Tactile Therapy

Where do I start? The beginning? Well, I began reading the paperback version of this book that i picked up on Amazon, (which i recommend everyone pick up for reasons I’ll include in a bit!) and I was hooked for a reason I didn’t anticipate. Though I’m not the biggest fan of science or fiction, I am glad that my decision to invest in a science-fiction piece, was this one. I’m not sure if you can even relegate this book down to a single genre. I mean sure, it has science fiction in it, but it also has plenty of science fact. Beyond this, it is just interlaced with a bevy of fantastic story elements that dont at all abuse and even transcends any dry, over-used, narrative trope that often plague these time of over-the-top, action/adventure, superhero style novels. Durell Arrington’s take on this genre is FRESH and new, done in a way that helps me understand why this is only the first volume of what I’m sure will be an amazing series. I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment and I highly recommend this one to everyone - science-fiction fan or otherwise

Durell Arrington’s Tactile Therapy Volume I is a fast-paced, action-packed, character-rich novel set in a distant dystopian future. It is a novel that is both new and familiar as the author creates a relevant and engaging story that blurs the lines between hero and villain.

Arrington keeps me on my toes with his many characters and their quests, which gives this novel an epic feel. The characters are relatable, witty, and thought-provoking, making this more than an adventure story and reminiscent of X-Men. Part of what I like about this is that it is reminiscent of X-Men and other superhero fiction that I have enjoyed since I was young. The author even references Marvel and D.C Comic characters, thus adding to the entertainment value. All in all, this is a fantastic and enjoyable tale that is a balance of character-driven story, action, science-fiction/fantasy/superhero, and realism.

However, I do not care for the inclusion of a child using a sub-machine gun. While this adds to the dystopian feel and is a plot point, I find it disturbing that a child is training to be a warrior.

I recommend Arrington’s novel to young adults and adults who enjoy stories by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, action/adventure, dystopian future, and character-rich stories. This novel does contain non-graphic violence, drug use, and severe cursing, which makes it unsuitable for all audiences. 

I rate Arrington’s Tactile Therapy Volume I 5 out of 5 stars as it is well-written, thought-provoking, witty, and contains few errors. The errors are so few that they do not take away from the story itself. In fact, this novel is so compelling and entertaining that I wish to read more from this author as well as to reread this particular one.