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The Honey Talker
May 1997 Election night. Blair’s New Labour is predicted to win with a landslide. It feels like a new start for everyone, the grey days of sleaze are over. There’s a new hope that things really are about to get better.
But not for Aidan. He’s a reporter whose life and career are going nowhere, relegated to a backwater job within the paper, existing on a diet of fast food and with virtually every day starting with a stinking hangover. He’s clinging on to his job by his fingernails.
Then, after a terrifying road-rage incident, the story of his life drops in his lap. It looks like the chance to make his name
and salvage his career.
But within 24 hours his best friend is dead, he’s forced to work with Suzie, a combative, abrasive, ambitious younger colleague whilst the most powerful gangster in Manchester hunts Aidan armed with a weapon
no one can resist.
But not for Aidan. He’s a reporter whose life and career are going nowhere, relegated to a backwater job within the paper, existing on a diet of fast food and with virtually every day starting with a stinking hangover. He’s clinging on to his job by his fingernails.
Then, after a terrifying road-rage incident, the story of his life drops in his lap. It looks like the chance to make his name
and salvage his career.
But within 24 hours his best friend is dead, he’s forced to work with Suzie, a combative, abrasive, ambitious younger colleague whilst the most powerful gangster in Manchester hunts Aidan armed with a weapon
no one can resist.
- GenresThriller
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2022
8 people want to read
About the author
Malcolm Havard
35 books19 followersMalcolm started writing fiction around 10 years ago, self-publishing three novels through Amazon including a mountaineering thriller, The Last Mountain, which has had more than 10,000 downloads. He also has two books published by a small publisher, including a collection of WW1 stories which topped the Amazon anthology best-sellers list at Christmas 2014.
His short stories have done well in a number of competitions, including runner-up placings for those run by Henshaw Press and the Mere Literary Festival.
Having written in several genres early in his career, Malcolm has now settled into writing historical fiction.
This includes LMF, a WW2 novel set during the RAFs controversial night bombing campaign, Leviathan, a novella about a young, frightened pilot hunting Zeppelins in the night during WW1, The Neutral Zone, a collection of short stories, and Eleven Days, a novel set around the events of 'Bloody April'. 1917.
LATEST NEWS!
The long-awaited sequel to LMF, The Way Back, is published 15 March 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 28, 2022
I liked this a lot.
From the start, I liked the protagonist and felt sympathetic towards him. It seemed to me that he was an ordinary person with good intentions, who found himself in an extraordinary and very unpleasant situation.
I found the book to be fast-paced, and the chapters were short, so I found it necessary to read several at once. I quickly felt drawn into what was going on, and had to carry on reading because I needed to know what happened next.
I found that even though there was a lot of suspense in this book, and a lot going on, it still felt very easy to read. Nothing was overdone, or overly complicated, it didn't drag and it wasn't tedious. The fact that it was set in the 90s also meant that it felt a little bit nostalgic.
I also felt that the ending was something that made sense, and would please most readers. I would describe this book as suspenseful and satisfying.
From the start, I liked the protagonist and felt sympathetic towards him. It seemed to me that he was an ordinary person with good intentions, who found himself in an extraordinary and very unpleasant situation.
I found the book to be fast-paced, and the chapters were short, so I found it necessary to read several at once. I quickly felt drawn into what was going on, and had to carry on reading because I needed to know what happened next.
I found that even though there was a lot of suspense in this book, and a lot going on, it still felt very easy to read. Nothing was overdone, or overly complicated, it didn't drag and it wasn't tedious. The fact that it was set in the 90s also meant that it felt a little bit nostalgic.
I also felt that the ending was something that made sense, and would please most readers. I would describe this book as suspenseful and satisfying.
October 16, 2022
Great story, love the fast paced and realistic feel to the writing. I would recommend as a must read in the crime genre! Hard to put down, constantly needing to know what happens next.
Read
October 31, 2022Despite the suspense and the amount of events in this book, I found it very easy to read. In addition, there was no overburdening or excessive complexity, neither did it drag. In fact I found it pretty fast paced, it was truly enjoyable.
September 26, 2022
I picked up this book this morning and finished it a few minutes ago. That's the type of tightly-wrapped tale that it is. This is very much like that new movie series that grabs you and that you need to binge your way to the finish. It starts in a fairly innocuous fashion - two reporters meet in a bar, both consume too much, and one makes the ill-advised decision to drive home. The net result is an automobile accident, possibly fatal, which the reporter escapes but for which he feels that he bears some responsibility. He goes back to the scene of the accident where he witnesses the unimaginable - policemen being convinced to allow the perpetrator to go free. When later he visits the victim in the hospital, he meets with another conundrum - the victim changes her story, she is no longer the victim of a driver on the wrong side of the road, but instead, her husband, who did not survive the crash, has driven into a parked car. Both of these remarkable turns (perp goes free, victim no longer the victim) occur after the visit on scene of a man the reporter later refers to as "The Mule." The reporter's instincts kick in - exactly how is this manipulation taking place? He must investigate, and as he teams up with hardnosed reporter Suzie and looks further, his drinking buddy reporter commits apparent suicide, his house is broken into and bugged, his life is threatened many times, and he gradually, by hook or by crook, untangles a rather intricate tale.
The character of reporter, Aiden Hughes, was my favorite aspect of this story. No superhero, loaded with self doubt and routinely second guessing himself, on the outs with his editor and apparently not held in high esteem by anyone, Aiden nonetheless forges his way from mystery to mystery and overcomes great odds to get to the truth.
I'm generally not a fan of tales such as these, but if they were all this well written and believably packaged, I might become one.
The character of reporter, Aiden Hughes, was my favorite aspect of this story. No superhero, loaded with self doubt and routinely second guessing himself, on the outs with his editor and apparently not held in high esteem by anyone, Aiden nonetheless forges his way from mystery to mystery and overcomes great odds to get to the truth.
I'm generally not a fan of tales such as these, but if they were all this well written and believably packaged, I might become one.
November 19, 2022
I found myself paging through this novel as fast as I could whenever I had the chance to read it. Even though it took me a month to get through, it was definitely not because of the book itself, but rather just life. The story that Mr. Harvard was weaved here is absolutely excellent. I often found myself in disbelief that so much ground was covered in the span of a few days when it felt like much more time had passed. The protagonist, Aidan, is a very sympathetic character, though I do wish he had been fleshed out a little more. I wanted to know more about him, but given how the book ends, I don’t think we’ll find out too much. I think the premise of the story is very innovative as well and I like how this book’s title was not once mentioned within its pages, yet I cannot think of a more perfect title for this novel. I also really liked the other characters we met in the book as well. When some met their demise, I felt quite sad, so I give the highest of praises to Mr. Harvard for creating such human fictional characters that I attached to. I’m glad that Aidan got a bit of a peaceful ending in the end, but I do wish we had learned more about what happened with the antagonist. It almost feels like a plot hole at the end to not know what happens to that SOB especially after the havoc he created. Alas, the reader is left to fill in the blanks of what happened to him. Overall, a marvelous read with a fast paced and intriguing storyline keeping you on your toes as to whether Mr. Hughes will make it out alive. Highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2022
The story flows at a blistering pace. Once I got started on the book, I went on and on until the cryptic ending.
There was no putting the book down. I wanted to know what fate awaited the protagonist, Aidan takes a colleague’s investigative story as an opportunity to make his name.
His colleague, Richard, died for the story and Aidan ventured into the eye of the storm ill-equipped. Richard’s abrasive protégé Suzie joins for the big story fraught with danger.
Standing between Aidan and Suzie’s big time is Mickey Smith, a character who brooks no prying into his criminal business. Smith brutalizes Aidan and leaves him with a promise of more brutality.
There’s no running away from Smith as Aidan comes to learn when he calls him out at his hideout and gets Suzie to kill her live-in lover Sam.
In a relentless quest to bring Smith down, Aidan takes the battle to his lair and comes face to face with the Mule – Josef. He kills Josef and escapes in Smith’s car. This is about the end of the story. Aidan flees the area to start a new life under a new identity. That part of his life was over.
The story reads well and easily. Action packed and the fast fast-paced reader soon finds himself with Aidan-turned-Thomas Doyle at his cottage, waiting for her girlfriend from work and watching yachts come and go.
I wouldn’t mind another Harvard thriller and recommend it to anyone for pacits e and action.
There was no putting the book down. I wanted to know what fate awaited the protagonist, Aidan takes a colleague’s investigative story as an opportunity to make his name.
His colleague, Richard, died for the story and Aidan ventured into the eye of the storm ill-equipped. Richard’s abrasive protégé Suzie joins for the big story fraught with danger.
Standing between Aidan and Suzie’s big time is Mickey Smith, a character who brooks no prying into his criminal business. Smith brutalizes Aidan and leaves him with a promise of more brutality.
There’s no running away from Smith as Aidan comes to learn when he calls him out at his hideout and gets Suzie to kill her live-in lover Sam.
In a relentless quest to bring Smith down, Aidan takes the battle to his lair and comes face to face with the Mule – Josef. He kills Josef and escapes in Smith’s car. This is about the end of the story. Aidan flees the area to start a new life under a new identity. That part of his life was over.
The story reads well and easily. Action packed and the fast fast-paced reader soon finds himself with Aidan-turned-Thomas Doyle at his cottage, waiting for her girlfriend from work and watching yachts come and go.
I wouldn’t mind another Harvard thriller and recommend it to anyone for pacits e and action.
December 14, 2022
May 1997 Election night. Blair’s New Labour is predicted to win with a landslide. It feels like a new start for everyone, the grey days of sleaze are over. There’s a new hope that things really are about to get better.
But not for Aidan. He’s a reporter whose life and career are going nowhere, relegated to a backwater job within the paper, existing on a diet of fast food and with virtually every day starting with a stinking hangover. He’s clinging on to his job by his fingernails.
Then, after a terrifying road-rage incident, the story of his life drops in his lap. It looks like the chance to make his name
and salvage his career.
But within 24 hours his best friend is dead, he’s forced to work with Suzie, a combative, abrasive, ambitious younger colleague whilst the most powerful gangster in Manchester hunts Aidan armed with a weapon no one can resist.
This was a fast-paced book , both in terms of reading time and the speed of the plot. Lots of action from the outset, just the way I like it!
A varied cast of characters, but easy to keep track of everyone and a different storyline from the norm, particularly the ending.
A few wee mistakes seem to have evaded the proofreading, but overall very well-written and engaging. An author to look out for in future!
Thanks to the author, Northodox Press and The Book Network for the electronic review copy of this book.
But not for Aidan. He’s a reporter whose life and career are going nowhere, relegated to a backwater job within the paper, existing on a diet of fast food and with virtually every day starting with a stinking hangover. He’s clinging on to his job by his fingernails.
Then, after a terrifying road-rage incident, the story of his life drops in his lap. It looks like the chance to make his name
and salvage his career.
But within 24 hours his best friend is dead, he’s forced to work with Suzie, a combative, abrasive, ambitious younger colleague whilst the most powerful gangster in Manchester hunts Aidan armed with a weapon no one can resist.
This was a fast-paced book , both in terms of reading time and the speed of the plot. Lots of action from the outset, just the way I like it!
A varied cast of characters, but easy to keep track of everyone and a different storyline from the norm, particularly the ending.
A few wee mistakes seem to have evaded the proofreading, but overall very well-written and engaging. An author to look out for in future!
Thanks to the author, Northodox Press and The Book Network for the electronic review copy of this book.
January 24, 2024
Rating: 3.5 stars
Firstly, I would like to thanks Malcolm Havard and Booktasters for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"The Honey Talker" by Malcolm Havard takes readers on a gripping journey through the underbelly of London, weaving together mystery, historical intrigue, and a touch of science fiction. The story revolves around Aidan, a disillusioned newspaper reporter whose life takes a dramatic turn after a fateful encounter with a car crash and its elusive perpetrator. The tragic loss of a dear friend in the aftermath digging way too much in the mystery of the crash becomes the catalyst for Aidan's transformation from a passive observer to a relentless pursuer of truth.
Havard skillfully creates a sense of urgency and tension as Aidan delves into the murky depths of London's hidden secrets, transforming the narrative into a captivating manhunt. The author's vivid descriptions bring the historical context of London to life, adding depth and richness to the story. The infusion of science fiction elements further elevates the intrigue, offering readers a unique and immersive experience.
While the book excels in creating a palpable sense of pursuit and mystery, some readers may find the protagonist, Aidan, to be a challenging character to connect with. His perceived whiny and annoying demeanor may alienate some readers, although others might appreciate the authenticity of his flaws. On the other hand, Suzie, a supporting character, shines as a beacon of strength and intrigue, providing a refreshing contrast to Aidan's disposition.
Despite the polarizing nature of the protagonist, "The Honey Talker" succeeds in delivering an engrossing narrative that intertwines historical elements with a hint of the extraordinary. Havard's ability to blend genres and craft a compelling story will undoubtedly appeal to readers who enjoy a blend of mystery, historical fiction, and science fiction.
To conclude, "The Honey Talker" is a captivating and multifaceted novel that offers an intriguing blend of genres, making it an engaging read for those who appreciate a narrative that delves into the depths of history with a touch of the extraordinary.
Firstly, I would like to thanks Malcolm Havard and Booktasters for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"The Honey Talker" by Malcolm Havard takes readers on a gripping journey through the underbelly of London, weaving together mystery, historical intrigue, and a touch of science fiction. The story revolves around Aidan, a disillusioned newspaper reporter whose life takes a dramatic turn after a fateful encounter with a car crash and its elusive perpetrator. The tragic loss of a dear friend in the aftermath digging way too much in the mystery of the crash becomes the catalyst for Aidan's transformation from a passive observer to a relentless pursuer of truth.
Havard skillfully creates a sense of urgency and tension as Aidan delves into the murky depths of London's hidden secrets, transforming the narrative into a captivating manhunt. The author's vivid descriptions bring the historical context of London to life, adding depth and richness to the story. The infusion of science fiction elements further elevates the intrigue, offering readers a unique and immersive experience.
While the book excels in creating a palpable sense of pursuit and mystery, some readers may find the protagonist, Aidan, to be a challenging character to connect with. His perceived whiny and annoying demeanor may alienate some readers, although others might appreciate the authenticity of his flaws. On the other hand, Suzie, a supporting character, shines as a beacon of strength and intrigue, providing a refreshing contrast to Aidan's disposition.
Despite the polarizing nature of the protagonist, "The Honey Talker" succeeds in delivering an engrossing narrative that intertwines historical elements with a hint of the extraordinary. Havard's ability to blend genres and craft a compelling story will undoubtedly appeal to readers who enjoy a blend of mystery, historical fiction, and science fiction.
To conclude, "The Honey Talker" is a captivating and multifaceted novel that offers an intriguing blend of genres, making it an engaging read for those who appreciate a narrative that delves into the depths of history with a touch of the extraordinary.
December 10, 2022
I thought this book would take me a while to get in to, given it's subject matter but that wasn't the case at all. The book was well written and incredibly engaging with a gripping storyline and well developed characters.
The story was fast paced and believable and I found the characters to be relatable and believable especially the protagonist who seems to be just an ordinary member of the public who went in with the best of intentions and ended up embroiled in an extremely unpleasant set of circumstances. I found this relatable, as I think everyone would, because it either has happened or could happen to all of us.
I couldn't put it down I really enjoyed it and would recommend t crime/thriller lovers
The story was fast paced and believable and I found the characters to be relatable and believable especially the protagonist who seems to be just an ordinary member of the public who went in with the best of intentions and ended up embroiled in an extremely unpleasant set of circumstances. I found this relatable, as I think everyone would, because it either has happened or could happen to all of us.
I couldn't put it down I really enjoyed it and would recommend t crime/thriller lovers
December 14, 2022
The Honey Talker drew me in with the blurb. I always enjoy going back to the 1980s and this book definitely took me back.
A fast paced thriller that has such an intriguing storyline. I was on the edge of my seat in suspense at times as I was reading. The characters are well developed to the point of me feeling sad when something happened to certain people.
There is plenty of action along with great character development making it a page turner for me. I just had to find out what was going to happen.
This is first book by this author but the quality of his writing makes me want to check out more of his work.
Thanks to The Book Network, Book Tasters and Malcolm Havard for the copy of the book.
A fast paced thriller that has such an intriguing storyline. I was on the edge of my seat in suspense at times as I was reading. The characters are well developed to the point of me feeling sad when something happened to certain people.
There is plenty of action along with great character development making it a page turner for me. I just had to find out what was going to happen.
This is first book by this author but the quality of his writing makes me want to check out more of his work.
Thanks to The Book Network, Book Tasters and Malcolm Havard for the copy of the book.
September 28, 2022
First I would like to thank BookTasters and the author for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
It was interesting from the beginning. Full of suspense and not dragging. Chapters were short that you kept reading a few more just to see where it was heading. Characters were realistic and the story was a bit different from the usual crime stories. Ordinary characters but quite interesting to read what they were going to do next every time they hit certain obstacles in their path. Interesting concept.
Thought the ending would be like all the other crime stories but not this one.
It was interesting from the beginning. Full of suspense and not dragging. Chapters were short that you kept reading a few more just to see where it was heading. Characters were realistic and the story was a bit different from the usual crime stories. Ordinary characters but quite interesting to read what they were going to do next every time they hit certain obstacles in their path. Interesting concept.
Thought the ending would be like all the other crime stories but not this one.
December 3, 2022
I was supposed to have written a review about this a while back, I opened the app and then forgot to write it (sorry)The story is compelling as you want to figure out the protagonist will sort out his problem even when you know it's hopeless, it is what keeps you glued to the pagesso I could not help being a bit let down with the way it ended. All in all the story is adequately paced ,I loved the element of science fiction but some parts or decisions made by the villain and the protagonist didn't seem to gel with their character.it was a very intriguing story that had me glued and finished in under an hour.
February 7, 2023
This is a fast paced and interesting thriller. There is lots of action from the outset, full of suspense and not dragging. Chapters are short that you keep reading a few more just to see where it is heading. A varied cast of characters, but easy to keep track of everyone. If you expect the ending like in other crime stories, you are very wrong. This is a different storyline particularly the ending.
If you're a thriller reader and looking for something well composed don't pass up the opportunity to enjoy this story.
Thanks to @thebooknetwork.co.uk for my invitation
and also thanks author Malcom Havard for a copy of the e-book
If you're a thriller reader and looking for something well composed don't pass up the opportunity to enjoy this story.
Thanks to @thebooknetwork.co.uk for my invitation
and also thanks author Malcom Havard for a copy of the e-book
November 9, 2024
The Honey Talker by Malcom Havard
The blurb intrigued me and I was not disappointed. You quickly have sympathy for the characters and the story rolls along at pace. If you enjoy crime with a unique twist you’ll like this. Okay he’s not police but an “investigative” journalist dragged out of his comfort zone by a colleague and the death of a friend. The twist? I thought of Stephen King as it unfolded. If I have to be completely honest I’ll say (without spoilers) I found the end a tad rushed but that’s just my opinion. Overall, it’s an interesting story that keeps the reader involved throughout.
The blurb intrigued me and I was not disappointed. You quickly have sympathy for the characters and the story rolls along at pace. If you enjoy crime with a unique twist you’ll like this. Okay he’s not police but an “investigative” journalist dragged out of his comfort zone by a colleague and the death of a friend. The twist? I thought of Stephen King as it unfolded. If I have to be completely honest I’ll say (without spoilers) I found the end a tad rushed but that’s just my opinion. Overall, it’s an interesting story that keeps the reader involved throughout.
September 18, 2022
Woow!
It's an thrilling experience to dive in the pages of The Honey Talker by Malcom Havard. Once I got started on the book, I went on and on until the last word of the book.
Story is just splendid, back to back thrill. Language, usage of words, depiction of scene, characters Richard, Suzie, Sam, Aidan, Mickey Smith, transition of character Aidan-turned-Thomas Doyle, everything is so good. All I can say is that, I wanna read more such things. 😁
Highly recommended to fans of dark, and thriller books.
It's an thrilling experience to dive in the pages of The Honey Talker by Malcom Havard. Once I got started on the book, I went on and on until the last word of the book.
Story is just splendid, back to back thrill. Language, usage of words, depiction of scene, characters Richard, Suzie, Sam, Aidan, Mickey Smith, transition of character Aidan-turned-Thomas Doyle, everything is so good. All I can say is that, I wanna read more such things. 😁
Highly recommended to fans of dark, and thriller books.
December 4, 2022
A slick thriller that evokes the era and setting well. The characters are very well defined and Aiden is a flawed but likeable hero. The progressive threat drives the narrative very well. Mr Harvard gives us an exciting, tense plot that kept me reading. The nature of the threat is unexpected, a brave choice but again it delivers very well as does the finale. No spoilers.
This book would work well as a TV adaptation, it reminded me of some great thrillers like 'State of Play'. Hopefully Mr Harvard has some more thrills in store. I would certainly read them.
Highly recommended
This book would work well as a TV adaptation, it reminded me of some great thrillers like 'State of Play'. Hopefully Mr Harvard has some more thrills in store. I would certainly read them.
Highly recommended
August 18, 2022
I loved this book. As both a northerner and a big fan of the crime genre, this book was one I was always going to pick up.
It's gritty, fast paced and has a constant air of unease. The characters are realisitic and are trapped in a really well written and thought out story where you don't see any of the many twists coming!
Don't get too close to any of them though...
5* and highly recommended to fans of thrillers, crime and dark books in general
It's gritty, fast paced and has a constant air of unease. The characters are realisitic and are trapped in a really well written and thought out story where you don't see any of the many twists coming!
Don't get too close to any of them though...
5* and highly recommended to fans of thrillers, crime and dark books in general
November 5, 2022
A fast paced, satisfying and suspenseful read...
• An easy read with realistic yet interesting characters, short chapters that keep the reader intrigued
• It's well written and the story is very easy to follow
• Action packed with unpredictable twists and an ending that would leave any reader content
There's beauty in simplicity, I enjoyed every page of it
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review, thank you to the author and BookTasters
• An easy read with realistic yet interesting characters, short chapters that keep the reader intrigued
• It's well written and the story is very easy to follow
• Action packed with unpredictable twists and an ending that would leave any reader content
There's beauty in simplicity, I enjoyed every page of it
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review, thank you to the author and BookTasters
November 11, 2022
I enjoyed this book and hope I can find more by this author.
One night Aiden is driving home, he had been drinking so was trying to drive carefully but the car behind him wasn’t having that and kept blinding him with his headlights through Aiden’s back window.
What happens next will change his world completely.
This is a thrilling book and would recommend. I would have given it 5 stars but it really needed proof reading as a lot of silly mistakes.
One night Aiden is driving home, he had been drinking so was trying to drive carefully but the car behind him wasn’t having that and kept blinding him with his headlights through Aiden’s back window.
What happens next will change his world completely.
This is a thrilling book and would recommend. I would have given it 5 stars but it really needed proof reading as a lot of silly mistakes.
September 19, 2023
For me first few pages were hard as I wasn't hooked immediately but then as the story progresses and the violence, drama and angst increase I get more involved in it. The story is fast paced and there is a lot of things going on so you would need to keep reading to connect the dots and it's ending was little unexpected for me but if you like your story with action and feel the adrenaline rush, you can give this a go.
October 23, 2022
This is a fast paced thriller. Aiden is a reporter. His life is not here not there. But a accident changes whole scenario.
He is up against a gang leader and he has to work with people who he don't like.
Some great twists some great thrill.
Quick read.
He is up against a gang leader and he has to work with people who he don't like.
Some great twists some great thrill.
Quick read.
November 9, 2022
this was an awesome read. I had a good time reading the honey talker. I love how the characterization was done. the characters were well developed, the setting was fabulous, and the plot was thrilling.
I recommend this book to anyone struggling to come out of a reading slump.
I recommend this book to anyone struggling to come out of a reading slump.
December 22, 2022
I liked that book. It keeps your interest and you do not want to put it down until you find out what happened. The characters are ordinary but interesting. An easy read, rather fast-paced. Thank you The Book Network for the chance to read and review the book.
May 8, 2023
I found myself completely immersed in the world the author has created. This book is a great example of how fiction can transport you to another place and time.
June 19, 2023
I’m kind of conflicted about the nature of the book. I enjoyed it, I enjoyed the plot and I loved the high stakes that the main character was being put through. At some points the story was a real page turner, but at other times I found myself rereading the same page over and over again. I admit, it took me much longer than I would have liked to finish this book. I’m not a fast reader, but I still know that I could have finished it quicker even if I had the time. The inclusion of something ‘otherworldly’ and mysterious about one of the characters kind of threw me because I felt like the world that the book takes place in doesn’t have any room for it and it was just used as a plot device to make things happen “just because”. I understand that the character was made different by unconventional methods, but…eh…maybe I’m just wishing that the book were a tad longer to go into their backstory.
It took me a while to finish this story (outside of my own personal perils) because there were sections of the book that had info dumps that, honestly, I don’t think were super important to the success of the book. We know, “Bad Guy is Bad” and the banter behind his corporate and political ‘badness’ was kind of droning. The tone of the story went from a laid back read to ‘fixate and pay attention’. I just felt like in those moments it could have been dumbed down, but that’s just me personally.
I loved how realistically our main character dealt with the situation that he landed himself in. I felt like the author made him as capable as he was supposed to be. No one larger than life and no unearned plot armor. He was my favorite part of the story. He was plucky and clever in some moments, foolish and reckless in others. I could really see myself handling myself the same way that he did which makes him the perfect self-insertable character. The character’s final choices were great ones and I’m glad that the author never made any leaps and bounds to give us exactly what WE wanted, but what the character NEEDED.
I would recommend this story for someone needing a quick read. Despite where I thought it could use some improvement I thought it was rather entertaining and would be a book worthy of discussion over a drink.
It took me a while to finish this story (outside of my own personal perils) because there were sections of the book that had info dumps that, honestly, I don’t think were super important to the success of the book. We know, “Bad Guy is Bad” and the banter behind his corporate and political ‘badness’ was kind of droning. The tone of the story went from a laid back read to ‘fixate and pay attention’. I just felt like in those moments it could have been dumbed down, but that’s just me personally.
I loved how realistically our main character dealt with the situation that he landed himself in. I felt like the author made him as capable as he was supposed to be. No one larger than life and no unearned plot armor. He was my favorite part of the story. He was plucky and clever in some moments, foolish and reckless in others. I could really see myself handling myself the same way that he did which makes him the perfect self-insertable character. The character’s final choices were great ones and I’m glad that the author never made any leaps and bounds to give us exactly what WE wanted, but what the character NEEDED.
I would recommend this story for someone needing a quick read. Despite where I thought it could use some improvement I thought it was rather entertaining and would be a book worthy of discussion over a drink.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews