I’m a bit late to the party in reviewing John Howell’s latest novel (as a fan I tend to read and review his novels very quickly). But also as a fan, this time when I got my copy I held off on reading it until I had enough time to truly savor it. And it certainly did not disappoint!
John’s books have a number of things that always delight: wonderful, warm characters; snappy and witty dialogue; emotionally resonant character arcs and imagination in spades. Of all his novels this may be his most ingenious and inventive yet. Weaving historical stories, the supernatural and spiritual, the potential apocalypse by AI and retribution for very inhuman ‘human’ acts – he presents a wonderfully enjoyable, rollicking ride through the afterlife and the world as we know – and possibly some day may know – it (when our time comes to go to our eternal home).
I love his characterisation of Lucifer too – spot on with the manipulation and somehow childish pique all rolled into one!
At the centre of everything John’s warm heart shines through. You really connect with the characters and care about their story. And he manages to weave an intricate plot around their feelings and choices in a manner that both entertains and satisfies.
I’m not going to say too much about the plot so I’m not spoilery – this novel is so clever it deserves to be approached with an open mind and an open heart and you’ll be amazed at the adventure it takes you on.
I always see John’s novels as movies. They have incredible visuals, fabulous dialogue and a real sense of pace and emotional investment. I hope his vision of the after-life is the right one. It’s an existence I would be happy to inhabit one day and find my own eternal home with God/the Divine.
Top marks and five stars again for John Howell and this wonderful novel!
helenvalentina 
sounds like a great read
Thanks – it is! So much fun and heart.
I just read this wonderful review, Helen and I have to say I am almost at a loss for words. I thank you for taking the time to read Eternal Road and to generate this heartwarming review. I am also working on the sequel to the story and you reminded me of something that has been bothering me about the current book. For some reason, my characters have taken a less warm approach to each other. I’m not sure if it is the fact that they don’t feel a future together or what? I am going to figure it out because I miss that warmth and emotion. Thank you again for this review and for reminding me to pay attention to the details. Hugs to you.
You’re more than welcome – it’s a fabulous book (and would make wonderful movie too I reckon). I’m just sorry it took a while for me to get to read it but I was bit hammered getting the YouTube channel going. 🙂 Looking forward to the sequel- that’s wonderful news. I kind of thought at the end a sequel could be possible as it seems there’s more of this story to tell! So pleased that’s so!
Thank you again, Helen.
Reblogged this on Fiction Favorites and commented:
Helen Valentina has written a beautiful review for Eternal Road. For those of you who may not know Helen, she is a wonderful poet and lately has been doing Tarot readings on YouTube. These readings cover many subjects and are open to anyone to join. Please visit Helen and check out her YouTube channel. Here is a link to a reading answering the question, “What will Make You Famous?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYzlmhXfBys Thank you so much, Helen.
Thanks for the shoutout John! And for another terrific read in Eternal Road – I loved it!
😁
Fabulous review for a wonderful author and book!
Thanks – it is a wonderful book isnt it?
And a wonderful author too!
I enjoyed this book, too — a rollicking ride is a great way to describe it 🙂
Thanks – that’s how it felt to me – a wonderful road trip in the afterlife, history and more. 🙂
A great review. I loved this book as well.
Thanks so much! 🙂
A fabulous review for John’s book! I loved Eternal Road and agree with all of your comments, Helen! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks so much -it was so fun to read. I want to see it as movie!!
What a great review for Eternal Road. I enjoyed it as well, especially the characters of Sam and James. An entertaining read from start to finish!
So true, it never stopped being entertaining – the pacing was perfectly on point.
Fantastic review! I enjoyed this book as well and look forward to more from John.
Thank you, me too! 🙂
Wonderful review, Helen. Thank you for sharing. Like you, I loved Eternal Road.
Thanks Gwen – it was such joy to read.
I really enjoyed Eternal Road, and am glad to see it getting some press today.
Thanks so much. Happy to do my small bit to promote his wonderful work.
Read it. Loved it.
Brilliant, I agree, it’s a fabulous novel.
John truly has a gift, doesn’t he?
And he’s one of the most decent humans on the planet, as well.
So true on both counts!
Great review of a wonderful book.
Thanks so much – it is wonderful isn’t it? Such a joy to read.
I’ve also read Eternal Road and enjoyed it immensely. Thanks for the positive review, Helen.
Glad to hear it – John deserves much success for his wonderful novels. 🙂
This is a wonderful review for a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading…
Thanks -it’s a pleasure reviewing such a great book. 🙂
Congratulations to John! I’m reading the book now and enjoying it very much.
Savor it! It’s so much fun it’s really sad to finish it! 🙂
You picked a good one here. I really enjoyed the story as well.
Thanks – I so agree! 🙂
Thanks for sharing this review, Helen! John is a talented author and this book reads fascinating. 😀
He is very talented and this is probably one of my favourites of his so far (though they are all so good it’s hard to choose).
That’s great to know. Thank you.
John, I bought your book and it should arrive today. Helen’s interview sparked my interest in the story theme. Looking forward to the read. Congratulations! 📚 Christine
I’m sure you will enjoy John’s book – it’s fun and also makes you think about life and spirituality.
Wonderful review, Helen, and thanks for sharing. John’s book is well-deserving and I truly enjoyed it as well. Lauren 💗
Cool…I’m glad so many people love the book. John deserves success for his wonderful writing
What an excellent review! John is such a talented writer. I’ve read a number of his books, and this one has just climbed up my TBR pile. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Helen.
Thanks – I so agree. You will definitely enjoy the book! 🙂
Thank you for this lovely review. I am sure John got his wonderful writing also by the assistance of Lucy and Twiggy, his two fourleggers. Lol xx Michael
Thanks!,!! 😃
Always with a great pleasure! :-))
A wonderful review Helen! I’m very excited about this book. I adore the cover. Thank you for the intro and congratulations to John.