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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
Having loved the movie, I thought this would be one of those “the book was better” situations, but that is not the case imo. The writing gets bogged down in the minutiae of boring spy work—sending cables and telegrams and spending ages walking around aimlessly to make sure the characters aren’t being followed. The action—if you can call it that in many instances—happens over the span of three pages and then you’re left with six chapters of boring nothingness.
There’s also the issue of exactly when this book is meant to take place.... had it not been for like two? three? specific mentions of dates post 2001, I would have said this book takes place either during the Cold War or during the 80s. Nothing of the book or the characters or the settings lends me to think this is supposed to be a modern day story. They hardly even use/mention cell phones, and there’s not one computer in the whole story. It was jarring when I came upon those dates (and with the knowledge of the movie) that this is supposed to be taking place this decade.
The is one of the few times I’ll say this: the movie was better. It had a better plot, better pacing, better characters, better suspense, better payoff.
There’s also the issue of exactly when this book is meant to take place.... had it not been for like two? three? specific mentions of dates post 2001, I would have said this book takes place either during the Cold War or during the 80s. Nothing of the book or the characters or the settings lends me to think this is supposed to be a modern day story. They hardly even use/mention cell phones, and there’s not one computer in the whole story. It was jarring when I came upon those dates (and with the knowledge of the movie) that this is supposed to be taking place this decade.
The is one of the few times I’ll say this: the movie was better. It had a better plot, better pacing, better characters, better suspense, better payoff.
★★ this. book. was. long.
it had a few good elements and i liked dominika's character a LOT at times, but overall i just felt rlly uncomfy, confused and bored :/
it had a few good elements and i liked dominika's character a LOT at times, but overall i just felt rlly uncomfy, confused and bored :/
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Definitely a fun ride. Definitely felt a bit cliched with respect to aspects of spy games but I liked the core plot.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was such a quick read due to the plot which I quickly got caught up in. I really believe that this is another book to which the film adaptation doesn't do justice. The only key flaw I can provide for this book is the first chapter, where the author tries to give the reader a low down on all the spy lingo that will be used through the book, as it is a fast-paced spy thriller, but it comes across as a long list of jargon on the third page, which nearly put me off the book; but I must say it is worth powering though this section. Another flaw, which really is quite minor due to it being so widespread throughout the writing industry, is that the female protagonist is written by a man - in the sub genre of sex-pionage - need I say more? Although she does make for a very interesting character who, along with some of her counterparts, is really quite likeable. The really thrilling espionage starts around the middle, with a web of contacts trying to decide whether they can trust each other or not, and what patriotism is really worth. The last act was honestly gripping and so dramatic in the most delicious way. What an ending!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Misogyny, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Torture, Forced institutionalization, Medical content
Minor: Death, Gun violence, Rape, Sexual assault, Grief
It was good a certain points, but not throughout. Struggled to finish.
Uuuuuugh. So long, mostly boring. It took till almost 200 pages in for me to actually like it a little bit.
Quit after 23 pages bored me almost to death.
This has such an action packed storyline. The plot seems realistic, however there are some elements that could’ve been left out as it didn’t add much to the overall story. The recipes at the end of each chapter are a bit strange and I felt like the author was trying to almost cram food into each chapter just for the sake of the recipe.....bit weird and not necessary. The book is also far superior to the film which changed pretty much every aspect of it. If you have seen the film don’t be put off the book at all.