Michael Smith > Recent Status Updates

The dialogue isn't subtle, it feels a little OTT in all honesty, with English characters talking as if they already know everything happening in pre-WW2 Germany in detail. We had loose facts and information, but I digress. It's a good novel so far, with a lot of heart.

I was told this book starts slow, and is a bit dull to begin. Erm well I am in luck, I've been enthralled since the first sentence! This is terrific character writing, the setting and landscape is so well described 8 can picture it in my mind, and the emotive writing for EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER is sublime.

For a book that started so brilliantly...its disappointing to see the second half fizzle put with a very repetitive, drawn out situation which is handled with skill but little to no tension. I'm...bored.

Still, the first half of this book is enough to recommend Firestarter.

I saw some lukewarm reviews for this novella. My thoughts, early into it: this is some deep character writing. Aeson is really being fleshed out, the complexities of his character and the motivations for his choices making clearer sense. Also, Cahill is able to write powerful moments that feel so achingly human, the way he allows men to emote and not in any way take away from their masculinity, it is brilliant

Oh how I love this world, this series, and these characters! This is technically a prequel, but you definitely want to read it in order of publication. I'm really enjoying this so far, and wishing already this was a full novel and not just a novella.

I am not ready for this to be over

I've held off reading this book for years due to poor word of mouth. I'm nearly done, and like all great epics, I wish it was longer, I love this story and the characters.

Brilliant

Ken Follett writes in such a way that the most BORING stuff is so bloody riveting to read. "Let's fix this church, oh god who stole my belt? We must build a bridge! Oh man, how will we make money for the monastery? WHO FORGED THESE FAKE COINS?!?!"

I can't put this down 🤣

It's dragging a little, but the way King writes characters is never not interesting.

Brilliant

I went into this book with low expectations. I never see anyone talk about it, and I personally have never seen the film (or heard much good about it). So the story is new to me, and I have to say, much like The Dead Zone, being utterly unfamiliar with the story going in has rewarded me with a thrilling book! I love this tale so far, hope it continues to stay that way.

Damn! This book is like crack! So addictive.

Well...fans of Stranger Things owe themselves a read of this book!