A review by crafalsk264
Dissolve by Rich Shapero

challenging mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This book was a Goodreads Giveaway for a true and honest opinion.

Thirty years ago, a friend of Wiley’s shows him a mysterious rock that seems to hold inside a cluster of a glowing, spherical, colorful orbs that float and move like a sea creature. As they are looking at the stones, a rebel attack on the facility mortally wounds the friend in front of Wiley. As the man lays dying, Wiley sees a seemingly miraculous phenomenon as the orbs leave the stone and cover and appear to dissolve the body. 

Now Wiley is elderly and a resident in a hospice facility. He contacts a world traveling adventurer to discuss contracting for Roan to use Wiley’s friend’s old map and try to locate the source of the mysterious stones. 

This book was confusing, flipping from Wiley to Roan and throwing in magical realism elements which fell flat. The only part of the book that I enjoyed was the relationship between Wiley and his 30 something caregiver. I had to start this book several times before I could get past the first few chapters. But as a Goodreads Giveaway, I felt an obligation to finish reading the book. I can’t say I will seek out further works from this author.