Sheever’s Journal, by K Ritz, had every element a good story should have. An intriguing plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. Me’acca Mysuth Sheever’s slow development from a bitter man trapped amongst his enemies, to someone actually questioning his prejudices and feeling sympathy for the people he always hated, encapsulates perfectly how easy it is to judge without really knowing a person. He’s forced to reflect on his past, his mistakes, and how he got to where he is now. It is a wonderfully written book exploring the rawness and vulnerability of human emotion, and how nothing is ever as simple or permanent as it seems. The format of this story just adds to how personal the book, and really allows us a deep dive into Sheever’s personality. It’s one of those stories that come along once in a while that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader! ( )

To be honest, I am not a person who likes keeping a record of my life, but this book made me feel that I should keep one. I picked this because of the extended title "Story of the Poison Master," and I am lucky enough to get what I was expecting in terms of entertainment. The story is the fictionalized version of a person named Sheever, who is living in disguise among his sworn enemies to learn more about them and serve their fate. This was a difficult and dangerous task for him. He learns about them, and at the same time, his past is revealed. His fears, insecurities, and troubles take on a dangerous shape, and he finds it difficult to adjust. Then comes a seller who sells her this journal, and he pens down everything. There are many subplots, which I am not mentioning here. The story is well carved, and the characters are well developed. Subplots are seamlessly aligned to maintain the interest and hook in the story. ( )

First, I don't know why I love stories in journal format so much, but I really feel like I dive deep into novel formatting this way. This book is no different. Ritz captures the urgency and feel of his main character's (Sheever, of course) changes throughout his time hiding among his enemy, through incarceration, and beyond.

One of the most mesmerizing things about a book like this, when executed well, is that you can "see" in real-time how simply being open to learning about the human behind the wall that divides can break down some of the barriers. Perspective matters, and no reasonable person truly wants to be the villain or source of someone's ire… it becomes harder to let that hate fester the more time you spend with those who are enemies. That said, foundational motivations play a massive part in this book.

A line, almost poetry, sums up Sheever's experience: "Sunshine brought cheer this morning. No one could stay out and bask."
Nothing good lasts, and nothing terrible is all-consuming.

It's a great book with a very cool format, perspective, and creative way to explore style. ( )

Mika missive which in his language means glorious goat is 40 years old he has been working at a royal house for five years far from the land of his birth. When the story starts you learned there are many things Sheiver (because that is what he goes by now) is on the run but for what the reader doesn’t know at least not yet. For five years he has kept to himself his only interactions with others being mandatory at work but when he sees a woman in an alley who looked as if her throat has been cut in like she has been abused he notices she is getting trinkets to sell and wants out of guilt and or redemption to buy something from the lady so when she pulls out a beautiful journal he buys it for a topping. She essentially tells him his deeds or a map to his soul and to write them down in the book and so he does. Once he starts recording the ends and outs it seems more and more he interacts with his coworkers and although throughout the book he tells us what a horrible unredeemable sinner he is. Yet he helps a widow and her two children he teaches his boss how to write numbers in in a world where raping and beating women is a public event he protects and takes up for them. Although they think him a raise the can turn into a demon and or impregnate women with demon babies he for the most part is liked by almost everyone know a lot of things I am putting in this review but lots I am leaving out like his quest to go home again his childhood memories and so much more this book was so good once you start reading it it mentions things that aren’t familiar but the more you read the more you understand, this book is brilliant intelligent and so original I cannot wait to read the next book and feel so lucky I ran across this one. The world building is phenomenal with the different races religions and the minority groups I just found it absolutely awe inspiring and let me just say one more time this book is so original I absolutely love that I know I said that already but I just want to reiterate it so you know this is not your average read if you like alternative whirls with a great plot then you’ll definitely love Sheiver’s Journal by Que Rittz please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review. ( )

Reading this book was a whole new experience for me as a reviewer as it captured me from the outset and had me reading into the wee small hours. The complexities of the main protagonist provide readers with a cornucopia of intrigue and fascination, laced with horror, for Sheever is a man with past secrets that can never be exposed. It tells the story of Sheever, an aloof sometimes obnoxious and unpredictable man who records the day-to-day events of his life in a journal, where glimpses of his past simmer and threaten to bubble over.

The author's superb writing style, immersed in wit and wry humour in 'Sheevers Journal, Diary of a Poison Master' reveals a storyline that will entice and entertain readers in equal measure. The vivid imagery speaks volumes and reminds us of how truly vulnerable we all are.

This master storyteller will leave you gasping for more when you arrive at the end of the book: my only wish is that there will be a follow-up to Sheever's Journal, as enticing and unputdownable as this one was.

Highly recommended for those who love to read great books. ( )