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ineffablebooks's review against another edition
4.0
I still don't know where I stand with this instalment in the Scarecrow series. There are so many things I loved, but then there are bits that just didn't really seem to sit the right way like the other M.R/Scarecrow books do.
The build up to the reveal of the leader of the Army of Thieves and his intentions (I felt), were a bit drawn out - if the whole part with David Fairfax (WOO, YEAH! Favourite secondary character returns!!) and Marianne Retter (I need a novella about these two, stat) was inserted a 'Phase' earlier, I think the whole jigsaw of the plot would have become clearer rather than being 150 pages from the end.
Also, to build up this villain as being an expert in psychological torture and then to just while still stress-worthy and off set with the perfectly timed yet DAMN FRUSTRATING swap to Fairfax, felt a bit.... fast? Okay, that probably sounds really cold of me, and yes, while the counts as psychologically breaking him down, I was expecting some serious Winter Soldier/Hydra stuff that was drawn out and horrible and would get me all fired up like I did about Gant and that infamous scene.
On that note though, I have to take a moment to just vent my feelings for SCARECROW, OH MY GOD THIS GUY <3 <3 Three words:
ULTIMATE. FICTIONAL. CRUSH.
Goddamn, this guy is basically your ultimate hero, and is the reason I'm giving it 4.5 stars. He just will not let you down and I freaking love him so much. If I could let him be on the Avengers, I would add him in a heartbeat.
M.R, GIVE THIS GUY A BREAK, I'm begging you! (and maybe, like, a few short stories of him just, you know, going about his everyday life, having a drink with David Fairfax, buying a new pair of reflector anti-flash glasses, etc. That would be nice.)
The (various) maghooks scenes, especially the truck/tower/maghook scene - they were stellar.
I didn't like the Army of Thieves. At All. Like, obviously the villains are there to be hated, but these guys were the scum of the scum, and nothing about them was relatable or understandable and I hated everything about all of them. So well done on making a fictional gang so hate-able.
I was pleasantly surprised when it came to Champion. I thought I'd never like her especially considering everything with Gant and the events of Scarecrow, but when they're about to zip down that cable car line, I knew I was already shipping them from the moment he saved her back on the plane.
Also the end scene *mic-drop*. PERFECT.
I won't bother with detail about other things that irked me because really, they're so minor compared to the overall awesome-ness that is "the fucking energiser bunny" of Shane 'Scarecrow' Schofield (pg. 348. (I lost it at that quote)).
Personally speaking, it will never be on the same level as the first three Scarecrow books, but it was a pretty great comeback story for my favourite Marine.
The build up to the reveal of the leader of the Army of Thieves and his intentions (I felt), were a bit drawn out - if the whole part with David Fairfax (WOO, YEAH! Favourite secondary character returns!!) and Marianne Retter (I need a novella about these two, stat) was inserted a 'Phase' earlier, I think the whole jigsaw of the plot would have become clearer rather than being 150 pages from the end.
Also, to build up this villain as being an expert in psychological torture and then to just
Spoiler
kill Scarecrow (albeit temporarily) after two lots of electrocutions,Spoiler
torture of Mother and BabaOn that note though, I have to take a moment to just vent my feelings for SCARECROW, OH MY GOD THIS GUY <3 <3 Three words:
ULTIMATE. FICTIONAL. CRUSH.
Goddamn, this guy is basically your ultimate hero, and is the reason I'm giving it 4.5 stars. He just will not let you down and I freaking love him so much. If I could let him be on the Avengers, I would add him in a heartbeat.
M.R, GIVE THIS GUY A BREAK, I'm begging you! (and maybe, like, a few short stories of him just, you know, going about his everyday life, having a drink with David Fairfax, buying a new pair of reflector anti-flash glasses, etc. That would be nice.)
The (various) maghooks scenes, especially the truck/tower/maghook scene - they were stellar.
I didn't like the Army of Thieves. At All. Like, obviously the villains are there to be hated, but these guys were the scum of the scum, and nothing about them was relatable or understandable and I hated everything about all of them. So well done on making a fictional gang so hate-able.
I was pleasantly surprised when it came to Champion. I thought I'd never like her especially considering everything with Gant and the events of Scarecrow, but when they're about to zip down that cable car line, I knew I was already shipping them from the moment he saved her back on the plane.
Also the end scene
Spoiler
with the sunglasses on the bed ! !I won't bother with detail about other things that irked me because really, they're so minor compared to the overall awesome-ness that is "the fucking energiser bunny" of Shane 'Scarecrow' Schofield (pg. 348. (I lost it at that quote)).
Personally speaking, it will never be on the same level as the first three Scarecrow books, but it was a pretty great comeback story for my favourite Marine.
kstumpf's review against another edition
3.0
I am torn when reviewing this book. I found the plot to be fascinating and enjoyed the new characters, especially Baba, but the outlandish "events" are just too much. As I reader I could even anticipate when a ridiculous "plot twist" was about to take place. Which maybe makes it NOT a plot twist.
I understand these are works of fiction, but I enjoy reality with my fiction in the case of a military based novel and this book simply goes too far.
I understand these are works of fiction, but I enjoy reality with my fiction in the case of a military based novel and this book simply goes too far.
ebokhyllami's review against another edition
5.0
Reilly strikes again! No one writes hard core action thrillers like this author! I am thoroughly amazed and gets totally blown away! This novel contains nonstop: explosions, bullets flying, rocket launchers boom'ing, totally unbelievable stunts, a litte bit conspiracy, a touch of romance, some lame conversations and our hero Scarecrow who handles it all. People with heart problems should be warned about this book, and action junkies can use this novel as their daily fix. There are no slow parts in this book anywhere! I couldn't stop reading it. I started and ended the novel yesterday - in one go. And I want more! Much more!
There are no author who manages to pump my adrenaline as Reilly with his Scarecrow hero. I have to admit I am very hooked on James Bond-, Mission Impossible- & Die Hard movies to mention just a few. If you have the same tendencies - buy this book! If you love action you should definately not miss out on this novel. Yes, it's unrealistic, and yes - this is way over the top - but that's why we love it! Keep them coming, Reilly!
There are no author who manages to pump my adrenaline as Reilly with his Scarecrow hero. I have to admit I am very hooked on James Bond-, Mission Impossible- & Die Hard movies to mention just a few. If you have the same tendencies - buy this book! If you love action you should definately not miss out on this novel. Yes, it's unrealistic, and yes - this is way over the top - but that's why we love it! Keep them coming, Reilly!
rallyk's review against another edition
5.0
https://bloodyrosered.wordpress.com/2018/08/10/plashilotoiarmiqtanakradcite/
Изобщо не се изненадвам, че са се обърнали към Райли да започне работа по сценарии за приключенията на Шейн Скофийлд, макар и моето сърце да владее Джак Уест. Но… Плашилото все пак е от емблематичните герои и е идеален за големият екран, защото къде другаде се леят куршуми като дъжд, а извинете и в книгите на Матю също е така.
Верен на себе си той поддържа висока скорост от началото до края на книгата, като без да се двоуми премахва герои, запознава ни с нови и направо при него си е малко руска рулетка да заобичаш някой от екипа на Скофийлд.
Започнах книгата с известна тревога, защото все пак в „Плашилото“, авторът обезглави любовта на животът му (буквално) и Шейн Скофийлд изобщо не беше на добро място във финалът на книгата, ако не беше Майка (long story -short това е позивна) можеше дори и да е похапнал малко олово.
Всъщност много от вас могат да намират вече за клиширано един боец или супер герой да се наема със спасяването на света, но пък Матю Райли пише толкова увлекателно по темата, че изобщо не се сещам за клишето като такова.
Дори сега след като с лека ръка е нанесъл най-жестокият удар на един от най-обичаните негови герои, той не спира да отнема по нещо. След загубата на Либи, Плашилото дълго време е бил далеч от служба, после е използван за консултант и преподавател и накрая го правят част от изследователски екип някъде в ледената прегръдка на Арктика. Имайки предвид колко деен и награждаван боец е Плашилото за него такова назначение си е направо мъчение, което той обаче понася без да каже ѝ дума. Отделен бонус е, че за главата му има обявена награда от Франция.
И макар да се занимава с тестване на нови изобретения, които биха спомогнали на морската пехота, Скофийлд въпреки всичко отново успява да се озове по средата на битка от която зависят милиони животи. Но този път той е лишен от най-доверените си хора и може да разчита само на Майка, двама нестабилни морски пехотинци и шепа цивилни, които никога в животът си не са влизали в битка, също така и Бърти, малкият, сладък Бърти, който всички вие ще обикнете от сърце и душа, но дали ще е задълго, това аз няма да ви кажа.
Верен на себе си Матю Райли ще ни прекара през ледените води на Арктика, ще ни срещне с побеснели зверове, безскруполни типове и бойци, ще изпепели всичко по пътят си и ще изсипе дъжд от куршуми и всичко това ще направи с такава скорост, че да не даде шанс на читателят да си поеме дъх.
Макар и това за момента да е последната книга от серията мисии на Плашилото все пак има вратичка за продължение, което аз лично много се надявам да се появи, защото Капитан Скофийлд заслужава определено още мисии с които за пореден път да спаси света.
Изобщо не се изненадвам, че са се обърнали към Райли да започне работа по сценарии за приключенията на Шейн Скофийлд, макар и моето сърце да владее Джак Уест. Но… Плашилото все пак е от емблематичните герои и е идеален за големият екран, защото къде другаде се леят куршуми като дъжд, а извинете и в книгите на Матю също е така.
Верен на себе си той поддържа висока скорост от началото до края на книгата, като без да се двоуми премахва герои, запознава ни с нови и направо при него си е малко руска рулетка да заобичаш някой от екипа на Скофийлд.
Започнах книгата с известна тревога, защото все пак в „Плашилото“, авторът обезглави любовта на животът му (буквално) и Шейн Скофийлд изобщо не беше на добро място във финалът на книгата, ако не беше Майка (long story -short това е позивна) можеше дори и да е похапнал малко олово.
Всъщност много от вас могат да намират вече за клиширано един боец или супер герой да се наема със спасяването на света, но пък Матю Райли пише толкова увлекателно по темата, че изобщо не се сещам за клишето като такова.
Дори сега след като с лека ръка е нанесъл най-жестокият удар на един от най-обичаните негови герои, той не спира да отнема по нещо. След загубата на Либи, Плашилото дълго време е бил далеч от служба, после е използван за консултант и преподавател и накрая го правят част от изследователски екип някъде в ледената прегръдка на Арктика. Имайки предвид колко деен и награждаван боец е Плашилото за него такова назначение си е направо мъчение, което той обаче понася без да каже ѝ дума. Отделен бонус е, че за главата му има обявена награда от Франция.
И макар да се занимава с тестване на нови изобретения, които биха спомогнали на морската пехота, Скофийлд въпреки всичко отново успява да се озове по средата на битка от която зависят милиони животи. Но този път той е лишен от най-доверените си хора и може да разчита само на Майка, двама нестабилни морски пехотинци и шепа цивилни, които никога в животът си не са влизали в битка, също така и Бърти, малкият, сладък Бърти, който всички вие ще обикнете от сърце и душа, но дали ще е задълго, това аз няма да ви кажа.
Верен на себе си Матю Райли ще ни прекара през ледените води на Арктика, ще ни срещне с побеснели зверове, безскруполни типове и бойци, ще изпепели всичко по пътят си и ще изсипе дъжд от куршуми и всичко това ще направи с такава скорост, че да не даде шанс на читателят да си поеме дъх.
Макар и това за момента да е последната книга от серията мисии на Плашилото все пак има вратичка за продължение, което аз лично много се надявам да се появи, защото Капитан Скофийлд заслужава определено още мисии с които за пореден път да спаси света.
gbdill's review against another edition
1.0
It was so utterly unbelievable that it was comical. The characters were quite shallow too. I couldn't continue on with it. I think I'm finished with Reilly's books. The last few have been disastrous.
andrealoverke's review against another edition
5.0
an amazing book when u like adventure and thriller . just when you think 'ok now they are so screwed' something else comes around the corner to make it even more spectacular.
thereadingwren's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5
Dark and gritty. That’s what this book felt like. The whole feel of the novel really summed up where Scarecrow was mentally. He was suffering after Fox’s death and you felt that. The atmosphere was bleak and the violence was gorey.
I think the darkness of this book is what lowered the rating for me, only because it felt more realistic and horrifying.
I absolutely loved getting more of Scarecrow’s background, AND ALL THAT MOTHER CONTENT!!!!! Mother is a wonderful character and she finally got her chance to shine. We finally got more than a few lines from her, we got her acting independently and fiercely, we got her gushing about her husband, we got her being her truly amazing self and it was beautiful.
Scarecrow and Mother are friendship goals, just saying.
Also, Scarecrow should always have a Bertie.
Dark and gritty. That’s what this book felt like. The whole feel of the novel really summed up where Scarecrow was mentally. He was suffering after Fox’s death and you felt that. The atmosphere was bleak and the violence was gorey.
I think the darkness of this book is what lowered the rating for me, only because it felt more realistic and horrifying.
I absolutely loved getting more of Scarecrow’s background, AND ALL THAT MOTHER CONTENT!!!!! Mother is a wonderful character and she finally got her chance to shine. We finally got more than a few lines from her, we got her acting independently and fiercely, we got her gushing about her husband, we got her being her truly amazing self and it was beautiful.
Scarecrow and Mother are friendship goals, just saying.
Also, Scarecrow should always have a Bertie.
renila's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sarahd3's review against another edition
4.0
Another thrilling, fast paced adventure with Scarecrow and Mother. I couldn't put it down!
balthazarlawson's review against another edition
4.0
The 4th book in the series and the adventure thrill ride continues. This time the action takes place in on an remote Russian Arctic island just when Scarecrow is working to get his life back together after the death of Fox in the previous book. It's action from the start and a great read. Totally over the top action and events but that is what you get with Matthew Reilly books. People say it's totally unbelievable but that's what you get from fiction and why I totally enjoyed this.
Well worth the read for the pure escapism that it is.
Well worth the read for the pure escapism that it is.