Take a photo of a barcode or cover
nancyflanagan 's review for:
A Test of Wills
by Charles Todd
Torn between four and three stars--let's say four-minus. I can see promise in this as the first book in a series, as well as an author (two, actually--a mother and son) trying to find a coherent voice. I look forward to another Ian Rutledge book, filling the in the blanks on a character who isn't completely fleshed out, at this point.
The problem with the book--and it's a real issue--is the number of characters and the complexity of the plot. You find yourself thinking 'Who's Mrs. Grayson, again? Where does she fit in?' I am not a fan of books where you have to flip back a chapter or two to remind yourself of just where this person fits into the grand scheme.
The strength of the book, conversely, is Rutledge himself, struggling to stay upright and suppress the shell shock that still devils him (as, we find out mid-book, it would anyone who's lived through what Rutledge experienced). He will be a compelling character in future books, as the Todds hit their stride.
The problem with the book--and it's a real issue--is the number of characters and the complexity of the plot. You find yourself thinking 'Who's Mrs. Grayson, again? Where does she fit in?' I am not a fan of books where you have to flip back a chapter or two to remind yourself of just where this person fits into the grand scheme.
The strength of the book, conversely, is Rutledge himself, struggling to stay upright and suppress the shell shock that still devils him (as, we find out mid-book, it would anyone who's lived through what Rutledge experienced). He will be a compelling character in future books, as the Todds hit their stride.