Claire Davis (1)

This story didn't worked for me.

In my opinion it's built with no care and many details appear without any explanation, clearly deus ex machina products. I found especially annoying the absolute lack of connection between both parts: any clue, no plausible reason during Part One for the introduction of Oscar and John.

Without being a big fan, I'm able to enjoy a fantasy read as long as it have internal consistency. This is not the case.

However, I appreciate its good writing and the Samsa vibe from David, hence my two stars rating.… (meer)

3.5 stars

What more I enjoyed of this story is the reversal in the dynamics between who helps and who needs help since, in strict terms of the relationship between the MCs, the main giver is Tork, because even though meeting Adam incites Tork to move forward in spite of his fears, it's Adam who really experiences a structural change.

Also I liked it how it's structured with short chapters and changes in POV. And I loved the origami aspect, I would have liked to see it exploded a little bit more,

However, there are two points which I consider incomplete:

* The data about Tork's history is hands-down insufficient; he's a stunning character, with fears and a litlle bit off-kilter but not with total lack of self-esteem -he yearns to be tidy, he loves his books, he takes care of "his" place and his origami decorations-, then I cannot avoid asking myself how it is that he has come to his present situation: I should like to hear more about Steve and their relatonship. What has happened with his mother?, What about a previous occupation? What about an emotional containment net
(family, friends)? What has become of them? Or hasn't he had them?

* The changes in Adam are told almost only regarding Tork, just around the ending is suggested that he has adapted finally to his work in the shelter. But there isn't enough information about this matter, it would be pleasing to see that it is not only a partial change due his infatuation with Tork, to see how community service affects all his life and his vision of himself, to see him becoming a better person through more mentions on his interaction with the people of the shelter and with the people of his own background.

Short of that, this authors duet continues calling my attention and I'm looking forward for his next collaborative work.… (meer)