A review by randikaye
These Nameless Things by Shawn Smucker

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.