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judyc_elementz_mj's reviews
50 reviews
Caliban's War by James S.A. Corey
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Going into this second book in the series, I really didn't consider that I would like it just as much as the first one, which was my best read of 2024 ... never mind like it better. So you can imagine how surprised I was that I enjoyed this one so much more.
The tiny things that may have bothered me a bit in the first book, i.e. that things moved a touch slowly through certain parts, especially at the beginning, were nonexistent in this book. It started off with several POVs, including Holden's from the first book. It didn't take long for all of those POVs to converge into the meat of the story, and things didn't stop from that point onwards.
And as with the first book, even with all of the sci-fi and military lingo being thrown at you, it was still about the characters. This book continues the plot from the previous book, with the protomolecule not gone (clearly) as they'd thought, and that what looked like a fight that broke out on Ganymede, a Mars colony, between the Martian military and Earth wasn't what it seemed.
Of course, Holden and his crew from the Rocinante were right in the middle of it all. Add in a hell of an amazing female Martian Marine called Bobbie, and a UN ambassador with brass balls, called Avarasala, and the game is on. Damn it was good. I loved it. I'd have given it a 6-star rating if I could. I'll be diving into book #3 as soon as I can.
The tiny things that may have bothered me a bit in the first book, i.e. that things moved a touch slowly through certain parts, especially at the beginning, were nonexistent in this book. It started off with several POVs, including Holden's from the first book. It didn't take long for all of those POVs to converge into the meat of the story, and things didn't stop from that point onwards.
And as with the first book, even with all of the sci-fi and military lingo being thrown at you, it was still about the characters. This book continues the plot from the previous book, with the protomolecule not gone (clearly) as they'd thought, and that what looked like a fight that broke out on Ganymede, a Mars colony, between the Martian military and Earth wasn't what it seemed.
Of course, Holden and his crew from the Rocinante were right in the middle of it all. Add in a hell of an amazing female Martian Marine called Bobbie, and a UN ambassador with brass balls, called Avarasala, and the game is on. Damn it was good. I loved it. I'd have given it a 6-star rating if I could. I'll be diving into book #3 as soon as I can.
My Every Breath by Brittney Sahin
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Another great romantic suspense from Brittney Sahin with a bit of a forbidden romance paired with a MMC grumpy millionaire. A perfect combo.
About the only thing I found unusual about this book was that I found Gia to be one of my least favourite female characters that she's written in some time. She started off so well and then kinda went downhill from there. I found it difficult to sympathize with her and her losses. Whereas I think Cade, who should have been what you might consider cold, was actually the opposite.
I was completely surprised by the appearance of Connor and his brother Mason from the Hidden Truths series, and of course, the introduction of Mya, whose book I've read in the Falcon Falls series. Again, Sahin's ability to weave her characters together is always enjoyable, but this was one of her earlier series that I hadn't read, so it was great seeing them woven into Cade and Gia's story.
Now I do wonder what happens to Corbin. I think he's been forgotten... hopefully not :)
About the only thing I found unusual about this book was that I found Gia to be one of my least favourite female characters that she's written in some time. She started off so well and then kinda went downhill from there. I found it difficult to sympathize with her and her losses. Whereas I think Cade, who should have been what you might consider cold, was actually the opposite.
I was completely surprised by the appearance of Connor and his brother Mason from the Hidden Truths series, and of course, the introduction of Mya, whose book I've read in the Falcon Falls series. Again, Sahin's ability to weave her characters together is always enjoyable, but this was one of her earlier series that I hadn't read, so it was great seeing them woven into Cade and Gia's story.
Now I do wonder what happens to Corbin. I think he's been forgotten... hopefully not :)
A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was my first experience reading something from Adrienne Young. I wasn't sure if I would like this because I tend to like murder/thrillers, and this was, what I'd say is a bit more of a literary mystery (I hope that makes sense), but I did enjoy it. Having said that, it was a very sombre and emotional story. Perhaps a bit depressing, some might find.
The idea that James is going home because her twin brother has died is clear from the beginning, but also that things aren't all coming up roses at "home." As the story unfolds, it's clear why James left, but I also got the impression she was running from multiple things.
Overall, the book moved slowly, but I enjoyed being in James's mind. I felt her struggle to deal with the death of her twin, including her strange connection to him. I felt for her as she found out things about him that made her question his character. It showed her belief, deep down, that I think she had her doubts about her brother. And I liked that it turned out that things certainly didn't transpire as expected.
She kept me guessing, which for me is key in these types of books. Overall, I liked the characters. But I do have a caveat there. At the beginning, I wasn't crazy about James. It took me a while to warm up to her character. The rest of the characters I connected with right away, and considering the voice in the book was James's, I found it odd that it took me so much time to get feelings about her.
Putting all of that aside, that was a minor thing that didn't last throughout the entire book. And the ending made me sad. How it all turned out couldn't have been easy for any of them. I do have another book by Young, so after reading this one, I am looking forward to reading it.
The idea that James is going home because her twin brother has died is clear from the beginning, but also that things aren't all coming up roses at "home." As the story unfolds, it's clear why James left, but I also got the impression she was running from multiple things.
Overall, the book moved slowly, but I enjoyed being in James's mind. I felt her struggle to deal with the death of her twin, including her strange connection to him. I felt for her as she found out things about him that made her question his character. It showed her belief, deep down, that I think she had her doubts about her brother. And I liked that it turned out that things certainly didn't transpire as expected.
She kept me guessing, which for me is key in these types of books. Overall, I liked the characters. But I do have a caveat there. At the beginning, I wasn't crazy about James. It took me a while to warm up to her character. The rest of the characters I connected with right away, and considering the voice in the book was James's, I found it odd that it took me so much time to get feelings about her.
Putting all of that aside, that was a minor thing that didn't last throughout the entire book. And the ending made me sad. How it all turned out couldn't have been easy for any of them. I do have another book by Young, so after reading this one, I am looking forward to reading it.
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a solid 4.5, but I can't bring myself to rate it a 5 star. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. And a good bit more then Legends & Lattes, but I'll explain.
Firstly, I enjoyed that Viv was younger, and this was a prequel. It really gives you a lot more insight into who Viv was and how she came to be the person who wanted to retire in Legends & Lattes. And while Viv is a mercenary, she has a heart of gold, but she's also frustrating, doesn't like to listen to instructions (that poor doctor and her damn leg LOL) ... she also has a tendency to collect. What do I mean by that you might ask? She is like a magnet for the strangest and most awkward of people and creatures. It's almost like the ones that need her the most find her, and she easily accepts and offers her help in any way she can. It's one of her most endearing, appealing and enjoyable characteristics.
I enjoyed the way that Baldree took the idea of a bookshop, books and turned it into a charming story with so many wonderful characters. Even right down to a "signing" by a favourite author. The irony of that is not lost on me.
This book balanced heart with humour while still being able to inject the hunt for the bad guy. It was set at higher stakes in this book, which I didn't realize until I read this, was missing from the first book. I enjoyed all of the "adventure" that this added for Viv and all of her friends.
And of course the Epilogue ... damn need I say more. He set that up perfectly for a few great future stories in Viv's world. As long as he writes them as great as this, I'll be right along for the ride.
Firstly, I enjoyed that Viv was younger, and this was a prequel. It really gives you a lot more insight into who Viv was and how she came to be the person who wanted to retire in Legends & Lattes. And while Viv is a mercenary, she has a heart of gold, but she's also frustrating, doesn't like to listen to instructions (that poor doctor and her damn leg LOL) ... she also has a tendency to collect. What do I mean by that you might ask? She is like a magnet for the strangest and most awkward of people and creatures. It's almost like the ones that need her the most find her, and she easily accepts and offers her help in any way she can. It's one of her most endearing, appealing and enjoyable characteristics.
I enjoyed the way that Baldree took the idea of a bookshop, books and turned it into a charming story with so many wonderful characters. Even right down to a "signing" by a favourite author. The irony of that is not lost on me.
This book balanced heart with humour while still being able to inject the hunt for the bad guy. It was set at higher stakes in this book, which I didn't realize until I read this, was missing from the first book. I enjoyed all of the "adventure" that this added for Viv and all of her friends.
And of course the Epilogue ... damn need I say more. He set that up perfectly for a few great future stories in Viv's world. As long as he writes them as great as this, I'll be right along for the ride.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I found this book picked up as it went along.
At the beginning I found it dragged and wasn't sure of the direction it was going, but once Jude joined the Court of Shadows, and after what happened at the coronation ... well, let's just say I was completely invested by then.
I liked the layers in Jude's character. She was, I think, initially a good person, but I believe that the life she was dealt with created who she became. And Madoc, whom she hated but also loved, was really the biggest influence on who she was ... for better or worse.
Now when I initially started the book, the writing wasn't really my thing. It sort of reminded me of Stephanie Garber's, and I'm still on the fence about how I felt about her one book I've read so far, but Holly Black's seemed to have much more depth to it. And as I mentioned above, that really did come out as the story progressed.
I'm looking forward to continuing on in the series because I'm thoroughly invested in what is going to happen once Jude and Carden's agreement comes to it's year long end. Should be an interesting ride!!
At the beginning I found it dragged and wasn't sure of the direction it was going, but once Jude joined the Court of Shadows, and after what happened at the coronation ... well, let's just say I was completely invested by then.
I liked the layers in Jude's character. She was, I think, initially a good person, but I believe that the life she was dealt with created who she became. And Madoc, whom she hated but also loved, was really the biggest influence on who she was ... for better or worse.
Now when I initially started the book, the writing wasn't really my thing. It sort of reminded me of Stephanie Garber's, and I'm still on the fence about how I felt about her one book I've read so far, but Holly Black's seemed to have much more depth to it. And as I mentioned above, that really did come out as the story progressed.
I'm looking forward to continuing on in the series because I'm thoroughly invested in what is going to happen once Jude and Carden's agreement comes to it's year long end. Should be an interesting ride!!
Surviving the Fall by Brittney Sahin
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
This sequel follows Jake Summers, an FBI Agent. He is involved in an accident that leaves him with amnesia ... not my favourite trope, but Sahin writes it well, so I found it developed nicely throughout the story. He was captured and tortured, escaped, and as a result of the ensuing explosion, he ended up in a hospital in England. Considering his last known location had been Italy. Clearly, something happened in between, but Jake can't recall.
Enter Alexa Ryan, an undercover MI6 agent. She has been investigating a terrorist organization and it turns out that Jake's accident is somehow involved with them. But also, wouldn't you know, she and Jake met before. The poor guy doesn't remember, but she does and knows that the reason he feels she seems familiar is because of that. It's a messed up situation, but written well and you certainly feel the conflict in her when she basically has to lie to him ... only at first though.
Both characters are easy to connect with and I feel that the general pace of the plot moves along quickly. Between them and Alexa's team, they quickly work their way through the case. The stakes are high and it's a page-turner. My only negative about Alexa was that at times she didn't come across quite as tough as I think she should have been, considering what she did for a living. I do think that kinda comes together at the end with it being clear this might not have been the right career direction for her, but getting her there made her a bit wishy-washy. Still loved her though!
Not quite up there with the 5-star reads I've had from Sahin, but I enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the final book in the series, Ben Logan's story.
Enter Alexa Ryan, an undercover MI6 agent. She has been investigating a terrorist organization and it turns out that Jake's accident is somehow involved with them. But also, wouldn't you know, she and Jake met before. The poor guy doesn't remember, but she does and knows that the reason he feels she seems familiar is because of that. It's a messed up situation, but written well and you certainly feel the conflict in her when she basically has to lie to him ... only at first though.
Both characters are easy to connect with and I feel that the general pace of the plot moves along quickly. Between them and Alexa's team, they quickly work their way through the case. The stakes are high and it's a page-turner. My only negative about Alexa was that at times she didn't come across quite as tough as I think she should have been, considering what she did for a living. I do think that kinda comes together at the end with it being clear this might not have been the right career direction for her, but getting her there made her a bit wishy-washy. Still loved her though!
Not quite up there with the 5-star reads I've had from Sahin, but I enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the final book in the series, Ben Logan's story.
Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Temperance " Bones " Brennan spends this book in her U.S. home base of Charlotte NC, looking for whoever left bones in a cauldron. Yes, we have the usual twists and turns. Nothing seemed to make sense. The end I never saw coming.
Along with the well-flushed-out personal relationships, Tempe has her usual rough and sometimes "not so perfect" personality on full display in this one. Her biggest weakness is her little patience for the media and pompous, righteous people, which this book is full of. It's quite entertaining.
She's also dealing with her and Andrew Ryan's relationship being in off mode throughout this book. It's not a major part of the plotline, but I always love that Reichs is able to give Tempe all of the human emotions that someone goes through, that don't just have to do with her job. It makes her a likeable and relatable character.
We also experience loss in this book (sorry, a tiny bit of spoiler, but don't worry, I'm not telling you who). It's a character that we have followed in a few of her books up to this point, so it was a tough read, and the impact on everyone shifts through the book. It happens at about the 50% mark, so throughout the second half, this person's death plays out in the investigation.
And as usual, Tempe's mind and how she figures things out is on full display. Although I have to say there was one little riddle that she was trying to make sense of and I kept thinking, "Dang girl, I know what that is." I've read too many murder thrillers!!!
The one thing that was a touch different with this book was that it had many social statements. Devil Bones was published in 2008, well before the current U.S. political situation, which I found interesting because it felt so relative to today's social climate. The last lines of the book:
QUOTE:
Was I to embark on a new beginning? With Charlie? with Ryan? With someone new?
Could Ryan and I go back, start over again?
Could America find a new beginning? Could we return to a time when we all felt safe? Protected? Confident in our values and our purpose? Tolerant of customs and belief systems we didn't understand?
How would my sister, Harry, put it?
No way of knowing which hound will hunt.
END QUOTE
I left out a bit there so as not to give away some of the book's details, but I felt that statement very relevant to how things are today. And I'll leave it at that. It's a great book and I'd highly recommend it. I'll be heading into the next in the series, "206 Bones."
Along with the well-flushed-out personal relationships, Tempe has her usual rough and sometimes "not so perfect" personality on full display in this one. Her biggest weakness is her little patience for the media and pompous, righteous people, which this book is full of. It's quite entertaining.
She's also dealing with her and Andrew Ryan's relationship being in off mode throughout this book. It's not a major part of the plotline, but I always love that Reichs is able to give Tempe all of the human emotions that someone goes through, that don't just have to do with her job. It makes her a likeable and relatable character.
We also experience loss in this book (sorry, a tiny bit of spoiler, but don't worry, I'm not telling you who). It's a character that we have followed in a few of her books up to this point, so it was a tough read, and the impact on everyone shifts through the book. It happens at about the 50% mark, so throughout the second half, this person's death plays out in the investigation.
And as usual, Tempe's mind and how she figures things out is on full display. Although I have to say there was one little riddle that she was trying to make sense of and I kept thinking, "Dang girl, I know what that is." I've read too many murder thrillers!!!
The one thing that was a touch different with this book was that it had many social statements. Devil Bones was published in 2008, well before the current U.S. political situation, which I found interesting because it felt so relative to today's social climate. The last lines of the book:
QUOTE:
Was I to embark on a new beginning? With Charlie? with Ryan? With someone new?
Could Ryan and I go back, start over again?
Could America find a new beginning? Could we return to a time when we all felt safe? Protected? Confident in our values and our purpose? Tolerant of customs and belief systems we didn't understand?
How would my sister, Harry, put it?
No way of knowing which hound will hunt.
END QUOTE
I left out a bit there so as not to give away some of the book's details, but I felt that statement very relevant to how things are today. And I'll leave it at that. It's a great book and I'd highly recommend it. I'll be heading into the next in the series, "206 Bones."
Chasing Shadows by Brittney Sahin
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Another wonderful addition to Sahin's Stealth Ops series. One more and I'm finished. Again, this brings back all of my favourite characters while finally getting to Roman and Harper's romance. I've been waiting for this one because it's been building through several of the last few books.
With both of them being on Echo team, it's a wonder that they finally got together because I know that certainly was stopping them at first. Then we moved on to the "I'm hiding things" trope later, especially with Roman. I have to say, it's not one of my favourite tropes, and I find it frustrating to read, but I'll get into that in a bit.
While they were both hiding things, it was near impossible to hide that they had true feelings for each other. And once the genie was out of the bottle (i.e. sex), it was hard to put it back. Roman's secrets were particularly hard for him to navigate, and he had feelings for Harper for a long time. It was just in his nature to protect, and that was what he was trying to do, albeit it wasn't working all that well.
Throw into the mix a very crooked Spanish tycoon, who happens to be Roman's uncle, along with a really bad guy who used to work with them, and who had a particular hate-on for Harper ... and well, you have the perfect mix for a Sahin romantic suspense. She did not disappoint with this story.
I had expected this to be a 5-star read, but alas it fell just a bit short. That came down to two things. The first is Roman. How he acted about his "secret" bothered me. Here is a guy who was a Navy SEAL. Who looked at his team as his family, his life, the people he'd protect, but who he knew would always protect him. Yet he didn't tell them his problem. This was just a bit hard to swallow. I get that was the whole premise of the story, but I think it was just a bit too much of a stretch. If it had been the first story in the series, it might have been more believable, but after eight books and this team being together through thick and thin, let's just say that I found it not only tough to believe but dragged on WAY TOO LONG.
The other thing that bugged me was the length, which relates a bit to the first point. It was too long and dragged on that same plot point. It could have easily been a good 50-100 pages shorter because once they moved to South Africa, then the show began, but that wasn't even until page 350 ... so action right at the beginning and then nothing until page 350. Sure, there was "investigating" and figuring things out, but there was just a little bit too much time in between all of that.
Overall, I did very much like our main characters, but then I did previously, so I'd have been surprised if I didn't enjoy them finally getting their romance. Harper was sweet, and I loved her crazy t-shirts with the weird sayings. And Roman had a thing where he spouted off weird, random facts to calm himself. A few of them cracked me up. The two of them had very clear and distinct personalities, and I really loved the ending where they all came home to their spouses waiting for them. Such a great scene.
One more book to go with Finn's story, and the series is done ... it's kinda sad!!! Well, at least for now. I'm excited to see what the Delta team has to offer!
With both of them being on Echo team, it's a wonder that they finally got together because I know that certainly was stopping them at first. Then we moved on to the "I'm hiding things" trope later, especially with Roman. I have to say, it's not one of my favourite tropes, and I find it frustrating to read, but I'll get into that in a bit.
While they were both hiding things, it was near impossible to hide that they had true feelings for each other. And once the genie was out of the bottle (i.e. sex), it was hard to put it back. Roman's secrets were particularly hard for him to navigate, and he had feelings for Harper for a long time. It was just in his nature to protect, and that was what he was trying to do, albeit it wasn't working all that well.
Throw into the mix a very crooked Spanish tycoon, who happens to be Roman's uncle, along with a really bad guy who used to work with them, and who had a particular hate-on for Harper ... and well, you have the perfect mix for a Sahin romantic suspense. She did not disappoint with this story.
I had expected this to be a 5-star read, but alas it fell just a bit short. That came down to two things. The first is Roman. How he acted about his "secret" bothered me. Here is a guy who was a Navy SEAL. Who looked at his team as his family, his life, the people he'd protect, but who he knew would always protect him. Yet he didn't tell them his problem. This was just a bit hard to swallow. I get that was the whole premise of the story, but I think it was just a bit too much of a stretch. If it had been the first story in the series, it might have been more believable, but after eight books and this team being together through thick and thin, let's just say that I found it not only tough to believe but dragged on WAY TOO LONG.
The other thing that bugged me was the length, which relates a bit to the first point. It was too long and dragged on that same plot point. It could have easily been a good 50-100 pages shorter because once they moved to South Africa, then the show began, but that wasn't even until page 350 ... so action right at the beginning and then nothing until page 350. Sure, there was "investigating" and figuring things out, but there was just a little bit too much time in between all of that.
Overall, I did very much like our main characters, but then I did previously, so I'd have been surprised if I didn't enjoy them finally getting their romance. Harper was sweet, and I loved her crazy t-shirts with the weird sayings. And Roman had a thing where he spouted off weird, random facts to calm himself. A few of them cracked me up. The two of them had very clear and distinct personalities, and I really loved the ending where they all came home to their spouses waiting for them. Such a great scene.
One more book to go with Finn's story, and the series is done ... it's kinda sad!!! Well, at least for now. I'm excited to see what the Delta team has to offer!
Falling Into Oblivion by Aaron M. Payne
Did not finish book. Stopped at 65%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 65%.
Unfortunately I lost interest. I was basically 53% through the book and I was still waiting for something significant to happen. I felt the world building a touch lacklustre and while I know that the main character, Sol Harkones, was our main POV, I didn't find the thoughts coming from him cohesive. I think the book had a lot of potential, and I was waiting to feel that.
Wool by Hugh Howey
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It's a pretty incredible book. I find myself considering the impact of it and the political maneuverings behind the scenes through the book that you know are happening but aren't always right in your face. That was the part of Howey's writing that kept me on the edge throughout.
The opening begins with someone being sent to "cleaning," which is a nice way to say they are being sentenced to death. I guess that is one of the biggest things about this book. The morality of it all. What would you do to keep the place you live in safe? And would that be the right choice? And is killing the people who think it should be different and/or find out what you are doing might not be in people's best interests and think it's wrong, are they evil? Ultimately, that is really what this entire book is about. It sits there and simmers under the surface. And this first "victim," which is what I refer to the people being sent outside to die as, is the Sheriff, of all things. Which raises many questions from several people, especially the new Sheriff, Juliette.
So that brings me to Juliette. A mechanic in what they call the "deep below" and she's been tagged as the new Sheriff by the Mayor and the Deputy Sheriff, who knows her from a previous investigation. She reluctantly accepts the job, and wouldn't you know, her first job is to investigate another suspicious death. And the deaths don't stop. To me, that is the only thing about the story that I felt gave things away a bit. Some things were so obviously pointing to weird goings-on, but because everyone was so programmed to go along with the status quo, nobody wanted to believe it.
Well, maybe somebody did?
Without giving too much away, the truth slowly unfolds. People die and people wake up to what is going on around them. Juliette becomes the example of someone who doesn't give up and who really suffers as she's sent to her death, but who also feels for everyone she loses along the way, even considering she can't do anything to help.
The ending was something I never saw coming, but it was quite satisfying. Even if Howey did leave us with a hell of a cliffhanger. So much was left unsaid.
Now, a little commentary on the politics and landscape of the book. Considering when this was written, over a decade ago, it still rings true in this current political climate. No matter where in the world you live, you have to admit that we are coming apart at the seams, and Covid was the catalyst that started it. Where it ends, no one knows, and this book is like having a look at a potential (and really bad) future.
Well, enough of that political talk and onto the fact that I loved this book. I'm looking forward to heading into the other two in the series. I've heard that they are possibly quite different, but after reading the synopsis, they still interest me. And, of course, I need to know where it all ends!! Good or bad!
The opening begins with someone being sent to "cleaning," which is a nice way to say they are being sentenced to death. I guess that is one of the biggest things about this book. The morality of it all. What would you do to keep the place you live in safe? And would that be the right choice? And is killing the people who think it should be different and/or find out what you are doing might not be in people's best interests and think it's wrong, are they evil? Ultimately, that is really what this entire book is about. It sits there and simmers under the surface. And this first "victim," which is what I refer to the people being sent outside to die as, is the Sheriff, of all things. Which raises many questions from several people, especially the new Sheriff, Juliette.
So that brings me to Juliette. A mechanic in what they call the "deep below" and she's been tagged as the new Sheriff by the Mayor and the Deputy Sheriff, who knows her from a previous investigation. She reluctantly accepts the job, and wouldn't you know, her first job is to investigate another suspicious death. And the deaths don't stop. To me, that is the only thing about the story that I felt gave things away a bit. Some things were so obviously pointing to weird goings-on, but because everyone was so programmed to go along with the status quo, nobody wanted to believe it.
Well, maybe somebody did?
Without giving too much away, the truth slowly unfolds. People die and people wake up to what is going on around them. Juliette becomes the example of someone who doesn't give up and who really suffers as she's sent to her death, but who also feels for everyone she loses along the way, even considering she can't do anything to help.
The ending was something I never saw coming, but it was quite satisfying. Even if Howey did leave us with a hell of a cliffhanger. So much was left unsaid.
Now, a little commentary on the politics and landscape of the book. Considering when this was written, over a decade ago, it still rings true in this current political climate. No matter where in the world you live, you have to admit that we are coming apart at the seams, and Covid was the catalyst that started it. Where it ends, no one knows, and this book is like having a look at a potential (and really bad) future.
Well, enough of that political talk and onto the fact that I loved this book. I'm looking forward to heading into the other two in the series. I've heard that they are possibly quite different, but after reading the synopsis, they still interest me. And, of course, I need to know where it all ends!! Good or bad!