insta-love between Nora and Andrew was painful. We're talking eye-roll, groan-from-the-toes-up painful. That part alone was almost enough to make me give up on the book. Not many of the characters are actually likable, and dialogue is not the author's strong point.

However, once I adjusted my expectations of Paramnesia for the age range its aimed at and things actually started happening, I found myself enjoying the story a bit more. By the halfway point, I was semi-reluctantly engaged in what was going on. By the time the book hit it's final act, I found myself needing to finish it. The lead up to the final battle, and the battle itself put me in my happy spot. I found myself rooting for Nora and Charlie (even though I still didn't particularly like Nora). I wanted things to work out for the Deadish crew.

I think Brian Wilkinson has a great imagination, and I hope that future books of the Deadish Chronicles will showcase more of the story-telling talent that I saw in the last half of Paramnesia. The potential for a great story to be told is evident in Paramnesia, but there is just too much focus on relationship drama that's unnecessary, and the Revenant comes across more like an angry spoiled brat than an actual evil to be feared.

Overall, though, it wasn't a bad read. If the first half had matched up to the last half, it would have been a good read. Approach Paramnesia with caution if you have issues with insta-love and the like, but don't run in the other direction. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it in the end. I was.