The Rundown
The End is a book you can read in one day, which is exactly what I did. Not just because it is short, but because you simply cannot tear yourself away from it. For me, this book was a little nugget of perfection. I am still in awe of how much it got right in so few pages. The End is a story about Trevor, an ordinary, hard working young man. Trevor comes from a rich family but is determined to live his life on his own terms. This puts him slightly at odds with his pregnant wife Allison, and his best friend Neil, who both think he is foolish to have turned his back on his fortune, preferring instead to work away at a tedious office job. Trevor is trying hard to please everyone, but at the weekend he rewards himself. He takes his mountain bike and risks life and limb in the mountains of Utah. He records every death-defying, life-affirming moment on his Go-Pro camera so that he can relive them again when he gets home. On this particular day though, he sees something strange and disturbing. His own death, recorded on the camera. How this can be, and what it means for him now, provide the final dramatic chapters. There is a sting in the tale, however, and I felt the author did a tremendous job of setting up the back story and weaving the subtle clues in from the beginning of the story. I appreciated how the background to Trevor’s life was delivered; not through annoying info-dumps, but through conversation with his wife and his best friend. Through snippets of dialogue, we learn that Trevor walked away from a life of privilege, and turned his back on his father who later committed suicide. These pieces of the past provide clues to where the story is heading, but also enable us to believe in and empathize with Trevor. The last few chapters were breathtaking, leaving the reader clinging on, unable to let go. I just had to know what happened next. There is a lot of power packed into this short book. It’s quite incredible that so much can happen, be explored, explained and suggested in so few pages, without any of it feeling like a rush. From the bar scenes between Neil and Trevor, to the obvious tensions in the young couple’s relationship, nothing is hurried or assumed. Everything about this book persuaded me to keep reading; the characters, their motives, the beautifully described mountain bike scenes, and the desire to know how Trevor’s death got onto the camera. I highly recommend this accomplished book to anyone who enjoys action and adventure stories, and for anyone looking for a quick, but fully engrossing and satisfying read.
The Recommendation
The End is a book you can read in one day, which is exactly what I did. Not just because it is short, but because you simply cannot tear yourself away from it. For me, this book was a little nugget of perfection. Trevor is an ordinary young man, working hard to provide for his pregnant wife. At the weekend though, he tests his mountain biking skills to the maximum, in the mountains of Utah. Back at home, Trevor watches the footage recorded on his Go-Pro camera and is shocked to witness his own death. How his own death could be recorded on the camera, and what this now means for Trevor and his family, provide a nail biting rush to the finish. A thoroughly engaging and vivid read with a spectacular twist. Everything about this book persuaded me to keep reading; the characters, their motives, the beautifully described mountain bike scenes, and the desire to know how Trevor’s death got onto the camera. I highly recommend this accomplished book to anyone who enjoys action and adventure stories, and for anyone looking for a quick, but fully engrossing and satisfying read.
The Rating
5 Stars (out of 5): Highly recommended. This book did exactly what it set out to do, with originality, style, and maybe even a twist. It stands out next to popular, traditionally published novels in its genre.
The Pros & Cons
Pros: Characterization, Page Turner, Plot, Strong World-Building, Surprise EndingCons: Very Short
