Customer Reviews

Strange Magic

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Gord Rollo's latest release, Strange Magic, tells the story of former magician Wilson Kemp. Wilson has been trying for years to escape his past, going as far as changing his name, moving, and giving up his career as a magician. His wife and daughter know nothing of his past life, but unfortunately, his past has finally caught up with him and he may not be able to keep it hidden any longer. Someone in town known as "the Stranger" is killing both humans and animals, leaving messages at the scene of each crime for "The Iceman", which happens to be Wilson's old stage name. Wilson is now scared for the life of himself and his family. He is not sure who "the Stranger" really is, but fears it may be his old partner, "The Heatseeker". The problem with that scenario is that "The Heatseeker" has been dead for twenty-two years!

Intense, imaginative, well-balanced, fast-paced... you name it and Rollo has accomplished it in Strange Magic! Ever since Leisure started putting out Rollo's work I've been grabbing them up off the shelf immediately and I haven't been disappointed yet. Strange Magic may very well be my favorite so far. A couple of the characters' actual identities are kept secret through a good chunk of the book. Usually it is hard to keep up such a "front" that well without the reader figuring it out prior to the big "reveal", but Rollo managed to accomplish this without a hitch! I was ultimately pleasantly surprised, and a bit disturbed, with both of the characters once I found out who they really were. In addition, the death scenes within the book aren't overly gruesome, yet still cringe-worthy enough that both gore lovers and those of the weak stomach should be able to enjoy them. It is truly a well-rounded book and I feel that Rollo has definitely written something that all horror fans will love.

In addition to reading the Leisure addition of Strange Magic, I also had the pleasure of reading Rollo's short story, "Peeler", a tie-in story to Strange Magic. This story can currently be found in the limited edition of Strange Magic published by Bad Moon Books. Peeler is the name of one of the side characters from Strange Magic who happens to have what you might call a weird "fetish" for peeling off his own skin. In this short story, we get to learn what causes Peeler to mutilate himself and where he was at prior to the time-frame of Strange Magic. The story is a bit gross, yet definitely ties into the whole magical element playing throughout the novel. It's a must-read for die-hard Rollo fans, and it's a shame that Leisure couldn't have included it in their edition of the release. Hopefully, this story will be released in a short story collection from Rollo, for those that are unable to get their hands on a copy of the limited edition of Strange Magic. I highly recommend reading both Strange Magic and the tie-in story, "Peeler"!

Contains: Adult Language, Adult Situations, Mutilation

Review also posted at MonsterLibrarian dot com

Over all, this was an okay read. I've read all of Rollo's books, and by far The Jigsaw Man was the best. I loved it. Strange Magic falls sort so short. It wasn't bad, but just okay at best.

Wilson Kemp loves his vodka. It's ruined his life. He wasn't to get back with his wife, but the vodka always seems to get in the way. It gets in the way of his job, and prevents him from living a normal life. Why would he do such a thing? Kept has a very very good reason. It seems that his past is coming back to haunt him. Not only haunt him, but his family and entire town. By the time The Stranger is done, nobody will be safe. Not Kemp, his family or anyone who stands in The Stranger's way. Nobody. That included innocent people. The Stranger has been looking for Kemp to settle an old score. The one day. The Stranger finds Kemp and plans to set things right and settle old debts, to be paid in full.

That's pretty much I want to say about the plot. I don 't want to give anything away. There's also a Peeping Tom in the mix, but again, I don't want to give things away. He was a nice plot twist.

***SPOILERS***

Rollo does one thing that I consider a "writing sin". Part of the book is in a dream. For me, that's such a let down when a writer does that. Something interesting happens...but SURPRISE!! it was only a dream. UG! I always feel cheated when a writer does that. Rollo did it a lot in Crimson, and he does it here too.

The book has one or two neat plot twists. I love the angle of the Peeping Tom, that was a very nice plot twist. I liked The Stranger too. That was another interesting plot twist, when you find out who he is.

Over all, it was an okay read. If you want to get it at the bookstore, I say, fine, go ahead. If you want to get it at the library, that's fine too. It wasn't a bad read, just not an over the top read.

Three Stars, check it out.

I'm not here to tell you the plot of Gord Rollo's third novel, Strange Magic. If that is what you are looking for, just check out the Strange Magic page. What I want to do is tell you what a great book Mr. Rollo has produced.

With Wilson Kemp, Gord has crafted a wonderfully broken character. A man with a tragic past, fighting alcoholism and the break-up of his marriage, Kemp is the type of man you can despise for his weakness, pity for his loss, and root for as he fights to regain his life. Gord's depiction of Kemp's struggles and triumphs pushes all the right buttons, without you realizing those buttons have been pushed.

The villian of the story, The Stranger, is a charmingly evil individual. A flashy smile distracts you from the knife about to slide into your side. A man with a relentless thirst for revenge, The Stranger pursues his goal with a passion; a bloody, violent passion. This is a character I would love to see featured in his own book, maybe in the events leading up to this story.

Then there is "Peeping Tom". A secondary player who brings a little something extra to the book. Another well rounded character, with a twist. I can't say too much; it's best to read the book and find out about "Tom" for yourself.

Gord Rollo has a lean, clean writing style that pulls you in and keeps your eyes looked on the page. His pacing starts at a good clip and just picks up along the way. Can Wilson Kemp get his life together? What is The Strangers ultimate plan? And exactly what is going on with that "Peeping Tom" guy?

If you want a good, scary story, filled with fantastic characters, plot twists, magic and mayhem, pick up Strange Magic and fall under the spell of a writer who just gets better and better.

STRANGE MAGIC is Gord Rollo's third novel and features one of my favorite subjects, stage magic and magicians. The protagonist is a drunken loser who is being hunted by someone from his past. Rollo handles his small ensemble of characters well, throwing them into terrifying situations both supernatural and mundane (there are nightmares and actual magic, for instance, but also a couple of fights, some murders and one of the characters is even a Peeping Tom!). Rollo is one of my favorite authors because he manages to surprise my jaded ass, and because he tells a great story with just the right amount of uncomfortable violence. It might be even better than CRIMSON, my first Rollo novel, which has also received great reviews.

I read a review from a horror website that suggested this title by Mr. Rollo was mediocre, because of it's simple nature... And that's the exact reason why I gave this book 5 stars (although, I would of just given it 4 & 1/2 stars if that was an option)... It is a simple read, and that's exactly what I needed @ the time... Rollo doesn't get swept up in the minutia of details, which in my humble opinion tends to bog down the flow of a lot of horror novels... The story is straight forward and it moves quickly... The action is smooth... The characters are easy to absorb... And YES!!! There are moments of intense Rollo gore & suspense (although not nearly as extensive as "The Jigsaw Man")... So, if you're looking for an entertaining quick read that gets down to business w/out getting caught up in unnecessary details, than this is perfect for you... Good stuff...

The first half of this book does an excellent job of developing it's main character, yet leaving most about him a mystery. The lead up to the second half builds an almost frustrating anticipation as to what the secret is that the whole book is centered around. When the explanations start coming they are so captivating the story takes on an all new exciting energy which whisks you away along twists and turns in the plot that you will not be able to predict. There are psychologically disturbing moments that add to the horror along with small amounts of dark humor. The author includes some interesting and educational bits of information pertaining to the book's theme of magic. All of the characters are significant, and are presented in a way which leaves a lasting impression that provides even more to the story to think about. This tale keeps you wondering the whole time what is real or what is even possible. An exceptional book which was highly recommended to me. For someone who believes there is no true magic in this world, I would in turn recommend it to anyone looking for a reason to suspend their disbelief.

STRANGE MAGIC is Gord Rollo's newest book, and as a new fan, I could not have enjoyed it more. Mr. Rollo's writing is very smooth and keeps the story flowing, compelling you to turn the page. He creates a number of interesting characters: tormented Wilson Kemp, Peeping Tom, the Stranger, and the Heatseeker, to name a few. He weaves an intriguing story, inviting you to become emotionally involved. Mr. Rollo, imho, is one of the best storytellers around. And there are very few who know how to end a story like him.

This book, while it does have gore in it, is not a gorefest. Mr. Rollo seems to be concerned with telling you a story and having you become invested in his characters. If you want a good read by an extremely talented writer, then check this one out!

Like Ron Malfi, another relatively new horror author to burst on to the scene, Gord Rollo is destined to become a household, or should become one anyway. The only other thing I've read by Rollo is Jigsaw and I was mightily impressed with it. But as good as it was, I think Strange Magic is even better; much better! I won't tell you much about the book because I know when I sit down to read a review, I don't like it when someone starts "spilling the beans" on what the book is about. However, I will tell you some tidbits that might entice you buy this creepy and disturbing book.

It may sound funny or maybe it's just my imagination running wild, but Rollo reminds somewhat of a younger Richard Laymon; that is a grand compliment indeed! Rollo is still his own man and isn't near as perverse or gruesome as the late great Laymon could be in his books, but he has that writing touch that reminds me of Laymon in a way I can't exactly pinpoint. Maybe it's Rollo's plotting. I think of anyone that was such a master at plotting. Anyway, Rollo can write with the best of them. Things to look forward to in Strang Magic...

PEEPING TOM: Yes, now that I think of that name, a character in Strange Magic, it reminds me of Laymon. "Tom" is not a main character, but he is a character you won't soon forget. There is one scene where he is standing at a window that you need to be on the lookout for. I am still laughing about. If perverse things don't offend you or you get a laugh out of that sort of thing, then you'll want to get Strange Magic. Oh, did I mention that who "Tom" really is is a surprise twist. No, of course I'm not going to tell you who it is. Read the book!

THE DARK MAN: He really goes by The Stranger/Heatseeker, but I just call him THE DARK MAN. He is a main character and an evil one. One of the most charmingly evil characters I've ever read in a book. He is so disturbing and creepy in how he acts and the things he does, even thinks, that even though you're repulsed by him you can't help but take his hand and follow him down the road of darkness he travels. It seems as though his subtlety in the heinous acts he commits is what makes seem so EVIL! He is gruesome, to an extent, but not overly. He is more disturbed than anything. Read Strange Magic and fall under his evil spell.

WILSON KEMP: The real main character of the book. One of the most heartwrenching characters I've read in a while. Alcoholic, seperated from his wife and daughter, trying to do right with himself and his family and fight the bottle. He is a broken man and becomes even more so when his past comes back to bite him. I despise drunks, but I have a lot of heart for those who have a drinking problem and are trying to get off the "sauce". I've never been down that road, but I've heard it's a nightmare to defeat. And this is probably why I find Kemp so enduring. He knows he's got a MAJOR problem, but he tries and tries to do his best. It's what he goes through in the book; all of the hardships. I really commend Gord Rollo for being able to create a character of that depth who can move me.

And I really really commend him for creating a horror novel that truly horrifies me on all levels and makes feel for all of the characters(a horror book rarely does that for me), even Peeping Tom. Yes, Tom has a "problem" he can't control. Or at least has a really hard time controlling. The ending is really good as well. It's not anticlimatic like many horror novels I've read in recent years. This is a good vs. evil story, but it's not the run of the mill type. Two Leisure novels in the last month I've read that have left me flabbergasted and amazed by the quality; Snow by Ronald Malfi being the other. I think I like Snow a bit better than Strange Magic, but that's like me saying I like pepperoni pizza more than sausage pizza(uggggghhh! I shouldn't have said that it's making me hungry... i love both). Anyway, if you're a horror fan do yourself a big favor and pick both Snow and Strange Magic.

Strange Magic is one of the best crafted horror novels I've read in years. I can't recommend it enough and I hope I haven't given away too much about the book. I usually don't include this much info about a book and prefer the read to be left in the dark. Be on the lookout for Gord's other horror novel coming out this fall from Leisure titled Valley Of The Scarecrow(there's a sample of it in the back of Strange Magic). Sounds like it's going to be killer novel as well(pun totally intended). For now, read Strange Magic and let Gord Rollo weave you under his MAGIC SPELL!