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James G. Carlson is a builder of fantastical worlds.

This story starts out as a serial killer/detective tale as old as crime, but it makes a segue into a different dimension where everything is new, different and dangerous. Madeline Sharpe � P.I. and former disgraced detective � finds herself trapped in the eleventh realm, where nothing makes sense and anything might potentially kill her.

I saw some reviews comparing this to Clive Barker and I can see why, as Carlson’s writing is clear and vivid. My problem is I don’t read stories with an almost sci-fi feel too much, and I struggle to compare it to something I have read in the past. Also, I do like myself some realistic serial killer thrillers, so this clashes with my personal taste.

This left me feeling like a bit of an outsider to the audience this book is meant for. It’s not a case of having an argument of pineapples on pizza, but more of a debate on savory or sweet muffins. It can taste great even though it might not be what you prefer.

And I have to take a step back and judge this story with a different perspective from my own. As a writer and with some of the knowledge I have built up about writing style, pace and quality, I can’t fault this story. If this is something that floats your boat, you can’t go wrong on it � it deserves 5 stars. But for my personal taste, with the story venturing in the direction it did � again, I tend to prefer absolutely realistic when it comes to my serial killers � it pushed me further than I wanted to go. I have to go with 3 stars.

Which leaves me with splitting it down the middle � 4 Stars.
But, it is very highly recommended to those who wants to travel to different worlds, let’s say like AVATAR, and fans of Clive Barker � you may just find a new favorite in this author.

4 Stars