Reviews

The Bloodline Cipher by Stephen Cole

sdb27's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 stars.

I remember reading the first two books in this series when I was in middle school or high school, and falling absolutely in love with them. They weren’t like other books I’d read. A love triangle wasn’t the main focus of the story, although romance was present, if an afterthought. No, instead, these books were about the action, the excitement, the thrill of adventure and danger that reminded me a bit of the Alex Rider books I used to read. I was so bummed that they never published the third and final book in the States, and for years I searched for a relatively cheap copy on Amazon that I could ship from the UK and read, finally. And while this book didn’t exactly hold up to my rather idealized expectations of the series, it still proved to be a quick, fun read that kept me engaged from start to finish.

Jonah Wish and his team of fellow thieves find themselves targeted by their employer’s rival after a deal gone bad. This team is just as young as they are, but for some reason always three steps ahead. What started out as a chance encounter turns into a battle of wits and lives as Coldhardt’s crew realizes that a lot more is at stake if they want to crack the Bloodline Cipher.

I was a bit worried that, since it had been years, I wouldn’t be able to get into the story easily. I shouldn’t have been worried—Cole handles the exposition nicely without beating the subject over the reader’s head, quickly and efficiently introducing the main characters and their talents (Jonah is a hacker, Motti is the security and weapons, Con is the seductress who can convince anyone to do anything, Patch can pick any lock, and Tye is a human lie detector). It was like being with old friends again, and I was able to quickly focus my attention on the story.

The plot itself had its ups and downs. We’re introduced to a new character who is supposed to serve as the third point in a love triangle between herself, Jonah, and Tye, but that part fell a little flat for me. The missions that the group went on, however, were exciting and adrenaline-filled. The plot moved along at a fast enough pace to keep my interest throughout the story, and without being overly detailed so as to be boring. Plus, I felt like the stakes were really high. Some authors attempt to write dangerous scenarios and fail because they aren’t willing to risk the safety of their main characters. Cole does not have such qualms, and there were several moments in the book where I had mini-heart attacks when one of my faves was put in harm’s way.

While I didn’t find the plot as engrossing as the first two books, both of which had more elements of Indiana Jones-esque tomb raiding, I still appreciated the techno-thriller aspect combined with mysticism. I also liked how much of the book focused on Jonah and Tye’s alternating perspectives, which keeps the reader on their toes. Overall, The Bloodline Cipher was a breezy, quick, adventurous read that took me to places all over the world and made me fall in love with the characters all over again.
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roguette's review

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adventurous

3.75

b33dubs's review against another edition

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5.0

The epic conclusion to a thrilling trilogy. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time--didn't stop reading for three straight hours. And considering the way I've devoured the first two books again and again, I know I'll be coming back for more.

_camk_'s review against another edition

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4.0

I was really sad reading The Bloodline Cipher because I knew I was getting so close to ending the series.
I really did fall in love with these books. I love the concept of the team and even though the plot became a little far fetched at times, I didn't really mind.

The book had a few surprises in it. One that made me so so sad and then one that made me so so happy.
Anyway, I advise anyone to read these, especially fans of the Heist Society. These are aimed at a more male audience but that doesn't matter, they are still great.

I don't want it end.

faehistory's review

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adventurous fast-paced

5.0

michellemaas's review

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3.0

First read: 3 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Second read: 
3 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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