The one principle taught to the writers is to always make it harder for the protagonist. Usually, in most novels, this principle takes over a bit later.
In 15 Seconds, the Protagonist, a successful plastic surgeon Henry Steadman, goes through the worst possible wickedness one can imagine, right from the start. So much so that, to catch my breath, I divided reading Steadman’s earliest disasters into several days. This poor guy who becomes a wanted man was about to lose everything and he couldn’t give up either because of his kidnapped daughter.

In the story, after Steadman’s unfortunate condition was set, the antagonist was introduced. Then, the story began to disentangle and I could read the rest of the novel in about two days. The novel is intense and full of suspense throughout but the beginning makes the reader to feel for the main character, and I think this is where the novel’s success takes hold. The story also wraps up efficiently with a happy ending.

In addition to Steadman’s ordeal, cultural differences of all characters and each character’s make-up are also masterfully handled, as well as the different settings and the fantastic twists and turns. I couldn’t help but feel like applauding the research that must have gone into this novel.

Should only the outlines of the events be told, what happened to the protagonist would seem unlikely. Yet, the author’s expertise makes the story feel highly credible. At the end, one comes out believing that such misfortune can happen. Plus, the writing, use of the language, the presentation, and the sequences of the scenes also show the proficiency of this author with his calling.

seeing how a writer can make the protagonist's life as difficult as he can. It is a good writing lesson for all of us.

Everything, starting with the suspense and the character depiction.

is Andrew Gross, the author of The One Man and other suspense stories.

it is so full of suspense and unexpected twists and turns.

Interested in buying this? Support Writing.Com by making your purchase of 15 Seconds   from Amazon.Com!

Created Oct 24, 2017 at 6:40pm • Submit your own review...