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izzy_reads7's review
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
slow-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
3.0
These two main characters are probably the most unique that I have read in a thriller. Addie is a female detective in the Chicago Police Department, while Dr. Evan Wilding has dwarfism and is a forensic semiotician. They were likable characters overall. However, the atmosphere of the Chicago area didn't really do anything for me. The writing is what made me not love this book. It was very dense, but that being said, it was still informative and I learned a ton about Viking culture. The plot was intriguing and again very unique, but it went a little too long for my liking. I did not predict the perpetrator of the crime at all.
Overall, this is a good book. If you are fascinated by Viking culture or just want to pick up a new thriller, I would recommend giving it a read.
Overall, this is a good book. If you are fascinated by Viking culture or just want to pick up a new thriller, I would recommend giving it a read.
_johnson's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
itputsthebookupontheshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Vikings?
Bog boddies?
Religious sacrifice?
Nazis?
Riddles?
What could they possibly all have in common?
Come find out as Sherlock meets The DaVinci Code in this twisty mystery.
I love a book that has history and symbolism intertwined. Symbols and their meanings can add so much to a story, and I always enjoy learning the history bilehind something. This book had so much of it, and it was great.
Though I will say, at some point, all that I loved about it was also its slight downfall for me. As the book goes on, it did get a bit much, and I did start to lose concentration for a moment there.
But man, was I dragged back in as information came together, and all was revealed. I did not see that coming.
Bog boddies?
Religious sacrifice?
Nazis?
Riddles?
What could they possibly all have in common?
Come find out as Sherlock meets The DaVinci Code in this twisty mystery.
I love a book that has history and symbolism intertwined. Symbols and their meanings can add so much to a story, and I always enjoy learning the history bilehind something. This book had so much of it, and it was great.
Though I will say, at some point, all that I loved about it was also its slight downfall for me. As the book goes on, it did get a bit much, and I did start to lose concentration for a moment there.
But man, was I dragged back in as information came together, and all was revealed. I did not see that coming.
tracy_lianne's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this story! I can't wait for Book 2.
donnek's review against another edition
4.5
As a huge fan of Barbara Nickless’s Sydney Parnell series, I was feeling bummed about the conclusion of the series So, I decided to check out her new series on Evan Wilding, a character that was introduced in the final installment of the Sydney Parnell series. As the book summary indicates, Evan is a forensic semiotician, who is someone that studies symbolic signs and patterns at crime scenes, that may provide clues, as a form of communication from a perpetrator or suspect. Evan is also a little person, or as he likes to be considered, someone who is afflicted with dwarfism. This makes a lot of people uncomfortable when they first meet him, except Det Addie Bissett. Addie is probably in love with Evan although she doesn’t think so, which is kind of sad. Evan is definitely secretly in love with Addie, but will never go public with that for fear of losing her friendship. Evan values Addie’s friendship much more than his own romantic desires and wishes.
The story flips back and forth between Evan, Addie, and the killer. There is also a secondary story of the new Chief of Chicago PD, who is a misogynist, who overtly discriminates and dismisses Addie and her position and experience and who especially doesn’t like Evan, regardless of his experience and expertise. Most of the story revolves around the investigation of the deaths that appear to be the work of some ritualistic killer influenced by Odin, the Nordic God, that the press has nicknamed the Viking Poet. None of this is a spoiler since it is basically the beginning of the story.
By the halfway point, another storyline has developed, but I’m not going to spoil that. Even so, it’s not like it is revealing any new clues as to who the killer is. Well into the second half, I’m still not sure who the killer may be, but have kind of narrowed it down to two suspects, maybe three. Idk!!! As I suspected I would be, the revelation of the killer was absolutely shocking and not anyone that I had considered. I LOVE when that happens, but then I am already well aware of what a extraordinary writer and storyteller Nickless is. I look forward to continuing this new series of hers.
The story flips back and forth between Evan, Addie, and the killer. There is also a secondary story of the new Chief of Chicago PD, who is a misogynist, who overtly discriminates and dismisses Addie and her position and experience and who especially doesn’t like Evan, regardless of his experience and expertise. Most of the story revolves around the investigation of the deaths that appear to be the work of some ritualistic killer influenced by Odin, the Nordic God, that the press has nicknamed the Viking Poet. None of this is a spoiler since it is basically the beginning of the story.
By the halfway point, another storyline has developed, but I’m not going to spoil that. Even so, it’s not like it is revealing any new clues as to who the killer is. Well into the second half, I’m still not sure who the killer may be, but have kind of narrowed it down to two suspects, maybe three. Idk!!! As I suspected I would be, the revelation of the killer was absolutely shocking and not anyone that I had considered. I LOVE when that happens, but then I am already well aware of what a extraordinary writer and storyteller Nickless is. I look forward to continuing this new series of hers.
msalexisshea's review
3.0
At First Light is a modern day detective novel, following Chicagoan Addison Bisset as she takes on a case involving a strange ritualistic style murder. She calls on her friend Dr. Evan Wilding, a symbolism expert, to assist - and we are introduced to their "will they won't they" friendship.
I have to admit I was immediately side-eyeing the author when they mention Evan has dwarfism. I was afraid they would make his character gimmicky and one dimensional, but honestly he's the most well written and has the best scenes. His knowledge of all things - seriously he is like an encyclopedia - was so enjoyable to read. I loved the connections he would quickly make upon looking at one of Addison's crime scenes.
I really enjoyed the research that went in to this book surrounding Runes and Viking culture. I found myself looking up certain gods and traditions mentioned in the book!
As the book goes on, you can tell they are really pushing for tension between the detective and Wilding, but honestly they read more as siblings to me. Evan is extremely smart, charismatic and charming - I loved the way other female characters reacted to him - he's easy to fall in love with.
Without spoiling - the actual culprit turned out unbelievable to me, their motives were kind of a stretch for me.
With that said, I really enjoyed Dr. Wilding's character and I'm excited to see this is a series because I will definitely be reading the next one!
I have to admit I was immediately side-eyeing the author when they mention Evan has dwarfism. I was afraid they would make his character gimmicky and one dimensional, but honestly he's the most well written and has the best scenes. His knowledge of all things - seriously he is like an encyclopedia - was so enjoyable to read. I loved the connections he would quickly make upon looking at one of Addison's crime scenes.
I really enjoyed the research that went in to this book surrounding Runes and Viking culture. I found myself looking up certain gods and traditions mentioned in the book!
As the book goes on, you can tell they are really pushing for tension between the detective and Wilding, but honestly they read more as siblings to me. Evan is extremely smart, charismatic and charming - I loved the way other female characters reacted to him - he's easy to fall in love with.
Without spoiling - the actual culprit turned out unbelievable to me, their motives were kind of a stretch for me.
With that said, I really enjoyed Dr. Wilding's character and I'm excited to see this is a series because I will definitely be reading the next one!
cwalter01's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
Excellent first book in Evan Wilder series. Look forward to reading the others
isaacrm's review against another edition
4.0
Four stars for the first book in the series, and I can’t wait for the second one to be released.
What I like the most about this book are the characters. An unlikely hero partners with a sharp detective to catch a murder that is leaving, what appears to be, conflicting clues. Even the “experts” get it wrong. It has to be Dr. Wilding that puts together the puzzle risking his live to save some others.
Some things in the plot are predictable, but the well developed and likeable characters keeps you reading. And at the end, there are some surprises.
A very good book for thriller and mystery lovers that I can recommend.
What I like the most about this book are the characters. An unlikely hero partners with a sharp detective to catch a murder that is leaving, what appears to be, conflicting clues. Even the “experts” get it wrong. It has to be Dr. Wilding that puts together the puzzle risking his live to save some others.
Some things in the plot are predictable, but the well developed and likeable characters keeps you reading. And at the end, there are some surprises.
A very good book for thriller and mystery lovers that I can recommend.
tsquare345's review against another edition
3.0
I had originally downloaded this in 2021 as an Amazon First Reads. In the intervening years, the author has written and published two more novels in the series, lol. What a great start to a series! I adore Dr Wilding’s brain and how he put the pieces together. Totally looking forward to the next book.
czellm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0