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More Deaths Than One
Book by Islip, Bryan
328 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 14, 2012
Having just recieved 'more deaths than one' by Bryan Islip i am anxious to begin reading, as after reading the blurb i am more excited than before to find out what this novel is like as it does sound truly amazing. There is a note at the begining of the novel that the author has written and which is so touching & personal and which i would like to thank the author greatly, for an insight into the publishing world and how to get a book out to the world - facinating! (especially as i am currently writing my first novel and so any advice is always most helpful and this part of the book is most insightful to all aspiring writers out there). The storyline sounds apsolutely intreguing and something that i cannot wait to descover & find out about, that incorperates very strong and quite challenging themes; so it shall be interesting to see what the author has written in regards to that. I also would like to thank Mr. Islip for signing his book and also for the lovely note that was included, which makes it so much more personal from a reader's perspective and something that is most kind of the author to do. This is a book that i have already opened and begun to read and so i can imagine that it will not take me too long to read and i am already sitting here with eager anticipation already to continue.
It was full of all of the above and more with such a richly detailed and exciting plot that kept me wanting to read on continuosly and find out more. It touched upon very strong themes such as revenge, jurisdiction and civil rights as a human being and citizen as well as ethical and moral reasons, with morality as the central focus point. It was certainly a character-driven tale that was full of action and drama from the first page right through to the very last and one that i was completely and utterly unable to put down even for a second; which proves how imensly gripping the storyline was. It was fast paced from the begining as i was plunged headlong into a complex and facinating adventure that had ups and downs and was in no way at all sedate or lacking in realism and reaslistic details. I was given a very vidily captivating insight into another culture and way of life and that was only one of the many different elements that made this book so utterly and completely intreguing & i cannot wait to read more of Bryan Islips work as this was truly increadible.
It was full of all of the above and more with such a richly detailed and exciting plot that kept me wanting to read on continuosly and find out more. It touched upon very strong themes such as revenge, jurisdiction and civil rights as a human being and citizen as well as ethical and moral reasons, with morality as the central focus point. It was certainly a character-driven tale that was full of action and drama from the first page right through to the very last and one that i was completely and utterly unable to put down even for a second; which proves how imensly gripping the storyline was. It was fast paced from the begining as i was plunged headlong into a complex and facinating adventure that had ups and downs and was in no way at all sedate or lacking in realism and reaslistic details. I was given a very vidily captivating insight into another culture and way of life and that was only one of the many different elements that made this book so utterly and completely intreguing & i cannot wait to read more of Bryan Islips work as this was truly increadible.
July 29, 2010
A gripping thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down and was disappointed when it came to an end.
March 31, 2012
I won this through the Firstreads program and I should start by apologising to the author for taking a full year to get around to reading it. I have excuses, but I figure they're probably pretty irrelevant to anyone but me.
I'll give this a 4.5 stars. Honestly, I vacillated back and forwards between 4 and 5, but in the end dropped the half a star for the typos. There aren't a huge number of them and they seem more frequent in the second half, but there are enough to be worth mentioning. The story, however, is a really good one. It's almost a humanised James Bond.
Thomas was the best of the best. But even the best get tired of the game at some point. His attempt to make a go of it as a civilian goes spectacularly wrong and luckily those old skills hadn't gotten too rusty. I really liked Thomas as a man, a soldier, and a main character. Despite being exceedingly dangerous he also understood the value of human life, the splendid variety in human cultures, and the importance of love and family. All of his comrades were likeable too, though it did feel a little like England must be an exceptionally small island. Despite the small size of the SBS unit he managed to run into a whole heck of a lot of Ex'S's in the course of regular business.
The book starts out with a rather long prologue that chronicles the highlights of Thomas' life until the point he decides to leave Her Majesty's Service. While making for a slow start it does give the reader a strong impression of what sort of man Thomas is and why. 90% of the rest of the book is dedicated to Thomas' attempt to extricate himself and those with him from a whole web of lies, betrayals, double crosses, etc. That remaining 10% or so is all we are given of Thomas as a civilian businessman, husband, father, friend, etc. It's an important 10%, but the reader is expected to extrapolate for a lot of it. I could have done with a little more details about this life he was trying so hard to get back to.
I haven't decided how I feel about the moral implications of The Planter's scheme. The book had a definite message to impart on the subject of the drug trade. And Thomas seemed to take it all in stride there at the end. I wasn't sure how exactly he rationalised the whole thing in order not to feel incredibly betrayed. I think I would have.
All-in-all I'm thrilled to have finally gotten around to reading it. Islip is a really talented writer (as well as painter, poet and more apparently). I'll definitely be looking out for more of his writing.
I'll give this a 4.5 stars. Honestly, I vacillated back and forwards between 4 and 5, but in the end dropped the half a star for the typos. There aren't a huge number of them and they seem more frequent in the second half, but there are enough to be worth mentioning. The story, however, is a really good one. It's almost a humanised James Bond.
Thomas was the best of the best. But even the best get tired of the game at some point. His attempt to make a go of it as a civilian goes spectacularly wrong and luckily those old skills hadn't gotten too rusty. I really liked Thomas as a man, a soldier, and a main character. Despite being exceedingly dangerous he also understood the value of human life, the splendid variety in human cultures, and the importance of love and family. All of his comrades were likeable too, though it did feel a little like England must be an exceptionally small island. Despite the small size of the SBS unit he managed to run into a whole heck of a lot of Ex'S's in the course of regular business.
The book starts out with a rather long prologue that chronicles the highlights of Thomas' life until the point he decides to leave Her Majesty's Service. While making for a slow start it does give the reader a strong impression of what sort of man Thomas is and why. 90% of the rest of the book is dedicated to Thomas' attempt to extricate himself and those with him from a whole web of lies, betrayals, double crosses, etc. That remaining 10% or so is all we are given of Thomas as a civilian businessman, husband, father, friend, etc. It's an important 10%, but the reader is expected to extrapolate for a lot of it. I could have done with a little more details about this life he was trying so hard to get back to.
I haven't decided how I feel about the moral implications of The Planter's scheme. The book had a definite message to impart on the subject of the drug trade. And Thomas seemed to take it all in stride there at the end. I wasn't sure how exactly he rationalised the whole thing in order not to feel incredibly betrayed. I think I would have.
All-in-all I'm thrilled to have finally gotten around to reading it. Islip is a really talented writer (as well as painter, poet and more apparently). I'll definitely be looking out for more of his writing.
May 26, 2012
I received this book from the Goodreads "First Reads" program.
I would like to thank Mr Islip not only for providing me with a copy of this book to review but also for the note included with the book, it was very thoughtful.
More Deaths Than One follows Thomas Thornton as he is imprisoned in a Saudi Arabian Prison for a drug related crime he didn't commit.
Though slow to start - there was a fair bit of back story that was imperative to the plot - this book was hard to put down. A compelling plot line with plenty of new twists to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I would particularly like to commend the author on the characters. Too often in this kind of book you are presented with an angel-like hero as a protagonist. Thomas Thornton is flawed, human and wonderfully believable as are many of the supporting characters.
My only stumbling block with this book was a small but notable one.
I imagine that having been self-published More Deaths Than One has not be exposed to the editorial scrutiny and proofreading that most novels are. I noticed quite a few small errors throughout the book and while I could generally read straight through them with little interruption there were a few where I had to go back and reread a sentence to fully absorb its meaning.
That said, a solid 4/5. Definitely worth a read!
I would like to thank Mr Islip not only for providing me with a copy of this book to review but also for the note included with the book, it was very thoughtful.
More Deaths Than One follows Thomas Thornton as he is imprisoned in a Saudi Arabian Prison for a drug related crime he didn't commit.
Though slow to start - there was a fair bit of back story that was imperative to the plot - this book was hard to put down. A compelling plot line with plenty of new twists to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I would particularly like to commend the author on the characters. Too often in this kind of book you are presented with an angel-like hero as a protagonist. Thomas Thornton is flawed, human and wonderfully believable as are many of the supporting characters.
My only stumbling block with this book was a small but notable one.
I imagine that having been self-published More Deaths Than One has not be exposed to the editorial scrutiny and proofreading that most novels are. I noticed quite a few small errors throughout the book and while I could generally read straight through them with little interruption there were a few where I had to go back and reread a sentence to fully absorb its meaning.
That said, a solid 4/5. Definitely worth a read!
May 21, 2012
Now we all say you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover and this book is one of those that proves the old proverb correct. The cover just does not give you the sense that this book is as grown up and complex as it actually is.
The book reads like a very exciting adventure film that would do James Bond well; the characters are well crafted and there are enough red herrings scattered through that you are very mistrustful of a lot of the characters, though I didn't think the big twist at the end was twisty enough... possibly because I saw it coming - maybe I read too many books of this sort!
Plus points are that it is fast paced and exceptionally readable and avoids my major bug bear of the whole plot being detailed on the back cover - THANK YOU!
The book doesn't have many negatives, but the cover is a major one for me and I did spot a few typos around, but not enough to knock my immersion.
This book is well recommended, and I do hope there is another in the series.
I am obliged to say that I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads scheme and I would like to take this chance to say thank you to Bryan Islip for the opportunity to read his novel.
The book reads like a very exciting adventure film that would do James Bond well; the characters are well crafted and there are enough red herrings scattered through that you are very mistrustful of a lot of the characters, though I didn't think the big twist at the end was twisty enough... possibly because I saw it coming - maybe I read too many books of this sort!
Plus points are that it is fast paced and exceptionally readable and avoids my major bug bear of the whole plot being detailed on the back cover - THANK YOU!
The book doesn't have many negatives, but the cover is a major one for me and I did spot a few typos around, but not enough to knock my immersion.
This book is well recommended, and I do hope there is another in the series.
I am obliged to say that I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads scheme and I would like to take this chance to say thank you to Bryan Islip for the opportunity to read his novel.
April 12, 2012
Won this on a Goodreads Giveaway and so very glad I did.
This book is a little slow to start as Thorton's background is laid out although this bit doesn't drag and is very intriguing in itself as it doesn't fully explain everything (these gaps are filled in later) but gives the reader enough to understand Thornton and the way he is and the direction his life has taken. The story itself is full of intrigue and conspiracy with many a twist and turn and moments of pure humility and humanity which adds a certain depth to Thorton and the other characters, making you feel for them and their situation all the more. The climax is exhilarating with its own shocking revelations (which I really did not see coming). This is a great read that is well written and obviously well researched with all aspects of Irish, Saudi and British life captured superbly.
This book is a little slow to start as Thorton's background is laid out although this bit doesn't drag and is very intriguing in itself as it doesn't fully explain everything (these gaps are filled in later) but gives the reader enough to understand Thornton and the way he is and the direction his life has taken. The story itself is full of intrigue and conspiracy with many a twist and turn and moments of pure humility and humanity which adds a certain depth to Thorton and the other characters, making you feel for them and their situation all the more. The climax is exhilarating with its own shocking revelations (which I really did not see coming). This is a great read that is well written and obviously well researched with all aspects of Irish, Saudi and British life captured superbly.
June 17, 2012
This was an adventure from the word go. Thomas Thornton lives in Saudi Arabia and all is going well until he is framed for drug smuggling, he is arrested and sentenced to execution. He escapes helping others along the way and then the excitement really begins.
This book has it all, revenge, love, injustice, action-packed escapades, smuggling, murder and conspiracy, I defy you to get bored reading this book.
Bryan Islip is an author to watch, his characters are real with positive and negative aspects and his scene setting is realistic. The pace is fast, just what the book needed.
Personal read 5/5 – I loved it.
This book has it all, revenge, love, injustice, action-packed escapades, smuggling, murder and conspiracy, I defy you to get bored reading this book.
Bryan Islip is an author to watch, his characters are real with positive and negative aspects and his scene setting is realistic. The pace is fast, just what the book needed.
Personal read 5/5 – I loved it.
July 15, 2012
This is a Goodreads first reads book that I won ... and it was excellent!
The cover was a little misleading I thought. It doesn't really give any indication to the story at all. It was a roller-coaster of a thriller and I would recommend it 100%. An ex-special forces chap is falsely accused and imprisoned for drug trafficking in Saudi. The plot thickens as his two boys are sent to his sister's whilst his wife initially disappears... and it goes on. The characters are enjoyable. I loved the relationship with the other inmates.
Thank you Goodreads and a big thank you to Bryan Islip - a fantastic read!
The cover was a little misleading I thought. It doesn't really give any indication to the story at all. It was a roller-coaster of a thriller and I would recommend it 100%. An ex-special forces chap is falsely accused and imprisoned for drug trafficking in Saudi. The plot thickens as his two boys are sent to his sister's whilst his wife initially disappears... and it goes on. The characters are enjoyable. I loved the relationship with the other inmates.
Thank you Goodreads and a big thank you to Bryan Islip - a fantastic read!
March 2, 2009
For a first novel Bryan Islip has certainly hit the spot.
I couldn't put it down - I was with the characters all the time with their 'adventures'. The main character, Thornton, is totally believable, and the author captures the culture of the Middle East - I could smell the smells and feel the fear... brilliant book!
Look forward to his next novel, which I believe will be out later this year. Can't wait!
Highly recommended.
I couldn't put it down - I was with the characters all the time with their 'adventures'. The main character, Thornton, is totally believable, and the author captures the culture of the Middle East - I could smell the smells and feel the fear... brilliant book!
Look forward to his next novel, which I believe will be out later this year. Can't wait!
Highly recommended.
March 29, 2010
I received this book from first reads and really enjoyed it. The beginning was a bit overwhelming as the life of Thomas is layed out. However, it is a good base for the rest of the story and allowed me to understand his feelings and thoughts. His adventures are intriguing and believable. I had a hard time putting this book down as I got farther into it. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Rating: R --> incredibly foul language and some sexual references
Rating: R --> incredibly foul language and some sexual references
July 4, 2012
I won my copy through GoodReads First Reads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review. So here goes...
This is exactly the kind of book I enjoy reading. It was a non-stop roller coaster ride, with many twists and turns, which kept me gripped right through to the end. I love the author's attention to detail (particularly giving dates and locations). I'm not too sure I was satisfied with the ending. Perhaps a sequel in order. I would love to read more by this author.
This is exactly the kind of book I enjoy reading. It was a non-stop roller coaster ride, with many twists and turns, which kept me gripped right through to the end. I love the author's attention to detail (particularly giving dates and locations). I'm not too sure I was satisfied with the ending. Perhaps a sequel in order. I would love to read more by this author.
December 19, 2009
A suspenseful and adventurous read. Most of the characters were quite believable and it was interesting to see the author's take on Middle Eastern culture. If you like topical adventure stories, you'll enjoy this book.
**I received this book for free through the Goodreads First Read program**
**I received this book for free through the Goodreads First Read program**
April 7, 2012
I received a copy of this book from goodreads first read. It's a really gripping thriller and although it got off to a bit of a slow start the story was engaging with believable characters. A strong debut novel, I enjoyed it very much.
December 15, 2009
A good book. I found it to be exciting and suspenseful. Would recommend it to anyone.
December 16, 2009
An absorbing and thought-provoking adventure. The story provides a rather well-balanced look at both the positive and disturbing aspects of middle eastern culture. A book well worth reading!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews