4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Lucky by Spare Time centered around John Woods, a prisoner who would later come to be known as 'Darkwoods.' He was serving time for arson and was transferred to an Island called Darkham. In Darkham, his life began to unfold in ways that could only mean one thing: he was a 'lucky man.' However, he had an enemy that was stronger and could even be supernatural. Would he somehow make it out safely, or would his luck run out?
John Woods came across as a funny but naughty character. Although his kind of naughty would be considered twisted by some groups, he was a compelling and intriguing character. One minute, he would be engaged in discussions about culture and literature or serving as a defender of the masses, and the next minute, he would be transformed into a fearful villain. He was an impressionable character.
John Woods's character aroused a myriad of emotions. At first, I was persuaded to understand this man's situation because the judge may have overreacted. Then after that came the laughs, which no 'sane' reader would allow their fancy to be tickled far too long by the character's shenanigans, as it soon became disturbingly sinister; also, readers would feel like guilty accomplices if they continued to laugh at Woods's naughty actions. There was also the anger that would be aroused when readers would struggle to understand why Woods wouldn't stop. His character was terrifying in that passive-aggressive psychopath kind of way. With Woods, it was a rollercoaster of emotions.
Also, Ms. Horrible's character came through as adorable. Her encounter with the commissioner's family would have readers cracked up at the ludicrousness of the situation but still tremble with trepidation at its underlying danger.
The writing style evoked a lot of curiosity. It felt like the author was giving readers a tiny nip of the cookie per time. Readers would be left burning with intrigue and wanting more. The style was indeed a breath of fresh air. It made me feel as though the story was a subtle game.
If I were asked why I loved this book, it would be because of the writing style. It was nice that the author's narration did not necessarily comply with conventional prose writing. Who said crime stories could not be simple, precise, and poetic while incorporating attractive features like suspense?
This book had many moments that would leave readers with their mouths open in shock. I felt it with the violent scenes in the book. Though not graphic enough to make readers cringe and withdraw, it would shock them with its unexpected abruptness.
The book mesmerized me with its uniqueness, which created experiences that included excitement, fear, suspense, laughter, and disbelief at the author's boldness with a story like Lucky. It was a strangely satisfying read, and there wasn't anything to dislike.
I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy crime thrillers. I found a couple of minor errors. However, I’d still rate Lucky four out of four stars.
******
Lucky
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
