Review of The One Who Rules
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Claudia Angelucci
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Review of The One Who Rules
[Following is a volunteer review of "The One Who Rules" by Tanner Owen.]
"The One Who Rules," Tanner Owen's debut novel, promises to drag readers through the dust-choked corners of conspiracy.
Our protagonist, an unnamed author, narrates with wry wit. They've spent most of their days churning out fluff for magazines and newspapers. Their personal projects, though decent enough, rarely saw the light of day. But fate takes a sharp turn when evidence of a global conspiracy—perhaps even the elusive Illuminati—falls into their lap. For months, they delve deeper, only to have their world literally explode in flames: a gas blast reduces their home to cinders.
Realizing the fire was no accident, they suspect foul play and first turn their gaze to their editor, Melissa Du Pont. Melissa, a sharp-minded African-American woman from Baton Rouge, grew up in the thick of the human rights movements of the '60s and '70s. She's always been a dear friend to our protagonist, so her involvement seems unthinkable.
The protagonist finds themselves in mortal danger. The only hope for salvation lies in unmasking the conspirators before they can destroy all evidence. It’s a desperate battle to the death, pitting one lone soul against an entrenched global cabal that snakes through the shadows of history, weaving its sinister web across decades.
This isn’t a breakneck thriller; Owen adopts a leisurely pace, crafting a tale where psychological torment rivals physical danger. It’s a conspiracy tale wrapped in a cloak of personal drama, where tension builds through the unraveling of a person's mind. The characters, drawn with a masterful touch, come alive in your mind, especially our protagonist, whose descent into paranoia and desperation grips you and doesn't let go.
I devoured this novel, driven by my love for conspiracy theories and dystopian fiction. The story is so carefully crafted that it feels disturbingly real.
The writing flows smoothly and elegantly from page to page, yet the book could benefit from further polishing. I identified over 10 mistakes; a careful round of editing could elevate the overall quality of the work.
My dislikes about this novel are few and far between. I found the beginning a bit perplexing, with the book opening with an apology. It meanders a bit slowly at times, testing one's patience. But these are trifles in an otherwise engaging read. Overall, I would wholeheartedly give "The One Who Rules" 4 out of 5 stars.
I would recommend "The One Who Rules" to fans of conspiracy-driven psychological thrillers and suspenseful narratives with complex characters and deep themes. However, prospective readers should take heed of its references to sensitive subjects such as rape and sex trafficking, which might stir discomfort in some. Additionally, the book includes a notable amount of strong language.
******
The One Who Rules
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
"The One Who Rules," Tanner Owen's debut novel, promises to drag readers through the dust-choked corners of conspiracy.
Our protagonist, an unnamed author, narrates with wry wit. They've spent most of their days churning out fluff for magazines and newspapers. Their personal projects, though decent enough, rarely saw the light of day. But fate takes a sharp turn when evidence of a global conspiracy—perhaps even the elusive Illuminati—falls into their lap. For months, they delve deeper, only to have their world literally explode in flames: a gas blast reduces their home to cinders.
Realizing the fire was no accident, they suspect foul play and first turn their gaze to their editor, Melissa Du Pont. Melissa, a sharp-minded African-American woman from Baton Rouge, grew up in the thick of the human rights movements of the '60s and '70s. She's always been a dear friend to our protagonist, so her involvement seems unthinkable.
The protagonist finds themselves in mortal danger. The only hope for salvation lies in unmasking the conspirators before they can destroy all evidence. It’s a desperate battle to the death, pitting one lone soul against an entrenched global cabal that snakes through the shadows of history, weaving its sinister web across decades.
This isn’t a breakneck thriller; Owen adopts a leisurely pace, crafting a tale where psychological torment rivals physical danger. It’s a conspiracy tale wrapped in a cloak of personal drama, where tension builds through the unraveling of a person's mind. The characters, drawn with a masterful touch, come alive in your mind, especially our protagonist, whose descent into paranoia and desperation grips you and doesn't let go.
I devoured this novel, driven by my love for conspiracy theories and dystopian fiction. The story is so carefully crafted that it feels disturbingly real.
The writing flows smoothly and elegantly from page to page, yet the book could benefit from further polishing. I identified over 10 mistakes; a careful round of editing could elevate the overall quality of the work.
My dislikes about this novel are few and far between. I found the beginning a bit perplexing, with the book opening with an apology. It meanders a bit slowly at times, testing one's patience. But these are trifles in an otherwise engaging read. Overall, I would wholeheartedly give "The One Who Rules" 4 out of 5 stars.
I would recommend "The One Who Rules" to fans of conspiracy-driven psychological thrillers and suspenseful narratives with complex characters and deep themes. However, prospective readers should take heed of its references to sensitive subjects such as rape and sex trafficking, which might stir discomfort in some. Additionally, the book includes a notable amount of strong language.
******
The One Who Rules
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: Brothers Bound by Bruce K. Berger
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Gerry Steen
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Your review shows that Tanner Owen is a great storyteller. The predicament of the protagonist will immediately have me engaged in this this book. It is not far-fetched that if you get involved with powerful, corrupt people, they can turn your life upside down and leave you shaken. It is then that you will see what you are made of. When I embark on this story's journey, I will have an idea about what I am made of. I hope the author will pass the book through a round of professional editing. A gifted writer, such as Owen, should maintain 5-star status for their books. Great review as usual!
Latest Review: Red Spy in Harbin by Mark Oulton
