Book Review: Firefly Rain by Richard Dansky

Every Monday, I'll be doing spoiler-free book reviews.

There's nothing like a good book when you're suffering from a cold and despite my overall lethargy, I managed to finish Firefly Rain the day it arrived. The novel starts out with Jacob Logan who is returning to his hometown which he hasn't been in for several years. From there, it's one mystery after another and leaves the reader clawing for answers. Dansky's writing style is quite functional, neither melodic nor sparse, but rather gives the necessary details that's plain to understand. Admittedly, the book starts out slow and it takes quite some time before things start to pick up. Dansky however uses this opportunity to flesh out his various characters, especially the relationships of the protagonist, and this I think is his strength. One gets a feeling that the people in the book are truly human, having their own believable personalities and hang-ups. It is this well-developed characterization that leaves readers engrossed by the time they're in the last hundred pages or so which is the high point in the book and it doesn't disappoint. Dansky manages to tie up everything, including the title, and give the book a well-earned ending. Also noteworthy is the town in which the story takes place and is very much a character of its own. If you're looking for a fast-paced, on-the-edge-of-your-seat reading experience, Firefly Rain isn't the book for you. Instead, this is a touching and sophisticated story with a moral that isn't too didactic. Richard Dansky--and Wizards of the Coast--have proven to me at least that they can strut their stuff in the literary arena.

Rating: 3/5.

Rating System:

1 - There are better ways to spend your time.
2 - Ho hum books, usually typical of its genre. Probably only recommendable to die-hard fans.
3 - A cut above the rest, usually with one or more elements that sets it apart from the norm.
4 - Highly recommended and is easily a pioneer of the genre.
5 - A classic or it will be.