Reviews

This has some of the best descriptive writing I've ever seen. And please note, this is not a beach read; it's complicated and heavy at times. And worth the effort.

libbykerns's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

this was a fabulous, engrossing read. the worldbuilding was fascinating, though i have a few questions about the larger system (what’s with Mississippi??) and the ending was a smidge drawn out. those complaints are mere blips, though. i love joe and this novel!

jw101's review against another edition

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mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

oxnard_montalvo's review against another edition

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Took me a while to find the rythmn (hate that word... can never spell it...) RHYTHM and perhaps that's partly the point? I'm sure there are layers of jazz related meanings and motifs that are flying fast and furious over my head.
but for the nonjazz literate, this was an enjoyable noir, full of the themes and characters you'd expect to stumble into: newspaper broad, likable earnest young man, bewildered gumshoe in over his head etc etc. a bevvy of love interests who don't fade into so much wallpaper.

A bit heavy on the exposition maybe, but then this world needs a little; the fact our eyes (Barrow) is something of a semi tourist himself helps. in short, it's a dense book. heavy on the political intrigue which doesn't seem to rise above vague glimpses in murky gloom. Maybe a little more light would have made the society of this alternative timeline a touch more graspable and rooted in something solid. As such, I found it a little too slippery for true immersion. but it was likable never the less. Memorable final days.

Can practically see the adverts for the tv/limited series adaptation now.

ryzar's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

przela71's review

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mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

elsymary's review against another edition

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dark hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

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