Otto Grey's The Wasted Chronicles Mirror, Mirror, Who Am I? introduces readers to a surreal and enigmatic narrative that transcends conventional storytelling boundaries. The novel offers a unique blend of laughter, confusion, and abstract sci-fi horror, weaving a compelling tale that immerses readers in a world where ordinary events take on extraordinary and mystifying dimensions.

The author's imaginative prowess shines through as multiple narrators guide readers through a labyrinth of surreal events and perplexing encounters, gradually unraveling a captivating story that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural. Grey's skillful narration and intricate world-building create a rich and immersive reading experience that invites readers to delve into a realm where gods and demons coexist within the fabric of everyday life.

The novel's ability to seamlessly merge elements of humor and perplexity contributes to a dynamic and engaging narrative that keeps readers intrigued and invested in the unfolding events. Grey's vivid descriptions and evocative prose add depth and texture to the narrative, creating a vivid and atmospheric backdrop that enhances the overall reading experience.

While the novel successfully enthralls readers with its surreal and mysterious plot, a slight deduction from a perfect rating is attributed to certain pacing elements that could have been further streamlined to ensure a smoother narrative flow. Additionally, some aspects of character development could have been expanded to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the protagonists' journeys.

In conclusion, The Wasted Chronicles Mirror, Mirror, Who Am I? is a captivating and thought-provoking read that delves into the realms of abstract sci-fi horror with a unique and imaginative approach. Otto Grey's masterful storytelling and the rich tapestry of supernatural elements make this a must-read for fans of unconventional storytelling and those seeking a gripping narrative that challenges the boundaries of traditional fiction.

I had a really hard time with this book. The main character to me was very unlikable & the biblical type people hit me wrong at this last point in time. I thank NG & BGS in particular for the books they have allowed me to read to review but after the major effort threw in the towel. Main is shallow, self centered & very much the now guy in modern British yuppie work society & just grated on my nerves.

this was a really unique read, I really enjoyed getting to go through this story and getting to know the characters. It was a fun read and I look forward to more from the author.

Thank you Netgalley, Otto Grey and Booksgosocial for the Review Copy

Representation: <spoiler> Crossdressing, mental illness </spoiler>
Content warnings: <spoiler> Mental Illness, institutionalised, suicide, murder </spoiler>

In this book you follow three different narrators, all having completely different characteristics and lives. The book starts off with an unnamed narrator talking to the reader specifically and then going into the bar looking for stories. There he talks with two different men, both telling stories that have some similarities. The third story comes from an older woman, which drives the tale into a mystery.

CAWPILE Rating: 5.86 => 3 stars

Characters: 6
Atmosphere : 5
Writing : 5
Plot: 7
Intrigue: 6
logic: 5
Enjoyment: 7

The most prominent emotion with this book was CONFUSED. I had no clue what was going on or where the novel was going. It was however mostly explained in the last parts of the book, I am still not sure while writing this review if I completely understood the story.
The confusion however also made me want to continue reading, I wanted to make it make sense and see where this was going.
The atmosphere of the book also changes per part. It keeps you wondering if it is all in the real world, if there is a paranormal world that interferes, are the stories really happening is this all in their heads, or is someone just making things up.

I however did not like the writing style It was quite simplistic and things were mostly told instead of shown. This drew me out of the story many times and it made me not really connect with characters or the world.
The ending however sold me this book and definitely increased my rating

I absolutely loved the premise of this story and if you can handle fourth wall breaking and to the point writing I think this story is really interesting to read.

Not for me. First-person narrative can be difficult for many writers and Grey seems to be one of them. I found it impossible to connect with the narrator who, while at a pub, decides he wants to hear a story. That's unrelatable right from the get-go. While it's true that anyone who frequents bars has listened (sometimes nto entirely willingly) to bar stores we don't usually ASK a stranger for a story. Two other patrons indulge him but the stories are odd and nearly nonsensical. Then he chats up a women and that's even worse. I couldn't finsh it.

Otto Grey's The Wasted Chronicles was an entirely surreal experience. It began in an ordinary first-person narrative, but quickly grows mysterious and almost head-spinning. The narrator's journey begins when he walks into a pub and decides he wants to hear a story; he speaks to two separate men sitting at separate tables, and they each tell him an odd, sorrowful story. From there, a chat with the one woman sitting at the bar propels the storyline into realms containing many unexplained events, even possibly demons. It all felt to me like a dream wherein one scene inexplicably jumps to another unconnected one, though the dreamer has a profound sense that there is a connection. To attempt to discern the connections and illuminate the mysteries, one must be entirely immersed in this world.

I was unable to become entirely embedded because I could not fathom the narrator's personality. From the beginning he is cocky, overly self-assured, even though the stories he hears are ominous. Relentlessly continuing his relationship with the woman from the bar and others related to her, the narrator never worries about his fate. I expected many times to witness his death or at least his harm. Perhaps he is already dead? I was compelled to read as fast as I could to find out the answers to my many questions. How fast can you read?

The Wasted Chronicles

[Blurb goes here]

I have one word to describe this adventure: bizarre. A beautiful but weird story of a man searching for stories. A man who breaks the fourth wall, along the four other writers that interrupt his tale, with a voice of their own. Strange things happen to him as the story progresses. Strange being the key word. I won't go into details, I rarely do -I hate spoilers. Let me just say that this is one weird ride that you shouldn't miss. Why four stars, you ask? Because while trying to give context to our narrators, the author dismembers the story with the logic of a psychoanalyst. When I use the word dismember, I don't use it lightly. I was ecstatic when it was nothing but bizarre. Why try and superimpose our heroes' adventure, in the last few chapters, with a real life explanation?

Don't take me wrong, I also enjoyed the last few chapters, but could have enjoyed the story a lot more without them.

thank you for the advanced copy!

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for this unique experience!

It starts with the writer talking to the reader and looks for people who can tell him interesting stories in a pub! And it gets real interesting real quick!! While trying to figure out what's going on, you cannot put the book down! And even it sounds pretty complicated, I used to, and above that, love it just in a couple of pages! So if you looking for something different and keeps throwing you a curve, THAT'S THE ONE!!!!