This is a pretty solid work worthy of the Millennium series. It doesn't draw you in with its mystery and darkness like the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but few books have that sort of narrative or atmosphere. There are a few frustrating parts about the story - Salander seems more and more like a character out of the Marvel universe and computer hacking is reduced to something you are more likely to read in a Harry Potter book. Overall, the book is a pretty enjoyable page-turner, even if it at times reads more like a movie script rather than a novel. If you are a fan of the series, definitely give it a whirl.

2.5 STARS

Langercrantz is not Stieg Larson, but I admire the man for attempting to continue this beloved series. My undying fascination with Lisabeth Salander is the only thing that keeps me coming back. This installment was better than the fourth, but I've concluded this series will never again hold the magic of the first three.

The beginning was odd and didn't feel in line where the last book ended; so much was glossed over. The very things that made this series unique seems to have completely fallen by the side. The last 20% was thrilling, but it needed to be longer and least somewhat entertaining for the first 80%.

I still can't let Salander go just yet and will likely read the book 6.

The fifth book in the Millennium series (and second by author David Lagercrantz) delves back into the past, adding yet another layer to Lisbeth’s complicated youth. But, unfortunately, this book, while still interesting, didn’t seem to quite capture the uniqueness of previous novels in the series. Throughout all the books, the character of Lisbeth Salander has been the driving force and the major reason why this series rose to prominence in the first place. But this time around the focus is on new characters and her scenes seemed phoned in.

I liked the way the flashback sequences melded into the present-day story lines. Sometimes this technique can lead to confusion but not here. I did feel that there were a few too many characters though and many of them not fleshed out well enough for me to truly understand their motivations. This is in addition to the myriads of previous characters who also make an appearance.

Still, there is enough here to keep me reading future volumes. I do hope the next one will return the focus to Lisbeth and, perhaps, take the plot in new directions rather than returning once again to her tragic youth.
adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Most of the book was really good. I was just disappointed by the quick ending.

I enjoyed this book but really wanted more from the main characters and a stronger, more complex and well developed story. Recommend for lovers of this series primarily for nostalgia purposes.
mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: N/A
Loveable characters: N/A
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark informative 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: Yes

Maybe reading the two new “girl preposition/pronoun verb noun noun” books back to back was a bad idea. I started book five without realizing there was a book four, so I backtracked and overdid it on how much of this series I could find interesting.
Book five delivers the same formula you’re used to: new wronged character crosses paths with Lisbeth and she fights to protect them from evil, all the while slowly eking out information about Lisbeth’s backstory. The fifth book managed to reveal more about Lisbeth without spending much time with her as a character, which is unfulfilling, but keeps you reading in hopes of seeing more of her. The periphery characters get plenty of play whilst being unable to keep you entirely engaged. All of this is likely leading up to Camilla and Lisbeth facing off spy vs spy style. Or maybe not-Stieg Larsson will just start writing from Camilla’s perspective and abandon Lisbeth altogether.
I’ll likely still read the series, because sequels are we easy. It’s an embarrassing truth.
adventurous challenging dark mysterious medium-paced