Well I have been reading. Let me tell you about them.
When One Man Dies -Dave White
Debut from this author proved to be a very good read even if I felt that I had read it before. This seems faint praise, but I assure it is not. It is just the happenstance of reading authors like Michael Koryta and Marcus Sakey. In deed Koryta's second book and Sakey's 2007 debut have plot points that bear similarities. Koryta with the friend killed by a hit and run, and Sakey with the one-time friend turned bitter enemy. Spaced out over a few years, all three books read fantastic. When One Man Dies suffers the fate of having been read third in a short succession of weeks. Still, let me say that I look forward to the next book Mr. White deigns to release on this world.
Sorrow's Anthem - Michael Koryta
I was a hysterical for Koryta's first book. That book struck a very dark and at times sinister mood. Sorrow is not up to that level but it is still a good book. My general issue with the book is a problem that I have with a lot of fiction or film for that matter. In this case, one of the central conflicts of the story could be easily resolved if the characters just talked to one another.... had a simple conversation. Now I know this is a book and it needs conflict to drive the story. I agree. But conflict should serve the story not the author. I feel that Koryta forces a conflict between the hero, Lincoln Perry, and some of his townie friends who blame Lincoln for the death of another friend. They bicker and fight well into the book when it is clear that Lincoln is hardly to blame and in fact has gone over and above to find the real cause of this death/murder. This is minor criticism. Sorrow is a good book and fine addition to this series and one I will continue to read.
Volk's Game - Brent Ghelfi
This book and author has been highly tauted as the next great thriller and next great thriller author. Move over Jack Reacher and Lee Child there is a Russian Badass on the scene. Here is the problem with this comparison...... a comparison made by others not just me.... I am, sadly, not a fan of Lee Child. So strangely the comparison still works for me although not as the publisher and reviewers of Volk's Game anticipated. Brent Ghelfi is the new Lee Child. Unfortunately, both authors write a slick novel that does not connect with me on any level. Emotional... visceral.... Nada.
Reading this over it seems like a bummer. Not true dear readers. When One Man Dies and Sorrow's Anthem are both really good reads. They just suffer from comparison, and I freely admit it is a comparison forced on the book(s) by me. Each book should be judged on their merits, that being said read/buy both those books.
When One Man Dies -Dave White
Debut from this author proved to be a very good read even if I felt that I had read it before. This seems faint praise, but I assure it is not. It is just the happenstance of reading authors like Michael Koryta and Marcus Sakey. In deed Koryta's second book and Sakey's 2007 debut have plot points that bear similarities. Koryta with the friend killed by a hit and run, and Sakey with the one-time friend turned bitter enemy. Spaced out over a few years, all three books read fantastic. When One Man Dies suffers the fate of having been read third in a short succession of weeks. Still, let me say that I look forward to the next book Mr. White deigns to release on this world.
Sorrow's Anthem - Michael Koryta
I was a hysterical for Koryta's first book. That book struck a very dark and at times sinister mood. Sorrow is not up to that level but it is still a good book. My general issue with the book is a problem that I have with a lot of fiction or film for that matter. In this case, one of the central conflicts of the story could be easily resolved if the characters just talked to one another.... had a simple conversation. Now I know this is a book and it needs conflict to drive the story. I agree. But conflict should serve the story not the author. I feel that Koryta forces a conflict between the hero, Lincoln Perry, and some of his townie friends who blame Lincoln for the death of another friend. They bicker and fight well into the book when it is clear that Lincoln is hardly to blame and in fact has gone over and above to find the real cause of this death/murder. This is minor criticism. Sorrow is a good book and fine addition to this series and one I will continue to read.
Volk's Game - Brent Ghelfi
This book and author has been highly tauted as the next great thriller and next great thriller author. Move over Jack Reacher and Lee Child there is a Russian Badass on the scene. Here is the problem with this comparison...... a comparison made by others not just me.... I am, sadly, not a fan of Lee Child. So strangely the comparison still works for me although not as the publisher and reviewers of Volk's Game anticipated. Brent Ghelfi is the new Lee Child. Unfortunately, both authors write a slick novel that does not connect with me on any level. Emotional... visceral.... Nada.
Reading this over it seems like a bummer. Not true dear readers. When One Man Dies and Sorrow's Anthem are both really good reads. They just suffer from comparison, and I freely admit it is a comparison forced on the book(s) by me. Each book should be judged on their merits, that being said read/buy both those books.
Comments