Book Review: Revelation – Author Brian W. Matthews

Revelation
By: Brian W. Matthews
JournalStone Publishing
175 Pages

“I’m too old to believe in coincidence,” Bartholomew Owens.

When an ancient artifact shows up at collector Miles Knight’s home, something most monumental begins to unfold. The silk bag containing the article possesses qualities that challenge the very parameters of his perception. While a band of unearthly dwellers will stop at nothing to acquire the lost item, Miles is perplexed by the persistence of a stranger named simply the Forever Man or Bartholomew Owens and his protégé Katie. In a race against time and adversaries at every turn, will Owens and Katie be able to convince the cynical Knight there are things much more prevalent in play than his own jaded beliefs? Will Knight finally embrace the most ultimate of Revelation?

Revelation is the much anticipated sequel/prequel to the smash hit Forever Man. I was fortunate enough to read Matthews’ initial endeavor and was enthralled from page one. It isn’t often an author has the capability to engage with a vast audience so far on the spectrum as this author manages to with ease. His gift with vivid imagery and painting a back drop to most majestic of locales is breath taking and instantly places the reading audience in the midst of action.

The theme of religion and ancient artifacts is controversial and intriguing. In a genre that is plagued with zombie, paranormal and vampire tales it’s refreshing to see an author take a bold leap into a subject matter that perhaps isn’t covered quite as much as the aforementioned story lines. Its evident Matthews had embarked upon some extensive research to convey plot points of plausibility. As a result he’s created an intense, thought provoking suspense tale with an interesting twist that makes us rethink our very fibre and being.

Matthews fashions strong protagonists that are likeable and mysterious enough to lure the reader deeper into the plot. Some of the secondary characters whether protagonist or otherwise manage to enhance the relevance of the lead characters and move the plot along smoothly. A great deal of time some less experienced authors have a tendency of creating characters simply for the sake of doing so. Its evident Matthews has a blue print in mind and each development manages to cement the validity of what transpires next. Some of the interactions between Knight and Paxton are outrageous and a welcome break in humour from the rising escalation of perpetual tension. Our guard is let down subconsciously only to be riveted deep into the sinister macabre in all our vulnerability.

The interactions and dialogue exchanged through Cy and Destiny is beyond noteworthy. While supporting diverse points of view the unlikely duo spawns a humorous interlude when needed most.

Once the carnage is unleashed an array of horrific splatter-punk type descriptions will surely haunt your dreams. Watch Waterman’s ring scene and you won’t be disappointed. There’s no shortage of mayhem and bloodshed and the author does a brilliant job of waiting for just the right moments to beckon the terror without coming across as over indulgent.

A tremendous read for fans of good versus evil/ heaven and hell genre and will confidently recommend it to anyone.