para 's review for:

Shatterpoint by Matthew Woodring Stover

4.0

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This was not the type of book I usually read. It's fast-paced and full of ridiculously, over-the top badassery (as befitting the character), which is not something I usually care for. However, it's also very character-focused, really giving you insight in who Mace Windu is as a person and the internal struggle that happens when his Jedi beliefs and way of living are put to the test. I liked that a lot. Another very pleasant surprise was Stover's prose - he has a very striking style that really shines in the first-person sections and his action scenes are some of the most vivid and easy to imagine I've ever read (and I'm not someone who cares about action scenes, or notices them). The blend of somewhat more literary style than you'd expect and a very pulpy plot is strange, but works super well.

Unfortunately, I also stalled hard a little over than halfway in. I didn't really care about the plot or the jungle setting, and no matter how well written the badass action scenes are, there's only so much I can take before I get bored. It dragged a bit. But that's a personal thing, and I suspect people who prefer fast-paced, action-y books would enjoy it very much indeed.

Enjoyment: 4/5
Execution: 4.5/5

Recommended to: those who'd like to have it all: an action story with ridiculous badassery and a character study and decent writing - because yes, you can (mostly) have your cake and eat it too!

Content warnings: rape (not on screen)

More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.