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starsandvellum's review against another edition
DNF at 24%...
It's been a while since I put a book down without finishing it. It's been a while since I put a book down because the characters irritated me to no end.
Kate was my main qualm (who happens to be the main character...) she's impulsive, unprofessional and so goddamn irritating, I couldn't hack her account of things. I started reading Damaged because of all the 5-Star reviews and I honestly believe I was reading a different book to everyone else.
By no means was this book badly written, I believe had the characters been more relatable and loveable I'd at least have been able to finish the book. Maybe if I'd have been more patient things might have picked up but for me, it wasn't worth it. I have so many other books that i know I'll enjoy reading to waste time trying to get into this one.
It's been a while since I put a book down without finishing it. It's been a while since I put a book down because the characters irritated me to no end.
Kate was my main qualm (who happens to be the main character...) she's impulsive, unprofessional and so goddamn irritating, I couldn't hack her account of things. I started reading Damaged because of all the 5-Star reviews and I honestly believe I was reading a different book to everyone else.
By no means was this book badly written, I believe had the characters been more relatable and loveable I'd at least have been able to finish the book. Maybe if I'd have been more patient things might have picked up but for me, it wasn't worth it. I have so many other books that i know I'll enjoy reading to waste time trying to get into this one.
nahyee's review against another edition
4.0
A few minor plot issues but still a good read
Kate Lange is a law associate for a "major" firm in Halifax, who gets herself embroiled in a serial murder case and a medical scandal. She is pushed to find the answers because of guilt surrounding her sister's death. I didn't like that the author made everyone attracted to and drooling over everyone else. There's no need to imply romantic elements in this story. Overall, I enjoyed it and will probably read the rest of the series.
Kate Lange is a law associate for a "major" firm in Halifax, who gets herself embroiled in a serial murder case and a medical scandal. She is pushed to find the answers because of guilt surrounding her sister's death. I didn't like that the author made everyone attracted to and drooling over everyone else. There's no need to imply romantic elements in this story. Overall, I enjoyed it and will probably read the rest of the series.
aspygirlsmom_1995's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lilbittybritty1's review against another edition
4.0
A little bit long-winded, but I really liked it, especially towards the end. Can't wait to read the sequel.
beastreader's review against another edition
4.0
I started this book a long time ago. I was not feeling it, so I put it down. When I saw a long time ago, I am talking years. Not that meant to never come back to this book as I read another book by this author, the second one in fact and enjoyed it. I would walk by the book or chance at it from time to time and think, I need to try reading this book again. However my to be read pile grew and grew and I would forget about the book again. I finally picked it up as I was making a committment to attacking my pile and this was one of the books on the pile. After reading this book again and actually finishing it this time, I have to wonder why I did not like it the first time. I blame it on my mood. I must not have been in the right mood at the time I was reading this book.
Kate is a powerhouse. She does not take no for an answer. In fact, she seemed to push harder when she was told no. Her and Ethan's relationship may have been on the rocks but I like that the author did not push them to get back together in the story. She let them have their own space but still find a way for them to communicate. The killer was scary but it was the other story that Kate was chasing that had me really intrigued. I don't want to go into details in case someone else has not read the book but just let me tell you that the thought of it is chilling.
Kate is a powerhouse. She does not take no for an answer. In fact, she seemed to push harder when she was told no. Her and Ethan's relationship may have been on the rocks but I like that the author did not push them to get back together in the story. She let them have their own space but still find a way for them to communicate. The killer was scary but it was the other story that Kate was chasing that had me really intrigued. I don't want to go into details in case someone else has not read the book but just let me tell you that the thought of it is chilling.
liveyourlifereading's review against another edition
3.0
Ik vond het een fijn boek om doorheen te lezen.
Het verhaal was ook redelijk goed opgebouwd, alleen vond ik het iets te makkelijk om erachter te komen hoe het verhaal in elkaar stak en daardoor was het einde vrij saai en voorspelbaar.
Ook ben ik zelf niet zo van de seksuele implicaties die worden gedaan door het verhaal heen, waar niks mee wordt gedaan (wat ik dan wel weer fijn vond). Maar als er zoveel over gesproken wordt, verwacht je wel dat er ook daadwerkelijk iets gebeurt.
De karakters hebben weinig verandering door het boek heen en ik hou ervan als karakters ook iets leren of veranderen door het verhaal heen, ik miste de karakteropbouw in die zin.
Een leuk verhaal, maar geen topper.
Het verhaal was ook redelijk goed opgebouwd, alleen vond ik het iets te makkelijk om erachter te komen hoe het verhaal in elkaar stak en daardoor was het einde vrij saai en voorspelbaar.
Ook ben ik zelf niet zo van de seksuele implicaties die worden gedaan door het verhaal heen, waar niks mee wordt gedaan (wat ik dan wel weer fijn vond). Maar als er zoveel over gesproken wordt, verwacht je wel dat er ook daadwerkelijk iets gebeurt.
De karakters hebben weinig verandering door het boek heen en ik hou ervan als karakters ook iets leren of veranderen door het verhaal heen, ik miste de karakteropbouw in die zin.
Een leuk verhaal, maar geen topper.
mlhelliwell's review against another edition
5.0
Confession: I do not normally read thrillers. I like watching them well enough, but I've never read John Grisham, nor am I likely to. So why did I pick up Damaged?
Damaged is a thriller set in Halifax, my home town, and I will admit that was the draw. A big time trade paperback set in any Canadian city is intriguing enough, but one that isn't set in one of Canada's big 3 cities? And Halifax?
So that's what got the book into my lap. What kept it there (until long after I should have gone to bed) was a great story, amazing characters and simply great writing. There was a couple of lines I read over and over just because I couldn't help but think how great they were. I don't do that very often.
It's a thriller, so I'm not giving away the story, so I'll focus on the characters that are the centrepiece of this story. Yes, it has a great plot with enough twists to keep the reader turning pages, but I think that Callow's real talent is her characters - from her heroine, lawyer Kate Lange, to a lowly drug pusher on the fringes of society. Each of them are complex human beings, damaged by life and trying to make sense of who they are and where they fit in each other's lives. Like a moody Halifax morning, shades of grey are everywhere making this novel richer than I had expected it to be.
And to my delight, Halifax was a great setting for this book - which is probably an ironic statement, given how it certainly doesn't show the best of the city. But it makes it a real place, which was another thing I appreciated. Callow got the flavor of the city right. As far as North American cities go, Halifax is an old city, and not a terribly big one. A name means something in Halifax. Memories are long. It is glorious in the sun, and dank in the rain. Callow captured both aspects of it perfectly.
So now I am impatiently awaiting Callow's next novel, which is a surefire sign that I am hooked on a novelist. If you aren't typically a thriller reader, or you're looking for a brand new setting, give "Damaged" a try. You won't be disappointed...except when you get to the last page and there isn't any more to read.
Damaged is a thriller set in Halifax, my home town, and I will admit that was the draw. A big time trade paperback set in any Canadian city is intriguing enough, but one that isn't set in one of Canada's big 3 cities? And Halifax?
So that's what got the book into my lap. What kept it there (until long after I should have gone to bed) was a great story, amazing characters and simply great writing. There was a couple of lines I read over and over just because I couldn't help but think how great they were. I don't do that very often.
It's a thriller, so I'm not giving away the story, so I'll focus on the characters that are the centrepiece of this story. Yes, it has a great plot with enough twists to keep the reader turning pages, but I think that Callow's real talent is her characters - from her heroine, lawyer Kate Lange, to a lowly drug pusher on the fringes of society. Each of them are complex human beings, damaged by life and trying to make sense of who they are and where they fit in each other's lives. Like a moody Halifax morning, shades of grey are everywhere making this novel richer than I had expected it to be.
And to my delight, Halifax was a great setting for this book - which is probably an ironic statement, given how it certainly doesn't show the best of the city. But it makes it a real place, which was another thing I appreciated. Callow got the flavor of the city right. As far as North American cities go, Halifax is an old city, and not a terribly big one. A name means something in Halifax. Memories are long. It is glorious in the sun, and dank in the rain. Callow captured both aspects of it perfectly.
So now I am impatiently awaiting Callow's next novel, which is a surefire sign that I am hooked on a novelist. If you aren't typically a thriller reader, or you're looking for a brand new setting, give "Damaged" a try. You won't be disappointed...except when you get to the last page and there isn't any more to read.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
DAMAGED (Kate Lange: #1)
Written by Pamela Callow
2010; Mira (390 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, mystery, law, canada
RATING: 4 STARS
A new favourite character and author! Kate is haunted by the death of her sister so she buries herself into her new job at a law firm. She gives some advice to a grandmother of a young teen. When that teen is murder Kate wonders if she could have done something different. Adding to her stress is her new boss, that informs her that she must fight for her job by regaining her reputation. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second Kate Lange book. I really like the fact that it is set in Nova Scotia, Canada. Usually, when books are set in Canada it is Ontario or Montreal so it's nice to see some other provinces get some love. I would compare this legal mystery to John Grisham and Lisa Scottoline.
My Novelesque Blog
Written by Pamela Callow
2010; Mira (390 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, mystery, law, canada
RATING: 4 STARS
A new favourite character and author! Kate is haunted by the death of her sister so she buries herself into her new job at a law firm. She gives some advice to a grandmother of a young teen. When that teen is murder Kate wonders if she could have done something different. Adding to her stress is her new boss, that informs her that she must fight for her job by regaining her reputation. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second Kate Lange book. I really like the fact that it is set in Nova Scotia, Canada. Usually, when books are set in Canada it is Ontario or Montreal so it's nice to see some other provinces get some love. I would compare this legal mystery to John Grisham and Lisa Scottoline.
My Novelesque Blog
zaynah's review against another edition
3.0
Started strong but then it got confusing and ended up like a csi episode :/