Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The Book of Daniel is a YA horror novel about a boy born with supernatural powers who journeys across America, confronting the good and the bad as he strives to understand his abilities, his family ties, and himself.
Prose: Ian's prose is evocative, but abrupt shifts in perspective can result in reader disorientation. The Book of Daniel is hard-hitting, gory, and profane. Some passages would benefit from additional nuance and supportive context, as the explicit language and descriptions can come across as heavy-handed and unjustified.
Originality: The Book of Daniel integrates numerous coming-of-age tropes, including that of a young man seeking to find his father and himself. The protagonist's extraordinary abilities, his complex relationship with his mother, and the novel's surreal aspects uplifts the work.
Character/Execution: Protagonist Daniel is born with unique powers of perception, which Ian initially introduces via Daniel's ability to understand his mother Barbera's thoughts and experiences while still in her womb. The intensely close relationship between the two serves as a backbone to the story, while other characters can come across as more archetypal than fully formed.
Date Submitted: April 01, 2024
