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Robert John

@whatiseewhen

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London artist/writer/creator and author of #ldnreimagined and spec fiction novel #DysmasOrbis AVAILABLE NOW USING LINK IN BIO

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Debut novel review

Dysmas Orbis by Robert John @whatiseewhen .
Robert John is an artist and writer from London and this book is the literary form of his LDN Reimagined visual art series. His work is inspired by his father's battle with Parkinson's Dementia and asks the question what do we really see around us and how does it shape who we become. The main protagonists of the story are a fifteen year old boy named Solomon (Sol) and his Uncle Amicus. They are living rough on the streets of London seemingly invisible to those around them. But things are not what they seem and their difficult day to day existence is interrupted and made even more perilous when another London beneath their own begins to bleed into Sol's reality. The story follows Sol as he navigates this new London that is filled with danger all while also discovering his place in this world and his own.

This book drew me in at the start and the author's descriptions of the settings really helped form a visual picture in my mind. My favorite part of this story was Sol's relationship with his Uncle Amicus. Amicus would do anything in the story to keep Sol safe and really wants the best for him. My favorite quote from the book was from Amicus when he tells Sol, "I will stand between you and the burning sun so you may sleep in the shade of my shadow." I feel like this really captured how much Amicus cared for his nephew and how far he would go to protect him. As the story goes on I think Sol also begins to realize how important their relationship is and where he is really meant to be. The other thing that I loved about this story was the descriptions of the alternate London where things are almost the same but just a little different and unbelievable. There are trees that are not really made just of leaves and bark and I loved the Crawlers who look like a cat in our reality but we're something different entirely and had some special powers. This is the first book in the series so I am hoping in the next one that we will get more backstory on the Mortalis Guard, the Guardians, and on the above and below of the alternate London.
#debutauthor #bookreview #urbanfantasy #dysmasorbis

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I couldn’t find your book on Amazon could you please share the Amazon link in DM?

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I am unable to find your book on Amazon can you please share the Amazon link in my dm to order 😍

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🌈Title: Dysmas Orbis

✍️Author: Robert John

📚Review: I just finished "Dysmas Orbis" by Robert John and honestly, I’m still thinking about this one. 🖤 I went into it not really knowing what to expect, and somehow that made the whole experience even more interesting.

I really liked Sol. There was something about his character that made me want to know more about him and what was really going on around him. His relationship with Amicus was also one of my favorite parts. You can feel how protective Amicus is of him, but at the same time, you can tell there are so many things he isn’t telling Sol. 🥺❤️

The setting was probably what stood out to me the most. It’s London, but not the London we normally imagine. There’s this weird, almost dreamlike side to the city that slowly starts appearing, and I loved how strange it felt. The spider trees and flower lamps were such unexpected details! 🌙🌸

I also really enjoyed the themes about memory, belonging, and how sometimes there can be things right in front of us that we simply don’t notice.

And after learning where the idea for the story came from, it made the whole book feel even more personal to me.

Definitely a very different kind of read, but in a good way. Mysterious, emotional, strange, and definitely a book that stayed in my head after I finished it. 📖🖤✨
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#books #bookstagram #book #booklover
#reading

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📖 Review 📖

Dysmas Orbis by Robert John

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Thanks to @whatiseewhen for a copy of your debut novel, which is out now.

Dysmas Orbis is a speculative fiction, science fiction, urban fantasy read that has teenager Sol and his guardian Amicus at its centre. They live on the streets of London though it is unclear why they are homeless, but it is Amicus’ job to protect Sol and this is a way to hide. Darker forces are at play and there is an alternate London that is just slightly off and strange!

This was an interesting read with a unique setting and storyline. Based on artwork that the author produced, the book speaks of an alternate London with some rather spooky and creepy creatures.

It’s easy to read and follow in general though sometimes I would have liked to have a little more backstory or explanation to understand what is going on, and have more character depth. Though I understand that some of it was being revealed in the course of the book. In a lot of ways this feels more like a YA read though there is a fair bit of swearing and violence in this.

The story behind the book is lovely, which began as illustrations by the author inspired by his own father’s experience of Parkinson’s and dementia. It’s called What I See When. There are some lovely illustrations of it at the end of the book.

I’d recommend if urban fantasy, unique setting and mystery is your thing 💜

#bookreview #bookreviewer #urbanfantasy #debutnovel #review

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You can listen to me talking to Liam about all the latest news stories from around the world as well a brief plug of the rehearsed reading preview of my new dark romantic comedy ghost story play Squeak with its incredible cast on Tuesday 29th September, 7.30pm at @draytonarmssw5 🐹🎭

Tomorrow the multi-talented @whatiseewhen is on the @theshoreditchradiopodcastlive chatting about his stunning new urban fantasy book Dysmas Orbis.📚🎙️

Thank you to @beautybybreeelondon for this fab photo 🖤 Link to show on @spotifyuk in my bio 🎙️

#theliamdavisshowpodcast #podcast #news #london

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Dysmas Orbis is @whatiseewhen debut novel, an intriguing mix of urban fantasy/surrealism set in modern day London. For me the star of the novel is the relationship between our main characters, Sol and Amicus, which explores the tension of growing up within an unsafe environment and how Sol as a teenager is rebelling against it while also needing and wanting his guardian at the same time. As a fantasy lover, I enjoyed the fantasy elements (always love a magical cat creature) and found the example of homelessness, and how Sol and Amicus are treated on a daily basis as part of that community, poignant. Excited to see what Robert does as he continues the series! And special thanks for me free digital copy :)
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#dysmasorbis #surrealism #fantasy #bookworm #debutnovel

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August you were a great month of reading for me!

Mainly literary and contemporary fiction but all very different book. I really enjoyed them all but if I had to pick a favourite it would either we Land or Sunburn.

Some of these books were gifted. As always, thank you so much to the tagged authors and publishers.

#bookstagram #bookstack #reader #booklover #booksbooksbooks

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It was such an honour to read extracts from the phenomenal urban fantasy book ‘Dysmas Orbis’ by the truly talented @whatiseewhen at its launch event in the wonderful @balhamboxingclub 📚🩷

#dysmasorbis #book #urbanfantasy #london

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Such an incredible evening bringing the words to life of the phenomenal book Dysmas Orbis by @whatiseewhen at its launch 📚🩷

#dysmasorbis #book #booklaunch #balhamboxingclub

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This week, we’re spotlighting Robert, the artist and storyteller behind @whatiseewhen and his newly released debut novel, Dysmas Orbis. 📚✨

Robert’s work has long explored memory, perception, and the unseen through his visual art. After years of building that world through photography, illustration, and storytelling, Dysmas Orbis became its literary continuation, bringing those ideas together in an entirely new form!

With more than 25 years of experience in design, Robert approached the physical book as part of the creative process itself, carefully considering everything from the paper and finish to how the illustrations would sit on the page.

Swipe through to learn more about the story behind Dysmas Orbis, why Robert chose Mixam to bring it to print, and the advice he has for other creators working toward their first book.

Head over to @whatiseewhen to explore more of Robert’s work and pick up a copy of Dysmas Orbis now! 🖤

#MixamArtistSpotlight #SelfPublishing #MixamPrint #IndependentPublishing #BookDesign

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