Title: Rogue Wave
Author: Robert Wesley Clement
Publisher: 2020 Literary Group LLC
ASIN: B0CKWR2FPF
Pages: 219
Genre: Fiction / Mystery & Suspense
Reviewer: Rahul
Pacific Book Review
“Like zombies, three sisters in turn pause to look into the middle distance before moving heavily downward.” This haunting line sets the tone for author Robert Wesley Clement’s novel, Rogue Wave, a narrative that navigates the undercurrents of a family’s struggle against unseen forces.
The book begins by showing the Garrett family living in Flagler Beach, a small town on the coast of Florida, with the Atlantic Ocean always in view. Wayne Garrett, a beloved postal worker, and his family get entangled in a series of mysterious and threatening events which ruin their peaceful lives.
The author masterfully sets the stage with an ordinary morning routine that quickly spirals into a nightmare, beginning with Wayne’s inexplicable car accident. This incident is the catalyst for a series of events which test the family’s strength and unity. The narrative is skillfully woven with suspense as the Garretts receive ominous, anonymous letters which hint at a vengeful past, transforming their daily lives into a tense game of survival and uncertainty.
The author’s depiction of the Garrett family is nuanced and relatable, making their fear and confusion palpable. Each family member is meticulously crafted with depth, from Wayne’s resilience and self-blame to Becky’s protective maternal instincts and their daughters’ varied reactions to the crisis. The dialogue and interactions within the family are authentic, adding layers to their characters and relationships. The emotional landscape is likely to undergo a dramatic shift as well. They have to cope with abnormality and how tender human life is, as well as feeling that what once appeared familiar about nature has changed beyond recall.
The portrayal of Flagler Beach isn’t just scenery; it takes on a life of its own, almost like a character, mirroring the turbulent journey of the Garrett family. The author’s words beautifully capture the town’s allure and the ominous hints of the impending storm, both literal and symbolic.
What sets Rogue Wave apart is its ability to blend daily family dynamics with eerie mysteries. The suspense doesn’t solely rely on overt threats; it also stems from underlying tensions and secrets that emerge, adding depth to the narrative. It has a plot structure which alternates between moments of silence and turbulence, where the reader gets very involved with what the characters go through.
Rogue Wave transcends mere storytelling about a family’s struggles; it’s a tribute to the indomitable human spirit facing the unyielding forces of destiny. Robert Wesley Clement’s writing style, with its rhythmic sway, guides readers through a voyage of emotions – heartache, mystery, and the unrelenting quest for redemption. His world isn’t just observed; it’s experienced, each narrative wave leaving behind both treasures and debris along the shores of the reader’s mind.
