Reviews

World of Trouble by Ben H. Winters

linzmarie's review

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

graff_fuller's review

challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad 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

Let me say this outright...the author was able to pull this off with aplomb.

I had my hopes...that he'd be able to stick the landing, and he'd done SO well on the previous two stories (actually one BIG story), with conclusions for each book, so that it didn't feel "unfulfilled".

The main character, Mr. Henry Palace, and his sense of duty and right from wrong (which can be seen by some as a fault), but at the same time...fulfilling his duty to humankind...to be true to himself, for everyone, even those trying to hurt themselves.

There are LOTS of reveals and reversals, some in my mind...that didn't end up on the page, but I kept wondering IF this or IF that...then there were others that blindsided me...and left me reeling.

Another thing that the author was able to do...was to connect in this FINAL book, things from each of the previous two...giving context to why he reacted and acted in certain situations.

Henry is NOT perfect, but he always strives to be the best that he could/can be. If humanity could see Mr. Palace as an example for us all, we all would not be in the situation that WE are in now in real life, nor the dire situation that is happening in this fictional world.

I confess...that at the final paragraphs of this story were told, I cried. It touched me in ways that I am still recollecting and I think will...for some time.

I also think...that I will reread this story...for an added layer of understanding...while reading the trilogy, again...will be helpful for me. SO, some day...I will reread this story. Let me also remind you, that this was a "cover buy". I knew NOTHING about the story, thankfully, and it has moved me...so much.

Thank you...for this story. 

ashleymwisk's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.0

lacyk_reads's review against another edition

4.0

I couldn't put it down. I'm not sure how much to credit that to this story or to this collection as I'd become quite fond of Hank, and I needed to know how it all ended. So this book was devoured and all of the other things I needed to get done during this weekend ... didn't get done. Oh well. Life is too short not to read the next chapter.

I'm not sure this storyline had the same strength as the first book. But I enjoyed it.

beeeeg's review against another edition

3.0

Enjoyed this a little less than the rest of the series, partly because it's depressing, but also because it tries a little hard to tie everything up. Was still a good read though.

mcnewm's review against another edition

5.0

This was the best of the trilogy, although I am hesitant to give it a full five stars. But here I am finishing a book at 11pm on a school night, so what is the definition of a 5 star book if not a book that keeps you up past your bedtime to finish it? I will miss these characters and this world, but I was pleased with the outcomes. It had all the twists I want in a "thriller" without being gimmicky or poorly written or full of itself, as I often feel thrillers are.

endless30's review against another edition

5.0

I liked this series. I usually reserve 5 stars for my absolute favorite books, but knowing the author from high school gives me special license.

bluestarfish's review against another edition

4.0

Oh Hank Palace! Fourteen days to go before the asteroid hits earth and he's still solving his last case. Although, it really wouldn't be Hank if he wasn't. I know I've said this every time but the premise of this is so astonishing and huge that it still blows my mind. And the fact that these books aren't just unremittedly bleak but that there is a curious blend of optimism in there too. It genuinely makes for for of the best trilogies I've read for a while even though I can't completely explain why.

(OMG, this book also has one of the bleakest, most nihilistic indictments on the importance of human activities I've ever come across in a book. Caught my breath when I read it and I had to pause for a few moments before carrying on with the story.)

liketheday's review against another edition

2.0

It's an interesting conclusion to the series. There is definitely something to be said for Winters's ability to convey the absolute uselessness that Palace feels in the face of certain doom, and his struggles to get everything he can in order while it's still possible.
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pattiillbee11's review against another edition

4.0

I will miss Henry Palace. A unique detective for unique times. A loving brother and kindhearted friend. RIP