Phillip Tyler - Inheritance - REVIEW

Phillip Tyler’s Landscapes of Love trilogy is an epic tale of romance and adventure that takes its eclectic cast of characters across the globe in search of companionship, friendship, and more importantly, retribution over those seeking to harm the beautiful creatures of our natural world. Government mercenary for hire Daniel, his passionate lover and landscape photographer, Charlie, and their alluring assistant Anne-Marie, always win the day, with their conviction and high spirits captivating readers in every scenario.

Now their journey reaches an explosive climax in the final chapter of the Landscapes of Love series, Inheritance. Fans of the first two novels, Catharsis and Retribution, will be pleased to know that every enjoyable feature of those books can also be found in this closing thrilling edition, but with some extra drama and tension implemented to make it a more than worthy conclusion. Phillip Tyler once again utilises his knowledge as a passionate conservationist and talented writer to make this the most gripping and compelling piece of work in his resume so far.

Inheritance takes place almost immediately after the previous book, Retribution, where Daniel is shot in the leg following a gunfight with poachers in the jungles of West Africa. With Charlie, Anne-Marie and a cast of other loyal colleagues by his side, Daniel’s swift recovery is peppered with turbulence as the ruthless poachers proceed to once again defile the sanctuary of gorillas in the protagonists’ care. This leads to an investigation spanning across the world in search of arguably the most vicious brand of criminals yet to be encountered. The path to resolution doesn’t come easily, and our heroes face challenges of a more personal kind, including the prospect of becoming parents and bringing new life into the world.

Readers can expect a riveting tale where intensity and energy remain high from start to finish, and our intrepid heroes prepare to meet some of their toughest tests of endurance yet. This is indeed a worthy climax to the storyline set up in previous books, and the limits to which Charlie and Daniel are pushed invite audiences into a deeper part of their personalities. Vulnerability and tragedy are just a couple of themes available in Inheritance, found largely in backstories during Catharsis and Retribution, but are now clear and present in the narrative of this latest title. As lovers of compelling fiction will know, the tougher the stakes, the sweeter the victory.

Landscapes of Love is also a series known for its vividly painted and picturesque locations, with book three being no exception. As well as taking place in the familiar settings of Africa and the Yorkshire Dales, this story also focuses on a dangerous trip to West Australia, more specifically, an expansive private estate containing a goldmine, all of which is in the midst of an area of outstanding natural beauty. Having this as the location for the majority of the story means that Phillip Tyler can really shine as a writer, as his ability to describe these areas and bring them to the imaginations of readers is exemplary.

Inheritance also benefits from the wealth of imagery of nature, architecture, and wildlife that can be seen at numerous points across the pages of the book, a mixture of guest photography, artistry, and even some pictures that Phillip Tyler has taken himself. This brand of visuals nicely pads out the descriptive prose and cements the book as a love letter to beauty both natural and man-made, a prevailing theme across the entire breadth of Landscapes of Love.

By contrast, this volume of the series is particularly keen to showcase the uglier side of humanity, with the villains of the piece advocating even deeper forms of cruelty. This is evident in the opening chapters, particularly during the abduction of a baby gorilla from its mother in their natural habitat, a heinous act which leads to the unveiling of a particularly unpleasant antagonist whose personality goes against the grain of the lovable traits of our heroes. And so an explosive clash of ideals ensues.

As a result, the book leads to a particularly cathartic endeavour of justice. In many ways, Anne-Marie, Daniel and Charlie are just about the most likeable characters one could hope for. However, that cannot exactly be said when it comes to serving up revenge on those who deserve it the most. A more blood-hungry aspect of the narrative of Inheritance comes to pass during this punishing of the wicked, which will surely appeal to those who detest the abhorrent behaviour of poachers and the corrupt merchants who propagate their work. Once again, the lifelong champions of the natural world will show no mercy to those who seek to destroy it.

With a fast blend of passion, action and drama all placed into a fluid narrative, Inheritance is easily the most rewarding experience in the Landscapes of Love trilogy. Phillip Tyler once again proves to be a true connoisseur of his chosen topics and knows no bounds when it comes to giving his audience a rewarding and entertaining experience. Combine the lush locations with the indomitable human spirit and you have a trilogy that's perfect for bringing some excitement into your life. Despite the lavished and perilous existence of his characters, Phillip shows a talent for making all who grace his pages relatable on some level, with an intimacy that ignites the imagination of anybody reading his work.

To order your copy of Inheritance, and to learn more about the Landscapes of Love trilogy and its author, visit Phillip Tyler’s website here.

Ash Jacob

Ash writes features, interviews, spotlights, and book reviews.

Ash is a writer, YouTuber, and Doctor Who obsessive who loves reading and watching things. Many moons ago, he had short stories published in The Bristol Short Story Prize and The Spinetinglers Anthology. A scheme to self-publish a new novel is currently in the works.

Here’s a link Ash’s YouTube, The Chosen Chimp.

His work can be found on our blog.

https://youtube.com/channel/UCylGzlhXSJgxquNJE8tIs0A
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An Interview With… Philip Tyler