Reviews

Savages by Don Winslow

jacopocrimi's review against another edition

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5.0

great, entertaining, drug story

kateleos's review against another edition

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3.0

My dad: "BEST CRIME NOVEL OF THE LAST TEN YEARS."

Me: "Meh."

It ended up being reasonably entertaining, but boy oh boy did I NOT want to be in O's head any more than necessary. Which I realize is kind of the point, but damn. Girl's a serious idiot.

Also, I SPED through the last fifty pages, so I think I need to read them again.

From another review: "It just could have been so much better if the author had more faith in his story and worried less about being cute."

YES. God, the trying-too-hard style really got to me here.

annabella82's review against another edition

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4.0

This was my first book by Winslow and I liked it. He uses a very different writing style which I found quick, witty, and unique. Lots of violence...

The characters and plot had me hooked. Winslow does such a great job at creating/maintaining this bond between the characters of O, Ben, and Chon that you can't help but be entertained.

Plus, the ending isn't too shabby either. This was a great read.

chaddnolen's review against another edition

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4.0

3.75

I agree this is better than Kings of Cool. The same unique style and rapid-fire pacing. Winslow delivers again with history,politics and sociology woven into an action tale.

imanreads's review against another edition

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5.0

My New Year's Resolution? Try to review the books I read...so here I go.

Since I did not really like the movie (imo Blake Lively was the ultimate weak link) I thought I wouldn't like the book...but of course, I was wrong. This book was soooooooo good! It was interesting, the story never felt like it was dragging on, the boys were great and O was the best!

But my favorite aspect of the book was the use of language and how the actual words were formatted. (It makes me never want to write another thing again.)

Now, I'm gonna go get the prequel.

evreardon's review against another edition

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3.0

Some of the language gets kind of annoying because the readers didn't ask for explanations of etymology yet we given it. Readers are smarter than you think. Other than that, interesting story.

lesliethewanderlust's review

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3.0

It took me awhile to actually get into this book. The writing is not conventional to say the least. It’s frantic and choppy, and there’s one chapter that’s literally two words. Sometimes when I was reading I was just thinking maybe I’m just not cool enough to get this book, but it kind of grew on me as I read—or maybe I just got used to it.

Savages tells the story of Ben, Chon and O. (Ophelia) some Californians who get caught up in the drug war when the weed they sell catches the eye of a Mexican cartel. Ben and Chon attempt to get out of the drug business when they see how dangerous it’s getting, only the cartel likes what they’re selling so they kidnap O. (their somewhat shared girlfriend) and the guys plot and kill their way to get her back.

The book concludes with a very Romeo(s) and Juliet type ending. Overall it was an interesting story, with very unique writing. Probably wouldn’t read it again though.

lazergoespewpew's review against another edition

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dark lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

awk55's review against another edition

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4.0

vg/almost exc
4.5 stars

cfl97's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75