Reviews

Mr Einstein's Secretary by Matthew Reilly

hmoffatt's review

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adventurous informative medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

raidingbookshelves's review

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adventurous dark emotional informative medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

susani_'s review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

karenthebaron's review

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adventurous dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

Not sure if expected different or it was just not my thing. Even with the jumps back n forth in time, i wasn't interested in the setting, except for the New York desc iptions, others have done better in the 'nazi/war' space.

I normally like Matthew Reilly's novels for the action and this is fairly good here. This book has missed the mark, both with the characters, who had little depth (even the lead) and his writing in the female voice. I kept hearing a middle aged man speaking. 

wingedarrow461's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring 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? Yes

4.0

jacqueshol's review against another edition

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3.0

"Mr Einstein's Secretary" presents a captivating and original story that promises intrigue and intellectual engagement. However, the narrative's continuous shifts between timelines create a disorienting experience, leaving me occasionally confused.

I had the impression the book was written over an extended period, lacking the cohesive flow that marks a meticulously crafted work. This perceived lack of concerted effort reflects in the mediocre editing, requiring a more refined touch to enhance the overall reading experience.

Despite these reservations, the story offers commendable originality and vision. However, the metaphor of wanting a V12 motor sportscar and having to settle for a turbocharged 2-litre captures the sentiment well. The book's title over-promises, but ultimately under-delivers. The potential for an epic narrative, reminiscent of the author's "The Tournament," falls short. Regrettably, the book lacks the punch and cohesion needed to deliver on its promising premise.

In conclusion, "Mr Einstein's Secretary" presents a compelling concept but falters in execution. Still, it is a good story to spend a couple of hours on.

mazzreads86's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

hed_o_'s review

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adventurous informative medium-paced

4.5

kalee_'s review

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adventurous 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? No

4.0

taniemaree's review

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adventurous informative mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25