A review by bosermoki
American Elsewhere by Robert Jackson Bennett

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The book was fine. The story line is a relatively straightforward take on the "experiment gone wrong brings beings from beyond to our world" complete with puppet master type entities inexplicably charmed by our existence while also being smug and superior. The pacing bogged down considerably in the middle 50% of the novel. For as otherworldly of a setting, it lacked good descriptiveness. And for as mysterious as it aspired to be, much of the events/twists were heavily foreshadowed leaving little room for surprise, short circuiting any real tension or suspense. It was capably written while not really breaking any new ground. It was a worthwhile read, but also something I'm glad I borrowed from the library.