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jsaw22's review against another edition
1.0
Simply put, the concept was interesting but the execution was terrible. It had a directionless plot peopled with cardboard characters and clunky metaphors. Schumacher exhibits a lack of trust in the reader by frequent over-explaining and one could see the wires on his plot set-up devices.
tonyriver's review against another edition
4.0
Horrible concept. A tale of ruined lives, treachery and redemption. Well written and totally enthralling. Good characters and it gives some hope for the future of humanity..
jcpdiesel21's review against another edition
2.0
Decent, but ultimately feels a little too generic despite its intriguing alternative history premise. Although there is plenty of action right out of the gate, my mind wandered often while I read the print edition during the first half; ditching it for the audio was the right choice and sparked more of my interest. Rossett is an interestingly conflicted protagonist, but Schumacher could have dug deeper to really explore his emotions and what makes him tick. The only character in whose fate I was fully invested was Jacob, and that was partly because the story is built around the quest to guarantee his safety. There are a lot of secondary and tertiary characters to keep track of along with several individuals shifting in loyalty, resulting in a muddled ending that I had to read multiple times in order to comprehend exactly what transpired. The book could have easily ended before the final chapter, which would have closed on a somber note, but been a fitting conclusion for the story; instead, Schumacher chooses to cheapen his tale a bit in the interest of establishing a series. Since the market is so flooded with books about World War II right now and there are surely more on the horizon, their stories need to be something truly special or unique to stand out in the crowd, and this one doesn't quite achieve that status.
marco5599's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Alternate history thriller with an intriguing set-up. Not just because the Nazis have won, also because of its protagonist. In occupied London detective Rossett, a decorated British war hero, is, as he says, just doing his job. But it's not catching bad guys, it's catching Jews. And he's pretty good at it too. There's really no excuse for what he's doing, but he does have a few. A few heavy ones. A hard to like man, but it had me rooting for him anyway. It takes a bit of time to get going, but once Rossett finds the strength to possibly redeem himself by trying to save a Jew boy, there's no stopping it. Coincidence leads to a thrilling chain of events in which no side and nobody can be trusted. Rossett has little or no allies and if you still feel no sympathy for the guy, there's always the little Jacob to hang onto. A fast moving rollercoaster, harsh and cruel at times, with, what I think is its biggest strength, an omnipresent sense of urgency. The Darkest Hour never feels safe.
laura904's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
4.0
bonnieflaps's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this book right up until the end which left me confused and unsatisfied. 3.5/5
markalkman's review against another edition
3.0
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
It took me quite some time to get the hang of the story, I guess. At least 150 pages before I actually wanted to read on eagerly. And not because the story is so fantastic. I really loved the premise of the book: what if the Nazi's had won the war? What would happen? Maybe my expectations where a little bit too high, because I felt there wasn't any real emphasis on the fact that it's actually a post-war Third Reich situation. I found it quite difficult to connect with the main character, John Rossett, because everything he does is 'because he has to' or 'because it's his job'. There was a real lack of character in my opinion, even after he decided to get little Jacob (a jewish boy) out of prison. You never really know what his true motives are. Is it because of money? Does he feel guilty about everything he's done for the Germans? Well, you get to know him a little bit better at the end of the book and I guess that's what the author was playing at, but it didn't really work for me. I think if Rossett had been more ashamed of his actions and tried to redeem himself a little bit more instead of killing everyone that got in his way, I would've liked the book a bit better. Nevertheless, I'm still curious to see how the story will continue, especially after that cliffhanger. So, yes, I will be reading book two (and most likely book three as well).
It took me quite some time to get the hang of the story, I guess. At least 150 pages before I actually wanted to read on eagerly. And not because the story is so fantastic. I really loved the premise of the book: what if the Nazi's had won the war? What would happen? Maybe my expectations where a little bit too high, because I felt there wasn't any real emphasis on the fact that it's actually a post-war Third Reich situation. I found it quite difficult to connect with the main character, John Rossett, because everything he does is 'because he has to' or 'because it's his job'. There was a real lack of character in my opinion, even after he decided to get little Jacob (a jewish boy) out of prison. You never really know what his true motives are. Is it because of money? Does he feel guilty about everything he's done for the Germans? Well, you get to know him a little bit better at the end of the book and I guess that's what the author was playing at, but it didn't really work for me. I think if Rossett had been more ashamed of his actions and tried to redeem himself a little bit more instead of killing everyone that got in his way, I would've liked the book a bit better. Nevertheless, I'm still curious to see how the story will continue, especially after that cliffhanger. So, yes, I will be reading book two (and most likely book three as well).
sllingky's review against another edition
4.0
I love a good action/adventure story, I love a high-paced political thriller, I love history, and I love to ask "what if". This book delivers in each of these categories. Fans of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor will feel at home with this book as Mr. Schumacher delivers a story of the same caliber of these more well-known authors. As a debut novel, the author has packed a powerful punch, proving himself capable of keeping up with the "big boys" of the genre. I am eager to read the next installment of this story line!
evanbondauthor's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book all the way to the last page. Rossett is a good man who does terrible things for his job. It was easy to get behind him once he started to realize his decisions had not been the best. The writing was well done and kept me interested in the story all the way to the end. I didn't care too much for the ending, but will be reading his Mr. Schumacher's next book and perhaps that will change my mind.