Reviews

BOY FROM THE WOODS INTERNATIONAL by Harlan Coben

jencunn2024's review against another edition

2.0

I’m thinking maybe more like 2.5 but that’s not an option. This is an action/mystery novel with a bit of current political commentary mixed in. There was enough to make it readable, but It was fairly predictable and there is no emotional investment for the reader. The Boy from the Woods is an intriguing title but has absolutely nothing to do with the entire plot of this book other than establishing the backstory for a protagonist in a series. That bit alone is not strong enough to bring me back for the next book and there wer no other real cliffhangers at the end. The inclusion of social commentary is there and I was grateful for that in hopes that some messages are received by the masses. Overall, Coben’s writing is UN enthralling and sometimes awkward. What I did enjoy about this book was his ability to create new situations and combine them to bring to light some of the modern American political tensions and divides. I liked his inclusion of the horseshoe political theory even though it was awkward.

josh_challinor's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Entertaining easy read, classic Coben with lots of twists. 

jemma_wag's review against another edition

mysterious fast-paced

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

2.5

cerisecarrot's review against another edition

5.0

Bit different for a Harlan Coben, but lots of twists and turns

tracyf's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious 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? No

4.0

jol69's review against another edition

4.0

Small spoiler alert ahead.
I've not read Coben before, but if this his usual standard I'll definitely be back for more. One of my favourite aspects of the book is Hester. I love that an older female is represented as a strong human, and that she can still be interested in romance!

ashs_books's review against another edition

5.0

UUUGGGHHH. I just can’t get over how EVERY SINGLE Harlan Coben book is so amazing!!

esmeej's review against another edition

mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

k4s1x's review against another edition

1.0

Zwykle kończąc książkę jest mi smutno, że czas pożegnać bohaterów i wykreowany świat. Najwięcej o tej pozycji powie to, że nareszcie czuję ulgę, bo dobrnęłam do końca.

c_marie_writes's review against another edition

2.0

I usually love Harlan Coben stories, but this one... meh. I kept listening (audible) and HOPING it would turn around but nope. There were a few good characters, more not so good characters, and repetitive phrases that simply drove me bonkers. Sorry, but nope. Not for me. On to the next one.