The Gnome King reviewed Out Black Spot by Leo X. Robertson
Review of 'Out Black Spot' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Interesting concept for a book, Paraguayan spirits, apocalypse, war and space travel, it takes a talented writer to put all those things into one book and Leo Robertson achieves it on his debut novel.
It took me quite a while to get a grip on this book only because so many things start off at once and things aren't helped when the first word you read is "epilogue" but it is worth sticking with as when your brain syncs with the book you realise just how clever this all is.
It is one of those books where each time you read it you'll understand it different each time. It is a dystopian future, oil reserves are gone and Paraguay is now the nation with power... so what are humans gonna do about that? Why go to war of course. We are then introduced to the hero of the story, the …
Interesting concept for a book, Paraguayan spirits, apocalypse, war and space travel, it takes a talented writer to put all those things into one book and Leo Robertson achieves it on his debut novel.
It took me quite a while to get a grip on this book only because so many things start off at once and things aren't helped when the first word you read is "epilogue" but it is worth sticking with as when your brain syncs with the book you realise just how clever this all is.
It is one of those books where each time you read it you'll understand it different each time. It is a dystopian future, oil reserves are gone and Paraguay is now the nation with power... so what are humans gonna do about that? Why go to war of course. We are then introduced to the hero of the story, the Marshal, the insane commander of Paraguay's army, he with the wonderful necklace made of ears, sure I've seen that same necklace in Argos for £12.99.
The confusing part for me was it seems we are seeing a similar story from different realities, you have Octavia doing deals with spirits, Juan on a spaceship, the Marshal in the afterlife??? And Juan and Matias at war with Brazil.
This isn't a book you can sit down and read with only half your brain active, this book demands your full attention and if you're willing to give it then you're in for an amazing ride.