Praise
I was completely immersed myself in the story.
A story with a lot of tension and drama narrated in a fluid way, with vividly described landscapes in an impeccable setting and characters with great psychological depth and very well built especially the main character, John. Topics about the fight for survival, how complicated life is, the power that the cartels have over some lands, the dangers of this. There’re parts that feel so real.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is a fantastic read by someone whom I am willing to say is an underrated author. It's a fast-paced, exciting read with a clear level of enthusiasm and care having been woven into every aspect of it, and an enthralling plot which follows various twists to keep you on your toes. For such a cheap price, there's no reason, in my opinion, to second-guess getting yourself a copy. It's a shame to see that there's some negative feedback here as, personally, I don't think that it's warranted, and doesn't reflect my own experience, but, of course, that's subjective. If you're considering giving this a go, I'd urge you to, as, in my opinion, you're guaranteed to have a fun time. I highly recommend this! 5/5!
An enthralling blend of magic and adventure, ‘The Magic Parachute’ reminds us why well-written Coming Of Age fiction for young readers retains its timeless appeal.
With a plethora of novel ideas alongside wonderfully vivid imagery, Slade draws his readers in as they discover the enchantment of his Outer Hebrides setting where nothing is easy and “there’s always something pushing at you”. There is much by the way of delightful detail and one cannot help but be reminded of other well-received children’s fantasies which have captured the imaginations of young and old alike.
On the surface, Slade brings us all things ‘boys’ and there is no doubt that his plot choices tick all the boxes for a male readership but his tender exploration of loss and extraordinary friendship will appeal to boys and girls alike. Most importantly Slade knows how to excite and involve his readers and doesn’t want us to simply read, but to feel, wonder and also dream.
Built on archetypal plot strands that pleasingly come together The Magic Parachute benefits from a clever narrative that’s relatively straightforward in its execution whilst the metaphysical aspects of Slade’s tale will leave many readers reflecting on the evil mankind does to the world about us and the wildlife that suffers for the choices we make.
Avoiding unnecessary explanations as to the magical origins of Robbie’s parachute Slade simply portrays the challenges of the quest upon which Robbie and Alfonso find themselves and on this level, it’s a winning concept.
The Prophet of Lost Souls is "A delicious blend of corporate thriller and religious drama."
FASTRAK CEO Ralph Norton has reached the pinnacle of professional success: his development of the Christian app, Word of God—an up-market, AI-generated personal deity—has revolutionized his Houston-based company. But with great success also comes great risk, and Norton’s achievements place a target on his back with his duplicitous boss, P.T. Mayo. When Mayo makes it his mission to set Norton up and remove him from the company, passions run high and Norton does the unthinkable: he attacks Mayo during a heated argument, leaving him in a pool of blood and, in Norton’s mind, dead.
Slade (author of In the Act of Shooting) delivers a gripping story of resilience, humanity, and discovering faith in the bleakest of times. Norton is a flawed character haunted by his past—his wife died by suicide—and, when his rage gets the better of him, he makes a snap decision that costs his world. While on the run, he is welcomed by Houston’s unhoused population—and a mystery man of faith, Hosea. Meanwhile, Melanie Spenser, Norton’s girlfriend, reports him missing to the local police and commissions retired investigator Samuel Steele to help her track him down. Slade skillfully unites those separate threads, crafting a grueling but necessary transformation for Norton—from “terrified executive” to a true leader—that feels real and compelling.
This is a touching and emotional narrative that examines long buried secrets, the corruption money and power can cause, and the importance of fellowship to drive faith. Slade excels at character development, pacing, and creating an engaging plot that draws readers in, and the mystery that follows offers thoughtful contemplations on a man who runs from his mistakes, only to discover his true place in the world. Also poignant is the book’s exploration of how technology and faith intersect. Slade closes with a touching reminder of how far forgiveness can go in creating a path forward.
Takeaway: Moving story of faith, fellowship, and the perils of capitalism.
Comparable Titles: Daniel Patterson’s One Chance, Urcelia Teixeira’s Hannah’s Halo.