Review by Eteru -- Otherside by Aaron Dennis

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Eteru
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Latest Review: Otherside by Aaron Dennis

Review by Eteru -- Otherside by Aaron Dennis

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Otherside" by Aaron Dennis.]
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2 out of 4 stars
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In the novel Otherside, Aaron Dennis opens a chance for the readers to see a world that is far from what we are used to living. Every corner is filled with obscurity, and you along with the characters might take time providing answers to unravel the mysteries.

It all took place when Adja and J indulged themselves in a celebration somewhere in New Orleans, and there they surrounded themselves with things they found pleasure in. Adja seemed to be so engulfed with the effect of alcohol so he decided to take a walk down the street to clear his mind. He unexpectedly came across a murder scene and the abrupt happenings all left him in utter shock. He attempted to escape, but instead, he lost consciousness. He woke up and met an old woman who taught him things about Hoodoo practices, spirits, and anything in between. The last time he knew of himself, he was just an ordinary man who leads the same life just like any other, but this time onwards he’d be living his life as a Shadowman, where he has duties to fulfill as he sneaks through the world of the Otherside.

The main character’s persona in the prologue instantly got me from the start. His thoughts were well-organized and the messages were clearly conveyed that the readers can’t help but agree to his perception. It’s impressive how that mere delivery could give the readers an initial idea of his possessing nature. From then on, I have seen him as an interesting character and I was looking forward to more entertainments he could offer.

Also, I’d like to acknowledge how most of the scenes moved me as a reader. The details described in the story were so perfectly narrated that it formed vivid images in my head, and the fact that I’m still reading was almost forgotten.

However, the story may have appeared promising from the beginning, but the flow failed to maintain the enthusiasm it once offered me. Some descriptive phrases were repeatedly mentioned in different settings. The use of figurative language on certain point had lost its essence, and this reduced its impact to the readers.

Moreover, one of the things that had kept me bothered is the point of the story itself. Though the reason why he accepted the role has been provided, it still felt lacking. I’ve been looking for something in a deeper sense and value. Being a Shadowman means facing a list of tasks that is something out of ordinary. Basically, he has to put his own life on the line so wouldn’t it be reasonable to have something that drives him off to finish the mission? That if you’d be in his shoes, you’d never be able to consider quitting.

To top it all, I find it hard to spot some technical errors which made me say that this book was professionally edited. Due to the aforementioned reasons, I decided to give this book a rating of 2 out of 4 stars. Nonetheless, I’d like to thank Aaron Dennis for still letting me explore the limits of my imagination, and enjoy the ride together with the characters he had built. Lastly, those readers who enjoy the concept of bewitchment, hoodoo practices, or anything of this sort might find this book interesting.

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Otherside
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