Unspoken Paperback – July 1, 2012

When I began this book, I expected a standard post-modern tale of isolation. I was pleasantly surprised that instead, it was a post-modern story about a man, dealing with so many of the intangible elements we find ourselves wrestling with at times. The author has revealed these elements through his storytelling, but in such a subtle way, I didn't realize what elements I was supposed to be looking for until I had nearly finished the book. I was hooked after a couple chapters, and finished it in an evening. Then I had to go back about a week later to analyze what I had read in the first place. The characters were very well developed, and their interactions with each other seemed very natural, which a lot of mainstream authors do not pull of as successfully as Mr. Robinson. I was reminded of Cormac McCarthy, and similar literary types, perhaps because the writing was as well developed for the most part. This is definitely the best self-published novel I have read in the past few years, and a wonderful introduction to the author.

Sometimes people get trapped within themselves, not because they're sick, but because they're scared. Nikolas Robinson shows us what this can be like... The mind is only as strong or as weak as we let it be, until it's gone and it's too late to even hope anymore.Nathan is an emotional stunted man for various reasons. He doesn't trust himself, so he definitely doesn't trust other people. His life is one of solitude, by choice.He chooses to be solitary. He chooses to believe no one will love him or ever accept his love. His self-esteem is broken.He falls in love with a co-worker, but he won't/can't tell her of his feelings.The world is plagued by a strange sickness that makes everyone disappear within themselves just as he's ready to open up, leaving him in solitude once again.I wasn't overly impressed with this book, but then I started to think about it more. I couldn't help but realize this would be a good read for someone who is dealing with the care of a loved one who has mental problems, or someone who has low self-esteem. This book could help both in different ways; it truly shows the inner turmoil and pain someone could go through dealing with both. So, while this isn't really a great book for me, I can see how someone else might love it and/or find it insightful.There are a few mistakes, but nothing major. My biggest annoyance was the constant repetition and inconsistencies.

Unspoken will have you begging the question "When did I end up liking this guy?" as this harrowing tale of love and loss comes to an end. Not often do I read on if I happen across an annoying, insipid main character. I delete the book, or give it away as soon as possible. The gradual change of Nathan from someone you wished bad things upon, to the Nathan you wished better things on is surprising. I always hope for a method to someone's madness, and it definitely pays off in Unspoken. It is a quiet story that sneaks up on you and leaves you holding your loved ones a little closer. I will be anticipating any and all upcoming Nikolas P. Robinson novels.

Okay first of all I have to say kudos to Mr. Robinson for doing a good job on his first novel. The plot was a great story. I felt that the first half of the book was very repetitive but maybe that was the point to drill in the reader's head the emotion behind the main character? Not sure. In the first chapters it kept hinting at something dramatic happening soon and that kept me reading just to find out what this crazy event was but I had to read a lot further into the novel to find out what it all was about. Towards the very end at one point I was in disbelief and saw myself going back a couple pages and reading it again just to make sure that I did not read something wrong because I was in shock. Overall good novel and it was a great read!

OK, first off, I am a good friend of the author, and this tends to skew a review a little. It is hard to go in without taking a lot into account of friendship. But, after reading this book, I can say I did not need to worry about that. This is a very good read and I am glad I purchased it.I wont go into any details, I would rather you enjoy the book for yourself. It does start off slow....meandering...almost like it has no direction. Almost like a love letter that wont stop. I wont say that I skimmed over some parts, but I will say I may not have read ALL the words. LOL.But it pulls itself back together, picks up the pace and you find yourself staying up late. Trying to finish that last page before you fall asleep. I cared for the protagonist, but as another reviewer said. I really wish there was a bit more detail in the end, and less at the beginning.I am looking forward to more from Mr. Robinson. Thanks!