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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
"The Atlantic" had this book on their list of recommended summer reads, and I'm glad I picked it up. It's a well-written murder story, about a man who hallucinates the dead he killed for the IRA and who want him to kill the people who ordered their deaths. Along the way there's a romantic interest, double agents, and more.
Noelle does a great job creating his characters in shades of gray. I wish he had explored the motivations behind Marie McKenna a bit more--she still remains a bit of the mystery by the end of the book--and Bull O'Kane, who I wish had been introduced earlier in the book because he's such an interesting character. A well-paced book, with historical interest and intriguing characters.
Noelle does a great job creating his characters in shades of gray. I wish he had explored the motivations behind Marie McKenna a bit more--she still remains a bit of the mystery by the end of the book--and Bull O'Kane, who I wish had been introduced earlier in the book because he's such an interesting character.
Spoiler
I thought the gunfight scene at the end, with Campbell and O'Kane, was terrific, but the scene with McGinty just went on too long.
If you had any romantic notions about the IRA, this book will completely disabuse you of them. The violence in this is pretty gruesome, though I can't call it gratuitous.
Great characters, solid plot, and readable prose.
Great characters, solid plot, and readable prose.
dark
medium-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:
Yes
By the last half of this book, I couldn't put it down! The Gosts of Belfast is a compelling, gritty quasi-crime novel. The story was incredibly thrilling, and a couple twists at the end kept me turning the pages anxious to see how everything was resolved!
Gerry Fegan is a damaged, haunted (literally), former IRA hitman, who, in order to find peace with himself, starts off on a revenge mission in order to rid himself of the gosts of his victims. I loved the complexity of Gerry and his supporting characters. My one gripe is this: I think the romantic arc between Gerry and Marie was an easy way to soften Gerry's character. Gerry's pain, regret, and past were enough for me to see his humanity. I didn't need to see him have feelings for a woman in order to connect with his character.
I had a basic understanding of Ireland's past political climate before reading this book, but I did struggle with keeping track of the many paramilitary groups and political organizations referenced in the story. I ended up doing some google-ing on the subject early on while reading in order to better understand the main conflicts in the story. I highly suggest having a basic understanding of the Northern Irish Conflict and the groups involved or doing some online research to make keeping up with the story easier.
Gerry Fegan is a damaged, haunted (literally), former IRA hitman, who, in order to find peace with himself, starts off on a revenge mission in order to rid himself of the gosts of his victims. I loved the complexity of Gerry and his supporting characters. My one gripe is this: I think the romantic arc between Gerry and Marie was an easy way to soften Gerry's character. Gerry's pain, regret, and past were enough for me to see his humanity. I didn't need to see him have feelings for a woman in order to connect with his character.
I had a basic understanding of Ireland's past political climate before reading this book, but I did struggle with keeping track of the many paramilitary groups and political organizations referenced in the story. I ended up doing some google-ing on the subject early on while reading in order to better understand the main conflicts in the story. I highly suggest having a basic understanding of the Northern Irish Conflict and the groups involved or doing some online research to make keeping up with the story easier.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
This is what a crime novel should be.
gritty
This was a terrifying bloody novel abt the troubles. The after affects of killing amplified through ghosts. Even though the main character continues to murder people, I rooted for him until the end.
This was a terrifying bloody novel abt the troubles. The after affects of killing amplified through ghosts. Even though the main character continues to murder people, I rooted for him until the end.
Gerry Fagan was a foot soldier in the IRA in Northern Ireland. He is constantly haunted (literally) by the people that he killed during the "troubles" and they want revenge. Unique. If you don't like violence in novels, this is NOT for you.
Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge through NetGalley for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
Really interesting tale that had my attention the whole time. The pace was wonderful and the characters engaging. Beautiful storytelling that entertained the whole time!
It had really great flow and did the job of making me think at times. I love a book that taps into my emotions.
I would love to see more from this author! Definitely one to watch in the future.
Really interesting tale that had my attention the whole time. The pace was wonderful and the characters engaging. Beautiful storytelling that entertained the whole time!
It had really great flow and did the job of making me think at times. I love a book that taps into my emotions.
I would love to see more from this author! Definitely one to watch in the future.
Well written, but very dark and too violent for my taste.