Reviews of A Front Line Changed:
5.0 out of 5 stars A bus service becomes an emergency paramedic service? Read and watch history unfold!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 July 2020
I learnt a lot about my big brother's life from this personal history of his 40 years with the Scottish Ambulance Service. This is his first book and he wrote this as he has always had a passion for his work and the value of the Emergency Ambulance Service, which eventually recognised the transformation it had to fight for, to become the quality service it is today.
Patrick's Conan Doyle and Edgar Allan Poe style is evident in his storytelling and makes it an enjoyable read, though not completely politically correct at times! His research into Edinburgh history for setting the scene and the amusing almost unbelievable antics, eg unblocking the ambulance brakes which had seized up on the way to a call-out!, make it easy reading.
I was proud of my brother's taking the cause of the service to Student platforms and finding the confidence to speak so passionately about the cause for change in public forums. I think we siblings still recognise that willingness to speak his mind has never been lost, thank God for him! I would have like to have heard more of the positive impact of the service in the early days and the good work that was done that resulted in such overwhelming support from the general public during the strike. I would also love to hear more of the personal story of dealing with the psychological effects of trauma work without the support there is now and how he feels that impacted on all relationships in his life (that's the Counsellor/Psychotherapist speaking in me). I was touched by the reference to my very special niece, Angela and the dedication to her at the beginning of the book. I often debate with Patrick on the value of his and Lesley's experience being shared wider as I know we have much to be educated about. I would strongly recommend this debut book and hope Pat will take the challenge up to write part 2!
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5.0 out of 5 stars A Front Line Changed
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 May 2020
Verified Purchase
Interesting Reading - from 40 years ago to present, Patrick described the Ambulance Service changes from the old Ambulances and Equipment they had to use to present day Technology and Up-to-date vehicles. Striving for better pay and conditions and being recognised as an invaluable service. Patrick did his bit to make this happen.
Particularly liked reading the various cases he went to with his colleagues, especially Larry. Lots of sad stories and some funny ones too!
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5.0 out of 5 stars These are not just professionals, they are people
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 May 2021
Gave a great historical introduction to how ambulance service has evolves, based on experience of long service member of staff. Provides a very readable insight into the day to day activities of the service. Anyone who has needed the ambulance service will have been grateful for their arrival, and thankful for their skills. This book disclosed the personal life of an individual, showing they are human with own issues, but rise above and prioritise patients. Due to family have had interaction with the service, found that the performance of the staff were exemplary, thorough instant review of patient made, correctly. These qualified paramedics are on par with surgeons when they turn up to an incident. I have been present at incidents with qualified surgeons who have refused to assist as not in a hospital situation. Thank god for these professionals. This book reflects why we are grateful for the service
One person found this helpful.
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Reviews of Luke's Visitor:
Post by Ben Madeley » 02 Mar 2023, 22:19
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Luke's Visitor" by Patrick Barrins.]
4 out of 5 starsShare This Review
Patrick Barrins's book, Luke's Visitor, is the second fictional novel written by the author. After a ghostly figure appears to Luke, brandishing a disc with some numbers, his whole world is tipped upside down. Luke goes on a mission to discover the meaning of his vision and to decipher the numbers. Luke's journey will take him back in time to the Second World War and a Europe in crisis. The book is set initially in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, and later, large parts of it take place in Italy during the conflict. Luke will uncover things about himself and his family that he was previously unaware of.
The book has several positive aspects. It's a really enjoyable read, with a lead character that's easy to like and relate to. I loved the fact that the book was set in Edinburgh, as it's a city I visited for the first time recently and was absolutely fascinated by. Also, the book details a lot of events from the Second World War in Italy, which has a personal significance to me as my grandfather spent the vast majority of this war serving in Italy and would often tell me stories about how horrifying and difficult it was. This helped me empathize with many of the characters and understand how tough life was for them at times. Although Luke is the main character, other characters, like Arianna, sometimes steal the show.
On the negative side, I can't really find much to criticize. I found the ending of the book to be a little predictable. I expected it to end the way it did quite early in the novel. Also, there were moments when I found the book to be a little slow, but these were minor grievances in a book that I generally liked very much.
I rate Luke's Visitor 4 out of 5. It's a good book, which I found very easy to read and enjoy. I'm just deducting one point because I found some of it a little predictable, and I prefer to be more surprised by the twists and turns in books that I read. I will certainly consider other books by the author, though. The book is also edited exceptionally well.
This book should appeal to any reader interested in historical fiction novels. People interested in mystery, adventure, and romance will also enjoy it. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to try something new.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 August 2021
Verified Purchase
This story has it all. history and geography during 2nd world war. intrigue, romance, suspense. heartache, friendship. Would like to know what happened to Lukes dog in the end. Lovely tale. waiting for your next Novel Patrick.
One person found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 stars Good holiday reading!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 July 2021
Verified Purchase
This is a captivating story and keeps you reading to see how it will unravel. Liked the way different threads are woven and descriptive writing helps you enter the story. Was distracted by bad proof reading at first but it improves and is worth staying the course!
One person found this helpful
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Reviews of The Foundation an Innocents Tale:
Abbey K. Bowen Interesting Premise
4.0 out of 5 stars (Amazon US)
This Book is thought provoking and unique.
Gale Bowen Humorous characters lighten up a dark tale
5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2022 Amazon.com
I like those humorous characters lighten up a dark tale. Many plots allowed me to reflect on some of the issues that make up a civilized society. If you like mystery stories, you may like this one too.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Page Turner! Tome Cat (Amazon US)
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022
This story was an attempt to convey the viewpoint of a fearful person in a wheelchair, and it was done successfully. I found the protagonists completely relatable and able to make me wonder more about her and her life and what will happen each turn of the page!
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4 out of 4 stars Sam Ibeh The Online Book Club
In The Foundation by Patrick Barrins, Dr. Vanderman owned a foundation that provided end-of-life residential homes for his clients' relatives and loved ones. His unique services were reserved for only those who could afford them. He had become a wealthy man — thanks to his executive clientele. Dr. Vanderman's estranged wife did not support his activities and was vocal about it. Despite this, Dr. Vanderman had plans to expand his foundation to accommodate more clients, and the proposed new "Euthanasia Bill" would be suitable for his business if passed. Elizabeth was a young disabled girl. Her mother abandoned her at the hands of caregivers. She had formed a bond with her caregiver, Diana, and Diana had also become like a mother to the girl. When Elizabeth was taken from her, Diana knew it was not unconnected with what went on at Dr. Vanderman's foundation. Diana would do anything to get Elizabeth back.
The Foundation was indeed a ball of surprises, and the author unfolded a plot that thrilled and intrigued despite the seeming simplicity of the story. The book-built anticipation in readers that would keep them reading till the conclusion of the story. The author also revealed subplots that added twists to the story. They also made the book exciting to read, especially with a significant plot twist toward the end of the book.
The book had a sad and forlorn atmosphere around it. It may be quite an emotional read for some readers, especially with how the author took readers into Elizabeth's mind. Looking through the eyes of characters like Elizabeth and Eva and feeling their helplessness could be a tear-jerker for some readers. The Foundation touched on sensitive issues in our society today — issues questioned mainly by the principles of morality. For instance, the issues about the morality of 'Euthanasia' in the health care system and whether the elderly should be taken care of by family or kept in homes raised an unending debate. Patrick's story in The Foundation could even be viewed as a debate.
I loved many of the characters because of their bravery and humanity. On the one hand, Patrick showed readers the sinister part of human beings. On the other hand, he showed a part of them that was willing to fight for what was right and for those who were voiceless. Michelle and Lorna's characters also showed that there was no age limit to fighting for what was right.
The story was an entertaining read that called for some sober reflection about the degradation in our society. There was nothing I didn't like, and the editing was exceptional. Therefore, I'd rate it [b4 out of 4 stars[/b]. I'd recommend The Foundation to lovers of thrillers and folks with elderly or disabled relatives.
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5 * Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite https://readersfavorite.com/author-area/2522911/reviews
The Foundation: An Innocents Story by Patrick Barrins is a young adult mystery novel that follows Elizabeth as she navigates a dystopian world where power and success dominate, and the vulnerable are discarded by society. As Elizabeth becomes entangled in the sinister operations of The Foundation, a facility offering end-of-life care, she must rely on her caregiver, Diana, to protect her from those who would harm her for their own gain. With corruption, greed, and murder looming, Elizabeth's survival depends on uncovering the truth about the dark secrets within the compound.
Author Patrick Barrins has a knack for creating a mood that leaps off the page right from the start of this highly engaging novel. We immediately find ourselves in a chilling and immersive dystopian world that captivates readers with its dark, thought-provoking themes, and the author’s ability to weave suspense and mystery into every shadowy corner keeps readers on edge, just as eager to uncover the truth behind The Foundation as the protagonists are. Barrins’s complex character dynamics are varied and heartfelt, with strong dialogue choices that tell us everything we need to know about Elizabeth’s emotional state without ever spoon-feeding us. The novel’s exploration of moral dilemmas and the value of life tackled profound ethical questions within a truly gripping narrative, and I felt these delicate subjects were never gimmicky and always handled with gravitas. Overall, The Foundation: An Innocents Story is a highly recommended read for fans of intricately penned mysteries and atmospheric, emotional dramas.
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Dedicated to all these writers who challenge the norm