Review: Original, inventive, wholly thought provoking.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 14, 2014
*Note: This item was purchased through Amazon.com.auPrepare to have your mind blown. If you are looking for a fast, disposable piece of light-hearted entertainment then you are probably in the wrong place.If, instead, you wish to be drawn into a universe where the story crawls relentlessly into your brain, seizes hold and spreads provoking thoughts throughout, you just might want-no, make that, you need-to check out Martin Adil-Smith’s ‘The Beggar of Beliefs (The Spirit of Danu).Think King, think Barker, think a little Lovecraft and you might be somewhere in the ballpark with this compelling, captivating tale, which merges creeping gothic horror with stunning concepts and wholly unique approaches, splashing visceral moments against dark broodiness and suspense so palpable you can almost feel it leeching out of the pages.From the prologue where pivotal characters Freeman Sullivan and Danielle have an interesting exchange, re-establishing a connection generated in this books predecessor A Gathering of Twine we then launch back into the year 1951 to follow the trials of Doctor Claude Hiscock, his sister Annette and the fascinating character of Irene, and after the slow-burn intro it is round about here that ‘The Beggar of Beliefs’ has its hooks in you.The author weaves a tapestry of story, of characters and events as intricate as it is engrossing, and from the sublime and stupendous it dives into the grotesque and the surreal with deft aplomb. The cast assembled is one of memorable folk, be they good or bad, and plenty of them are going to stick with you long after you’ve finished reading this.In particular, the protagonists of the piece and fellows such as Professor Samson ‘Sam’ Cotrahens, George Tate, Tate’s mentor Celus Tuther  and the mysterious Raven men, these are fascinating creations that stand out for an array of reasons, but it shall be up to you to see how and why.Martin-Adil Smith has all the essential tools to take his place among the upper echelon of masterful storytellers of the world when those like King are finally supplanted, and books like The Beggar of Beliefs will certainly go a long way toward cementing that position.Being a heavy metal music fanatic as I am, special mention must go to the auras evoked in here that often draw comparison to epic compositions from some of the greats in that field and more kudos for a nice nod to my perennially favourite line from Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’ coming near the stunning conclusion of the work.Original, inventive, wholly thought provoking and an incredibly bold achievement ‘The Beggar of Beliefs’ is one book that won’t be easily forgotten.