Scan barcode
katemoxie's review against another edition
4.0
I had to keep reminding myself that this was written in the '90's.
cristina_isabel's review against another edition
4.0
Martini's novel was quite interesting in my eyes: it shone unapologetically a strong light on many things that remain problematic in today's America of United Stated, which was… nice?
In short, Martini walks us through a cat-and-mouse game between American terrorists and the US government.
Meanwhile, it also taps into some other themes, I thought valuable/important to mention:
I'll start of with the fact that Joselyn, our only female lead, was such a strong character. She was a great professional who understood her job (as far as I saw it), was determined and intelligent. She didn't let herself get swooned away by Dean's (or Thorn's, who even knows at this point? lol) charming ways. She didn't really need a knight in shining armour but saved herself like a big girl.
I also feel like Critical Mass was an opportunity for Martini to criticise multiple aspects of the US government:
Such as their need to almost rule like a totalitarian power (in many domains - economically, cultural, etc) and to be, simultaneously, the world's watchdog but also their bully (Martini goes as far as to compair it to the ancient Soviet Union).
But he also, rightfully, talks about their screwed justice system (Dean Beldon is under investigation but doesn't get to know the nature of said investigation, like, whut?). And i was quite shocked when reading about Scott's late wife and how/why she met her end.
In general, Martini threw a shot at American politicians who seems to care more about their public image than their homeland security lol.
While it isn't the best book i've ever laid eyes upon (by far), it was really entertaining and quick-paced. It's definitely worth a read!
In short, Martini walks us through a cat-and-mouse game between American terrorists and the US government.
Meanwhile, it also taps into some other themes, I thought valuable/important to mention:
I'll start of with the fact that Joselyn, our only female lead, was such a strong character. She was a great professional who understood her job (as far as I saw it), was determined and intelligent. She didn't let herself get swooned away by Dean's (or Thorn's, who even knows at this point? lol) charming ways. She didn't really need a knight in shining armour but saved herself like a big girl.
I also feel like Critical Mass was an opportunity for Martini to criticise multiple aspects of the US government:
Such as their need to almost rule like a totalitarian power (in many domains - economically, cultural, etc) and to be, simultaneously, the world's watchdog but also their bully (Martini goes as far as to compair it to the ancient Soviet Union).
But he also, rightfully, talks about their screwed justice system (Dean Beldon is under investigation but doesn't get to know the nature of said investigation, like, whut?). And i was quite shocked when reading about Scott's late wife and how/why she met her end.
In general, Martini threw a shot at American politicians who seems to care more about their public image than their homeland security lol.
While it isn't the best book i've ever laid eyes upon (by far), it was really entertaining and quick-paced. It's definitely worth a read!
More...