SOMA

By Gian Quasar
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Hardcover, 307 pages
* * * * *
 (2 Ratings)
SOMA
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Sarcasm, murder and international intrigue relentlessly cling to SOMA from its beginnings in a Roman café until its end under the streets of modern Alexandria. On the way, Dr. John Monsieur finds himself the partner of a notorious snitch, the Earwig. He also becomes attached to a pestering newswoman who insists on helping him. He dodges a bloated, ruthless collector, and uncovers two dead Greeks, a strange cult, and a Persian who agrees to spare his life if he takes him in as a partner. Before it’s all over 5 people are dead, nobody is what they appear to be, and in such a group of distrust the most surprising discovery is made in an ancient marble tomb.
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Oct. 31, 2010 By Rara Avis
I received a review copy for this book. First, I'm not a big fiction fan. However, I do love classic type of stories, thrillers and murder mysteries the best. Perhaps that's one reason why I did enjoy this novel. I really wouldn't call it a murder mystery, though. The author keeps one in the dark by the sheer number of convoluted plots that keep the reader guessing along with its man character, John Monsieur, just who is really behind what and just what must their motive be. The result is quite a thriller. It is written in the first person, and this just makes you feel as though it is more than a story, but that it is a recollection.

This also makes for the most enjoyable part of the read.... More > The author has a similar style to Raymond Chandler --sarcasm, dry, witty humor. Both turn the book into a page turner. But this style really shines when it comes to the characters. The villains are exquisite! If this novel gets the attention I think it should, the Earwig will rank amongst literary creations worthy of Ambler, Chandler, Hammett, and other authors of classic intrigue.

Another plus about the plot is that it isn't along the lines of current thrillers-- Da Vinci Code and other novels sporting a vast conspiracy and a hero who knows too much and isn't believable. SOMA surrounds greed to own the body of Alexander the Great. SOMA is believable: its heroes are not bigger than life, but its villains are. They are wonderful caricatures, amplified humanity gone greedy. Kermit Giebelhaus is a mirth soaked English bulldog; Darius Venable is a cool, ruthless Persian, and forever foibleous is the Earwig, the little guys that starts it all. You like and hate them at the same time. Are they good, evil, or just without conscience? The humor, wit, and sarcasm, perhaps hides much of the darkness in each character.

In the end SOMA is a humorous international thriller not meant to be a comedy. The humor is intentional, but it only comes from the human element. It is a well written yarn not easy to anticipate or second guess. The best way to describe it may be to use a parallel from film. If Hitchcock could write a book SOMA might be it. Quasar is well noted for his authorship of nonfiction, but he excels in fiction it seems, too. If this is his natural style I look forward to more. I would love an author with all the skill to direct such wit and cynical humor on paper as Hitchcock did on the silver screen.

SOMA is certainly worth a read. It will make you laugh, think, keep you intrigued, and in the end surprise you. < Less
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Product Details

Copyright Gian J. Quasar (Standard Copyright License)
Edition First Edition
Publisher Brodwyn-Moor & Doane
Published November 11, 2010
Language English
Pages 307
 
Binding Hardcover (dust-jacket)
Interior Ink Black & white
Dimensions (inches) 6.0 wide × 9.0 tall

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