Reviewed by Tracy Slowiak for ReadersFavorite.com
I just finished reading Crik by author Karl Beer, and all I can say is "Wow!" How's that for a review? I must admit, I read a lot, and a lot of what I read is in the genre of fantasy. I can honestly stay that Crik is one of the very best that I have read in a long, long time. Follow the story of Crik Village and the inhabitants there, all of whom have their own unique "Talent." Jack, our protagonist, who is also known as Yin, has a talent that none has really encountered before. He has a shadow, but not just any shadow. Jack's shadow can act independently from Jack and does his own very often naughty things that get Jack into quite a bit of trouble. Jack starts to wonder where his and all of the Talents have come from and that's when the real adventure begins.
I loved this book. Loved. It. Author Karl Beer has done an absolutely fantastic job in creating characters that his readers will relate to and connect with, even in a highly fantastic setting; not an easy feat. His world creation abilities are simply second to none, and this story line was so creative and unique that I was left in awe. Any reader who loves a great work of fantasy will love Crik. I highly recommend this book. I will be anxiously waiting for the next offering by author Karl Beer. With his obvious and immense talent, I am quite certain that he will not remain undiscovered for long!
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for ReadersFavorite.com
Crik is a work of epic fantasy by author Karl Beer, set in a fantasy village of the same name. The people of Crik Wood are all quite extraordinary, possessing supernatural talents in a variety of different forms. Some can talk to different animals, others encourage plants to grow, but our central character, Jack, has a shadow with a life of its own. The perilous Yang, from whom Jack cannot escape, gets him into all kinds of trouble. When Jack discovers the brutal truth about how the Talents of Crik Wood are distributed, he makes a final decision to be rid of Yang for good. So begins an epic adventure of angst, magic, and heart-breaking sacrifice.
Karl Beer writes with a dark and almost political seriousness, but this is mixed with whimsical and fantastic fantasy elements which give it, for me at least, a Phillip Pullman style quality. Suitable for adults and younger readers, Crik is a hefty and involved read, but one that is absolutely packed with interesting turns of plot, vivid description, and harrowing choices for Jack to make. The inner theme of identity and the idea of being judged by your talents smacks home with startling emotional realism, and I found the relationship between Jack and Bill well founded and authentically written. Overall, I would highly recommend Crik to fantasy fans looking for a deep and engrossing read, as well as magical ‘creatures’ and abilities that are truly unique and fresh for the genre.
Review by Michelle Stanley for Readersfavorite.com
Crik is an exciting, action-packed epic adventure that teens will like. In some ways it reminded me of the novel Eldest, since a few characters and scenes are similarly repulsive. Karl Beer is an excellent fantasy storyteller who is not afraid to stretch his imagination to create unique plots. His writing style is fluid, and the dialogue is unforced with spine-chilling descriptive drama. Jack and Bill bravely learn how to deal with the new discoveries that affect and mature them along the way. Crik is a novel I highly recommend reading.
Below you will find some of the 5 star reader reviews left on Amazon.
Kings' Dark Tower meets The Golden Compass - Superb Epic!
By Jacquie New
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Without a shadow (pun intended) of a doubt, this is one of the best new epic fantasy’s to come onto the market recently and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Karl Beer has shot out of the gate with his début novel and hit the ground running, leaving his competition and dust in his wake.
This is not a book that uses traditional fantasy characters, such as elves, goblins and orcs, but refreshingly brings to life fantastical creatures, that have sprung from the incredible imagination of the writer in amazing detail.
Passion for story telling, world building and attention to detail spring from every page and as a reader you are immersed in the epic journey of the characters from the start. Whilst this is dubbed a ‘coming of age’ fantasy, and the main characters are children, this is not a children’s book, as there are elements of horror within its pages and stuff of nightmares leap from the page with alarming regularity.
This for me was a page-turner; once I’d started I couldn’t put it down, and that is testament to the superb story telling skills of the writer. Karl Beer and Crik have come from nowhere, but believe me they are certainly going places, and I for one will be following the journey.
Should you read this book? Do you have eyes? Then you have my answer!
By Levi Walls on 3 Sept. 2015
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
I don't even know what to say, yes, I am at a loss for words. I abso-friggin-lutely loved this book!! I think that everyone who likes books at all should read this one, and you won't be disappointed! This is a classic along the lines of the Never-Ending Story and the Dark Tower series by Stephen King, and has elements of both books inside it's pages. Karl Beer has a unique and engaging imagination and I can't wait to see if he has more in store for us. I am adding this to my list of favorite books of all time. ( I'm so glad I got on that dumb Twitty thing that day and saw his book offered for free in exchange for an honest review. I have since bought a physical copy because I loved it so much.)
Crik is a sweeping, harrowing tale of self-discovery, acceptance, understanding, loyalty, perseverance and, ultimately, love. The story begins in and around Crik village and the surrounding area known as Crik Wood. The people of this town all have unique Talents that have been bestowed upon them. Some can grow plants at an accelerated rate, others can talk to insects, and then we have our main character. Jack, also know as Yin, has a Talent unlike any other. Jack has a shadow, named Yang, that acts independently of him. Much to Jack's annoyance, his shadow is also playful and mischievous, and is always getting him in trouble. This leads Jack to wonder where the Talents come from, and why he got stuck with a Talent that seems to actually be a hindrance to him. One night Jack sees something that changes his whole life, he gets to witness a Talent being "bestowed" upon his best friend, Bill, and he is repulsed by the sight. He vows to find out where the Talents come from, and who all in his village know the secrets that are literally and figuratively buried in his town.
One day Jack and his friend Bill set out to develop Bill's new talent and that is when the story really picks up, and their magical childhood ends. We are swept along at this point into turn after turn of horrific and mystifying events, even though some new friendships are also developed along the way. Jack becomes completely distrustful of his Talent, Yang, and will stop at nothing to rid himself of the Talent that lives inside of him. He pushes boundary after boundary, even endangering the lives of those he loves, just to rid himself of the one that has stood beside him his whole life; who saves him and his friends multiple times along the way. Is his shadow only saving them out of a sense of self-preservation? Are the Talents able to control people's lives? Would their lives be the same without these Talents that were forced upon them? These are the kinds of questions Jack struggles with along the way.
There are many themes throughout the book as I mentioned before. Though the book is magical, the themes mirror issues that we face in real life. Who am I, really? Why are some people more talented than others? Why do some people tease others because they are not as talented, or their talent is not as glamorous as another person's? Can you trust people who keep secrets from you, all the while knowing that you are keeping secrets as well? How far are you willing to go, regardless of the cost, to find the answers you seek in life? Would you lay down your life for a friend's? These questions, and many more, are asked and answered throughout these pages.
I would list the things that I didn't like about the book, but there were none. The only thing I would say is that Jack got annoying at times with his angst in finding the answers that he sought. There were many debates between the main characters over and over about the same issue, and while this was sometimes redundant to read, it played a huge part in the story. Also the topics that were being debated were relevant. Jack thought he had been lied to his whole life, and he wasn't going to take anyone's flippant answers, he was going to find the truth or risk everything trying.
Abso-friggin-lutely five stars. All in all, an epic book written in a thought-provoking way, with an amazing ending. You will have to read the book to find out what that is, but let's just say someone rides a wolf...............do you need to know more? Why are you still sitting there reading this?
Should you read this book?
Do you have eyes?
You have my answer!
Can see this being made into a movie - really grabs you
By JJ on 21 April 2015
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Brilliant story - had to keep reading to find out what happened. Nicely tied up at the end even though new adventures could be on the horizon.
I think this book would make a great film. Plenty going on to keep your interest and plenty of interesting characters for the special fx team to go to town with.
I usually read a book a day on my
Kindle and as many were downloaded while free the quality varies. This book was free but I assure you it is brilliant. Okay there are a few typos/continuity problems but that is out of 400 plus pages so I won't downgrade it because of that.
One review I read references King's Dark Tower and Crik did make me think of that because of its perilous journeys and the 'beings' met along the way (I think Mr Beer probably was inspired by that series).
I don't often give a five rating but then I only tend to write reviews when something is either really good or really bad and like I said, with the amount I read, this has been a delightful find. It is currently £2 but still a steal. Go for it.
By Paul Davies on 25 April 2015
If Clive Barker dreamt of Middle Earth it may have been something like Crik, the first Novel by Karl Beer. A dark, extremely ambitious fantasy novel, which has a few familiar tropes but it so evocative in its description that you can actually feel the cold damp wrapping your skin whilst journeying through dark, dank forests, hear the howling of wolves carrying for miles across green hills but more importantly, you feel the bond between the characters on their journey. Don't be fooled into thinking that this is your common every day fantasy novel, this is an Epic Grimm Fairy Tale. The thought and imagination is unparalleled since early Stephen King or Clive Barker when they were at their hungriest. It is an organic story which builds believably and the revelations are esoteric and original. The world building and characterisation are top notch and the story itself is extremely original. This is no Tolkien-esque high fantasy novel, nor is it a political/army based fantasy novel that cram the bookshelves these days, it is totally original. There is no quest. There are no elves. What there is is a captivating, exciting, horrific, fantastic journey into the mind of an author that is totally worth your time. Go and buy!
Amazing debut novel
By Mohammed S. on 14 May 2015
At first, all I saw was the small text and 407 pages of it...It was daunting. It isn't a quick read (Unless you're a fast reader) and I needed to give it my full attention to keep up with the story. I don't think I would have been able to read this book in one sitting. However, there were plenty of times when I wish I could have as there were many moments when I couldn't put the book down.
I am SO glad I gave this book a chance. I rarely give books 5 stars but felt this one deserved it, especially as this is the authors first book - although with the amazing writing you wouldn't be able to tell.
There are lots of unexpected moments where the story just gets better. It's like someone threw X-Men and fairytale/fantasy into a blender and this was the result - I loved it.
The story does get darker as it goes on but it is thrilling.
I can see this being turned into a movie and it would be incredible.
Fantastic Dark Fantasy!, 12 Jun. 2015
By
Mr. R. J. Brown
(REAL NAME)
Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: Crik (Paperback)
A refreshing dark fantasy that will have you hooked from beginning to end! The story takes you on a journey though the world of Crik, where you will discover a wealth of characters and places.The detail given to these characters is so in depth you feel like you've know them for many years. You care about every decision they have to make, every dillema and every danger they face together at every turn of their journey of discovery.The creatures the group interact with or pass by are so fantastic you will find yourself wanting to meet them again and again. The places you will visit within the pages are described with so much passion that you can almost feel every plant and tree in every forest, swamp or town. The author really has created a world with a wealth of possibilities for follow up books - I really do hope he does!
Fantasy adventure in a human story
By Margaret Williams on April 21, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
I chose to read this book in an attempt to read more from new and upcoming authors. This book has all the exciting elements of a fantasy adventure story, but also an exploration of human relationships - as the boys work together to survive all that their journey throws at them, the author explores the characters and the question of loyalty and friendship. The question is, how far would you go to stick by your friend, when your friend seems to be leading you further into danger?
Intelligently written, and beautifully descriptive, each chapter ends with a real cliff hanger which drove my curiosity when enjoying this read. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!
One of the best fantasy books you can ever read!, 30 May 2015
By
Jen
This review is from: Crik (Kindle Edition)
I took my time to read and fully enjoy this book. I absolutely love it!! As a sci-fi/fantasy fan I was really impressed with this book. It's everything you can ask for in a fantasy book. The plot has you guessing at very turn, surprising you when it's not what you thought would happen and leaving you wanting more. I was genuinely sad to read the last page of the book as I wanted to read more about the adventures of Jack and his friends. A must read! I look forward to reading more from Karl Beer.
A thrilling dark fairytale., 26 May 2015
By
N. Phillips (London)
This review is from: Crik (Paperback)
A great, truly original fantasy story. Beer creates a thoroughly absorbing dark fairy tale world reminiscent of that of Gaiman's Stardust. The main characters are lovable yet beautifully flawed. The bad guys are truly horrific and grotesque yet complex enough to keep you guessing.
The book follows roughly a quest storyline it but never feels monotonous. The author has chosen, quite rightly, to keep the focus on the main characters. There are no long descriptive narratives, just enough to frame the story as it hurtles from one exciting episode to the next.
A breath of fresh, FANTASY, 16 May 2015
Amazon Customer (London)
This review is from: Crik (Paperback)
I absolutely enjoyed reading Crik. I could not put the book down and I eagerly await any sequels that continue the storyline. There are many books by indie authors within the fantasy range, but most choose to re-tale the cliche storylines and the usual monsters. Crik, breathtakingly outshines such books in that it deals with the 'coming to age' theme without the pressuring romance and high school drama.
Best fantasy I've read in years
By Justin Kreel on April 11, 2015
Format: Paperback
What a fantastic book! This came from no where, what a breath of fresh air. I love fantasy for the joy of coming across a new voice that captures something totally new. It follows a boy and his shadow as they embark on an exciting adventure through a world full of secrets and populated with some of the richest characters I've seen for many years. If you enjoy a world made up of unique creatures, that are not the usual goblins and elves this is for you. Restored my faith in fantasy.
Trust me if you enjoy fantasy, then this is a must buy!
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!!!, 12 May 2015
Great adventure!
ByN/Aon August 14, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Fantastic story! Loved the characters. The world of Crik wood was painted beautifully. Some language and situations of peril, but as long as the adult discusses these situations with kids, I would recommend for pre-teens and teens. And adults of course.
Five Stars, 4 May 2015
lisa rowell
This review is from: Crik (Kindle Edition)
Really enjoyed losing myself in this book, wish there was a sequel
Rachel Thomas - See all my reviews
This review is from: Crik (Paperback)
Amazing!!! Ian not a fantasy reader as I get bored so easily yet this book grasped my attention and kept me interested until the finish. Well done Karl Beer, a recommended read.
Baylis
This review is from: Crik (Kindle Edition)
I was looking for a new fantasy author to fill up my library and I am so happy that I gave CRIK a try. Its not every day you come across a new author with such imagination,originality and energy.Beautifully written,and formed. A thrill to read.
Can't recommend this high enough.
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and enjoyable read., 13 April 2015
David
This review is from: Crik (Kindle Edition)
I picked this up on the weekend and read through.
Thoroughly engrossing and very well written. If you are looking for a good fantasy book then look no further, highly recommended.
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping read, 13 April 2015
Catherine
This review is from: Crik (Kindle Edition)
I downloaded this only a few days ago and haven't been able to put it down! A really enjoyable read and so glad I stumbled across this! Am now going to buy the paperback version as a gift for my sisters birthday!
A great read with lots of twists building to a thrilling ..., 10 April 2015
ljb
This review is from: Crik (Paperback)
A great read with lots of twists building to a thrilling finale. If you like fantasy this is the book for you.