Review of Extraordinary
Posted: 23 Jun 2021, 07:33
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Extraordinary" by Teddy konickson.]
Charles Lee is your typical school nerd. He usually sits alone at the library, keeping to himself and his comics. He is used to being bullied by Kennedy’s gang and laments that his crush, Joy, always sees him being humiliated. Can he ever hope for her to like him? Fortunately, Charles can go home to his loving parents and brother who accept him without condition. He also has an after-school job at a burger joint, and his workmate Chloe is always ready to lend him an ear.
One day, the unthinkable happens. On his way home from work, Charles figures in a horrible accident that totals his car and injures him seriously. As he is about to breathe his last, a heavenly being, Chronos, miraculously appears. Chronos rescues him from death and even bestows super powers upon him. Charles is told that he is “the chosen one” who will save the world from a coming apocalypse.
I don’t normally read fantasy stories, but the blurb for this book intrigued me. I love underdogs. The cover also tugged at my heartstrings. Though the tale is more suitable for a teenage audience, I don’t regret picking up Extraordinary by Teddy Konickson.
High school students will enjoy the book. They will be able to relate to the jitters and euphoria of young love. They understand that what to wear on the first date is a major dilemma and that misplacing the bottle of cologne is cataclysmic. Fans of superheroes, Harry Potter, and Rambo will find some of the phrases familiar; I think the author intended those to coax smiles. However, Charles as the Extraordinary Man is no copycat; the reader will accompany him as he discovers his unique combination of superpowers and weaknesses.
The author admits to being a comic book addict, and this made it easy for him to create his hero. Charles is easy to like, too. He has a happy home, is open to community service, and does not seek revenge for wrongs done to him. I think parents will want their kids to be like him.
An older audience may not be as thrilled with the book, though. They may find the fight scenes too unrealistic and the hero’s powers too perfect. The many scenes of blushing and speechlessness at the sight of the beloved also come across as extra cheesy.
I did not like the parts where some characters were described as being so attractive that those of the opposite sex were “throwing themselves at them.” I also found it awkward that Mr. Lee did not have a first name and that the burger joint where Charles worked was not named.
My main complaint centers on the editing of the book. There are numerous grammatical errors throughout, and some of the phrasing is awkward. The author has trouble with idioms like “turn a blind eye,” “beat to a pulp,” and “burned to a crisp.” I had difficulty in the transition between Chapters 6 and 7. I had to reread that portion to fully grasp what transpired.
Considering the merits and demerits of the story, I give it 2 out of 4 stars. I think a professional editor’s intervention will make the book truly extraordinary.
******
Extraordinary
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Charles Lee is your typical school nerd. He usually sits alone at the library, keeping to himself and his comics. He is used to being bullied by Kennedy’s gang and laments that his crush, Joy, always sees him being humiliated. Can he ever hope for her to like him? Fortunately, Charles can go home to his loving parents and brother who accept him without condition. He also has an after-school job at a burger joint, and his workmate Chloe is always ready to lend him an ear.
One day, the unthinkable happens. On his way home from work, Charles figures in a horrible accident that totals his car and injures him seriously. As he is about to breathe his last, a heavenly being, Chronos, miraculously appears. Chronos rescues him from death and even bestows super powers upon him. Charles is told that he is “the chosen one” who will save the world from a coming apocalypse.
I don’t normally read fantasy stories, but the blurb for this book intrigued me. I love underdogs. The cover also tugged at my heartstrings. Though the tale is more suitable for a teenage audience, I don’t regret picking up Extraordinary by Teddy Konickson.
High school students will enjoy the book. They will be able to relate to the jitters and euphoria of young love. They understand that what to wear on the first date is a major dilemma and that misplacing the bottle of cologne is cataclysmic. Fans of superheroes, Harry Potter, and Rambo will find some of the phrases familiar; I think the author intended those to coax smiles. However, Charles as the Extraordinary Man is no copycat; the reader will accompany him as he discovers his unique combination of superpowers and weaknesses.
The author admits to being a comic book addict, and this made it easy for him to create his hero. Charles is easy to like, too. He has a happy home, is open to community service, and does not seek revenge for wrongs done to him. I think parents will want their kids to be like him.
An older audience may not be as thrilled with the book, though. They may find the fight scenes too unrealistic and the hero’s powers too perfect. The many scenes of blushing and speechlessness at the sight of the beloved also come across as extra cheesy.
I did not like the parts where some characters were described as being so attractive that those of the opposite sex were “throwing themselves at them.” I also found it awkward that Mr. Lee did not have a first name and that the burger joint where Charles worked was not named.
My main complaint centers on the editing of the book. There are numerous grammatical errors throughout, and some of the phrasing is awkward. The author has trouble with idioms like “turn a blind eye,” “beat to a pulp,” and “burned to a crisp.” I had difficulty in the transition between Chapters 6 and 7. I had to reread that portion to fully grasp what transpired.
Considering the merits and demerits of the story, I give it 2 out of 4 stars. I think a professional editor’s intervention will make the book truly extraordinary.
******
Extraordinary
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
