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gcoakley's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
ceegreen's review against another edition
2.0
This should've been a foregone conclusion for me - it's an Icelandic crime novel! - what's not to like?
Well, a few things actually.
The main character is a detective who spent most of his life in the USA, and some of the American views were grating - specifically about 'feeling naked without a gun'. Also it's in the middle of a series, and there was a lot of referencing of the back story, which was intrusive and mostly unnecesary.
Also structurally the story-telling was unbalanced so there was no tension in finding out who was responsible for the crimes. We always knew, it was just the details that were drip-fed to us.
However, there was one aspect of this book that I liked a lot, and that was the viewpoint of the economic breakdown and the whoe Icesave issue from the Icelandic point of view.
Well, a few things actually.
The main character is a detective who spent most of his life in the USA, and some of the American views were grating - specifically about 'feeling naked without a gun'. Also it's in the middle of a series, and there was a lot of referencing of the back story, which was intrusive and mostly unnecesary.
Also structurally the story-telling was unbalanced so there was no tension in finding out who was responsible for the crimes. We always knew, it was just the details that were drip-fed to us.
However, there was one aspect of this book that I liked a lot, and that was the viewpoint of the economic breakdown and the whoe Icesave issue from the Icelandic point of view.
markhoh's review against another edition
4.0
I don't think I will ever appreciate the impact of the Icelandic financial crisis last decade. A series of actions of a few, coupled with global and economic forces beyond anyone's control, caused such havoc on a tiny nation.
Michael Ridpath does an amazing job in 'Far North' to detail the depth of impact of the crisis and even then only scratches the surface. Characters such as Matti and Freya who are hardly mentioned and merely subsidiary to the storyline highlight the personal tragedy of this Icelandic legacy.
Meanwhile Magnus Jonson, the American Icelander, somewhat removed from the crisis, plays centre stage in solving a series of shootings motivated by need for revenge on the minority of fat cats who were responsible for the chaos.
Magnus is a likeable and relatable character, wrestling his own demons, and I love the way Ridpath weaves Magnus' personal story throughout this second book in the series, leaving the reader anticipating what is to come. This series really satisfies my love for Nordic Noir and all things Iceland.
Michael Ridpath does an amazing job in 'Far North' to detail the depth of impact of the crisis and even then only scratches the surface. Characters such as Matti and Freya who are hardly mentioned and merely subsidiary to the storyline highlight the personal tragedy of this Icelandic legacy.
Meanwhile Magnus Jonson, the American Icelander, somewhat removed from the crisis, plays centre stage in solving a series of shootings motivated by need for revenge on the minority of fat cats who were responsible for the chaos.
Magnus is a likeable and relatable character, wrestling his own demons, and I love the way Ridpath weaves Magnus' personal story throughout this second book in the series, leaving the reader anticipating what is to come. This series really satisfies my love for Nordic Noir and all things Iceland.
psalmcat's review against another edition
5.0
I'm really enjoying this series. It's a little weird that two people I know are going to Iceland next month, but I'm the one reading about it. lol
This is mostly about the failure of the banks in 2009/10 and how it affected Icelanders. And Magnus gets a little further in his investigation into his father's death, but it isn't heading in a direction he expected. Time to find the next book.....
This is mostly about the failure of the banks in 2009/10 and how it affected Icelanders. And Magnus gets a little further in his investigation into his father's death, but it isn't heading in a direction he expected. Time to find the next book.....
katrina_nh's review against another edition
4.0
Didn't see the twist coming, which is always worth an extra star. Iceland continues to fascinate.
historynerd04's review against another edition
4.0
How can you take a trip to Iceland without needing a passport (or having to leave the comfort of your couch, as was in my case)? Read Michael Ridpath's "Fire and Ice" series.
This is title #2 in that series and, yes, you will need to have read the first installment (the equally strong "Where Shadows Lie") before reading this.
In this book, you learn a little bit more about the background of Icelander-turned American-turned back to Icelander, Magnus, and his family. Along with the terrible family secret that has turned into a sad legacy that is an albatross around Magnus's neck.
The true mystery, however, is that of who is picking off Icelandic bankers who had a hand in the kreppa (the meltdown of their economy back in 2008/2009) and who is the next target?
I thought I had figured out this whodunnit but started to doubt myself. That's what I consider the mark of a truly well written mystery -- can they throw me off the trail long enough so I don't figure it out and ruin it for myself!
If you're a fan of Iceland, economic mysteries, and a tortured hero, this book is for you. Highly recommended and I can't wait for the 3rd book in this series to be published. Let's hit the gas pedal here, Mr. Ridpath!
PS - 66 degrees north is the latitude of the Arctic Circle. And also the parallel where the Westfjords are located in Iceland. It's also the name of an awesome outdoors outfitter, also from Iceland.
This is title #2 in that series and, yes, you will need to have read the first installment (the equally strong "Where Shadows Lie") before reading this.
In this book, you learn a little bit more about the background of Icelander-turned American-turned back to Icelander, Magnus, and his family. Along with the terrible family secret that has turned into a sad legacy that is an albatross around Magnus's neck.
The true mystery, however, is that of who is picking off Icelandic bankers who had a hand in the kreppa (the meltdown of their economy back in 2008/2009) and who is the next target?
I thought I had figured out this whodunnit but started to doubt myself. That's what I consider the mark of a truly well written mystery -- can they throw me off the trail long enough so I don't figure it out and ruin it for myself!
If you're a fan of Iceland, economic mysteries, and a tortured hero, this book is for you. Highly recommended and I can't wait for the 3rd book in this series to be published. Let's hit the gas pedal here, Mr. Ridpath!
PS - 66 degrees north is the latitude of the Arctic Circle. And also the parallel where the Westfjords are located in Iceland. It's also the name of an awesome outdoors outfitter, also from Iceland.