Reviews

World of Trouble by Ben H. Winters

frenchtoastsbookshelf's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

linburg50's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this series and can recommend it, especially for lovers of post-apocalyptic fiction. The first book reads like a police procedural with a slight twist as an asteroid is headed for earth. It kept me interested and I couldn't predict the outcome. The second and third books veered more into the unavoidable decline of civilization as result of the coming asteroid but are still focused on the main character's stubborn pursuit of his investigations gradually unraveling but still delightfully unpredictable and full of twists. The end was satisfying and rounded the trilogy off in a satisfying way.

muckl3t83's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

I really liked the first 2 books. I don’t think it’s easy to end a story like this though, one leading up to something BIG. I was prepared to be disappointed. The author nailed it though. I enjoyed the entire book and I felt the ending was satisfying. 

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.