Stranger

Rating:
Summary: stranger
Review: Everyone feels different from his peers but Derek Dunbar has a valid reason for feeling so. Not the least of which is he is being stalked by Sara of biblical times. She's trying to turn his life as a successful airline pilot into a tailspin.
Derek tries to understand what has put him into this mold that makes him stand out as different from his friends and associates. He never knew anything about either of his parents so questioning them about the past wasn't an option. His father was completely unknown and his mother died giving him life.
Exactly why is the ancient Sara trying to sully his reputation and do irreversible harm to his girlfriend, Sharon? You'll be mesmerized by how the plot cleverly alternates from then (1500's with its biblical characters) to present times.
Author Dennis Royer's character development is awesome and the plot truly thought provoking. It's the proverbial page-turner.
Stranger has mass appeal as there is something in it to please many appetites.
A terrific read! When is the next one, Dennis?

Rating:
Summary: stranger
Review: Everyone feels different from his peers but Derek Dunbar has a valid reason for feeling so. Not the least of which is he is being stalked by Sara of biblical times. She's trying to turn his life as a successful airline pilot into a tailspin.
Derek tries to understand what has put him into this mold that makes him stand out as different from his friends and associates. He never knew anything about either of his parents so questioning them about the past wasn't an option. His father was completely unknown and his mother died giving him life.
Exactly why is the ancient Sara trying to sully his reputation and do irreversible harm to his girlfriend, Sharon? You'll be mesmerized by how the plot cleverly alternates from then (1500's with its biblical characters) to present times.
Author Dennis Royer's character development is awesome and the plot truly thought provoking. It's the proverbial page-turner.
Stranger has mass appeal as there is something in it to please many appetites.
A terrific read! When is the next one, Dennis?

Rating:
Summary: Well-woven tale
Review: STRANGER is definitely not your typical mindless, take-it-to-the-beach, trashy tome. Classified as a "supernatural thriller" on the back jacket, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Dennis Royer's novel is so much more. This suspenseful fantasy tale has it all - love, sex, murder, mayhem, deceit, and treachery, all wrapped up with two very "special" characters - Derek and Sara.

What makes them so special? This goes to the very core of the plot, and the reason for my labeling this work as a "High Concept Thriller." The explanation behind the existence of Derek and Sara is absolutely fresh and totally unexpected. Character development, especially that of antagonist, Sara, is masterful. Royer flawlessly unfolds her life story against the backdrop of actual historical events. Derek's journey of self-discovery is equally engaging.

While reading, I was concerned with where all of this might be leading, but not to worry, Royer delivers with a spectacular climax!

STRANGER is stunning! I want more of this, Mr. Royer, I want more!

Rating:
Summary: A Fresh, Compelling Adventure
Review: Stranger is the story of Derek Dunbar's introspection into why he feels different from everyone else. The external conflict is provided by Sara, an ancient being, bent on forcing Derek into her world by destroying the normalcy in his life. Without giving away the details, the secret of Derek and Sara is based on a little known Biblical legend rarely exposed in modern fiction. The author's exploration of this concept provides the reader with a fresh, compelling adventure.

To clarify, Stranger is definitely not a religious novel. The plot is dotted with graphic scenes depicting sex and violence, although not gratuitously. These racy incidents fit well and are purposeful in advancing the story line.

This book is great fodder for English Literature classes where professors gleefully dissect plot elements exposing metaphors and looking for parallel themes. As a result, I don't know how well it will work for the weekend reader expecting casual entertainment. For example, dream sequences expose hidden clues that are easily missed if glossed over. The book would be more reader friendly had the author devised an alternative means of working key information into the story.

On the other hand, if you are fan of thought provoking, abstruse literary fiction, then Stranger provides the exact stimulation required for an exciting, satisfying read.

Clive Arkin, Book Muse

Rating:
Summary: Well-woven tale
Review: This book was a departure from my typical summer reading materials. However, I was quickly "hooked" and anxious to delve into this complex and historically accurate novel. I have never read anything quite like this book. Our book club read the book and could've discussed it for hours. Well done Mr. Royer!