Name: Ferryman
Author: Claire McFall
Publisher: Templar
Date published: April 2013
Pages: 336, Paperback
Source: For review (from publisher)
Rating: 3 teacups
A love story like no other. Indeed. The tale that Claire McFall has crafted is truly original, unique and at times, breathtaking. The premise is fresh and wildly imaginative and I was immersed in the haunting world of McFall's vision of the 'afterlife.' Ferryman stands out as a one-of-a-kind read but unfortunately, despite its potential, I did not fall for it as much as I anticipated.
While the premise is absolutely wonderful, I felt that the storyline was somewhat lacking. The concept of Tristan being Dylan's 'ferryman' who guides her to the other side following her death is striking but I found that their journey failed to grab my attention. I expected something breathlessly mind-blowing but it didn't deliver and I would read on hoping that something big would hit me. The climax, I suppose, is reached near the end but by this time, I wasn't concerned for the outcome.
What usually makes up for a storyline that doesn't grip me is the cast of characters. However, I didn't connect with Dylan at all and felt largely indifferent towards Tristan, the love interest, who are the main characters. I wasn't convinced by their 'love' and I didn't understand how it could be as strong as they seem to claim it to be. I didn't root for them as a couple and there was no emotional investment in them either.
Despite all this, Claire McFall showed that she has huge potential with her enticing way with words. My only fault about her writing is that there were often large chunks of description that caused my impatient self to skim read and skip passages. Other than that her prose has a hauntingly mesmerising tone to it.
Ferryman did fall short of my expectations but I appreciate that others may enjoy it more than me. As a debut novel, it highlights the creativity and out-of-this-world imagination of Claire McFall and I am eager to see what she will offer us next.
When Dylan emerges from the wreckage of a train crash onto a bleak Scottish hillside, she meets a strange boy who seems to be waiting for her. But Tristan is no ordinary teenage boy, and the journey across the desolate, wraith infested wasteland is no ordinary journey.
Life, death, love-which will Dylan choose?
[summary taken from Goodreads]
My Review
A love story like no other. Indeed. The tale that Claire McFall has crafted is truly original, unique and at times, breathtaking. The premise is fresh and wildly imaginative and I was immersed in the haunting world of McFall's vision of the 'afterlife.' Ferryman stands out as a one-of-a-kind read but unfortunately, despite its potential, I did not fall for it as much as I anticipated.
While the premise is absolutely wonderful, I felt that the storyline was somewhat lacking. The concept of Tristan being Dylan's 'ferryman' who guides her to the other side following her death is striking but I found that their journey failed to grab my attention. I expected something breathlessly mind-blowing but it didn't deliver and I would read on hoping that something big would hit me. The climax, I suppose, is reached near the end but by this time, I wasn't concerned for the outcome.
What usually makes up for a storyline that doesn't grip me is the cast of characters. However, I didn't connect with Dylan at all and felt largely indifferent towards Tristan, the love interest, who are the main characters. I wasn't convinced by their 'love' and I didn't understand how it could be as strong as they seem to claim it to be. I didn't root for them as a couple and there was no emotional investment in them either.
Despite all this, Claire McFall showed that she has huge potential with her enticing way with words. My only fault about her writing is that there were often large chunks of description that caused my impatient self to skim read and skip passages. Other than that her prose has a hauntingly mesmerising tone to it.
Ferryman did fall short of my expectations but I appreciate that others may enjoy it more than me. As a debut novel, it highlights the creativity and out-of-this-world imagination of Claire McFall and I am eager to see what she will offer us next.
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| 3 Teacups for Ferryman! *Thanks to Templar Publishing for the review copy!* |
Beverley xx
Posts
This seems really interesting and different! I love romances set in the afterlife, so this seems promising. It sucks that it didn't live up to it's potential, though! The idea of him being her ferryman is so haunting and cool, but I understand how the lack of interest that the journey induced would have sort of ruined the romance. HAHA I'm completely the same! If there are too many descriptions, I tend to just skip ahead to the action. :P Lovely review, Bev! Although the storyline does sound interesting, I don't think I'll be picking this up.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Beverley! :) The storyline sounds interesting, the whole 'ferryman' concept is AMAZING. But it is such a shame that the actual story was lacking. The characters sound really poor and it is a pity that the romance didn't work for you. I don't think I'll be picking this up, but thanks for the honest review <3
ReplyDeleteEven with the stunning concept, this seems like one I'm going to have to skip, honestly. Because the plot seems very lacking. Normally when I find the plot is lacking, the characters slightly redeem the book here, but it's sad that they're not even very relatable. This romance kind of seems like insta-love to me, which I hate with a burning passion. I just don't understand how you could claim to 'love' somebody that you don't even know very well! It's impossible, really. And I'm actually like you when it comes to reading long paragraphs of description, I find myself skipping those to get to the plot. So I would definitely be annoyed by that as well, even if the prose is beautiful. :/
ReplyDeleteLovely review, Bev, and thanks for your honest thoughts! I think this is one I'm going to pass up on.
-Aneeqah @ My Not So Real Life
I really like the premise here! It's definitely something a little different, and I'm glad the author is able to show her creativity. It's a shame, though, that this wasn't as gripping as you might have hoped overall. I don't think I'm curious enough to want to give it a try, but I'll keep an eye out for more from this author. Great review!
ReplyDeleteOverly description writing makes me snore, Beverly. Sorry this wasn't quite as exciting as you hoped. Great honest review. :)
ReplyDeleteBEVVV! This is the THIRD review I've read today about a book with a Scottish character/ set in Scotland This must be a sign telling me I should visit Scotland ASAP!!!<3 Awwww I'm sorry this wasn't as great as you'd anticipated :( I don't think I'll enjoy this either unfortunately :( Thanks for the honest review!
ReplyDeleteA book set in Scotland? Really?! That's a first! Hardly any books I know are set in Scotland! So, yay! xD
ReplyDeleteIt's a pity this book fell short of your expectations. I can totally see the potential in this book... it's such a shame it didn't live up to that potential! If I can't get connect with the main characters, I usually feel slightly detached from the whole novel in itself so I can see where you're coming from. At least the writing was some-what beautiful! :)
Great review! :D
Fab review! The book certainly sounds intriguing, and I haven't heard of it. May give it a try though. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDelete