Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
For those that love Meyer for the twilight series, do NOT go into this thinking its anything like that series or even the host. Stephenie steps out of the teen world and into goverment secrets, death, torture and a game most people have no clue actually exist in the deep, dark corners around the world. The world that so hidden no country will ever admit that this exists of course, but, you must do what you need to do for your country. Can you survive the Chemist??
I love this book more and more with every reread. Its like one of those scenarios you dream in your head when you're pretending you're someone extraordinary
The Chemist is on the run. Her former job with the U.S. government was extremely classified and when they wanted to end the relationship, they tried to end her. She is now fleeing, constantly changing her name and doesn’t stay in one place very long. She knows they still want her dead, but when she receives information that might lead to safety, she gives it her all. Unfortunately, she wasn’t given all of the information and now her life is in even more peril. Will she survive the muscle her ex-employer sends her way? Will a new relationship put her at even more risk?
The Chemist is a new adventure novel that is action packed and full of twists. Readers who go into this book thinking about the fantasy novels written by Meyer will be sorely disappointed. Yet if they remember that this is a realistic adventure story, they will be pleasantly surprised. The Chemist is a recommended read for those who enjoy the Jack Reacher series or the Jason Bourne series.
The Chemist is a new adventure novel that is action packed and full of twists. Readers who go into this book thinking about the fantasy novels written by Meyer will be sorely disappointed. Yet if they remember that this is a realistic adventure story, they will be pleasantly surprised. The Chemist is a recommended read for those who enjoy the Jack Reacher series or the Jason Bourne series.
Her least-addictive work to date. At least the romance is age-appropriate.
I had medium level expectations when I started this book. It’s been sat on the shelf since shortly after release because I won it in a giveaway on Twitter, and I decided as hardbacks are beasty books to have to carry around with them that I’d read it for readathon because then I could read the whole darn thing from the comfort of the sofa. I’ve read all the “Twilight” series, and while I am not a fan of the last book I did kind of enjoy the rest of the series.
This book didn’t seem to pick itself up at any point. I thought it was just slow going, but then I found myself halfway through the book still waiting for something of note to happen. I know this is Stephenie’s first foray into adult spy fiction, and judging on this she should probably stay with her young adult fantasy stuff.
The characters were very one dimensional, and it didn’t feel as though any character growth occurred throughout the duration of the book. We are thrown in with Alex (not her character’s real name but the name she uses for the majority of the book) and the explanations surrounding the predicament she was in just took such a long time coming and to get your head around.
I’ve been told “The Host” is a much better read from Stephenie, and I’ll be honest that one is at present still sat on my kindle awaiting judgement. I’ll definitely give it a bash, but I found this book really lacklustre and unfortunately in my opinion it ended up being 528 pages of mostly wasted time. A little bit too far fetched for my liking.
My rating: 5/10
This book didn’t seem to pick itself up at any point. I thought it was just slow going, but then I found myself halfway through the book still waiting for something of note to happen. I know this is Stephenie’s first foray into adult spy fiction, and judging on this she should probably stay with her young adult fantasy stuff.
The characters were very one dimensional, and it didn’t feel as though any character growth occurred throughout the duration of the book. We are thrown in with Alex (not her character’s real name but the name she uses for the majority of the book) and the explanations surrounding the predicament she was in just took such a long time coming and to get your head around.
I’ve been told “The Host” is a much better read from Stephenie, and I’ll be honest that one is at present still sat on my kindle awaiting judgement. I’ll definitely give it a bash, but I found this book really lacklustre and unfortunately in my opinion it ended up being 528 pages of mostly wasted time. A little bit too far fetched for my liking.
My rating: 5/10
3.5
I listened to this book, rather than read it. It was read well. The story was fast paced, and the author does a great job with descriptions, both character and setting. I set the speed to 1.4 because at 1.0, it felt slow.
I'm unfamiliar with most of the topics, so I don't have opinion about whether her details were accurate regarding pharmaceuticals or weapons. I was drawn in right away and listened through most of the day so I could finish.
I get the impression this author writes books to be movies, rather than for a reading audience. I felt that way about The Host also. I think she should just give up the author part and write screen plays for Hollywood.
I listened to this book, rather than read it. It was read well. The story was fast paced, and the author does a great job with descriptions, both character and setting. I set the speed to 1.4 because at 1.0, it felt slow.
I'm unfamiliar with most of the topics, so I don't have opinion about whether her details were accurate regarding pharmaceuticals or weapons. I was drawn in right away and listened through most of the day so I could finish.
I get the impression this author writes books to be movies, rather than for a reading audience. I felt that way about The Host also. I think she should just give up the author part and write screen plays for Hollywood.
I am not the biggest SM fan but I have to give credit, she did avoid a lot (but certainly not all) of the troubling aspects that plagued twilight and the host; the female protagonist is an actual equal to her male love interest and there's only sprinkles of misogyny (of the *i usually don't like girls* variety). I liked that Daniel wasn't super possessive of Alex. But to be honest the story could have completely done away with the romance. It didn't add much and I didn't buy it. Nothing original but not the horrific display of misogyny and martyrdom her other works poses.
The plot moves quickly and the characters are interesting but don't seem fully believable even in terms of this "evil" plot.
Five reasons to grab your earbuds and listen to The Chemist
audio provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
- The set-up: Dr. Juliana Fortis worked for a secret government agency doing enhanced interrogations until they decided she was a liability and tried to kill her. Her interrogations involved chemical formulas that inflicted torture without leaving a mark. She was one of the best and was utilized by several top branches of law enforcement within the United States. When we meet Juliana she has been on the run for over three years and has escaped death too many times to count. She is currently using the alias Alex and living entirely off the grid. When she goes through the crazy task of checking her email at a public library, she finds an email from a former co-worker. The agency needs her help stopping a terrorist threat in exchange for calling off the hunt. Alex's decision sets off a catalyst of events that will have you listening into the wee hours.
- The characters: Alex (Juliana) is methodical, brilliant and at times down right scary. I loved the steps she took from her appearance to boobie traps. Of course, all of this attention to detail makes Alex frightening at times. The tale is told in the third person a departure from Meyers first person narratives. Some readers complained that as Juliana repeatedly changed her name it confused them. While she was mostly Alex, she was also Chris and Casey. When she became them, the story would read Casey went through the door. Since I listened, I did not encounter this issue as the voice remained the same. Secondary characters from the handsome and soft-spoken love interest to one highly capable Navy Seal helped add substance and depth to this suspenseful thriller. The Navy Seal made me crack a smile more oft than not, even if he was totally alpha. I loved the banter between him and Alex. The three of them worked well together, and I liked the dynamic of their relationships. I have to mention the dogs, with their unique personalities and amazing skills. I love that Meyer gave them unique personalities and page time.
- The plot: I love conspiracies, assassination plots, secret branches of government and cloak and dagger tales. If you are a fan of thrillers with dark undertones, assassins, mercenaries and government conspiracies you'll enjoy this page-turning tale. Meyer's took her time in the first 200 pages to bring us into Alex's world and create believability. When Alex takes on this task, she does so to protect innocent lives, and I admired her for it. We get plenty of twists as Alex finds herself unwittingly partnered. Because of it, she ventures into unchartered territory. She goes from leading a solitary life to working with others and forming emotional attachments. Meyer's weaved in personal aspects that allowed the reader to catch their breath and experience the personal side of these characters.
- The romance: I was not expecting a romance in The Chemist and don't necessarily need one in this genre, but it worked for a couple of reasons. Alex is ruthless, and a mastermind at what she does. The romance shared her vulnerable side and allowed her to experience things you cannot learn in a textbook. The romantic interest is a good man, but we also got to see him exhibit some alpha tendencies that even shocked him. Is it instalove? Pfft, probably, but I can handle intense feelings given the situation.
- The narrator: A good narrator can add a level of enjoyment to a well-developed story and bring the characters and action to life. This was my first time listening to Ellen Archer, and I think she did an excellent job of portraying the characters, their personalities and setting the tone as scenes unfolded. By her inflection, I could tell Alex's state of mind, hear the snark and sense the growing tension.
audio provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer