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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
It's been quite a while since I've read a Dan Brown-style thriller. Probably since the last Dan Brown book I read (so, 2011? Maybe?). But this is definitely one: Extremely short chapters (most are less than four pages, often they are only one or two); plain, workmanlike prose that cares more about getting the plot up and out there than anything else; shallow characterization; the presence of huge conspiracies involving powerful people. Anyway, that type. Except, Dan Brown does it much better, I'm sad to say.
Premise spoilers to follow, and even though all of it is included in the blurb, I highly suggest you don't read the blurb if you are wanting to read the book.
I think this book just bit off more than it could chew. The premise here—that there is a cultish group of powerful Black men who have a secret fortress where they keep white people as slaves, as revenge for the wrongs done to their ancestors—is an extremely fraught one. But this is not a book built for subtlety or nuance. The author wants to shock you, and then make you root for his hero, Martin Grey, as he heroically risks his life to free the white slaves by going against his (creepy as shit) Black brothers. The most detailed discussion we get on race is from the group of powerful, rich assholes who like to enslave people, so it's obviously colored by their desires and perspectives, which are to put it mildly, fucked. And we don't ever really get any other perspectives from any other characters; the book just isn't interested in that. The book spends ages leading Martin into the group and then the author tries to squeeze the takedown of this corrupt and secret countrywide organization into about fifty pages. To say that it was implausible is an understatement.
Don't even get me started on the dialogue.
I was tempted to round this down to two stars because I thought the story really didn't work the way the author wanted it to, and ignored things it shouldn't have, but despite its many flaws, the story remained compelling. It's the epitome of a page-turner, and it more than kept my attention the whole way through.
[2.5 stars]
Read Harder Challenge 2022: Read a political thriller by a marginalized author (BIPOC or LGBTQIA+).
Premise spoilers to follow, and even though all of it is included in the blurb, I highly suggest you don't read the blurb if you are wanting to read the book.
I think this book just bit off more than it could chew. The premise here—that there is a cultish group of powerful Black men who have a secret fortress where they keep white people as slaves, as revenge for the wrongs done to their ancestors—is an extremely fraught one. But this is not a book built for subtlety or nuance. The author wants to shock you, and then make you root for his hero, Martin Grey, as he heroically risks his life to free the white slaves by going against his (creepy as shit) Black brothers. The most detailed discussion we get on race is from the group of powerful, rich assholes who like to enslave people, so it's obviously colored by their desires and perspectives, which are to put it mildly, fucked. And we don't ever really get any other perspectives from any other characters; the book just isn't interested in that. The book spends ages leading Martin into the group and then the author tries to squeeze the takedown of this corrupt and secret countrywide organization into about fifty pages. To say that it was implausible is an understatement.
Don't even get me started on the dialogue.
I was tempted to round this down to two stars because I thought the story really didn't work the way the author wanted it to, and ignored things it shouldn't have, but despite its many flaws, the story remained compelling. It's the epitome of a page-turner, and it more than kept my attention the whole way through.
[2.5 stars]
Read Harder Challenge 2022: Read a political thriller by a marginalized author (BIPOC or LGBTQIA+).
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Definitely worth the read!
I don’t think much can be said without spoilers, so I’ll keep it short and sweet.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the writing was done well. I also really enjoy short chapters.
For me, there was just enough time spent at Forty Acres (wild ride!!) and just enough time spent with the lead into and leaving the compound.
I just think calling it a thriller is a bit misleading and it ended up leaving me wanting for a bit more ✨thrill✨.
And though I’m uncertain what exactly I wanted, I wanted more from the ending. Which is weird, because the last 30-50% keeps you going! I just felt something was missing from the ending. Hence, ⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Definitely worth the read!
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the writing was done well. I also really enjoy short chapters.
For me, there was just enough time spent at Forty Acres (wild ride!!) and just enough time spent with the lead into and leaving the compound.
I just think calling it a thriller is a bit misleading and it ended up leaving me wanting for a bit more ✨thrill✨.
And though I’m uncertain what exactly I wanted, I wanted more from the ending. Which is weird, because the last 30-50% keeps you going! I just felt something was missing from the ending. Hence, ⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Definitely worth the read!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I enjoyed it a lot even though it was predictable, the concept was very interesting and entertaining
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
The ending seemed rush but I really enjoyed this book. I looked for a follow up. Please write a follow up to this story about the long term impact and where folks are ten years later.