Matthew R. Bell's Blog, page 4
September 26, 2016
Private Vegas by James Patterson (Private, #9) - Book Review
3/5 Stars
What happens in Vegas,
ends in murder...
I'm on a tight deadline tonight, folks, so let's make this snappy!
Private Vegas is okay, and that's as far as my feelings go on the positivity scale. It's a standard crime thriller with a colourful array of cases manned by a colourful cast. But entry number nine to the Private series is a fragmented ball of frustration. Stories shift violently and characters lose development earned in previous instalments.
And that's probably my biggest gripe: I really, really like Private L.A., the most recent entry before this one that features Jack Morgan (owner of Private Investigations) and his team. There's some fantastic progression, both for the overall plot of the series and the characters that populate it. And, well, it's reset here. Sure, there are allusions to past events, tons, but a jump in time renders those stories null and void, just when they were getting good.
Synopsis
Showgirls. Millionaires. Murder.
Jack Morgan, head of Private Investigations, the global PI agency of the rich and famous, is being pushed to the limit. His car has been firebombed, his ex is dating someone else, and his twin brother is still out to destroy him.
But Private doesn't rest, and nor do its clients: not the LAPD who need Private's help catching two scumbags with diplomatic immunity, and not the client who has just confessed to murdering his wife.
Add to that Jack's best friend being held on a trumped-up charge that could see him locked away for a very long time, and it seems like all bets are off...
Plot - 3/5 Stars
Let's get this out of the way first: Private Vegas spends very little time in Vegas. We do go there, just not for very long. Most of this entry is set in L.A. With a blend of the political, the nefarious, and the drama of a courtroom, Private Vegas does have its stupendously thrilling moments that charge you up with adrenaline. It's not a bad suspense novel by any stretch; it just doesn't reach any new heights.
As I mentioned, Private L.A. has some plots that aren't resolved during its run, and that's fine; I fully expected them to be picked up the next time we journeyed with this cast. In a way they are, but Patterson and Maxine Paetro reset the board, sacrificing that glorious stack of suspense to start again. For instance, I'm an avid lover of the sibling rivalry between Jack and Tommy. Their battles and the tension are superb. But I really feel that momentum has been lost. Building a tenuous plot in L.A., the authors brush past it in Vegas with barely a mention.
It doesn't help that it's a plot that isn't really resolved and has too much information missing for it to be over.
And it's not even a problem with continuity; the authors show they have phenomenal memories as this entry elaborates on histories and recalls events from past novels.
The finale is, well, meh. It's alright. Satisfying here and there, but there's no fist-pumping glee.
Pace - 3.5/5 Stars
The novel's flow is marred by the swift switches in stories. Normally Patterson and Paetro excel at juggling many flaming balls of thrills, but Vegas lets a few fall. Cohesion feels jagged. Action, exposition and fast-paced chapters are still the norm, so it's not a difficult book to read. Quite the contrary.
Characters - 3/5 Stars
I have to get one thing off my chest first: Stop, I repeat, stop, with this on-again, off-again romance plot with Jack and Justine. It's been nine books. Nine! I thought the last time we were with this cast that this issue had been, if not resolved, then working its way to it. But, nope, the games are still going and the bland romantic chemistry between the two only damages their wonderful, individual personalities.
A little twist at the end does spice this line of the story up, but I'm not entirely sure any spicing would be enough.
Aside from that, the rest of the characters are fine. Jack's fine. Sci's fine. Del Rio is fine...
Fine...
Writing - 3.5/5 Stars
The structure is what lets Vegas down. The multiple plots just don't mesh well and don't develop smoothly. There are silver linings to them, but they, and their conclusions, feel rushed.
On the plus side, short chapters, short, but clear, descriptions, and quick, witty dialogue all help keep the quality at a point where the book isn't a struggle to read.
Overall - 3/5 Stars
Sorry for the messy review, people (if it is messy, I'm in a rush, but hopefully I've done all that's needed clearly).
Private Vegas is an average entry to a mostly great series.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
What happens in Vegas,
ends in murder...
I'm on a tight deadline tonight, folks, so let's make this snappy!
Private Vegas is okay, and that's as far as my feelings go on the positivity scale. It's a standard crime thriller with a colourful array of cases manned by a colourful cast. But entry number nine to the Private series is a fragmented ball of frustration. Stories shift violently and characters lose development earned in previous instalments.
And that's probably my biggest gripe: I really, really like Private L.A., the most recent entry before this one that features Jack Morgan (owner of Private Investigations) and his team. There's some fantastic progression, both for the overall plot of the series and the characters that populate it. And, well, it's reset here. Sure, there are allusions to past events, tons, but a jump in time renders those stories null and void, just when they were getting good.
Synopsis
Showgirls. Millionaires. Murder.
Jack Morgan, head of Private Investigations, the global PI agency of the rich and famous, is being pushed to the limit. His car has been firebombed, his ex is dating someone else, and his twin brother is still out to destroy him.
But Private doesn't rest, and nor do its clients: not the LAPD who need Private's help catching two scumbags with diplomatic immunity, and not the client who has just confessed to murdering his wife.
Add to that Jack's best friend being held on a trumped-up charge that could see him locked away for a very long time, and it seems like all bets are off...
Plot - 3/5 Stars
Let's get this out of the way first: Private Vegas spends very little time in Vegas. We do go there, just not for very long. Most of this entry is set in L.A. With a blend of the political, the nefarious, and the drama of a courtroom, Private Vegas does have its stupendously thrilling moments that charge you up with adrenaline. It's not a bad suspense novel by any stretch; it just doesn't reach any new heights.
As I mentioned, Private L.A. has some plots that aren't resolved during its run, and that's fine; I fully expected them to be picked up the next time we journeyed with this cast. In a way they are, but Patterson and Maxine Paetro reset the board, sacrificing that glorious stack of suspense to start again. For instance, I'm an avid lover of the sibling rivalry between Jack and Tommy. Their battles and the tension are superb. But I really feel that momentum has been lost. Building a tenuous plot in L.A., the authors brush past it in Vegas with barely a mention.
It doesn't help that it's a plot that isn't really resolved and has too much information missing for it to be over.
And it's not even a problem with continuity; the authors show they have phenomenal memories as this entry elaborates on histories and recalls events from past novels.
The finale is, well, meh. It's alright. Satisfying here and there, but there's no fist-pumping glee.
Pace - 3.5/5 Stars
The novel's flow is marred by the swift switches in stories. Normally Patterson and Paetro excel at juggling many flaming balls of thrills, but Vegas lets a few fall. Cohesion feels jagged. Action, exposition and fast-paced chapters are still the norm, so it's not a difficult book to read. Quite the contrary.
Characters - 3/5 Stars
I have to get one thing off my chest first: Stop, I repeat, stop, with this on-again, off-again romance plot with Jack and Justine. It's been nine books. Nine! I thought the last time we were with this cast that this issue had been, if not resolved, then working its way to it. But, nope, the games are still going and the bland romantic chemistry between the two only damages their wonderful, individual personalities.
A little twist at the end does spice this line of the story up, but I'm not entirely sure any spicing would be enough.
Aside from that, the rest of the characters are fine. Jack's fine. Sci's fine. Del Rio is fine...
Fine...
Writing - 3.5/5 Stars
The structure is what lets Vegas down. The multiple plots just don't mesh well and don't develop smoothly. There are silver linings to them, but they, and their conclusions, feel rushed.
On the plus side, short chapters, short, but clear, descriptions, and quick, witty dialogue all help keep the quality at a point where the book isn't a struggle to read.
Overall - 3/5 Stars
Sorry for the messy review, people (if it is messy, I'm in a rush, but hopefully I've done all that's needed clearly).
Private Vegas is an average entry to a mostly great series.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
September 25, 2016
The Last Star by Rick Yancey (The 5th Wave, #3) - Book Review
4/5 Stars
THE ENEMY IS OTHER.
THE ENEMY IS US...
I love The 5th Wave, the first entry to this alien-invasion trilogy; I even semi-love parts of The Infinite Sea, book number two, which, at least for me, isn't as immersive and cohesive as its predecessor. The Last Star is almost an amalgamation of the two. There are parts to this finale that blow me away with frightening ferocity; and then there are parts that annoy me to the point of willing the novel to combust in my hands.
Is The Last Star a satisfactory concluding tale? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! Despite its tendency to repeat itself and run in circles, this instalment does do a phenomenal job of closing the series with a literal, heartbreaking, and hopeful bang.
It's the journey to that that's marked with holes, and hopefully I can clearly explain why.
Synopsis
THE ENEMY IS OTHER.
THE ENEMY IS US.
They're down here...they're up there...they're nowhere. They want the Earth; they want us to have it. They came to wipe us out; they came to save us.
But beneath these riddles lies one truth: Cassie has been betrayed. So has Ringer. Zombie. Nugget. And all 7.5 billion people who used to live on our planet. Betrayed first by the Others, and now by ourselves.
In these last days, Earth's remaining survivors will need to decide what's more important: saving themselves...or saving what makes us human.
Plot - 4/5 Stars
The Last Star has a lot of individually strong moments, but the first 3/4 feels ragged and repetitive. There's tons of back and forth; repeated talk of the circle of life and how things are connected. This, in my opinion, takes up far too much room, which, inevitably, interrupts some stellar storytelling. It mostly has to do with the author's style of writing; its lyrical and philosophical tones, which can overwhelm with their prevalence.
There also seems to be an aversion to solid answers, at least until the last 1/4. I don't mind a novel that alludes and shows the reader rather than tells, but sometimes, I like a good, solid explanation over riddle upon riddle.
I'm moaning excessively now, right?
Well, The Last Star is not its negatives. It contains some phenomenal portrayals of emotion and thought, mixing both with a bleak atmosphere that pulls the reader in. The post-apocalyptic landscape is horrific and addictive, and Yancey's writing really shines during these moments. Survival, humanity and morality are still integral parts of the plot, and the oases of action are adrenaline-infused events that are choreographed to perfection.
It's the last 1/4 that really drives this novel to its 4/5 Stars. Once concrete answers have been given, it's on to the choices the characters will make in their light. It's heartbreaking and hopeful, and it slams home the theme of love the series has played with with unnerving accuracy.
Prepare your tissues.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
The Last Star's flow is a little ragged. It has a good structure when it comes to balancing exposition with action, with plenty of both, but its exposition if often murky, often confusing, and can sometimes lose its point before it makes it. There are times when the novel has some startling things to say, such as the commentary on humanity and its treatment of the planet and its populace.
Characters - 4.5/5 Stars
I love the series' cast. Sure, each of them have some truly enraging qualities that instil the reader with the desire to punch something, but I really do believe that's what makes the characters so great. While their foggy philosophies can sometimes hold them back, there's no denying their intricate developments, palpable emotions, and distinct personalities.
I've seen a few people polarised by Cassie, who I'd say is, at a push, the series' protagonist. Me? God, do I love her. Yancey injects her with so much wit, intelligence and no filter that she often has the reader chuckling. Her progression in this book is the strongest, culminating in an end that does due justice to her character.
Other viewpoints keep things fresh with their individuality. I could go through all of them and their developments, but then I'd risk spoilers, and I'm trying to stay clear of those. But the characters are solid and they all interact with combustible chemistry.
Writing - 3.5/5 Stars
Rick Yancey's writing is pure quality. It really is. The way he can turn a phrase and tickle your morals is fantastic. Creating an atmosphere like a post-apocalyptic world with broken characters? Trust me, he excels. Demanding you to think, to question, to investigate every little thing you've ever thought of as a certainty? Hell to the yes.
So why the 3.5 for this section, you ask?
Too much of a good thing is definitely bad. When you're constantly thinking and churning thoughts over and over; when you're forced to question everything and ruminate on answers that may or may not be true; when the story shifts and shifts and shifts beyond the point it's needed; that is when we cross from enjoyment to frustration.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
An average beginning and middle give way to an end that justifies most of the negatives. Despite the bad, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this trilogy and can fully understand the hype. Alien invasions mixed with an atmospheric landscape while morally broken survivors search for hope.
What's not to love in that?
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
THE ENEMY IS OTHER.
THE ENEMY IS US...
I love The 5th Wave, the first entry to this alien-invasion trilogy; I even semi-love parts of The Infinite Sea, book number two, which, at least for me, isn't as immersive and cohesive as its predecessor. The Last Star is almost an amalgamation of the two. There are parts to this finale that blow me away with frightening ferocity; and then there are parts that annoy me to the point of willing the novel to combust in my hands.
Is The Last Star a satisfactory concluding tale? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! Despite its tendency to repeat itself and run in circles, this instalment does do a phenomenal job of closing the series with a literal, heartbreaking, and hopeful bang.
It's the journey to that that's marked with holes, and hopefully I can clearly explain why.
Synopsis
THE ENEMY IS OTHER.
THE ENEMY IS US.
They're down here...they're up there...they're nowhere. They want the Earth; they want us to have it. They came to wipe us out; they came to save us.
But beneath these riddles lies one truth: Cassie has been betrayed. So has Ringer. Zombie. Nugget. And all 7.5 billion people who used to live on our planet. Betrayed first by the Others, and now by ourselves.
In these last days, Earth's remaining survivors will need to decide what's more important: saving themselves...or saving what makes us human.
Plot - 4/5 Stars
The Last Star has a lot of individually strong moments, but the first 3/4 feels ragged and repetitive. There's tons of back and forth; repeated talk of the circle of life and how things are connected. This, in my opinion, takes up far too much room, which, inevitably, interrupts some stellar storytelling. It mostly has to do with the author's style of writing; its lyrical and philosophical tones, which can overwhelm with their prevalence.
There also seems to be an aversion to solid answers, at least until the last 1/4. I don't mind a novel that alludes and shows the reader rather than tells, but sometimes, I like a good, solid explanation over riddle upon riddle.
I'm moaning excessively now, right?
Well, The Last Star is not its negatives. It contains some phenomenal portrayals of emotion and thought, mixing both with a bleak atmosphere that pulls the reader in. The post-apocalyptic landscape is horrific and addictive, and Yancey's writing really shines during these moments. Survival, humanity and morality are still integral parts of the plot, and the oases of action are adrenaline-infused events that are choreographed to perfection.
It's the last 1/4 that really drives this novel to its 4/5 Stars. Once concrete answers have been given, it's on to the choices the characters will make in their light. It's heartbreaking and hopeful, and it slams home the theme of love the series has played with with unnerving accuracy.
Prepare your tissues.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
The Last Star's flow is a little ragged. It has a good structure when it comes to balancing exposition with action, with plenty of both, but its exposition if often murky, often confusing, and can sometimes lose its point before it makes it. There are times when the novel has some startling things to say, such as the commentary on humanity and its treatment of the planet and its populace.
Characters - 4.5/5 Stars
I love the series' cast. Sure, each of them have some truly enraging qualities that instil the reader with the desire to punch something, but I really do believe that's what makes the characters so great. While their foggy philosophies can sometimes hold them back, there's no denying their intricate developments, palpable emotions, and distinct personalities.
I've seen a few people polarised by Cassie, who I'd say is, at a push, the series' protagonist. Me? God, do I love her. Yancey injects her with so much wit, intelligence and no filter that she often has the reader chuckling. Her progression in this book is the strongest, culminating in an end that does due justice to her character.
Other viewpoints keep things fresh with their individuality. I could go through all of them and their developments, but then I'd risk spoilers, and I'm trying to stay clear of those. But the characters are solid and they all interact with combustible chemistry.
Writing - 3.5/5 Stars
Rick Yancey's writing is pure quality. It really is. The way he can turn a phrase and tickle your morals is fantastic. Creating an atmosphere like a post-apocalyptic world with broken characters? Trust me, he excels. Demanding you to think, to question, to investigate every little thing you've ever thought of as a certainty? Hell to the yes.
So why the 3.5 for this section, you ask?
Too much of a good thing is definitely bad. When you're constantly thinking and churning thoughts over and over; when you're forced to question everything and ruminate on answers that may or may not be true; when the story shifts and shifts and shifts beyond the point it's needed; that is when we cross from enjoyment to frustration.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
An average beginning and middle give way to an end that justifies most of the negatives. Despite the bad, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this trilogy and can fully understand the hype. Alien invasions mixed with an atmospheric landscape while morally broken survivors search for hope.
What's not to love in that?
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
September 24, 2016
Private India by James Patterson (Private, #8) - Book Review
4.5/5 Stars
Nine nights.
Nine bodies.
It's the season for murder in Mumbai...
Wow... I expected Private India to give me a fast-paced, high-stakes ride through disaster, depravity and despair, but I did not expect it to be a heavy thriller with mind-boggling detective work that puts a lot of the previous entries to shame. That's what happens when you get comfortable with a series, people, especially a crime one. Never, ever let your guard down.
Patterson teams up with Ashwin Sanghi for Private India, and I desperately hope the two get together again. Surprisingly, this instalment has an average rating on Goodreads, and while I can understand the criticism completely, the overall tale this novel offers overwhelms the negatives with unflinching positives.
Private India will have you by the nose as it leads you through its intricately woven story. Full of the fascinating culture of India, get ready for the haunting horror a serial killer imparts over the people of Mumbai, exciting espionage, and gripping personal problems that ravage our group of heroes.
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
When Santosh Wagh isn't struggling out of a bottle of whisky, he's head of Private India, the Mumbai branch of the world's finest investigation agency.
In a city of over thirteen million he has his work cut out at the best of times. But now someone is killing seemingly unconnected people, strangled in a chilling ritual, with strange objects placed carefully at their death scenes.
As Santosh and his team race to find the killer, an even greater danger faces Private India - a danger that could threaten the lives of thousands of innocent Mumbai citizens...
Plot - 4.5/5 Stars
Private India contains a killer cocktail of thrills. It prods the detective in you and laughs as you flail for answers. It leads you down a path of confidence only to rip the rug from under your feet. In essence, it's glorious. What can be considered the central plot, a serial killer murdering women in a ritualistic manner, is portrayed in great detail. The groundwork, while slower in the first half, is painstakingly placed, building and building a varied story of horror and vengeance.
It's the way everything comes together that's really special. When you reach the moments that the puzzle pieces snap together, it's gasp-worthy material. And, trust me, the twists come like freight trains. Think you've guessed the right answer? Think again.
A terrorist plot also manages to work its way through the novel, adding urgency and unpredictability as the cast fails to see it coming. This also leads to some wonderful mystery. When the reader realises that a mole is within our group of good guys, your mind crumbles into chaos. The way the authors craftily spread suspicion keeps you blind and on edge.
The finale and overall answers are phenomenal, completing the jigsaw and giving the reader some major satisfaction. The last page is a mixed bag considering where it leaves off, but the story it leaves hanging is tied to character progression rather than the plot.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
The first half of rivate India is full, but that weight as it tries to set a massive stage tends to keep the pace steady and slow. I'd also say the book is a tad too long, although its length does benefit the plot's intricacy and the characters' developments.
However, once you reach that second half, things are gonna go boom! Patterson's standard lightning-quick instincts take over and drive the story to its climax with a fiery determination.
Characters - 5/5 Stars
Private India takes us on a journey with a fresh cast, and while Jack Morgan, main protagonist and owner of Private Investigations, makes an appearance, the real focus always remains on our new players. And what players they are! Patterson and Sanghi make a terrific team when it comes to the book's cast. It's likely some of the best personalities and progressions this series has seen.
I won't single anyone out, mainly because each individual is a perfect blend of faults and skills. Broken pasts motivate the team in stellar ways, and when their backgrounds are uncovered, each contributes to making this novel an intelligent tale.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
Private India, of course, revels in simplicity and the efficient use of minimal words to set a complete scene. It's true Patterson material. Switches in viewpoints and locales can sometimes be too frantic, especially with chapters being as short as they are.
Overall - 4.5/5 Stars
I'll summarise it for you: The Private series is definitely still alive and kicking!
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
Nine nights.
Nine bodies.
It's the season for murder in Mumbai...
Wow... I expected Private India to give me a fast-paced, high-stakes ride through disaster, depravity and despair, but I did not expect it to be a heavy thriller with mind-boggling detective work that puts a lot of the previous entries to shame. That's what happens when you get comfortable with a series, people, especially a crime one. Never, ever let your guard down.
Patterson teams up with Ashwin Sanghi for Private India, and I desperately hope the two get together again. Surprisingly, this instalment has an average rating on Goodreads, and while I can understand the criticism completely, the overall tale this novel offers overwhelms the negatives with unflinching positives.
Private India will have you by the nose as it leads you through its intricately woven story. Full of the fascinating culture of India, get ready for the haunting horror a serial killer imparts over the people of Mumbai, exciting espionage, and gripping personal problems that ravage our group of heroes.
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
When Santosh Wagh isn't struggling out of a bottle of whisky, he's head of Private India, the Mumbai branch of the world's finest investigation agency.
In a city of over thirteen million he has his work cut out at the best of times. But now someone is killing seemingly unconnected people, strangled in a chilling ritual, with strange objects placed carefully at their death scenes.
As Santosh and his team race to find the killer, an even greater danger faces Private India - a danger that could threaten the lives of thousands of innocent Mumbai citizens...
Plot - 4.5/5 Stars
Private India contains a killer cocktail of thrills. It prods the detective in you and laughs as you flail for answers. It leads you down a path of confidence only to rip the rug from under your feet. In essence, it's glorious. What can be considered the central plot, a serial killer murdering women in a ritualistic manner, is portrayed in great detail. The groundwork, while slower in the first half, is painstakingly placed, building and building a varied story of horror and vengeance.
It's the way everything comes together that's really special. When you reach the moments that the puzzle pieces snap together, it's gasp-worthy material. And, trust me, the twists come like freight trains. Think you've guessed the right answer? Think again.
A terrorist plot also manages to work its way through the novel, adding urgency and unpredictability as the cast fails to see it coming. This also leads to some wonderful mystery. When the reader realises that a mole is within our group of good guys, your mind crumbles into chaos. The way the authors craftily spread suspicion keeps you blind and on edge.
The finale and overall answers are phenomenal, completing the jigsaw and giving the reader some major satisfaction. The last page is a mixed bag considering where it leaves off, but the story it leaves hanging is tied to character progression rather than the plot.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
The first half of rivate India is full, but that weight as it tries to set a massive stage tends to keep the pace steady and slow. I'd also say the book is a tad too long, although its length does benefit the plot's intricacy and the characters' developments.
However, once you reach that second half, things are gonna go boom! Patterson's standard lightning-quick instincts take over and drive the story to its climax with a fiery determination.
Characters - 5/5 Stars
Private India takes us on a journey with a fresh cast, and while Jack Morgan, main protagonist and owner of Private Investigations, makes an appearance, the real focus always remains on our new players. And what players they are! Patterson and Sanghi make a terrific team when it comes to the book's cast. It's likely some of the best personalities and progressions this series has seen.
I won't single anyone out, mainly because each individual is a perfect blend of faults and skills. Broken pasts motivate the team in stellar ways, and when their backgrounds are uncovered, each contributes to making this novel an intelligent tale.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
Private India, of course, revels in simplicity and the efficient use of minimal words to set a complete scene. It's true Patterson material. Switches in viewpoints and locales can sometimes be too frantic, especially with chapters being as short as they are.
Overall - 4.5/5 Stars
I'll summarise it for you: The Private series is definitely still alive and kicking!
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
September 23, 2016
The Fury by L.J. Smith (The Vampire Diaries, #3) - Book Review
4/5 Stars
Love can kill...
The Fury is miles ahead of its predecessors. With the first and second entries to the series, The Awakening and The Struggle, the focus is predominantly on romance, with a hint of the supernatural thrown in for good measure. Well, The Fury decides to up the stakes dramatically, giving me what I've been asking for since the beginning: A big, brazen plot with an actual big bad to face down.
And while of course the gooey, addictive love triangle still weaves its way throughout, it's better balanced with a supernatural plot that rivets and thrills. The mystery and madness is a nice counterpart to the who-will-she-choose dynamic we have between Elena, Stefan and Damon.
Not to mention the phenomenal progressions of the people populating this instalment. The developments are on point and purposeful, being both simple and nuanced at the same time.
Synopsis (Not a copy from the book, but I always keep my interpretations close.)
Elena wakes after her crash into the river, but she is forever changed.
Her old life is gone; her new one far from safe.
As Elena and her friends piece together frightening facts, they realise something bigger and badder than anything they've faced is moving in for the kill.
Only united will they win.
Too bad Elena's new vampire status has fractured her friendships in unimaginable ways.
Can she knit her family back together in time to face terror head on, or will the great evil swallow them all whole...?
Plot - 4/5 Stars
If you're like me, and you've been waiting for the series to focus in on something epic, then wait no longer, my friends. The Fury works its butt off to create a bold battle by pulling subtle events from the first two books and tying them in with some fantastic plot progression in this entry. It's simple, sure; there's an enemy in town looking to kill everyone, but, hey, the foreshadowing and structure are both brilliant in their execution.
Drastic events here and there threaten the town and build to a big reveal. Sadly, the reveal doesn't hit me as hard as it should, mainly because I've seen the show and had a pretty good idea what was coming.
Once the mystery is solved, an intense finale ends with a polarising twist. On the one hand, it's a surprise that enforces excellent character arcs, and on the other, it seems an odd choice for the story considering we're only three books in.
But we'll see how the next instalment handles it.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
The Fury, thanks to a sharper story, is fast-paced. Its flow is a little jagged in places as the series incorporates its new balance, but, overall, it's a welcome change.
Characters - 4.5/5 Stars
Character development in this entry is insane, and I mean that as a compliment. Almost every single individual gets genuine attention; impressive for a book that's only 218 pages and in the middle of telling its biggest plot so far. Each cast member changes, whether it be small or large. They grow, shift, change with the dynamics of the supernatural world they've been plunged into. Coupled with the thrilling tale, The Fury doesn't waste time on fluff and goes for gold.
Our protagonist Elena is likely the one who faces the biggest change. And I'm not even talking about the fact she's a vampire, even though that contributes immensely. Elena, from the start, has always had an air of superiority to the people around her. Compassion and kindness have been at her core, but her life, up until her parents died and the introduction of Stefan, has been fairly easy for her. Now that she's struggled, that she's had to fight for her own survival, her core instincts have taken more of a footing. Her need to help those in pain overrides her own selfish desires, and it's a lovely line of plot.
It's not like your usual heroic development. Sure, she has vampire strength and speed, but the author keeps things realistic; Elena is new to her powers, she has no training, and while her new instincts offer her a hunter's perspective, her old reactions are still common. But her development speaks to a different kind of heroism, one that relies on heart rather than brute force.
And yes, romance lovers out there, the love triangle is still there. It's flirty and fun; I mean, it has guilty pleasure written all over it. But it's also frustrating in this entry. This novel's predecessor gives it a little more subtlety, and in The Fury it's very much in your face and plainly portrayed.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
The Fury is a simple, quick read. It can be lyrical, but also straightforward, and both are balanced well, used in contained doses. Scenes are set quickly and described fine, while emotions are given more intricacy.
I suppose the weakest element for me is the dialogue. It's not terrible, and is often smooth, but if I have to hear a character say, 'oh, (insert individual's name here)' with pity, or sorrow, or a swoon one more time, I might just poke my eyeballs out. Levity is also a mixed back; a joke can strike right at your funny bone or have you cringing.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
A sharp, focused supernatural romance novel that embodies a lot of the qualities that the TV adaptation does. If you love the previous entries, you're going to be wowed; and if you don't, stick with it, you won't be disappointed.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
Love can kill...
The Fury is miles ahead of its predecessors. With the first and second entries to the series, The Awakening and The Struggle, the focus is predominantly on romance, with a hint of the supernatural thrown in for good measure. Well, The Fury decides to up the stakes dramatically, giving me what I've been asking for since the beginning: A big, brazen plot with an actual big bad to face down.
And while of course the gooey, addictive love triangle still weaves its way throughout, it's better balanced with a supernatural plot that rivets and thrills. The mystery and madness is a nice counterpart to the who-will-she-choose dynamic we have between Elena, Stefan and Damon.
Not to mention the phenomenal progressions of the people populating this instalment. The developments are on point and purposeful, being both simple and nuanced at the same time.
Synopsis (Not a copy from the book, but I always keep my interpretations close.)
Elena wakes after her crash into the river, but she is forever changed.
Her old life is gone; her new one far from safe.
As Elena and her friends piece together frightening facts, they realise something bigger and badder than anything they've faced is moving in for the kill.
Only united will they win.
Too bad Elena's new vampire status has fractured her friendships in unimaginable ways.
Can she knit her family back together in time to face terror head on, or will the great evil swallow them all whole...?
Plot - 4/5 Stars
If you're like me, and you've been waiting for the series to focus in on something epic, then wait no longer, my friends. The Fury works its butt off to create a bold battle by pulling subtle events from the first two books and tying them in with some fantastic plot progression in this entry. It's simple, sure; there's an enemy in town looking to kill everyone, but, hey, the foreshadowing and structure are both brilliant in their execution.
Drastic events here and there threaten the town and build to a big reveal. Sadly, the reveal doesn't hit me as hard as it should, mainly because I've seen the show and had a pretty good idea what was coming.
Once the mystery is solved, an intense finale ends with a polarising twist. On the one hand, it's a surprise that enforces excellent character arcs, and on the other, it seems an odd choice for the story considering we're only three books in.
But we'll see how the next instalment handles it.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
The Fury, thanks to a sharper story, is fast-paced. Its flow is a little jagged in places as the series incorporates its new balance, but, overall, it's a welcome change.
Characters - 4.5/5 Stars
Character development in this entry is insane, and I mean that as a compliment. Almost every single individual gets genuine attention; impressive for a book that's only 218 pages and in the middle of telling its biggest plot so far. Each cast member changes, whether it be small or large. They grow, shift, change with the dynamics of the supernatural world they've been plunged into. Coupled with the thrilling tale, The Fury doesn't waste time on fluff and goes for gold.
Our protagonist Elena is likely the one who faces the biggest change. And I'm not even talking about the fact she's a vampire, even though that contributes immensely. Elena, from the start, has always had an air of superiority to the people around her. Compassion and kindness have been at her core, but her life, up until her parents died and the introduction of Stefan, has been fairly easy for her. Now that she's struggled, that she's had to fight for her own survival, her core instincts have taken more of a footing. Her need to help those in pain overrides her own selfish desires, and it's a lovely line of plot.
It's not like your usual heroic development. Sure, she has vampire strength and speed, but the author keeps things realistic; Elena is new to her powers, she has no training, and while her new instincts offer her a hunter's perspective, her old reactions are still common. But her development speaks to a different kind of heroism, one that relies on heart rather than brute force.
And yes, romance lovers out there, the love triangle is still there. It's flirty and fun; I mean, it has guilty pleasure written all over it. But it's also frustrating in this entry. This novel's predecessor gives it a little more subtlety, and in The Fury it's very much in your face and plainly portrayed.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
The Fury is a simple, quick read. It can be lyrical, but also straightforward, and both are balanced well, used in contained doses. Scenes are set quickly and described fine, while emotions are given more intricacy.
I suppose the weakest element for me is the dialogue. It's not terrible, and is often smooth, but if I have to hear a character say, 'oh, (insert individual's name here)' with pity, or sorrow, or a swoon one more time, I might just poke my eyeballs out. Levity is also a mixed back; a joke can strike right at your funny bone or have you cringing.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
A sharp, focused supernatural romance novel that embodies a lot of the qualities that the TV adaptation does. If you love the previous entries, you're going to be wowed; and if you don't, stick with it, you won't be disappointed.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
September 22, 2016
Private L.A. by James Patterson (Private, #7) - Book Review
4/5 Stars
A REIGN OF TERROR IN THE CITY OF ANGELS.
It looks like the whole world is about to discover whether Private are really as good as they say they are...
During the course of running this blog, I've been asked several times why I review entire series. Don't you get bored? I'm asked. Don't your reviews start to sound the same if you review tons of similar books? Yeah, maybe, but I'm a little obsessive. I like reviewing a book upon completion, whether it be a short, cluttered mess or an in-depth look, book blogging is a hobby.
I also like the idea of giving people that are looking for reassurance about a series an entry-by-entry look. The beginning novel to a series might be utterly sensational or complete crap, but that doesn't mean future entries will be. I'm persistent, so I apologise for any monotony in reviews.
What prompts this you ask. Well, I'm an avid fan of Mr Patterson's works, and out of all the authors I've read since I started this blog, his books are likely some of the most reviewed, and that can sometimes lead to fatigue on my part and repeated critique (probably what you'll see in this review).
So that's why. I love this little hobby and my obsessive parts love it too.
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
Jack Morgan is having a bad week.
His twin brother is up on a murder charge and determined to frame him for the crime, and one of Jack's clients has just called to report the burnt bodies of four surfers on his beach.
But what seems like a random mugging gone wrong soon reveals something far worse - a killer calling themselves No Prisoners is holding the city to ransom. And there's more bad news: Hollywood's golden couple, Thom and Jennifer Harlow, have been kidnapped, along with their adopted children.
It looks like the whole world is about to discover whether Private are really as good as they say they are...
Plot - 4/5 Stars
Private L.A. sees us returning to, well, L.A. Back with series' protagonist Jack Morgan (other books in the series sometimes follow other characters around the world, all connected to Private, Jack's investigative company), we follow his group as another batch of unimaginable cases comes barrelling his way. Yes, that's pretty much the series' formula; in fact, that's pretty much Patterson's formula; but, don't be put off, Private L.A. is a tight thriller with salacious secrets, vicious violence, and heroic happenings.
Recently I'd been having fatigue over the series, so a little break has brought me right back to being in the mood for an easy-going suspense novel that I know will ratchet my heart rate right up. Private L.A. does that, and then some. Sure, there are some ludicrous elements that beggar belief, and some wildly implausible coincidences that push our characters to the right answer, but fun is fun.
The cases themselves are developed well and full of nifty surprises to keep you on your toes. They're interesting and intricate, and the authors (Patterson and Mark Sullivan) show genuine care as to how the stories shape and progress.
The finale offers satisfaction galore while also keeping some minor, but exceptionally riveting, plots hanging, leading to the next time we join Jack and his gang of wonderful misfits.
Pace - 5/5 Stars
Even at near 500 pages, Private L.A. is a smooth, eventful ride. There's your perfect balance between action and exposition; some nice development for a few main players; and sibling rivalry that'll cut to the core.
Characters - 4/5 Stars
Jack Morgan is a solid protagonist, and he's definitely one of my favourites. Intelligent and capable, Private L.A. intensifies his relationship with his twin brother Tommy with a game of cat and mouse that acts as an admirable backdrop to the bigger plots. This sibling battle is one of the highlights of the series, and I am glad the authors have kept it going.
Justine also proves to be interesting. Previous entries have seen her as more of a background character in most ways, an on-again off-again romance for Jack. In this entry, some fantastic development surrounds her, shooting her up the cast list.
The rest of the characters fill out nicely with strong personalities and unique skills, but their development is nonexistent.
Villains have solid motivations for their actions, and those that don't are readily dispatched with a healthy dose of karma. All in all, great stuff.
Writing - 4.5/5 Stars
There are maybe too many instances of deus ex machina, but I can't muster any real frustration to care. They aren't bad examples of it, and they do wonders for moving the plot forward.
As usual, short chapters keep things condensed but colourful, showcasing the authors' ability to use minimal details to create incredible scenes. It's simple.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
Another hit for me.
Roll on the next entry!
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
A REIGN OF TERROR IN THE CITY OF ANGELS.
It looks like the whole world is about to discover whether Private are really as good as they say they are...
During the course of running this blog, I've been asked several times why I review entire series. Don't you get bored? I'm asked. Don't your reviews start to sound the same if you review tons of similar books? Yeah, maybe, but I'm a little obsessive. I like reviewing a book upon completion, whether it be a short, cluttered mess or an in-depth look, book blogging is a hobby.
I also like the idea of giving people that are looking for reassurance about a series an entry-by-entry look. The beginning novel to a series might be utterly sensational or complete crap, but that doesn't mean future entries will be. I'm persistent, so I apologise for any monotony in reviews.
What prompts this you ask. Well, I'm an avid fan of Mr Patterson's works, and out of all the authors I've read since I started this blog, his books are likely some of the most reviewed, and that can sometimes lead to fatigue on my part and repeated critique (probably what you'll see in this review).
So that's why. I love this little hobby and my obsessive parts love it too.
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
Jack Morgan is having a bad week.
His twin brother is up on a murder charge and determined to frame him for the crime, and one of Jack's clients has just called to report the burnt bodies of four surfers on his beach.
But what seems like a random mugging gone wrong soon reveals something far worse - a killer calling themselves No Prisoners is holding the city to ransom. And there's more bad news: Hollywood's golden couple, Thom and Jennifer Harlow, have been kidnapped, along with their adopted children.
It looks like the whole world is about to discover whether Private are really as good as they say they are...
Plot - 4/5 Stars
Private L.A. sees us returning to, well, L.A. Back with series' protagonist Jack Morgan (other books in the series sometimes follow other characters around the world, all connected to Private, Jack's investigative company), we follow his group as another batch of unimaginable cases comes barrelling his way. Yes, that's pretty much the series' formula; in fact, that's pretty much Patterson's formula; but, don't be put off, Private L.A. is a tight thriller with salacious secrets, vicious violence, and heroic happenings.
Recently I'd been having fatigue over the series, so a little break has brought me right back to being in the mood for an easy-going suspense novel that I know will ratchet my heart rate right up. Private L.A. does that, and then some. Sure, there are some ludicrous elements that beggar belief, and some wildly implausible coincidences that push our characters to the right answer, but fun is fun.
The cases themselves are developed well and full of nifty surprises to keep you on your toes. They're interesting and intricate, and the authors (Patterson and Mark Sullivan) show genuine care as to how the stories shape and progress.
The finale offers satisfaction galore while also keeping some minor, but exceptionally riveting, plots hanging, leading to the next time we join Jack and his gang of wonderful misfits.
Pace - 5/5 Stars
Even at near 500 pages, Private L.A. is a smooth, eventful ride. There's your perfect balance between action and exposition; some nice development for a few main players; and sibling rivalry that'll cut to the core.
Characters - 4/5 Stars
Jack Morgan is a solid protagonist, and he's definitely one of my favourites. Intelligent and capable, Private L.A. intensifies his relationship with his twin brother Tommy with a game of cat and mouse that acts as an admirable backdrop to the bigger plots. This sibling battle is one of the highlights of the series, and I am glad the authors have kept it going.
Justine also proves to be interesting. Previous entries have seen her as more of a background character in most ways, an on-again off-again romance for Jack. In this entry, some fantastic development surrounds her, shooting her up the cast list.
The rest of the characters fill out nicely with strong personalities and unique skills, but their development is nonexistent.
Villains have solid motivations for their actions, and those that don't are readily dispatched with a healthy dose of karma. All in all, great stuff.
Writing - 4.5/5 Stars
There are maybe too many instances of deus ex machina, but I can't muster any real frustration to care. They aren't bad examples of it, and they do wonders for moving the plot forward.
As usual, short chapters keep things condensed but colourful, showcasing the authors' ability to use minimal details to create incredible scenes. It's simple.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
Another hit for me.
Roll on the next entry!
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
September 21, 2016
American Monsters by Derek Landy (Demon Road, #3) - Book Review
4.5/5 Stars
One way or another...
this ends tonight.
It's all going to hell...
American Monsters is another book I've been heavily anticipating for most of the year. Landy's sexy, supernatural horror trilogy has been spectacular, and the final entry doesn't disappoint. Showcasing his spectacular skills at blending the severe with the comedic, American Monsters gives us more of what we love of the series while sadly also wrapping it up.
Damn!
I've made this comparison before, but it's more than apt: If you love the TV series Supernatural, and are looking for books with a similar flavour, the Demon Road Trilogy is going to blow your mind.
There are a couple negatives with this instalment, such as the cluttered feel of the plot along with some out-of-character moments for our protagonist. But, with that said, the overall quality of the novel is high, and bar a few plot points that are frustratingly unresolved, it's a solid, satisfying end to a terrific trilogy.
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
Bigger, meaner, stronger, Amber closes in on her murderous parents as they make one last desperate play for power. Her own last hopes of salvation, however, rest beyond vengeance, beyond the abominable killers - living and dead - that she and Milo will have to face.
For Amber's future lies in her family's past, in the brother and sister she never knew, and the horrors beyond imagining that befell them...
Plot - 4/5 Stars
American Monsters has one of the most endearing beginnings I've ever read. With action, comedy, and envious exhilaration, Landy sucks the reader in, giving them laughs, excitement and an unquenchable need to read on. It's superb. I will admit that, the story in its entirety, feels a little rushed. The story has a knack of jumping from one plot to another out of the blue, creating a little disjoint. The author does manage to pull most of it together, but there are some lines of plot that go unresolved.
But it doesn't impact the novel in any major way. When the random stories are this good, it's hard to muster the care to, well, care.
This fitting finale also meddles with some mesmerising mysticism, milking the supernatural and its mythology for all it's worth. It's a thrilling and often tantalising tale that never bores. Twists and turns mark the road as we adventure with the cast, some which will no doubt have you screaming in joy or absolute heartbreak.
A good, satisfying end answers most questions and leaves on a hopeful, if unclear, note. I'd say, if the author ever feels like returning, the door is more than open and I'll be readily waiting.
Pace - 4.5/5 Stars
Despite some of the plot feeling random and like fluff, American Monsters' flow is fast and fun. It's never too long before some action-packed event kicks off or some wicked, soul-destroying surprise pops up. Exposition is mostly worked into the dialogue, which I love; it keeps the story moving while also being crystal clear about its intentions. And the cast of rogues you travel with only heighten the experience by being individuals you want to travel with.
Characters - 4.5/5 Stars
The Demon Road Trilogy as a whole has a fascinating, multifaceted cast with sizzling chemistry. With demons, devils, and depravity, it's hard to go wrong, especially when an author can inject so many different kinds of sass and passion into each individual. Characters are clearly visualised, and while not all of them receive in-depth development, their personalities are strong.
Our protagonist, Amber, is great. Witty, sassy, strong, she's someone you root for, even when she makes some morally questionable choices. There is an air of petulance to her in this entry, and sometimes she can be a little on the cruel side, but it would be hard not to be after everything she's been through. Her chemistry with Milo is still one of the best aspects in this entry, and as they road trip across America fighting the forces of darkness (or being the forces of darkness), you can't help but fall in love with them.
Characters like Glen, Kelly, Amber's parents etc. also shine with their respective personalities. And imbued with Landy's wit and charm, whether good or bad, you adore each and every one of them.
Writing - 4.5/5 Stars
Landy excels at comedy and action. These two aspects are always perfect, at least where this trilogy is concerned. The hilarity is unreal and the fights range from fun little tussles to epic, life-or-death battles. Sentences and chapters flow fine and with no hiccups. Scenes are clear and described efficiently.
A talented author that I will definitely be picking more books from.
Overall - 4.5/5 Stars
I'm gonna need to find another supernaturally charged road trip story, because this trilogy rocks at it. I have the taste, and now I want more!
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
One way or another...
this ends tonight.
It's all going to hell...
American Monsters is another book I've been heavily anticipating for most of the year. Landy's sexy, supernatural horror trilogy has been spectacular, and the final entry doesn't disappoint. Showcasing his spectacular skills at blending the severe with the comedic, American Monsters gives us more of what we love of the series while sadly also wrapping it up.
Damn!
I've made this comparison before, but it's more than apt: If you love the TV series Supernatural, and are looking for books with a similar flavour, the Demon Road Trilogy is going to blow your mind.
There are a couple negatives with this instalment, such as the cluttered feel of the plot along with some out-of-character moments for our protagonist. But, with that said, the overall quality of the novel is high, and bar a few plot points that are frustratingly unresolved, it's a solid, satisfying end to a terrific trilogy.
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
Bigger, meaner, stronger, Amber closes in on her murderous parents as they make one last desperate play for power. Her own last hopes of salvation, however, rest beyond vengeance, beyond the abominable killers - living and dead - that she and Milo will have to face.
For Amber's future lies in her family's past, in the brother and sister she never knew, and the horrors beyond imagining that befell them...
Plot - 4/5 Stars
American Monsters has one of the most endearing beginnings I've ever read. With action, comedy, and envious exhilaration, Landy sucks the reader in, giving them laughs, excitement and an unquenchable need to read on. It's superb. I will admit that, the story in its entirety, feels a little rushed. The story has a knack of jumping from one plot to another out of the blue, creating a little disjoint. The author does manage to pull most of it together, but there are some lines of plot that go unresolved.
But it doesn't impact the novel in any major way. When the random stories are this good, it's hard to muster the care to, well, care.
This fitting finale also meddles with some mesmerising mysticism, milking the supernatural and its mythology for all it's worth. It's a thrilling and often tantalising tale that never bores. Twists and turns mark the road as we adventure with the cast, some which will no doubt have you screaming in joy or absolute heartbreak.
A good, satisfying end answers most questions and leaves on a hopeful, if unclear, note. I'd say, if the author ever feels like returning, the door is more than open and I'll be readily waiting.
Pace - 4.5/5 Stars
Despite some of the plot feeling random and like fluff, American Monsters' flow is fast and fun. It's never too long before some action-packed event kicks off or some wicked, soul-destroying surprise pops up. Exposition is mostly worked into the dialogue, which I love; it keeps the story moving while also being crystal clear about its intentions. And the cast of rogues you travel with only heighten the experience by being individuals you want to travel with.
Characters - 4.5/5 Stars
The Demon Road Trilogy as a whole has a fascinating, multifaceted cast with sizzling chemistry. With demons, devils, and depravity, it's hard to go wrong, especially when an author can inject so many different kinds of sass and passion into each individual. Characters are clearly visualised, and while not all of them receive in-depth development, their personalities are strong.
Our protagonist, Amber, is great. Witty, sassy, strong, she's someone you root for, even when she makes some morally questionable choices. There is an air of petulance to her in this entry, and sometimes she can be a little on the cruel side, but it would be hard not to be after everything she's been through. Her chemistry with Milo is still one of the best aspects in this entry, and as they road trip across America fighting the forces of darkness (or being the forces of darkness), you can't help but fall in love with them.
Characters like Glen, Kelly, Amber's parents etc. also shine with their respective personalities. And imbued with Landy's wit and charm, whether good or bad, you adore each and every one of them.
Writing - 4.5/5 Stars
Landy excels at comedy and action. These two aspects are always perfect, at least where this trilogy is concerned. The hilarity is unreal and the fights range from fun little tussles to epic, life-or-death battles. Sentences and chapters flow fine and with no hiccups. Scenes are clear and described efficiently.
A talented author that I will definitely be picking more books from.
Overall - 4.5/5 Stars
I'm gonna need to find another supernaturally charged road trip story, because this trilogy rocks at it. I have the taste, and now I want more!
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
The Golden Bulls by Weston Kincade (A Life of Death, #2) - Book Review
3/5 Stars
Can Detective Alex Drummond save the ghosts calling to him and decipher this network of brutal, ritual sacrifices before someone else is burnt alive...?
* I was gifted this book, by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
The Golden Bulls, instalment number two in Weston Kincade's supernatural crime series, is as polarising as its predecessor. The plot often immerses the reader in such vibrant events that you're left gobsmacked; the cast, while initially bland, skyrockets in development later in the game to become a cohesive collection of characters; and the writing flows smoothly only to become jagged during dialogue.
But the series, A Life of Death, is just rife with potential. There are moments where everything comes together and you forget that you're reading.
Synopsis (Not a copy from the book, but I always keep my interpretations close.)
Tranquil Heights sounds like the place to be; an idyllic little American town where you'd want to cultivate a family.
And you can, if you can get past the fact that, once a year, on September 20th, a serial killer burns someone alive.
Detective Alex Drummond was just out of high school when the first victim was killed, and now that he's able, he's on the hunt.
But even with his strange ability to relive people's last, gruesome moments, Alex can't make any progress.
And with only a few days before September 20th, he wonders if he can figure out the killer's game before another ritualistic murder robs someone of their life...
Plot - 3/5 Stars
The Golden Bulls starts by giving us a small recap of the first entry, A Life of Death. I always love when series do this, especially if you're a voracious reader. From there we follow Detective Alex Drummond as he hunts for a serial killer that's been active for fifteen years. And, to spice things up, the author mixes the criminal with the supernatural, which keeps the reader on their toes.
After the initial setup, events take a trip to exposition land, and we're inundated with information. Some of it is fascinating, including several looks at Egyptian history, while other parts act as general fluff. The crime aspects also begin to run in circles, and it leaves the reader desperate for something to happen. The supernatural elements, however, don't disappoint, and only become more and more fascinating as the plot progresses.
The second half is a lot better, especially when that plot gets rolling and events race for their climax. A heart-pounding finale awaits, raising the stakes to the stratosphere, while also resolving the story. It's a solid resolution, even if the novel is very A to B. There aren't any real twists or surprises in store to shake you up.
Pace - 3/5 Stars
Smooth, but a little on the slow side. Alex's ability to relive people's deaths proves to be the go-to device in the novel to keep things from stagnating.
Things do pick up toward the end quite rapidly, which does wonders.
Characters - 3/5 Stars
The characters follow a similar flow to the plot: For the first half of the book they verge on bland, but once that curtain call draws near, almost all of them are injected with some fantastic development. Alex is a solid protagonist, shaped by the events in his role as a detective; he exhibits solid progression and realistic responses. His paranormal powers also do wonders, and some family revelations pave the way for some enticing possibilities in the future.
Other cast members such as Paige and Jessie lack oomph for much of the story, being there solely for ideas to be bounced off or to spout comedic lines that don't always hit the mark. It isn't until the last 1/4 that they take a more active role where, given the opportunity, their personalities become clearer and better rounded.
Writing - 3/5 Stars
Weston Kincade can create some chilling scenes of horror, some heartwarming ones of hope, and some hilarious bouts of humour. Dialogue can, at times, be stiff, but for the most part it runs just fine. The structure is a little iffy until the second half, but The Golden Bulls is a good length, ensuring a short read.
Overall - 3/5 Stars
A solid supernatural crime drama that exhilarates and enrages in equal measure.
Now, it's time for bed. I've had a busy, busy bloody day and I'm falling asleep at my keyboard...
Goodnight, folks.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
Can Detective Alex Drummond save the ghosts calling to him and decipher this network of brutal, ritual sacrifices before someone else is burnt alive...?
* I was gifted this book, by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
The Golden Bulls, instalment number two in Weston Kincade's supernatural crime series, is as polarising as its predecessor. The plot often immerses the reader in such vibrant events that you're left gobsmacked; the cast, while initially bland, skyrockets in development later in the game to become a cohesive collection of characters; and the writing flows smoothly only to become jagged during dialogue.
But the series, A Life of Death, is just rife with potential. There are moments where everything comes together and you forget that you're reading.
Synopsis (Not a copy from the book, but I always keep my interpretations close.)
Tranquil Heights sounds like the place to be; an idyllic little American town where you'd want to cultivate a family.
And you can, if you can get past the fact that, once a year, on September 20th, a serial killer burns someone alive.
Detective Alex Drummond was just out of high school when the first victim was killed, and now that he's able, he's on the hunt.
But even with his strange ability to relive people's last, gruesome moments, Alex can't make any progress.
And with only a few days before September 20th, he wonders if he can figure out the killer's game before another ritualistic murder robs someone of their life...
Plot - 3/5 Stars
The Golden Bulls starts by giving us a small recap of the first entry, A Life of Death. I always love when series do this, especially if you're a voracious reader. From there we follow Detective Alex Drummond as he hunts for a serial killer that's been active for fifteen years. And, to spice things up, the author mixes the criminal with the supernatural, which keeps the reader on their toes.
After the initial setup, events take a trip to exposition land, and we're inundated with information. Some of it is fascinating, including several looks at Egyptian history, while other parts act as general fluff. The crime aspects also begin to run in circles, and it leaves the reader desperate for something to happen. The supernatural elements, however, don't disappoint, and only become more and more fascinating as the plot progresses.
The second half is a lot better, especially when that plot gets rolling and events race for their climax. A heart-pounding finale awaits, raising the stakes to the stratosphere, while also resolving the story. It's a solid resolution, even if the novel is very A to B. There aren't any real twists or surprises in store to shake you up.
Pace - 3/5 Stars
Smooth, but a little on the slow side. Alex's ability to relive people's deaths proves to be the go-to device in the novel to keep things from stagnating.
Things do pick up toward the end quite rapidly, which does wonders.
Characters - 3/5 Stars
The characters follow a similar flow to the plot: For the first half of the book they verge on bland, but once that curtain call draws near, almost all of them are injected with some fantastic development. Alex is a solid protagonist, shaped by the events in his role as a detective; he exhibits solid progression and realistic responses. His paranormal powers also do wonders, and some family revelations pave the way for some enticing possibilities in the future.
Other cast members such as Paige and Jessie lack oomph for much of the story, being there solely for ideas to be bounced off or to spout comedic lines that don't always hit the mark. It isn't until the last 1/4 that they take a more active role where, given the opportunity, their personalities become clearer and better rounded.
Writing - 3/5 Stars
Weston Kincade can create some chilling scenes of horror, some heartwarming ones of hope, and some hilarious bouts of humour. Dialogue can, at times, be stiff, but for the most part it runs just fine. The structure is a little iffy until the second half, but The Golden Bulls is a good length, ensuring a short read.
Overall - 3/5 Stars
A solid supernatural crime drama that exhilarates and enrages in equal measure.
Now, it's time for bed. I've had a busy, busy bloody day and I'm falling asleep at my keyboard...
Goodnight, folks.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
September 18, 2016
Hide and Seek by M.J. Arlidge (DI Helen Grace, #6) - Book Review
5/5 Stars
There was nowhere to run to, nowhere to hide, so Helen could never let her guard down, never relax.
In Holloway, danger was only a heartbeat away...
I anticipated this novel for most of this year. After the sensational Little Boy Blue, Hide and Seek, number six in Arlidge's DI Helen Grace series, has never been far from my thoughts. I know better than to hype a book the way I have this one, but I couldn't help it, my mind was blown from the previous entry's cliffhanger, I needed this book stat.
And it's here. And I've just finished it. And I am in utter, stupefied awe.
Mr Arlidge, I electronically salute you (because I'd no doubt look silly physically doing it to my laptop). Hide and Seek is a masterpiece of a gripping crime novel. I can't remember ever having my hype so high only for the novel to come along and exceed it so drastically. By far this is one of the best books I've read all year.
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
Detective Inspector Helen Grace has spent her whole life running.
From the past. From herself.
From everyone who's ever tried to get close to her.
She's spent her whole life hiding.
Behind the badge. Behind her reputation as one of the country's best detectives.
Until - framed for murder - she became one of its most high-profile prisoners.
Now there is nowhere to run.
Nowhere to hide.
Because HMP Holloway is a place of dark days and long nights with dangers at every turn. Despised by the inmates and reviled by the guards, Helen must face her nightmare alone.
And then a carefully mutilated body is found in a locked cell.
Now Helen must find a ruthless serial killer.
Before the killer finds her.
Plot - 5/5 Stars
Hide and Seek picks up not too long after the cliffhanger in Little Boy Blue, with our protagonist, Helen Grace, wrongfully imprisoned at HMP Holloway in London. The plot bounces smoothly around various viewpoints as Helen fights for survival and Charlie, Helen's only outside ally, fights to reveal the truth surrounding her friend's incarceration. I mean, that alone is some seriously juicy stuff, offering exciting dynamics as Helen faces off against criminals she herself put away and officers who revile her for betraying them.
But Arlidge spices it up even more by throwing a serial killer into the mix, one that Helen feels obligated to hunt to protect the people likely to pulverise her.
I just can't describe the emotions that the novel elicits; no words would do justice to this kind of experience. The danger, tension and claustrophobia are spectacular.
Hide and Seek plays with morality, and like his other books, Arlidge once again shows how capable he is at building events and characters that are realistically pieced together from good and bad. He also creates some maddening, but mesmerising, misdirection. His ability to subvert the reader's judgements is uncanny, and prepare yourself for sharp surprises that will shove the detective in you off course.
I had to have guessed the serial killer's identity a hundred times, and I never once got it right.
An explosive end revels in organised chaos as the reader is buffeted with twists, turns and tragedy. But, the kind of satisfaction it delivers cuts right to the core, ensuring Hide and Seek as a story that has no equal.
Pace - 5/5 Stars
The shifting viewpoints can initially terrify you with their ferocity, but they are smooth and succinct, offering a fast-paced journey through an impressive thriller. There is no waste and no jagged edges. Hide and Seek has so much going for it that each and every chapter demands your attention. Action and survival blend together to add those lightning-quick moments that pump adrenaline throughout your body.
Characters - 5/5 Stars
As I've said, Arlidge is a master when it comes to creating morally divided characters, and Hide and Seek showcases this ability to full effect. We follow a wide range of individuals as they set up this intense and emotionally ravaging story. Helen is of course our main gal, and the torment she faces for things she hasn't done is heartbreaking. But when the crap hits the fan, she's up in front trying to save the people likely to kill her. She might come from a dark past and be surrounded by black, but at her core Helen is all light; a stunning heroine.
And let's not forget Charlie, Helen's loyal and vivacious friend. I'm really coming to see the two as a duo, the two leads of the series, because both are tremendous cast members.
But the world is fleshed, and the variety of characters keeps the plot fresh, moving and unputdownable. There are so many avenues of suspense, and no shortage of suspects. The novel is full of carefully created characters that, even if they appear nice, still come with a certain amount of unease. This is heightened thanks to the emotional connection forged between the reader and Helen; her paranoia is your paranoia.
Writing - 5/5 Stars
Armed with the past tense and third-person narrative, Hide and Seek keeps chapters short and concentrated. Arlidge easily sets a scene and can handle details with the utmost efficiency. I said in my review for the previous entry, Little Boy Blue, that it takes some serious skill to create these kinds of stories with so much potency, and I stand by that.
Overall - 5/5 Stars
The next instalment has been announced for 2017: Follow My Leader. I don't know how I'll manage my patience until then.
Hide and Seek has blown my mind...
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
There was nowhere to run to, nowhere to hide, so Helen could never let her guard down, never relax.
In Holloway, danger was only a heartbeat away...
I anticipated this novel for most of this year. After the sensational Little Boy Blue, Hide and Seek, number six in Arlidge's DI Helen Grace series, has never been far from my thoughts. I know better than to hype a book the way I have this one, but I couldn't help it, my mind was blown from the previous entry's cliffhanger, I needed this book stat.
And it's here. And I've just finished it. And I am in utter, stupefied awe.
Mr Arlidge, I electronically salute you (because I'd no doubt look silly physically doing it to my laptop). Hide and Seek is a masterpiece of a gripping crime novel. I can't remember ever having my hype so high only for the novel to come along and exceed it so drastically. By far this is one of the best books I've read all year.
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
Detective Inspector Helen Grace has spent her whole life running.
From the past. From herself.
From everyone who's ever tried to get close to her.
She's spent her whole life hiding.
Behind the badge. Behind her reputation as one of the country's best detectives.
Until - framed for murder - she became one of its most high-profile prisoners.
Now there is nowhere to run.
Nowhere to hide.
Because HMP Holloway is a place of dark days and long nights with dangers at every turn. Despised by the inmates and reviled by the guards, Helen must face her nightmare alone.
And then a carefully mutilated body is found in a locked cell.
Now Helen must find a ruthless serial killer.
Before the killer finds her.
Plot - 5/5 Stars
Hide and Seek picks up not too long after the cliffhanger in Little Boy Blue, with our protagonist, Helen Grace, wrongfully imprisoned at HMP Holloway in London. The plot bounces smoothly around various viewpoints as Helen fights for survival and Charlie, Helen's only outside ally, fights to reveal the truth surrounding her friend's incarceration. I mean, that alone is some seriously juicy stuff, offering exciting dynamics as Helen faces off against criminals she herself put away and officers who revile her for betraying them.
But Arlidge spices it up even more by throwing a serial killer into the mix, one that Helen feels obligated to hunt to protect the people likely to pulverise her.
I just can't describe the emotions that the novel elicits; no words would do justice to this kind of experience. The danger, tension and claustrophobia are spectacular.
Hide and Seek plays with morality, and like his other books, Arlidge once again shows how capable he is at building events and characters that are realistically pieced together from good and bad. He also creates some maddening, but mesmerising, misdirection. His ability to subvert the reader's judgements is uncanny, and prepare yourself for sharp surprises that will shove the detective in you off course.
I had to have guessed the serial killer's identity a hundred times, and I never once got it right.
An explosive end revels in organised chaos as the reader is buffeted with twists, turns and tragedy. But, the kind of satisfaction it delivers cuts right to the core, ensuring Hide and Seek as a story that has no equal.
Pace - 5/5 Stars
The shifting viewpoints can initially terrify you with their ferocity, but they are smooth and succinct, offering a fast-paced journey through an impressive thriller. There is no waste and no jagged edges. Hide and Seek has so much going for it that each and every chapter demands your attention. Action and survival blend together to add those lightning-quick moments that pump adrenaline throughout your body.
Characters - 5/5 Stars
As I've said, Arlidge is a master when it comes to creating morally divided characters, and Hide and Seek showcases this ability to full effect. We follow a wide range of individuals as they set up this intense and emotionally ravaging story. Helen is of course our main gal, and the torment she faces for things she hasn't done is heartbreaking. But when the crap hits the fan, she's up in front trying to save the people likely to kill her. She might come from a dark past and be surrounded by black, but at her core Helen is all light; a stunning heroine.
And let's not forget Charlie, Helen's loyal and vivacious friend. I'm really coming to see the two as a duo, the two leads of the series, because both are tremendous cast members.
But the world is fleshed, and the variety of characters keeps the plot fresh, moving and unputdownable. There are so many avenues of suspense, and no shortage of suspects. The novel is full of carefully created characters that, even if they appear nice, still come with a certain amount of unease. This is heightened thanks to the emotional connection forged between the reader and Helen; her paranoia is your paranoia.
Writing - 5/5 Stars
Armed with the past tense and third-person narrative, Hide and Seek keeps chapters short and concentrated. Arlidge easily sets a scene and can handle details with the utmost efficiency. I said in my review for the previous entry, Little Boy Blue, that it takes some serious skill to create these kinds of stories with so much potency, and I stand by that.
Overall - 5/5 Stars
The next instalment has been announced for 2017: Follow My Leader. I don't know how I'll manage my patience until then.
Hide and Seek has blown my mind...
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
September 17, 2016
The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore (Lorien Legacies, #2) - Book Review
5/5 Stars
I AM NUMBER SEVEN.
AND I AM READY TO FIGHT...
The Power of Six is a stunning sequel. It ramps up the battle between alien races with spectacular focus and undeniable fun. I am in awe. I Am Number Four, the first in this sci-fi series, is awesome, but this entry blows it out of the water.
With multiple stories running concurrently, a captivating cast that doesn't hold back on variety, and scenes of an explicit and epic nature, The Power of Six takes the reader on a journey they won't forget. The way the author draws you in and emotionally invests you in what's happening is fantastic. Parts of the novel have you fist-pumping the air while others have you trying to read from tear-blurred eyes.
Give me more!
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
THEY KILLED NUMBER ONE IN MALAYSIA.
NUMBER TWO IN ENGLAND.
AND NUMBER THREE IN KENYA.
THEY TRIED TO KILL NUMBER FOUR IN OHIO...AND FAILED.
I AM NUMBER SEVEN. AND I AM READY.
Six of us are left. We hide, blend in, avoid one another, but our Legacies are developing. And one day soon we'll be ready to fight back. Is the appearance of Number Four the sign we've been waiting for? And what about Numbers Five and Six? Is the raven-haired girl from my dreams one of them? A girl with powers beyond anything I have ever imagined.
A girl strong enough to bring the six of us together...
I AM NUMBER SEVEN. AND I AM READY TO FIGHT.
Plot - 4.5/5 Stars
The Power of Six runs two stories concurrently: We follow Number Seven (Marina) in Spain and Number Four (John) in America. Both lines of plot are riveting; there is absolutely no disjoint between the two. Both contain the perfect balance of exposition and action, with one the tale of a hero still in the dark and the other a heart-pounding journey as our heroes are hunted by those they're trying to protect.
Unlike the first entry's more static environment, this structure expands the world immensely, enhancing the already massive feel the series has. It's adventurous and adrenaline heavy. I have to give mad props to the author, the way he mixes superpowers with advanced technology into the action sequences is unbelievable. The set pieces are truly spectacular; choreographed to perfection.
And just wait for those epic endings, and yes, I mean endings plural. With two stories on the go, both get equal attention, giving the reader a tantalising time. Plus you have your standard jaw-dropping twists and cliffhangers to contend with, some of which will have you tearing out your hair as you race to find the next instalment.
Pace - 5/5 Stars
When I realised that we'd be jumping back and forth between two viewpoints and plots, I was worried. Will they blend? Or will they aggravate each other? Thankfully, they're seamless. With a balance to die for, the reader has no problem making their way through the novel.
The only problem I can find with the pace is that, once you start the book, you better cancel all your plans, because stopping isn't an option.
Characters - 4.5/5 Stars
The Power of Six is bolstered by an impressive and expansive cast. Again, initially, I was nervous. Will the vast amount work? Will he or she get the attention they deserve? Especially when there are two stories going on with their own groups?
I will happily tell you that not only does it work, each individual is outstanding. Sure, there are elements to some that pricked at my annoyance, but that's what makes a great character, no? With returning members of the first book, there's some lovely nostalgia and reunion, but that's not to drag the new faces through the mud. The new plot and its people are a fresh, fascinating look at another hero's life separate from the protagonist of the first book.
The only real trouble I have concerns the faint love triangle (or maybe it's a love square, I'm not sure). I mean, come on, I Am Number Four has a simple and effective romance plot, and there are other possibilities with The Power of Six that don't involve characters fighting over one another. It's sloppily done and unnecessary.
Writing - 5/5 Stars
Both plots are written in the present tense with first-person narrative. Amazingly, the author manages to keep both viewpoints distinctive, keeping their voices clear rather than confusing. A change in the text's font also keeps the reader straight.
The author keeps things simple, driving the novel along while not going overboard with descriptions. Scenes are clear and dialogue is snappy.
Overall - 5/5 Stars
Give me the next instalment! Now!
I have other books I want to get to first, but this series is fast becoming one of my favourites. Aliens, superpowers, an epic battle for freedom and hope, it just has it all.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
I AM NUMBER SEVEN.
AND I AM READY TO FIGHT...
The Power of Six is a stunning sequel. It ramps up the battle between alien races with spectacular focus and undeniable fun. I am in awe. I Am Number Four, the first in this sci-fi series, is awesome, but this entry blows it out of the water.
With multiple stories running concurrently, a captivating cast that doesn't hold back on variety, and scenes of an explicit and epic nature, The Power of Six takes the reader on a journey they won't forget. The way the author draws you in and emotionally invests you in what's happening is fantastic. Parts of the novel have you fist-pumping the air while others have you trying to read from tear-blurred eyes.
Give me more!
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
THEY KILLED NUMBER ONE IN MALAYSIA.
NUMBER TWO IN ENGLAND.
AND NUMBER THREE IN KENYA.
THEY TRIED TO KILL NUMBER FOUR IN OHIO...AND FAILED.
I AM NUMBER SEVEN. AND I AM READY.
Six of us are left. We hide, blend in, avoid one another, but our Legacies are developing. And one day soon we'll be ready to fight back. Is the appearance of Number Four the sign we've been waiting for? And what about Numbers Five and Six? Is the raven-haired girl from my dreams one of them? A girl with powers beyond anything I have ever imagined.
A girl strong enough to bring the six of us together...
I AM NUMBER SEVEN. AND I AM READY TO FIGHT.
Plot - 4.5/5 Stars
The Power of Six runs two stories concurrently: We follow Number Seven (Marina) in Spain and Number Four (John) in America. Both lines of plot are riveting; there is absolutely no disjoint between the two. Both contain the perfect balance of exposition and action, with one the tale of a hero still in the dark and the other a heart-pounding journey as our heroes are hunted by those they're trying to protect.
Unlike the first entry's more static environment, this structure expands the world immensely, enhancing the already massive feel the series has. It's adventurous and adrenaline heavy. I have to give mad props to the author, the way he mixes superpowers with advanced technology into the action sequences is unbelievable. The set pieces are truly spectacular; choreographed to perfection.
And just wait for those epic endings, and yes, I mean endings plural. With two stories on the go, both get equal attention, giving the reader a tantalising time. Plus you have your standard jaw-dropping twists and cliffhangers to contend with, some of which will have you tearing out your hair as you race to find the next instalment.
Pace - 5/5 Stars
When I realised that we'd be jumping back and forth between two viewpoints and plots, I was worried. Will they blend? Or will they aggravate each other? Thankfully, they're seamless. With a balance to die for, the reader has no problem making their way through the novel.
The only problem I can find with the pace is that, once you start the book, you better cancel all your plans, because stopping isn't an option.
Characters - 4.5/5 Stars
The Power of Six is bolstered by an impressive and expansive cast. Again, initially, I was nervous. Will the vast amount work? Will he or she get the attention they deserve? Especially when there are two stories going on with their own groups?
I will happily tell you that not only does it work, each individual is outstanding. Sure, there are elements to some that pricked at my annoyance, but that's what makes a great character, no? With returning members of the first book, there's some lovely nostalgia and reunion, but that's not to drag the new faces through the mud. The new plot and its people are a fresh, fascinating look at another hero's life separate from the protagonist of the first book.
The only real trouble I have concerns the faint love triangle (or maybe it's a love square, I'm not sure). I mean, come on, I Am Number Four has a simple and effective romance plot, and there are other possibilities with The Power of Six that don't involve characters fighting over one another. It's sloppily done and unnecessary.
Writing - 5/5 Stars
Both plots are written in the present tense with first-person narrative. Amazingly, the author manages to keep both viewpoints distinctive, keeping their voices clear rather than confusing. A change in the text's font also keeps the reader straight.
The author keeps things simple, driving the novel along while not going overboard with descriptions. Scenes are clear and dialogue is snappy.
Overall - 5/5 Stars
Give me the next instalment! Now!
I have other books I want to get to first, but this series is fast becoming one of my favourites. Aliens, superpowers, an epic battle for freedom and hope, it just has it all.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
September 16, 2016
No Way Back by M.J. Arlidge (DI Helen Grace, #0.5) - Book Review
5/5 Stars
Jodie has no one left to protect her.
She must defend herself.
She must change...
No Way Back is a spitfire of a short story. A prequel to Arlidge's DI Helen Grace series, the reader is taken on a journey of self-discovery, one full of the dark, depressing reality of abuse. It's a harrowing tale that rivets, with a protagonist that is flawed and broken but nonetheless a paragon of survival. Written simply, Arlidge shows us a life most of us can't even imagine outside of fiction, but that exists whether we like it or not.
Fair warning: This won't be a long review. No Way Back is short and will take you less than an hour, but I'll be honest, I only have praise.
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
Jodie's arriving at her third children's home. She's only fifteen.
Maybe this time will be different. She'll be safe. Looked after.
But the truth is Jodie has no one left to protect her. She must defend herself. She must change.
Plot - 5/5 Stars
If you're new to the series, don't worry. No Way Back takes place before the main series and tells the story of Jodie (Helen Grace's birth name) as she comes to terms with her violent, heartbreaking past. Readers of the main series, though, are in for a treat. While we know Helen's background, this novella gives us a fresh story at a pivotal moment in her life: The moment she decides she is Helen and no longer Jodie.
The journey to this moment is littered with death and destruction, games and merciless bad guys hiding behind faces of angels. It's a sharp look at the human condition, and the author effortlessly captures the spectrum. Shocks and surprises lead the way to a hopeful end, setting up the future of the series with enviable excitement.
Pace - 5/5 Stars
No Way Back is a blend of gritty storytelling and clever character development, both of which are wrapped up in fewer that 100 pages. It's fast, furious and fantastic. There are no drops in quality and no fluff.
Characters - 5/5 Stars
The only character that really matters is Helen Grace (or Jodie in this entry), but Arlidge populates No Way Back with a delightfully despicable variety of people. They're not all bad, and they're not all good, not even Helen. It captures the murky nature of humanity, of being pushed and pushed, and the different outcomes that entails.
For example, some people will shut down and fall, and that is where they'll stay. With Helen, Arlidge shows us the opposite; he shows us the kind of person who switches on and stands. Helen is a hero at her core, and this is made apparent even at a young age. The way she develops in this novella is stunning. The way she uses pain to manage anxiety, moral righteousness to battle darkness and pure resilience when the weight of the world is too much is absolutely amazing.
Writing - 5/5 Stars
Strong, smooth, and crystal clear.
Overall - 5/5 Stars
Whether you're new to the series or an ardent fan, No Way Back is a must. It's a short snap that conveys what the author's main series is like: Cold, depressing, and oddly hopeful. It fleshes a fantastic protagonist that will quickly make your favourites list, and at such a cheap price, I don't know why anyone would pass this by.
It has me so pumped for the recently released Hide and Seek, which I am ferociously working my way towards.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
Jodie has no one left to protect her.
She must defend herself.
She must change...
No Way Back is a spitfire of a short story. A prequel to Arlidge's DI Helen Grace series, the reader is taken on a journey of self-discovery, one full of the dark, depressing reality of abuse. It's a harrowing tale that rivets, with a protagonist that is flawed and broken but nonetheless a paragon of survival. Written simply, Arlidge shows us a life most of us can't even imagine outside of fiction, but that exists whether we like it or not.
Fair warning: This won't be a long review. No Way Back is short and will take you less than an hour, but I'll be honest, I only have praise.
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
Jodie's arriving at her third children's home. She's only fifteen.
Maybe this time will be different. She'll be safe. Looked after.
But the truth is Jodie has no one left to protect her. She must defend herself. She must change.
Plot - 5/5 Stars
If you're new to the series, don't worry. No Way Back takes place before the main series and tells the story of Jodie (Helen Grace's birth name) as she comes to terms with her violent, heartbreaking past. Readers of the main series, though, are in for a treat. While we know Helen's background, this novella gives us a fresh story at a pivotal moment in her life: The moment she decides she is Helen and no longer Jodie.
The journey to this moment is littered with death and destruction, games and merciless bad guys hiding behind faces of angels. It's a sharp look at the human condition, and the author effortlessly captures the spectrum. Shocks and surprises lead the way to a hopeful end, setting up the future of the series with enviable excitement.
Pace - 5/5 Stars
No Way Back is a blend of gritty storytelling and clever character development, both of which are wrapped up in fewer that 100 pages. It's fast, furious and fantastic. There are no drops in quality and no fluff.
Characters - 5/5 Stars
The only character that really matters is Helen Grace (or Jodie in this entry), but Arlidge populates No Way Back with a delightfully despicable variety of people. They're not all bad, and they're not all good, not even Helen. It captures the murky nature of humanity, of being pushed and pushed, and the different outcomes that entails.
For example, some people will shut down and fall, and that is where they'll stay. With Helen, Arlidge shows us the opposite; he shows us the kind of person who switches on and stands. Helen is a hero at her core, and this is made apparent even at a young age. The way she develops in this novella is stunning. The way she uses pain to manage anxiety, moral righteousness to battle darkness and pure resilience when the weight of the world is too much is absolutely amazing.
Writing - 5/5 Stars
Strong, smooth, and crystal clear.
Overall - 5/5 Stars
Whether you're new to the series or an ardent fan, No Way Back is a must. It's a short snap that conveys what the author's main series is like: Cold, depressing, and oddly hopeful. It fleshes a fantastic protagonist that will quickly make your favourites list, and at such a cheap price, I don't know why anyone would pass this by.
It has me so pumped for the recently released Hide and Seek, which I am ferociously working my way towards.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
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