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turtito's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
nel_reader's review against another edition
3.0
Action packed & fast moving if very unbelievable at times.
ncalv05's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
lanica's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this book, even though it had it's flaws.
It's a story that's been done...and done...and done. And, yet, I found myself wanting to know how it ended. He's put a new twist on the 'fight to the death between random contestants who can't escape from the maze unless they are the last man standing' plot. He's added to it with various details that really make to book feel unique. It takes place in the New York Public Library - cool. It has unique alien races - the details of which were well thought out. It adds an element of danger to anyone exiting the maze - well-written. He's thrown in an innocent contestant...and his child - great way to ratchet up the tension!
What didn't I like:
- The idea that it was an unknown alien race who knows all about humans, but we don't know anything about them...and then they put the contest on Earth - why would anyone whose been so secretive up to this point risk their secret by going to Earth?
- The child is innocent...and very young...and yet it is her actions that lead to some crucial discoveries.
- The 'coincidental' actions that lead to actions or thoughts or 'keys' that the characters need was just too pat in a few cases.
I did like this book; however, there were some glaring plot points that yanked me out of the story and reminded me that I've read this plot before. He did an excellent job with some things...some less than stellar work in others. I understand that this is his first book; and because of that, I will read more by this author. I was greatly entertained!
It's a story that's been done...and done...and done. And, yet, I found myself wanting to know how it ended. He's put a new twist on the 'fight to the death between random contestants who can't escape from the maze unless they are the last man standing' plot. He's added to it with various details that really make to book feel unique. It takes place in the New York Public Library - cool. It has unique alien races - the details of which were well thought out. It adds an element of danger to anyone exiting the maze - well-written. He's thrown in an innocent contestant...and his child - great way to ratchet up the tension!
What didn't I like:
- The idea that it was an unknown alien race who knows all about humans, but we don't know anything about them...and then they put the contest on Earth - why would anyone whose been so secretive up to this point risk their secret by going to Earth?
- The child is innocent...and very young...and yet it is her actions that lead to some crucial discoveries.
- The 'coincidental' actions that lead to actions or thoughts or 'keys' that the characters need was just too pat in a few cases.
I did like this book; however, there were some glaring plot points that yanked me out of the story and reminded me that I've read this plot before. He did an excellent job with some things...some less than stellar work in others. I understand that this is his first book; and because of that, I will read more by this author. I was greatly entertained!
colindalaska's review against another edition
3.0
This book is hilariously bad, yet I've not been able to put it down since starting.
rahni_a's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
killersatay's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
maysmanymesses's review
I was skeptical from the author's note where he compares his writing to a sports car. Then came the first description of an adult woman, basically amounting to "fat and ugly". I drew the line at the first slur.
libraryofholly's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0