Tuesday 28 July 2015

*** REVIEW *** THE KALEIDOSCOPE by BK Nault





What if advances in artificial intelligence, combined with mystical elements found in the earth, could produce inexplicable images of the future? Harold Donaldson unwillingly becomes the custodian of a beautiful, handcrafted kaleidoscope that changes the viewer’s future and becomes the focus of evil operatives’ intent on capturing the kaleidoscope for nefarious purposes. Brilliant but socially inept, Harold has distanced himself from any connection to his dysfunctional childhood. Abandoned by a father accused of his mother’s death, Harold trusts no one until the ’scope forces him to accept a circle of friends he must rely on. To protect all their lives from imminent danger, Harold must discover the source of the ’scope’s mysterious powers. Just as he is on the verge of learning how it works and why his past connects to his future, he must face disturbing truths he’s run from all his life.

For as long as I can remember I am easily pulled into a good mystery.  The Kaleidoscope is a modern paranormal mystery with a little romance thrown in to really capture my imagination. 

The beginning of the story is a little slow moving but, looking back, I think that is because Harold (the hero) is such a boring character.  Harold has built so many walls around himself after his tragic youth that he can't help but be boring.  He is an inflexible, OCD type personality.  He is very rigid about his daily schedule and work routine to the point you can set your clock by his activities.  This structured personality limits Harold’s advancement potential at work and also makes his wife leave him in search of some spontaneity and adventure. 

Everything changes when a homeless man gives Harold a kaleidoscope as a gift.  Harold doesn’t know why he is picked to receive the gift and thinks about giving it back.  What he finds, however, is the kaleidoscope has some magical properties for some people.  The people who experience the “gifts” see something that helps them deal with a part of their life that is causing an internal hurt or anguish.

What I like is that once Harold shares the kaleidoscope Harold gradually opens up and starts to trust people.  For the first time in his life he actually has friends.  The story picks up at this point.  It is like Harold is changing and becoming more interesting as the mystery becomes more intense.  Harold becomes more multidimensional as well as the ancillary characters.  They are attention-grabbing and add to the intrigue. 

There are people who want to solve the mystery of the kaleidoscope and they come after Harold.  I figured out part of the mystery early but there are a couple twists that I didn’t expect.  I really like Harold’s neighbor, Pepper.  In my opinion she is a thoroughly developed and relatable character.   

Even as Harold becomes more likable he is hard for me to connect with and I can't really put my figure on why. He is a realistic and interesting character. 

Towards the end of the book there is a philosophical discussion that seems to drag the story a little.  I get why Harold is so resistant to the discussions because of his personality.  I wish the dialog was a little livelier or moved the story a little more. 

Anyway, all in all, this is a fun story and gives the reader something to think about.  I like it.

4 STAMPS










Awards include the InD'Tale Crowned Heart, Reader's Favorite Fiction, a Real Simple's Great Summer Read, SDCWG Excellence in Writing. Beverly's whimsical style and vivid imagery take you on journeys that transform your world long after "the end." From her adept suspense-thriller "The Kaleidoscope" (as B K Nault) through the beloved Seasons of Cherryvale series, each book is filled with characters who not only entertain but challenge, grow and learn, and quickly become like cherished friends.

Beverly's nonfiction includes the international bestselling memoir, "Lessons from the Mountain, What I Learned from Erin Walton" co-written with Mary McDonough. This important book has earned literary and fan praise. The recipient of the 2011 Ella Dickey Literacy award, and hundreds of five star reviews, the book has touched readers's hearts, and become an important look at what it's like to "grow up Hollywood."

Visit Beverly at www.beverlynault.com and follow her on twitter @bevnault


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