Review of Extraordinary
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- Manang Muyang
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Review of Extraordinary
Charles Lee is your typical school nerd. He usually sits alone at the library, keeping to himself and his comics. He is used to being bullied by Kennedy’s gang and laments that his crush, Joy, always sees him being humiliated. Can he ever hope for her to like him? Fortunately, Charles can go home to his loving parents and brother who accept him without condition. He also has an after-school job at a burger joint, and his workmate Chloe is always ready to lend him an ear.
One day, the unthinkable happens. On his way home from work, Charles figures in a horrible accident that totals his car and injures him seriously. As he is about to breathe his last, a heavenly being, Chronos, miraculously appears. Chronos rescues him from death and even bestows super powers upon him. Charles is told that he is “the chosen one” who will save the world from a coming apocalypse.
I don’t normally read fantasy stories, but the blurb for this book intrigued me. I love underdogs. The cover also tugged at my heartstrings. Though the tale is more suitable for a teenage audience, I don’t regret picking up Extraordinary by Teddy Konickson.
High school students will enjoy the book. They will be able to relate to the jitters and euphoria of young love. They understand that what to wear on the first date is a major dilemma and that misplacing the bottle of cologne is cataclysmic. Fans of superheroes, Harry Potter, and Rambo will find some of the phrases familiar; I think the author intended those to coax smiles. However, Charles as the Extraordinary Man is no copycat; the reader will accompany him as he discovers his unique combination of superpowers and weaknesses.
The author admits to being a comic book addict, and this made it easy for him to create his hero. Charles is easy to like, too. He has a happy home, is open to community service, and does not seek revenge for wrongs done to him. I think parents will want their kids to be like him.
An older audience may not be as thrilled with the book, though. They may find the fight scenes too unrealistic and the hero’s powers too perfect. The many scenes of blushing and speechlessness at the sight of the beloved also come across as extra cheesy.
I did not like the parts where some characters were described as being so attractive that those of the opposite sex were “throwing themselves at them.” I also found it awkward that Mr. Lee did not have a first name and that the burger joint where Charles worked was not named.
My main complaint centers on the editing of the book. There are numerous grammatical errors throughout, and some of the phrasing is awkward. The author has trouble with idioms like “turn a blind eye,” “beat to a pulp,” and “burned to a crisp.” I had difficulty in the transition between Chapters 6 and 7. I had to reread that portion to fully grasp what transpired.
Considering the merits and demerits of the story, I give it 2 out of 4 stars. I think a professional editor’s intervention will make the book truly extraordinary.
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Extraordinary
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Being an introvert, the storyline of this book was one of my favorite imaginary scenarios in childhood...
~Dune.
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- Manang Muyang
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Adults may not enjoy the book now, but it certainly reminded me of my teenage crushes. I can relate to the episodes of blushing and speechlessness. Ahh, the luxuries of youth! Why did we have to grow up?Fireside119 wrote: ↑23 Jun 2021, 10:31 It's unfortunate that a rather interesting storyline has been poorly executed. I agree with you that older readers may not be thrilled to read about teenage romance.
Do tell me how it goes if you are able to read Charles' story. I bet it will make you recall the feel of high school. Those were the days of indelible memories.Kanchan Sharma wrote: ↑24 Jun 2021, 01:15 I like the storybooks of young children, their innocent reactions and feelings to small situations. The review is captivating and I am surely planning to read the book.
- Manang Muyang
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Thanks for your insights. Sometimes it's good to escape to Fantasy Land where all things are possible.El_limitless wrote: ↑23 Jun 2021, 09:42 Fantasy stories are always interesting to read. I could understand Charles' doubt about whether her crush, Joy, will still like him after being bullied in her presence. It's good to know that Charles was saved from death at the end. Great review.
- Manang Muyang
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It was a good way to forget the world's troubles for a while. Thanks for zooming by.Victoria Munyandi wrote: ↑23 Jun 2021, 09:57 Great review! Sounds like an interesting book, cant wait to read it.
- Manang Muyang
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It's nice to pretend you're Lois Lane. "Can you read my mind?"Miriam nkere wrote: ↑23 Jun 2021, 10:09 Wow i love superpower books, this sounds really interesting am eager to know what happens next and at least he can now get joy his crush to like him. Good review, great book
- Manang Muyang
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Don't we all escape to that world of fantasy once in a while? I would be Wonder Woman in my dreams, the Lynda Carter version LOL!The frant1c reader wrote: ↑23 Jun 2021, 15:34 Your review indeed is very thorough.
Being an introvert, the storyline of this book was one of my favorite imaginary scenarios in childhood...