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Malek sefsaf

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2024

Must read 🏆

As a reader, I found immense pleasure in immersing myself within the pages of this book.

Synopsis

Boone Daniels (22) has problems, debilitating panic attack, gut-wrenching guilt, a wendigo haunting him since age six, and now he almost killed his best friend in a joust. But when he fills in for his injured friend at a New York gig, he goes to meet the gig’s contact at his NYC brownstone and a body falls from the brownstone balcony and the place explodes with gun fire.

Boone barely escapes but uncovers a sinister plot to perform a rare Paganini piece that summons the Devil to trap Baba Yaga and destroy modern-day New York City. Then finds himself on a race through time to capture the cursed melody. Along the way, a Romani immortal, steampunk vampires and Baba Yaga set the stage for war, and Boone shall have to risk death for redemption. Because all Boone wants is to keep a promise to a friend. The same friend, he almost killed last Sunday during a joust.

Can a small-town Missouri musician outplay the supernatural and save NYC’s soul?

If you like when tortured heroes, epic battles, time travel, twisted history and secret societies collide, then you’ll love J. W. Zarek’s spectacular page-turner.

Entering into the realms of this novel, I embarked on a journey shrouded in mystery and tinged with the supernatural. While the title hinted at dark forces, the narrative unfolded into a complex and intricately woven tale that captivated me from start to finish.

As a reader, I found immense pleasure in immersing myself within the pages of this book. As an author myself, I couldn't help but admire the sheer talent displayed within its confines. This work transcends the ordinary, demonstrating a mastery not only of storytelling but of the craft itself.

The structure of the narrative defied convention, drawing me in with its meticulous attention to detail. Each sentence, each line, seemed purposefully placed to paint a vivid tableau in the mind of the reader. It's a testament to the author's skill in weaving a tale that ensnares the imagination.

"The Devil Pulls the Strings" by J. W. Zarek is a breath of fresh air in the urban fantasy genre. Following the protagonist, Boone Daniels, as he unwittingly becomes embroiled in a centuries-old feud between secret societies, the novel takes unexpected twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

What sets this story apart is its authenticity. Unlike some fantasy works that can feel contrived, "The Devil Pulls the Strings" exudes depth and sincerity. The characters, while fantastical in nature, are remarkably relatable, eliciting genuine emotions from the reader.

Zarek's talent shines in his ability to seamlessly blend elements from diverse cultures into a cohesive narrative. From wendigos to Baba Yaga, the story is a tapestry of myth and legend, expertly woven together to create a rich and immersive world.

The writing itself is flawless, with clean prose and impeccable pacing that keeps the reader hooked from the first page to the last. It's a testament to Zarek's skill as a storyteller that I found myself unable to put the book down once I started.

In conclusion, "The Devil Pulls the Strings" is a must-read for fans of fantasy and exceptional storytelling alike. With its masterful world-building and engaging plot, it's a novel that leaves a lasting impression. Don't hesitate to pick up a copy—you won't regret it.

Reviewed by
Malek sefsaf

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