The Light at the End, John Skipp and Craig Spector, May 2013

[Andy]

Readers:
Andy
Nikki
Adam
Traci L.
Lori

Please join us! We will read at our own paces.

[Adam]

Have it and am excited to join. I have to finish MEAT CAMP first.

[[deleted user]]

I'll join.

[Andy]

Yay! We've got a good group going.

[Andy]

5% (view spoiler)[ lots of characters introduced in the opening scene, almost none of whom survive. I kind of like it. It lets you get a taste of the writing style without too much investment. (hide spoiler)]

10% (view spoiler)[ I like the early description of NYC. Sounds gritty and cold. (hide spoiler)]

[Ms. Nikki]

Never fear! The Defender is here.

[[deleted user]]

I read this book back in 1986 and loved it. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!!

[Adam]

Have read their other books in the eighties, but this one got past me. Looking forward to it.

[Lori]

I'm in.

[[deleted user]]

Finished the first chapter and I don't know what it is but I'm struggling. I haven't read much splatterpunk but I like the grittiness of it so far. And I never shy away from brutal violence. But there's something that I'm missing here. Hopefully after a few more chapters the style will click with me.

[Ms. Nikki]

I'm 20% in and the story is not gripping, pulling me in. It's very disjointed and the chapters/points of view don't transition well from one to the next.

[[deleted user]]

15% - I seem to be feeling the story more when there is only one or two points of view. When we get three or more I feel the author (authors?) gets confusing. It is a bit unclear to me who is talking. And it isn't easy to keep the characters straight.
The mention of the movie Nosferatu made me smile. But the silent version is much better. :)

[David]

Just a note... This is out in eBook AND in unabridged audio narrated by Chet Williamson.

[Ms. Nikki]

I don't care for any of the characters. I don't hate them, but I don't like them either. (view spoiler)[Joseph needs meds to calm the hell down, hulking out at every opportunity. Ian and Allen are...what? Danny, horror buff and Claire lusting after Rudy at a bar. Stephen is caught between a friend and everyone else. Josalyn just dated the wrong guy, and is scared out of her mind. Everyone is expendable. (hide spoiler)] Mind you, I'm only half way through, but characterization means a lot to me ~

[Adam]

15% - this isn't starting off as good as some of their other books.

[Ms. Nikki]

53% (view spoiler)[ I liked the dream scene! It was over too quick. I wish there had been more. (hide spoiler)]

[Andy]

Finished book 1 (23%):

First thought. A few too many characters so far. I kind of like the D&D trio, especially surly-burly man Jason Hunter. Hope for a bit more depth soon.

[Ms. Nikki]

Andrew wrote: "Finished book 1 (23%):

First thought. A few too many characters so far. I kind of like the D&D trio, especially surly-burly man Jason Hunter. Hope for a bit more depth soon."

Should I dash your dreams now?

[David]

Man I absolutely LOVE this book...hmmm I don't remember it starting slowly, but it's been a bit. I will keep silent and wait.

[Ms. Nikki]

83% (view spoiler)[ Joseph is unlikeable and I wish snotty-nosed Stephen would man-up or get dead. (hide spoiler)]

[Andy]

55%. Anybody still reading? Its been pretty quiet. I am enjoying this book in bits and pieces, but don't seem to be able to get really into it. I rarely am reading for more than 15-20 minutes at a time, and like Nikki, I am on summer vacation.

I like how the group has come together and going after the vamp is being portrayed as akin to a D&D romp.

[Adam]

I had to finish before I could sink my teeth into this one completely. Now I can read it uninterrupted. I'm at 20% and I do like it, but I'm just getting into it now.

[[deleted user]]

I've been busy the past couple weeks and haven't had the time or brain power for a book like this. I gave in. I might try again later. But it wasn't a good time.

[Ms. Nikki]

How's it going, Andrew, Adam and Lori?

[Adam]

Nikki, hi there!
I am at 32%, here. I have been trying to focus more on writing this weekend, so I've been slack on reading. I like it so far.

[Ms. Nikki]

Sending waves of peaceful writing vibes your way :)

[Adam]

Thank you for those vibes! I'll be needing those. Especially when I get to the editing faze.

[Ms. Nikki]

Definitely!

[Andy]

I'm like 85% done and will finish tonight. Just a so-so read for me.

[Ms. Nikki]

What was lacking, Andrew? Or, what would you have changed?

[Andy]

I thought that you put it well in your review. The characters were not very likeable, the who, when and where of the writing was confusing in places, and I missed on a handful of obscure cultural references.

That said, the book had its moments as well. I'll write my review in an hour or two.

[Ms. Nikki]

I'll look for it~

[Andy]

All finished. 2.5 stars rounded down to 2 because I have a lot of 3 star ratings that I liked more than this book. Check out my review if you can spare a few...