3.51 AVERAGE


This was the first book by Lagercrantz that sparked a similar thrill and fire as Larsson did in the original Millennium series. Although no one will be able to replicate the genius writing of Larsson, it was exciting to have a brief reminder of the thrill I had while reading the originals!

I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could, but this platform won't let me, so 3 stars it is.

Overall, the story was fairly solidly in line with the rest of the boss in the series but there was a point early on where it really felt as if David Lagercrantz was just using the main character as a convenient plot device rather than developing her character thoughtfully.

The chapter(s?) where the story hinged on a very in-depth analysis of the victim's DNA left me with the feeling that the story was contrived purely for the sole purpose of allowing the author to work in some random (albeit interesting) facts about the genetic mutations of Sherpas. And in order to do this he had to give Lisbeth a sudden interest in, and very detailed, working knowledge of DNA and genetic mutations found around the world.

I fully acknowledge that the previous character development to date does have Lisbeth being something of a savant with an eidetic memory, so the possibility is there for the character, but the brief passing explanation for her sudden interest in the subject seemed so shoehorned in that it felt incredibly disingenuous to the character.

Outside of that one aspect of the story, I did enjoy the book and would have given the rating an extra half star if I could. Had that bit about the DNA analysis been handled better I would even have given it 4 stars.

This is one of my favorites in the series. I like the focus on Mikael as with the last few books. His detective like attitude in conspiracy theories is always interesting.

You also are able to learn about Mt. Everest and sherpas which was unexpected. The Rainbow Valley seems like a truly scary place.

Lisbeth gets treated as a human being with flaws in this one. She seems more realistic in this installment.
I would definitely recommend this one.

Lisbeth and Mikael feel like old friends and I'm always happy to have them back around when a new book is released.
adventurous dark medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

David Lagercrantz had no business picking up this series.

The Girl Who Lived Twice: Or, Who Lived Six Times Now

In this sixth installment of the Millennium Saga, author David Lagercrantz continues Lisbeth Salander's story with another tale of murder, hacking, lies, racism, political intrigue, and revenge! It's all pretty formulaic at this point and Lisbeth seems a bit muddled and lost in this installment, blinded by rage and revenge and paranoia. The entire book felt like a long set up, but with no payoff, or at least not a payoff that was truly that groundbreaking or shocking (definitely action-packed though).

Altogether, it was an engaging read and Lagercrantz has mostly capture Stieg's writing style and characterizations. I just wish there was more to it -- more Mikael and Lisbeth together. Otherwise, it was pretty forgettable and basic.
adventurous dark medium-paced
dark tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No

Great way to finish the series and continues to keep you on your toes.