A Book Review of Placebo by Steven James

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While covertly investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. After giving up his career as an escape artist and illusionist in the wake of his wife and sons' tragic death, Jevin is seeking not only answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program, but also answers to why his family suffered as they did. 

Rooted in ground-breaking science and inspired by actual research, Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. Readers will love this taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James.

Series: The Jevin Banks Experience
Genre: Adult Fiction/Suspense
Publisher: Revell (November 1, 2012)
Page Count: 416

What I liked: I really enjoyed this book. I'd never read a book with an illusionist as a main character, but he was very interesting to be with during story. His skill set was really cool.

The characters are one of my favorite aspects of it. Each of them was unique and very realistic. The book goes into multiple point of views. I loved Steven James' point of view transitions. It really created suspense.

As a lover of science, I really enjoyed the scientific aspects of the book. The research must have taken forever, but the information about illusionist tricks and medical facts including the placebo effect was very interesting. I also loved his usage of short lines to create urgency. I've seen it done in other books, but I love how masterfully he did it in Placebo. I want to try out the technique myself. :)

What I didn't like: One thing that did annoy me from a writers perspective was that throughout the book he told instead of said what a character did. I understand that for long bits of repeated information like for informing another character, but for short sentences it jerked me out of the point of view of the character for some reason. I know it's probably his style, but I didn't really like that.

Content Cautions: This is a PG-13 book I'd say in movie terms. There are some intense images and mature concepts so if you're a younger or more sensitive reader take that in mind.

All in all this is a definite five star book. Thank you, Mr. James for the fabulous read!

About the Author:

Critically acclaimed author Steven James has written more than thirty books, including the bestselling Bower Files thriller series. He is a contributing editor to Writer's Digest and has taught writing and storytelling on three continents. Steven lives in Tennessee with his wife and three daughters. You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and his website.

Also check out my interview with the Author!

I hope you all enjoyed this review! Look out for ones of Veronica Roth's Divergent and Jill Williamson's Replication!

If you liked this post, come back every Saturday for more writing advice, character interviews, book reviews and more! On Sundays I have Soundtrack Sundays where I post a new score piece, Tuesdays are Tea Tuesdays with tea reviews, Wednesdays I have Wonderful Word Wednesdays where I post a new vocabulary word, and Fridays are Fan Fridays where I post tags and other goodies. To help support my dream to be an author follow this blog, like me on Facebook, watch me on deviantART, and follow me on Pinterest and Twitter. If you want to know more about my books check out them out here. Thank you! :)