Vicious, a Novel of Punk Rock and the Second Coming

Different from his previously written works, recently in 2018, Michael Forester published an excellent supernatural-psychological thriller titled Vicious, A novel of punk rock and the second coming. This tantalizing book opens surprisingly with rules to a game. This game is extraordinary. It is definitely integral to the main plot. The subplots, which are primarily about the individual main characters, are so interwoven into the main plot that they come across more as explanations or extensions of the main plot. Which is extremely unique for any fictional work; definitely not the “standard story format” even for this book’s genre. From a writer’s perspective is very difficult to achieve interwoven subplots to the degree Michael Forester has created in this excellent written piece. This reviewer applauds this author’s superb writing skills and exceptional achievement.

At first, as the reader, I wondered what kind of game is this? How can a whole book be about a game with an Arbiter, players and viewers? This well-constructed medium paced work answered all of my questions as I read each page. Vicious, A novel of punk rock and the second coming went in a different and whole other fascinating direction than I expected it would. This piece was wonderfully surprising with all of its unusual twists. The game ended up very interesting, astounding and fun! Mr. Forester truly captured my interest, chapter per chapter, as I read his carefully selected words that explained the rules of the game leading up to a huge surprise with the final rule. Once all of the rules were read, the entire plot made a very thought provoking point, gifted a delicious “a-ha” moment. Suddenly the importance of this particular game came to light. This game truly is self-explanatory through its rules. Definitely was worth the wait as this exceptional plot unfolded.

Another fun aspect of Vicious, A novel of punk rock and the second coming worthy of mentioning is it mostly takes place in 2008 yet does refer to other time periods. The reader learns about the main character’s past and present, finds out how intertwined by the plot their lives truly are. There are delicious twentieth century historical tidbits within this book which I, as a history lover, thoroughly loved. One furthermore finds out who the Arbiter, players and viewers truly are (another surprise I am determined not to spoil by writing more about this). As this book moves along at just the right pace, incrementally everything shared via each character blends into making perfect sense as the plot and subplots slowly unravel. Looking back at all read within this book’s masterful constructed pages, I have to smile for the journey given was amazing.

I further appreciated the class distinctions Michael Forester shared though how the characters talked per their station, class. This gifted me, someone not from the United Kingdom, a better understanding of class distinction and its importance. Example: Those who lived in the lower middle class cursed more in their speech and thought patterns due to having less education (mostly a vocational education) than the characters in the upper middle class whose schooling was superior. The way these characters expressed themselves and their thoughts showed a form of ignorance without it coming across as a bad thing for from their lack of knowledge the lower middle-class characters have a specific type of wisdom and view of the world which is different from those residing in a higher in station. I liked how Michael Forester demonstrated this class difference without overwhelming the reader with a lot of unnecessary, gratuitous, F-bombs that seem to currently be in vogue by many modern authors and the Entertainment Industry. It was obvious Mr. Forester took great pains per word, was very selective, to get each character’s speaking and thinking mannerisms correct for the class he had placed them.

Vicious, A novel of punk rock and the second coming is truly a punk rock book. One could say it reads like the content of a punk rock song. Of course, punk rock musicians are mentioned. After all, a punk rock book would not be perfect without a punk rock band and groupies. Dare not say more due to it possibly being a spoiler. This book, however, should come with the following warning label: Book will captivate you. It is extremely difficult to put down once you begin reading.

For those wondering due to the praises this reviewer is giving this work, I have never been a punk rock fan, but I love this fiction book! The end of Vicious, A novel of punk rock and the second coming is first-rate. Could not ask for a superior finale.

I highly recommend Vicious, A novel of punk rock and the second coming for one’s at-home library (if you collect fictional works like I do) and must-read list. It does not matter if you like punk rock or not. This book is for those who enjoy great reading material. Of course, in my opinion, if you are a punk rock enthusiast this definitely would be a book you would not wish to miss. If you like just about any type of fiction like I do, you will not be disappointed for this appealing work delivers a great romp into something uniquely extraordinary.

Enjoy the read!

Michael Forester is a hearing-impaired writer who lives happily in Hampshire’s New Forest with his adorable hearing service dog, Matt. For those who do not know where Hampshire is, let alone New Forest, this is in Southern England, the United Kingdom (UK). New Forest is renowned for its beautiful glades, moors, cliffs and woodlands. A common sight in this section of Southern England is a horse in an open field.

This author is definitely a dog lover who has had many delightful adventures with his adored dog. Mr. Forester and Matt spend a good portion of their time enjoying the New Forest countryside. There are beautiful trees, bridges and other fun outdoors stuff for them to locally explore together. Like many dogs, Matt likes being outside, but prefers the cozy indoors where it is very comfy.

Matt as Michael Forester’s hearing dog has daily an important service to do. Matt was expertly trained for this vocation, and no one, besides Matt, sneaks up on his human. Mr. Forester has expressed how lucky he is for having Matt in his life. He is grateful for Matt being his set of ears. If it were not for Matt, he would not know when the phone rings or someone is at the door. No one gets by Matt when they are socializing publicly for he is a social canine, does not mind meeting new human friends where ever he and Michael Forester visit. Matt even attended a book signing for the book Mr. Forester wrote about their rocky start together titled If It Wasn’t For That Dog!

For more about this prolific author please visit Presenting the Exemplary Author Michael Forester and his official website.

Thank you very much Michael Forester for sharing with me Vicious, A novel of punk rock and the second coming. You were not kidding about this work being “completely different.” At first as a book reviewer, I was skeptical, but after the first couple of pages my cynicism evaporated. For this I wholeheartedly give my undying gratitude for I truly needed a “completely different” book. It is wonderful to read something unique in the fiction genre, that stands out all on its own. This book definitely was a prestigious supernatural-psychological thriller! Will never be able to express enough of a thank you for how I feel about having the honor to read and review this exemplary work! Extra special thanks with immense applause, a standing ovation!

I further wish to express more appreciation for your trust, all permissions given and the photos you supplied so this review could be extra special plus shared globally with others. Absolutely a great honor! Wholeheartedly I gift you, Michael Forester, my unswerving thankfulness.