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posies23's review against another edition
4.0
Repairman Jack continues doing his thing in this, the 4th book of the series. Repairman Jack doesn't fix appliances, he fixes things that most people (like the police, or the courts, etc.) can't fix. This time, Jack finds himself investigating the world of designer drugs and discovers dark connections to "The Other" that he's faced in the previous few books. As usual, things get complicated very quickly, and Jack finds himself fighting on multiple fronts, including threats to those he loves.
There are two things that really set the Repairman Jack books from most traditional "guy thrillers." First, there is a definite supernatural element at play throughout the series. It's not so strong as to call them "fantasy novels," per se, but the demonic and cryptozoological elements add an appealing difference to the series. Second, they are remarkably well written. F. Paul Wilson is smart, and knows how to adjust pacing, tone, and cadence to pull readers through the narrative and really care about the characters. He also does a great job of shifting POV throughout the book, adjusting voice and references according to the backgrounds of the characters. People ask and answer the sort of questions they would really consider, and he's obviously done a great deal of research. Still, it's ultimately escapist literature, but there's really nothing wrong with that.
I will definitely be reading future books in the series.
There are two things that really set the Repairman Jack books from most traditional "guy thrillers." First, there is a definite supernatural element at play throughout the series. It's not so strong as to call them "fantasy novels," per se, but the demonic and cryptozoological elements add an appealing difference to the series. Second, they are remarkably well written. F. Paul Wilson is smart, and knows how to adjust pacing, tone, and cadence to pull readers through the narrative and really care about the characters. He also does a great job of shifting POV throughout the book, adjusting voice and references according to the backgrounds of the characters. People ask and answer the sort of questions they would really consider, and he's obviously done a great deal of research. Still, it's ultimately escapist literature, but there's really nothing wrong with that.
I will definitely be reading future books in the series.
nosfredatu's review against another edition
3.0
Some thrilling ideas. Some less interesting. Overall a good read, but not the best of the series. Still, some elements are very satisfying. If you don't know Repairman Jack, you should read The tomb ASAP.
lwalker77's review
4.0
This is the first F. Paul Wilson book I have read. I was impressed with the book. Repairman Jack is an interesting and unique character. I want to read all of the novels now.
david_agranoff's review
5.0
Full review on the way!
One of my 2012 reading and reviewing goals is to read and review all the books in F.Paul Wilson’s Secret History of the World. This includes the entire Adversary Cycle and Repairman Jack series. Full reviews are coming both here on Good reads and my Blog: Davidagranoff.blogspot.com
One of my 2012 reading and reviewing goals is to read and review all the books in F.Paul Wilson’s Secret History of the World. This includes the entire Adversary Cycle and Repairman Jack series. Full reviews are coming both here on Good reads and my Blog: Davidagranoff.blogspot.com
ellistd's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
cjeanne99's review
3.0
Quick, entertaining. Not the best writing - but still a good story. Repairman Jack manages to mete out justice in a unique way.
paperbackstash's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
Another good Repairman Jack. We get carnival characters, mad scientists, wine fanatics, a tense opening with Gia and Vicki, Jack being hired by another Dr (that seems to be a theme....), and captive creatures. The ending helped cement half a star uptick.
Another good Repairman Jack. We get carnival characters, mad scientists, wine fanatics, a tense opening with Gia and Vicki, Jack being hired by another Dr (that seems to be a theme....), and captive creatures. The ending helped cement half a star uptick.
acknud's review against another edition
5.0
Repairman Jack is at it again. Of course he does his job with style and grace. This time he is up against a Serbian mobster as well as street drug designing pharmaceutical firm. The new drug is called Berserk and is definitely a bad player in the modern drug market. Oh yeah....an old friend resurfaces and is definitely not one you want to meet!
buildhergender's review against another edition
5.0
Great story.
Loved seeing the rakashi make a return.
An angry uncontrolled rage Jack is scary.
But overall it feels like Jack loses in this story.
Loved seeing the rakashi make a return.
An angry uncontrolled rage Jack is scary.
But overall it feels like Jack loses in this story.