Mark Rice

Not for the faint of heart

I cannot say enough about this book. It is filled with heavy metal references, some of which I “got” and even more that I didn’t. I listen to Dean Martin and the Rat Pack more than any other style of music now, but still have been known to “Rock Out” or fill my ears with pop music.

The first time I read “Metallic Dreams”, I will say I was shocked but impressed. The storyline was something fresh and original. I had my eyes opened to a whole different perspective, to say the least. The hero had trials and tribulations, tragedy and triumph, the characters were well- developed and the dialogue was believable and modern. It was graphic and poignant, sweet and raunchy. It was like nothing I had ever read before.

At time of writing this, I have already read Metallic Dreams 3 times and each time I find another bit that speaks to me. Witches, the Devil, Metal Gods, youthful high-jinx and mature decisions. I got a taste of growing up in Scotland as a young boy (which I am not and did not obviously) and into the mind of an aspiring heavy metal legend. I saw the bonds between friends get stretched and strengthened in my mind’s eye.

As a warning, there are a few scenes that might be shocking to some readers, there were a few occasions that I did not like (on a personal level) a few characters at various points but it was not that I didn’t like how they were written. Rather, they were written so well that I could imagine they were real people with real personalities and flaws.

I don’t doubt that this book will resonate more with male readers and heavy metal fans than other demographic, but I urge everyone to step out of your genre comfort zone and read this tale of magic, strength, dreams and redemption, but only if you are not easily shocked or offended.

RECOMMEND?

I recommend this to Scottish readers, lovers of heavy metal and anyone who has an affinity for bathroom humor.

DISCLAIMER
I purchased this book in eBook format in 2014 and was gifted a print edition by the author in 2015. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”… (meer)

This journey through the world of heavy metal offers surprising depth. Spark teaches us that growing older does not mean giving up on your dreams, and that anything is possible if you want it bad enough. Of course, he does this with the flare of a slightly depraved rock star, giving a funny, often eye-popping twist to the sweetness of the theme.

The characters are richly developed, the plot unique. If you're a metal fan, you'll appreciate the various music and band references. This book does contain some graphic scenes that could offend some readers, though they work well in the context of the story.… (meer)