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A review by thisbooklife
The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Vol. 2: Empire Decayed by Daniel Kraus
5.0
Okay, this is my first Goodreads review, and I don't really know what I'm doing, but I need to write about this book. This book (and the duo as a whole) is beautiful and horrifying and gruesome and sweet. In other words, a literary masterpiece. Having just finished it five minutes ago, I'm still reeling. My thoughts may be a bit scattered.
This book was not my favorite book, but it struck something within me. I have never come off from reading a book feeling the same way I do now. I can't quite express it in words - it feels although I have been enlightened, but I don't know what of. If I had to pick a book to say changed me as a person, I would pick this one.
At first, I was nervous about reading The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Vol 1 due to the reviews I read about it being gory and gruesome. However, the premise was fascinating enough that I picked it up anyway. Let me add a disclaimer: I am 15 years old, and this series did have several graphic scenes, but they were bearable and added a needed layer to the story. Also, the language is advanced (quite frankly this book should be shelved as Adult), but not too bad. Don't let the macabre scenes drive you away from this series. It's worth it.
Now onto the real review. This is sort of a combination of the first and second book. This series follows the life - or death, rather - of Zebulon Finch. Zebulon is a flamboyant rich-kid turned mobster with an affinity towards violence. He immediately hooks the reader with his tone and sarcastic language. On one fateful day in 1896, he is killed at age 17, but wakes up 17 minutes later. His heart doesn't beat, he does not feel pain, he does not eat. He is dead in every aspect, save for the fact that he can still walk and talk. Zebulon is a very flawed character, and it is one of the reasons I love this series so much. He does villainous things, gets himself into trouble with his mouth, and wreaks all around havoc, but this just makes it a greater joy to watch him develop as the series goes on. And let me say, the character development is spot on.
The second novel picks up where the first left off - with Zebulon plunging into WWII. Rather than follow a similar storyline as the first book, where Zebulon fought in the trenches during WWI, Kraus shakes it up a bit, putting Zebulon in a secret mission to assassinate Hitler. I'm going to keep this review relatively spoiler free, so I won't go into much more detail.
The one part of this book that I didn't love was the chapters spanning 1962-1969, which just didn't live up the mastery of the previous 1957-1962 (which were probably my favorite chapters in the series. The ending was heart wrenching and beautifully written). However, the excitement picks back up with the next section, spanning the years 1970-1984. These chapters are the most morbid and gruesome of the book, and there were a few times when I had to put the book down to collect myself. Despite this, the horrific scenes Kraus depicts adds to Zebulon's character, showing how, despite trying to reform himself, he is easily mislead. A major reveal at the end of this section leaves both Zebulon and the reader reeling and emotionally spent.
Now to the ending. What a magnificent thing. It is emotional and heartbreaking. At this point, Zebulon has gone from a bloodthirsty member of the maleficent Black Hand to a man who wants to redeem himself for his sins, and to not inflict harm on others. He throws his everything into saving another character from a dark fate, and the reader sees the full 180 his character has achieved. I absolutely loved the last pages of Zebulon's written memoir, where he addresses his relationship with the reader directly, making it feel like he is really talking to you.
And then the very end. Confusing at first, but as you read on, the pieces fall into place. The book keeps you on the edge of your chair until the end.
As for the very last page of the novel, I had it spoiled for me, unfortunately, but that didn't make it any less powerful. A perfect way to end a near perfect series.
I would recommend this series to anyone willing to forge through the loooong books (filled with slightly difficult language). You have to have dedication for these to be enjoyable. If you love history, like myself, then this is definitely a good read. It spans about a century of history, going into detail for each decade. The history was just as fascinating to me as the actual plot. Lastly, I wouldn't read this if you're really young, just because of the style in which it is written, and some of the more graphic scenes. This book touched me like no other has, and it should be read by everyone. I highly recommend it.
Okay, well, there's my first review. I hope it's helpful to anyone reading it. :)
This book was not my favorite book, but it struck something within me. I have never come off from reading a book feeling the same way I do now. I can't quite express it in words - it feels although I have been enlightened, but I don't know what of. If I had to pick a book to say changed me as a person, I would pick this one.
At first, I was nervous about reading The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, Vol 1 due to the reviews I read about it being gory and gruesome. However, the premise was fascinating enough that I picked it up anyway. Let me add a disclaimer: I am 15 years old, and this series did have several graphic scenes, but they were bearable and added a needed layer to the story. Also, the language is advanced (quite frankly this book should be shelved as Adult), but not too bad. Don't let the macabre scenes drive you away from this series. It's worth it.
Now onto the real review. This is sort of a combination of the first and second book. This series follows the life - or death, rather - of Zebulon Finch. Zebulon is a flamboyant rich-kid turned mobster with an affinity towards violence. He immediately hooks the reader with his tone and sarcastic language. On one fateful day in 1896, he is killed at age 17, but wakes up 17 minutes later. His heart doesn't beat, he does not feel pain, he does not eat. He is dead in every aspect, save for the fact that he can still walk and talk. Zebulon is a very flawed character, and it is one of the reasons I love this series so much. He does villainous things, gets himself into trouble with his mouth, and wreaks all around havoc, but this just makes it a greater joy to watch him develop as the series goes on. And let me say, the character development is spot on.
The second novel picks up where the first left off - with Zebulon plunging into WWII. Rather than follow a similar storyline as the first book, where Zebulon fought in the trenches during WWI, Kraus shakes it up a bit, putting Zebulon in a secret mission to assassinate Hitler. I'm going to keep this review relatively spoiler free, so I won't go into much more detail.
The one part of this book that I didn't love was the chapters spanning 1962-1969, which just didn't live up the mastery of the previous 1957-1962 (which were probably my favorite chapters in the series. The ending was heart wrenching and beautifully written). However, the excitement picks back up with the next section, spanning the years 1970-1984. These chapters are the most morbid and gruesome of the book, and there were a few times when I had to put the book down to collect myself. Despite this, the horrific scenes Kraus depicts adds to Zebulon's character, showing how, despite trying to reform himself, he is easily mislead. A major reveal at the end of this section leaves both Zebulon and the reader reeling and emotionally spent.
Now to the ending. What a magnificent thing. It is emotional and heartbreaking. At this point, Zebulon has gone from a bloodthirsty member of the maleficent Black Hand to a man who wants to redeem himself for his sins, and to not inflict harm on others. He throws his everything into saving another character from a dark fate, and the reader sees the full 180 his character has achieved. I absolutely loved the last pages of Zebulon's written memoir, where he addresses his relationship with the reader directly, making it feel like he is really talking to you.
And then the very end. Confusing at first, but as you read on, the pieces fall into place. The book keeps you on the edge of your chair until the end.
As for the very last page of the novel, I had it spoiled for me, unfortunately, but that didn't make it any less powerful. A perfect way to end a near perfect series.
I would recommend this series to anyone willing to forge through the loooong books (filled with slightly difficult language). You have to have dedication for these to be enjoyable. If you love history, like myself, then this is definitely a good read. It spans about a century of history, going into detail for each decade. The history was just as fascinating to me as the actual plot. Lastly, I wouldn't read this if you're really young, just because of the style in which it is written, and some of the more graphic scenes. This book touched me like no other has, and it should be read by everyone. I highly recommend it.
Okay, well, there's my first review. I hope it's helpful to anyone reading it. :)