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First And Only: A Psychological Thriller (2012)

by Peter Flannery(Favorite Author)
3.76 of 5 Votes: 4
ISBN
0957091907 (ISBN13: 9780957091900)
languge
English
publisher
Blackheart Books
review 1: "First And Only" by Peter Flannery which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is a chilling, heart-stopping psychological thriller that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from the first page to the last. It begins in the Parish Church of St. Joseph's where eight year old Psimon overhears a psychotic killer's confession before his friend Father Kavanagh dies. For fourteen years Psimon, a psychic has lived in terror, his body plagued by the temporary evidence of Lucifer's grisly murders. Plotting the downfall of this invincible killer, Psimon begins having dreams of a lethal confrontation that may mean his own death so he hires Steve Brennus, a former SAS soldier for protection. Steve Brennus's life is in utter chaos, stricken by a failed business, an injured daught... moreer and a marriage in jeopardy. What he never expects is a business offer from young man claiming a precognitive ability that will have shake the foundation of the scientific and political communities in the U.K. and U.S.A and send agents chasing after them as they prepare to challenge a devil in five days. Can Steve save Psimon or are the visions so real that evil will once again be victorious? In a plot that follows Psimon's ingenious plan to not only expose his psychic power to a skeptical world but also to bring a serial killer to justice, Peter Flannery builds a powerhouse of tension and emotion with short, exciting chapters where the momentum of the story never slows. Ingeniously he adds subplots, one that revolves around Psimon's intriguing plan to reveal his ability to the world and the other which delves into the psyche of a crazed killer. Yet for all its dark intensity and intrigue there are lighter moments as Psimon and Steve begin building a warm and trusting friendship. Even skeptical Richard Chatham from MI5 lightens the mood when caught between calling his wife and getting involved in a case that peeks his interest. In an atmosphere of violence, death and overwhelming fear, the story radiates stronger elements of bravery, loyalty and unconditional friendship.Beautifully crafted "First And Only" is a roller-coaster ride that propels the reader into an exciting and terrifying world of suspense and intrigue, and holds them spellbound. Even as events unfold and progress swiftly towards a dramatic and explosive confrontation, the climax gives the reader time to pause, take a deep breath and smile at the satisfying and touching conclusion. The characters well-developed, realistic and engaging in all their complexity. Psimon is a unique, highly-intelligent individual who's lonely, scared and vulnerable. With a dash of cheekiness, a lot of bravado and an iron will underlying his gentle nature, he's undeniably compelling. Hardened in combat, a skilled strategist Steve Brennus appears tough and violent, hiding a rational, calm and empathetic spirit. Together they forge a friendship that stands unflinching and steadfast against those that would try to separate or kill them. In a mix of characters that add power, drama and depth to this psychological thrill ride, add a heartless, inhuman and insane murderer. With clever dexterity Peter Flannery has created a terrifying villain who listens to demonic voices, justifies his actions with religious text and is set on a deadly course to cleanse the world of its impurity.I can't say enough about a novel that I found chilling, but totally mesmerizing. I hope this isn't that last time I'll read about Psimon or Steve Brennus; like the story they are utterly captivating, just as Peter Flannery is an up-and coming author to keep an eye on.
review 2: Its been a long time since I've read a book non stop like this and from the first few pages to the last Psimons story was engaging and exciting. This is a completely new genre for me and I'm not someone who does thrillers and I hate horrors (not that this is a horror as such but it does have a few gritty scenes) but I was hooked. The story moves at a lively and fast pace and for a story that you may think might come across as heavy and dark has enough moments of light and faith to balance that out. I thoroughly enjoyed how Psimons planning came together and the way each character he meets realises who they are dealing with plus the relationship between Psimon and Steve is heartfelt and believable. I was sad to say goodbye at the end and I feel a bit at a loss and in that strange place after you leave characters and a story you have grown with. I read this book at any chance I could and for the last hour of reading I couldnt do anything else until it was finished!Hats off to Peter Flannery - for a first book this is excellent and I will certainly be keeping an eye out for anything he does next. All the praise is deserved. less
Reviews (see all)
Aditi
It was hard to get into the book. By about the 4th chapter I started to enjoy it.
Fox
I loved this book really got into the characters .
melaniefuentes12
Compelling!
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