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silentcat7135's review
4.0
If this book were a movie, the main character would be played by Angelina Jolie in kick-ass mode, with her Lara Croft British accent in place. I haven't read any of Rucka's graphic novels with the Tara Chace character, although I have read some of his Wonder Woman and Batwoman story arcs. He doesn't seem to have any problem with strong women. Without having read any of her graphic novel adventures, I'd say Rucka managed to smoothly transition her into an exciting novel. I don't read a lot of spy thrillers, but I enjoyed this one and will definitely check out the second in the series. This may be typical of spy thrillers in general, but I was reading this enjoyably enough in snatches during very little spare time until I hit about 2/3 of the way through the book. Everything kicked into high gear and it became a page-turner that I finished quickly. Entertaining, with a healthy dose of Britishness that I tend to like in mysteries and thrillers.
justiceofkalr's review
4.0
This novel takes place in the middle of the Queen and Country graphic novels. And while it can most definitely be read without having read the comics first, I think it probably benefits a lot from having done so. The characters and rivalries do get introduced fairly well in the beginning of this novel for those starting here, but there's just a lot of depth to the background that I think isn't quite there without the comics. The first two thirds or so of this book are fairly straightforward in the mission and the politics, fun enough but not particularly outstanding. Then the twist hits and things get much more interesting. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the story switching back and forth between novels and comics, but based on this book I think it definitely works well.
feoh's review
4.0
I very thoroughly enjoyed this book. Unlike some other modern espionage novels, the author doesn't engage in the shock and awe style of writing that seems to be spreading like this year's flu.
The book does start off with a bang, but then begins a more gentle exposition, taking the time to actually let the reader get to know the protagonist. In my view this makes the ultimate conclusion all the more satisfying.
I definitely intend to read some of Rucka's other work.
The book does start off with a bang, but then begins a more gentle exposition, taking the time to actually let the reader get to know the protagonist. In my view this makes the ultimate conclusion all the more satisfying.
I definitely intend to read some of Rucka's other work.
stuhlsem's review
3.0
Fun adventure story. I really like Tara Chace, maybe because she's totally bad ass, even though analytically I don't really approve of basically the entire premise...
elturko64's review
3.0
wow this was difficult to get through. I think the main problem was that I've read the comics beforehand. Now this book takes place between the 3rd and 4th volume of the comics. So when i read those comics i was very confused. In any case the first half of this book essentially goes in detail on the main characters/setting/plot. The problem is that I already knew all of it because of the comic. So it was a giant drag for the first half. The one thing that had me going was the main villain. He was incredibly fascinating and it was entertaining to see what went on in his head. The action and espionage was another plus as well. Rucka's writing transitioned really well in novel format. However the climax was a letdown. It sort of just...happened. left me feeling meh. Fans of the comic or of thrillers should check it out.
awknddragn's review
1.0
I've just finished Gray Man and Orphan X books and I didn't find any excitement or action in this.
morganlethey's review
4.0
An engaging spy book, filled with most of the trappings you'd expect. Some excellent scenes that are vividly brought into your mind's eye. The ending was like that of one of the early seasons of 24. Tara Chase can't catch a break.
literaryfeline's review
4.0
Greg Rucka is the writer of the comic series Queen and Country, which my husband enjoys. It was on his recommendation that I decided to read A Gentleman’s Game.
Mr. Rucka brings his comic characters into the world of the novel, offering a wider range of readers a view of the British Special Operations Section of MI6. Tara Chace is Minder One, the top of three Minders who are basically the British assassination team. Tara is assigned to assassinate the terrorist being held responsible for the triple bombing attack on the London Underground, which killed over 300 people. Tara is met with the usual government politics, which stand to get in her way and challenge her every move.
A Gentleman’s Game is a fast paced and adrenaline raising spy novel. As a person who has never read the comic series, I found that this book stood alone very well. I had no problem getting to know the various characters and understanding what was going on. This is a novel that feeds into the current American public’s hunger for books about terrorism and the Middle East. It was well crafted, exciting and impossible to put down.
Mr. Rucka brings his comic characters into the world of the novel, offering a wider range of readers a view of the British Special Operations Section of MI6. Tara Chace is Minder One, the top of three Minders who are basically the British assassination team. Tara is assigned to assassinate the terrorist being held responsible for the triple bombing attack on the London Underground, which killed over 300 people. Tara is met with the usual government politics, which stand to get in her way and challenge her every move.
A Gentleman’s Game is a fast paced and adrenaline raising spy novel. As a person who has never read the comic series, I found that this book stood alone very well. I had no problem getting to know the various characters and understanding what was going on. This is a novel that feeds into the current American public’s hunger for books about terrorism and the Middle East. It was well crafted, exciting and impossible to put down.
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