Review: Superb book!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 3, 2012
Book Review: Eco Station One by Edwin StarkReviewed by J Bryden LloydWriting Style - 4.5/5.0 (Excellent)The narrative for this book, from start to finish is excellent. The story is told in first-person, from the point-of-view of Senhor Eduardo Sinnombre, and from the first page, you are left in little doubt that this is a man with a... unique... view of the world he has found himself in. The plot is tightly woven around a small group of key characters, and the author works brilliantly to create the atmosphere throughout the book.Character Development - 4.5/5.0 (Excellent)I have to say, especially considering that several of the characters are a tribe of pygmies, a gorilla, a donkey, a cockerel, and several pigs... every single character seems to develop throughout the story, right down to the ever-stoned bus driver, and the ex-girlfriend/model, who... well... it's probably best to see for yourself. Although the narrator and his new partner develop far more than every other character in the story, no stone of any of the characters is left unturned by the author, and I'm sure every reader will find themselves bonding with the vast majority of this very, very memorable bunch.Descriptive - 5.0/5.0 (Outstanding)From being seated outside at the start of the book, to the final throws of observing the progress bar, and the boarding of the bus towards the end, there were no elements within the book where I couldn't feel and imagine the sights, sounds and even the tastes and smells as they were committed to the page of text. There were elements of this book where the descriptive was so vivid, I found myself drawn in completely... none more so than the build-up to the `catfight', which, despite my best efforts, I fear I shall continue to chuckle at for the foreseeable future.Language & Grammar - 3.0/5.0 (Okay)As has been mentioned in at least one of the other reviews, it is very apparent that this author's first language is NOT English. There are a lot of little edits throughout the book that could use a little TLC...However, before you decide that this is a "deal-breaker" (as I have seen many readers put, with regards to many independent books, on a great many threads), please believe me, in this case, IT ISN'T! Despite the errors, I think the best way to put it is... This isn't brilliantly written, but IT IS brilliant writing!When you read this, I urge you... no, I beg you... look past the errors and the little frustrating things that you will undoubtedly notice... they really aren't that important and they don't spoil the book. Alternatively, go and read the author's notes at the end of the book. For some, this might just be an insight into why some authors don't have first-class editing.Plot - 5.0/5.0 (Outstanding) - NO SPOILERSThis is a very original, well thought-out, and very entertaining story. The author shows an undeniable ability to tell the story carefully and methodically, from start to finish. The sub-plots (of which there are many) are handled well, and when things begin to come to a head towards the end... with the rescue mission, the fire, and all that follows, the author is not lacking in talent.General - 4.5/5.0 (Excellent)In summary, what Edwin Stark has produced here is a definitive, `must-read' work. It is hugely entertaining - in places you will either laugh aloud, or struggle not to do so - and if you genuinely don't find something in this book that you enjoy, I will be very surprised. On top of all that, it throws up some much needed lessons in the world of ecological damage.A hearty congratulations Edwin. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.FIVE stars. Nothing less will do!