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alinnarossa's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
thelauraxe's review against another edition
1.0
I had high hopes for this one and was majorly let down. SO MUCH backstory for minor characters and the description of guns and ammunition was used in a way that make it feel like Harris was just trying to reach a word count. The only chapter worth reading is the description of the captive professor's time with Cari.
Also, what was the point of the never-ending chapter describing marketing for Don Ernesto's escargot business? I understand he's a seedy business man but no book in the Hannibal collection had such useless descriptions of activities with no tie to the plot. I could list characters unnecessary to the progression of the plot but the character count would exceed the limit of what GoodReads would allow me to write (note that GoodReads doesn't have a character limit...). The only reason I dragged through the book was because the 241 page length seemed like it would pass quickly - unfortunately it took longer to get through this than it took to finish the entire Hannibal collection.
Also, what was the point of the never-ending chapter describing marketing for Don Ernesto's escargot business? I understand he's a seedy business man but no book in the Hannibal collection had such useless descriptions of activities with no tie to the plot. I could list characters unnecessary to the progression of the plot but the character count would exceed the limit of what GoodReads would allow me to write (note that GoodReads doesn't have a character limit...). The only reason I dragged through the book was because the 241 page length seemed like it would pass quickly - unfortunately it took longer to get through this than it took to finish the entire Hannibal collection.
skconaghan's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Short.
Has potential.
Hits a few interesting issues.
Has potential.
Hits a few interesting issues.
matt357's review against another edition
2.0
This book is unfortunately disappointing. Coming from someone with Harris's pedigree and after such a long break this is something of a doa. Given the long break before this book, this is a chance to see if all his skills were ruined by the last two Hannibal books
Harris uses several techniques he's used before, a history told in parts and flashbacks, lots of narration from a clearly evil character, a crime story with little police involved, and those only seeing the edges of this, but here these all feel a little... flat.
We start here with Hams-Peter, and within 10 pages he's already openly talking about abducting and killing someone purely for her looks. He comes off as an attempt to make a Hannibal for this book, but here he's too strong in the villainy, and consistent with it, and comes off looking cartoonish.
Secondly comes the other main character, Cari. She's beautiful, confident, dangerous and loving of animals and those she knows. At times she comes off as over perfect, but her quietness and self reflection fight against this admirably. Her past here could reasonably explain a lot of her personality, flaws included, which is nice to see.
The central question here, is who will get some of Pablo Escobar's gold, and how. The back and forward, plot and counter plot is engaging, and the action scenes both fast and bloody, showing Harris's experience here, especially his time in films.
If you've not read Harris before, this isn't worth your time. Instead pick up any of his first 3 books, those are much better and unarguably worth the time they take. If you've read his other works, this is just about worth the effort, although it does feel like watching a world class athlete warming up. I can only hope that's what this book represents, and that we'll see Harris back soon with something better.
Harris uses several techniques he's used before, a history told in parts and flashbacks, lots of narration from a clearly evil character, a crime story with little police involved, and those only seeing the edges of this, but here these all feel a little... flat.
We start here with Hams-Peter, and within 10 pages he's already openly talking about abducting and killing someone purely for her looks. He comes off as an attempt to make a Hannibal for this book, but here he's too strong in the villainy, and consistent with it, and comes off looking cartoonish.
Secondly comes the other main character, Cari. She's beautiful, confident, dangerous and loving of animals and those she knows. At times she comes off as over perfect, but her quietness and self reflection fight against this admirably. Her past here could reasonably explain a lot of her personality, flaws included, which is nice to see.
The central question here, is who will get some of Pablo Escobar's gold, and how. The back and forward, plot and counter plot is engaging, and the action scenes both fast and bloody, showing Harris's experience here, especially his time in films.
If you've not read Harris before, this isn't worth your time. Instead pick up any of his first 3 books, those are much better and unarguably worth the time they take. If you've read his other works, this is just about worth the effort, although it does feel like watching a world class athlete warming up. I can only hope that's what this book represents, and that we'll see Harris back soon with something better.
abcdefghijklmegg's review against another edition
3.0
The book really isn't that bad, but he gets you so invested in these characters and then... Nothing. Very disappointed at the end of the book.
katel1970's review against another edition
2.0
I have never read any of Harris' previous work. I had high hopes when I first heard about the book--there was an interesting interview I read with the author talking about his volunteer work with the bird sanctuary that appears in the book. But I felt like the author was often just trying to gross the reader out. Having vile characters talk of doing vile things for the sake of making the reader feel sick. There was potential at points, but the yuckiness factor outweighed any hints of potential for me. It was a super quick read.
vickiroberts082457's review against another edition
3.0
There were some thrilling parts in the book but not enough to really get my pulse racing. Actually the only real thrilling part comes briefly at the end and I found the ending unsatisfactory. Minor buildup and no real conclusion.
alerycelery's review against another edition
2.0
Quite the slog to get through. It didn’t really get exciting until the last twenty pages.
lena_05's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
mlou186's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0