The Reflection Of Innocence


Fiction - Military
368 Pages
Reviewed on 05/29/2016
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite

In a great new book by debut author John Tolliver, The Reflection of Innocence is a book that will engage readers from the very beginning all the way through until the last page. Following the story of protagonist John Calabrace, a man who lives anything but an average life, this unique tale is like none other I have read before. John has had a strange ability since he was six years old - he is able to feel every memory and emotion a person has ever felt, all with a simple touch. His gift is more than overwhelming at times, and he finally flees his school, joins the Navy, and escapes into the relative solitude of work on a nuclear submarine. But when his ability is discovered by military higher-ups, he is pulled from obscurity and required to work as a spy. John isn’t sure if this new position means he is working for good or for evil. You’ll need to read this great book in order to find out for yourself!

I very much enjoyed The Reflection of Innocence. Author John Tolliver has done a fantastic job in creating a character that his readers will be able to relate to, connect with and truly come to care about, and be thinking of long after the last page has been read. If that isn’t a hallmark of a great author, I’m not sure what is. This story is truly unique, and any reader who enjoys an adventurous story with a strong military focus, tales of espionage, or simply a great read of fiction in general, should absolutely grab this book. I am pleased to recommend this book to any such reader, and look forward to more from the very promising author, John Tolliver, as soon as I possibly can!

Ica Iova

Imagine being able to absorb people's memories from just a touch. In The Reflection Of Innocence, John Calabrace possesses that ability. His mind is flooded with memories going back to when he was six years old — memories that trouble John because most belong to every person he ever touched. He finds temporary relief after he joins the Navy. But when he is recruited to use his abilities as a spy, his comfort is interrupted. He struggles through his first days of preparation as he frequently comes into contact with new people to test his accuracy. Each one of those people brings with them emotional baggage and memories that John can’t avoid. Slowly, he masters his powers, but while he knows everyone else's secrets, he has secrets of his own that can’t fall into the wrong hands.

The Reflection Of Innocence by John Tolliver is an excellent suspenseful thriller. Using a military background, John Tolliver turns The Reflection Of Innocence into a compelling story of espionage with a touch of paranormal. Think of it as a paranormal whodunit. While the story starts off a little slowly, it picks up pace once John Calabrace takes duty on board a submarine. As the plot begins to unravel, Tolliver masterfully builds up traction and keeps the pages turning with the growth of his characters. The distinctive military language used makes the book an authentic, quick, and enjoyable read. I was truly enthralled by the amount of responsibility and dedication necessary to become a nuclear power trained submariner.

Rabia Tanveer

Well, isn’t this interesting! The Reflection of Innocence by John Tolliver is the story of John Calabrace. He was only 7 years old when his life was turned upside down. What most would consider a gift is a curse for him. He has the ability to read the memories of any person he comes in contact with. As long as he touches them in any way, their memories are now his for the keeping. No matter how hard he tries, he cannot forget those memories. To escape the commotion of this life, he joins the Navy, hoping that serving in a nuclear submarine will give him the peace he desperately needs. However, his respite is taken from him when he is hired to unlock the secrets that can change the world and the lives of people at large. In the world of deceit, he is the one who knows everyone’s secrets, but no one knows his secrets. And he cannot allow anyone else know them. Or else it is game over for him.

A few years ago, I would have despised reading a military thriller, but now, this is one of my favorite genres. John’s story is absolutely thrilling and amazing. I dove right in and I was completely immersed in John’s transition from a 7-year-old to the man working hard to keep his secrets. I really enjoyed how John evolved, how his character developed, and he became a man of action. It was truly astonishing to read. I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes a series because it has the potential to be among the good ones. Brilliant piece of work!