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A review by aoki_reads
Chasing The Dragon by Mark Towse, Mark Towse
5.0
”They have no idea who I am about to become.”
Mark Towse’s debut novel, Chasing the Dragon was everything I hoped it would be and more. This genre-bending, whirlwind of a read held the story of a young man battling lifelong trauma and his ability to persevere.
The caped disciple will bring order back to town.
Simon Dooley lives in a town overcome with despair, hopelessness, and dread. A town both scorned and forgotten. Once happy and peaceful, it’s turned into a dreary place— riddled with crime, drugs, prostitution, and unhappy residents. Colorless and sad with human decency a thing of the past.
Things have to change and the chaos must end.
And Simon has an idea, one that’s been festering in the back of his mind since childhood. His town needs a hero— actually, asuperhero.
And here is when our trauma-ridden MC transforms from Simon Dooley into Reformo.
Aided with a leotard (I mean superhero suit, my bad!), a bunch of dog poop bags, and the incessant voice of his deceased mother— Reformo is ready to bring order and hope back to town!
From yelling at people to throw out their trash to full on brawls against abusers and gang members, Reformo is tasked with a multitude of problems to solve in his small town. Yet, he proves time and time again through multiple ordeals that no situation is ever too big or too small.
End the chaos, Simon.
Chasing the Dragon was a read I did not expect. Diving in, I knew it was a pseudo-superhero type of story, but the depth was incredible. Not only was it a mixed bag of horror, romance, and mystery— but its deep theme of resurfacing trauma and how it shapes a person was something that truly reeled me in. Towse does an excellent job at shaping Simon’s character, and ultimately his path to becoming Reformo.
And Towse walks the tightrope of comedy and horror with ease, providing the story with comedic relief at times while keeping its dark and uneasy undertone. The timing of this novel’s silly moments were perfect, and when it was time to be serious, Towse made it apparent. Typically a blend I’m not too fond of, this felt natural and sincere.
Simon is a tragic hero in my eyes. One filled with flaws and inner ordeals— yet you still root for him to win. Through his aggravating and tough inner monologues, the reader begins to understand Simon’s abusive and miserable past. There’s a soft spot for him. As he wins and loses throughout, you find a sense of hope the same as he does. By the story’s end, you may be chanting ”Reformo! Reformo!”, too.
And while we’re touching on a story’s end, this one had an excellent, full circle resolve. Not only does it leave us satisfied, but I’d like to think it leaves Simon a bit satisfied, too. Hope lights the way and perseverance will get one further than they’d ever imagine.
Just keep going.
Packed with action, adventure, a little love and some vulgarity— Chasing the Dragon scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. This is my second book from Towse, now my favorite by him. I recommend this book to quite literally, anyone. A well-deserved ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star read that will leave you feeling like you can conquer the world by its untimely end.
Mark Towse’s debut novel, Chasing the Dragon was everything I hoped it would be and more. This genre-bending, whirlwind of a read held the story of a young man battling lifelong trauma and his ability to persevere.
The caped disciple will bring order back to town.
Simon Dooley lives in a town overcome with despair, hopelessness, and dread. A town both scorned and forgotten. Once happy and peaceful, it’s turned into a dreary place— riddled with crime, drugs, prostitution, and unhappy residents. Colorless and sad with human decency a thing of the past.
Things have to change and the chaos must end.
And Simon has an idea, one that’s been festering in the back of his mind since childhood. His town needs a hero— actually, asuperhero.
And here is when our trauma-ridden MC transforms from Simon Dooley into Reformo.
Aided with a leotard (I mean superhero suit, my bad!), a bunch of dog poop bags, and the incessant voice of his deceased mother— Reformo is ready to bring order and hope back to town!
From yelling at people to throw out their trash to full on brawls against abusers and gang members, Reformo is tasked with a multitude of problems to solve in his small town. Yet, he proves time and time again through multiple ordeals that no situation is ever too big or too small.
End the chaos, Simon.
Chasing the Dragon was a read I did not expect. Diving in, I knew it was a pseudo-superhero type of story, but the depth was incredible. Not only was it a mixed bag of horror, romance, and mystery— but its deep theme of resurfacing trauma and how it shapes a person was something that truly reeled me in. Towse does an excellent job at shaping Simon’s character, and ultimately his path to becoming Reformo.
And Towse walks the tightrope of comedy and horror with ease, providing the story with comedic relief at times while keeping its dark and uneasy undertone. The timing of this novel’s silly moments were perfect, and when it was time to be serious, Towse made it apparent. Typically a blend I’m not too fond of, this felt natural and sincere.
Simon is a tragic hero in my eyes. One filled with flaws and inner ordeals— yet you still root for him to win. Through his aggravating and tough inner monologues, the reader begins to understand Simon’s abusive and miserable past. There’s a soft spot for him. As he wins and loses throughout, you find a sense of hope the same as he does. By the story’s end, you may be chanting ”Reformo! Reformo!”, too.
And while we’re touching on a story’s end, this one had an excellent, full circle resolve. Not only does it leave us satisfied, but I’d like to think it leaves Simon a bit satisfied, too. Hope lights the way and perseverance will get one further than they’d ever imagine.
Just keep going.
Packed with action, adventure, a little love and some vulgarity— Chasing the Dragon scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. This is my second book from Towse, now my favorite by him. I recommend this book to quite literally, anyone. A well-deserved ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star read that will leave you feeling like you can conquer the world by its untimely end.