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wjlongiii's reviews
107 reviews
The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith
5.0
Book two in the Cormoran Strike series is a ride that hit particularly well with me. Continued on from The Cuckoo's Calling are the same tarnished London world and twisted supporting cast. There are secrets and well-formed turns that far outstrip Galbraith's first outing and in-depth conversational games that not only elevate this novel but hint toward exciting chapters to come.
Strike and Robin continue to be the highlight, though Robin obviously the all-star. Her bright and refreshingly common nature reaches off the page and makes me feel for her in ways that are profound where I'm concerned.
The relationships between existing characters evolve in unpredictable but satisfying ways, while the mystery at the story's core kept me guessing up until the final pages. I highly recommend this novel to anyone seeking a grounded detective novel that grows beyond the formula we all know so well.
Strike and Robin continue to be the highlight, though Robin obviously the all-star. Her bright and refreshingly common nature reaches off the page and makes me feel for her in ways that are profound where I'm concerned.
The relationships between existing characters evolve in unpredictable but satisfying ways, while the mystery at the story's core kept me guessing up until the final pages. I highly recommend this novel to anyone seeking a grounded detective novel that grows beyond the formula we all know so well.
Wolves of War: The Threat by Adam Conlon
4.0
I found this book through several mutual acquaintances and decided to give it a chance. Early on I was a bit shaky on the setup and the characters the author chose to follow, but over time the slow burn approach won me over.
Taking the time to place me in the world made it feel real even when I wanted to run toward the novel's titular threat much faster than the author allowed. Looking back on it I understand the reasoning for the pace he set. Also the older syntax the book strays into took a while to come naturally to me, though its usage is understandable overall.
Without spoiling anything, this book is about two men at different stages in their lives and from vastly opposed backgrounds learning to trust and work together in the face of significant gulfs in culture and religion. There are clear movements forward as well as several unforeseen setbacks. This central dynamic is the core of my enjoyment of this book and why I look forward to revisiting this world in the future.
Taking the time to place me in the world made it feel real even when I wanted to run toward the novel's titular threat much faster than the author allowed. Looking back on it I understand the reasoning for the pace he set. Also the older syntax the book strays into took a while to come naturally to me, though its usage is understandable overall.
Without spoiling anything, this book is about two men at different stages in their lives and from vastly opposed backgrounds learning to trust and work together in the face of significant gulfs in culture and religion. There are clear movements forward as well as several unforeseen setbacks. This central dynamic is the core of my enjoyment of this book and why I look forward to revisiting this world in the future.
Dead Awake: In the Beginning by Christian Green, Christian Green
3.0
A good start with room to grow
Dead Awake has a solid premise that places th zombie trope in a location few have chosen to explore as fully as this story does.
Using a school as the initial setting immediately rachets the stakes up to eleven and creates additional dread and complicated emotions especially once firearms enter he picture.
Speaking of picture, this is one of the places where I feel the prose let's the story down. I found myself unable to place the characters and action as clearly as I would have liked. The prose isn't quite as descriptive on environment as I think is needed for a horror tale and that could have rooted me more in the world than I was.
Overall, I think this is a solid start to a horror series that takes some familiar ideas and give them a tweak.
Dead Awake has a solid premise that places th zombie trope in a location few have chosen to explore as fully as this story does.
Using a school as the initial setting immediately rachets the stakes up to eleven and creates additional dread and complicated emotions especially once firearms enter he picture.
Speaking of picture, this is one of the places where I feel the prose let's the story down. I found myself unable to place the characters and action as clearly as I would have liked. The prose isn't quite as descriptive on environment as I think is needed for a horror tale and that could have rooted me more in the world than I was.
Overall, I think this is a solid start to a horror series that takes some familiar ideas and give them a tweak.