27 May 2016

MORISTOUN.


MORISTOUN by KEVIN MCALLION.

BACK COVER BLURB: McSorely has had enough. His life has spiralled out of control and nothing has gone his way. There seems to be only one option open to him, one last thing he can do to take control of his fate. All hope is lost.

But far away on the mysterious island of Moristoun, Buchan is charged with the task of dissuading McSorely from this drastic course of action. Moristoun is where people like McSorely might end up, having exchanged one kind of hopelessness for another. A glimpse of the life' he might be heading for might change McSorely's opinion of his own existence, but a glimpse of the entrancing Gail behind the bar in the pub and a hint about Moristoun's true nature could render all of Buchan's efforts to rehabilitate the despairing McSorely equally hopeless.

FIRST SENTENCE {Chapter One: Defender Of The Realm}: Buchan prided himself on giving clients his full attention but it was hard not to let his mind wander as Hogg babbled away while fidgeting in his seat.

MEMORABLE MOMENT {Page 15}: Farqhuar had to admit Buchan had a point as his patience now regularly snapped during induction meetings. The dictionary that sat on his desk was falling to pieces due to the number of times it had been launched at "slavering illiterates" so he could understand Buchan's need to immerse himself in the patois of these cyber Scots.

SOURCE: Received for review from the author.

MY THOUGHTS: Hmm, an island where Scottish people are sent when they have committed suicide. An island on which resides William Hughes who may or may not secure his release by helping Scots intent on killing themselves.

Deep and dark, yes. And yet also surprisingly humorous and uplifting given that at the heart of the story is suicide. Of the 44 novels I've read so far this year, one of my firm favourites. I cannot begin to tell you how refreshing it is to find a novel with a bit of a difference and Moristoun is nothing if not a novel with a difference. 

Such a great premise and one which the author in this, his debut novel, carries off well, extremely well. Kevin McAllion not only writes well BUT he also tells a great story - something which I have found doesn't always go hand in hand. And oh my goodness, what characters! And as for the ending? A novel I could see ending several ways, thankfully, incredibly touching and true to the rest of the story, it didn't disappoint.

I long to tell you more about Moristoun but am struggling to do so for fear of spoilers so will leave you with the thought that here is a book well worth the read. Kevin McAllion an author I shall certainly be keeping a look out for.


12 comments:

Melliane said...

it's always difficult not to tell more but it's great to see that it's one of your fave of the year, not an easy thing so it's quite intriguing for sure

Kelly said...

Well, now you have me more than just a little interested in this. I'll admit the blurb and shared lines didn't excite me, but the rest of your review reeled me right on in. I do love the cover.

I think I'll go ahead and put this on my wish list...

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Sounds like a heavy book but I like that it is still uplifting. I do appreciate that in these books. This one sounds intriguing and I might have to see if my library has it!

Yvonne @ Fiction Books Reviews said...

Hi Tracy,

I'm swinging back and forth about whether this one appeals to me, or not.

Whilst the premise is intriguing, the cover art brilliant and the phrase "slavering illiterates" from your memorable lines had me smiling to myself; given events which are crowding my own life right now, maybe this is not the ideal storyline to be anywhere in my reading pile!

You do make a point of highlighting the fact that the story is uplifting though, so maybe my worries are a little unfounded.

I also do enjoy featuring new and aspiring authors and Kevin has such an interesting background story of his own.

Thanks for sharing and have a good Bank Holiday weekend :)

Yvonne.

Gina said...

The cover hooked me and your review certainly paints it in a good light. Thanks for the rec!

Arti said...

I had almost left it out till I got to reading your review. Now, this sounds SO interesting. Will look out for this one. Thanks for sharing.

Brian Joseph said...

This sounds intriguing.

Handling serious issues in the form of fantastical stories generally appeals to me.

I really like the quote that you posted. It sounds like this book contains my kind of humor.

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure about this one ...... if it's not too dear on the Kindle, I may buy it.

Natasha said...

Ooh - this one does sound intriguing, will have to keep an eye out for it as you've recommended it as well! - Tasha

Stephanie@Fairday's Blog said...

What a beautiful cover and the story sounds unique. The fact that it is one of your favorites of the 44 you have read this year has me the most intrigued. :) Thanks for sharing!

Shooting Stars Mag said...

Thanks for sharing, and I'm happy to hear it was such a good read for you. I do really love books that have unique premises!

-Lauren

Literary Feline said...

This one definitely does sound unique, and you've piqued my interest with your review, Tracy. The fact that the author can take such a serious issue and still make the story hopeful is a good thing. I will have to look for this one.