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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
Classic melodrama. Good guys are squeaky clean, bad guys are deliciously fun to detest. It's so predictable, and I don't care. I still enjoyed it. My only bone to pick with Archer is how quickly he disposed of Gwyneth. Giles got off too easy on that one, and I was not impressed. Yes, I am now waiting for the 6th book.
I have been a fan of Jeffrey Archer’s writing for many years and have read almost all of them. I’ve learned that while he sometimes has a less-than-stellar outing, I always enjoy his story telling. This one is no exception: I loved the storytelling even when large parts of the novel weren’t really advancing the overall story arcs of the major characters much beyond what we’ve seen before.
This is the fifth novel in “The Clifton Chronicles” which describes the events of the Clifton and Barrington families throughout most of the 20th century, both in England and the US. The previous novel, [b:Be Careful What You Wish For|18404285|Be Careful What You Wish For (The Clifton Chronicles #4)|Jeffrey Archer|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392576182s/18404285.jpg|25746450], ended in a major cliff hanger so thankfully this volume began with repeating the final chapter of that last book. Many of us have been waiting a full year to find out the resolution of that incident so it was good to have the details ready at hand. This novel takes the characters from 1964 through 1970, tumultuous years for the world at large as well as for these characters in particular.
While there are some resolutions to some of the long-running plot lines, in general we see much more of the same continuing struggles of our two related families as they face off yet again with old foes in boardrooms, courtrooms, and political corridors. Even though we’ve seen all of this before, somehow Archer is able to hold my interest and keep me wondering what will happen next. He still provides a shock or two but most of the story is about shrewd one-upmanship among the various rivals. One new plotline involving the quest to publish a biography of Stalin that had been confiscated behind the Iron Curtain and its author sentenced to 20 years hard labor was fun to read. And the way Archer weaves in and out of two separate court trials that are occurring on opposite sides of the globe at the same time is riveting. However, once again, the novel ends on a major cliff hanger. Reportedly, there will be seven books in the series so we can expect one more novel still to come with yet another unresolved ending before the final volume.
I almost graded this one with three stars due to the more-of-the-same plot, however Archer gets a bump up for shear enjoyable, page-turning story telling.
My thanks to Goodreads for allowing me to read this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaway program.
This is the fifth novel in “The Clifton Chronicles” which describes the events of the Clifton and Barrington families throughout most of the 20th century, both in England and the US. The previous novel, [b:Be Careful What You Wish For|18404285|Be Careful What You Wish For (The Clifton Chronicles #4)|Jeffrey Archer|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392576182s/18404285.jpg|25746450], ended in a major cliff hanger so thankfully this volume began with repeating the final chapter of that last book. Many of us have been waiting a full year to find out the resolution of that incident so it was good to have the details ready at hand. This novel takes the characters from 1964 through 1970, tumultuous years for the world at large as well as for these characters in particular.
While there are some resolutions to some of the long-running plot lines, in general we see much more of the same continuing struggles of our two related families as they face off yet again with old foes in boardrooms, courtrooms, and political corridors. Even though we’ve seen all of this before, somehow Archer is able to hold my interest and keep me wondering what will happen next. He still provides a shock or two but most of the story is about shrewd one-upmanship among the various rivals. One new plotline involving the quest to publish a biography of Stalin that had been confiscated behind the Iron Curtain and its author sentenced to 20 years hard labor was fun to read. And the way Archer weaves in and out of two separate court trials that are occurring on opposite sides of the globe at the same time is riveting. However, once again, the novel ends on a major cliff hanger. Reportedly, there will be seven books in the series so we can expect one more novel still to come with yet another unresolved ending before the final volume.
I almost graded this one with three stars due to the more-of-the-same plot, however Archer gets a bump up for shear enjoyable, page-turning story telling.
My thanks to Goodreads for allowing me to read this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaway program.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A good read. This book is smartly written and weaves together a tale of politics, law and business. I love the intellectual dilemmas that Archer writes here.
While I was reading the previous two instalments (Best Kept Secret and Be Careful What You Wish For), I didn’t hate the story about the Martinez-es. Yet, I found it a touch welcome to have the story back to the original characters - Harry and Emma, Fisher and Virginia - for the most part.
While I was reading the previous two instalments (Best Kept Secret and Be Careful What You Wish For), I didn’t hate the story about the Martinez-es. Yet, I found it a touch welcome to have the story back to the original characters - Harry and Emma, Fisher and Virginia - for the most part.
Loved it as usual, but not quite as much as the previous instalments. Dying to know what happens next though. Torture!!
As always, couldn't put it down! Book 5 just adds to the saga - New era, same old players!
We are seeing Sebastian rise up as a young man and overcoming his own obstacles, while his mother continues tackling the Barrington Shipping issues and his father becomes a more well known author, even becoming political in his task of freeing a Russian who spoke out and was caught.
And wait until you find out what Sebastian learns...
Of course, Jeffrey Archer leaves it with a cliffhanger (or two), so be sure you have the next book "Cometh the Hour" ready to go!
You can get the book here:
https://amzn.to/3dGA6ks
We are seeing Sebastian rise up as a young man and overcoming his own obstacles, while his mother continues tackling the Barrington Shipping issues and his father becomes a more well known author, even becoming political in his task of freeing a Russian who spoke out and was caught.
And wait until you find out what Sebastian learns...
Of course, Jeffrey Archer leaves it with a cliffhanger (or two), so be sure you have the next book "Cometh the Hour" ready to go!
You can get the book here:
https://amzn.to/3dGA6ks
The latest book in the Clifton Chronicles continues to drive the story closer to the present. While I plan to keep reading this series, I felt that this one dragged a bit compared to the earlier installments. The writing and storytelling technique are quintessential Archer, and two elements that keep me coming back to his works. But, the plot line didn't hook me in quite as much this time, so I found it easier to set this book aside and read other books at the same time. I do want to see what comes next for the Cliftons though, so I'll be keeping an eye out for the sixth installment.
Another great read! Very interested in continuing with the Clifton family, and finding out what is next.
It's good to see the plot twists resolve from book to book, and characters grow and change.