Quarter Square by David Bridger review

Quarter Square by David Bridger (Wild Times #1)

won at Suzanne McLeod


Synopsis from Goodreads
English carpenter Joe Walker thinks his life is over when he discovers his wife and best friend having an affair. Restoring an abandoned theatre offers little hope for a fresh start...until he follows a group of strangers through a hidden door into a world he never could have imagined.In the haven known as Quarter Square, Joe encounters a community of supernatural street performers who straddle the mortal world and the magic realm known as the Wild. Here, Joe finds a sense of belonging he's never known before—and a chance to uncover the truth behind the frightening visions that have haunted him since childhood. He also meets Min, an enchanting singer who quickly captures his heart.
But as Joe settles into Quarter Square, he learns their haven is under attack, while an ancient enemy threatens to tear him and Min apart. Now, Joe must learn to wield his own powers in order to save the life he's come to love...

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I'm really on the fence about this book.

On one side the setting and the premise are unusual enough, and Joe who went from being a chartered surveyor to a carpenter following his dream had all my sympathy all along. I love people with that sort of courage.

Joe is a regular guy who when given a chance to be introduced to the world of the supernatural, behaves like a child with wonder in his eyes. He wants to know and learn everything, he embraces and enjoys his new lifestyle and he cares about his new friends.

On the other hand here is Min, his love and an enchantress who does her magic by singing. Min is an Immortal, but I can't say that thousands of years of living did her any good. She is indecisive, selfish and doesn't stick up for the right things.

The enemy is somewhat confusing. First he is supposed to be one evil person but then he is not, and you left with what the hell? moment. There are plenty of human casualties which were totally unnecessary, and I was pleased that Joe recognised it, took charge and rebelled against Min in the end.

I'm not making much sense, am I? That's because the book confused the hell out of me. To sum everything up: Joe is a good guy, Min is a wild card which obviously has her own agenda which I suspect I wouldn't like one bit, and the evil guy is somewhat pathetic. What with all those years of living Min couldn't come up with a better plan than to run from him every time? PLEAASE!

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М-да, что-то эта книга мне особо не пришлась по душе.

Сама по себе идея хороша, мир паранормального за дверью старого театра, очаовательная атмосфера Плимута, шуты и циркачи, прячущиеся и ведущие отдельную от нормального мира жизнь в пространствах в другом измерении, где время течёт совсем по-другому...

Главный герой, плотник Джо, совершенно нормальный парень, который мне очень понравился своей открытостью и желанием научиться волшебству и узнать всё о мире его новых друзей.

С другой стороны, его любовь, главная героиня, Бессмертная - Мин меня совершенно не вставляет. Она нерешительна, эгоистична и совершает глупые поступки.

Главный злодей - я вас умоляю... Что Немезиду получше не могли придумать? Давным-давно можно было с ним расправится. Так нет, за тысячи лет своей жизни, Мин ничего лучше, чем бежать пока он её не настигнет, не придумала.

В общем, книга, несмотря на интересную идею, оказалась неудачной.

6/10