Andrew Warren (1)

Here I am again, in this contrary position of not liking a popular book. But I have to be honest, and I really didn't enjoy the story. Here's why:

Chapter 1 is from the perspective of a character called Sarah. It's a bit of a love story between her and Guenther, as they stroll the marketplace in Thailand. Around them, we see the tension and problems dwelling in dark corners. Then that chapter ends with a punch, and Sarah and Guenther's story is finished. Much later in the book, there is a show more vague reference to the occurrence that day in the marketplace, but Sarah, Guenther, and their personal stories are irrelevant. So why open the book with this couple at all?

The book reads more like a screenplay than a novel. In fact, it would make a great TV show or movie, but it did little for me as a reading experience. The story is high-octane action. The problem with this, for me, is the action reads like a step-by-step playbook. Caine is a killing machine, and we go from one fight to another, with long, overly detailed scenes.

While high on action, the story is quite light on character development and emotion. We're constantly in the midst of chaos. Women are being kidnapped and abused. People are beaten and viciously murdered. But I didn't feel a thing from the characters, and so none of it mattered to me.

In the end, despite all the blood and gore, neither the story nor the characters left much of an impression. show less

Thomas Caine seems to be an ex CIA agent with PTSD, which gives the book a roller-coaster ride of twists and turns. Some of the scenes of a monster truck and an attacking crane are a bit far fetched. The book starts with Caine out for revenge and when the book finishes, after a large stack of bodies, he is still on the same route.

A fast paced exciting story, deserving 5 stars. But, editing holding me back. Numerous sentences with words in the wrong sequence, missing words, extra words and some misspelled. I dislike the flow of words running into a speedbump.

A fast paced story from beginning to end. Even with some editing mistakes, I'm giving it 5 stars.