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Story and characters are not developed beyond the troupe stage. Every plot element is seen miles ahead of introduction

First taste of Progression Fantasy. Role Playing Games are my favorite genre of video games. The character progression in Unsouled continually reminds me of RPGs with an epic fantasy story! Admittedly, many RPG stories pale in comparison to Unsouled intricacies. I was immediately hooked on the character and world building. The story is fast paced and the audiobook's dramatization adds to the experience.

The story does not convey a sense of foreboding or dread! The characterizations are not convincing about the state of the world. The multiple viewpoints from different silos fail to convey any emotion from the inhabitants.

Story is underwhelming with little progress made from the last book Veiled.

First time reading F. Paul Wilson! Brilliant! Looking forward to the next story.

First two thirds of the story is a narrative of troupe of guys, murder, girls, sex, a Russian hacker and Wall Street types! Every stereotype imaginable is used to pad the story.

Does the protagonist's story get any better?

Story has not aged well. Heavy exposition and technical jargon weigh down the story. Scientific jargon is used on several occasions when describing the mundane. Also, the attempts to be humorous misses the mark each time.

Story is dry and boring.

Story shows its age with too many explanations of the obvious. The novel constantly reminds the reader of additional stories lay ahead.

Story does not hold up well with time.

Storytelling at its best. Action with great character development and worthy of its page count.

Hopefully, part 2 and the remaining third will continue the tale!

Average story with a strong emphasis on placing the 3 amateur sleuths out in front of plot elements. This device detracts from the development of other characters. This technique acts like a boat anchor was dropped stopping plot points until the amateur sleuths regain focus. Also, the dumb, misogamist and egotistical policeman becomes a constant and boring story element.

Next up Richard Osman!

I read the first book and enjoy the main protagonist and naturally thought the second book in the series would continue building the world of George Mueller. However, the story is saddled with bland characters and no mystery or thrill to speak. The twist was spotted early in the story.

Overall, the mixture of sexual escapades and romantic entanglements could not save the story.

Classic noir with witty dialogue and the feeling of being in a smoke filled room! Story has aged well which says a lot. There is action, intrigue and mystery to keep the plot moving.

Sherlock Holmes towards the end of 21st century. A novel spin on the familiar concept but the writing saves the cliché prose. The introduction of John Watson and Sherlock Holmes are unrecognizable from the original.

Great pacing and storytelling! Definitely looking forward to the next novel.

I must admit the book is better than the latest television adaptation. Attention to detail portrayed in the first chapter "Anatomy of a Plot" is exquisite and informs the reader they have a tread ahead! The planning to acquiring the weapon and disguise is outstanding. The Jackal leaves no stone unturned in the initial stages of the mission. No forced drama or slowdowns occur after laying the groundwork.

Detailed character depiction of ambition and power portrayed for the time period of the novel feels real. The actual crime appears to be all hearsay without any factual evidence obtained. Anti-semitism and prejudice is prominant as well as the lack of professional policing.

Story is incredibly boring! Mostly because the story is about relationships in the aristocracy. Grand balls and coming out parties.

The man from St. Petersburg is one dimensional and not believable. Total letdown at this point.

My first Ken Follett novel and it will not be my last. The world and character building is second to none. The emotional impact of these characters are believable and life-like. Descriptions of the period and protagonists reactions are not to be missed. Paragraphs fly past at great pace taking the reader on a roller coaster ride of eye opening thrills.

Ken Follett's backlog is on my radar.

Richard Osman's storytelling is addicting! Once starting the story it's difficult to stop even with the required backtracking to pick-up missed details. The plot is over the top but acutely interesting and hard to put down. The 4 main protagonists were made for each other.

RO has quickly risen to my top 10 list of authors!

Pacing is the best! Author manages to add various tidbits about all aspects without being boring! Story is fast paced and I couldn’t stop listening. Even the side trips are interesting due to extensive character development.

Richard Osman reinvigorated the cozy genre with the introduction of contemporary characters and setting. Everyone in the novel is integral to the series in the current and future novels.

The novel’s are unique and genres defining. My intent is to complete the series ASAP.

Highly recommended reading

First time in a long while I’m not feeling the story! Debutants, grand balls, language within a mystery is boring.

Contemplating finishing the story as something that I normally wouldn’t read.

Author consistent use of troupes and repetition distracts from the story. Use of wills and constant insults against others is the main problem with the story. Character development is nonexistent. World building is not developed enough the story. Reliance on he said she said takes me out of the story.

Correction to my last post. The death has not been confirmed to be murder. Chapter 11 revealed this fact. Eight chapters remain to flush out the storyline.

Ten chapters in and there is no meat to the story! Character development is nonexistent and cringey. The detective arrives 8 chapters in and continues to have a minimal impact on the story.

Struggling too find a coherent narrative and plots.

The author’s attempt to provide background for the story took 7 chapters! Plot progression crawls and is replaced with pointless monologues.

Major problems with authors writing style! Character development takes the place of investigative elements for most of the story. Criminal elements are an afterthought which leads to rushed conclusions just to end the story.

DLS strays from the ongoing investigation to point of no return. Everyone plot wise adds their own unrelated commentary which drastically slows the pace. These unrelated comments serve no purpose other than writer showing displaying writing skill. Problem is the comments are he said she said which leaves the reader bewildered.

This is my third DLS novel and I fail to see how it's classified a masterpiece!

Author's familiarization with classic languages is sprinkled thoughout the book adding to the difficulty of comprehension. Add the English mannerism and I was totally lost on several occasions which required multiple backtracking of the story elements.

Characters are brought to life via conversation not related to the plot. A mechanism adds to the story's realism and portrayal of people in everyday life.

Story is mixed with sections dedicated to add dramatic elements which are boring and repetitive. Character and world development is slight. The comedic aspect is the most satisfying where characters are able to get away from the plot.

The slow paced plotting is annoying and unnecessary.