Matthew R. Bell's Blog, page 6
July 5, 2016
Private Berlin by James Patterson (Private, #5) - Book Review
4.5/5 Stars
Burying the past is the one unforgivable crime...
After Private No. 1 Suspect, this entry's predecessor, I was a little dejected with the series. At that point, the amount of Patterson novels I'd devoured were blurring in my mind, and any new book was becoming more and more generic.
This is more like it! I've learned a lesson: Never give up on Patterson and his co-authors.
Private Berlin is everything I want. Patterson and Mark Sullivan drive a compelling new cast through a gripping mystery that, while not too far from their usual style, strikes the right balance between emotive and suspenseful. Using historical events and aspects from those events (the Cold War, the Berlin Wall, the Stasi, etc.), they weave a haunting tale rooted in the very real past.
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
A history lesson they'll never forget...and neither will you.
Mattie Engel is one of the rising stars at Private Berlin, and believes she's seen the worst of people in her previous life with the Berlin police force. That is until Chris, her colleague - and until recently, her fiance - is found dead, brutally murdered in an old slaughterhouse outside the city.
The slaughterhouse is filled with bodies. But just as Private begin their investigations, the building explodes, wiping out all evidence of the crimes, and nearly killing Mattie and her team.
Mattie soon realises that a masked killer is picking off Chris's childhood friends, one by one, and destroying the trail. But who wants the past buried so badly? What is the truth about that slaughterhouse? And will Mattie become the killer's next victim?
Plot - 4.5/5 Stars
Loaded with intrigue right from the start, Patterson and Sullivan drag the reader along on a ferocious journey that unearths secrets and sorrow. Private Berlin is focused on one plot, and while there are a couple other tales woven in the web, they converge and add to the overall story. This entry is dark, but the easy-going nature of Patterson's novels keeps things from being bogged down.
Intertwined with the suspense and thrills, the authors give a fascinating, but harrowing, look at aspects of history that haven't long passed. This insight helps connect the reader to the emotional parts of the plot, and while there are cliches and cheesy conveniences, I cannot praise this intricate entry to the series enough.
Through an action-packed, adrenaline-fuelled story we travel, battered by twists, turns, and our own imaginations. When we reach the closing scenes, the fantastic finale feels earned and satisfying in a way that this series had yet to be.
Pace - 5/5 Stars
At over 400 pages, Private Berlin could be quite imposing to newcomers of the authors, but don't you worry, Patterson and Sullivan structure perfectly, forcing you to turn page after page as you absorb revelations and relationships like oxygen.
Characters - 4/5 Stars
The members of the cast aren't the best characters you'll ever read, but thanks to the story, they're bolstered above their newbie status. It's the first time in the Private series that they've made an appearance, and while owner of Private Investigations, Jack Morgan, is a secondary character, the fresh feel mixes well with just how damn good everyone is.
Mattie works as the protagonist, and her family life and professional relationships are interesting. You can buy into this cast. Individual and overall development are nothing spectacular, but they're enjoyable. Every character has been carefully created, and it shows.
One of the most exciting parts of the novel is the way the authors manoeuvre the heroes and the villain. So many times the two come into contact with one another, and the protagonists are none the wiser, eliciting anxiety and frustration that only drive the reader forwards.
Writing - 4.5/5 Stars
We're back on form in this department. The authors balance their short chapters by ensuring smooth switches in viewpoints and places. Private No. 1 Suspect's structure frustrates me to no end with its stop-and-start feel, but Private Berlin delights in making the chapters important, while not spreading each scene too thin.
We're treated to some gruesome details that are sharp; some fantastic action sequences that get your heart racing; and an entire story of suspense that kicks your detective side into gear.
Overall - 4.5/5 Stars
I want this standard of storytelling to remain in future entries to the series, but I guess we will see.
But it's worth a few mediocre instalments to reach one that's like Private Berlin.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
Burying the past is the one unforgivable crime...
After Private No. 1 Suspect, this entry's predecessor, I was a little dejected with the series. At that point, the amount of Patterson novels I'd devoured were blurring in my mind, and any new book was becoming more and more generic.
This is more like it! I've learned a lesson: Never give up on Patterson and his co-authors.
Private Berlin is everything I want. Patterson and Mark Sullivan drive a compelling new cast through a gripping mystery that, while not too far from their usual style, strikes the right balance between emotive and suspenseful. Using historical events and aspects from those events (the Cold War, the Berlin Wall, the Stasi, etc.), they weave a haunting tale rooted in the very real past.
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
A history lesson they'll never forget...and neither will you.
Mattie Engel is one of the rising stars at Private Berlin, and believes she's seen the worst of people in her previous life with the Berlin police force. That is until Chris, her colleague - and until recently, her fiance - is found dead, brutally murdered in an old slaughterhouse outside the city.
The slaughterhouse is filled with bodies. But just as Private begin their investigations, the building explodes, wiping out all evidence of the crimes, and nearly killing Mattie and her team.
Mattie soon realises that a masked killer is picking off Chris's childhood friends, one by one, and destroying the trail. But who wants the past buried so badly? What is the truth about that slaughterhouse? And will Mattie become the killer's next victim?
Plot - 4.5/5 Stars
Loaded with intrigue right from the start, Patterson and Sullivan drag the reader along on a ferocious journey that unearths secrets and sorrow. Private Berlin is focused on one plot, and while there are a couple other tales woven in the web, they converge and add to the overall story. This entry is dark, but the easy-going nature of Patterson's novels keeps things from being bogged down.
Intertwined with the suspense and thrills, the authors give a fascinating, but harrowing, look at aspects of history that haven't long passed. This insight helps connect the reader to the emotional parts of the plot, and while there are cliches and cheesy conveniences, I cannot praise this intricate entry to the series enough.
Through an action-packed, adrenaline-fuelled story we travel, battered by twists, turns, and our own imaginations. When we reach the closing scenes, the fantastic finale feels earned and satisfying in a way that this series had yet to be.
Pace - 5/5 Stars
At over 400 pages, Private Berlin could be quite imposing to newcomers of the authors, but don't you worry, Patterson and Sullivan structure perfectly, forcing you to turn page after page as you absorb revelations and relationships like oxygen.
Characters - 4/5 Stars
The members of the cast aren't the best characters you'll ever read, but thanks to the story, they're bolstered above their newbie status. It's the first time in the Private series that they've made an appearance, and while owner of Private Investigations, Jack Morgan, is a secondary character, the fresh feel mixes well with just how damn good everyone is.
Mattie works as the protagonist, and her family life and professional relationships are interesting. You can buy into this cast. Individual and overall development are nothing spectacular, but they're enjoyable. Every character has been carefully created, and it shows.
One of the most exciting parts of the novel is the way the authors manoeuvre the heroes and the villain. So many times the two come into contact with one another, and the protagonists are none the wiser, eliciting anxiety and frustration that only drive the reader forwards.
Writing - 4.5/5 Stars
We're back on form in this department. The authors balance their short chapters by ensuring smooth switches in viewpoints and places. Private No. 1 Suspect's structure frustrates me to no end with its stop-and-start feel, but Private Berlin delights in making the chapters important, while not spreading each scene too thin.
We're treated to some gruesome details that are sharp; some fantastic action sequences that get your heart racing; and an entire story of suspense that kicks your detective side into gear.
Overall - 4.5/5 Stars
I want this standard of storytelling to remain in future entries to the series, but I guess we will see.
But it's worth a few mediocre instalments to reach one that's like Private Berlin.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
July 4, 2016
The Awakening by L.J. Smith (The Vampire Diaries, #1) - Book Review
3.5/5 Stars
A deadly love triangle...
Who will she choose?
I've been putting off reading The Vampire Diaries series. I bought a box set with the first four entries so, so long ago that, until last week when I unearthed them, I'd completely forgotten I even had them. I'm in utter love with the TV show, and I've had a couple people tell me the books are different. A little bit in some places, a lot in others.
So I've been pretty terrified of picking them up.
But when I found them, with their TV show tie-in covers, a wave of loss hit me. The small screen version of the series has finished its seventh season, and now I have the gruelling wait before the eighth season starts. And I miss it damn you! So, here I am. I did my best to try and keep the book series and TV adaptation separate as I started The Awakening, all the while hoping to satisfy that supernatural longing...
Synopsis (Not a copy from the book, but I always keep my interpretations close.)
Elena Gilbert is the Queen in her town.
She takes what she wants, when she wants it.
But when Stefan, the new, alluring boy at school, snuffs her advances, she's furious.
Determined to get her way, Elena ups her game as Stefan tries to shut her down.
It's not that he isn't interested.
It's that his interest could get her killed.
As Elena and Stefan dance, the town is consumed by murder.
A dark, savage beast stalks the night, and Elena has stumbled onto its path...
Plot - 3/5 Stars
The Awakening feels like half of a whole. I get that it's a series, but the first entry seems to have been split down the middle, at least, that's how it reads. As both a pro and a con, The Awakening is your typical supernatural romance, with a lot of emphasis on the romance. I kind of knew this would be the case before I started, but it still polarises me. On the one hand, it's a guilty pleasure that I cannot get enough of, and on the other, its instalove and swooning moments are like graters over my skin.
There are some eerie scenes and a halfhearted mystery, but this beginning instalment sets up the love arc between characters, so my hope for a supernatural bonanza was kinda shot down in flames. But, I enjoyed myself. There are certain things about the story, characters and writing that I absolutely love, and while I might roll my eyes at the cheesy elements, I'm in no rush to put the series away again.
I can only hope that as the series progresses we see more of the story aspects that make the show so great.
The end is Abrupt, capital A Abrupt. It's not really a cliffhanger (at least not one that has me running for the next entry), but it's sudden and I don't like it. Thankfully, the author's confusing ability to compel the reader with her samples of vampires and other supernatural creatures will have me reading the next book when I can.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
The Awakening's flow is a little shaky. There is, to be honest, not a lot that goes on outwith the main romance plot, but the short length of the story and its overall aura make it a pleasure to read through.
Characters - 3/5 Stars
This is likely the area, at least for the first book, that the novels differ vastly from the show. The most like their characters from the show would have to be Matt, Stefan and Damon. The rest are almost completely and radically different.
It's not necessarily a bad thing, but despite my best intentions, I was trying to transplant the show's cast, which didn't work too well. All of the characters are fifty-fifty. I like them for some things and hate them for others. There's a little development, but not a lot.
I think I'll need to spend a little more time with them... (And hope to God that the supernatural aspects up their game to balance the gooey instalove.)
Writing - 3.5/5 Stars
The Awakening is written in the past tense with third-person narration. Its jumps through time and its switches in viewpoints are all smooth and handled well. Scenes are clear enough, but sometimes the narrative can shift from simple to lyrical at the drop of a hat, and I'm not really sure which one I like most.
Overall - 3.5/5 Stars
Not as scary a prospect as I thought it would be, and I even found the experience enjoyable. By the end I could see the threads that connect the show and book series, but for the most part, I'm now able to distinguish between the two (which could be great; two similar flavours I can indulge in!).
I'm looking forward to seeing how the author shapes everything up.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
A deadly love triangle...
Who will she choose?
I've been putting off reading The Vampire Diaries series. I bought a box set with the first four entries so, so long ago that, until last week when I unearthed them, I'd completely forgotten I even had them. I'm in utter love with the TV show, and I've had a couple people tell me the books are different. A little bit in some places, a lot in others.
So I've been pretty terrified of picking them up.
But when I found them, with their TV show tie-in covers, a wave of loss hit me. The small screen version of the series has finished its seventh season, and now I have the gruelling wait before the eighth season starts. And I miss it damn you! So, here I am. I did my best to try and keep the book series and TV adaptation separate as I started The Awakening, all the while hoping to satisfy that supernatural longing...
Synopsis (Not a copy from the book, but I always keep my interpretations close.)
Elena Gilbert is the Queen in her town.
She takes what she wants, when she wants it.
But when Stefan, the new, alluring boy at school, snuffs her advances, she's furious.
Determined to get her way, Elena ups her game as Stefan tries to shut her down.
It's not that he isn't interested.
It's that his interest could get her killed.
As Elena and Stefan dance, the town is consumed by murder.
A dark, savage beast stalks the night, and Elena has stumbled onto its path...
Plot - 3/5 Stars
The Awakening feels like half of a whole. I get that it's a series, but the first entry seems to have been split down the middle, at least, that's how it reads. As both a pro and a con, The Awakening is your typical supernatural romance, with a lot of emphasis on the romance. I kind of knew this would be the case before I started, but it still polarises me. On the one hand, it's a guilty pleasure that I cannot get enough of, and on the other, its instalove and swooning moments are like graters over my skin.
There are some eerie scenes and a halfhearted mystery, but this beginning instalment sets up the love arc between characters, so my hope for a supernatural bonanza was kinda shot down in flames. But, I enjoyed myself. There are certain things about the story, characters and writing that I absolutely love, and while I might roll my eyes at the cheesy elements, I'm in no rush to put the series away again.
I can only hope that as the series progresses we see more of the story aspects that make the show so great.
The end is Abrupt, capital A Abrupt. It's not really a cliffhanger (at least not one that has me running for the next entry), but it's sudden and I don't like it. Thankfully, the author's confusing ability to compel the reader with her samples of vampires and other supernatural creatures will have me reading the next book when I can.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
The Awakening's flow is a little shaky. There is, to be honest, not a lot that goes on outwith the main romance plot, but the short length of the story and its overall aura make it a pleasure to read through.
Characters - 3/5 Stars
This is likely the area, at least for the first book, that the novels differ vastly from the show. The most like their characters from the show would have to be Matt, Stefan and Damon. The rest are almost completely and radically different.
It's not necessarily a bad thing, but despite my best intentions, I was trying to transplant the show's cast, which didn't work too well. All of the characters are fifty-fifty. I like them for some things and hate them for others. There's a little development, but not a lot.
I think I'll need to spend a little more time with them... (And hope to God that the supernatural aspects up their game to balance the gooey instalove.)
Writing - 3.5/5 Stars
The Awakening is written in the past tense with third-person narration. Its jumps through time and its switches in viewpoints are all smooth and handled well. Scenes are clear enough, but sometimes the narrative can shift from simple to lyrical at the drop of a hat, and I'm not really sure which one I like most.
Overall - 3.5/5 Stars
Not as scary a prospect as I thought it would be, and I even found the experience enjoyable. By the end I could see the threads that connect the show and book series, but for the most part, I'm now able to distinguish between the two (which could be great; two similar flavours I can indulge in!).
I'm looking forward to seeing how the author shapes everything up.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
July 2, 2016
Riker's Calling by Rico Lamoureux - Book Review - Indie
2.5/5 Stars
Someone out there knew my history.
An obvious psychotic that I had somehow managed to enthrall.
I was completely at a loss, knowing only one thing for certain;
this deadly web, in all its detail, was being weaved around me...
* I was gifted this book, by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn't resist Riker's Calling when Rico sent it through, the blurb just grabbed my intrigue and refused to let go. A novel that focuses on a protagonist in a deadly battle with his serial-killer nemesis? Hell to the yes!
I was gifted a review copy of the novel before its release, so a lot of my misgivings could potentially be cleared up by the 4th of August, when it becomes available. Riker's Calling, for me, just comes with a jumble of parts. Some shine and are well-oiled, while the rust on others affects the story's ability to run smoothly.
On the plus side, the length of the novel is great. Keeping things nice and condensed for maximum adrenaline. But let's get to the meat of my review.
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
From school bullies to the crime-ridden streets of his hometown of Los Angeles, Jeremy Riker has always felt the need to do something about the injustice surrounding him. Just as he sets out on his journey as an urban warrior, he unknowingly gives rise to an obsessive adversary, who ends up becoming one of the most notorious serial killers the city has ever known. Dubbed by the news media as The Spyderco Killer, the methodical psychopath roots himself deep into Riker's life for the long haul, until his own madness propels everything into an intense climax.
Plot - 3/5 Stars
The first half of the novel is the best. Rico starts us by firing up the action instantly with a great fight scene and high stakes. The brutality is also shocking, creating a vivid mental picture that's sharp. This quality continues throughout, with the author unafraid of details and merciless with the variety of ice-cold shocks that lie in wait like traps.
But, eventually, this structure becomes frustrating. The majority of the story centres on the gruesome murders of many, many people, shoving the alluring detective aspects to the side. The first few times the surprise is palpable, but after that it's unneeded.
The second half suffers from being bogged down by exposition and iffy reveals. The lightning-quick pace of the beginning thankfully overshadows the amount of information given, but as the story builds and builds to its conclusion, everything starts to rattle and fall. The villain's identity, which the author patiently lays the groundwork for, is revealed halfheartedly in a few sentences at the worst time in the story, rendering all the hints void.
We eventually reach the conclusion, perhaps not as invested as we should be, with a showdown we want. Answers are given, for better or worse, and the story comes to an average close, leaving off on a cliffhanger for a potential sequel.
Riker's Calling works in some areas and not in others. The talent is there, that passion to tell a surprising story, but the technical ability to structure needs a little fine-tuning.
Pace - 3/5 Stars
While the jagged structure can make it a bumpy ride, Riker's Calling's overall pace is stellar. The book's short length and action-orientated progression lends the flow speed, and the more captivating parts of the plot help keep you interested.
Characters - 2.5/5 Stars
The story predominantly focuses on two main viewpoints: Riker's and the villain's. Both have good backstories that define and build them, and understanding their roots isn't a problem. On the other hand, neither develop through the intense situations they go through. After all the brutality that occurs over a long period of time, Riker's lack of awareness, despite the character's overall bio, is infuriating.
A serial killer is haunting him and those that surround him, but you wouldn't be able to tell by the way he conducts himself, or by the way those around him do.
The villain is blunted by the lacklustre reveal, but his initial mystery is brilliant, with his antics suitably shocking. The intricacies of his mind and the games he sets out for Riker are often intelligent and riveting.
The rest of the cast come and go too frequently to put a steady finger on them. Some are good parts, some are unnecessary.
Writing - 2.5/5 Stars
I will state that this is a review copy, and is likely to be a little more polished by its release date.
In my copy, however, sentences can often be jagged, with an odd structure that can foil carefully built and intense scenes. The flow of the story picks up exceptionally when the sentences run smoothly, and there are some fantastic collections of words throughout.
Scenes within scenes prove to be problem. As the author structures one event, he can often switch unexpectedly to a past event and have both running concurrently, blending plots and merging pictures when they should remain separate.
Overall - 2.5/5 Stars
Overall, Riker's Calling has some tingling experiences that fit perfectly with the crime thriller genre. It can sometimes wander off the reserve or stay in one place too long, but it's an interesting experience that shows an author making his way up.
Plus, depending on when you're reading this review, you can pre-order the novel on Amazon for 25% off! And for a little adrenaline shot like this, I urge you to give it a try.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
Someone out there knew my history.
An obvious psychotic that I had somehow managed to enthrall.
I was completely at a loss, knowing only one thing for certain;
this deadly web, in all its detail, was being weaved around me...
* I was gifted this book, by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn't resist Riker's Calling when Rico sent it through, the blurb just grabbed my intrigue and refused to let go. A novel that focuses on a protagonist in a deadly battle with his serial-killer nemesis? Hell to the yes!
I was gifted a review copy of the novel before its release, so a lot of my misgivings could potentially be cleared up by the 4th of August, when it becomes available. Riker's Calling, for me, just comes with a jumble of parts. Some shine and are well-oiled, while the rust on others affects the story's ability to run smoothly.
On the plus side, the length of the novel is great. Keeping things nice and condensed for maximum adrenaline. But let's get to the meat of my review.
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
From school bullies to the crime-ridden streets of his hometown of Los Angeles, Jeremy Riker has always felt the need to do something about the injustice surrounding him. Just as he sets out on his journey as an urban warrior, he unknowingly gives rise to an obsessive adversary, who ends up becoming one of the most notorious serial killers the city has ever known. Dubbed by the news media as The Spyderco Killer, the methodical psychopath roots himself deep into Riker's life for the long haul, until his own madness propels everything into an intense climax.
Plot - 3/5 Stars
The first half of the novel is the best. Rico starts us by firing up the action instantly with a great fight scene and high stakes. The brutality is also shocking, creating a vivid mental picture that's sharp. This quality continues throughout, with the author unafraid of details and merciless with the variety of ice-cold shocks that lie in wait like traps.
But, eventually, this structure becomes frustrating. The majority of the story centres on the gruesome murders of many, many people, shoving the alluring detective aspects to the side. The first few times the surprise is palpable, but after that it's unneeded.
The second half suffers from being bogged down by exposition and iffy reveals. The lightning-quick pace of the beginning thankfully overshadows the amount of information given, but as the story builds and builds to its conclusion, everything starts to rattle and fall. The villain's identity, which the author patiently lays the groundwork for, is revealed halfheartedly in a few sentences at the worst time in the story, rendering all the hints void.
We eventually reach the conclusion, perhaps not as invested as we should be, with a showdown we want. Answers are given, for better or worse, and the story comes to an average close, leaving off on a cliffhanger for a potential sequel.
Riker's Calling works in some areas and not in others. The talent is there, that passion to tell a surprising story, but the technical ability to structure needs a little fine-tuning.
Pace - 3/5 Stars
While the jagged structure can make it a bumpy ride, Riker's Calling's overall pace is stellar. The book's short length and action-orientated progression lends the flow speed, and the more captivating parts of the plot help keep you interested.
Characters - 2.5/5 Stars
The story predominantly focuses on two main viewpoints: Riker's and the villain's. Both have good backstories that define and build them, and understanding their roots isn't a problem. On the other hand, neither develop through the intense situations they go through. After all the brutality that occurs over a long period of time, Riker's lack of awareness, despite the character's overall bio, is infuriating.
A serial killer is haunting him and those that surround him, but you wouldn't be able to tell by the way he conducts himself, or by the way those around him do.
The villain is blunted by the lacklustre reveal, but his initial mystery is brilliant, with his antics suitably shocking. The intricacies of his mind and the games he sets out for Riker are often intelligent and riveting.
The rest of the cast come and go too frequently to put a steady finger on them. Some are good parts, some are unnecessary.
Writing - 2.5/5 Stars
I will state that this is a review copy, and is likely to be a little more polished by its release date.
In my copy, however, sentences can often be jagged, with an odd structure that can foil carefully built and intense scenes. The flow of the story picks up exceptionally when the sentences run smoothly, and there are some fantastic collections of words throughout.
Scenes within scenes prove to be problem. As the author structures one event, he can often switch unexpectedly to a past event and have both running concurrently, blending plots and merging pictures when they should remain separate.
Overall - 2.5/5 Stars
Overall, Riker's Calling has some tingling experiences that fit perfectly with the crime thriller genre. It can sometimes wander off the reserve or stay in one place too long, but it's an interesting experience that shows an author making his way up.
Plus, depending on when you're reading this review, you can pre-order the novel on Amazon for 25% off! And for a little adrenaline shot like this, I urge you to give it a try.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
June 30, 2016
Private No. 1 Suspect by James Patterson (Private, #4) - Book Review
3.5/5 Stars
A beautiful girl is found dead
in Jack Morgan's bed...
I've been excited to get back to Jack Morgan, owner of Private Investigations and its worldwide limbs, that I think I might have over-hyped Private No. 1 Suspect in my mind. It's not a bad entry, but there's just something missing that keeps it from clicking.
The plots are interesting and compelling, but they lack a certain spark; characters and their relationships trace a wacky pattern, some are fantastic, while others, again, don't quite hit the mark; and the writing and structure bounce around, never really staying at a high or low point.
I think the authors, James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, are vying to keep a balance. Most Patterson novels that are a part of a series can usually be read as standalone stories, appealing to a wider audience and ensuring you don't need to read the previous books when you like the blurb of one further on. But they also keep an emotional thread for those of us following the entries in order, and Private No. 1 Suspect struggles with that balance, leaving the reader with mixed emotions.
SPOILER WARNING
Synopsis (Not a copy from the book, but I always keep my interpretations close.)
Jack Morgan returns to LA to find a dead ex-lover lying on his bed...
...and he's the No. 1 suspect.
With the evidence mounting against him, Jack has more problems coming his way.
A serial killer stalks hotels for unfaithful victims, and the son of a mob leader calls in Jack for some less than legal help.
Friends lose faith, and clients of his company jump ship.
The water is past his chin, and despite the fact Jack can swim, if he doesn't find land, he'll drown...
Plot - 3/5 Stars
Private No. 1 Suspect begins with gusto, setting a hooking plot up right from the get-go. I love the mystery and shock, but unfortunately, the emotional punch isn't as powerful as I feel it's intended to be. Colleen, Jack's ex and former employee at Private, is the victim, and she's a character we get to know in the series' very first entry. But there have been two books since then (and for me they were already out, so I didn't have to wait long), so the reader's connection is blunted.
Aside from that, the collection of cases is a fun one. There's a nice mix, from mobsters to serial killers, and Patterson and Paetro do a fine job of managing the threads.
They also build well, and despite the 'main' plot surrounding Colleen's death lacking emotion, that line of the story is stellar when Jack's malicious twin is added to the mix. I love the sibling rivalry, which is also present in Private (the first instalment); it adds so many layers of repressed rage to an overall story that, while interesting, is often bland.
Conclusions are measured and satisfying as they deliver answers, but it's nothing you haven't seen before. While the series works its global elements well, in comparison to other Patterson novels, it's beginning to feel more and more generic (let's hope that changes, there are still a few entries to come).
Pace - 3.5/5 Stars
Private No. 1 Suspect has tons of great action and some wicked suspense, and thanks to the enjoyable story within, its flow, for the most part, is smooth.
My only con lies in parts of the structure; in fact, the same problem affected this series' second entry, Private London, and comes from the writing and structure, which I'll do below.
Characters - 3/5 Stars
I remember loving this novel's cast back in Private (there's been new ones in the books between), but they missed the mark this time round. I couldn't fully connect with them. I think it's mainly because I feel they focus on the wrong relationships, plus it's development we've already seen happen with these exact characters.
Jack is still a great protagonist, I love being back and seeing the world through his eyes, but his progression is very static. His romantic relationship, or lack of, with Justine is frustrating and, sadly, boring. There's no chemistry to justify it. The silver lining comes when his twin brother Tommy, the bad to Jack's good, becomes a part of the plot. The contention between the two is riveting, and I just can't get enough of their relationship.
Don't lose that thread!
The other members of the cast are just decoration. They work, don't get me wrong, but there's nothing wow about them.
There are more misses than hits, but the hits are fantastic.
Writing - 3/5 Stars
Overall, Patterson's style is secure, with lightning-quick progression and exciting events.
On the other hand, Private No. 1 Suspect's structure reminds me of Private London's. It's annoying as hell. One bland scene will be split over several short chapters, giving it a stop-and-start feel that can tear you from being immersed. There's also a lot of fluff, but none that contributes to any real development.
Overall - 3.5/5 Stars
A fine read, but nothing the authors haven't done before and haven't done better.
I'm probably being too critical... I'm in a sour mood today, my friends, and I need to give myself a big shake.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
A beautiful girl is found dead
in Jack Morgan's bed...
I've been excited to get back to Jack Morgan, owner of Private Investigations and its worldwide limbs, that I think I might have over-hyped Private No. 1 Suspect in my mind. It's not a bad entry, but there's just something missing that keeps it from clicking.
The plots are interesting and compelling, but they lack a certain spark; characters and their relationships trace a wacky pattern, some are fantastic, while others, again, don't quite hit the mark; and the writing and structure bounce around, never really staying at a high or low point.
I think the authors, James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, are vying to keep a balance. Most Patterson novels that are a part of a series can usually be read as standalone stories, appealing to a wider audience and ensuring you don't need to read the previous books when you like the blurb of one further on. But they also keep an emotional thread for those of us following the entries in order, and Private No. 1 Suspect struggles with that balance, leaving the reader with mixed emotions.
SPOILER WARNING
Synopsis (Not a copy from the book, but I always keep my interpretations close.)
Jack Morgan returns to LA to find a dead ex-lover lying on his bed...
...and he's the No. 1 suspect.
With the evidence mounting against him, Jack has more problems coming his way.
A serial killer stalks hotels for unfaithful victims, and the son of a mob leader calls in Jack for some less than legal help.
Friends lose faith, and clients of his company jump ship.
The water is past his chin, and despite the fact Jack can swim, if he doesn't find land, he'll drown...
Plot - 3/5 Stars
Private No. 1 Suspect begins with gusto, setting a hooking plot up right from the get-go. I love the mystery and shock, but unfortunately, the emotional punch isn't as powerful as I feel it's intended to be. Colleen, Jack's ex and former employee at Private, is the victim, and she's a character we get to know in the series' very first entry. But there have been two books since then (and for me they were already out, so I didn't have to wait long), so the reader's connection is blunted.
Aside from that, the collection of cases is a fun one. There's a nice mix, from mobsters to serial killers, and Patterson and Paetro do a fine job of managing the threads.
They also build well, and despite the 'main' plot surrounding Colleen's death lacking emotion, that line of the story is stellar when Jack's malicious twin is added to the mix. I love the sibling rivalry, which is also present in Private (the first instalment); it adds so many layers of repressed rage to an overall story that, while interesting, is often bland.
Conclusions are measured and satisfying as they deliver answers, but it's nothing you haven't seen before. While the series works its global elements well, in comparison to other Patterson novels, it's beginning to feel more and more generic (let's hope that changes, there are still a few entries to come).
Pace - 3.5/5 Stars
Private No. 1 Suspect has tons of great action and some wicked suspense, and thanks to the enjoyable story within, its flow, for the most part, is smooth.
My only con lies in parts of the structure; in fact, the same problem affected this series' second entry, Private London, and comes from the writing and structure, which I'll do below.
Characters - 3/5 Stars
I remember loving this novel's cast back in Private (there's been new ones in the books between), but they missed the mark this time round. I couldn't fully connect with them. I think it's mainly because I feel they focus on the wrong relationships, plus it's development we've already seen happen with these exact characters.
Jack is still a great protagonist, I love being back and seeing the world through his eyes, but his progression is very static. His romantic relationship, or lack of, with Justine is frustrating and, sadly, boring. There's no chemistry to justify it. The silver lining comes when his twin brother Tommy, the bad to Jack's good, becomes a part of the plot. The contention between the two is riveting, and I just can't get enough of their relationship.
Don't lose that thread!
The other members of the cast are just decoration. They work, don't get me wrong, but there's nothing wow about them.
There are more misses than hits, but the hits are fantastic.
Writing - 3/5 Stars
Overall, Patterson's style is secure, with lightning-quick progression and exciting events.
On the other hand, Private No. 1 Suspect's structure reminds me of Private London's. It's annoying as hell. One bland scene will be split over several short chapters, giving it a stop-and-start feel that can tear you from being immersed. There's also a lot of fluff, but none that contributes to any real development.
Overall - 3.5/5 Stars
A fine read, but nothing the authors haven't done before and haven't done better.
I'm probably being too critical... I'm in a sour mood today, my friends, and I need to give myself a big shake.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
June 26, 2016
Desolation by Derek Landy (Demon Road, #2) - Book Review
4.5/5 Stars
It's a hell of a place...
It's always a worrying experience when you adore the first entry to a trilogy and then pick up the instalment that succeeds it. Will it be as good? Or will it be a typical novel that bridges one brilliant beginning to its finale?
Well, let me tell you, Derek Landy's middle entry to his trilogy is a phenomenal ride. Desolation, of course, has the aura of an overall story that isn't yet complete, but it also packs one powerful punch as it stoutly stands on its own.
Mixing supernatural horror, mystery, and effortless wit, Landy cultivates a fresh adventure in a world full of shadowy crevices yet to be explored.
SPOILER WARNING
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
Reeling from their bloody encounter in New York City at the end of Demon Road, Amber and Milo flee north. On their trail are the Hounds of Hell - five demonic bikers who will stop at nothing to drag their quarries back to their unholy master.
Amber and Milo's only hope lies within Desolation Hill - a small town with a big secret; a town with a darkness to it, where evil seeps through the very floorboards. Until, on one night every year, it spills over onto the streets and all hell breaks loose.
AND THAT NIGHT IS COMING...
Plot - 4.5/5 Stars
'They were alive when she walked in.'
Yep, I'm starting with another feisty first sentence that grabs you by the neck. Is Derek Landy the king of sassy sentences? I don't know, but so far, his beginnings are on point. Desolation starts with action and leads into a captivating mystery. This entry's location, Desolation Hill, Alaska, proves to be a fantastic place to be (if you love murder and mayhem, of course). Where Demon Road, the predecessor, takes place across a bigger part of America, Desolation doesn't disappoint with its more stationary surroundings.
This helps to even the plot, keeping it more or less on the same road forward, with a few pit stops to keep things spicy.
The last half is EVERYTHING! Landy builds the 'one night' mentioned in the blurb and executes it with admirable insanity. It's a hellish, addictive, and utterly hooking experience that showcases the dark facets of the author's brilliant mind. What's even more is the balance struck between horror and hilarity. Landy's ability to keep things funny without dampening the more serious elements of the novel is a skill most wish to possess.
A shocking conclusion sets up the final novel, and, in my opinion, I find it hard to see anyone finding this journey anything short of exhilarating.
Pace - 4.5/5 Stars
Thanks to this entry's ferocious ability to stand on its own two feet, it's a smooth and fascinating adventure. The plot unravels in ways capable of holding your attention, with twists, turns and surprises ready to pounce; the expansive cast doesn't always come together like in Demon Road, but Landy's chemistry and magic with words help bridge over the gaps.
Characters - 4/5 Stars
Amber and Milo return to be our predominant protagonists, and they work fantastically together. Their chemistry is a clash of sibling rivalry and father-daughter bonding, which makes their interactions heartwarming, funny, and interesting.
It's too bad that the expansive cast in Desolation limits the amount of time they spend together! And I miss Glen so much it's unreal. He does make an appearance a couple times throughout, but it's not the character we knew, and for good reason.
The rest of the players inside the novel fill out quite nicely, but there are a lot of them, and they can sometimes be spread a little thin in the personality and development categories. Overall, though, they merge pretty well into Landy's world, and I look forward to seeing how every character progresses in the final instalment.
What I love more than any of that, however, is how seamless Landy incorporates LGBT+ themes into his story. No character has to come out or define themselves; the author treats it the way most authors treat a heterosexual: Without a flashing sign. I honestly think Landy's interpretation is respectful, and the fact it doesn't shift focus away from the plot is even better.
So, colour me surprised when I perused some reviews to see what other reviewers thought. Especially in regards to Amber and new character Kelly's romantic relations. Amber is sixteen years old, while Kelly, if memory serves, is around eighteen to twenty. Quite a few people took a disliking to this, the gap between their ages, and go so far as to call Kelly a sexual predator grooming Amber.
Now, it might be that where I live, the UK, the legal age of consent is sixteen; or it could be that, at sixteen myself, I was in a relationship with someone years older than I was; but the very fact that some folks saw this as an 'adult' coercing a 'child' baffles me. Reducing Amber's character to a child with no sense of agency or intelligence rubs me the wrong way, because we're talking about a character that can turn into a demon and has, several times, ripped out the throats of her enemies.
I find it startlingly unbelievable that Amber is unable to stop the drastically weaker Kelly's advances. Especially if she wanted to. Reducing her character does a grave disservice to the groundwork Landy has put down. The fact an established author is putting a lesbian relationship in the forefront of one his novels is to be commended.
Also taking into consideration how tame those romantic relations are, and it seems like nitpicking just for the sake of it.
Writing - 4.5/5 Stars
With only a few small bumps, Desolation soars thanks to the author's writing abilities. The flow rocks and everything is conveyed with startling clarity.
Overall - 4.5/5 Stars
American Monsters, the final novel in the trilogy, isn't so long away, but Desolation kicks up a hunger that is insatiable.
Give me more!
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
It's a hell of a place...
It's always a worrying experience when you adore the first entry to a trilogy and then pick up the instalment that succeeds it. Will it be as good? Or will it be a typical novel that bridges one brilliant beginning to its finale?
Well, let me tell you, Derek Landy's middle entry to his trilogy is a phenomenal ride. Desolation, of course, has the aura of an overall story that isn't yet complete, but it also packs one powerful punch as it stoutly stands on its own.
Mixing supernatural horror, mystery, and effortless wit, Landy cultivates a fresh adventure in a world full of shadowy crevices yet to be explored.
SPOILER WARNING
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
Reeling from their bloody encounter in New York City at the end of Demon Road, Amber and Milo flee north. On their trail are the Hounds of Hell - five demonic bikers who will stop at nothing to drag their quarries back to their unholy master.
Amber and Milo's only hope lies within Desolation Hill - a small town with a big secret; a town with a darkness to it, where evil seeps through the very floorboards. Until, on one night every year, it spills over onto the streets and all hell breaks loose.
AND THAT NIGHT IS COMING...
Plot - 4.5/5 Stars
'They were alive when she walked in.'
Yep, I'm starting with another feisty first sentence that grabs you by the neck. Is Derek Landy the king of sassy sentences? I don't know, but so far, his beginnings are on point. Desolation starts with action and leads into a captivating mystery. This entry's location, Desolation Hill, Alaska, proves to be a fantastic place to be (if you love murder and mayhem, of course). Where Demon Road, the predecessor, takes place across a bigger part of America, Desolation doesn't disappoint with its more stationary surroundings.
This helps to even the plot, keeping it more or less on the same road forward, with a few pit stops to keep things spicy.
The last half is EVERYTHING! Landy builds the 'one night' mentioned in the blurb and executes it with admirable insanity. It's a hellish, addictive, and utterly hooking experience that showcases the dark facets of the author's brilliant mind. What's even more is the balance struck between horror and hilarity. Landy's ability to keep things funny without dampening the more serious elements of the novel is a skill most wish to possess.
A shocking conclusion sets up the final novel, and, in my opinion, I find it hard to see anyone finding this journey anything short of exhilarating.
Pace - 4.5/5 Stars
Thanks to this entry's ferocious ability to stand on its own two feet, it's a smooth and fascinating adventure. The plot unravels in ways capable of holding your attention, with twists, turns and surprises ready to pounce; the expansive cast doesn't always come together like in Demon Road, but Landy's chemistry and magic with words help bridge over the gaps.
Characters - 4/5 Stars
Amber and Milo return to be our predominant protagonists, and they work fantastically together. Their chemistry is a clash of sibling rivalry and father-daughter bonding, which makes their interactions heartwarming, funny, and interesting.
It's too bad that the expansive cast in Desolation limits the amount of time they spend together! And I miss Glen so much it's unreal. He does make an appearance a couple times throughout, but it's not the character we knew, and for good reason.
The rest of the players inside the novel fill out quite nicely, but there are a lot of them, and they can sometimes be spread a little thin in the personality and development categories. Overall, though, they merge pretty well into Landy's world, and I look forward to seeing how every character progresses in the final instalment.
What I love more than any of that, however, is how seamless Landy incorporates LGBT+ themes into his story. No character has to come out or define themselves; the author treats it the way most authors treat a heterosexual: Without a flashing sign. I honestly think Landy's interpretation is respectful, and the fact it doesn't shift focus away from the plot is even better.
So, colour me surprised when I perused some reviews to see what other reviewers thought. Especially in regards to Amber and new character Kelly's romantic relations. Amber is sixteen years old, while Kelly, if memory serves, is around eighteen to twenty. Quite a few people took a disliking to this, the gap between their ages, and go so far as to call Kelly a sexual predator grooming Amber.
Now, it might be that where I live, the UK, the legal age of consent is sixteen; or it could be that, at sixteen myself, I was in a relationship with someone years older than I was; but the very fact that some folks saw this as an 'adult' coercing a 'child' baffles me. Reducing Amber's character to a child with no sense of agency or intelligence rubs me the wrong way, because we're talking about a character that can turn into a demon and has, several times, ripped out the throats of her enemies.
I find it startlingly unbelievable that Amber is unable to stop the drastically weaker Kelly's advances. Especially if she wanted to. Reducing her character does a grave disservice to the groundwork Landy has put down. The fact an established author is putting a lesbian relationship in the forefront of one his novels is to be commended.
Also taking into consideration how tame those romantic relations are, and it seems like nitpicking just for the sake of it.
Writing - 4.5/5 Stars
With only a few small bumps, Desolation soars thanks to the author's writing abilities. The flow rocks and everything is conveyed with startling clarity.
Overall - 4.5/5 Stars
American Monsters, the final novel in the trilogy, isn't so long away, but Desolation kicks up a hunger that is insatiable.
Give me more!
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
June 23, 2016
Are You A Grammar Nazi?
(Get ready for some shameless gifs!)
Of course, Hermione isn't correcting spelling and grammar, rather intonation, but who here couldn't imagine that tone of voice when dealing with a Grammar Nazi?
We've all seen them, especially if you're regularly on the internet, and it's a contentious situation. Some people love to correct you, some hate it with a fiery passion. Me? I think it can be hilarious. Who hasn't stumbled across a conversation on the web and seen people going at it? What's even worse is when someone corrects a mistake with another mistake; or, quite comically, corrects the correct spelling and grammar with the incorrect.
Or the more common problem: British and American versions of English.
But do not worry, folks, I love all of you here, ferocious Grammar Nazi or not. This post is just light-hearted fun.
But how do you feel about spelling and grammar? Personally, I'm a Grammar Nazi, but only to myself. When it comes to me, I'm never satisfied (I'm being extremely anal about the writing in this post, because it'd be hilarious if I failed). When I find mistakes in something I've written I beat myself up like the idiot I am.
When it comes to other people's writing, though, I'm not really bothered. As long as I can understand the general gist of what they're saying, I don't feel the need to correct every little word they've typed (although I have been guilty of sarcastically correcting a Grammar Nazi who attacked someone for their incorrect spelling with more incorrect spelling, good times!).
Do I think correct spelling and grammar are important? Absolutely. In school, and for a long time after I left, I used colloquialisms and 'social speak', which I think can ravage your understanding of the language you speak. I, for one, used those forms of communication so frequently that, when it came to starting more professional and formal ventures, I was at an embarrassing loss. I'd become so entrenched in 'social speak' (or more apt: Just prattling on without a care in the world), that my spelling and grammar were terrible.
Realising that sort of went like this:
With the kind of blog I run, where correct spelling and grammar are two fundamental requirements, I smacked myself around the head like a crazy person and got my head in the game. So I definitely think they're two very important things. That doesn't mean you'll always get it right, and I'm fine when people politely correct you (because who loves the wrong answer?), but I think it's better to keep an eye on yourself.
But what do you think? Are you a hardcore Grammar Nazi who'll scour the internet for prey? Or are you more laid back?
Oh, and let me know if anything in this post makes you want to grab a red pen; I'm beginning to think this was a mistake...
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
Of course, Hermione isn't correcting spelling and grammar, rather intonation, but who here couldn't imagine that tone of voice when dealing with a Grammar Nazi?
We've all seen them, especially if you're regularly on the internet, and it's a contentious situation. Some people love to correct you, some hate it with a fiery passion. Me? I think it can be hilarious. Who hasn't stumbled across a conversation on the web and seen people going at it? What's even worse is when someone corrects a mistake with another mistake; or, quite comically, corrects the correct spelling and grammar with the incorrect.
Or the more common problem: British and American versions of English.
But do not worry, folks, I love all of you here, ferocious Grammar Nazi or not. This post is just light-hearted fun.
But how do you feel about spelling and grammar? Personally, I'm a Grammar Nazi, but only to myself. When it comes to me, I'm never satisfied (I'm being extremely anal about the writing in this post, because it'd be hilarious if I failed). When I find mistakes in something I've written I beat myself up like the idiot I am.
When it comes to other people's writing, though, I'm not really bothered. As long as I can understand the general gist of what they're saying, I don't feel the need to correct every little word they've typed (although I have been guilty of sarcastically correcting a Grammar Nazi who attacked someone for their incorrect spelling with more incorrect spelling, good times!).
Do I think correct spelling and grammar are important? Absolutely. In school, and for a long time after I left, I used colloquialisms and 'social speak', which I think can ravage your understanding of the language you speak. I, for one, used those forms of communication so frequently that, when it came to starting more professional and formal ventures, I was at an embarrassing loss. I'd become so entrenched in 'social speak' (or more apt: Just prattling on without a care in the world), that my spelling and grammar were terrible.
Realising that sort of went like this:
With the kind of blog I run, where correct spelling and grammar are two fundamental requirements, I smacked myself around the head like a crazy person and got my head in the game. So I definitely think they're two very important things. That doesn't mean you'll always get it right, and I'm fine when people politely correct you (because who loves the wrong answer?), but I think it's better to keep an eye on yourself.
But what do you think? Are you a hardcore Grammar Nazi who'll scour the internet for prey? Or are you more laid back?
Oh, and let me know if anything in this post makes you want to grab a red pen; I'm beginning to think this was a mistake...
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
June 20, 2016
Life Support by Tess Gerritsen - Book Review
4/5 Stars
From the moment we're born, death is our final destination, thought Toby.
Only the date and time of our arrival is unknown...
Thanks, Tess, now I'll be terrified of hospitals for the remainder of my life... (I joke, well, a little.)
Life Support, especially its first chapter, is enough to shock you to your core. Medical conspiracies, risky experimental procedures, diseases that turn your brain into a veritable sponge, Tess dishes out it all in this often horrifying thriller. Honestly, you'll need to steel yourself, the author's gruesome depictions rival even the greatest horror writers'.
While a standalone, Life Support has a similar feel and structure to another of Tess's novels, Harvest (depending on which one you read first). Rather than tedium, however, this entry to the author's repertoire bolsters the brutality and thrills, and while some of the medical jargon might just sail right over your head, the entirety is a riveting read.
Synopsis (Not a copy from the book, but I always keep my interpretations close.)
Toby Harper leads a precarious life.
On one hand she works nights in an ER, and in the other she cares for her mother who struggles with Alzheimer's.
It's a knife's edge and there's no room for error.
But when a man is admitted into her care with a mysterious illness, Toby's life is fractured.
The man doesn't respond to any treatment, and before she can figure out what's wrong with him, Toby's patient vanishes.
Only for another with similar symptoms to appear.
Toby fears an epidemic, but as she pulls at the threads before her, what unravels might just bury her alive...
Plot - 4/5 Stars
You'll know from the first chapter whether or not this is the kind of novel for you. Tess hammers you with it. It's a chilling collection of pages that burrows deep into the skin. The way the scene progresses plays on the reader's intuition: You know something isn't quite right, but what awaits you is something you can't fully comprehend in that moment. It's horrific, barbaric, and completely captivating.
I expected nothing less from a master of the medical thriller genre.
Once the cold open is out of the way, we're introduced to Toby Harper, our protagonist. There are some pulse-pounding periods of time spent in the ER, where the medical details are on point and delivered by an author with the experience to get it right. Overall, Tess's medical knowledge is a thrilling companion to her skills as a suspense writer.
From there the stage begins to fill. The predominant plot is started and manages to remain both creepy and intriguing, even under all the technical weight. The conspiracies are a delight, and ones that aren't reflected well by the blurb, which I feel is kind of lacklustre (at least for my edition). The tension coils you tight, and as our protagonist goes up against forces higher on the food chain, we really see the moral dilemma Tess creates. It's on-the-edge-of-your-seat stuff.
There is an abundance of medical jargon in Life Support, especially as we close in on the finale. I was worried that the convolution might be too much to break free from, but thankfully the author manages to pull together the general gist for those with limited medical knowledge.
And the conclusion itself wraps up the threads in a satisfying bundle. The reveal is action-packed and tense, and turning the novel's pages becomes far too easy.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
Overall, Life Support's flow is a solid run from beginning to end. Tess's structure and style are joys to read, being smooth and descriptive. My only qualms lie with some parts of the exposition. The meatier elements can sometimes drag the plot down and shake the reader from their immersion.
Characters - 3.5/5 Stars
Life Support's cast treads water. They're not bad, but they aren't great either. Their developments are often riveting as Tess weaves fantastic situations and experiences, but the impact on the actual characters doesn't translate as well as it could have. They're simple drivers of the novel, and ones that could be picked out and replaced with ease.
Probably the best elements connected to the cast, and more so our protagonist, are the family troubles Toby faces. As her mother declines thanks to Alzheimer's, the personal and professional contentions it creates are realistic looks at an impossible balance. It's heartbreaking and respectful, showing the difficulties from both the afflicted and the carer's perspectives.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
Apart from the sometimes overwhelming jargon, Tess sails a tight ship. The plot develops in a riotous way that pulls you towards answers while simultaneously smashing you over the head with horrors and twists. The characters might not step close to your heart, but certain relationships and experiences will.
All in all, Life Support doesn't disappoint with its writing, because Tess Gerritsen has serious skills.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
A riveting medical drama that works many moving parts with almost effortless efficiency.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
From the moment we're born, death is our final destination, thought Toby.
Only the date and time of our arrival is unknown...
Thanks, Tess, now I'll be terrified of hospitals for the remainder of my life... (I joke, well, a little.)
Life Support, especially its first chapter, is enough to shock you to your core. Medical conspiracies, risky experimental procedures, diseases that turn your brain into a veritable sponge, Tess dishes out it all in this often horrifying thriller. Honestly, you'll need to steel yourself, the author's gruesome depictions rival even the greatest horror writers'.
While a standalone, Life Support has a similar feel and structure to another of Tess's novels, Harvest (depending on which one you read first). Rather than tedium, however, this entry to the author's repertoire bolsters the brutality and thrills, and while some of the medical jargon might just sail right over your head, the entirety is a riveting read.
Synopsis (Not a copy from the book, but I always keep my interpretations close.)
Toby Harper leads a precarious life.
On one hand she works nights in an ER, and in the other she cares for her mother who struggles with Alzheimer's.
It's a knife's edge and there's no room for error.
But when a man is admitted into her care with a mysterious illness, Toby's life is fractured.
The man doesn't respond to any treatment, and before she can figure out what's wrong with him, Toby's patient vanishes.
Only for another with similar symptoms to appear.
Toby fears an epidemic, but as she pulls at the threads before her, what unravels might just bury her alive...
Plot - 4/5 Stars
You'll know from the first chapter whether or not this is the kind of novel for you. Tess hammers you with it. It's a chilling collection of pages that burrows deep into the skin. The way the scene progresses plays on the reader's intuition: You know something isn't quite right, but what awaits you is something you can't fully comprehend in that moment. It's horrific, barbaric, and completely captivating.
I expected nothing less from a master of the medical thriller genre.
Once the cold open is out of the way, we're introduced to Toby Harper, our protagonist. There are some pulse-pounding periods of time spent in the ER, where the medical details are on point and delivered by an author with the experience to get it right. Overall, Tess's medical knowledge is a thrilling companion to her skills as a suspense writer.
From there the stage begins to fill. The predominant plot is started and manages to remain both creepy and intriguing, even under all the technical weight. The conspiracies are a delight, and ones that aren't reflected well by the blurb, which I feel is kind of lacklustre (at least for my edition). The tension coils you tight, and as our protagonist goes up against forces higher on the food chain, we really see the moral dilemma Tess creates. It's on-the-edge-of-your-seat stuff.
There is an abundance of medical jargon in Life Support, especially as we close in on the finale. I was worried that the convolution might be too much to break free from, but thankfully the author manages to pull together the general gist for those with limited medical knowledge.
And the conclusion itself wraps up the threads in a satisfying bundle. The reveal is action-packed and tense, and turning the novel's pages becomes far too easy.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
Overall, Life Support's flow is a solid run from beginning to end. Tess's structure and style are joys to read, being smooth and descriptive. My only qualms lie with some parts of the exposition. The meatier elements can sometimes drag the plot down and shake the reader from their immersion.
Characters - 3.5/5 Stars
Life Support's cast treads water. They're not bad, but they aren't great either. Their developments are often riveting as Tess weaves fantastic situations and experiences, but the impact on the actual characters doesn't translate as well as it could have. They're simple drivers of the novel, and ones that could be picked out and replaced with ease.
Probably the best elements connected to the cast, and more so our protagonist, are the family troubles Toby faces. As her mother declines thanks to Alzheimer's, the personal and professional contentions it creates are realistic looks at an impossible balance. It's heartbreaking and respectful, showing the difficulties from both the afflicted and the carer's perspectives.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
Apart from the sometimes overwhelming jargon, Tess sails a tight ship. The plot develops in a riotous way that pulls you towards answers while simultaneously smashing you over the head with horrors and twists. The characters might not step close to your heart, but certain relationships and experiences will.
All in all, Life Support doesn't disappoint with its writing, because Tess Gerritsen has serious skills.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
A riveting medical drama that works many moving parts with almost effortless efficiency.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
June 17, 2016
Demon Road by Derek Landy (Demon Road, #1) - Book Review
4.5/5 Stars
She's having a hell of a time...
Get on your adventure boots, people, and get ready for a cross-country ride through the evil underbelly of America's supernatural world, because, in my humble opinion, Demon Road just happens to bring its A-game and then some.
We're treated to a smorgasbord of horror, comedy and action in a phenomenal blend with a phenomenal balance. Ever seen the TV show Supernatural? (If not, what the hell? Where have you been for the last decade?) Well, Landy channels that kind of aura while wrapping it up in his own remarkably sharp wit.
One of the best beginning entries to a young adult trilogy I've read in a while.
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
FOR ANYONE WHO EVER THOUGHT THEIR PARENTS WERE MONSTERS...
Amber Lamont is a normal sixteen-year-old, but when a shocking encounter reveals a horrifying family secret, Amber is forced to go on the run. Killer cars, vampires, undead serial killers and red-skinned, horned demons - Amber hurtles from one threat to the next, revealing the terror woven into the very fabric of her life.
Plot - 4.5/5 Stars
'Twelve hours before Amber Lamont's parents tried to kill her...'
Just read that part of the very first sentence in Demon Road. Bask in its sass and intrigue, be completely enveloped by it. Why? Because that's what the author delivers throughout the entirety of the novel. It's a fantastic start that solidifies the reader's attention.
Fifty pages in and you're sold. Landy has terrific wit and style, and that seeps into the story, characters, and incredibly smooth writing. I also love the brief and exciting beginning, because after a little setup, we're propelled on a fun and feisty journey that revels in supernatural horror. The world is fascinating, with the author's version of America rife with genuine gusto. It's brimming with potential and opportunities, ensuring that there is never a dull moment.
It can sometimes verge on the cheesy and the ridiculous, and not all of the twists will rock you, but overall the plot is tight and full of surprises. The journey is a thrilling ride and events build and build in a terrifying way.
And once we reach the action-packed finale, Landy turns things on their head with an intriguing cliffhanger that all but guarantees your purchase of the next instalment.
Pace - 4.5/5 Stars
You'd think that with everything that goes on in the novel the flow would be weighted, but it's far from it. Landy cultivates a ride that's like binge-watching a favourite show: You're unable to stop.
There are nice bouts of action; riveting moments of exposition; and plenty of time spent on fleshing out a lovable cast. The entire novel stays fresh, right up to the last page.
Characters - 4.5/5 Stars
Demon Road has a rich variety of characters, and all of them are compelling, whether they're good, evil, or somewhere in between. The personality and chemistry that each individual brings to the table translates into a rock-solid connection between the cast and the reader. Progressions are hooking and believable, and Landy's use of their development within the story is seamless.
Our protagonist Amber can be a little frustrating to begin with, as her voice sometimes switches from sounding like a sixteen-year-old teenager to a six-year-old child. But as events move forward she becomes a strong character on all fronts, and one that can deliver a witty remark with great comedic timing. Joining her for the majority are Milo and Glen, two fantastic bedfellows. Milo is an enigma who excels at being the mysterious guardian, and Glen is the phenomenally funny sidekick that bolsters just about everything through his sheer force of will.
Glen truly is the standout member of the cast for me. He could've easily been annoying as hell, but Landy's ability to turn a phrase is a force to be reckoned with, and Glen benefits from this, with every sentence he utters being well worth the collection of words.
Villains are also diverse, and some are even double agents. Each one has their own unique taste of terror and intelligence, making each encounter unpredictable.
Writing - 5/5 Stars
Truly fantastic. Derek Landy has, with this one novel, cemented himself on my list of young adult horror novelists who are a must buy. Demon Road's structure is perfection, and coupling Landy's storytelling ability with his incredible humour makes me beyond excited to pick up more of his works.
Overall - 4.5/5 Stars
A terrific start to a trilogy that I highly recommend.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
She's having a hell of a time...
Get on your adventure boots, people, and get ready for a cross-country ride through the evil underbelly of America's supernatural world, because, in my humble opinion, Demon Road just happens to bring its A-game and then some.
We're treated to a smorgasbord of horror, comedy and action in a phenomenal blend with a phenomenal balance. Ever seen the TV show Supernatural? (If not, what the hell? Where have you been for the last decade?) Well, Landy channels that kind of aura while wrapping it up in his own remarkably sharp wit.
One of the best beginning entries to a young adult trilogy I've read in a while.
Synopsis (This time round, I'll be using the blurb that comes with my edition of the book.)
FOR ANYONE WHO EVER THOUGHT THEIR PARENTS WERE MONSTERS...
Amber Lamont is a normal sixteen-year-old, but when a shocking encounter reveals a horrifying family secret, Amber is forced to go on the run. Killer cars, vampires, undead serial killers and red-skinned, horned demons - Amber hurtles from one threat to the next, revealing the terror woven into the very fabric of her life.
Plot - 4.5/5 Stars
'Twelve hours before Amber Lamont's parents tried to kill her...'
Just read that part of the very first sentence in Demon Road. Bask in its sass and intrigue, be completely enveloped by it. Why? Because that's what the author delivers throughout the entirety of the novel. It's a fantastic start that solidifies the reader's attention.
Fifty pages in and you're sold. Landy has terrific wit and style, and that seeps into the story, characters, and incredibly smooth writing. I also love the brief and exciting beginning, because after a little setup, we're propelled on a fun and feisty journey that revels in supernatural horror. The world is fascinating, with the author's version of America rife with genuine gusto. It's brimming with potential and opportunities, ensuring that there is never a dull moment.
It can sometimes verge on the cheesy and the ridiculous, and not all of the twists will rock you, but overall the plot is tight and full of surprises. The journey is a thrilling ride and events build and build in a terrifying way.
And once we reach the action-packed finale, Landy turns things on their head with an intriguing cliffhanger that all but guarantees your purchase of the next instalment.
Pace - 4.5/5 Stars
You'd think that with everything that goes on in the novel the flow would be weighted, but it's far from it. Landy cultivates a ride that's like binge-watching a favourite show: You're unable to stop.
There are nice bouts of action; riveting moments of exposition; and plenty of time spent on fleshing out a lovable cast. The entire novel stays fresh, right up to the last page.
Characters - 4.5/5 Stars
Demon Road has a rich variety of characters, and all of them are compelling, whether they're good, evil, or somewhere in between. The personality and chemistry that each individual brings to the table translates into a rock-solid connection between the cast and the reader. Progressions are hooking and believable, and Landy's use of their development within the story is seamless.
Our protagonist Amber can be a little frustrating to begin with, as her voice sometimes switches from sounding like a sixteen-year-old teenager to a six-year-old child. But as events move forward she becomes a strong character on all fronts, and one that can deliver a witty remark with great comedic timing. Joining her for the majority are Milo and Glen, two fantastic bedfellows. Milo is an enigma who excels at being the mysterious guardian, and Glen is the phenomenally funny sidekick that bolsters just about everything through his sheer force of will.
Glen truly is the standout member of the cast for me. He could've easily been annoying as hell, but Landy's ability to turn a phrase is a force to be reckoned with, and Glen benefits from this, with every sentence he utters being well worth the collection of words.
Villains are also diverse, and some are even double agents. Each one has their own unique taste of terror and intelligence, making each encounter unpredictable.
Writing - 5/5 Stars
Truly fantastic. Derek Landy has, with this one novel, cemented himself on my list of young adult horror novelists who are a must buy. Demon Road's structure is perfection, and coupling Landy's storytelling ability with his incredible humour makes me beyond excited to pick up more of his works.
Overall - 4.5/5 Stars
A terrific start to a trilogy that I highly recommend.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
June 13, 2016
End of Watch by Stephen King (Bill Hodges, #3) - Book Review
5/5 Stars
BRADY IS BACK...
End of Watch: A fitting title for a fantastic finale.
The last entry in King's crime trilogy mixes genres in a way only a master writer can. With terrifying thrills and haunting horror, End of Watch is an addictive blend of gritty and utter insanity. The way the author plays with the reader's mind and convictions makes us second-guess any conclusions or predictions we make.
In tune with this are the characters driving in the front seat. They're as lost as we are, and thanks to the chemistry King creates between each distinctive cast member, we're on the edge of our seats, constantly freaking out that our heroes have just started down a path that has a very decisive end.
And be prepared to bawl like a baby. The emotional ravaging this novel dishes out is a force to be reckoned with...
SPOILER WARNING
Synopsis (Not a copy from the book, but I always keep my interpretations close.)
Retired Detective Bill Hodges and his business partner Holly are called to the scene of a murder-suicide to consult.
It seems like a simple case, with an apparent conclusion.
But Bill and Holly see something else: A signature, and one they are all too familiar with.
Someone is goading people into committing suicide, and no one loves that power more than mass-murderer Brady Hartsfield.
The only problem is that Holly herself bashed his head in, and Brady now resides in hospital, declared a veritable vegetable.
But as events progress and coincidences line up, Bill Hodges will have to swallow an impossible truth.
How do you defeat an enemy that can't possibly be real...?
Plot - 5/5 Stars
End of Watch works on its own. King does a great job of giving the reader the perfect amount of information to fully comprehend this entry's story and characters. But, I do recommend reading the series from the beginning. All three novels have been superb, and each builds the stakes higher and higher. Thanks to having prior knowledge, within twenty pages I was brimming with excitement. The beguiling blurb (and if you've read the previous entries, their allusions) gets the imagination going.
From the get-go an intricate web is spun. King brings the series full circle by bringing back a voracious villain. The plot is smart, mixing the realistic mystery with paranormal horror. But King doesn't just state events, he artfully confuses the reader. The amount of skepticism we feel is delicious, putting us on the same wavelength as the characters and ensuring we never linger on any predictions we might make.
It could've gone horribly wrong, but the author brings things to a fine point by the end, leaving us satisfied, and terrified, by the story's events.
End of Watch also centres the conversation on suicide and the impact it can have. He shows us just how easy you can push someone if you have the right words to do it, and how inhumane it is to feel like we can say what we like to people whose position we don't understand. It's a hard subject to focus on, but the novel treats it with respect, and an author's note at the back of the book sees King ask those who might be in that position to speak up.
Things can and will get better if you seek the help you need, because while there are monsters in the world, there are also a lot of great people.
There's only one you, and you deserve to live.
Back to the plot, the finale is Tense with a capital T; a heart-pounding experience full of dread and excitement. Opposing forces come to a head, and be wholly prepared to be in floods of tears by the concluding pages.
Pace - 5/5 Stars
The plot, the cast, and the writing all progress with meticulous care. There's one thing End of Watch is not, and that's stale. Different viewpoints and agendas keeps things tense and suspenseful, breaking up the exposition which delivers twist after twist after twist.
The personal revelations concerning certain characters also help to maintain the reader's interest. Action is imbued with weight as the fictional beings we care about go at it in a battle of intellect that could decide the lives of many, many innocent people.
Characters - 5/5 Stars
I have yet to read a King novel (and I plan to read many more) where the cast hasn't sucked me right in. End of Watch is conveyed phenomenally through the eyes of several different characters, both the good and the bad. Our two main protagonists, Bill and Holly, are a duo that is hard to top. The personal and professional relationship they share is endearing, and both are distinctive pieces that fit perfectly together.
Hodges on his own helps keep the novel grounded. While the overall plot tries to take off and fly out of your reach, Bill's personal trials with cancer as he races to take down an evil force help offset the more supernatural aspects.
King also takes us on a journey through infamous killer Brady Hartsfield's mind. The way Brady is built and how he shapes his motivations creates a chilling experience. He is, overall, one of the best villains I've read of in a crime-centred series.
Writing - 5/5 Stars
Scenes are on point and convey stellar emotions. King's use of the present tense keeps the flow moving without stuttering, and the third-person narration ensures that each character gets the right amount of attention.
Above all, the overall cohesion is terrific, reaching a satisfying end that ties the series with a bloody bow.
Overall - 5/5 Stars
I can't recommend this trilogy enough. It doesn't matter what genre you prefer, you shouldn't miss out on this masterful experience from King.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
BRADY IS BACK...
End of Watch: A fitting title for a fantastic finale.
The last entry in King's crime trilogy mixes genres in a way only a master writer can. With terrifying thrills and haunting horror, End of Watch is an addictive blend of gritty and utter insanity. The way the author plays with the reader's mind and convictions makes us second-guess any conclusions or predictions we make.
In tune with this are the characters driving in the front seat. They're as lost as we are, and thanks to the chemistry King creates between each distinctive cast member, we're on the edge of our seats, constantly freaking out that our heroes have just started down a path that has a very decisive end.
And be prepared to bawl like a baby. The emotional ravaging this novel dishes out is a force to be reckoned with...
SPOILER WARNING
Synopsis (Not a copy from the book, but I always keep my interpretations close.)
Retired Detective Bill Hodges and his business partner Holly are called to the scene of a murder-suicide to consult.
It seems like a simple case, with an apparent conclusion.
But Bill and Holly see something else: A signature, and one they are all too familiar with.
Someone is goading people into committing suicide, and no one loves that power more than mass-murderer Brady Hartsfield.
The only problem is that Holly herself bashed his head in, and Brady now resides in hospital, declared a veritable vegetable.
But as events progress and coincidences line up, Bill Hodges will have to swallow an impossible truth.
How do you defeat an enemy that can't possibly be real...?
Plot - 5/5 Stars
End of Watch works on its own. King does a great job of giving the reader the perfect amount of information to fully comprehend this entry's story and characters. But, I do recommend reading the series from the beginning. All three novels have been superb, and each builds the stakes higher and higher. Thanks to having prior knowledge, within twenty pages I was brimming with excitement. The beguiling blurb (and if you've read the previous entries, their allusions) gets the imagination going.
From the get-go an intricate web is spun. King brings the series full circle by bringing back a voracious villain. The plot is smart, mixing the realistic mystery with paranormal horror. But King doesn't just state events, he artfully confuses the reader. The amount of skepticism we feel is delicious, putting us on the same wavelength as the characters and ensuring we never linger on any predictions we might make.
It could've gone horribly wrong, but the author brings things to a fine point by the end, leaving us satisfied, and terrified, by the story's events.
End of Watch also centres the conversation on suicide and the impact it can have. He shows us just how easy you can push someone if you have the right words to do it, and how inhumane it is to feel like we can say what we like to people whose position we don't understand. It's a hard subject to focus on, but the novel treats it with respect, and an author's note at the back of the book sees King ask those who might be in that position to speak up.
Things can and will get better if you seek the help you need, because while there are monsters in the world, there are also a lot of great people.
There's only one you, and you deserve to live.
Back to the plot, the finale is Tense with a capital T; a heart-pounding experience full of dread and excitement. Opposing forces come to a head, and be wholly prepared to be in floods of tears by the concluding pages.
Pace - 5/5 Stars
The plot, the cast, and the writing all progress with meticulous care. There's one thing End of Watch is not, and that's stale. Different viewpoints and agendas keeps things tense and suspenseful, breaking up the exposition which delivers twist after twist after twist.
The personal revelations concerning certain characters also help to maintain the reader's interest. Action is imbued with weight as the fictional beings we care about go at it in a battle of intellect that could decide the lives of many, many innocent people.
Characters - 5/5 Stars
I have yet to read a King novel (and I plan to read many more) where the cast hasn't sucked me right in. End of Watch is conveyed phenomenally through the eyes of several different characters, both the good and the bad. Our two main protagonists, Bill and Holly, are a duo that is hard to top. The personal and professional relationship they share is endearing, and both are distinctive pieces that fit perfectly together.
Hodges on his own helps keep the novel grounded. While the overall plot tries to take off and fly out of your reach, Bill's personal trials with cancer as he races to take down an evil force help offset the more supernatural aspects.
King also takes us on a journey through infamous killer Brady Hartsfield's mind. The way Brady is built and how he shapes his motivations creates a chilling experience. He is, overall, one of the best villains I've read of in a crime-centred series.
Writing - 5/5 Stars
Scenes are on point and convey stellar emotions. King's use of the present tense keeps the flow moving without stuttering, and the third-person narration ensures that each character gets the right amount of attention.
Above all, the overall cohesion is terrific, reaching a satisfying end that ties the series with a bloody bow.
Overall - 5/5 Stars
I can't recommend this trilogy enough. It doesn't matter what genre you prefer, you shouldn't miss out on this masterful experience from King.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
June 8, 2016
Private Games by James Patterson (Private, #3) - Book Review
4/5 Stars
ONE CITY.
ONE GAMES.
ONE TARGET...
Anyone looking for a thriller with a diverse cast that's focused on the Olympics in London? Or maybe the real question is how could you not be?
Private Games is another stellar roller-coaster ride driven by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan. Topping its predecessor, this entry tightens things back into form, giving the reader a heart-pounding journey that doesn't require much mental gymnastics.
The cast is comprehensive and compelling; the structure is solid and suspenseful; and the massive events within the novel are often smart and always thrilling.
SPOILER WARNING
Synopsis (Not a copy from the book, but I always keep my interpretations close.)
Peter Knight's plate is more than full, it's overflowing.
With his new promotion making him the head of Private London and one of the central figures in securing London's Olympic Games, the weight might just be too much.
Especially when you're a single dad with twins at home.
But when a member of the organising committee for the Games is found decapitated, fear sets in for the safety of thousands of people.
One thing's for sure.
Someone intends to destroy the Games...
Plot - 4/5 Stars
Private Games opts to stay in the same location as its predecessor Private London, and for good reason. Set in 2012, Patterson and Sullivan make good use of the Olympic Games to create a wide-scale thriller. I adore this series for its ability to make its world feel massive and physical, thanks in large part to the organisation Private and its worldwide limbs.
If you're following the series by release, like I am, and you've come from Private London, you might be wondering where the hell is that entry's protagonist, Dan Carter. Well, the authors answer this question. It does feel rather like they just wanted to reset the board and work with new characters, but luckily the cast works.
Private Games, from beginning to end, builds a beguiling threat. The severity is perfectly highlighted many times, and the threat itself is not to any select individuals exclusively, but to the entire camaraderie surrounding the Games. The authors plan and execute big, ensuring they exude and capitalise on the spirit inherent in the Olympics and what the entire event stands for.
It's a complex tale that utilises some smart moves which don't sacrifice its easy-going aura. Shocking twists and turns pepper the novel, and the authors paint a vivid picture that continues to escalate right up to the fiery finale.
There are a few inconsistencies in regards to the Games, but the overall detail is fantastic.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
A high-octane flow promises to keep those pages turning.
Characters - 4/5 Stars
I was initially disappointed with the brand new cast after just getting attached to Private London's gang, and I do feel the plot surrounding Dan Carter and his crew's deaths is quite the cop-out, but I eventually came around.
Peter Knight is a great lead. He's someone who acknowledges just how out of his depth he is in his new role as head of Private's London offices. He's genuine and easily attached to emotionally. His family dynamics are integral and welcome parts of the story, and they help offset the lone-wolf protagonists thus far.
The rest of this novel's lineup is pretty diverse. Character interactions and relationships prove to be interesting rather than just fluff, and most have interesting progressions. We even have original main character Jack Morgan as a secondary member of the cast, and I can't wait to jump back into his shoes in the next entry.
Patterson and Sullivan also make an intriguing choice by writing our protagonist in third-person narration and our villain in first. It gives us some wonderful insights and thrills, even if the villain does come across as a little cheesy.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
An improvement over Private London's ravaged structure, Private Games returns to Patterson's page-turning affair, with short chapters that feel natural rather than jagged.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
Keep your eyes peeled for my review of the next instalment, Private No. 1 Suspect, where I'm avidly awaiting returning to Private's owner Jack Morgan.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
ONE CITY.
ONE GAMES.
ONE TARGET...
Anyone looking for a thriller with a diverse cast that's focused on the Olympics in London? Or maybe the real question is how could you not be?
Private Games is another stellar roller-coaster ride driven by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan. Topping its predecessor, this entry tightens things back into form, giving the reader a heart-pounding journey that doesn't require much mental gymnastics.
The cast is comprehensive and compelling; the structure is solid and suspenseful; and the massive events within the novel are often smart and always thrilling.
SPOILER WARNING
Synopsis (Not a copy from the book, but I always keep my interpretations close.)
Peter Knight's plate is more than full, it's overflowing.
With his new promotion making him the head of Private London and one of the central figures in securing London's Olympic Games, the weight might just be too much.
Especially when you're a single dad with twins at home.
But when a member of the organising committee for the Games is found decapitated, fear sets in for the safety of thousands of people.
One thing's for sure.
Someone intends to destroy the Games...
Plot - 4/5 Stars
Private Games opts to stay in the same location as its predecessor Private London, and for good reason. Set in 2012, Patterson and Sullivan make good use of the Olympic Games to create a wide-scale thriller. I adore this series for its ability to make its world feel massive and physical, thanks in large part to the organisation Private and its worldwide limbs.
If you're following the series by release, like I am, and you've come from Private London, you might be wondering where the hell is that entry's protagonist, Dan Carter. Well, the authors answer this question. It does feel rather like they just wanted to reset the board and work with new characters, but luckily the cast works.
Private Games, from beginning to end, builds a beguiling threat. The severity is perfectly highlighted many times, and the threat itself is not to any select individuals exclusively, but to the entire camaraderie surrounding the Games. The authors plan and execute big, ensuring they exude and capitalise on the spirit inherent in the Olympics and what the entire event stands for.
It's a complex tale that utilises some smart moves which don't sacrifice its easy-going aura. Shocking twists and turns pepper the novel, and the authors paint a vivid picture that continues to escalate right up to the fiery finale.
There are a few inconsistencies in regards to the Games, but the overall detail is fantastic.
Pace - 4/5 Stars
A high-octane flow promises to keep those pages turning.
Characters - 4/5 Stars
I was initially disappointed with the brand new cast after just getting attached to Private London's gang, and I do feel the plot surrounding Dan Carter and his crew's deaths is quite the cop-out, but I eventually came around.
Peter Knight is a great lead. He's someone who acknowledges just how out of his depth he is in his new role as head of Private's London offices. He's genuine and easily attached to emotionally. His family dynamics are integral and welcome parts of the story, and they help offset the lone-wolf protagonists thus far.
The rest of this novel's lineup is pretty diverse. Character interactions and relationships prove to be interesting rather than just fluff, and most have interesting progressions. We even have original main character Jack Morgan as a secondary member of the cast, and I can't wait to jump back into his shoes in the next entry.
Patterson and Sullivan also make an intriguing choice by writing our protagonist in third-person narration and our villain in first. It gives us some wonderful insights and thrills, even if the villain does come across as a little cheesy.
Writing - 4/5 Stars
An improvement over Private London's ravaged structure, Private Games returns to Patterson's page-turning affair, with short chapters that feel natural rather than jagged.
Overall - 4/5 Stars
Keep your eyes peeled for my review of the next instalment, Private No. 1 Suspect, where I'm avidly awaiting returning to Private's owner Jack Morgan.
Read more book-orientated posts over on my website: Matthew R. Bell's BookBlogBonanza
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