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Todd's book is an amazing piece of literature that defies all bounds of genre. It is horror, sci-fi, romance, self-help, and more all wrapped up in the covers of a psychological thriller. The characters, both good and evil, are fresh and the plot drives with such forward momentum and exacting execution that every chapter literally ended with me saying, "Wtf!?!" and then continuing. I couldn't put it down to save my life.
Dean Koontz *wishes* he could write like this.
Fast moving, well written - an excellent read. Do yourself a favour and order a copy. You'll be glad you did, and you'll be supporting a solid up and coming author in the process.
A Life Transparent is one part horror, one part speculation, and all compelling. It attaches a mythology of consequence to spontaneity and boredom, and throws the reader in with Mr. Candle's struggle to become interesting without allowing all he loves to be destroyed. ALT's characters are humane, accessible, if at times more everyman than is necessary; through them we witness the range of self-absorption open to the human heart, and its effects on both ourselves and the world. This is an ambitious theme for so young an author to tackle, but Keisling presumes nothing. He offers his thoughts, experiences, and conclusions with enough humility and space for the reader's own to breathe.
ALT's weakest point is also its greatest promise. It lacks the polish associated with a career in full swing, but gives us a glimpse into what will soon be just that. Keisling is a dedicated, insatiable writer: A Life Transparent is the preface to a formidable body of work.
A Life Transparent is at once inspirational and concrete. Rich in details, rife with witty dialogue and surreal, chilling events, this novel is a fast-paced, quick, enjoyable read which poses philosophical quandaries about the root of one's very existence. But for all that, the story reads like a thriller and keeps you on your toes - a must-have on the bookshelves of anyone who enjoys modern fantasy or suspense thrillers.
This has to be one of the best up and coming authors i've ever read. His writing style keeps you on edge like Steven King, his attention to detail is like Clive Cussler. The storyline is one of the most imaginative and creative i've read in over 20 years.. this book will keep you on the edge.. the yawning... it's so ironic and modern in keeping with today's fast paced society when we just want to be left alone and live our lives.. but is our life just a transparent husk ? are we truely living it to it's greatest potential? This is a MUST read for 2007!!!
I've drawn a small tribute piece for this book.. http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/49068555/
This book is amazing - from cover to cover. You will be up all night long reading it! It is that good. The plot is simply brilliant! The characters are beautifully laid out and so real. It is necessary read for all readers! The writing is magnificently written – so it make the story so much more understandable and enjoyable! If you don’t read the book, you are missing out on so much!
Todd Keisling once again provides an unforgettable read. From the first time the protagonist, Donovan Candle, is introduced to you the claws sink in and you are unable to look away. Riveting, honest and a little terrifying in places, A Life Transparent provides a look away from banality and the push towards a life less ordinary.
If you miss out on this now, you’ll be kicking yourself later.
From its very first words, Keisling's A Life Transparent reads like a teaser for a really great film. His descriptions envelop the reader in a malicious world of Middle Class mediocrity, and the characters are as familiar as our own reflections. It's a read that you won't soon forget, and the end is sure to shake you out of your own complacency.
A Life Transparent is a fast, intense, moving read which deals with the inevitable rut a person can wear into his life. I think it would especially appeal to fans of the more fantasy elements of Stephen King or Clive Barker, as well as people who really liked Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. (or fans of Office Space for that matter.)
I've read Keisling's work for a few years now, and the quality of his storytelling makes me believe he's going to be a big-name author some day. This book fully supports that expectation.
This is a truly fantastic book. I've had the good fortune to work with Todd for sometime and this is by far my favorite. Todd has always produced top shelf work and this is no exception. The images, the most powerful stylistic aspect, have the ability to completely suck the reader into this "both sides of the door" reality that Todd has created so effortlessly. Read it!!!