Review: Third Loch From the Sun A Scottish Sci-Fi Adventure by Rex Burke

Blurb:

Secrets come in all shapes and sizes

Jake has left it late, and the only summer job he can find is on the remote Scottish island of Elsay. Still, that sounds fine – the work isn’t too hard, the pay’s all right, and the scenery is great.

But he soon has second thoughts about staying. His boss, Fraser, is clearly a bit of a rogue, while Fraser’s cute but snippy daughter, Alva, takes against him from the start. And the oddball characters in the local pub aren’t exactly welcoming.

Then Jake stumbles on an extraordinary secret that changes everything that’s known about the universe. A secret he can scarcely believe. A secret that Alva and the island recluse, Ruan Strang, have sworn to protect at all costs.

As the mystery deepens, the questions only mount – and none of the answers make any sense. Plus, Jake’s falling for Alva and she still hasn’t so much as smiled at him.

One thing’s for certain – he’s not going anywhere until the full, fantastic truth is revealed.

From the author of The Wrong Stop comes a SciFi fantasy adventure set on a dreamy Scottish isle. Stuffed with larger-than-life characters, it’s perfect for fans of island mysteries, with crackling dialogue and a will-they-won’t-they romantic edge.

Review:

For those that have yet to experience a Rex Burke tale, standalone Third Loch is a fantastic introduction to the feel-good sci-fi vibes that are Rex’s forte.

I have already read this one twice.  Once in beta where I had minimal feedback for Rex.  I did ask for more of Old Mrs Dunmore who happens to like the Elsay Island thrash-metal band.  My feedback was minimal as I found myself falling into reading for entertainment mode time and again as opposed to keeping a critical eye on all the bits of prose and plot like a proper beta reader.  The second read as and ARC was even more enjoyable.

The blurb for Third Loch is dialed in and teases the plot perfectly.  While it does present an air of mystery and doubt, the title and a quick look at the retailer’s categories tells you that there are possibly aliens to be found in the pages.  Knowing that going in, Rex managed to keep me questioning my assumptions.

Rex excels at writing characters that are remarkably easy to become invested in.  If you’ve lived long enough you will find echoes of friends and acquaintances in the main characters and particularly with the supporting cast.  I’ve spent probably too much time in little bars and dives.  The hotel bar and islanders found there felt like a place and people I have visited with more than a few times even if I have never been to Scottland.  I believe I would prefer the Berserker over the Little Widdle though. 

Third Loch entertains with a balance of humor, absurdity, a bit of touching tragedy and the Rex Burke signature feel good culmination of the tale.  Pulling it all together is Burke’s deft touch with laying down prose that flows making for eager page turns and lost sleep.  Comedic timing is on point and felt like just the right touch.  Rarely underplayed and never overdone.

From the title to the closing chapter Burke scatters well-timed pop-culture references that are sometimes obvious and at other times subtle.  They pulled a grin or nod of the head from this reader on several occasions.  I’m sure many breezed right past me.  Those I recognized were a nice touch and an enjoyable recognition of movies, music, TV shows and actors that have influenced our entertainment stretching over the decades.

Rounding out the reasons why Third Loch is an exceptional read leans on the process of getting to know the characters as the narrative advances.  There is much more to be found than one liners and pop-culture references.  Real life motivations of loss, fear, a little greed, determination and love make the main and supporting characters relatable, frustrating and loveable.

On a random note, there is one passage describing the band playing a tune that I found incredibly beautiful.  You will know it when you read.  I told Rex that he could not cut it under any circumstances.  It is highlighted on my Kindle and I might have the text saved.       

The opening chapters felt a bit slow, but they do set the stage that allows the plot to come together in a satisfying fashion.  When you pick this book up don’t let them ‘rip ya knitten.’  You’d be ‘walloper’ if you let it bother you too much. 

I am a Rex Burke fan even if he is, by his own admission, a ‘Sassnack bampot.’

If you find yourself in a reading rut or need to repair emotional damage after that last grim dark chonker, I can’t recommend highly enough Third Loch, or any of Rex’s other works to fill that hole in your heart.  If you are still not sure, Rex has a free short, First Date, that will give you a window into his style.  

Pour yourself a Berserker, a Little Widdle or a wee dram and settle in for a satisfying read.