A review by ejdawson
Ack-Ack Macaque by Gareth L. Powell

5.0

I picked up these books because Gareth Powell was so nice on Twitter. I have never felt more ashamed at taking advantage of a discounted/sale weekend. I devoured the first book. I couldn't work out how all the pieces were going to fit together, and more importantly what they would entail or even reach. For such a kind and thoughtful person, Gareth's ability to sink into the depths of a villain's perverse and unwholesome nature left me reeling. Every page I turned I thought it couldn't become more inhuman or awful and I was surprised. But what I held on to most was the grit and determination, especially of Victoria and Ack-Ack himself. It reminded me of Porco Russo at the start, but I quickly came to see how unromantic it was, more importantly the mettle of Gareth's characters. It left me determined, invigorated and strong. This is the kind of fiction I didn't know I was looking for, and I'll be devouring anything Gareth writes, because for all his kindness he has a dark and twisted imagination.