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ssindc's review against another edition
2.0
A minor bump in the previously smooth freeway ... sadly, this was my least favorite in the series so far. I felt better when I read the author's note at the end, where he - rather explicitly - apologized for rushing this installment (c'mon, really - are publishers that short-sighted that they'd risk derailing a series over a deadline??? That makes no sense to me) and altering his basic approach to the story construction, which led to struggles throughout the writing process. So, fine, Clines did a wonderful job entertaining me through four books, and didn't entirely lose me in the fifth, so he's entitled to at least one more chance to get back on the track in the next book (which is unequivocally in the works based on the large number of loose ends, clues, potential plot lines, accidents waiting to happen, etc.)
Still, as alternative light reading or escapist "literature" goes, the premise is fun and the story arc marches along briskly, even if it's definitely not for the faint of heart or the squeamish....
As with many a series, you must NOT start with this one, but - if you're adventuresome and looking for something a little bit "out there," TRY THE SERIES, but only if you'd be open to enjoying a hugely entertaining fast-paced (but, admittedly, graphically violent) adventure mash-up of, yes, zombies and super-heroes in a surprisingly sophisticated dystopia!!! I started this - and passed it onto my son - because we were attracted to the mash-up potential. Initially we weren't disappointed, and - until this book, I thought Clines was moving in the right direction, and the books were actually getting better.... Until this round, I thought Clines had made the heroes sufficiently accessible and "human," and the zombie scourge remained sufficiently fresh and new. In this one, I didn't think that most of the characters advanced or evolved very much (but at least they didn't lose much ground)... Ultimately, it felt like Clines put only minimal effort into animating, explaining, or breathing life into his enemy, antagonist, or "bad guy," who ultimately struck me as primarily vacillating between shallow and pathetic.
If it all ends here, it was still a fun ride. But I'm hopeful Clines finds his stride again soon and gets the series back on track.
Still, as alternative light reading or escapist "literature" goes, the premise is fun and the story arc marches along briskly, even if it's definitely not for the faint of heart or the squeamish....
As with many a series, you must NOT start with this one, but - if you're adventuresome and looking for something a little bit "out there," TRY THE SERIES, but only if you'd be open to enjoying a hugely entertaining fast-paced (but, admittedly, graphically violent) adventure mash-up of, yes, zombies and super-heroes in a surprisingly sophisticated dystopia!!! I started this - and passed it onto my son - because we were attracted to the mash-up potential. Initially we weren't disappointed, and - until this book, I thought Clines was moving in the right direction, and the books were actually getting better.... Until this round, I thought Clines had made the heroes sufficiently accessible and "human," and the zombie scourge remained sufficiently fresh and new. In this one, I didn't think that most of the characters advanced or evolved very much (but at least they didn't lose much ground)... Ultimately, it felt like Clines put only minimal effort into animating, explaining, or breathing life into his enemy, antagonist, or "bad guy," who ultimately struck me as primarily vacillating between shallow and pathetic.
If it all ends here, it was still a fun ride. But I'm hopeful Clines finds his stride again soon and gets the series back on track.
silelda's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book in two days. For two days, I had no interest in any other hobby or book. I was tempted to call in sick so I could just read. That's how good this book is!
I've never hidden the fact that Clines' writing style always gets me feeling amped up. He is incredibly talented at combining action and gore with hope and geeky humor. He writes amazing build-up and battles. The best part is, he is also able to surprise me, all while giving me all the clues that I've needed to figure out what the surprise is going to be. Everything in this book that happens, you COULD see coming, if you pay attention to all of the clues, but even when I think I'm paying attention, all the clues lead me to a different conclusion than is written.
The dialogue, as always, is amazing. I cannot praise these well-rounded, fully developed characters enough. If you're at all interested in superheroes acting human, you will enjoy this entire series and seeing these characters evolve.
Really I only have one complaint about this book, which I can't talk about at all because of spoilers. But I cannot fault Clines. Yes, it involves my absolute favorite character, possibly my favorite superhero ever, but it's story essential and I was warned in the early parts of the book. Still doesn't make me happy about it.
I've never hidden the fact that Clines' writing style always gets me feeling amped up. He is incredibly talented at combining action and gore with hope and geeky humor. He writes amazing build-up and battles. The best part is, he is also able to surprise me, all while giving me all the clues that I've needed to figure out what the surprise is going to be. Everything in this book that happens, you COULD see coming, if you pay attention to all of the clues, but even when I think I'm paying attention, all the clues lead me to a different conclusion than is written.
The dialogue, as always, is amazing. I cannot praise these well-rounded, fully developed characters enough. If you're at all interested in superheroes acting human, you will enjoy this entire series and seeing these characters evolve.
Really I only have one complaint about this book, which I can't talk about at all because of spoilers. But I cannot fault Clines. Yes, it involves my absolute favorite character, possibly my favorite superhero ever, but it's story essential and I was warned in the early parts of the book. Still doesn't make me happy about it.