Editor’s Note:
Horror Palace has reviewed more books by author Lex Sinclair than any other horror writer. Needless to say, he holds a special place in our horror literature heart. As his books continued coming thru the office for review, I would think to myself that I would like to review the book. Something seemed to always get in the way and I was forced to pass it on to Damnetha. When “I Wish” was submitted it made me think of “my wish” to review a Lex Sinclair book. I made sure nothing got in the way this time! -Ivan Karhoff
This review comes from an interesting perspective. I Wish is like fine wine. Lex Sinclair originally wrote the book over 10 years ago and has gracefully let it age over time, until now.
THE STORY
I Wish opens with the main character, a blonde little nine-year-old girl named Angelina, playing outside chasing a butterfly. She has momentarily become preoccupied enough not to be grief-stricken by the recent murder of her mother. She was not even aware of the thunderclouds or two bright flashes that blacked her out.
Angelina lives with her father Tony who is trying his best to take care of his motherless daughter. It is difficult for a dad to be there all the time. They both are fortunate to have Tony’s caring parents for additional support.
As if seeing her mother murdered was not enough, Angelia sees other deaths in her young life. She also experiences a horrifying reality that is one of the most feared by all parents, especially those of young girls.
The story follows Angelina going thru the awkward pre-teen years up to the mid to later teen years. Many of the events in her life are not much different from the typical young girl growing up. Angelina experiences things like jealousy, bullying, dealing with teachers and finding her place in the world. However, one big difference with Angelina is her gradual realization of being able to make her wishes comes true!
Unfortunately, Angelina focuses her wishes on fighting back against those who wronged her. It took her a while to figure out her supernatural power. First proving it to herself and then to her boyfriend Tommy. In the beginning, a little malevolent action seemed justified to Angelina and Tommy. But like a drug, Angelina becomes addicted to the power of being able to harass and ultimately kill her foes. As a drug turns a person into an addict which eventually leads to the addict turning on those closest to them, Angelina becomes addicted to her power and eventually turns on those closest to her. Setting love aside, sometimes drastic measures need to be taken for the sake of good.
The story ends in a supernatural explosion of lust, hatred, confusion, and destruction then closes on a lonely somber “goodbye….”
ABOUT THE BOOK
Because Sinclair fills the story with foreshadowing, clues, and allegories, you will get the most out it by paying attention to the details. You will also enjoy the “poetic details” as well.
The book has several horror scenes along the way, but the main theme is a supernatural thriller. True to life, Sinclair does not leave out the sex. There are less than half a dozen sex-related scenes. A couple of those are based on perversion which does fit into the storyline. The remaining sex scenes center on infidelity, passion, and lust. The lust scene is softcore compared to the other sex scenes which are more explicit. The lust scene is a bit of a shock and surprise but works extremely well in the story.
Sinclair likes detail. Sometimes it is for the story other times it is more like the detail that occurs in everyday life. This does help fill in the story for meaning. For those who want to get to the guts, some areas of the detail may feel in the way. However, if you relax with the story and let it flow, it does paint a clearer picture!
This seems rather unique to me and can be a benefit if you put the book down for a couple of days and then picked up reading again. It is similar to a running television series where there are recaps to keep you fresh with the story. Sinclair often revisits and reminds the reader of past events. This is one clear way to get what happened and how it relates to what is currently happening. Some readers may think to themselves when they read a recap, “I know I already read that.” However, let it go and get that fresh vision back in your head!
The pacing of the book moves at different speeds throughout. It opens up poetic but quickly hits with tragic attention-getting action (pay attention to foreshadowing). The pacing slows until a very dramatic scene builds up that will have you on edge! There was no way I could stop reading until I found out what happened here! It is also the early introduction of a key point in the story that Sinclair makes sure he has your total attention! For me, it felt like the pacing slowed for a while after this. It could be that I was craving that rush again! Sinclair takes his time until the next “rush moment.” The pacing continues in uneven bursts adding realism to a supernatural story. Of course, the ending is a great build-up and full of twists and turns until the hellish bittersweet end.
It is usually a compliment to say a writer is gifted. But beyond what amount of Sinclair’s writing ability is gifted, it is clear that Sinclair has worked hard on his craft. Sinclair thinks out his storyline with impeccable detail. He is passionate about his characters and feels for them emotionally. His characters and their relationships are real. He brings the reader in like life itself. And as with any great horror author, he does not hesitate to kill anyone…
Reviewed by Ivan Karhoff
Publisher & Editor
Also by Lex Sinclair:
