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estherfilbrun's review against another edition
5.0
Summary: A beautiful, heart-wrenching read.
This book came at a very inconvenient time in my life, but after following the author for multiple years and enjoying his work, I knew I wanted to read his books. And oh—what a pleasure to finally get to do so! Shawn Smucker has told a tale with many threads, but woven together so skillfully that I doubt you could come away with anything less than hope—even though the story itself sometimes seems to lack that very element.
What I loved about this story the most was the characters. They shone here, in both their strengths and their imperfections. And though I feel like not a lot happened in the first part of the book, the characters and descriptions pulled me through, making me want to keep reading. Badly. Even when I really didn’t have time. I’m fairly certain I read the first third of this book in about one sitting—forgetting about everything else. Thankfully, dinner somehow still managed to get on the table in time that night!
In many ways, this book was one after my own heart. It shows how much unforgiven hurts can lead us to be stuck where we are, and only through forgiveness can we find the way forward. There are many deep things touched on in this story, and if you enjoy reading fantasy with a depth of truth to it, I’d recommend you check this out. Some parts of the setting are weird, but in the end, it’s one that I think a lot of us can learn from. And that’s not counting the fact that the way this story was written is achingly beautiful and almost merits a discussion in its own right!
Overall, I recommend this book. It isn’t necessarily a Christian story (although, if you’re like me, you will probably find a few allegories along the way), but it is a relatively clean read. I enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to trying out other books by this author.
I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
This book came at a very inconvenient time in my life, but after following the author for multiple years and enjoying his work, I knew I wanted to read his books. And oh—what a pleasure to finally get to do so! Shawn Smucker has told a tale with many threads, but woven together so skillfully that I doubt you could come away with anything less than hope—even though the story itself sometimes seems to lack that very element.
What I loved about this story the most was the characters. They shone here, in both their strengths and their imperfections. And though I feel like not a lot happened in the first part of the book, the characters and descriptions pulled me through, making me want to keep reading. Badly. Even when I really didn’t have time. I’m fairly certain I read the first third of this book in about one sitting—forgetting about everything else. Thankfully, dinner somehow still managed to get on the table in time that night!
In many ways, this book was one after my own heart. It shows how much unforgiven hurts can lead us to be stuck where we are, and only through forgiveness can we find the way forward. There are many deep things touched on in this story, and if you enjoy reading fantasy with a depth of truth to it, I’d recommend you check this out. Some parts of the setting are weird, but in the end, it’s one that I think a lot of us can learn from. And that’s not counting the fact that the way this story was written is achingly beautiful and almost merits a discussion in its own right!
Overall, I recommend this book. It isn’t necessarily a Christian story (although, if you’re like me, you will probably find a few allegories along the way), but it is a relatively clean read. I enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to trying out other books by this author.
I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
mjamm's review against another edition
2.0
I’ll be honest. I could not finish this book. I was 75% through and was still having a hard time getting into it. I couldn’t figure out if this was a dystopian story, allegorical, or fantasy - or something else altogether. I found the storyline slow. I love when a plot keeps you in suspense and slowly draws out the mystery. But in this case, I found the suspense too drawn out and there wasn’t really much action. The characters kept talking about doing something but that’s all there was. Even that far into the book, I still don’t know what they were trying to escape from or what they were afraid of on the mountain. And that elusive brother Adam. Was he the good guy? The bad guy? The fall guy? Who knows. We hadn’t met him yet. I rarely find a book that I can’t finish but unfortunately this was one. Maybe I’ll give it another chance someday. Maybe I missed the point completely and would love if someone else could enlighten me,
owlyreadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
So, this book here surprised me. I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to feel when it came to this novel, as many people had said the story-line was a bit obvious. But, seeing it on NetGalley, reading that synopsis, and seeing that cover... there was no way I wasn't requesting it. Which, I'm glad that I did because there was so much in here that gave all the feels. Yes, I might have figured it out from the first few chapters, but the story getting there made it all worth while.
The characters in here, plus the location (who knew a single mountain could cause so many chilling moments?? ), the fragmented moments in time, it was all so well done. There was a bit of a head start in the beginning, living me a little confused, but that quickly got straightened out. There were several characters in here, with a few not having much going on, but as the story continues they all played a role in what was long coming.
For the most part, this focus' on Dan and his brother, with Miho following, and then Abe. These characters here were really well created, making me feel so many things. When it came to Dan, I was sent through confusion, anger, sadness, hurt, anger again (because he really doesn't get it for awhile), but then clarity, and finally happy to see him get to the conclusion he needed. Abe does not fall far behind, as he's the father figure (leader) type in here. He doesn't have many lines, but the ones he does say a lot.
Then comes those chapters that really moves this story along. Most of that was due to one certain person that arrives, and she's no joke. That led to a really great second half that had me crying, hoping, wishing, and ready for the words that I had known were coming, to be said. That mountain, the village they came to know, the bottom of it where you must "abandon every hope, who enter here", the place to the east of the village, they each had their darkness and light moments.
The only thing I would've liked more of, would be when it comes to Adam (Dan's brother). I felt like for all the build up to it, his resolve needed more. All must arrive to the that point on their own, at least by the rules of the story. I can also see how that would change a little, but it felt somewhat rushed in those last moments. Plus, adding the extra character in the end, didn't resolve what was never asked to be forgiven. Even so, everything else made this so memorable for me. Really good!
***I received this copy from Fleming H. Revell Company, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***
The characters in here, plus the location (who knew a single mountain could cause so many chilling moments?? ), the fragmented moments in time, it was all so well done. There was a bit of a head start in the beginning, living me a little confused, but that quickly got straightened out. There were several characters in here, with a few not having much going on, but as the story continues they all played a role in what was long coming.
For the most part, this focus' on Dan and his brother, with Miho following, and then Abe. These characters here were really well created, making me feel so many things. When it came to Dan, I was sent through confusion, anger, sadness, hurt, anger again (because he really doesn't get it for awhile), but then clarity, and finally happy to see him get to the conclusion he needed. Abe does not fall far behind, as he's the father figure (leader) type in here. He doesn't have many lines, but the ones he does say a lot.
Then comes those chapters that really moves this story along. Most of that was due to one certain person that arrives, and she's no joke. That led to a really great second half that had me crying, hoping, wishing, and ready for the words that I had known were coming, to be said. That mountain, the village they came to know, the bottom of it where you must "abandon every hope, who enter here", the place to the east of the village, they each had their darkness and light moments.
The only thing I would've liked more of, would be when it comes to Adam (Dan's brother). I felt like for all the build up to it, his resolve needed more. All must arrive to the that point on their own, at least by the rules of the story. I can also see how that would change a little, but it felt somewhat rushed in those last moments. Plus, adding the extra character in the end, didn't resolve what was never asked to be forgiven. Even so, everything else made this so memorable for me. Really good!
***I received this copy from Fleming H. Revell Company, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***
rhiannonneill's review against another edition
3.0
When I first read the blurb of this book I couldn't wait to read it as it had everything I love in a book....mystery, thrills and me hooked from the few scentences used to entice you in
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This book was started off well with the scene and character setting but then took a while for the proper thrills to kick in
·
As I worked my way through the book more I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen and what were the reasons for the characters staying instead of moving east
·
Although a lot of the questions I ended up having were answered before the end of the book there were a couple that weren't. Like what was at the other side of the east mountain? And what happened to Sarah and Karon?
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For me this book started a little slow but once I got my head round who each of the characters were and the real page turning story started I just wanted to keep reading to find out more
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This book kind of ended on a cliffhanger and I think I would read the next one (if there ever is one) just to find out what was at the other side of the east mountain
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3⃣⭐
·
This book was started off well with the scene and character setting but then took a while for the proper thrills to kick in
·
As I worked my way through the book more I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen and what were the reasons for the characters staying instead of moving east
·
Although a lot of the questions I ended up having were answered before the end of the book there were a couple that weren't. Like what was at the other side of the east mountain? And what happened to Sarah and Karon?
·
For me this book started a little slow but once I got my head round who each of the characters were and the real page turning story started I just wanted to keep reading to find out more
·
This book kind of ended on a cliffhanger and I think I would read the next one (if there ever is one) just to find out what was at the other side of the east mountain
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3⃣⭐
readsewknit's review against another edition
3.0
In a setting that feels both familiar and other-worldly, we learn Dan and the other villagers living near a mountain have few to no memories of life before, and when the time is right, someone might decide to head east.
However, the familiar is disrupted; memories are returning, and as they share, they learn there is a common denominator in what has kept them in the village for this long.
Dan has to decide what secrets are worth protecting and which ones are worth revealing. Themes of commitment, vulnerability, sacrifice, trust and forgiveness are within these pages. These Nameless Things is reminiscent of works like Pilgrim's Progress, Dante's Inferno, and The Great Divorce.
(I received a digital ARC from the publisher Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)
However, the familiar is disrupted; memories are returning, and as they share, they learn there is a common denominator in what has kept them in the village for this long.
Dan has to decide what secrets are worth protecting and which ones are worth revealing. Themes of commitment, vulnerability, sacrifice, trust and forgiveness are within these pages. These Nameless Things is reminiscent of works like Pilgrim's Progress, Dante's Inferno, and The Great Divorce.
(I received a digital ARC from the publisher Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)
rmmcdowell's review against another edition
5.0
Whenever I read one of Shawn Smucker’s books I need a couple of days before I can rate and review it. His writing always seems to start slow and small and build with every chapter until days and even weeks after you finish reading. Each of his books is layered with so much important truth you can’t just close it when you’re done and move onto the next book on your shelf. You need to sit with it. You need to ponder it.
These Nameless Things is no different. Like a long forgotten memory it works its way into your consciousness slowly, and then it doesn’t let go. Even before the memory has a name it is changing you and reminding you and even, just a bit, horrifying you. And then it is whispering gentle hope that sits with you and embraces you and changes you long after you finish.
Read this book. Let it remind you of all the nameless things you have forgotten. And then let it hold you in its promises of redemption.
These Nameless Things is no different. Like a long forgotten memory it works its way into your consciousness slowly, and then it doesn’t let go. Even before the memory has a name it is changing you and reminding you and even, just a bit, horrifying you. And then it is whispering gentle hope that sits with you and embraces you and changes you long after you finish.
Read this book. Let it remind you of all the nameless things you have forgotten. And then let it hold you in its promises of redemption.
hannahmaybookreviews's review against another edition
3.0
Title: These Nameless Things
Author: Shawn Smucker
Pages: 328
Publisher: Revell Books
Rating: 3.5/5
A huge thank you to Shawn Smucker, Revell Books and Love Books Group for letting me read and review These Nameless Things.
Synopsis:
Lucky to be alive, Dan and his fellow visitors were once held captive and tortured on a mysterious mountain. The villagers have limited memory of life before the mountain but one thing Dan does know is that his freedom come with a cost. His escape from the mountain meant he had to leave his brother behind. With every passing day Dan waits with the other survivors, reluctant to move on in case his brother finally makes his escape. However, things begin to unravel as memories begin to resurface and an appearance of an injured woman throws everything into question. Dan soon finds he is struggling with who to trust and soon realises he may be free but he is still faced with moral dilemmas. He has to decide how far he will go to save the ones he loves.
Review:
The cover of this initially grabbed my attention, it looked intriguing and sparked some hope in me that this would be another thriller I could sink my teeth into. After reading the book description and some of the many positive reviews I could honestly not wait to read this book. Let’s just say it didn’t disappoint.
These Nameless Things had an eerie feel from start to finish, I honestly had a weird feeling over me throughout which didn’t begin lifting until near the end. It was quite a haunting read and I don’t think I’m going to forget about this book anytime soon, which I like.
Despite struggling to get my head around the story line at first, I was still hooked in and had questions I needed to find the answers for. Shawn Smucker is a very talented writer; he is descriptive and excellent at scene setting. I could visualise everything throughout and I loved how he managed to turn a mountain into something sinister in my head.
Nothing was given away straight away; I was intrigued throughout and the best thing of all is that I still didn’t figure it out! I really enjoyed how the puzzle fitted together. The story wasn’t rushed and things slotted together at a slow pace so those fast-paced lovers be aware. However, this book would not have the same feel or effect if it was faster, it would lose its eerie feel.
I found the characters involved to be quite interesting, some didn’t have big parts but they all had a part to play in the story. I was wary of them at first but I could also relate to them as they all had their own battles. There were many elements they faced which we all do in our normal life, such as dealing with guilt, forgiveness, consequences of our actions and struggles with relationships. It also highlights the importance of having hope, there is always a way back despite how difficult things may be.
This thought provoking read held me until the very last word, I generally did struggle to find to words to sum it up because it is so unqique and different to anything I’ve read before, to really understand I think you have to read yourself!
Author: Shawn Smucker
Pages: 328
Publisher: Revell Books
Rating: 3.5/5
A huge thank you to Shawn Smucker, Revell Books and Love Books Group for letting me read and review These Nameless Things.
Synopsis:
Lucky to be alive, Dan and his fellow visitors were once held captive and tortured on a mysterious mountain. The villagers have limited memory of life before the mountain but one thing Dan does know is that his freedom come with a cost. His escape from the mountain meant he had to leave his brother behind. With every passing day Dan waits with the other survivors, reluctant to move on in case his brother finally makes his escape. However, things begin to unravel as memories begin to resurface and an appearance of an injured woman throws everything into question. Dan soon finds he is struggling with who to trust and soon realises he may be free but he is still faced with moral dilemmas. He has to decide how far he will go to save the ones he loves.
Review:
The cover of this initially grabbed my attention, it looked intriguing and sparked some hope in me that this would be another thriller I could sink my teeth into. After reading the book description and some of the many positive reviews I could honestly not wait to read this book. Let’s just say it didn’t disappoint.
These Nameless Things had an eerie feel from start to finish, I honestly had a weird feeling over me throughout which didn’t begin lifting until near the end. It was quite a haunting read and I don’t think I’m going to forget about this book anytime soon, which I like.
Despite struggling to get my head around the story line at first, I was still hooked in and had questions I needed to find the answers for. Shawn Smucker is a very talented writer; he is descriptive and excellent at scene setting. I could visualise everything throughout and I loved how he managed to turn a mountain into something sinister in my head.
Nothing was given away straight away; I was intrigued throughout and the best thing of all is that I still didn’t figure it out! I really enjoyed how the puzzle fitted together. The story wasn’t rushed and things slotted together at a slow pace so those fast-paced lovers be aware. However, this book would not have the same feel or effect if it was faster, it would lose its eerie feel.
I found the characters involved to be quite interesting, some didn’t have big parts but they all had a part to play in the story. I was wary of them at first but I could also relate to them as they all had their own battles. There were many elements they faced which we all do in our normal life, such as dealing with guilt, forgiveness, consequences of our actions and struggles with relationships. It also highlights the importance of having hope, there is always a way back despite how difficult things may be.
This thought provoking read held me until the very last word, I generally did struggle to find to words to sum it up because it is so unqique and different to anything I’ve read before, to really understand I think you have to read yourself!
sabrinarcb's review against another edition
1.0
I am ASTOUNDED by the ratings of this book. Those who have reviewed it so far must be among the most generous people on earth because this book, meant to be some sort of retelling of Dante's Inferno, is truly worthy to be a ring of purgatory endured by Dante. The main character, DAN, spends most of the book bumbling around a mysterious town giving us no information about himself, the town, or even something interesting to think on. The self indulgent language seems to have given people the impression that this book has some sort of "depth" but I couldn't find that to be any less true. Its poor use of language to convey an uninteresting and unstructured "story" is torture to read. The only reason I finished this torturously bad book was to discuss it at book club (which was a great time, there was plenty of HORRIBLE content to discuss).
With its poor writing, uninteresting characters, stumbling plot, heavy handed "mysteriousness," and lack of any sort of compelling point/moral/theme- I can confidently say this is high among the worst books I have ever read.
If it were possible to award a book a 0, this one would certainly be worthy of it.
With its poor writing, uninteresting characters, stumbling plot, heavy handed "mysteriousness," and lack of any sort of compelling point/moral/theme- I can confidently say this is high among the worst books I have ever read.
If it were possible to award a book a 0, this one would certainly be worthy of it.
randikaye's review against another edition
3.0
Do you ever find yourself really WANTING to love a story... but simply unable to find yourself getting into it? Not because of writing or story line... but simply just because? I must admit this is where I found myself with These Nameless Things. I absolutely wanted to love this book. I've read previous books by Shawn Smucker and greatly enjoyed and appreciated his unique voice among this genre. Likewise, this book had that same fantastic writing and storytelling that I had come to expect. It was complex, it was mysterious, it was well thought out and beautifully written... a book that at it's surface I feel like I should really have enjoyed. Unfortunately though, try as I might, I just really couldn't connect with this one.
While the story did have a bit of a slow start and kept me feeling a bit in the dark, I don't believe that was actually it for me. For this story, that mystery really adds to the suspense and keeps you reading. No, for me I think perhaps it's simply a matter of timing. With all that is going on in the world (and in life) at the moment, I think this was just not quite what I needed in the moment. I need something a bit more lighthearted. Perhaps if I had or do read at a different time and a different state of mind, I would have gotten much more enjoyment out of it and I do hope to revisit at a later time too.
Despite my lack of connection, I would still give this book a solid 3.5 stars based on the writing and the concept alone. While it wasn't for me in the moment, it is a thought provoking and mysterious tale that I know many are going to absolutely love.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
While the story did have a bit of a slow start and kept me feeling a bit in the dark, I don't believe that was actually it for me. For this story, that mystery really adds to the suspense and keeps you reading. No, for me I think perhaps it's simply a matter of timing. With all that is going on in the world (and in life) at the moment, I think this was just not quite what I needed in the moment. I need something a bit more lighthearted. Perhaps if I had or do read at a different time and a different state of mind, I would have gotten much more enjoyment out of it and I do hope to revisit at a later time too.
Despite my lack of connection, I would still give this book a solid 3.5 stars based on the writing and the concept alone. While it wasn't for me in the moment, it is a thought provoking and mysterious tale that I know many are going to absolutely love.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
jdsutter's review against another edition
3.0
I have really enjoyed Smucker's previous three novels and I was quite excited for this one. I wanted to like this book, but I don't know if I can. When I reached the end all I was left with were so many questions that I'm really struggling with how to feel about it.
I found the beginnings of the story confusing and I kept hoping that something would happen to clear things up somewhere along the way, but that moment never came. There was one scene toward the end that offered a slight hint at what in the world was actually happening, but it was so vague and full of ambiguity that all it did was incite more questions in my mind.
On the positive side, Shawn Smucker has a wonderful way with words. He has a way of storytelling that compels and entices you to keep reading. His characters and their emotions, feelings, and motivations are so vivid that they just come to life as you turn the pages. This is what made me stick with this book even though I had no idea what was going on.
There is something about These Nameless Things that feels vaguely reminiscent of MacDonald's At the Back of the North Wind, although the stories are very different. I can't quite put my finger on what makes me draw that comparison.
Ultimately, this is a haunting tale that has an ever-present sense of foreboding as you make your way through the pages. It left me dissatisfied, confused, and bewildered as I searched for the meaning and tried to make sense of it all. I was overcome with a tremendous feeling of melancholy as I closed the book and simply pondered it for several minutes.
While I can without hesitation recommend Shawn Smucker's prior works of fiction, I would say that unless you really enjoy unresolved stories, are completely fine with obscurity, and enjoy puzzling over a text the way one might over a piece of poetry that needs interpreting, then you might want to pass on this one.
2.5 stars
I found the beginnings of the story confusing and I kept hoping that something would happen to clear things up somewhere along the way, but that moment never came. There was one scene toward the end that offered a slight hint at what in the world was actually happening, but it was so vague and full of ambiguity that all it did was incite more questions in my mind.
On the positive side, Shawn Smucker has a wonderful way with words. He has a way of storytelling that compels and entices you to keep reading. His characters and their emotions, feelings, and motivations are so vivid that they just come to life as you turn the pages. This is what made me stick with this book even though I had no idea what was going on.
There is something about These Nameless Things that feels vaguely reminiscent of MacDonald's At the Back of the North Wind, although the stories are very different. I can't quite put my finger on what makes me draw that comparison.
Ultimately, this is a haunting tale that has an ever-present sense of foreboding as you make your way through the pages. It left me dissatisfied, confused, and bewildered as I searched for the meaning and tried to make sense of it all. I was overcome with a tremendous feeling of melancholy as I closed the book and simply pondered it for several minutes.
While I can without hesitation recommend Shawn Smucker's prior works of fiction, I would say that unless you really enjoy unresolved stories, are completely fine with obscurity, and enjoy puzzling over a text the way one might over a piece of poetry that needs interpreting, then you might want to pass on this one.
2.5 stars