“Assassin Eighteen” by John Brownlow is the latest installment in an ongoing series that, for some readers, may be starting to feel a bit tedious. While the author continues to deliver the same signature elements that fans of the series have come to expect, such as intriguing characters and intricate plots, there is a sense of familiarity that might not be as engaging for long-time readers. For newcomers to the series, this book might still offer an enjoyable entry point into the world created by Brownlow. Ultimately, “Assassin Eighteen” maintains the series’ core strengths but may leave some craving a bit more innovation or development in the storyline.
Author: Steven
West Heart Kill
“West Heart Kill” by Dann McDormann proved to be a challenging read, to say the least. The narrative felt like a grind, with excessive misdirection that left me constantly searching for a coherent thread to follow. While I appreciate the author’s attempt at complexity, it often led to confusion rather than intrigue.
After investing time in navigating the convoluted plot, I expected a more rewarding resolution. Instead, the conclusion left me with more questions than answers and a sense of frustration.
In summary, “West Heart Kill” may have potential for those who enjoy intricate storytelling, but for me, it was a challenging and ultimately unsatisfying reading experience due to its meandering narrative and underwhelming ending.
These Burning Stars
“These Burning Stars” by Bethany Jacobs is an incredibly gripping and clever sci-fi novel. Jacobs’ world-building is fascinating, creating a future filled with possibilities that had me hooked from start to finish. The story is a thrilling adventure with well-developed characters and unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. Jacobs’ exploration of complex themes adds depth to the narrative. Overall, “These Burning Stars” is a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating glimpse into a thought-provoking future.
Beneath Dark Waters
“Beneath Dark Waters” by Karen Rose is an absolute page-turner! This action thriller had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The author’s knack for creating complex and relatable characters drew me into their world, making me care deeply about their fates. Karen Rose’s storytelling is so gripping that I couldn’t put the book down, and I truly hope it’s just the beginning of an exciting series. If you’re a fan of suspenseful and engaging thrillers, this is a must-read!
Sweet Little Lies
“Sweet Little Lies” by Karin Nordin is a disappointing thriller that promises much but ultimately delivers very little. From the outset, it’s clear that the author is trying to create a web of misdirections and surprises, but what we end up with is a convoluted mess that strains credulity at every turn.
One of the biggest issues with this book is the sheer number of misdirections. It’s as if the author is trying to keep the reader constantly off balance, but instead of creating suspense, it just becomes tiresome. Every chapter seems to introduce a new plot twist or reveal that is so far-fetched that it’s impossible to take seriously. It feels like the author is throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks, and the result is a narrative that lacks coherence and depth.
Furthermore, the random and unbelievable surprises in the story only serve to highlight the lack of a well-thought-out plot. Characters make decisions and take actions that are completely out of character and defy logic. It’s as if the author is more interested in shocking the reader than in creating a story that makes sense.
In the end, “Sweet Little Lies” by Karin Nordin is a frustrating read that falls short of its promises. The abundance of misdirections and random surprises may appeal to some, but for those looking for a well-crafted and believable thriller, this book is a letdown.
The Future
“The Future” by Naomi Alderman delivers a captivating and thought-provoking narrative that centers around a sharp and satirical parody of big tech and its founders. In this dystopian world, Alderman masterfully depicts the consequences of unchecked technological power. The story’s darkly humorous take on the tech industry’s influence creates a gripping atmosphere that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Alderman’s imaginative exploration of this dystopian future is a thrilling ride that provides both entertainment and a stark warning about the potential dangers of our digital age. A must-read for those who enjoy incisive social commentary wrapped in an engaging story.
Helgoland
Helgoland by Carlo Rovelli is a rare find, a book about the history of science that is an exhilarating read and teaches the uninformed something about a complex science.
In 1925 Werner Heisenberg has retreated to Helgoland, an island in the North Sea, there he formulates the basis of quantum physics. Helgoland describes the contributions of the numerous young scientists and their interactions and disputes which changed our understanding of matter and energy and underpins much of modern physics and philosophy.
This is a great read although I did find myself losing the thread as the science becomes more abstract towards the end.
3.5/5
The Doll
The Doll by Yrsa Sigurdardottir is right centre in the canon of Scandinavian dark crime.
Take a detective trying to get his career back on track, a faithful colleague, a hint of romantic interest, add in a sprinkle of child abuse, part of a skeleton dragged out of the sea, an unexplained murder of a drug addict, some organised crime, and some remote locations and you have classic scandi fare.
Good but not great, somewhat predictable but enjoyable.
3/5
Cecily
Cecily by Annie Garthwaite tells the story of the beginning of the War of the Roses from the perspective of Cecily Neville, the Duchess of York.
I love history that reads like and adventure and this is a real page turner even though I knew the story of the Brothers York and how it would turn out. Centring the story on the matriarch of the family rather than on the male actors provides a brilliant perspective and probably gives room for more characterisation and historical context.
This is how to bring history to life, although I am not qualified to assess what mistakes, if any, Garthwaite has made.
4.5/5
Sweet Sweet Revenge Ltd
Sweet Sweet Revenge Ltd is the latest from Jonas Jonasson, author of The 100 Year Old Man who Climbed out of a Window and Disappeared, Hitman Anders and the Meaning of it All and The Girl who Saved the King of Sweden. Jonasson writes quirky feel good novels that suck you in and his latest is no exception.
As the title suggests this is a story of revenge, Jenny has been swindled out of her inheritance by her husband Victor who has also abandoned his son Kevin in the Kenyan Savannah. Kevin eventually returns to Stockholm where inevitably he meets Jenny and then a trail of events is set inn place to get revenge on Victor. Add in an ex advertising executive who has set up a revenge business and the Masai warrior who adopted Kevin in Kenya and you have a chaotic cast of characters scheming and stumbling through the plot.
If you have read any of Jonasson’s earlier stuff you will love this, if you haven’t you are in for a treat.
4/5