On many levels, this is not my type of book, which is all the more reason I commend Michael Golvach for his writing skills. It seems that the goal here- at least in part- was to present something "different", and "FIX" definitely succeeds there. The story masterfully blends paranormal experiences with gritty realism, while simultaneously involving the reader with very well-developed characters.
For the most part, my only criticism is book's subtitle, "A ParaBnormal Fairy Tale", as this sells the story short. "Different" though it is, this book keeps you wondering what's going to happen next- it left this reader pulling for the main characters.
A multi-layered story, "FIX" is a work I heartily recommend.
Honestly, when I first started this book I was worried because, initially, it seemed completely out of my element. For this purpose, I had debated on whether or not the rating would be four stars. HOWEVER... Golvach's prose is really quite incredible. Despite the fact that the characters in fiX are completely the opposite of those I'd generally find an interest in, I somehow became wrapped up in the story to the point where I continuously thought, "Okay, just one more chapter." At the mid-point of the story, the plot really takes a fascinating turn. The mysteries begin to unfold and the answers to the 'why' and 'what the hell?' questions begin coming to light. The rest of the book is quite a ride. The ethereal elements of the story combined with Golvach's visual prose make it intriguing and engaging. Additionally, I was extremely pleased to find that the story was wrapped up fully with deep thought, thus I finished this book feeling very satisfied. I'll be keeping an eye out for his new/future works.
From the moment I started reading FIX, it grabbed me by the throat and didn't let go. It's a mystery from page 1, and it totally engrossed me from the very beginning all the way to end. That's extremely rare for me, and hasn't happened since I was a teenager more than 30 years ago when I was really into reading novels. This brought me back to a place I'd been many years ago, completely absorbed in a story where I can't put it down.
One thing I didn't really care for, and this is just personal taste, was the depiction of graphic violence and extreme degrading language of the evil characters. I understand why they were portrayed in that manner to such an extent. The richness and depth of the characters needed to be there for the story to reach the levels that Golvach takes you.
What thrilled me the most was the detailed story of the romance building between the main characters, and how the back stories of the characters revealed themselves over time, unfolding at the right times to keep you highly engaged and begging for more.
I am completely satisfied with the story, how it pulls you in with the first chapter, how it builds in drama, and how it climaxes with an astounding ending. This is a beautiful lavish treat, filled with sexual tension, love, hatred, passion, romance, drama, horror, all wrapped up in a supernatural paranormal crime thriller.
Quite the original and unique story. I absolutely loved it!
Anyone picking up a novel by Michael Golvach should know they are in the hands of a confident and clever writer with a distinctive literary voice. From Missing Pieces to Bloody Gullets he’s demonstrated his unwillingness to compromise when it comes to originality and Fix is no different. It's a bold move by any author to dabble in another genre but with its dark haunted undertones, this is one step change that works extraordinarily well. With its deliriously fast pace matched by the quality of Golvach’s writing, it proves a clever, intricate and intriguing novel that is a genuine joy to read, highly engaging and all but impossible to put down. As with his previous novels, there are detailed motives behind the conflict and competing agendas at work but the real stroke of genius in Fix is its flawed protagonist in David Fitz. On many levels, his character is a masterstroke which reflects the dark energy and gritty sense of realism that underpins the novel as a whole. It’s not a quick read, coming in at over 600 pages but with a diverse cast of characters, impressive dialogue, interplay and an ingenious multi-layered plot Fix is one read that’s over far too quick.
Another superbly written and highly entertaining read from Golvach, Fix is sure to delight his many readers and is recommended without reservation.
Having read for review Bloody Gullets and What I Did This Summer by Davey Fitz, (a short story related to the full novel, FiX) I, once again, have the distinct pleasure of introducing the brilliantly twisted mind of Michael Golvach to new readers. In the paranormal thriller FiX, David Fitz, a small time drug dealer, and his girlfriend, Juno, are on the run from David’s boss. What they hoped would be witness protection turned into a set-up and David’s boss, held for only twenty-four hours of questioning, was free and hot on their tail. From that point onward, the story turns into a serpentine tale of betrayal, new friendships with Cadence and Brent (whose personalities and talents are far deeper than meets the eye), violent paranormal events, murder, blood (lots of blood), and twists and turns enough to provide even the most jaded reader with an exciting and dizzying reading experience.
Golvach’s skill in creating an illusory scene that reeks of reality is unparalleled by anyone I’ve read in the past, except the indomitable Edgar A. Poe. His characters come alive as everyday people with talents and shortcomings, trying their best to survive a hostile environment and eventuality that grows weirder and more complicated with every turn of the page. So much goes on, so fast in this story, it’s impossible for me and my meager talents to describe. How Golvach keeps it all together and pulls every unimaginable facet into a tightly woven, beautifully executed story is beyond me. But you can trust me on this; you will never see what’s coming, and that makes FiX a must-read story for every fan of paranormal / horror thrillers, crime mysteries and, believe it or not, a love story.
