Reviews

The Courts of the Morning by John Buchan

sheeprustler's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

kailey_luminouslibro's review

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adventurous hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0


In this spin-off of the Richard Hannay series, we follow Hannay's friend, Sandy Arbuthnot. Hannay himself only has a small part at the beginning where he sort of introduces the story, and Sandy takes it from there. Sandy runs into Archie Roylance and Janet vacationing on their honeymoon in South America. They join with old General Blenkiron in a small South American country to stop a business tycoon from staging a coup that could make political trouble all over the world. In the middle of a miner's rebellion and all-out war with the government, Sandy meets the lovely Barbara. But there is no time for love when you have just kidnapped the most dangerous man in South America and are holding him hostage at a hideout in the jungle called "The Courts of the Morning".

I loved this last adventure in the series! I really love the writing style that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The plot keeps moving forward, and just when you think they are accomplishing something at last, then another obstacle turns up and they have to start again in a new direction. The twists and turns go all over the place!

This story included plenty of action and adventure, but what really intrigued me was the mental warfare going on. When they have kidnapped the bad guy, the two ladies, Janet and Barbara, try to make things pleasant for him, going out riding together, watching the sunset, playing fireside games to pass the time. These two ladies talk with him and do their best to win the bad guy over to their side with their honest charm and kindness. Their gentleness is the real weapon against evil.

Such a great conclusion to this series!

wagmore's review

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2.0

I have read all of the Richard Hannay "thrillers" now. This one was a little too spread out for my taste.
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