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cjeanne99's review against another edition
3.0
I found the Repairman Jack books while browsing through Randy Wayne White and Susan Wittig Albert books. I decided to start with this - the first book in the prequel trilogy about Repairman Jack - hoping I would find a new author I would love. As with every new relationship - this may take some time. I enjoyed this first story - with Jack establishing himself in Manhattan - carefully meeting new friends. Jack has a strong sense of right and wrong that drives his behavior. He'll break the law when it's to his advantage - like making money delivering illegal cigarettes to New York City. But does his best to stop a sex slave ring that deals in young children.
Occasionally the writing felt like it was written by a sixth grader - and the book ends with five unresolved story lines. Still - I'll read some more of Repairman Jack to see what happens with him and his friends.
Occasionally the writing felt like it was written by a sixth grader - and the book ends with five unresolved story lines. Still - I'll read some more of Repairman Jack to see what happens with him and his friends.
synobal's review against another edition
4.0
A great start to a new trilogy, which is awesome. I was expecting a more complete book and not the start of a new trilogy. That said it was still a very good book and a great start to a new trilogy.
ianbanks's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve only read a smattering of Repairman Jack novels and short stories so I’m not sure how it ties to the wider continuity of the series but I thoroughly enjoyed this. It moves at a cracking pace and features a lot of terrific characters and situations. My only gripe would be that Jack is ridiculously competent for a young man of his age: I know that there are plot reasons for his incredible self-possession but I’d find it more believable if he were even just a mere five years older. Just a niggle but it did take me out of the book a few times. Other than that it was a hoot.
beckylej's review against another edition
4.0
Jack has recently moved to the Big Apple and is making do with a landscaping job. His mother's death is still fresh on his mind and after exacting revenge on her killer he's cut all ties with home. Here in New York, he's living under the radar with no phone and no paper trail. He doesn't even tell people his real name. An altercation at work leaves him out of work and searching for a new job when fate steps in: an acquaintance of a friend has an opening for a delivery driver. No, it's not all on the up and up but the risk should be minimal and the pay is way more than Jack could expect mowing lawns. But this new job isn't all it's cracked up to be. Jack finds himself busting a ring of human traffickers and getting on the wrong side of some very bad people.
There are so many threads in this story. One of the things I really enjoyed was seeing how Wilson was going to bring them all together. Some of them connect and some of them are side stories that help mold Jack into becoming the "Repairman."
What I didn't love about this book was the completely open ending. Nothing is wrapped up. I'm assuming because each story will carry over into the remainder of the trilogy, but I would have loved to see just one part resolved in turning the final page of COLD CITY. Ah, well. Them's the breaks sometimes.
I will say this, I was intrigued and captivated by Jack's story. Wilson has a knack for drawing in readers and Jack is the perfect kind of lead to carry a long series -- the official Repairman Jack is 15 titles, there are three Teen Jack titles as well, and now this Early Years trilogy. (For a full title listing visit the official site here.) I'll be adding more titles to my TBR very shortly!
There are so many threads in this story. One of the things I really enjoyed was seeing how Wilson was going to bring them all together. Some of them connect and some of them are side stories that help mold Jack into becoming the "Repairman."
What I didn't love about this book was the completely open ending. Nothing is wrapped up. I'm assuming because each story will carry over into the remainder of the trilogy, but I would have loved to see just one part resolved in turning the final page of COLD CITY. Ah, well. Them's the breaks sometimes.
I will say this, I was intrigued and captivated by Jack's story. Wilson has a knack for drawing in readers and Jack is the perfect kind of lead to carry a long series -- the official Repairman Jack is 15 titles, there are three Teen Jack titles as well, and now this Early Years trilogy. (For a full title listing visit the official site here.) I'll be adding more titles to my TBR very shortly!
vkemp's review against another edition
5.0
This book is everything I love about Repairman Jack, but he isn't really Repairman Jack yet. F. Paul Wilson has taken the reader back to Jack's beginnings and we find out the hows and whys of Repairman Jack. We find out why he has chosen to live off the grid and how his mother died and what he did to avenge her. We see his attachment to his friends and how be discovers what he wants to do and be in his life. No mysterious "The Other," no weird aliens, this is just pure adrenaline with some philosophical musings thrown in for discussion's sake. We meet Abe for the first time and find out how Jack came to depend upon him. Highly recommended for all Repairman Jack fans!
waynewaynus's review against another edition
4.0
Another great Repairman Jack, if you have not read any of this series do yourself a favor.