Genre: Thriller, mystery, Supernatural,
Rating: 4/5 stars
Synopsis:John Wayne Cleaver is dangerous, and he knows it.
He's spent his life doing his best
not to live up to his potential.
He's obsessed with serial killers,
but really doesn't want to become one. So for his own sake, and the safety of
those around him, he lives by rigid rules he's written for himself, practicing
normal life as if it were a private religion that could save him from
damnation.
Dead bodies are normal to John. He
likes them, actually. They don't demand or expect the empathy he's unable to
offer. Perhaps that's what gives him the objectivity to recognize that there's
something different about the body the police have just found behind the
Wash-n-Dry Laundromat---and to appreciate what that difference means.
Now, for the first time, John has
to confront a danger outside himself, a threat he can't control, a menace to
everything and everyone he would love, if only he could.
Dan Wells's debut novel is the
first volume of a trilogy that will keep you awake and then haunt your dreams.
Review
Thoughts on the Overall Book: I
picked this book up expecting something akin to I Hunt Killers and…didn't
really get that. The synopsis of this book fails to mention the supernatural
element so that was a little jarring. Once I got past that though, I was able
to enjoy the book more.
Cover--Yea or Nay: It's kind of
bland, but I do like it, I think it works for the kind of book this is.
Characters: John Wayne Carver…I'm
still a little unsure how I really feel about him. While I was able to
sympathize and even relate to Jazz Dent in I Hunt Killers I'm not sure I
was totally able to do that with John who is definitely more of a psychopath
and rather frightening. Maybe I liked him because of that? I enjoyed reading
about him and from his point of view too. It was an interesting perspective to
have and I totally applaud the author for being able to get into that
character--and just for going there in the first place. I know how scary that
can be as an author. So I don't know that I can say I really liked him, but I
did like reading about him. It was interesting reading about the other
characters from his point of view too. I actually liked his friend Max and
Brooke as well. I sort of felt sorry for his mom, but at the same time, I think
she could have done more to understand his condition and not just either freak
out or pretend nothing is wrong, but I guess that's just human nature. Mr.
Crowley was an interesting character. (view spoiler)
The Romance: None. I don't even
think I'm going to call a budding romance between John and Brooke yet.
Writing Style: I did love the
writing style. As I said before I always applaud authors for going out of their
normal comfort zones (or at least I hope they are) and writing characters who
go beyond reluctant or anti-heroes to maybe even past dark hero status. To put
yourself in the head of a potential serial killer is a feat of skill,
especially if you can make it sound accurate which Dan Wells does. And the fact
that it's in first person makes it even better, and makes the reader experience
some uncomfortable moments.
Accuracy/ Believability: Despite
the supernatural element, the psychological depictions of John's character are
spot on, and I really appreciate the research the author must have had to do
into psychological disorders and serial killers.
Problems/What bothered me: As I
mentioned before, my only complaint was that I thought demons were more boring
than serial killers. I know there's something wrong with me...
Conclusion: 4 stars. I do look
forward to continuing this series. Now that I know what I'm getting into, I
think I'll be able to pick up the next book with fresh eyes and enjoy it more
without the jarring realization that it's supernatural.
Recommended Audience: Girl or guy
read, 17 and up. Fans of I Hunt Killers, who would like to see it
crossed with Supernatural would like this. And for the record, it's
actually less gritty than I Hunt Killers as well. Even though I think
this is classed as 'adult' I would say, at least the first book, reads like YA.
(Read this review with spoilers on
Goodreads)
No comments:
Post a Comment