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The Korsak Brothers #1
Химера
Преди десет години по-малкият брат на Стефан Корсак е отвлечен. Не е минал нито ден без Стефан да мисли за него. Като издигаща се фигура в руската мафия, той най-накрая открива Лукас. Когато го спасява обаче, трябва да се изправи срещу ужасната истина, че неговият брат вече не е негов брат. Той е обучен, генно изменен убиец. Сега онези, които са го създали, ще направят всичко, за да си го върнат. Колкото по-близък става Стефан с брат си, толкова повече осъзнава, че спасяването му може да е било по-лесно от оцеляването покрай него..."Буйно четиво, което ще ви отнесе и ще накара дъха ви да спре."Саймън Р. Грийн, автор на бестселъри на Ню Йорк Таймс"С бързо темпо и вълнуващ."Ерант Дриймс Ревюс
416 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2010
27 people are currently reading
1842 people want to read
About the author
Rob Thurman
43 books1,564 followersRob Thurman is currently writing three series for Penguin Putnam's imprint ROC FANTASY, as well as a brand-new mainstream series for Simon & Schuster's POCKET BOOKS.
Rob has also written for a Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner Anthology, WOLFSBANE AND MISTLETOE. This year, Rob contributed a post-apocalyptic, "grim" faerie tale Western to the anthology, COURTS OF THE FEY.
Rob's work is dark, non-stop action from beginning to end, rife with purely evil sarcasm as sharp as a switchblade - and probably nearly as illegal. If one shoved LORD OF THE RINGS,
THE SHINING, and PULP FICTION into a wood-chipper, the result would be what Rob aims to deliver in a novel or short story.
A member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), ROB THURMAN lives in RURAL Indiana - land of endless fields, infinite cows and where dialup is still the only soul-crushing option.
Rob has also written for a Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner Anthology, WOLFSBANE AND MISTLETOE. This year, Rob contributed a post-apocalyptic, "grim" faerie tale Western to the anthology, COURTS OF THE FEY.
Rob's work is dark, non-stop action from beginning to end, rife with purely evil sarcasm as sharp as a switchblade - and probably nearly as illegal. If one shoved LORD OF THE RINGS,
THE SHINING, and PULP FICTION into a wood-chipper, the result would be what Rob aims to deliver in a novel or short story.
A member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), ROB THURMAN lives in RURAL Indiana - land of endless fields, infinite cows and where dialup is still the only soul-crushing option.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
September 12, 2020
Reread Last year on Audible:
I listened to it at night before bed, so it was kind of a chaotic reread, so I don't think I can fairly review it. I think I will listen again during times when I'm alert and I can better experience it.
*******
1st Review
When I picked up an urban fantasy novel by this author called Nightlife, I had no idea then how big a fan I would become of her writing. Since then, she’s been an autobuy for me, because of my love for Cal and Nik Leandros, and how Ms. Thurman managed to show the depths and the power of the relationship between siblings. With Chimera, she does it yet again. One might be encouraged to dismiss this book about a man’s quest to find his brother who was stolen from his family ten years ago a rehash, but it truly is not. Because there are so many stories of siblings to be told. No two brothers have the same relationship, and in this story, she has conveyed a completely different relationship between Stefan and Lukas/Michael-- with depths that are equally fathomless, but one that is utterly distinct from the brotherhood between Cal and Nik.
Stefan Korsak is a young man who has lived for one thing for the past ten years, to find his younger brother, and bring him home. He has literally given what was left of his soul to this quest. He has even entered the family business. Stefan’s father is a big Russian Mafiya boss, and now Stefan works for one of his dad’s ‘friends’ as a byk, a bodyguard. He doesn’t do the enforcer dirty work, much, other than having to beat people up occasionally. But he’s a lethal guy all the same. He has acquired lots of skills that will help him in his quest to find his brother. When his source for information on his brother, Saul, finds out that there was a boy in a field trip at the mall matching Stefan’s brother’s description, Stefan gets a ray of hope for the first time in ten years. With Saul’s help, he breaks his brother out of the strangely prison-like medical facility that his brother has been living. But that’s only the beginning. He has to keep himself and his brother safe from a very scary man who runs the facility, the mob faction that are on the hunt for Stefan, and convince Michael that he is his long-lost sibling.
I can easily visualize this as a movie. It has that feel, with clear images and a story that draws the eye and the focus of the reader. Stefan is damaged, fascinating; a character who inspired a lot of loyalty and devotion in this reader. In his mind, he doesn’t think much of himself. He feels that his potential for a good life is over, since he failed to protect his brother so many years ago, and has sold his soul in the family business. But he’d do just about anything to give his brother a second chance. This book reminded me very strongly of the TV show Supernatural, with the relationship between Dean and Sam. Dean is much like Stefan. He has little self-worth, and all his love is for his brother. He was raised from a very young kid to always watch out for his brother, and if he does nothing else in life, he will complete this mission. Other than that, they aren’t that much alike. But I saw that cord of recognition in Stefan, and the author builds a very different man from this foundation.
What I liked about this story was being inside Stefan’s head, and seeing what he views himself as, but knowing that he is much more than that. I totally fell for him. I loved seeing how having his brother back healed the broken parts of his soul, and gave him hope, a four letter word that was alien of his vocabulary for a long time. I liked seeing how much of a survivor he was. He’s a street-smart, clear-thinking young man, who has his own moral compass. Not purely black and white, but more focused on the greater good, which is taking care of his brother. If he has to steal a car to do that, no problem. He doesn’t want to be a killer, but if it takes that, he’ll do it. I wanted Stefan to be happy, and I hope that he will be. I hope that he will have more to his life, so much more, than he turned his back on. He certainly deserves it.
Michael’s character was also great. He was raised in this facility for one purpose, to kill. Every lesson learned focused on making him the optimal assassin, and nothing more. However, Michael found out the hard way that he didn’t have the heart for it. His days were numbered as the ‘program failures’ tended to disappear in the middle of the night. Fortunately, a man claiming to his brother (a fact he doesn’t believe) takes him away. Given the choice of going with this man or staying in the facility, it’s a no brainer. Now, Michael has to learn to be a normal human being, which is somet hing he has little experience with. Although Michael has a lethal ability, an incredibly intelligent brain, and enhanced healing abilities, he’s still a seventeen-year-old kid. He acquires a serious junkfood habit that Stefan indulges although worries enough about him to buy vitamins. He is curious about sex and girls, and he purchases a ferret. And along the way, he becomes attached to this guy who is determined to convince him that he is Michael’s long-lost sibling. The love he develops for his ‘brother’ scares him, because he could one day lose Stefan, and he has nothing in his short life that belonged to him for keeps, if at all.
I liked the view of the United States through a windshield and roadside motels. The mundane which is very fascinating when one takes the time to look at it. If you have ever taken a road trip across America (or any small part, you know what I mean). Every state and even parts of the same state has a distinct feel, but the overall flavor is “This is America.” This motif reminded me of Supernatural, as the Winchester brothers spend their lives on the road, going from hunt to hunt. In this case, Stefan and Michael are running for their lives.
Another refreshing aspect to this story was the inclusion of Stefan and Michael’s Russian heritage. Although Stefan’s Russian is the colloquial, everyday, user-friendly version, he retains a very strong sense of the culture. His dialogue is realistically seasoned with Russian terms (which is great since I am learning Russian right now), and his values reflect those of a second-generation Russian-American, with a background in the Russian mafiya thrown in for extra flavor. Miss Thurman showed the daily life of a man born into this crime life very authentically. Stefan had a father who was cold enough to order men killed at the dinner table, and his job as a Mafiya boss was the elephant in the room for Stefan growing up. All his uncles were associates in the family business. Clearly, it was difficult for him to divorce himself from that life and to yearn for something better. But Stefan would have willingly left it behind, if he could have found his brother without those resources. Because his true family is his brother, especially with Daddy Dearest gone underground to elude the Feds on his case.
This is a deeply personal story. It is one of those speculative fiction stories that throws you a loop, because it’s really about people, and the relationships we have with those we are related to by blood, and obligation. There is enough of the sci-fi element to earn its place in that genre, but moreso it’s about humanity and relationships, one in particular. I became deeply involved with this novel, and I found that I came to regard Stefan and Michael as real people. I really appreciated that about this story, and the lessons it contained. Love doesn’t give up, ever. Love sacrifices. And love recognizes what is lost. What is family? It’s not always what we believe it is. It’s a lot more than we can imagine.
I listened to it at night before bed, so it was kind of a chaotic reread, so I don't think I can fairly review it. I think I will listen again during times when I'm alert and I can better experience it.
*******
1st Review
When I picked up an urban fantasy novel by this author called Nightlife, I had no idea then how big a fan I would become of her writing. Since then, she’s been an autobuy for me, because of my love for Cal and Nik Leandros, and how Ms. Thurman managed to show the depths and the power of the relationship between siblings. With Chimera, she does it yet again. One might be encouraged to dismiss this book about a man’s quest to find his brother who was stolen from his family ten years ago a rehash, but it truly is not. Because there are so many stories of siblings to be told. No two brothers have the same relationship, and in this story, she has conveyed a completely different relationship between Stefan and Lukas/Michael-- with depths that are equally fathomless, but one that is utterly distinct from the brotherhood between Cal and Nik.
Stefan Korsak is a young man who has lived for one thing for the past ten years, to find his younger brother, and bring him home. He has literally given what was left of his soul to this quest. He has even entered the family business. Stefan’s father is a big Russian Mafiya boss, and now Stefan works for one of his dad’s ‘friends’ as a byk, a bodyguard. He doesn’t do the enforcer dirty work, much, other than having to beat people up occasionally. But he’s a lethal guy all the same. He has acquired lots of skills that will help him in his quest to find his brother. When his source for information on his brother, Saul, finds out that there was a boy in a field trip at the mall matching Stefan’s brother’s description, Stefan gets a ray of hope for the first time in ten years. With Saul’s help, he breaks his brother out of the strangely prison-like medical facility that his brother has been living. But that’s only the beginning. He has to keep himself and his brother safe from a very scary man who runs the facility, the mob faction that are on the hunt for Stefan, and convince Michael that he is his long-lost sibling.
I can easily visualize this as a movie. It has that feel, with clear images and a story that draws the eye and the focus of the reader. Stefan is damaged, fascinating; a character who inspired a lot of loyalty and devotion in this reader. In his mind, he doesn’t think much of himself. He feels that his potential for a good life is over, since he failed to protect his brother so many years ago, and has sold his soul in the family business. But he’d do just about anything to give his brother a second chance. This book reminded me very strongly of the TV show Supernatural, with the relationship between Dean and Sam. Dean is much like Stefan. He has little self-worth, and all his love is for his brother. He was raised from a very young kid to always watch out for his brother, and if he does nothing else in life, he will complete this mission. Other than that, they aren’t that much alike. But I saw that cord of recognition in Stefan, and the author builds a very different man from this foundation.
What I liked about this story was being inside Stefan’s head, and seeing what he views himself as, but knowing that he is much more than that. I totally fell for him. I loved seeing how having his brother back healed the broken parts of his soul, and gave him hope, a four letter word that was alien of his vocabulary for a long time. I liked seeing how much of a survivor he was. He’s a street-smart, clear-thinking young man, who has his own moral compass. Not purely black and white, but more focused on the greater good, which is taking care of his brother. If he has to steal a car to do that, no problem. He doesn’t want to be a killer, but if it takes that, he’ll do it. I wanted Stefan to be happy, and I hope that he will be. I hope that he will have more to his life, so much more, than he turned his back on. He certainly deserves it.
Michael’s character was also great. He was raised in this facility for one purpose, to kill. Every lesson learned focused on making him the optimal assassin, and nothing more. However, Michael found out the hard way that he didn’t have the heart for it. His days were numbered as the ‘program failures’ tended to disappear in the middle of the night. Fortunately, a man claiming to his brother (a fact he doesn’t believe) takes him away. Given the choice of going with this man or staying in the facility, it’s a no brainer. Now, Michael has to learn to be a normal human being, which is somet hing he has little experience with. Although Michael has a lethal ability, an incredibly intelligent brain, and enhanced healing abilities, he’s still a seventeen-year-old kid. He acquires a serious junkfood habit that Stefan indulges although worries enough about him to buy vitamins. He is curious about sex and girls, and he purchases a ferret. And along the way, he becomes attached to this guy who is determined to convince him that he is Michael’s long-lost sibling. The love he develops for his ‘brother’ scares him, because he could one day lose Stefan, and he has nothing in his short life that belonged to him for keeps, if at all.
I liked the view of the United States through a windshield and roadside motels. The mundane which is very fascinating when one takes the time to look at it. If you have ever taken a road trip across America (or any small part, you know what I mean). Every state and even parts of the same state has a distinct feel, but the overall flavor is “This is America.” This motif reminded me of Supernatural, as the Winchester brothers spend their lives on the road, going from hunt to hunt. In this case, Stefan and Michael are running for their lives.
Another refreshing aspect to this story was the inclusion of Stefan and Michael’s Russian heritage. Although Stefan’s Russian is the colloquial, everyday, user-friendly version, he retains a very strong sense of the culture. His dialogue is realistically seasoned with Russian terms (which is great since I am learning Russian right now), and his values reflect those of a second-generation Russian-American, with a background in the Russian mafiya thrown in for extra flavor. Miss Thurman showed the daily life of a man born into this crime life very authentically. Stefan had a father who was cold enough to order men killed at the dinner table, and his job as a Mafiya boss was the elephant in the room for Stefan growing up. All his uncles were associates in the family business. Clearly, it was difficult for him to divorce himself from that life and to yearn for something better. But Stefan would have willingly left it behind, if he could have found his brother without those resources. Because his true family is his brother, especially with Daddy Dearest gone underground to elude the Feds on his case.
This is a deeply personal story. It is one of those speculative fiction stories that throws you a loop, because it’s really about people, and the relationships we have with those we are related to by blood, and obligation. There is enough of the sci-fi element to earn its place in that genre, but moreso it’s about humanity and relationships, one in particular. I became deeply involved with this novel, and I found that I came to regard Stefan and Michael as real people. I really appreciated that about this story, and the lessons it contained. Love doesn’t give up, ever. Love sacrifices. And love recognizes what is lost. What is family? It’s not always what we believe it is. It’s a lot more than we can imagine.
June 6, 2010
I was a little worried about this book since I love Rob Thurman's Cal Leandros series to itty bitty pieces. However, I wasn't impressed with her Trickster book. Thankfully, I thought it was definitely the same caliber as her Cal books.
It starts off where you meet Stefan, a young man who's father was involved with the Russian mafia and soon followed in his fathers footsteps. He hasn't exactly climbed very high in the ladder though and does simple bodyguard duty for a local boss in Florida. But what keeps Stefan going is really Lukas, his younger brother. The thing is though, Lukas has been missing for around ten years. One Christmas they were playing around as kids and the next moment Lukas is gone. Stefan keeps searching even though his father's given up long ago. By a stroke of luck one of the men Stefan's hired to help the search finds a lead. Miraculously Stefan seems to have found his long lost brother. But those ten years have changed Lukas in unimaginable ways. His past in the mafia will soon be put to good use when he's soon not only on the run from his brother's kidnappers but from the mafia as well.
The book starts out slow but builds in pace. It had some really great fight scenes with Stefan trying to keep Lukas safe too. Towards the end it slowed down again and lagged a bit but the ending was great. You may be like me and figure it out too, but there's a little twist to the end. Not bad, but to me it seemed well hinted at. I've been hearing the author say that her sales aren't doing well lately and needs this book to do well for her to continue writing. I picked this book up the day it was out to support her and I wasn't disappointed. It had great action and the author's signature snarky dialogue. I'm crossing my fingers that it does well because I'd love to read a sequel. I highly recommend it to people who've liked her Cal Leandros series, or to fellow urban fantasy fans who haven't tried her yet.
It starts off where you meet Stefan, a young man who's father was involved with the Russian mafia and soon followed in his fathers footsteps. He hasn't exactly climbed very high in the ladder though and does simple bodyguard duty for a local boss in Florida. But what keeps Stefan going is really Lukas, his younger brother. The thing is though, Lukas has been missing for around ten years. One Christmas they were playing around as kids and the next moment Lukas is gone. Stefan keeps searching even though his father's given up long ago. By a stroke of luck one of the men Stefan's hired to help the search finds a lead. Miraculously Stefan seems to have found his long lost brother. But those ten years have changed Lukas in unimaginable ways. His past in the mafia will soon be put to good use when he's soon not only on the run from his brother's kidnappers but from the mafia as well.
The book starts out slow but builds in pace. It had some really great fight scenes with Stefan trying to keep Lukas safe too. Towards the end it slowed down again and lagged a bit but the ending was great. You may be like me and figure it out too, but there's a little twist to the end. Not bad, but to me it seemed well hinted at. I've been hearing the author say that her sales aren't doing well lately and needs this book to do well for her to continue writing. I picked this book up the day it was out to support her and I wasn't disappointed. It had great action and the author's signature snarky dialogue. I'm crossing my fingers that it does well because I'd love to read a sequel. I highly recommend it to people who've liked her Cal Leandros series, or to fellow urban fantasy fans who haven't tried her yet.
December 7, 2010
4.5 stars!!!
I fell in love with Rob Thurman's Cal and Nico Leandros series, because, for the life of me, I cannot remember ever reading a series about brothers with the intese of love like this one (which of course, make people always connect it to the type of brotherly love from the Winchester brothers). When I read the summary of Chimera, I cannot NOT try it as well. It IS about brothers (again)
And OMG, this one just blows me away. I have to admit that I struggle a bit with the writing in Cal and Nico series (except for book #4) but I have no problem what-so-ever in this one. This book opens with the 3rd person, and it's Michael's. Then the story begins and it is written in 1st person (Stefan's) until the end. Even so, it doesn't mean that Michael comes flat ... he is as alive as Stefan as the narrator. We can feel his story, his struggle, his slow journey towards trust to the Stefan, a young man who insists that Michael is his long-lost brother. The loyalty of Stefan is amazing ... for ten years he is looking for his kidnapped brother, and when he finds Lukas -- who keep saying that his name is Michael -- he is determined to rebuild the memory, to make Misha (that's Stefan's love-name for Michael) see that he will never be alone again.
There are so many heartwarming, touching, tender moment between the two, like when Stefan treats Michael's injured feet or when Michael buys jackets for himself. I am gripped with emotion during the whole journey of the two brothers, dodging and running from the enemies, while Michael slowly opening up about his life in the Institute.
There is one twist in the end, that I don't really see coming. But it makes the story gives bigger impact than if it is written differently. I think this is an amazing story about love and loyalty ... and if there is a sequel, count me in as one of the followers.
I fell in love with Rob Thurman's Cal and Nico Leandros series, because, for the life of me, I cannot remember ever reading a series about brothers with the intese of love like this one (which of course, make people always connect it to the type of brotherly love from the Winchester brothers). When I read the summary of Chimera, I cannot NOT try it as well. It IS about brothers (again)
And OMG, this one just blows me away. I have to admit that I struggle a bit with the writing in Cal and Nico series (except for book #4) but I have no problem what-so-ever in this one. This book opens with the 3rd person, and it's Michael's. Then the story begins and it is written in 1st person (Stefan's) until the end. Even so, it doesn't mean that Michael comes flat ... he is as alive as Stefan as the narrator. We can feel his story, his struggle, his slow journey towards trust to the Stefan, a young man who insists that Michael is his long-lost brother. The loyalty of Stefan is amazing ... for ten years he is looking for his kidnapped brother, and when he finds Lukas -- who keep saying that his name is Michael -- he is determined to rebuild the memory, to make Misha (that's Stefan's love-name for Michael) see that he will never be alone again.
There are so many heartwarming, touching, tender moment between the two, like when Stefan treats Michael's injured feet or when Michael buys jackets for himself. I am gripped with emotion during the whole journey of the two brothers, dodging and running from the enemies, while Michael slowly opening up about his life in the Institute.
There is one twist in the end, that I don't really see coming. But it makes the story gives bigger impact than if it is written differently. I think this is an amazing story about love and loyalty ... and if there is a sequel, count me in as one of the followers.
August 25, 2011
Enjoyable. Themes of good/evil, nature/nurture and family run through the book, usually without becoming heavy handed. Stefan is more or less a flawed character, a bodyguard for a member of the Russian mafiya, and no stranger to violence. We quickly learn his devoted family side as he meets with Saul, a man he hired to find his younger brother Lukas. Saul locates him, and he and Stefan manage a rescue. Most of the rest of the book is Lukas and Stefan on a road trip, looking for somewhere safe. The interaction between the two reminds me a great deal of the Leandros brothers. Lots of snarky back-and-forth that is worth a laugh and supposed to disguise real feeling. It's rather interesting that so many of the themes running through the Leandros series are seen in budding form here. I like that Stefan's background is first-generation Russian; it adds a different and interesting spin, and the Russian slang is fun.
Plot structure is mostly that of an action buddy book, where desperate and on-the-run individuals learn to grudgingly trust another. It's only sci-fi in the barest sense, as the development of some psychic and genetic manipulation comes into play. I mostly enjoyed it, especially the bits about Lukas getting to know the outside world and discovering a craving for junk food. The overall plot of running from disaster to disaster got old for me, and a few times the disasters just seemed forced. Stefan's decision to pick up a hitchhiker was so eye-rollingly bad, the only explanation must have been Thurman looking for both a hook and an effort to humanize the brothers (Stefan in his compassion, Lukas in his hormonal teenage state). Much like the stereotypical 'hooker with the heart of gold,' Thurman wants Stefan to be the wiseguy with an ethical code.
I found the ending extremely enjoyable, but not that surprising, given Stefan's heavy-handed obsession. In short, I liked the themes and the relationship between the brothers; I remain troubled by a couple of more obvious plot devices. I really recommend it as a buddys-on-the-run read.
Plot structure is mostly that of an action buddy book, where desperate and on-the-run individuals learn to grudgingly trust another. It's only sci-fi in the barest sense, as the development of some psychic and genetic manipulation comes into play. I mostly enjoyed it, especially the bits about Lukas getting to know the outside world and discovering a craving for junk food. The overall plot of running from disaster to disaster got old for me, and a few times the disasters just seemed forced. Stefan's decision to pick up a hitchhiker was so eye-rollingly bad, the only explanation must have been Thurman looking for both a hook and an effort to humanize the brothers (Stefan in his compassion, Lukas in his hormonal teenage state). Much like the stereotypical 'hooker with the heart of gold,' Thurman wants Stefan to be the wiseguy with an ethical code.
I found the ending extremely enjoyable, but not that surprising, given Stefan's heavy-handed obsession. In short, I liked the themes and the relationship between the brothers; I remain troubled by a couple of more obvious plot devices. I really recommend it as a buddys-on-the-run read.
June 5, 2020
*Happy Sigh* Oh the brother feels that Rob Thurman manages to put into her books. I can't not love them. This one was a lot less angsty than the Cal and Niko series, but it was certainly not lacking in it. Both Stefan and Misha were perfectly lovable characters, especially Misha's dry humor, and the ending still kind of surprised me, but made the story even more heartfelt than the alternative. I still wish that the Winter Soldier storyline had been more like this.
Now I'm really sad there are only two books in this series.
Now I'm really sad there are only two books in this series.
June 11, 2010
I was already a fan of Thurman's other books, both the Cal Leandros series and her Trixa one. I was looking forward to this book, but I didn't know that it was THE book I have been waiting for and my absolute favorite release so far this year.
Holy crap, where to start? The characters? The plot? The dread I felt as I burned through the last half and approached the end, because that meant there was less book to read?
I love her Cal Leandros series, I truly do, but so this is my favorite book from this author. The characters were just so, so good, even down to the minor ones that breeze in and are gone. You become absolutely wrapped up in the very human drama in an inhuman situation, invested in some sort of positive ending for their sakes, yet aching because you don't want their journey to end.
Witnessing Stefan try so incredibly hard to reconnect with his brother, who is at the same time trying to adjust to simply being in the world and balance being what he's supposed to be with the teenager that he still is is intimate and again, so human.
I personally like books that move at a fast pace, this one hits the ground running. The author never disappoints in that respect. At one point as I paused to respond to an email, I had to remind myself to relax - that I was not, in fact, being pursued by unsavory people with guns. The high tension, balanced with both heartwarming and heartwrenching moments is just awesome.
As for the ending... Yeah. I didn't see it coming at all but could think back and see where it fit and yes, agree that it was the way to end it. Got some tears (and by "some", I mean "a lot") but it was great. If you enjoy character-driven books with a ton of action - criminy, if you enjoy books that are awesome, pick this one up. And really, who doesn't enjoy books that are awesome? (Sparkly vampire fans, maybe.)
Also, I apologize if this review is a little all over the place. It's the book's fault for making me lose track of time and thus spent three hours in a hot tub. There may have been a daiquiri involved as well.
Holy crap, where to start? The characters? The plot? The dread I felt as I burned through the last half and approached the end, because that meant there was less book to read?
I love her Cal Leandros series, I truly do, but so this is my favorite book from this author. The characters were just so, so good, even down to the minor ones that breeze in and are gone. You become absolutely wrapped up in the very human drama in an inhuman situation, invested in some sort of positive ending for their sakes, yet aching because you don't want their journey to end.
Witnessing Stefan try so incredibly hard to reconnect with his brother, who is at the same time trying to adjust to simply being in the world and balance being what he's supposed to be with the teenager that he still is is intimate and again, so human.
I personally like books that move at a fast pace, this one hits the ground running. The author never disappoints in that respect. At one point as I paused to respond to an email, I had to remind myself to relax - that I was not, in fact, being pursued by unsavory people with guns. The high tension, balanced with both heartwarming and heartwrenching moments is just awesome.
As for the ending... Yeah. I didn't see it coming at all but could think back and see where it fit and yes, agree that it was the way to end it. Got some tears (and by "some", I mean "a lot") but it was great. If you enjoy character-driven books with a ton of action - criminy, if you enjoy books that are awesome, pick this one up. And really, who doesn't enjoy books that are awesome? (Sparkly vampire fans, maybe.)
Also, I apologize if this review is a little all over the place. It's the book's fault for making me lose track of time and thus spent three hours in a hot tub. There may have been a daiquiri involved as well.
June 2, 2011
Soooo, I love this book. Now, that doesn't mean it's a great book, because it isn't. Despite this, couldn't stop myself from enjoying it, and I didn't want to.
I adore both main characters, Stefan and Michael, and their relationship was a beautiful thing to watch grow. Stefan comes from a family from, well, the mafia. He does NOT act like it at all. He's very nice and almost soft, even. His determination to find his brother really endeared him to me.
For me, things didn't start to get interesting until Michael was introduced, because these two guys work best together, really balancing each other out. I loved watching Michael learn to adjust to life outside of that awful prison and come to trust Stefan and even love him. Stefan was just sooo gooey when it came to Michael, which was so adorable. He kept giving him junk food and then worrying that a growing boy should be eating healthy foods.
There were a few random scenes that just..didn't relate to the plot at all. During one in particular I kept thinking...What? How is this relevent? But they were entertaining, so I wasn't all that bothered.
There was a twist in the end that wasn't exactly a shock, but still somehow managed to surprise me, even though I'd been expecting it. Don't know how that worked.
The ending was exremely abrupt. That is my one serious complaint. There was this great scene at the end where Michael is being all awesome and heroic and saying the sweetest thing ever and then BAM. It's over.
Just like this review.
BAM.
I adore both main characters, Stefan and Michael, and their relationship was a beautiful thing to watch grow. Stefan comes from a family from, well, the mafia. He does NOT act like it at all. He's very nice and almost soft, even. His determination to find his brother really endeared him to me.
For me, things didn't start to get interesting until Michael was introduced, because these two guys work best together, really balancing each other out. I loved watching Michael learn to adjust to life outside of that awful prison and come to trust Stefan and even love him. Stefan was just sooo gooey when it came to Michael, which was so adorable. He kept giving him junk food and then worrying that a growing boy should be eating healthy foods.
There were a few random scenes that just..didn't relate to the plot at all. During one in particular I kept thinking...What? How is this relevent? But they were entertaining, so I wasn't all that bothered.
There was a twist in the end that wasn't exactly a shock, but still somehow managed to surprise me, even though I'd been expecting it. Don't know how that worked.
The ending was exremely abrupt. That is my one serious complaint. There was this great scene at the end where Michael is being all awesome and heroic and saying the sweetest thing ever and then BAM. It's over.
Just like this review.
BAM.
June 15, 2010
This book was a bit different than most of the books I've been reading lately. Even though Thurman is a fantastic urban fantasy author, and this book had some UF elements, it's really much more of a combo character study/buddy road trip. One consistent thing about Thurman though is that she writes some seriously obsessed older brothers (and a sister in her Trixa books). In this story, when Stephan was 14 he lost his 7 year-old adored little brother in a kidnapping and he has dedicated his life to finding him ever since. Stephan is a dark character, son of a mob king and working as a mob enforcer to earn the money to continue the search. But he could never have predicted what he would find or the danger that would follow them. His life of crime barely prepared him for the journey he's forced to take to protect the boy he loves so much. Violence, cons, double crosses, unconditional love, a few laughs and some brotherly banter, and a deep mystery with Stephan's little brother at the center of a hunt by of a wildly dangerous mystery organization, it's quite a ride.
February 27, 2016
The story has some elements that are a little bit reminiscent of The Bourne Identity and X-Men with a dash of The Island, which is not at all a bad thing in my opinion. I have a soft spot for this type of story, I rather like road trips, and I always wanted an older brother. I enjoyed the plot, and the final couple of twists hit me from the side.
The book is chock-full of good atmospherics. The descriptions of the settings, from Florida on north, are specific and vivid. Thurman definitely has a gift for making the words jump off the page and paint pictures in the reader’s mind.
I liked both Stefan, son of a major player in the Russian-American Mafiya, and Michael, whom Stefan rescues from a creepy scientific institute; and there are some colourful minor characters along the way. Stefan’s single-minded obsession with finding and rescuing his brother, who’s been gone for 10 years, is an intriguing psychological portrait. It was also enjoyable to see Michael change and grow--and the pet ferret was a cute component of that.
The book is chock-full of good atmospherics. The descriptions of the settings, from Florida on north, are specific and vivid. Thurman definitely has a gift for making the words jump off the page and paint pictures in the reader’s mind.
I liked both Stefan, son of a major player in the Russian-American Mafiya, and Michael, whom Stefan rescues from a creepy scientific institute; and there are some colourful minor characters along the way. Stefan’s single-minded obsession with finding and rescuing his brother, who’s been gone for 10 years, is an intriguing psychological portrait. It was also enjoyable to see Michael change and grow--and the pet ferret was a cute component of that.
June 22, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I very much look forward to reading more about about these characters although I did not enjoy it as much as the Cal Leandros series. I missed the humor that Cal brings to his own series, and I missed the supernatural aspect, but as with that series I loved the portrayal of the relationship and loyalty of brothers. I love both Stefan and Michael, and I can't wait to see the rest of their story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2010
For ten years Stefan has searched for his missing brother Lukas. Kidnapped on Christmas, Stefan is convinced he’s at fault and can’t stop looking for his younger brother. Consumed by guilt and fueled by love, Stefan finally gets a clue to Lukas’ whereabouts. But when Stefan manages to rescue Lukas, he realizes his troubles have just begun. Lukas isn’t anything like the brother Stefan knew and possesses powerful and scary talents. Although Stefan won’t let anything stop him from protecting Lukas now, the organization Lukas came from is equally determined to get him back.
Chimera is the latest offering from successful author Rob Thurman and fans are likely to devour it. The story is a road trip between brothers formula that works so well for Thurman’s previous series. Here Stefan and Lukas navigate the tricky waters of reconnecting as family while on the run from Stefan’s life in the mob and the bad guys after Lukas. The pace is consistent and well crafted as there are an equal number of slower times with the next big catastrophe. Problems come from Stefan and Lukas’ pasts as well as hazards they encounter on the road.
Stefan and Lukas have a great chemistry and the dialogue again shines. Thurman knows how to write punchy, witty dialogue and that comes across in the numerous exchanges included. Both Stefan and Lukas have a wry sense of humor that shows in too many to count great one liners and the back and forth which is the highlight of the book. Their bickering, sarcastic exchanges blend with gentle teasing and an awkward, caring touch that epitomizes male bonding at the finest. While this is going on, both men show more and more of their character, their limits, and their willingness to do what’s needed. Neither Stefan nor Lukas feels cardboard or flat, even though they feel familiar.
The plot has some twists and turns that are both predictable and unexpected. There is the high level secret agency that seems to have endless resources and presents as the undefeatable foe, leading to some predictable yet exciting chase sequences. Since this is a road trip there are a lot of chase scenes, get away cars, and racing from crimes but that’s to be expected. There is also the well crafted subplot of genetic manipulation that is always present, never forgotten, and very well used. Stefan and Lukas – now called Michael – work to find out what happened to him, why he’s been genetically altered, what it means, and what they can do for the other children still being held. This creates a very solid subplot with a good direction besides simply being a road trip/fleeing the bad guys type story.
The writing is very good with few slow points. The beginning lags somewhat as Stefan and his involvement in the Russian mob are set up. There’s a lot of background offered and this goes to show Stefan’s limits, ideals, and goals that slowly change after reuniting with his brother. The difficult, often prickly relationship the two enter into is often scored by Stefan’s unwavering devotion and belief. For those fans familiar with both Thurman’s Cal Leandros series and its basis Supernatural, Stefan would be Dean to Lukas’ Sam.
Despite the familiar elements of the brotherly bond and road trip feel, Chimera is quite simply a lot of fun to read. It’s quick, well crafted with some amusing dialogue and an interesting, well thought out subplot that’s current and relevant. The characters are interesting and their story feels like a tale you want to sink into. In fact I hope Thurman does more with these two and I’ll happily delve into their next adventure.
Chimera is the latest offering from successful author Rob Thurman and fans are likely to devour it. The story is a road trip between brothers formula that works so well for Thurman’s previous series. Here Stefan and Lukas navigate the tricky waters of reconnecting as family while on the run from Stefan’s life in the mob and the bad guys after Lukas. The pace is consistent and well crafted as there are an equal number of slower times with the next big catastrophe. Problems come from Stefan and Lukas’ pasts as well as hazards they encounter on the road.
Stefan and Lukas have a great chemistry and the dialogue again shines. Thurman knows how to write punchy, witty dialogue and that comes across in the numerous exchanges included. Both Stefan and Lukas have a wry sense of humor that shows in too many to count great one liners and the back and forth which is the highlight of the book. Their bickering, sarcastic exchanges blend with gentle teasing and an awkward, caring touch that epitomizes male bonding at the finest. While this is going on, both men show more and more of their character, their limits, and their willingness to do what’s needed. Neither Stefan nor Lukas feels cardboard or flat, even though they feel familiar.
The plot has some twists and turns that are both predictable and unexpected. There is the high level secret agency that seems to have endless resources and presents as the undefeatable foe, leading to some predictable yet exciting chase sequences. Since this is a road trip there are a lot of chase scenes, get away cars, and racing from crimes but that’s to be expected. There is also the well crafted subplot of genetic manipulation that is always present, never forgotten, and very well used. Stefan and Lukas – now called Michael – work to find out what happened to him, why he’s been genetically altered, what it means, and what they can do for the other children still being held. This creates a very solid subplot with a good direction besides simply being a road trip/fleeing the bad guys type story.
The writing is very good with few slow points. The beginning lags somewhat as Stefan and his involvement in the Russian mob are set up. There’s a lot of background offered and this goes to show Stefan’s limits, ideals, and goals that slowly change after reuniting with his brother. The difficult, often prickly relationship the two enter into is often scored by Stefan’s unwavering devotion and belief. For those fans familiar with both Thurman’s Cal Leandros series and its basis Supernatural, Stefan would be Dean to Lukas’ Sam.
Despite the familiar elements of the brotherly bond and road trip feel, Chimera is quite simply a lot of fun to read. It’s quick, well crafted with some amusing dialogue and an interesting, well thought out subplot that’s current and relevant. The characters are interesting and their story feels like a tale you want to sink into. In fact I hope Thurman does more with these two and I’ll happily delve into their next adventure.
August 22, 2010
Chimera is the story of a Stefan, a man who has been haunted by the kidnapping of his younger brother, Lukas, when Stefan was 14 and his brother was seven. In the 10 years since, Stefan has worked as a bodyguard in the Russian mafia in Florida. All of the money and resources he has, due to his father’s own career in the mafia, have been used trying to find Lukas. When a tip seems to pay off, Stefan breaks into a guarded compound to break his brother out. The rest of the book deals with Stefan and Michael (the name Lukas had at the compound and what he wants to be called) on the run from the people in charge of the compound. As this happens we learn more about Stefan and his life before and after Lukas was kidnapped, as well as finding out what life was like for Michael and what the purpose of the compound really is. Stefan sees pieces of his brother come out in Michael, even as Michael tries to convince him that he’s not Lukas.
Since this story is about two young men who may or may not be brothers who are being hunted and have to mostly depend on each other, if you’ve read Thurman’s Cal Leandros series (which I looove), you may think same book, different state. Though the writing style is obviously Thurman, which is a good thing, this book is different. There’s not much of a supernatural aspect and the guys are trying to find Stefan’s father while attempting to get to a safe house for most of the book. That means it’s mostly the two of them being chased by the bad guys, with a few other characters popping into scenes every once in a while. There’s a healthy dose of the sarcasm I love, though there’s no comic relief, like Robin in the Leandros series; it wouldn’t have fit if there had been. Like the Leandros series, there’s a lot of action and Thurman, as usual, is great at raking her characters over the coals physically and emotionally. Lots of times when a writer has characters that get all emotional about each other (I’m talking siblings and friends here) I feel like it comes off sappy and I end up trying to stop my gag reflex from kicking in. I don’t know how she does it, but Thurman is really great at pulling on the few, frayed heart strings I have when it comes to her characters, and this book is no different.
My one complaint, and the thing that keeps it from being five stars for me, is part of the ending, which I don’t want to give away. I didn’t have a problem with the resolution of this part of the book, but the explanation for it came out of left field and had me saying, “Are you kidding me?” However, it was something I can get over (mostly), and other than that, I loved this book. While it’s being sold as a stand alone novel and was wrapped up nicely, there’s definitely room for a sequel if Thurman ever decides to write one, and I would absolutely read it.
Update: Yea! The sequel, Basilisk, is scheduled to be released in August 2011.
Since this story is about two young men who may or may not be brothers who are being hunted and have to mostly depend on each other, if you’ve read Thurman’s Cal Leandros series (which I looove), you may think same book, different state. Though the writing style is obviously Thurman, which is a good thing, this book is different. There’s not much of a supernatural aspect and the guys are trying to find Stefan’s father while attempting to get to a safe house for most of the book. That means it’s mostly the two of them being chased by the bad guys, with a few other characters popping into scenes every once in a while. There’s a healthy dose of the sarcasm I love, though there’s no comic relief, like Robin in the Leandros series; it wouldn’t have fit if there had been. Like the Leandros series, there’s a lot of action and Thurman, as usual, is great at raking her characters over the coals physically and emotionally. Lots of times when a writer has characters that get all emotional about each other (I’m talking siblings and friends here) I feel like it comes off sappy and I end up trying to stop my gag reflex from kicking in. I don’t know how she does it, but Thurman is really great at pulling on the few, frayed heart strings I have when it comes to her characters, and this book is no different.
My one complaint, and the thing that keeps it from being five stars for me, is part of the ending, which I don’t want to give away. I didn’t have a problem with the resolution of this part of the book, but the explanation for it came out of left field and had me saying, “Are you kidding me?” However, it was something I can get over (mostly), and other than that, I loved this book. While it’s being sold as a stand alone novel and was wrapped up nicely, there’s definitely room for a sequel if Thurman ever decides to write one, and I would absolutely read it.
Update: Yea! The sequel, Basilisk, is scheduled to be released in August 2011.
August 14, 2019
Aww, das Ende.
Ich erinnere mich noch wie beim ersten Mal, was für einen emotionalen Impact es bei mir hinterlassen hat, und deswegen will ich es hier auch gar nicht verraten, nicht einmal hinter einem Spoilertag.
Flotte Action, Verschwörungstheorien, coole Sprüche und konträrerweise zu all diesen kantigen, harten Dingen eine unheimlich liebevolle Brüderkiste, die das eigentliche Herzstück dieses Buch bildet.
Worum gehts: Stefan Korsak, seines Zeichens Bodyguard und Mafiosi - ein durch und durch harter Kerl also - sucht seit Jahren seinen kleinen Bruder Lukas, der damals vor seinen Augen entführt wurde. Als er ihn endlich wiederfindet, zehn Jahre später, ist aus seinem kleinen Bruder eine gehirngewaschene Kampfmaschine geworden, der sich ans nichts anderes mehr erinnern kann als an Folter und Drill. Aus Lukas wurde "Michael" - zärtlich "Misha" genannt von seinem großen Bruder.
Stefan kidnappt ihn aus "dem Institut" und gemeinsam sind sie auf der Flucht quer durch Amerika. Sie werden gleichermaßen verfolgt von Stefans Mafiakollegen, die ihm einen Mord anhängen (eine Storyline, die ein wenig fallen gelassen wurde gegen Ende und ich frage mich grade ob das im zweiten Band noch aufgeklärt wird?) so wie Jericho, dem grausamen Leiter des Instituts, der Lukas, bzw "Michael" wieder zurück haben möchte. Und das, um jeden Preis.
Während dieser actiongeladenen Flucht gibt es immer wieder Momente von vorsichtiger Annäherung zwischen den beiden entfremdeten Brüdern. Dabei zuzusehen wie Misha, der eigentlich nur Folter und Missbrauch kennt, langsam auftaut und ganz zaghaft beginnt Stefan zu vertrauen .... !! Gah! Zu sehen wie Stefan, der eigentlich ein abgebrühter, zynischer Mafiosi ist weich wie ein Marshmallow wird bei seinem kleinen Bruder - das ist einfach zuckersüß und besser als die meisten Liebesgeschichten, die ich aus dem Genre kenne. Alle Punkte dafür. (Zärtlich-platonische Brüderkisten sollten offiziell ein Genre sein, denn ich lese fast nichts so gerne wie das.)
Einen Stern Abzug gibt es dafür, dass man merkt, dass das Buch, was political correctness angeht doch etwas ... nun ja, veraltet ist. An manchen Stellen ist es wirklich schauderhaft sexistisch (es tut mir leid, dass sagen zu müssen, aber man ist eigentlich ganz froh, dass Frauen keine großen Rollen spielen, da sie im wesentlichen auf die Größe ihrer Brüste oder ihres Hinters reduziert werden...), was umso befremdlicher ist, wenn man weiß, dass Rob Thurman ebenfalls eine Frau ist.
Internalized Misogyny much?
Ich erinnere mich noch wie beim ersten Mal, was für einen emotionalen Impact es bei mir hinterlassen hat, und deswegen will ich es hier auch gar nicht verraten, nicht einmal hinter einem Spoilertag.
Flotte Action, Verschwörungstheorien, coole Sprüche und konträrerweise zu all diesen kantigen, harten Dingen eine unheimlich liebevolle Brüderkiste, die das eigentliche Herzstück dieses Buch bildet.
Worum gehts: Stefan Korsak, seines Zeichens Bodyguard und Mafiosi - ein durch und durch harter Kerl also - sucht seit Jahren seinen kleinen Bruder Lukas, der damals vor seinen Augen entführt wurde. Als er ihn endlich wiederfindet, zehn Jahre später, ist aus seinem kleinen Bruder eine gehirngewaschene Kampfmaschine geworden, der sich ans nichts anderes mehr erinnern kann als an Folter und Drill. Aus Lukas wurde "Michael" - zärtlich "Misha" genannt von seinem großen Bruder.
Stefan kidnappt ihn aus "dem Institut" und gemeinsam sind sie auf der Flucht quer durch Amerika. Sie werden gleichermaßen verfolgt von Stefans Mafiakollegen, die ihm einen Mord anhängen (eine Storyline, die ein wenig fallen gelassen wurde gegen Ende und ich frage mich grade ob das im zweiten Band noch aufgeklärt wird?) so wie Jericho, dem grausamen Leiter des Instituts, der Lukas, bzw "Michael" wieder zurück haben möchte. Und das, um jeden Preis.
Während dieser actiongeladenen Flucht gibt es immer wieder Momente von vorsichtiger Annäherung zwischen den beiden entfremdeten Brüdern. Dabei zuzusehen wie Misha, der eigentlich nur Folter und Missbrauch kennt, langsam auftaut und ganz zaghaft beginnt Stefan zu vertrauen .... !! Gah! Zu sehen wie Stefan, der eigentlich ein abgebrühter, zynischer Mafiosi ist weich wie ein Marshmallow wird bei seinem kleinen Bruder - das ist einfach zuckersüß und besser als die meisten Liebesgeschichten, die ich aus dem Genre kenne. Alle Punkte dafür. (Zärtlich-platonische Brüderkisten sollten offiziell ein Genre sein, denn ich lese fast nichts so gerne wie das.)
Einen Stern Abzug gibt es dafür, dass man merkt, dass das Buch, was political correctness angeht doch etwas ... nun ja, veraltet ist. An manchen Stellen ist es wirklich schauderhaft sexistisch (es tut mir leid, dass sagen zu müssen, aber man ist eigentlich ganz froh, dass Frauen keine großen Rollen spielen, da sie im wesentlichen auf die Größe ihrer Brüste oder ihres Hinters reduziert werden...), was umso befremdlicher ist, wenn man weiß, dass Rob Thurman ebenfalls eine Frau ist.
Internalized Misogyny much?
August 8, 2010
I really enjoyed this book and I was excited to learn that even though sales were not as high as hoped there will be at least one more book in the series.
The basic premise obviously bears some similarity to the Leandros series. At its heart, it's the story of an older brother trying to find and protect his younger, genetically special, bother. But Stefan is not Niko and Lukas is not Cal.
Stefan and Lukas are the son of a man highly placed in the Russian mob. Stefan grows up surrounded by violence but he is not a killer. He is by no means a pacifist, in fact, when the story opens he's employed as a bodyguard for another man highly placed in an allied mob family. Since the moment Lukas was taken Stefan has dedicated all his time, energy, and resources into finding him.
Lukas has been living completely isolated from the real world along with his classmates except for a once or twice a year strictly supervised trip to the mall. His only other reference is from very carefully selected movies.
This book feels like a more mature version of a brothers story. I love Niko and Cal but Stefan and Lukas feel like they're more three dimensional.
In contrast to Niko's nearly constant Zen-like calm Stefan is certainly a man of action but he also experiences doubt and fear and doesn't always hide it from his brother.
For Lukas' part, he knows he's different but where Cal is jaded (and honestly a bit whiny about being a monster) Lukas has a sweet naiveté about things. He has concerns and he knows he's different, but he doesn't think he's a monster and it's really fun to let watch him slowly start to trust Stefan and learn what the world is really like.
Highly recommended.
The basic premise obviously bears some similarity to the Leandros series. At its heart, it's the story of an older brother trying to find and protect his younger, genetically special, bother. But Stefan is not Niko and Lukas is not Cal.
Stefan and Lukas are the son of a man highly placed in the Russian mob. Stefan grows up surrounded by violence but he is not a killer. He is by no means a pacifist, in fact, when the story opens he's employed as a bodyguard for another man highly placed in an allied mob family. Since the moment Lukas was taken Stefan has dedicated all his time, energy, and resources into finding him.
Lukas has been living completely isolated from the real world along with his classmates except for a once or twice a year strictly supervised trip to the mall. His only other reference is from very carefully selected movies.
This book feels like a more mature version of a brothers story. I love Niko and Cal but Stefan and Lukas feel like they're more three dimensional.
In contrast to Niko's nearly constant Zen-like calm Stefan is certainly a man of action but he also experiences doubt and fear and doesn't always hide it from his brother.
For Lukas' part, he knows he's different but where Cal is jaded (and honestly a bit whiny about being a monster) Lukas has a sweet naiveté about things. He has concerns and he knows he's different, but he doesn't think he's a monster and it's really fun to let watch him slowly start to trust Stefan and learn what the world is really like.
Highly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2010
Rob Thurman does brother stories really well, her Cal Leandros books are a study in brotherly ties and what one brother will do to protect another. This is another take on that theme, this time there are no overt supernatural creatures, just the Russian Mafia and a brilliant psychopath. Stephan dreams about the night his brother Lukas was taken from him 10 years before, and has never stopped searching for him since, despite the fact that his father seems to have. Not that he sees his father anymore, his father is a Russian mobster on the run from the Feds and Stephan works as a bodyguard for another Russian mobster. Then one day his perserverance finally appears to pay off, someone has spotted what could be his brother, a boy, 17 years old with bicolor eyes. The search leads him to a compound that seems more prison then anything else, seemingly impenetrable. What follows is non stop action as he rescues the Lukas, although this Lukas insists his name is Michael and has no memory of anything outside his life in the compound, and their desperate flight away from those who will do anything to get Lukas/Michael back. A good, steady read with a great ending that has a good chance of surprising most readers. I'm not sure if this is a stand alone novel, I'm hoping not, it would be a great start to a series.
February 1, 2011
Save yourself some time. Chimera is a rehash of the Nightlife books with two tiny differences: the story is told from the perspective of the older brother this time, and the setting is urban scifi instead of urban fantasy. Aside from those details, Stefan and Michael "Lukas-oops-not-really" Korsak is Niko and Cal Leandros all over again, up to and including the older brothers' identical bodyguard jobs, the snarky younger-brother-vibe humor, and the being constantly on the run. I've enjoyed several of Thurman's books in the past, but with this one she's given up on writing anything that whatsoever resembles an original plot and is instead content to rehash her previous books. The publication of this novel makes me feel like Thurman was just desperate for a quick buck.
Chimera is a trashy, trashy, D-rated book, full of cliché and barely worth reading. If I pick up the sequel — at the library, thanks; I wouldn't own this — it will solely be because I want to see if the platitudinous developments I'm calling now do materialize.
Chimera is a trashy, trashy, D-rated book, full of cliché and barely worth reading. If I pick up the sequel — at the library, thanks; I wouldn't own this — it will solely be because I want to see if the platitudinous developments I'm calling now do materialize.
January 5, 2023
The first Korsak Brothers book, Chimera, follows Stefan Korsak, a young man who has lived for one thing for the past ten years of his life - find his brother and bring him home. But when Stefan finally finds him, it isn't as he'd expected. His brother, Lukas/Michael, is brainwashed, trained to kill.
Chimera was an intriguing read that kept me reading until the end. It's got great brother feels that warmed my heart - and a twist I didn't see coming!
Despite a few things that annoyed me, I really enjoyed the first book of The Korsak Brothers. Now I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel!
Full review on My Blog
Chimera was an intriguing read that kept me reading until the end. It's got great brother feels that warmed my heart - and a twist I didn't see coming!
Despite a few things that annoyed me, I really enjoyed the first book of The Korsak Brothers. Now I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel!
Full review on My Blog
November 11, 2017
4.75.
A little bit predictable but hitting all the right spots for me: siblings Relationship and triumph over evil :)
A little bit predictable but hitting all the right spots for me: siblings Relationship and triumph over evil :)
February 22, 2024
I’ve got a lot to say
June 21, 2010
This is one of those rare times where I desperately hope a book is a one shot (an ever so rare occurrence in the Urban/Fantasy genre). The book is perfect as it stands, and I am happy where it left the characters. That, again, not does happen very often.
If you are familiar with Thurman's work, you will recognize a familiar brotherly dynamic at play (a fun, snarky, fantastic brotherly dynamic) but that is where any similarity with previous work ends. In Chimera the reader finds itself in a soothingly normal contemporary setting, right until the protagonist stumbles across his Holy Grail.
Take our mafia grunt protagonist, allow him to find the brother he has been obsessively looking for, and have that brother being held in a sketchy establishment that seems to be creating killing machines using shady genetics/medicine/brainwashing. Cue one excellently planned break out, and the rest of the book is a rush of close calls and bitingly witty dialogue. Chimera is a break from the urban fantasy I am used to reading from Thurman, instead settling on a setting that contains just enough skewed science and bizarre skills to have it just crossing the line into urban/scifi. But it is a close call. The science used is well explained, and close enough to believable to add a nice bit of tension to the book itself.
And a science villain. Have I mentioned how much I adore science villains? Complete with skewed morals and an appropriately hideous methodology.
Oh, and the ending. What a brilliantly executed few chapters that was. I was actually grinning to myself as I read. Had I a glass in hand, I would have offered a toast to Thurman on the spot. Well played, Ms. Thurman. Well played.
A fast paced, highly enjoyable read.
And hey, I think I picked up enough rude Russian from reading this book to get me in some fantastic linguistic trouble. What more could a reader want?
If you are familiar with Thurman's work, you will recognize a familiar brotherly dynamic at play (a fun, snarky, fantastic brotherly dynamic) but that is where any similarity with previous work ends. In Chimera the reader finds itself in a soothingly normal contemporary setting, right until the protagonist stumbles across his Holy Grail.
Take our mafia grunt protagonist, allow him to find the brother he has been obsessively looking for, and have that brother being held in a sketchy establishment that seems to be creating killing machines using shady genetics/medicine/brainwashing. Cue one excellently planned break out, and the rest of the book is a rush of close calls and bitingly witty dialogue. Chimera is a break from the urban fantasy I am used to reading from Thurman, instead settling on a setting that contains just enough skewed science and bizarre skills to have it just crossing the line into urban/scifi. But it is a close call. The science used is well explained, and close enough to believable to add a nice bit of tension to the book itself.
And a science villain. Have I mentioned how much I adore science villains? Complete with skewed morals and an appropriately hideous methodology.
Oh, and the ending. What a brilliantly executed few chapters that was. I was actually grinning to myself as I read. Had I a glass in hand, I would have offered a toast to Thurman on the spot. Well played, Ms. Thurman. Well played.
A fast paced, highly enjoyable read.
And hey, I think I picked up enough rude Russian from reading this book to get me in some fantastic linguistic trouble. What more could a reader want?
October 24, 2011
I read this book because I'm a bit of a fan of the author's Cal Leandros series. I guess the best thing I can say about this book is that it was interesting enough to me to finish.
The main issue I had with it was that Stefan's POV was written so like Cal's... Not only does this seem very unimaginative on the author's part, but that POV style has always been the thing I liked least in Cal's books as well. I find it to be overwritten, repetitive, clichéd, annoying, and sometimes offensive. My eyes tend to skim a bit between dialog and meaningful descriptions to spare my poor brain. (TBH, I was about to give up on the Cal books until I learned Niko would be getting POV chapters as well--which did not disappoint.)
Probably my favorite thing was the ferret. He was fairly realistic without it feeling most of the time much like the author was showing off how much ferrety research she had done. (Though I did find it slightly odd to see Stefan, who is clearly NOT a ferret person of any sort, refer to the ferret as a "carpet shark." That's pretty much THE #1 pet term ferret people have for their beloved species; I've never, ever heard ferrets called that outside the world of pet ferrets. That line felt more like the author winking to ferret lovers than something the character would have thought of.)
I won't spoil it, but there's a "twist" at the end that the author talked up while promoting this book. I saw it a mile off...but I can't say it didn't work, either.
Not sure I'll read more in this series. On the one hand, I barely liked this book. On the other, I was rather "meh" over the Cal books in the beginning but I quite like them now (I say this even though I'm like three books behind--I really only read them when I want something simple but engaging where I know what I'm getting. And I read because I've become attached to the characters.) Probably not, but maybe if I get it from the library.
The main issue I had with it was that Stefan's POV was written so like Cal's... Not only does this seem very unimaginative on the author's part, but that POV style has always been the thing I liked least in Cal's books as well. I find it to be overwritten, repetitive, clichéd, annoying, and sometimes offensive. My eyes tend to skim a bit between dialog and meaningful descriptions to spare my poor brain. (TBH, I was about to give up on the Cal books until I learned Niko would be getting POV chapters as well--which did not disappoint.)
Probably my favorite thing was the ferret. He was fairly realistic without it feeling most of the time much like the author was showing off how much ferrety research she had done. (Though I did find it slightly odd to see Stefan, who is clearly NOT a ferret person of any sort, refer to the ferret as a "carpet shark." That's pretty much THE #1 pet term ferret people have for their beloved species; I've never, ever heard ferrets called that outside the world of pet ferrets. That line felt more like the author winking to ferret lovers than something the character would have thought of.)
I won't spoil it, but there's a "twist" at the end that the author talked up while promoting this book. I saw it a mile off...but I can't say it didn't work, either.
Not sure I'll read more in this series. On the one hand, I barely liked this book. On the other, I was rather "meh" over the Cal books in the beginning but I quite like them now (I say this even though I'm like three books behind--I really only read them when I want something simple but engaging where I know what I'm getting. And I read because I've become attached to the characters.) Probably not, but maybe if I get it from the library.
June 4, 2010
"Chimera" is the first book that I have read from Rob Thurman and it did not disapoint. Ten years earlier Stephan Korsak had his brother kidnapped while they were riding horses and ever since he has felt guilt that he could not protect his younger brother from being taken. He is now twenty four and he continued the search for his brother Lukas. In order to pay for the search he has turned to the family business, which was part of the Russian Mafiya.
Finally the search has produced some results and Stephan is off to rescue his brother from his captors. Only to find that he needs to re-integrate himself into the life of a person who does not recognize him as a brother. On top of this, he has also burned his bridges with the Florida Mafiya bosses he had been working with. The chase is on, and Lukas (now 17) has been changed by the time he has been held captive.
Rob Thurman tells a compelling story of the feelings that Stephan has for his brother, and she tells of the wonderment of the young teenager who is now free in the open world. There are several twists and turns, which carry the story forward in a way that is fun to read. There are questions of morality and it shows in both the rough way Stephan has had to become, and the way Lukas has apparently been trained. And how he reacts to his big brother. Together they are on a trip searching how each can survive.
Finally the search has produced some results and Stephan is off to rescue his brother from his captors. Only to find that he needs to re-integrate himself into the life of a person who does not recognize him as a brother. On top of this, he has also burned his bridges with the Florida Mafiya bosses he had been working with. The chase is on, and Lukas (now 17) has been changed by the time he has been held captive.
Rob Thurman tells a compelling story of the feelings that Stephan has for his brother, and she tells of the wonderment of the young teenager who is now free in the open world. There are several twists and turns, which carry the story forward in a way that is fun to read. There are questions of morality and it shows in both the rough way Stephan has had to become, and the way Lukas has apparently been trained. And how he reacts to his big brother. Together they are on a trip searching how each can survive.
June 9, 2010
Favorite Quote:
"What? Your family. That doesn't mean your obligated by law to love each other".
"What's not to love? He's my brother."
From Rob Thurman comes a thrilling Sci Fi thriller that questions humanity and the lengths those will go to alter it. Ten years ago Stefan Korsak's little brother was kidnapped. No one knows who or what took him, but Stefan has never forgotten him.
As a rising figure in the Russian mob; his contacts have finally paid off. He has found Lukas. But soon Stefan realizes that Lukas has changed and is no longer the little brother he remembers. Brainwashed and genetically altered, Lukas is a key player in the next step of genetic evolution. As Stefan and Lukas grow closer, Stefan realizes that saving Lukas may be easier then surviving him.
As huge fan of Thurman's Cal Leandros series, I was pleased to discover her writing something new but keeping in line with her unique style of humor and wit. Chimera is a fast paced exciting read that seamlessly blends the personal self discovery of two brothers into a fantasy based plot.
Come read the rest of my review at Smexybooks
"What? Your family. That doesn't mean your obligated by law to love each other".
"What's not to love? He's my brother."
From Rob Thurman comes a thrilling Sci Fi thriller that questions humanity and the lengths those will go to alter it. Ten years ago Stefan Korsak's little brother was kidnapped. No one knows who or what took him, but Stefan has never forgotten him.
As a rising figure in the Russian mob; his contacts have finally paid off. He has found Lukas. But soon Stefan realizes that Lukas has changed and is no longer the little brother he remembers. Brainwashed and genetically altered, Lukas is a key player in the next step of genetic evolution. As Stefan and Lukas grow closer, Stefan realizes that saving Lukas may be easier then surviving him.
As huge fan of Thurman's Cal Leandros series, I was pleased to discover her writing something new but keeping in line with her unique style of humor and wit. Chimera is a fast paced exciting read that seamlessly blends the personal self discovery of two brothers into a fantasy based plot.
Come read the rest of my review at Smexybooks
January 29, 2011
Chimera is about Russian mafia member Stephen who for the last 10 years has been on an unstoppable manhunt to find his brother Lucas who was assumed, by him, kidnapped at the age of 7.
As it says in the synapses, Lucas is found. But things don't, and are not, exactly going as Stephen had planned.
While on the run from those who kidnapped Lucas and trying to hide from mafia as well they meet some interesting characters along the way, loose a lot of money, gain a sidekick, and steal a good bit of cars and killer even more people while on the way to safety.
Overall the book was well written a few characters reminded a bit of those the Cal Leandros series. But all can be easily over looked with funny brotherly love banter that arises and the cockiness of the characters as well as the shear abundance of some good old fashion character growth.
It was a ride to remember that makes me anxious for the second book.
If I write more I fear I will go on and spoil surprises.
I don't leave spoilers. I leave hints.
As it says in the synapses, Lucas is found. But things don't, and are not, exactly going as Stephen had planned.
While on the run from those who kidnapped Lucas and trying to hide from mafia as well they meet some interesting characters along the way, loose a lot of money, gain a sidekick, and steal a good bit of cars and killer even more people while on the way to safety.
Overall the book was well written a few characters reminded a bit of those the Cal Leandros series. But all can be easily over looked with funny brotherly love banter that arises and the cockiness of the characters as well as the shear abundance of some good old fashion character growth.
It was a ride to remember that makes me anxious for the second book.
If I write more I fear I will go on and spoil surprises.
I don't leave spoilers. I leave hints.
August 15, 2011
Stefan is the prince of a Russian Mafiya. Working at the bottom as a regular bodyguard, he has dedicated his life to finding his brother, Lukas, who was abducted at the age of 7. Blaming himself for talking Lukas into sneaking out to ride horses, although it's not the life he would've chosen, Stefan works for the Mafiya in order to make the money he needs to continue his search. When he finally gets a break and locates a boy with one brown and one blue eye like his brother, he puts a plan into action to break him free from the Institute he is being held in. Unfortunately, his brother has no memories of his childhood. Stefan must not only work to stay ahead of the Institute that wants Lukas back, but he must also work to rebuild the relationship between the two brothers. Like Cal & Niko, Rob Thurman does a wonderful job of creating the relationship between two brothers. The story was pretty good, but the loyalty and faith that Stefan has is amazing to read.
January 7, 2012
Thought-provoking read with strong character development.
The initially awkward relationship between Stefan and his long-lost brother strengthens and draws the reader in as the story progresses.
Unfortunately, this is the only aspect of the novel that I found entertaining.
It lacked excitement and is set at a slow pace where the mystery unfolds through asking questions as opposed to taking any action.
By the story's conclusion, I found myself intrigued enough by Michael's character to continue on to the sequel.
Overall, it was a fairly enjoyable read. But it's not something that I would highly recommend.
The initially awkward relationship between Stefan and his long-lost brother strengthens and draws the reader in as the story progresses.
Unfortunately, this is the only aspect of the novel that I found entertaining.
It lacked excitement and is set at a slow pace where the mystery unfolds through asking questions as opposed to taking any action.
By the story's conclusion, I found myself intrigued enough by Michael's character to continue on to the sequel.
Overall, it was a fairly enjoyable read. But it's not something that I would highly recommend.
July 12, 2010
Thurman is never, ever a bad read. This shift of gears from the paranormal/urban fantasy world of the Leandros brothers covers more technological reasons for extraordinary human abilities, and they're good ones. Fast paced, enough history and science to keep it interesting, a run for their lives, and a cataclysmic finale with unexpected revelations... hoping for a sequel.
July 30, 2010
Meh. Not quite bad enough to stop reading, and short enough to finish for lack of anything better to do. Entirely character-driven, a touch of suspense and violence, and a well-telegraphed plot twist wrapping up a lacklustre climax and lead-in to a potential sequel. Don't pass up the chance to floss your cat instead.
March 24, 2017
All round gives a thrill ride, but so far Thurman's work is for when a reader is in the mood for dark and violent. Too many Russian words and whiny self-pity from ex-crime boss bodyguard narrator Stefan 24 does give him direction to improve. To rescue his younger brother Lukas 17, the dodge-em duck kick punch run charges up the heart rate. Some should-be-surprises aren't.
November 12, 2012
This book is very reminiscent in voice of the Cal and Niko books. With a new story, I am once again intrigued and willing to take the journey, despite the familiarity. I liked the plot, the underlying concepts and the twist.
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