Review of Dark Variations
Posted: 12 Oct 2024, 08:30
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dark Variations" by AJ Parnell.]
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
View: on Bookshelves
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.
******
Dark Variations
View: on Bookshelves
