Trevor's Song

Review by: Connie Bernhardt on June 9, 2012 :
The whole story was laid out so you felt you new the characters and what it was like to be with the heavy metal rock band. It took me longer to like some of them. At first I did not like Trevor, yet if he'd been portrayed any any other way the book wouldn't have flowed.
I got where I enjoyed the banting between Trevor and Rusty.
I did feel about chapter 28 that I was losing interest and just wanted to book to be finished.
Then it seemed to pick up again.
I enjoyed the read and would recommend it. I give it 4 Stars

Review by: S.G. Lee on March 30, 2012 :
Trevor Wolff is the manager and bass player for Shapeshifter a heavy metal rock band on the cusp of stardom. Trevor leads a hedonistic life of a rock star, a woman in every bed having carved out a life for himself and his good friend Mitchell Voss as rock Gods. Trevor’s childhood was riddled with abuse and Mitchell’s family saved him so when Mitchell stops bed hopping and finds a woman to be monogamous with Trevor is thrown for a loop. He is jealous of Kerri aka Rusty and yet drawn to her at the same time. Mitchell has been his friend so long he doesn’t want to share with her. Trevor grapples with changing, growing up and with health concerns that test him. The reader gets to follow Trevor’s journey as the writer peels back the layers that Trevor hides.
A truly engrossing story, that grips the reader and makes them want to read the sequel to this book King Trevor
41/2 stars out of five

Review by: Shayna Gier on March 19, 2012 :
This book was a all-around fun read. Exactly what one would expect having a metal-rockstar narrating- without ever being boring or cliche. Trevor Wolff is a delightfully feisty character who doesn't allow himself to get dragged down no matter what happens- his best friend and bandmate doing the unthinkable and getting married, or his tits trying to kill him. And while Trevor himself could easily sell this story, it just isn't complete without the people around him who are all just as interesting- whether it's his drama-queen groupie or the hot- and off-limits - wife of his best friend. There's so much to love about this book that I could go on and on... and I will later in the review. Suffice it to say that Trevor rocks- both the stage and as a character in this book.

What's not to love about snarky rock stars? Trevor Wolff is everything you'd expect of a rock star- thinks too highly of himself, sarcastic, and self-entitled since, after all, he did "pay his dues"... and yet, he's human- and it shows. He faces real problems, and yet still remains his rock-star self. I've not read the Demo Tapes, but I'm thinking if I ever finish my to-be-read list I'll have to look into it. I cannot get enough of Trevor and the gang! Wonderful, excellent book and definitely a must-read if your tastes are at all similar to my own.

Also, I have to say that far too many authors (myself included) get into a groove of writing in a pattern. One very common pattern is to have two characters narrate the story, with alternating-chapters. I, for one, loved that Gottfried didn't do this- but instead randomly switched between Trevor and Kerri narrating. It made the reading much more anticipatory.

I was given this book for my honest opinion, no other compensation was received. This review only reflects my personal opinion.

Review by: Lone Star BookWorks on Dec. 7, 2011 :
Trevor’s Song managed to take me completely by surprise. Trevor himself was the biggest surprise, being one of the most dysfunctional leads I’ve seen in a book in a long, long time. In the beginning, I didn’t even like him. He wasn’t what you might call a sympathetic character. But by the time I was halfway through the book, I was ready to shank anyone who so much as looked at him sideways. It was very interesting to watch his character grow and change (even if I sometimes wanted to smack some sense into him).

The characters, dialogue, and storyline are all above average, and Gottfried writes in a smooth, straightforward style. Even the minor characters have quirks and traits that make them stand out, and the major characters are fleshed out fairly well. The dialogue is believable (and often amusing), and the storylines are all compelling enough to keep you reading.

My complaints about this book are very minor ones. One was the way the backstory was handled. Fans who were introduced to the characters through Gottfried’s blog might not have the same issues as I did, but I felt like a little more explication would have been nice in places. I was glad, though, that Trevor’s entire backstory wasn’t hurled at the reader in one fell swoop. However, I felt a little loss now and again in the first quarter or so of the book. Another thing that added to that ‘being lost’ feeling in the early part of the book was the lack of anything to mark the passage of time. I didn’t notice any reference to the month or seasons or anything, but it’s obvious quite a bit of time passes in relatively few pages. This was a little confusing, but not enough to distract from the story. The last ‘negative’ about this book is that it could use another round of proofreading. I believe that almost every book has at least a few typographical errors, but I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that there are a number in this book.

Overall, I enjoyed this book quite a lot. Much more, in fact, than I thought I would when I first began reading it. It was a sometimes fun, sometimes heartbreaking story set against an irresistible backdrop of rock and roll and one of the better indie books I’ve read.

Review by: Lone Star BookWorks on Dec. 7, 2011 : (no rating)
Trevor’s Song managed to take me completely by surprise. Trevor himself was the biggest surprise, being one of the most dysfunctional leads I’ve seen in a book in a long, long time. In the beginning, I didn’t even like him. He wasn’t what you might call a sympathetic character. But by the time I was halfway through the book, I was ready to shank anyone who so much as looked at him sideways. It was very interesting to watch his character grow and change (even if I sometimes wanted to smack some sense into him).

The characters, dialogue, and storyline are all above average, and Gottfried writes in a smooth, straightforward style. Even the minor characters have quirks and traits that make them stand out, and the major characters are fleshed out fairly well. The dialogue is believable (and often amusing), and the storylines are all compelling enough to keep you reading.

My complaints about this book are very minor ones. One was the way the backstory was handled. Fans who were introduced to the characters through Gottfried’s blog might not have the same issues as I did, but I felt like a little more explication would have been nice in places. I was glad, though, that Trevor’s entire backstory wasn’t hurled at the reader in one fell swoop. However, I felt a little loss now and again in the first quarter or so of the book. Another thing that added to that ‘being lost’ feeling in the early part of the book was the lack of anything to mark the passage of time. I didn’t notice any reference to the month or seasons or anything, but it’s obvious quite a bit of time passes in relatively few pages. This was a little confusing, but not enough to distract from the story. The last ‘negative’ about this book is that it could use another round of proofreading. I believe that almost every book has at least a few typographical errors, but I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that there are a number in this book.

Overall, I enjoyed this book quite a lot. Much more, in fact, than I thought I would when I first began reading it. It was a sometimes fun, sometimes heartbreaking story set against an irresistible backdrop of rock and roll and one of the better indie books I’ve read.

Review by: Sharon E. Cathcart on April 9, 2011 :
Susan Helene Gottfried's ShapeShifter series is a real gem for music fans, industry insiders, and those who like a well-constructed, character-driven novel.

The first two books were a collection of short stories called "The Demo Tapes," both of which I read and enjoyed thoroughly. "Trevor's Song" brings us a more successful band, with ShapeShifter touring, recording and experiencing the fruits of their labors.

Bassist Trevor Wolff is the focus of Gottfried's full length novel, as he faces unanticipated medical problems that could potentially put the entire band's careers on hold. Despite Wolff's deliberate "unlikeability," he is a sympathetic character grappling with numerous issues.

Gottfried's characters are multi-dimensional and interesting, and her insider knowledge of the music industry shines through to those of us who have also been there. Highly recommended.

Review by: heather on April 5, 2011 : (no rating)
When your bff has a girl and you are still alone, how does that make you feel?

Do you want a girl? Or do you just want it to be you and your bff?



Trevor Wolff is a rock star. He’s arrogant, stubborn, and just a pure donkey’s butt when he wants to be. In Trevor’s Song, Susan Helene Gottfried brings about the downside of having a best friend in love. She shows how strong that love can be and how not all women will bow down to Mr. Trevor Wolff.

Review by: Shelleyrae on March 2, 2011 :
Susan Helene Gottfried has given the readers of Trevor’s Song an all access backstage pass into the scenes of a touring rock star band and the complex life of a man on the edge.
Trevor Wolff is on the edge of super stardom, the edge of self destruction, the edge of life and death. As the man who brought together the band, Shapeshifters, it is a matter of pride that the popular heavy rock band is soaring to super stardom status. Trevor may not be a talented bassist but he is enjoying the benefits of the band lifestyle, women, money, status and well, more women. His childhood friend, Mitchell, is the front man with the looks and talent. Mitchell’s family helped Trevor to survive his abusive childhood, and though the scars remain Trevor is mostly content. Then Mitchell meets Kerri and Trevor struggles with the changes that brings to his relationships.
Gottfried explores Trevor’s internal conflicts, with humour and honesty. He is happy for, but deeply envious of, the new couples happiness. He wants to hate Kerri but instead is in half in love her. He would never betray his friendship with Mitchell, and Kerri isn’t interested, so Trevor finds himself having to negotiate this new situation. It’s not an easy thing to do for a man whose idea of love is transient at best. However the newlywed’s show Trevor a possibility he hadn’t really considered before, love and commitment that makes each half of the relationship a better person. It’s both intriguing and fun to watch Trevor essentially discover maturity by observing Mitchell and Kerri. Trevor is such a unique character and it is to the authors credit that the author is able to reconcile his complicated personality and emotions in a way that is genuine and sympathetic. Having witnessed Trevor’s growth during the course of the novel, his medical crisis is a threat to a character that is only just starting to find his way.
Gottfried’s experience in the music scene shows in the details. It’s a unique setting in that Shapeshifter’s doesn’t have the glamour that is usually exploited as a celebrity lifestyle. Tour buses are cramped and without privacy no matter how expensive they are, and concerts are not just about the music but high pressure situations that demand all the band members can give every time.
Gottfried has a natural style of writing and dialogue that suits her story and characters. There is some language and explicit sexual encounters though they are not gratuitous. I felt that perhaps the pace could have been a smoother, a lot of time in the first half is set on establishing the characters but there isn’t enough happening . Seeds of the events that happen in the second half could have planted earlier to hint at the things to come. I also felt that too much of the first half is Mitchell’s story to tell rather than Trevor’s. Though the relationship between Mitchell and Kerri is an essential part of Trevor’s character growth, I think the approach could have been skewed a bit more to ensure that Trevor’s perspective stayed central.
Trevor’s Song is Trevor’s story, he is a complex individual that Susan Helen Gottfried brings to life with cheeky humour and emotional depth. This novel is a well written, contemporary story with unique and appealing characters. Gottfried is currently working on a sequel and so Trevor’s refrain will continue.

Shelleyrae
www.bookdout.wordpress.com

Review by: Joel Kirkpatrick on Feb. 20, 2011 :
Susan Helene Gottfried has created a character so strong and complete, he can be viewed from any angle, any perspective. If you want him to shock you, Trevor Wolff has already started. If you want him to endear himself to you, he will. Don’t tell him he did; he won’t like that.

He does love attention. ‘Trevor’s Song’ is more than his moment of fame; he realizes that and appears as expected in every scene. Even the scenes without him are about him. When you begin to define this story, and struggle to do it without spoilers, you begin to wonder who created it. Trevor is the reason every word of it exists, I believe. He assembled the band, somewhat by accident and experiment, Susan tells us. She doesn’t admit that he demanded the book, yet it feels like it. He must have insisted she write it all down.

Staying away from setups that feel like hastily created TV shows which attempt to explain why we all still love that one, tired song, Susan Gottfried takes us where it is forbidden to go - into the living part of that life. We get a limited number of naked, groping tag-alongs, and instead get some enlightening conversation about how difficult it may be to realize your dream is rolling right over you. Trevor wanted to be famous, and it has happened, almost while he pranced around to avoid it. Was he really trying to get into trouble the whole time? We also learn what binds him to Mitchell Voss, and what Trevor-tremors that bond can endure.

The author lived this life. She accurately, honestly, shows the moments that flip Rock Stars into monsters or burn-outs. But she won’t let her characters lose all their dimensions to go there. She would have to remove so much to make this fit the late-night clichés. ‘Less is more’ would not work here. Perhaps that explains why there are three books about this band, ‘ShapeShifter’, and why this author cannot stop writing this character. Trevor Wolff is very demanding.

Review by: Stacy Juba on Feb. 5, 2011 :
I read this novel in three days and couldn't put it down. It's so original, about the members of a famous rock band, and gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their personal lives. If you've ever wished that just once, you could be a fly on the wall to observe what your favorite celebs are like in person, you'll appreciate this book, a blend of serious situations with light moments. I liked the complex characters and their interactions. By the end of the book, you'll consider the characters friends and wish for more - luckily the author has provided more with her Demo Tapes collections, short stories and outtakes showing the characters at different points in their lives. A great read. I wish this band was real so I could hear their music.

Review by: GraceKrispy on Jan. 17, 2011 :
Trevor Wolff is the vision behind ShapeShifter, the hottest new band. What he lacks in musical talent, he makes up for in attitude. He's a love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy, and he plays life according to his own rules. When his best friend and talented band member, Mitchell, finds the girl of his dreams (Kerri, aka "Rusty"), Trevor is forced to reevaluate his own idea of what it means to be Trevor Wolff. His friendship with Mitchell must change, and he begins to wonder if he's ready for a real relationship himself. With a few potentially life-changing decisions in front of him, Trevor has to dig deep and truly question who he is and what's important to him in order to move forward.

The author, Susan Helene Gottfried, has a background in the music industry, and she's given us an inside look at a band on the edge of stardom. The characters of Trevor, Mitchell, and Kerri are well-defined, with Trevor truly as the star of this story. There are several layers of complexity to Trevor in his feelings and his relationships; he doesn't even really understand himself. Conflicted by memories of a hinted past and uncertainty about his future, Trevor's story is an engaging study of emotional growth. It's Trevor's song that reverberates throughout this story, and the background music of other characters is there only to support and reinforce Trevor's own refrain.

In addition to Trevor's other relationships, a special relationship is implied with Kerri; animosity on the outside, but an unexplainable internal connection. I felt this relationship lacked something to help define it. Perhaps it would have been clearer with more backstory on Kerri that could help explain why they had that special connection. Trevor felt Kerri truly understood him, but I wanted to know more about Kerri to find out why that was. There was also a thread of abuse between Trevor and Mitchell that would benefit from some fleshing out, or it could have been left out entirely. It came up enough to make it seem like a stray thread, but not enough to have it be another facet that helped support and round out what we learn of Trevor's past.

The storyline is complex, and a lot of growth can be seen in Trevor's character. The story is really about Trevor and his need to change and adapt in order to continue, and it's an intriguing tale. I felt the beginning of the book dragged, perhaps offering too much of a foundation for the rest of the story. It really picked up in the latter half of the book as Trevor's character become more defined and I was more clear on the direction we were headed. I read the first half of the story with some detached interest, but in the second half, I was engaged. There is some ambiguity at the end that is very fitting for the story, and is satisfying in its own way. Even without knowing the outcome of the final action, the reader still understands that it will all work out.

3.5 stars @ MotherLode blog

Review by: Candy Beauchamp on Aug. 15, 2010 :
I was first introduced to Trevor Wolff a few years back. It didn't take long for me to swoon and dedicated myself to full Trevor Groupie status. He's so dreamy and so hot. I mean, hello! He's Trevor Wolff! So you may be asking yourself, who exactly Trevor Wolff is... Trevor is the brainchild of a friend of mine, Susan H Gottfried. He's the bassist for the hottest fictional rock band in history, Shapeshifter, and he's a bad bad bad boy. And well, that, makes my blood boil very nicely indeed.

Susan has had an interesting marketing idea behind her book. She started a blog called the Meet and Greet where we got to know Trevor and his band mates a bit, read some outtakes and swoon over the Wolff hotness. She then took those blog posts together, gave us an intro to each one and released the Demo Tapes 1 and Demo Tapes 2. It took a LONG time (not that I'm bitter) but we finally, at last, have Trevor's Song. Was it worth the wait?

Oh, heck yeah! What a just plain fun read. It will take you back to the early 80s-90s. And for those of you sitting there shaking your head, you know you got your Poison on back in the day! Susan takes us for a wild ride through the world of Shapeshifter, making us laugh so hard we cry and learning things about Trevor and his band mates along the way. It's a wild ride, so you want to hang on tight!

It's not all fun, there are a few serious things going on that keep the story moving forward to a climax that left me wanting to hang the author from the nearest clothesline and beat her with a wooden broom until she spilled! The ending will leave you wanting more. I really like my stories to have a very definitive ending. I like to see it all wrapped up in a pretty blue bow and she used a pink one. So, it had an ending, but not 100% complete.

The dialogue is very well done in the book, the characters are believable and the writing is really wonderful. I had a few timeline issues and felt like the story jumped a few times and I missed it, but that I'm chalking that up to the fact that I knew so much about them and their lives beforehand. I've spent 4 years with them, after all. It doesn't seem to be an issue with other reviewers. I mention it just in case others had the issue.

This is a definite must-read for anyone that had a thing for hair bands and just really needs a good fun read. Congrats, Susan!

Review by: Cindi Kelley on July 31, 2010 :
I LOVE Trevor! Excellent read. I didn't want it to end.