"Tristan" by Jesse Roman is a complex and multi-layered tale set in the vibrant and enigmatic city of Venus Valley. While the novel offers a rich tapestry of characters and intertwining storylines, it falls short of fully engaging the reader in its ambitious narrative.

A City Shrouded in Mystery:
At its core, "Tristan" explores the hidden depths of Venus Valley, a city pulsating with glamour, nightlife, and secrets. Roman skillfully weaves together the narratives of various characters, each grappling with their own struggles, desires, and the enigmatic presence of Tristan. The backdrop of the gay scene adds depth and authenticity to the story, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Character Dynamics and Development:
The novel introduces a diverse cast of characters, from the young and impressionable Ben to the enigmatic Robbie and the passionate Jay. While each character brings a unique perspective to the narrative, their arcs often feel disjointed and underdeveloped. Despite moments of introspection and growth, some characters lack the depth and nuance needed to fully resonate with readers.

Exploration of Themes:
"Tristan" delves into themes of love, identity, and acceptance, exploring the complexities of human relationships and the quest for belonging. Roman's exploration of these themes is commendable, offering moments of poignancy and insight throughout the narrative. However, the execution occasionally feels heavy-handed, detracting from the overall impact of the story.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Tristan" is a novel brimming with potential, offering a compelling glimpse into the hidden corners of Venus Valley and the lives of its inhabitants. While the story's ambition is evident, its execution falls short in fully engaging the reader and delivering a cohesive and satisfying narrative. Despite its flaws, "Tristan" remains an intriguing read for those interested in exploring the intersection of love, mystery, and self-discovery.

Debut novel for Jesse Roman. Although I enjoyed the story, I struggled to understand how the title actually fit. The story is told in flashbacks, but Tristan is not really the main character. As the book synopsis tells us, this is a story about the gay scene in Venus Valley, a party city of sin, glitz, glamour, and over-the-top nightlife. Reading it reminded me of older works from authors like Jackie Collins and Harold Robbins.

Although the characters are interesting and sometimes even fun, I did not find myself actually "rooting" for anyone in particular. It was good to read about men and their emotions (especially when they are dealing with their emotions/feelings about other men) and how they handle them; we all know men are taught to keep their emotions in check.

Although I love longer books (again Jackie Collins and Harold Collins), this book was a little too long because the length did not add any extra drama, mystery, or anticipation. At least two of the characters should have been fleshed out more to give the reader a chance to connect with them. It was an okay read that I read over the course of a week---a solid 3 stars; and I will most definitely read more by this author because the potential is there for a great read next.

Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity.

“Tristan,” by Jesse Roman

This book was not for me. I did not like the amount of POV’s and how some POV’s were longer than others and it didn’t feel like there was a rhyme or reason to it. The book title is confusing why Tristan would have the title when he is minor in the book. When I finished the book, I just didn’t feel very connected to the characters or like them much. 1 out of 5 stars.

Tristan, the debut novel self-published by Jesse Roman is a lengthy look at life as seen through multiple characters. It was not clear to me why certain characters received more focus than others as I struggled to identify with them. I think the author wants us to see life from different angles, and a gay viewpoint is the most prominent. But even there age and place of origin provide a multitude of differences. So what is the theme of Tristan? First of all, Tristan was a young man with great talent whose life was cut short due to violence. He is not a major character in the novel and his story is told in flashbacks. What earned him the novel's title is a mystery to me. Although I want to be positive in reviewing a debut novel, I struggled to keep my interest and put the book down multiple times. It felt as if the characters were not there for the reader so much as the author. There was no character for whom I found myself rooting for or identifying with. I did finish the book and enjoyed many of the scenarios. If I had been an adviser to the author, I would have encouraged a shorter story focusing on fewer characters with a goal of making a concise point.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC