Official Review: The Ferryman by Amy Neftzger

[S dot Lennon]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Ferryman" by Amy Neftzger.]

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Grave robbing wasn’t something Karen ever thought she would do but after falling on financially hard times she realized that her needs and the needs of her son, Claude, superseded the needs of the deceased. They wouldn’t be able to use the valuables they were buried with. Karen on the other hand could sell them and put the money towards her bills. She had no idea that when she robbed this particular grave, that of Jerome Brown, and took the gold coins placed on his eyes that she would be entering a contract with Fate. Alas, Fate had other plans that she made clear to Karen involved her escorting spirits into the next life. Karen realized that playing the role of the ferryman included much more than simply crossing a river. It was her job to help these spirits through whatever issue was stopping them from making their way to the other side.

The Ferryman is a short science fiction novel that plays with Karen’s predicament and her unwillingness to participate in the woes of Fate and her husband, Fortune. Fate appeared out of nowhere that fateful night and changed Karen’s life. All Karen wanted was away to provide for her and her son and now she was unwillingly employed by Fate. Karen soon realized that even though Fate was fashionable and seemingly everywhere she was also manipulative and was using Karen for her own ends. It also didn’t help that Karen was falling for Fortune, who was gorgeous and in, what can only be considered, an extremely unhappy and complicated marriage. Now Karen had not only her son to concern herself with. Now she was involved with two of the forces that can determine the future of the world.

Neftzger wrote an interesting and original story that took into consideration two of the entities considered often in everyday life: Fate and Fortune. Karen had to consider, throughout the novel, what forces in the universe play a part in our everyday lives. Her encounters with spirits made her think and consider what it means to live, have a family and raise a son. It caused Karen to reflect on the choices she had made and the decisions that have caused her to be in this precarious situation.

Though interesting and easy to read this story had its flaws. The characters while interesting weren’t thoroughly developed. The world of this story needed to be developed. The details were so scarce that this could have taken place in any city in the world. The lack in detail and development hurt the success of the novel. If more information had been provided about the history of Fate and Fortune and also the way in which spirits existed in this earthly realm I would have found this much more appeasing.

Regardless of the faults I’ve mentioned I think many people would find this novel enjoyable. I give this novel 3 out of 4 stars. An increase in information, and pages, would have added needed depth to the story it is an easy to read novel with a touch of humor and intrigue that will keep people turning the pages.

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[amybo82]

This sounds like an interesting concept. I wonder if the limited character development would make me dislike it. I love a good character! I think this will be a book I add to my to-read list to check it out for myself! Great review!

[S dot Lennon]

It's a short book so I would definitely give it a shot!

[HiremeNow]

I love reading it's not the topic I'm use to reading but it looks like I will enjoy it.

[LSWS07]

What an interesting concept! I may have to put this on my list.

[S dot Lennon]

I definitely fell for this concept when choosing this book! It was such an interesting concept!

[obiebookworm]

What an interesting twist to have the least likely character turn robber - and a female, no less! I love it! Great review, and thanks for writing it!

[Heidi M Simone]

Book of the Day!!

From the title and the book cover, I did not expect this book to be about grave robbing. It is understandable her desperate need to provide for her and her son, but digging into people's graves and stealing their possessions? Wow! I can It does sound like an interesting read, though! Congratulations to the author for getting a good review and being Book of the Day!

[gali]

Sounds like an interesting story. Grave robbing, escorting spirits into the next life, heartless fate and her mate Fortune, what a mix! I am glad you enjoyed the short story despite its slight faults. Congratulations to the author on the great review!

[shelley_soetosenojo]

Thank you for the very clear review. It does sound like a very interesting story, especially the part where the protagonist has to help the spirits to deal with whatever that is hindering them to crossover. I will add this to my to read list.

[bluemel4]

It's amazing what lengths parents are willing to go in order to provide for their children. Personally, grave robbing wouldn't be a go to for me. (Ew dead bodies!) I like that even though the story is short you seemed to get a lot from Karen learning about life while dealing directly with death. Congratulations to the author on the positive review!

[Majikalone]

Who knew Fate was such a bitch? This looks like a really good book, although I must say I don't advocate grave robbing as a means to support your family!

[1_2_5_am]

Thank you for such a splendid review!

It also didn’t help that Karen was falling for Fortune, who was gorgeous and in, what can only be considered, an extremely unhappy and complicated marriage.

ZOMG! I didn't see that coming!! I can't wait to read this!!

[hamartia87]

This sounds like a books I would really like. An original twist on a topic I am really interested in.

[Itzamystery2me]

The plot of The Ferryman seems to be quite different from anything that I have ever read.
I love the drama that is created when Karen falls for not just a married man, but a married man who is a force of nature!
The book's cover and its title do not seem to be related to the story at all. After reading it, I may find that it makes sense.
Not my regular type of book, but looks interesting enough to put on my to read list.