Paranormal Elements

[DorcasToo]

Whenever paranormal element is added to a story it takes it to another level. This applies to this book.

[thaservices1]

The paranormal aspect was so integral to the story, it's the only way it could work without actually making the book a mystery/thriller as it is wrongly labeled. The characters reactions to the paranormal are what bothered me. For non-believers they take it all in stride a bit too easily. Angela is a pretty 'normal' character, I feel her reaction should have been a lot more panicked.

[ChrisChatfield]

Paranormal events can really add some nice flair to a story...as long as it fits well with the plot line. I've read books where the paranormal was placed haphazardly without any real connection with the plot line...at one point in this book a few characters had a short encounter with a few creatures. It should add a considerable amount of mystery or intrigue to a plot.

[bookowlie]

The paranormal aspect was so integral to the story, it's the only way it could work without actually making the book a mystery/thriller as it is wrongly labeled. The characters reactions to the paranormal are what bothered me. For non-believers they take it all in stride a bit too easily. Angela is a pretty 'normal' character, I feel her reaction should have been a lot more panicked.

I agree the characters seemed to go with the flow regarding Angela's visions. Both Alex and Angela's reactions were unrealistic. Alex saw her talking to a painting in the museum before he even met her, and still wanted her to work for him. I thought he should have been alarmed by what he saw.

[Manang Muyang]

For one, Angela seems to be a very attractive lady, and she has a glowing endorsement from Dr. Hoffman. Secondly, Alex himself saw Giuliano move and felt the lightning strike his back. Thirdly, who can quarrel with the magic of love at first sight, heralded by a bewitching kiss?

Belle Ami chose the same day (August 3rd) for all the initial stories: Gerhard and Sophia's escape from the Uffizi Gallery (1944), the party at the Medicis where Fioretta meets Giuliano (1475), and the passionate first encounter between a clueless Alex and an Angela in a trance (2018). The bombing of the bridges did happen on the night of August 3, 1944.

[CinWin]

I enjoyed the paranormal beginning when Angela is in the gallery and she first meets Alex (not being herself). It made me want to read the rest of the book to find out what is happening. I think it adds to the book's overall plot.

[Sanju Lali]

without the paranormal theme the story could have no charm, in this book paranormal is the essential spice needed to give good shape to the story line

[Zain A Blade]

Exactly my sentiments. The paranormal element simply made the book look unserious. The flashback to the generations past was ok and it fits well with the storyline, but not the psychedelic stuff. The book would have been up there with the likes of the Da Vinci code without all the crazies.

[Wasif Ahmed]

As with the most people in this forum, I agree. The paranormal elements definitely play a part in making this book the great work it is.

[Manang Muyang]

As with the most people in this forum, I agree. The paranormal elements definitely play a part in making this book the great work it is.

Hi, Wasif Ahmed! Glad to see you back. Ciao!

[Sanyesto]

I believed that this being a mystery story, use of paranormal aspect was unavoidable to solve up some conflicts. Plus its paranormality brings life into the text.

[joshfee77]

Paranormal elements can be a positive or a negative, I think, depending on the book. In this case they probably made it a little easier for the author to gel the three time periods together, but I tend to agree with you that the book might have been more grounded and realistic without the paranormal elements.

[bookowlie]

Exactly my sentiments. The paranormal element simply made the book look unserious. The flashback to the generations past was ok and it fits well with the storyline, but not the psychedelic stuff. The book would have been up there with the likes of the Da Vinci code without all the crazies.

So true. Without the paranormal, "crazy" parts, I think the book would have been a more sophisticated read. I would have preferred to see Alex and Angela do more traditional detective work. Instead, they rely on Angela's visions for practically every move they make. I can picture them having breakfast each morning and planning their day -

Alex: "Angela, what should we do today?"
Angela: "Let's go to the town records department because I dreamed about the file room there last night. We need to go to the 2nd drawer in the left cabinet and get file #27."

[Zain A Blade]

[/quote]

So true. Without the paranormal, "crazy" parts, I think the book would have been a more sophisticated read. I would have preferred to see Alex and Angela do more traditional detective work. Instead, they rely on Angela's visions for practically every move they make. I can picture them having breakfast each morning and planning their day -

Alex: "Angela, what should we do today?"
Angela: "Let's go to the town records department because I dreamed about the file room there last night. We need to go to the 2nd drawer in the left cabinet and get file #27."


[/quote]

Hahaha

[SweetMelissaV2131]

I enjoyed the paranormal aspects of this story but I tend to gravitate to those kinds of stories. I think the author did a great job using the paranormal aspect to tie the three time periods together. I think without the paranormal aspect, this book would have gone a different direction altogether.