Scan barcode
elvenavari's review
3.0
There were certain things about this book that urked me. One was explained and I could get away with ignoring it after that, the other I'm calling a typo but I honestly don't know. Overall this was a well written book, though to be honest dystopian books bore me. There were parts I enjoyed sure, and others that I couldn't stand. I figure that's just about how any book goes though. Point I hate the most is that I have unanswered questions. I hate that.
jakewritesbooks's review
4.0
(3.5) I had heard that Rucka's adaptation of his excellent graphic novel series was good and this one did not disappoint. Although I wished it had focused a little more on Gotham (it does in the beginning then just kind of waffles), it's still a well-written tale with great usage of Batman's rogues gallery.
13alyssa's review
5.0
Honestly, one of the best books I’ve ever read. So much fun. I wasn’t even a huge fan of Batman before I read this, now I love the world.
ladydewinter's review
4.0
Judging from a glance at other reviews of this book, my reaction was similar to that of a lot of other people: I did't think I'd like this book as much as I did.
To be honest, I had many doubts regarding the novelization of a comic book. I've been reading Batman comics for over a year now (and what I lack in terms of time I surely made up in volume), and I admit I doubted that could translate into the novel format. If it hadn't been for the recommendation of a friend, I wouldn't have picked it up, but I'm very glad I did.
Greg Rucka does a great job of telling the most important stories that happened in the comic books. Like in the comics, there are several points of view, some more effective than others. Oracle's POV, for example, was immediately convincing, as was the GCPD's. Two-Face, too, was captured very well. And Cassandra! I had my problems with the Joker, but I admit I have no idea how to do it better - I think because of his utter irrationality, it's hard to write from his perspective - in comics, you can focus on pictures and dialogues to convey this, but in this format it's not easy. Still, it wasn't unconvincing, either; and his actions were very Joker-esque and chilling and horrifying as always.
What surprised me most was Batman. Considering it's a Batman book it does take him a long time to show up (it's the same in the comics, though, and the man does have his reasons), but when he does - now, the thing is I love Batman. As in love love love. And I always get this - well, there are always moments in every Batman story where my heart just *hurts* for him, because of who and how and what he is. It was even worse here, because even though it's still just glimpses into his soul, it was different reading about it in this format. It touched me deeply, and there were some aspects revealed that I hadn't thought about before. So that was great.
So, yes, I can recommend reading this. It should be okay to read even if you don't know much about the comics
and I think it'd be a good enough introduction to the world of Batman for people who don't like comics. (I know such a person.)
To be honest, I had many doubts regarding the novelization of a comic book. I've been reading Batman comics for over a year now (and what I lack in terms of time I surely made up in volume), and I admit I doubted that could translate into the novel format. If it hadn't been for the recommendation of a friend, I wouldn't have picked it up, but I'm very glad I did.
Greg Rucka does a great job of telling the most important stories that happened in the comic books. Like in the comics, there are several points of view, some more effective than others. Oracle's POV, for example, was immediately convincing, as was the GCPD's. Two-Face, too, was captured very well. And Cassandra! I had my problems with the Joker, but I admit I have no idea how to do it better - I think because of his utter irrationality, it's hard to write from his perspective - in comics, you can focus on pictures and dialogues to convey this, but in this format it's not easy. Still, it wasn't unconvincing, either; and his actions were very Joker-esque and chilling and horrifying as always.
What surprised me most was Batman. Considering it's a Batman book it does take him a long time to show up (it's the same in the comics, though, and the man does have his reasons), but when he does - now, the thing is I love Batman. As in love love love. And I always get this - well, there are always moments in every Batman story where my heart just *hurts* for him, because of who and how and what he is. It was even worse here, because even though it's still just glimpses into his soul, it was different reading about it in this format. It touched me deeply, and there were some aspects revealed that I hadn't thought about before. So that was great.
So, yes, I can recommend reading this. It should be okay to read even if you don't know much about the comics
and I think it'd be a good enough introduction to the world of Batman for people who don't like comics. (I know such a person.)
daringpeg's review
5.0
This book is a wonderfully written narrative. The decision of the author to write the majority of the book as journal entries was pure genius. Any who love Batman will love this book.
arielkirst's review
5.0
This book was amazing! I don't know that much about the Batman universe, so it did a nice job of explaining who everyone was, while being incredibly interesting.
I want more. More I say!
I want more. More I say!
hersea's review
4.0
Enjoyed reading this. It's basically a novelization of the comic series which I've never read.
The thing I like the most about this book is how it humanizes the Bat villains. Two-Face and Bane were written so wonderfully. I'd honestly love to read a standalone novel from Two-Face's perspective written by this author. Batman's kinda okay. I really liked these villains more.
The novel feels a lot like a short summary of the whole comic series even though it's about 430 pages long. And there's no huge finale as such. More like little exciting moments sprinkled throughout the novel.
The only complaint I have, is that I wish it was longer. it's got too many characters and wasn't able to provide most of them good closure. But that's just me. It's a great book to read if you're a Batman fan.
The thing I like the most about this book is how it humanizes the Bat villains. Two-Face and Bane were written so wonderfully. I'd honestly love to read a standalone novel from Two-Face's perspective written by this author. Batman's kinda okay. I really liked these villains more.
The novel feels a lot like a short summary of the whole comic series even though it's about 430 pages long. And there's no huge finale as such. More like little exciting moments sprinkled throughout the novel.
The only complaint I have, is that I wish it was longer. it's got too many characters and wasn't able to provide most of them good closure. But that's just me. It's a great book to read if you're a Batman fan.
nightmare13's review
5.0
an absolutely amazing book I enjoyed it so much I have read it about 3 or 4 times and want to read it again. I'm not sure what really stands out to me about this book I just know that I really love it. it's a great read for people who want to know this story line but do not want to buy/read the graphic novels even if they have amazing art. I am always trying to get all my batman loving friends and family to read this book.
echoes01's review
4.0
I listened to the audiobook version and I really enjoyed it. Though it was more like a radio drama than a traditional audiobook. There was a full cast and sound effects and the production company did a really good job with it (though I really couldn't stand Harley's voice actress :/).
The story itself was engaging and the reader gets to "see" a lot of fan favorites from the Batman universe like Bane (the interactions with Batman were hilarious, in my opinion), Joker (who does a decent Mark Hamill impression), Two-Face (I was rooting for him), Huntress (awesome redemption arc), even a new Batgirl (who I can't mention because that would spoil the surprise, but it's awesome ^_^)
This was a fun ride and I'd recommend it. Now I'm off to read the comic version :)
The story itself was engaging and the reader gets to "see" a lot of fan favorites from the Batman universe like Bane (the interactions with Batman were hilarious, in my opinion), Joker (who does a decent Mark Hamill impression), Two-Face (I was rooting for him), Huntress (awesome redemption arc), even a new Batgirl (who I can't mention because that would spoil the surprise, but it's awesome ^_^)
This was a fun ride and I'd recommend it. Now I'm off to read the comic version :)