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brig_berthold's review against another edition
4.0
This book did not follow the almost unavoidable "Curse of the Second Book."
Most trilogies struggle between the exposition and world building (book one) and the climax (book three). The middle book focuses so heavily on character development we almost sleep our way along. This, however, was not the case here.
While character development did feature at the core, the plot held its own. At multiple intervals I kept waiting for various shoes to drop. Many opportunities were missed for a more dynamic and intricate plot weave. The author's decision to maintain a relatively simple trajectory is not necessarily disappointing but some juicy opportunities were sorely missed. The same decision likely makes this book more widely accessible to a broader readership and, for that, I cannot blame the guy.
The only true challenge I face is having to wait for the release of book three, August 2017.
Most trilogies struggle between the exposition and world building (book one) and the climax (book three). The middle book focuses so heavily on character development we almost sleep our way along. This, however, was not the case here.
While character development did feature at the core, the plot held its own. At multiple intervals I kept waiting for various shoes to drop. Many opportunities were missed for a more dynamic and intricate plot weave. The author's decision to maintain a relatively simple trajectory is not necessarily disappointing but some juicy opportunities were sorely missed. The same decision likely makes this book more widely accessible to a broader readership and, for that, I cannot blame the guy.
The only true challenge I face is having to wait for the release of book three, August 2017.
johnlambrechts's review against another edition
5.0
very realistic espionage novel. the characters are realistic and the plot. I will be picking up more Jason Matthews novels after this read
crustypatriot's review against another edition
4.0
This book was definitely an improvement over the previous one. This one had a lot of the same flare that Red Sparrow had, and introduced new and interesting characters and plot lines.
The same problems as the previous one were present however. It is very easy to get confused on all the different departments of different governments and having to remember so many abbreviations was frustrating. Also the authors pacing is fairly lacking. It’s hard to get attached to characters when you don’t have any slow time with them to understand who they are.
Overall it was a solid sequel. Probably will read the conclusion. 3.6 out of 5 stars (rounded up to 4)
The same problems as the previous one were present however. It is very easy to get confused on all the different departments of different governments and having to remember so many abbreviations was frustrating. Also the authors pacing is fairly lacking. It’s hard to get attached to characters when you don’t have any slow time with them to understand who they are.
Overall it was a solid sequel. Probably will read the conclusion. 3.6 out of 5 stars (rounded up to 4)
jeffrey_diedrichsen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lecrandall's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoy this series! Dominika is an incredibly well developed character whom I admire and can’t wait to see what she will achieve. This book does not feel like fiction. It is so well done everything is believable and feels like it could all be happening now! I can’t wait to see what is next!
ginny17's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars. Engaging story but really bad writing. Also quite sexist.
joyh's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.25
duparker's review against another edition
4.0
The spy aspects of this book feel very authentic. It has a slow burn to it with aspects of English thrillers, which I enjoy. The relationships between the various spys and the lever pullers above them is a fun aspect as well. The Iranian/Russian/US characteristics make sense as does the overall plot. The ability Dominika has to sense people's emotion and act on that was hokey and I don't recall that from the first book. Other than that, I enjoy the series. It reminds me of the American's TV show, realistic because it is convoluted in ways it should be.