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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
dark
reflective
A short (30-some pages) but thought-provoking meditation on the down-side of immortality and the significance of life, following an entity that survives by draining the memories of others. Having absorbed so many memories over the millennia, experiencing their memories as his own, he no longer remembers his original name or self. While regularly visiting a human friend with Alzheimer's, he fears he is soon to become just as confused and lost; and still feeling the love he absorbed for his last victim's wife, he suffers knowing he must resist the urge to see her. But other fellow immortals don't share his scruples, and they've come looking for him to join them...
A good short story, especially for anyone who has experienced loss or dealt with Alzheimer's or dementia in their circle. For fans of the John Cleaver mystery series (highly recommended, btw) it feels like a good segue from the major events of Book 3 into future stories.
A good short story, especially for anyone who has experienced loss or dealt with Alzheimer's or dementia in their circle. For fans of the John Cleaver mystery series (highly recommended, btw) it feels like a good segue from the major events of Book 3 into future stories.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
It was really interesting to view this world through someone who was not John. Moreover it was EXTREMELY interesting to see John himself through another's eyes. I really really enjoyed this!
On the one hand, this was a very enjoyable short story. On the other hand, after reading book 4 I'm not sure if I really think it was a necessary addition and also am entirely unsure if I would recommend reading this before or after. Reading it before introduces the second half of the series and one of the new characters, but also kind of spoils the plot up until the halfway point. Reading it after I think would be entirely pointless because you would already know all of this, albeit from a different point of view. Still, it's interesting to get a POV from one of the 'demons' and it's very short so if you can grab a copy from the library like I did then it's probably worth a read.
This was an interesting short story that bridges the two trilogies of this series and gives needed backstory. I'm excited for the back trilogy!
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's kind of hard to rate a 33-page novella, but I'll give it a shot. I really enjoyed seeing things from a demon's perspective, especially one who is trying to hard not to be like other demons. Wells threw out quite a bit of information that I'm sure will play out more in the next John Cleaver book (which I am so excited is next on my to-read list).
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes