M.C. Mars

This book is so multi-layered with psychedelic delusions, insertions of physics, paranoia and the very real and gritty distortions provided by fame and violence inherent in the inner city that adding a tinge of conspiracy theory is almost one element too many. Almost. While the story is admittedly full of complexity, the flow fits a personality that is in crisis, searching and seeking in a non-linear manner. From a near monastic adherence to the ‘next thing’ we are then dragged into the tumultuous relationship between Jason and his girlfriend, then thrust to his obsessive infatuation with hip-hop and rap, and the fame that surrounds a lucky few. I’m still wondering if Jason is a mad genius, or genius driven mad by his never-ending thoughts and ideas.

Every positive has a negative; the artistic purity of well-crafted rap is always balanced with the dirt and despair of the inner city. Graffiti artists are utilizing symbols from physics and the Illuminati to better define themselves and their work, painting on buildings. For nearly every action, there is some opposite reaction: the only question is whether the reaction is immediate or revealed in later chapters.

It’s not an easy book to read, and I will admit to going back and rereading some sections and chapters twice to understand and better follow the story, but every page read twice was more than worth it. The book reads more like a free-flow of consciousness, with bits of university lecture and side notes of rap. While that should be a cacophony, it makes an interesting composition that demands notice and attention.

** I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
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Burner
By M.C. Mars

Jason Teal dropped out in his last semester of college where he was studying to become an astrophysicist, to pursue his dream in the music industry. As the years go by his dream is still strong but he is no closer to fulfilling it, he works in an elevator where he plays his music for the patrons he must escort to and from their destinations. One day one of these patrons makes him an offer he cannot refuse, taking him down into the rabbit hole with one strange “test” after another until Jason’s entire reality has been altered.

Wow, this novel is completely intoxicating. We start off with Jason Teal hip hop deejay and music producer who seems to be obsessed with his brother’s work. His brother was famous for his street graffiti and in a way it sees Jason is trying to live up to his brother and when he fails he then becomes obsessed. This is only one of the story lines within this novel there is so much that happens and each test that Jason must endure weaves another stranger and mind altering scene then the previous one. What is remarkable about this is not just the series of events that take place but how the author takes you by the hand and makes sure you do not miss a single beat, if he didn’t this novel would surely fail but since he has it makes it thoroughly fascinating. If you are a fan of psychological thrillers this is a must read instead of this novel leaving you wondering “what the heck just happened” it leaves you exhaling audibly and a simple “Wow!”

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http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/… (plus d'informations)