Official Review: Uncharted by Janet Howle

[That Reviewer]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Uncharted" by Janet Howle.]

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Uncharted by Janet Howle is the story of an American investigative reporter's desperate search to find her missing brother and the challenges she runs into while trying to accomplish this.

Mary Katherine Deano, better known as Kat, finds out that her brother may be a part of a secret government plot, and she desires to uncover it. She finds help in the form of Carter McDowell, a sailboat captain who is lost in more ways than she imagines. Together they try to overcome the dangers on both land and sea. While Kat clings firmly to her purpose, Carter is trying to find one. Will their scars and circumstances pull them apart, or will it bring them together? Does Kat eventually find her missing brother? You'll find the answers in the pages of Uncharted.

Uncharted is a book that shows the inevitability of loss, as well as the comfort of love. It uncovers and expresses a range of human qualities from trust, love, and courage to betrayal, loss, and cowardice. It shows the different sides of human behavior and how people can find stability in the most turbulent and unlikeliest places.

I found the suspense factor a bit lacking. The words seemed almost clinical, and the writing understated. There was nearly no thrill. However, while the book seemed to lack the normal buildup of tension that characterized most books in this genre, I admire how the author carefully wove details around each other to create an intricate yet balanced plot. The story was straightforward to follow and kept my mind engaged as I tried to figure out some of the puzzles it contained. It managed to avoid one pothole some books fall into — too many unexplained scenes and loose threads.

What I liked most was the author's detailed description of the book's elements. The facets that made up the book were well researched yet delivered with the confidence that can only come with personal experience. The marine life and geography jargon gave the book a touch of authenticity. The author also provided a list of materials that would help further research. The reader would have all the information needed to understand the narrative.

I found only a few errors in the book, and I reckon it was professionally edited. Due to the lack of suspense and thrill, which was the only thing I found to be off-putting, I'd give it three out of four stars. It was an engaging read, and I recommend it to lovers of suspense stories.

******
Uncharted
View: on Bookshelves

[Tablito]

Katherine is forced by circumstances to 'hire' herself in order to find her missing brother.

[SamaylaM]

You summarized the story quite nicely. I wish the suspense and thrill were more prominent in this book. Thanks for the honest review!

[Drianie]

I liked how you mentioned the range of human qualities this novel explores. Sometimes novels can focus too much on the plot and completely forget about the character development. I also appreciate the extensive research the author did to back the authenticity of his novel. I enjoyed reading your thorough review.

[SarahShebl]

I like that the writer avoided the unexplained plots. I am, however, disappointed by the lack of thrill, especially in a crime book.

[NetMassimo]

This novel seems quite focused on Mary's feelings after her brother's disappearance rather than the suspence from the search for him. Probably it appeals to the kind of reader in search for a story of emotions. Thank you for your great review!

[Kate Park]

I thought that you wrote a clear and descriptive review. I am disappointed that this book lacks suspense since I believe that it is one of the most important aspects of a book. However, this still sounds like a good read.

[Joan642]

This sounds like a really good book. Looking forward to reading this book, I hope that Carter and Mary find love too. Thanks for the review.

[Nqobile Mashinini Tshabalala]

I hope Mary found her brother, not knowing what happened to relative puts strain on families. Lovely review.

[Cynthia Olyy]

I love suspense-filled books. It keeps me turning the pages without getting bored. It's a pity it's lacking in this piece.

[SweetSourSalty AndSpicy]

It comes with a list of materials for further research on marine life and geography? Nice! Thanks for the informative review.

[HannahsReads]

Thanks for an honest review. I agree that the lack of suspense would make this boring, despite the interesting premise of a journalist looking for her brother.

[Pluma]

This book sounds like it has an interesting storyline, and the fact that it is well-researched would be a plus. It is a pity that the writing style detracted from the suspense, though. Thanks for the great review!