Review: Amazing!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 31, 2014
*What Nicole Norkin Thought*“Oni the Lonely” by Jamie BrazilWe all want to think the best of ourselves right? I am not a bad person. I am not a hypocrite. But what about, I am not a demon? Being short, stout, and awkward, teenage girl Mari is self-conscious enough, however on top of it she has to deal with claws, horns and razor-sharp teeth ready to pop out at any moment she loses control of her emotions. When her family moves to an eerie, Stepford-esque city called Rock Creek, Mari learns she is not the only one with secrets, and that though she fears her own power, she just might be the key to the city’s salvation.I really adored this story. It is entertaining, creative and funny. The main character is a snarky and sarcastic, fried-chicken loving Buddhist, who just wants to be normal and is anything but average, leaving her feeling lonely and misunderstood. Love interest Juan is a hunk and sweetheart. Rock Creek is a very quirky city where they are so eco-conscious they drive golf carts around and have banned cars all together. I don’t want to spoil too much, but let’s just say the city, and its characters, are all really funny to imagine. In fact, much of this strange and unbelievable storyline is pulled off because of this writer’s unique voice and abilities, and I give her huge props for that. I will say I was disappointed by the ending, which felt rushed and sloppy compared to the rest of the story that was so thoughtfully done.PLOT: 4 starsThis creative fantasy world is described seamlessly, so the reader can simply delve in and enjoy.WRITING: 4 starsThe writing was great. All plot lines were accounted for carefully, and the comic undertones will be appreciated by those with a snarky sense of humor.COVER: 4 starsThe smoky red background is lovely. The models on the front are gorgeous, and the little peep at a demon claw on the girl, main character Mari, is enticing.CHARACTERS: 4 starsMain character Mari is well-rounded and fully developed. She has these quirky qualities that are endearing, such as her obsession with fried chicken and inner struggle to be a good vegan Buddhist. Other characters are well-defined too, and so fun to read about. I only wish that Mari’s love interest, Juan, was more well-defined as we only see him in relation to Mari, but don’t know much more about him.