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Lansin Island #1
A Death Displaced
A woman fated to die. A vision that could save her ...
Nicolas Crystan, struggling to cope with his traumatic past, shuffles through life keeping mostly to himself ... until he has a disturbing daydream of a woman's death. At first he tries to forget it, but when real life mimics the daydream, he realises it was no ordinary fantasy—it was a vision of the future. To save a life, he must act fast.
When Juliet Maystone escapes death, defying fate, she becomes 'displaced' in this world. All she wants is to return to her bustling day-to-day routine, successfully running her own business, but as hard as she tries, she can't ignore that things have changed for her. She has to face up to the fact that being 'displaced' comes with an unexpected ability.
On Lansin Island, a quaint place with a dark history of its own, Nicolas and Juliet must learn to use their newfound abilities and work together to unravel a mystery more connected to Nicolas than he could ever have imagined ...
A Death Displaced is the first book in a paranormal suspense/contemporary fantasy series with light romance.
Nicolas Crystan, struggling to cope with his traumatic past, shuffles through life keeping mostly to himself ... until he has a disturbing daydream of a woman's death. At first he tries to forget it, but when real life mimics the daydream, he realises it was no ordinary fantasy—it was a vision of the future. To save a life, he must act fast.
When Juliet Maystone escapes death, defying fate, she becomes 'displaced' in this world. All she wants is to return to her bustling day-to-day routine, successfully running her own business, but as hard as she tries, she can't ignore that things have changed for her. She has to face up to the fact that being 'displaced' comes with an unexpected ability.
On Lansin Island, a quaint place with a dark history of its own, Nicolas and Juliet must learn to use their newfound abilities and work together to unravel a mystery more connected to Nicolas than he could ever have imagined ...
A Death Displaced is the first book in a paranormal suspense/contemporary fantasy series with light romance.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2012
572 people are currently reading
2468 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Butcher
10 books126 followersAndrew Butcher writes supernatural suspense and dark fantasy tales brimming with fascinating characters, tantalizing mysteries, and jaw-dropping plot twists. After releasing his first novel, A Death Displaced, Andrew Butcher focused on continuing the Lansin Island series while helping thousands of fellow writers to realize their dreams through his online creative writing course, Write a Novel Outline from Scratch.
More interested in telling a good story than following the 'rules' of genre, Andrew takes an eclectic approach to his fiction. His paranormal suspense novels are sprinkled with elements of fantasy, mystery, and family drama. His dark fantasy tale, Fear the Wolf, is full of action, suspense, and enough mystery to keep readers guessing until the very end. Fantasy Book Critic described Fear the Wolf as "an intriguing new angle on the formula" and "a solid, well-structured book that should appeal to readers enjoying dark and intimate stories."
When Andrew isn't reading, writing, or binge-watching TV shows, he enjoys hand-feeding his pet tortoise and daydreaming about imaginary worlds filled with unforgettable characters.
More interested in telling a good story than following the 'rules' of genre, Andrew takes an eclectic approach to his fiction. His paranormal suspense novels are sprinkled with elements of fantasy, mystery, and family drama. His dark fantasy tale, Fear the Wolf, is full of action, suspense, and enough mystery to keep readers guessing until the very end. Fantasy Book Critic described Fear the Wolf as "an intriguing new angle on the formula" and "a solid, well-structured book that should appeal to readers enjoying dark and intimate stories."
When Andrew isn't reading, writing, or binge-watching TV shows, he enjoys hand-feeding his pet tortoise and daydreaming about imaginary worlds filled with unforgettable characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
March 2, 2014
This book sounded interesting with all the history surrounding witches. I liked the mystery of the mansion and it felt like a pretty good paranormal story. But what put me off were the main characters. Julie and Nick have off putting qualities. Julie is the spoiled, selfish, rich kid who thinks she is better than anyone, while justifying that everything she has in life has been earned. Hard to believe that when her parents gave her, her business, house, and money. She also tries to make herself feel better of the fact that she's a good person because she donates things to the less fortunate. Nick on the other hand is a complete emotional mess. One minute he's crying and another minute he's angry; I couldn't keep up with his mood swings and how weak he was throughout the book. By the end of the book I honestly didn't care what happened to any of them. The only interesting character in this book was Tamara Trewin, the last living descendent of the Lansin Island Witches and she only had a small part.
December 1, 2012
Have you ever picked up a book wanting to read a few pages before you started your day just to find that the day is now night and you finished the book? Be warned, "A Death Displaced: Lansin Island Series" by Andrew Butcher is one of those stories. Not only was the plot interesting, the mysteries crying out to be solved, the mystical and magical waiting to be discovered and the 'dark past' history behind it wanting attention. The author's ability to take you places and make you a part of the surroundings is undeniable.
Nicolas Jack Crystan (Nick) works at Creaky Crystals, a tourist shop that specializes in witchcraft items in Amiton which is on Lansin Island. The Island has a 'dark past' of 143 people being burnt at the stake for being witches but today it is a tourist destination for Witches, Wiccans, Pagans, and wannabes. One day Nick has a 'daydream' of a crash which resulted in a women being thrown to her death only to find that his 'daydream' was really a premonition that came true the following day. He recognized the signs and acted quickly to save Juliet Maystone's life. Juliet runs off without even saying 'Thank You' to Nick but the two of them meet up later on.
Juliet 'felt' herself get hit by the car, fly through the air, crash onto the street below and die only when she opened her eyes Nick was there and the car never touched her. She couldn't explain it but ever since that day she felt different. She was disconnected with her body but apart of everything around her. She sees and hears things that aren't there. She makes an appointment with Tamara Trewin, the last living descendant of Lansin Island Witches where she learns that she was meant to die and although she was physically saved, she spiritually died and her soul was in the Otherworld while her body was here.
Nick and Juliet are the two main characters of the story and each of them have their own family problems and 'supernatural abilities' to sort through. The author not only has them grow and mature as individuals but even some soul searching and moral issues are examined as they uncover the mysteries about their own abilities and of their families. They also uncover the mystery about the missing children and the haunted manor as well as the islands 'dark past'. There are so many layers to this story it is hard to think of them all but they are done in such a way that it was always interesting and surprising. Although I am learning about the characters as people there is still this 'supernatural/mystery/suspense story' going on at the same time. And by learning about the characters it didn't bog down the story but instead added to the depth of the characters. I wasn't reading about them, I knew them! The author makes me feel as if these are real people dealing with real family/personal issues and they live in a place I have been to (since I can picture it so well). Ok, these two might have some psychic abilities but none the less, the author makes them so real.
The paranormal elements in the story are plentiful and varied. I don't want to say too much on this and give the story away but I will tell you that the author's ability to describe these sightings and events are just as descriptive as the characters are. You don't just see them, you experience them right along with the characters. Some really caught me off guard as I wasn't expecting it. It seems that not only is everyone on Lansin Island not what they say they are but not everything on Lansin Island is what it seems to be which kept me glued to the book turning page after page.
I really can't say enough about how much I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the paranormal/mystery type books. (A Body Displaced is the next book to come out in the Lansin Series in 2013 and you can bet it is on my 'to read' list.)
Nicolas Jack Crystan (Nick) works at Creaky Crystals, a tourist shop that specializes in witchcraft items in Amiton which is on Lansin Island. The Island has a 'dark past' of 143 people being burnt at the stake for being witches but today it is a tourist destination for Witches, Wiccans, Pagans, and wannabes. One day Nick has a 'daydream' of a crash which resulted in a women being thrown to her death only to find that his 'daydream' was really a premonition that came true the following day. He recognized the signs and acted quickly to save Juliet Maystone's life. Juliet runs off without even saying 'Thank You' to Nick but the two of them meet up later on.
Juliet 'felt' herself get hit by the car, fly through the air, crash onto the street below and die only when she opened her eyes Nick was there and the car never touched her. She couldn't explain it but ever since that day she felt different. She was disconnected with her body but apart of everything around her. She sees and hears things that aren't there. She makes an appointment with Tamara Trewin, the last living descendant of Lansin Island Witches where she learns that she was meant to die and although she was physically saved, she spiritually died and her soul was in the Otherworld while her body was here.
Nick and Juliet are the two main characters of the story and each of them have their own family problems and 'supernatural abilities' to sort through. The author not only has them grow and mature as individuals but even some soul searching and moral issues are examined as they uncover the mysteries about their own abilities and of their families. They also uncover the mystery about the missing children and the haunted manor as well as the islands 'dark past'. There are so many layers to this story it is hard to think of them all but they are done in such a way that it was always interesting and surprising. Although I am learning about the characters as people there is still this 'supernatural/mystery/suspense story' going on at the same time. And by learning about the characters it didn't bog down the story but instead added to the depth of the characters. I wasn't reading about them, I knew them! The author makes me feel as if these are real people dealing with real family/personal issues and they live in a place I have been to (since I can picture it so well). Ok, these two might have some psychic abilities but none the less, the author makes them so real.
The paranormal elements in the story are plentiful and varied. I don't want to say too much on this and give the story away but I will tell you that the author's ability to describe these sightings and events are just as descriptive as the characters are. You don't just see them, you experience them right along with the characters. Some really caught me off guard as I wasn't expecting it. It seems that not only is everyone on Lansin Island not what they say they are but not everything on Lansin Island is what it seems to be which kept me glued to the book turning page after page.
I really can't say enough about how much I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the paranormal/mystery type books. (A Body Displaced is the next book to come out in the Lansin Series in 2013 and you can bet it is on my 'to read' list.)
July 12, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It had just the right amount of mystery and suspense to keep me hooked, and keep me guessing. The story is told from different Povs but it flows seamlessly, always giving just enough information to keep me engaged
I felt empathy toward the characters especially Juliet, a strong business minded woman who as always seen everything as black and white until her beliefs are shattered when she sees things that cant possibly be real and she comes to realise that there is more to what she sees in the world around her than she would have ever believed.
Nick is like a lost boy who I felt instantly drawn to as he searchers for a bigger meaning to his life and getting just that.
A great story, well written and I am looking forward to reading more from the Lansin Island Series
I felt empathy toward the characters especially Juliet, a strong business minded woman who as always seen everything as black and white until her beliefs are shattered when she sees things that cant possibly be real and she comes to realise that there is more to what she sees in the world around her than she would have ever believed.
Nick is like a lost boy who I felt instantly drawn to as he searchers for a bigger meaning to his life and getting just that.
A great story, well written and I am looking forward to reading more from the Lansin Island Series
September 20, 2012
Nicholas Crystan (Nick) is just a regular guy doing his day to day routine. Nick has some growing up issues that he is dealing with using the aid of a therapist. One day he has a premonition, while daydreaming at work, about a woman falling to her death in front of his place of employment. It is very real to him and he cant stop thinking about it. Soon after the premonition he starts seeing the dream coming true. He realizes this is” the moment” and he rushes to save the woman from dying. Juliet Maystone has been saved from an untimely death only she just doesn’t feel quite right. She seeks the help of a medium that has family ties to the famous witches that were burned to death several years ago. Juliet leaves the mediums residence thinking she is hoax. Still a non believer in the paranormal she tries to go about her days but the paranormal keeps popping into her life. She decides to heed the mediums warnings and this leads her to Nick. This is where the adventure takes us into a world of the paranormal, secrets, and truths.
This was such a wonderful book. I have never read a character so likeable. Nick is just a great guy. He is loyal and has good morals even though he claims to not have religion. I know he has some issues but he is only 24 and he is taking the steps to mend his life. The book ends a bit different then most books. There are a lot of loose ends (The author does tie up the main plot of the story though). I feel that these will be resolved in future installments. In fact I am glad things were left the way they were. It keeps me thinking about the book and the characters inside it. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
***DISCLOSURE***
I received a copy of this book free in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a wonderful book. I have never read a character so likeable. Nick is just a great guy. He is loyal and has good morals even though he claims to not have religion. I know he has some issues but he is only 24 and he is taking the steps to mend his life. The book ends a bit different then most books. There are a lot of loose ends (The author does tie up the main plot of the story though). I feel that these will be resolved in future installments. In fact I am glad things were left the way they were. It keeps me thinking about the book and the characters inside it. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
***DISCLOSURE***
I received a copy of this book free in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2012
This was a treat!
While I'm not at all into ghosts and spooks - this book hooked my attention so well that I read this book in nearly one sitting (had to take breaks for house, kids, hubby :)
The characters are believable - the world building is awesome. I could see the fantastical setting for the "portal" as vividly as I can see my own room.
While paranormal experiences were spooky (well written!) - the characters that experienced them behaved like I would, or possibly you.
And the freakiest thing about the whole thing isn't even ghosts at all. But I'll let you figure that one out when you read the book. All in all thumbs up!
While I'm not at all into ghosts and spooks - this book hooked my attention so well that I read this book in nearly one sitting (had to take breaks for house, kids, hubby :)
The characters are believable - the world building is awesome. I could see the fantastical setting for the "portal" as vividly as I can see my own room.
While paranormal experiences were spooky (well written!) - the characters that experienced them behaved like I would, or possibly you.
And the freakiest thing about the whole thing isn't even ghosts at all. But I'll let you figure that one out when you read the book. All in all thumbs up!
August 30, 2012
I really loved this novel!! An excellent paranormal-suspense novel, with a healthy dollop of mystery and dab of romance, this book delivers. The story is narrated by the two main characters Nick and Juliet, who are both discovering their medium/psychic abilities. There are quite a few layers within the book - examining depression, death, loss and revenge. I can’t wait until the next novel is released.
October 19, 2012
I can easily see” A Death Displaced” as a TV series. Can't wait for the next book. The characters have lots of depth and the story has well written mystery and suspense!
When I first started reading this I had no idea what to expect. But before I knew it, a couple hours passed and I was reading well into the night.
The story kept moving suspense that kept me turning the “virtual” pages in my kindle.
Great book and can’t wait for the next one.
Highly recommended!
When I first started reading this I had no idea what to expect. But before I knew it, a couple hours passed and I was reading well into the night.
The story kept moving suspense that kept me turning the “virtual” pages in my kindle.
Great book and can’t wait for the next one.
Highly recommended!
August 2, 2012
Great book. I just wanted to read more, more, more! Bring on the next in the series.
I loved the characters especially Nicolas who seemed like the nicest guy ever, looking out for other people, and the thoughts he has are funny. I felt sorry for Juliet too and hope that some good things come her way in the next book!
I loved the characters especially Nicolas who seemed like the nicest guy ever, looking out for other people, and the thoughts he has are funny. I felt sorry for Juliet too and hope that some good things come her way in the next book!
January 15, 2013
this isn't my usual type of book but it turned out to be pretty good. it's a great page-turner and it had a cool final chapter. it was dark and disturbing which i wasn't expecting. i hope the next in the series comes out soon!!!! i can't wait to find out more. recommend it to anyone.
September 10, 2012
a fun read with an ending that was completely unexpected. i enjoyed every minute. the characters are built beautifully throughout and then the ending is sprung upon you. very well done
August 1, 2017
Interesting. This is one of those books that leave you with a lot of questions and hopes that future books will expand upon things and give the reader the back stories needed to fully understand what is going on. But a good read, nonetheless.
October 28, 2019
Intense
With a slow start, a death displaced led you into a world of questions and mystery. At first you aren't sure what is happening and if the story will ever pick up, but then so many things happen to make you question what was really going on behind the scenes. I absolutely enjoyed this book and cannot wait to start the next
With a slow start, a death displaced led you into a world of questions and mystery. At first you aren't sure what is happening and if the story will ever pick up, but then so many things happen to make you question what was really going on behind the scenes. I absolutely enjoyed this book and cannot wait to start the next
October 15, 2012
A Death Displaced
Andrew Butcher
Overall ** Plot ** Interactions **1/2 Characters *** World **** Originality **** Grammar *** Style ****
Nick Crystan is a man without much of a purpose in life. He spends his time trying to find enlightenment in various ways and ekes by with part time work in a new-age shop on Lansin Island. “A Death Displaced” begins with Nick having a startling and realistic vision of a woman falling to her death. A few days later when Nick recognizes the early parts of his vision are actually occurring, he acts fast to save the life of the woman, Juliet.
Although Juliet doesn't stick around to thank Nick, this experience seems to indicate that maybe life has a purpose for Nick after all. He begins having prophetic visions that he struggles to understand.
Juliet finds her life changed as well. Since the accident, she feels oddly disconnected from the world and is told by a seer that she should have died that day and now her spirit resided in the spirit realm while her body is still alive. Because of this, she can now see the spirits of the departed. She has a visit from Nick's mother, who seemingly abandoned her family when Nick was young. Samantha Crystan asks Juliet to find her son Nick and tell him to go to Grendel Manor.
Juliet does as she is asked and she and Nick are thrown together to try and solve the mystery of Samantha Crystan's disappearance.
Pros
For the most part, despite several errors that should have been picked up in the proofreading, the prose in “A Death Displaced” is good and after the first few chapters the characters are engaging and three dimensional. The mystery surrounding Samantha's disappearance lead Juliet and Nick to discover some interesting history of the island and introduces some intriguing characters. Nick and Juliet have an instant attraction to each other that has a promise of romance and a nice hook to provide urgency to the plot.
Cons
“A Death Displaced” is Andrew Butcher's first novel and suffers from some structural issues that I am increasingly discovering are fairly typical of self-published books. As I mentioned above, the characters and story are engaging, but the pacing could use some tweaking and tightening.
In the first couple of chapters, Nick was such a wet rag of a person, that I wondered if I really cared what happened to him, but as the story unfolds, we discover more of his past and his general attitude towards life gets explained.
Mr. Butcher make some odd choices in the plot. For me, the climax of the book arrived too soon and without sufficient tension to really be satisfying. After the climax, Juliet and Nick find themselves at odds and the story follows them as they try to figure out what happened and how to move on. Then, instead of coming to a more satisfying conclusion, the story line switches to a new character who, until now, has played a bit part in the story and has little reader sympathy.
In general, it left me wondering why I had read the last 20% of the book.
Summary
It's obvious that “A Death Displaced” was intended as an introduction to future books in the series and if you read it with that in mind, you might not find the structure as off putting as I did. As I stated earlier, the writing itself is strong, the setting is interesting and the premise is intriguing. It shows that Mr. Butcher has the potential to create some excellent works in the future. Having invested the time to read the first book, I will be likely to pick up the second if the reviews look good.
Andrew Butcher
Overall ** Plot ** Interactions **1/2 Characters *** World **** Originality **** Grammar *** Style ****
Nick Crystan is a man without much of a purpose in life. He spends his time trying to find enlightenment in various ways and ekes by with part time work in a new-age shop on Lansin Island. “A Death Displaced” begins with Nick having a startling and realistic vision of a woman falling to her death. A few days later when Nick recognizes the early parts of his vision are actually occurring, he acts fast to save the life of the woman, Juliet.
Although Juliet doesn't stick around to thank Nick, this experience seems to indicate that maybe life has a purpose for Nick after all. He begins having prophetic visions that he struggles to understand.
Juliet finds her life changed as well. Since the accident, she feels oddly disconnected from the world and is told by a seer that she should have died that day and now her spirit resided in the spirit realm while her body is still alive. Because of this, she can now see the spirits of the departed. She has a visit from Nick's mother, who seemingly abandoned her family when Nick was young. Samantha Crystan asks Juliet to find her son Nick and tell him to go to Grendel Manor.
Juliet does as she is asked and she and Nick are thrown together to try and solve the mystery of Samantha Crystan's disappearance.
Pros
For the most part, despite several errors that should have been picked up in the proofreading, the prose in “A Death Displaced” is good and after the first few chapters the characters are engaging and three dimensional. The mystery surrounding Samantha's disappearance lead Juliet and Nick to discover some interesting history of the island and introduces some intriguing characters. Nick and Juliet have an instant attraction to each other that has a promise of romance and a nice hook to provide urgency to the plot.
Cons
“A Death Displaced” is Andrew Butcher's first novel and suffers from some structural issues that I am increasingly discovering are fairly typical of self-published books. As I mentioned above, the characters and story are engaging, but the pacing could use some tweaking and tightening.
In the first couple of chapters, Nick was such a wet rag of a person, that I wondered if I really cared what happened to him, but as the story unfolds, we discover more of his past and his general attitude towards life gets explained.
Mr. Butcher make some odd choices in the plot. For me, the climax of the book arrived too soon and without sufficient tension to really be satisfying. After the climax, Juliet and Nick find themselves at odds and the story follows them as they try to figure out what happened and how to move on. Then, instead of coming to a more satisfying conclusion, the story line switches to a new character who, until now, has played a bit part in the story and has little reader sympathy.
In general, it left me wondering why I had read the last 20% of the book.
Summary
It's obvious that “A Death Displaced” was intended as an introduction to future books in the series and if you read it with that in mind, you might not find the structure as off putting as I did. As I stated earlier, the writing itself is strong, the setting is interesting and the premise is intriguing. It shows that Mr. Butcher has the potential to create some excellent works in the future. Having invested the time to read the first book, I will be likely to pick up the second if the reviews look good.
October 15, 2012
More of a 2.5!
Welcome to Lansin Island, a place where tourist come to satisfy their morbid curiosity by visiting a place were approximately hundreds of witches were burned for supposedly practicing Wiccan and other pagan beliefs. Not surprisingly, the island is famous only because of that dark and brooding landmark. The inhabitants of Lansin Island are equally strange, they are more than meet the eye. For example, we have Nick, your not-so-typical guy with a boring and uneventful life who sells ware in a tourist shop. From the beginning, I felt a detachment to Nick, didn't like his personality or his attitude. Didn't feel a connection at all with the guy. He seemed too serious, too strict, too inaccessible. Yes, he is a gentleman with high moral standard even though he claims otherwise. Then there is Juliet, your not-so-typical workaholic business woman. Quite commendable that she has her own business up and running successfully! Brownie points for that. She is a strange one, she was saved by Nick from a near death, then walks away without saying thank you. Then starts seeing apparitions and hearing voices that ask her for her help. Both of our main characters seem skeptical of believing about witches and apparitions and ghosts coming to ask them for help. However, they give in at the end.
The book starts really slow, the fist half of the book was mainly focused in character description and development. And the author did take his time doing that, he wanted to make sure the readers got to know his protagonists very well, you know, in case he decides to write a second installment (which in fact, he does!). The second part of the book starts to pick up, especially since it involves more paranormal and scary stuff! However, I also felt that the second part didn't flow as well as the first, maybe because the second part focused more on action than on character development. Yes, there are a variety of characters in this book. The characters introduced during the second part were okay, though sometimes I had the feeling that their actions were forced in such a way as to create a better, appealing, and more interesting situation.
Okay, so the main plot is solved, however there are many subplots that didn't end, at all. I was left hanging. I know they are minor plots but still, I need closure. BUT, the next books are there for that, right?
I also think that the concept of a displaced soul is very interesting. Juliet was meant to die that day, like some omen, her soul did die, leaving only her physicality behind. That is why she felt empty, that is why she suddenly started seeing spirits and ghosts. Nick's premonitions came in handy. Now, paranormal fiction is not down my alley, especially anything that has to do with witches and the occult. I don't read tons about this sub-genre because honestly I'm a scaredy cat and man, that manor scared the hell out of me. The author did a good job at being descriptive. My hair stood on end when I started reading about that part.
Overall, grammar-wise, this is good written. My only recommendation is to keep a uniform style of writing.
Welcome to Lansin Island, a place where tourist come to satisfy their morbid curiosity by visiting a place were approximately hundreds of witches were burned for supposedly practicing Wiccan and other pagan beliefs. Not surprisingly, the island is famous only because of that dark and brooding landmark. The inhabitants of Lansin Island are equally strange, they are more than meet the eye. For example, we have Nick, your not-so-typical guy with a boring and uneventful life who sells ware in a tourist shop. From the beginning, I felt a detachment to Nick, didn't like his personality or his attitude. Didn't feel a connection at all with the guy. He seemed too serious, too strict, too inaccessible. Yes, he is a gentleman with high moral standard even though he claims otherwise. Then there is Juliet, your not-so-typical workaholic business woman. Quite commendable that she has her own business up and running successfully! Brownie points for that. She is a strange one, she was saved by Nick from a near death, then walks away without saying thank you. Then starts seeing apparitions and hearing voices that ask her for her help. Both of our main characters seem skeptical of believing about witches and apparitions and ghosts coming to ask them for help. However, they give in at the end.
The book starts really slow, the fist half of the book was mainly focused in character description and development. And the author did take his time doing that, he wanted to make sure the readers got to know his protagonists very well, you know, in case he decides to write a second installment (which in fact, he does!). The second part of the book starts to pick up, especially since it involves more paranormal and scary stuff! However, I also felt that the second part didn't flow as well as the first, maybe because the second part focused more on action than on character development. Yes, there are a variety of characters in this book. The characters introduced during the second part were okay, though sometimes I had the feeling that their actions were forced in such a way as to create a better, appealing, and more interesting situation.
Okay, so the main plot is solved, however there are many subplots that didn't end, at all. I was left hanging. I know they are minor plots but still, I need closure. BUT, the next books are there for that, right?
I also think that the concept of a displaced soul is very interesting. Juliet was meant to die that day, like some omen, her soul did die, leaving only her physicality behind. That is why she felt empty, that is why she suddenly started seeing spirits and ghosts. Nick's premonitions came in handy. Now, paranormal fiction is not down my alley, especially anything that has to do with witches and the occult. I don't read tons about this sub-genre because honestly I'm a scaredy cat and man, that manor scared the hell out of me. The author did a good job at being descriptive. My hair stood on end when I started reading about that part.
Overall, grammar-wise, this is good written. My only recommendation is to keep a uniform style of writing.
September 10, 2012
This novel had an unexpected depth with the narrative especially in Nicolas as the perfect example of the every-man, with insecurities and family issues that ground him in reality even as he realizes the extent of his newfound abilities. Workaholic Juliet Maystone equally is sensible and grounded as she deals with her own family issues and a near-death experience. I felt like the beginning chapters sets up the intriguing premise well, and from the plot summary I was expecting a sort of straight-forward mystery, but as it turns out the mystery has fantasy elements. The setting of A Death Displaced does set up these fantastical elements - Lansin Island was the scene of witch burnings, rampant superstition and pagan beliefs, some of which persist today, though Nicholas and Juliet were much more skeptical in the beginning.
The pacing of the story slows down a bit in between the first meeting of Nicholas and Juliet and the occurrence that forces Juliet to seek out Nicholas again. Then the story takes that fantastical turn where supernatural abilities extend to a new, more sinister character. The second half of the book - though more interesting - didn't flow as well as the first for me, and I felt some of the actions of certain characters were made just to create a certain situation without sufficiently setting it up in the character's nature. There is a very sweetly set-up romance with Nicolas and Juliet - these characters have such painful past histories that it was so perfect they would find each other. Overall I really enjoyed this story - it is an interesting blend of contemporary, fantasy and mystery and has many surprises.
The pacing of the story slows down a bit in between the first meeting of Nicholas and Juliet and the occurrence that forces Juliet to seek out Nicholas again. Then the story takes that fantastical turn where supernatural abilities extend to a new, more sinister character. The second half of the book - though more interesting - didn't flow as well as the first for me, and I felt some of the actions of certain characters were made just to create a certain situation without sufficiently setting it up in the character's nature. There is a very sweetly set-up romance with Nicolas and Juliet - these characters have such painful past histories that it was so perfect they would find each other. Overall I really enjoyed this story - it is an interesting blend of contemporary, fantasy and mystery and has many surprises.
December 20, 2014
A Death Displaced (Lansin Island #1) by Andrew Butcher is a tremendous paranormal thriller full of mystery, witches and the supernatural. The author uses well-written narrative to force shivers down this reader's spine, believable dialogue that rang so true for the mid twenty set and described a setting so creepy and ghostly. Shudders!
20 something Nick works in a crystal shop, meanders through life in a dull manner until he foresees a terrible accident. Then his life is turned into one of complete disarray as he tries to piece together what his visions are telling him. The first vision saves a beautiful woman, Juliet, from a bone-crushing death and Nick is hooked by her loveliness. But she runs off, probably never to be seen again. Events take a twist with each character suffering their own version of hell, spirits, ghosts, wraiths all begging for help. Fortune and destiny combine to create a pair of ghost sleuths on the hunt for something so dark and terrifying, so monstrously evil that perhaps nothing on this Earth can possibly save them.
There is so much going for this supernatural thriller that this reader cannot wait for book #2 in this incredible supernatural series.
FIVE STARS for this supernatural mystery thriller and very highly recommended.
20 something Nick works in a crystal shop, meanders through life in a dull manner until he foresees a terrible accident. Then his life is turned into one of complete disarray as he tries to piece together what his visions are telling him. The first vision saves a beautiful woman, Juliet, from a bone-crushing death and Nick is hooked by her loveliness. But she runs off, probably never to be seen again. Events take a twist with each character suffering their own version of hell, spirits, ghosts, wraiths all begging for help. Fortune and destiny combine to create a pair of ghost sleuths on the hunt for something so dark and terrifying, so monstrously evil that perhaps nothing on this Earth can possibly save them.
There is so much going for this supernatural thriller that this reader cannot wait for book #2 in this incredible supernatural series.
FIVE STARS for this supernatural mystery thriller and very highly recommended.
November 2, 2012
Great story with vivid imagery and a way of teasing all 5 senses. First book in what will surely be an amazing series.
With just the right balance, we go back and forth between more than one person's life. We see them intertwine and with the perfect amount of revelation, one sits on the edge of what is to happen next. I truly want to see Nick (Nicholas) and Juliet come together, as I am a romantic at heart, but with all that has happened, who is to say that will come about? Mr. Butch obviously has a clear path laid out for all of the characters and I have enjoyed every page so far.
My only regret with this book, as has happened to me before, is it is part of a series! LOL Meaning I need to get the next book as soon as possible. I loved the back story and am inclined to look further in to some of the history that was mentioned. Even though it is fictional, as mentioned in the beginning of the book, it feels real!
Wonderful read for those who enjoy suspense & thrillers as well as those with curiosity of witchcraft, Wiccan or Pagan practices. I've done enough reading over the years to be able to follow along easily. Awesome job! Looking forward to book #2!!!
With just the right balance, we go back and forth between more than one person's life. We see them intertwine and with the perfect amount of revelation, one sits on the edge of what is to happen next. I truly want to see Nick (Nicholas) and Juliet come together, as I am a romantic at heart, but with all that has happened, who is to say that will come about? Mr. Butch obviously has a clear path laid out for all of the characters and I have enjoyed every page so far.
My only regret with this book, as has happened to me before, is it is part of a series! LOL Meaning I need to get the next book as soon as possible. I loved the back story and am inclined to look further in to some of the history that was mentioned. Even though it is fictional, as mentioned in the beginning of the book, it feels real!
Wonderful read for those who enjoy suspense & thrillers as well as those with curiosity of witchcraft, Wiccan or Pagan practices. I've done enough reading over the years to be able to follow along easily. Awesome job! Looking forward to book #2!!!
February 19, 2013
The plot and characters were very well-thought-out, with plenty of "side stories" for added entertainment. I loved the multiple facets of each characters lives that play out in the book. The two main characters with their family, work, and relationship issues in addition to the main story line playing out really give you the "full" picture and help to immerse you into the world, times, and lives of these characters as you read.
The only reason I couldn't give this book a perfect rating was the imperfections in grammar. This book seems to reflect the UK English version of speaking, so Americans and other grammar freaks such as myself may be itching to fix the minor issues in this book. Otherwise, I found the language and flow of the book to be fantastic; a vast improvement over many other books I have read from newly-emerging authors for review.
The end did leave you thinking, "Wait, that can't be it!?" You'll definitely want to look out for the next in this series. You won't be able to stop reading here. I'll be anxious to read it when it becomes available!
The only reason I couldn't give this book a perfect rating was the imperfections in grammar. This book seems to reflect the UK English version of speaking, so Americans and other grammar freaks such as myself may be itching to fix the minor issues in this book. Otherwise, I found the language and flow of the book to be fantastic; a vast improvement over many other books I have read from newly-emerging authors for review.
The end did leave you thinking, "Wait, that can't be it!?" You'll definitely want to look out for the next in this series. You won't be able to stop reading here. I'll be anxious to read it when it becomes available!
June 20, 2013
I didn't care for this book at all. The story started out great, the premise is very good and a change for the usual died a d brought back to life and now I see ghosts stories. At the beginning, Nick was super annoying. He seemed wimpy, washed out and lazy. Just as he started to improve, we got to know Juliet better. I found her character to be smug, selfish and spoiled. She worries over things like shopping online, wether or not Nick has his own place and her best friends boyfriends career choice. She came across like a spoiled little rich girl. Other readers have mentioned that she owned her own business and successful restaurant but both of those were given to her by her parents, I could have dealt with that except that I felt the ending was totally messed up. I feel that Nick, bang the type of guy that he was shown to be In the book, would have told the others everything. I don't see why he would have held back so much crucial information. And Juliet's reactions to what happened seemed ridiculous given what transpired earlier.
April 29, 2017
In this book, we've got Nicholas Crystan, who can see into the future. He has two brothers who are twins named Tom and Tommy. His dad is James and he has seemed down and troubled since Samantha, his wife, disappeared several years ago. Nicholas works at Creaky Crystals, which is owned by Mora, a kind hearted wicen.
Juliette Maystone is a wealthy young woman who sees ghosts. She owns a cafe called Chanton Hillview. Her parents won the lottery when she was eight and when she finished school they moved to Spain leaving her with the family home named Haven, and purchasing the cafe for her, although Juliette is successful in her own right. Her cafe is a success and she donated and spends time volunteering for various charities. She's at first hesitant about seeing ghosts, but decides to try to help the spirits in any way she can.
Nicholas and Juliette meet under unusual circumstances and find themselves on a mission to find out what happened to Nick's mom. The fallout to the mystery affects how Juliette feels about Nick. Hopefully these two can communicate better in book two.
Juliette Maystone is a wealthy young woman who sees ghosts. She owns a cafe called Chanton Hillview. Her parents won the lottery when she was eight and when she finished school they moved to Spain leaving her with the family home named Haven, and purchasing the cafe for her, although Juliette is successful in her own right. Her cafe is a success and she donated and spends time volunteering for various charities. She's at first hesitant about seeing ghosts, but decides to try to help the spirits in any way she can.
Nicholas and Juliette meet under unusual circumstances and find themselves on a mission to find out what happened to Nick's mom. The fallout to the mystery affects how Juliette feels about Nick. Hopefully these two can communicate better in book two.
November 1, 2012
I had the pleasure of reading A Death Displaced by Andrew Butcher. This book is the first book in a new series called the Lansin Island Series. The story starts out telling the readers about the life of Nick Cyrtan, a 24 year old who is living a fairly boring life that is dealing with bouts of depression and anger and then goes on to tell how he saves the life a beautiful girl named Juliet. The story switches back and forth from Nick to Juliet for a couple of chapters and then finally they meet and more of the story is laid out. All in all I thought this was a great story with well defined characters, lots of suspense. I liked the mystery and spooky feel of this book as it kept me on the edge of my seat to the point that I couldn't put it down until I was finished. As soon as I finished, I was excited to read the next one so it looks like I will be on the edge of my seat until it comes out. :)
I received a FREE copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a FREE copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 13, 2012
There were several different things going on in this story. It was easy to follow and hard to put down. Nick is a lonely guy working a part time job and Juliet is a lonely woman with wealthy, but absent (emotionally and physically) parents. Chance brings them together when Nick saves her life by heeding a vision he's just had. And things get wonky from there. Spirits, missing people, and thieving co-workers are just a few. All of the characters were well done, and I'd like to read more about Lansin Island. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book in this series.
August 31, 2012
This book is so much more than a paranormal suspense. It touches on depression, abandonment, relationships, life choices and more. Scenes are described vividly and the words flow easily. Being the first book in a series, there is some resolution but keep in mind there are books to follow. Would I recommend? Yes....if you like a series.
October 15, 2020
“It’s better to tell people the truth, or else you’re depriving them of the chance to grow and learn in their own ways.”
A Death Displaced by Andrew Butcher
3.0/5.0
Probably not going to preamble this review, short and sweet, lets go.
~Story & Writing~
A Death Displaced is a paranormal fiction novel, written in the third person, following 2 different protagonists. The story is simplistic, and to be honest not terribly exciting. It follows our 2 main characters as they figure out new supernatural powers that they both have seemed to acquire. There are some plot progression towards the end of the book but by then the slow pace had already taken its toll. The story towards the end was intriguing to be fair so I will probably take on the sequel to see if everything gets better. The writing was alright, I have certainly read worse, but it was still a little shaky. The prose and writing style could have been better but like I said I have read much worse.
~Characters~
The two main characters are Nick and Juliet. Both have depth and good character base but to be honest I thought the characters (including some side characters) were a mess. Inconsistences within how they were written and hypocritical character thoughts were the worst of it. On top of that, I feel like some decisions and arguments that were made by the MCs were the most immature I’ve read in a while. To me, I felt I was reading about 15/14-year olds, not mid 20 somethings. At the end of it I felt completely exhausted. In fact, the only character that I wanted to read more about only appeared for half a chapter, and that was the witch Tamera. I did enjoy the individual traits, and backstories of the characters; it was just the other stuff that drug down the whole experience.
~Final Thoughts~
Looking for its own identity, A Death Displaced struggles with its pace and characters interaction, which at the end of the day, obscured its decent plot progression towards the end and strong character backgrounds.
A Death Displaced by Andrew Butcher
3.0/5.0
Probably not going to preamble this review, short and sweet, lets go.
~Story & Writing~
A Death Displaced is a paranormal fiction novel, written in the third person, following 2 different protagonists. The story is simplistic, and to be honest not terribly exciting. It follows our 2 main characters as they figure out new supernatural powers that they both have seemed to acquire. There are some plot progression towards the end of the book but by then the slow pace had already taken its toll. The story towards the end was intriguing to be fair so I will probably take on the sequel to see if everything gets better. The writing was alright, I have certainly read worse, but it was still a little shaky. The prose and writing style could have been better but like I said I have read much worse.
~Characters~
The two main characters are Nick and Juliet. Both have depth and good character base but to be honest I thought the characters (including some side characters) were a mess. Inconsistences within how they were written and hypocritical character thoughts were the worst of it. On top of that, I feel like some decisions and arguments that were made by the MCs were the most immature I’ve read in a while. To me, I felt I was reading about 15/14-year olds, not mid 20 somethings. At the end of it I felt completely exhausted. In fact, the only character that I wanted to read more about only appeared for half a chapter, and that was the witch Tamera. I did enjoy the individual traits, and backstories of the characters; it was just the other stuff that drug down the whole experience.
~Final Thoughts~
Looking for its own identity, A Death Displaced struggles with its pace and characters interaction, which at the end of the day, obscured its decent plot progression towards the end and strong character backgrounds.
September 28, 2021
Nicolas Crystan, struggling to cope with his traumatic past, shuffles through life keeping mostly to himself ... until he has a disturbing daydream of a woman's death. At first he tries to forget it, but when real life mimics the daydream, he realises it was no ordinary fantasy—it was a vision of the future. To save a life, he must act fast.
When Juliet Maystone escapes death, defying fate, she becomes 'displaced' in this world. All she wants is to return to her bustling day-to-day routine, successfully running her own business, but as hard as she tries, she can't ignore that things have changed for her. She has to face up to the fact that being 'displaced' comes with an unexpected ability.
On Lansin Island, a quaint place with a dark history of its own, Nicolas and Juliet must learn to use their newfound abilities and work together to unravel a mystery more connected to Nicolas than he could ever have imagined ...
Heather's Notes
This was my first book by this author and it was ok. I didn't care for Juliet who was a bit dislikable the entire book. I did like Nick and would like to know more about his powers. They didn't answer a lot of questions in this book, although the main plot was resolved. It was resolved without a lot of explanation or them really learning anything about the powers they now have. I didn't care for the like of explanations and I don't know that I will continue with this series
When Juliet Maystone escapes death, defying fate, she becomes 'displaced' in this world. All she wants is to return to her bustling day-to-day routine, successfully running her own business, but as hard as she tries, she can't ignore that things have changed for her. She has to face up to the fact that being 'displaced' comes with an unexpected ability.
On Lansin Island, a quaint place with a dark history of its own, Nicolas and Juliet must learn to use their newfound abilities and work together to unravel a mystery more connected to Nicolas than he could ever have imagined ...
Heather's Notes
This was my first book by this author and it was ok. I didn't care for Juliet who was a bit dislikable the entire book. I did like Nick and would like to know more about his powers. They didn't answer a lot of questions in this book, although the main plot was resolved. It was resolved without a lot of explanation or them really learning anything about the powers they now have. I didn't care for the like of explanations and I don't know that I will continue with this series
July 7, 2019
What happens if you have a premonition and save someone's life?
Does everything stay changed, as if a wire was connected to one terminal and has been changed to connect to another?
Or is it more like a rubber band? Does the timeline try to restore itself?
That's the question Nick runs into when he daydreams a woman's death at work and then, on his way home, sees the first of the same sequence of events taking place. He saves her, of course, but what happens after that is a delightful struggle with fate, or something pretending to be fate. A great deal of the charm of the book is its setting on an island in the Celtic Sea (southwest of England, south of eastern Ireland) that was the setting for a famous witch trial. There are monuments and tourists as well as real witches, and... well, to say more would be a spoiler. If you like occult mysteries, though, you will surely enjoy this one.
Does everything stay changed, as if a wire was connected to one terminal and has been changed to connect to another?
Or is it more like a rubber band? Does the timeline try to restore itself?
That's the question Nick runs into when he daydreams a woman's death at work and then, on his way home, sees the first of the same sequence of events taking place. He saves her, of course, but what happens after that is a delightful struggle with fate, or something pretending to be fate. A great deal of the charm of the book is its setting on an island in the Celtic Sea (southwest of England, south of eastern Ireland) that was the setting for a famous witch trial. There are monuments and tourists as well as real witches, and... well, to say more would be a spoiler. If you like occult mysteries, though, you will surely enjoy this one.
October 14, 2022
24-year-old Nick Crystan has been having visions of a young woman falling to her death. When he sees the woman, Juliet Mayston, in person and saves her life, he’s greatly relieved until he realizes that his action created major repercussions for both of them. Juliet can now see ghosts and one of them is Nick’s mother who disappeared eight years earlier. The two of them come together to solve the mystery, but all is not as it seems.
This supernatural fantasy is a suspenseful story filled with interesting characters. It moves at a quick pace and both Nick and Juliet are well-drawn characters. Enough backstory’s provided to understand their motives and emotional state.
The Lansin Island setting is unique and mysterious. While the main plot is resolved, not all of the subplots are. Since this is book one in the Lansin Island series, certain situations are likely to continue in subsequent books. Fans of supernatural suspense and mystery will enjoy this one.
This supernatural fantasy is a suspenseful story filled with interesting characters. It moves at a quick pace and both Nick and Juliet are well-drawn characters. Enough backstory’s provided to understand their motives and emotional state.
The Lansin Island setting is unique and mysterious. While the main plot is resolved, not all of the subplots are. Since this is book one in the Lansin Island series, certain situations are likely to continue in subsequent books. Fans of supernatural suspense and mystery will enjoy this one.
April 9, 2019
Part mystery part supernatural Nick after a traumatic past is trying to find himself and is working in a magic shop when he finds he can dream the future. He saves the life of Juliet who because she cheataed death gets a power of her own to be able to talk to dead people. They both delve into the past to find the cause of Nicks mother only to discover the true nature of her disappearance. This is a very well written book, although pure fiction the characters draw you in and you begin to believe what they believe.
March 7, 2018
Very different...
Nick had a nightmare a woman was going to die...he saved her and there starts a bunch of mysterious things. Juliet begins to see spirits and the spirit of nicks mom asks her to find him and give him a message. Then the two of them plod along to find answers. I don't want to give away the story but it is strange, paranormal and even though there are gross parts, interesting.
Nick had a nightmare a woman was going to die...he saved her and there starts a bunch of mysterious things. Juliet begins to see spirits and the spirit of nicks mom asks her to find him and give him a message. Then the two of them plod along to find answers. I don't want to give away the story but it is strange, paranormal and even though there are gross parts, interesting.
August 7, 2018
A promising start
The book opened with an introduction to the main character and I do like to have a bit of supernatural suspense every now and then so I was quite looking forward to it. But after about one third of the way through, the writing became a bit random and almost as though the author had forgotten the original plot and was desperately trying to inject some new direction. It didn't really work, I completed the book but at the end I was just glad it was over.
The book opened with an introduction to the main character and I do like to have a bit of supernatural suspense every now and then so I was quite looking forward to it. But after about one third of the way through, the writing became a bit random and almost as though the author had forgotten the original plot and was desperately trying to inject some new direction. It didn't really work, I completed the book but at the end I was just glad it was over.
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