Review of Dark Variations

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dark Variations" by AJ Parnell.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Vander has a vision of himself getting killed by Alexander, his mentor and guardian, 13 years later. Vander knows that his days are numbered, and he is not sure if he can dissuade or stop Alexander. Alayna senses a bad omen with her precognition and mediumship, but she does not get what it means. Something bad does happen (read the book to find out), but she survives thanks to the timely arrival of Brayden, a detective. Meanwhile, a cold-blooded killer is on the loose. Brayden has a job to do; he has to catch the killer before they turn more victims into twisted works of art. Why would Vander’s own guardian kill him? Will Vander avert his demise? Who is the cold-blooded killer? Will the main characters die too? How do precognition and mediumship work in this universe? Dark Variations by AJ Parnell has all the answers.

The way Dark Variations explores how Vander feels about Alexander is the book's most appealing aspect. Vander's past involves a dark upbringing and dangerous streets. His father seems to want nothing more than to torment Vander's mother and Vander himself, so it is natural that Vander desires a father figure that protects him from whatever life throws at him. Alexander fills that role. He offers a way out. He gifts the cub a decent education, a healthy social life, and the most exquisite of luxuries. Vander feels affection and gratitude towards Alexander for helping him escape his old life. He wants to believe that Alexander's care for him is genuine, but he cannot help but think that Vander's life is not his own. It seems that even if Vander were to achieve the impossible, the outcome would be a hollow victory. What does Alexander want?

To sum up, Dark Variations is a great book because the suspense is executed perfectly. Thanks to their compelling motivations, Vander and Alexander are characters you want to see more of. This book appeals to readers who enjoy crime stories related to mad serial killers and urban settings that feature the occult. The only drawback I can think of is related to the development of Alayna and Brayden’s relationship. I understand why Alayna and Brayden are quickly attracted to each other, but I think that things get pretty easy for the two. More readers would care about whether they hook up in the end or not if the plot added a bit more obstacles that stand in their way. Therefore, I give this book a score of 4 out of 5 stars.

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Dark Variations
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[Bethel Saint Bright]

It looks like this book has many plot points. First it was Vander's dream of being killed by Alexander. Secondly, it was Alayna sensing a bad omen. Thirdly, Brayden has to find a killer on the loose. I believe that these stories tie up at some point.

[Cynthia Pence]

Your review of Dark Variations by AJ Parnell captures the tension and complexity of the plot really well. The relationship between Vander and Alexander, with its layers of affection, dependence, and looming betrayal, seems like the heart of the story. It's intriguing how Vander struggles with the knowledge of his potential fate and the inner conflict about whether to trust his mentor or fight against what he sees as inevitable. The dynamic between these two characters, especially Vander's complicated feelings toward his mentor, seems like a central strength of the book.

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

Your review of Dark Variations by AJ Parnell captures the tension and complexity of the plot really well. The relationship between Vander and Alexander, with its layers of affection, dependence, and looming betrayal, seems like the heart of the story. It's intriguing how Vander struggles with the knowledge of his potential fate and the inner conflict about whether to trust his mentor or fight against what he sees as inevitable. The dynamic between these two characters, especially Vander's complicated feelings toward his mentor, seems like a central strength of the book.

Yeah, this conflict carried me to the end.

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

It looks like this book has many plot points. First it was Vander's dream of being killed by Alexander. Secondly, it was Alayna sensing a bad omen. Thirdly, Brayden has to find a killer on the loose. I believe that these stories tie up at some point.

And they tie up in a way you won't expect.

[Bethel Saint Bright]

It looks like this book has many plot points. First it was Vander's dream of being killed by Alexander. Secondly, it was Alayna sensing a bad omen. Thirdly, Brayden has to find a killer on the loose. I believe that these stories tie up at some point.

And they tie up in a way you won't expect.

I see. I guess I have to find out how they tie up then. Thank you for the review.

[NetMassimo]

Despite the flaw you pointed out, overall, this seems like an engaging thriller with some supernatural bit. Its suspenseful storyline with Vander's dream setting the tension from the beginning leaves the reader wanting to see if the dreams come true. Thank you for your great review!

[Nneka Bridget]

"Dark Variations" seems like an intriguing mix of suspense and supernatural elements, with compelling character dynamics. The exploration of Vander's complex relationship with Alexander adds depth, and the crime thriller aspect is particularly appealing. It sounds like a gripping read for fans of the genre!

[Jeff Ekpo]

Thriller, suspence, crime novel lovers, this books is recommended for you.
Great review!

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

Thriller, suspence, crime novel lovers, this books is recommended for you.
Great review!

Agreed. Those fans would be surprised at the fates of certain characters.

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

"Dark Variations" seems like an intriguing mix of suspense and supernatural elements, with compelling character dynamics. The exploration of Vander's complex relationship with Alexander adds depth, and the crime thriller aspect is particularly appealing. It sounds like a gripping read for fans of the genre!

The 'compelling character dynamics' really sold it for me haha

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

Despite the flaw you pointed out, overall, this seems like an engaging thriller with some supernatural bit. Its suspenseful storyline with Vander's dream setting the tension from the beginning leaves the reader wanting to see if the dreams come true. Thank you for your great review!

Premonition is used well as a tool for increasing tension and making readers care about the characters (Vander especially).

[Stephen Christopher 1]

At first, I thought because of Vander's name, that this might be set in another world with world-building concepts. but it seems I was wrong. I do like books with serial killer elements and this one sounds fascinating. You always seem to find books that interest me, thanks.

[Gerry Steen]

The suspense must be so intense! I cannot imagine dealing with the knowledge that someone who has cared for me will some day kill me. How does one cope with that!??? I hope that Vander can find a way to stop Alexander. I am adding this story to my bookshelves. Thank you.

[Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine]

Dark Variations has an intriguing plot. The complexity of the relationship between Vander and Alexander is one thing; there are also crimes taking place , a detective is involved and there is also the occult side with the visions and omens... In overall it seems like an interesting book. Thank you for your engaging review, I enjoyed reading it.