This hit that sweet spot of intriguing plot, fun to read, and some strong female leads.
Though it didn't hamper my enjoyment of the book I do have one complaint. Almost all the characters fall into roles you've almost certainly read before. Part of this may be due to the style (oral transcription/oral history) not providing more traditional narrative chances for the characters' actions/thoughts to break through their persona in dialog. However, there were a few characters too easily fit into tropes, in particular Kara. Like Bobbi Draper of the Expanse series she's a military action girl with a big heart placed far away from her sleeves. Unlike Bobbi, her beauty isn't exoticised - she's just straight up beautiful and every character is charmed by her. And she's charming to read too. I only hope as the series develops she veers further away from trope.
Though it didn't hamper my enjoyment of the book I do have one complaint. Almost all the characters fall into roles you've almost certainly read before. Part of this may be due to the style (oral transcription/oral history) not providing more traditional narrative chances for the characters' actions/thoughts to break through their persona in dialog. However, there were a few characters too easily fit into tropes, in particular Kara. Like Bobbi Draper of the Expanse series she's a military action girl with a big heart placed far away from her sleeves. Unlike Bobbi, her beauty isn't exoticised - she's just straight up beautiful and every character is charmed by her. And she's charming to read too. I only hope as the series develops she veers further away from trope.
Quick, decent read.
In terms of "not seeing" novels, I prefer Blindness for Saramago's prose.
In terms of "not seeing" novels, I prefer Blindness for Saramago's prose.
While reading this I kept calling it "Gossip Girl in Space" which slightly inaccurate but completely nails what this book is. Basically what you're getting is a teen novel of manners set in an extremely specific sci-fi frame.
Did not realize this was the start of the series until I finished. I will be guilt reading at least the next two when they come out.
Did not realize this was the start of the series until I finished. I will be guilt reading at least the next two when they come out.
A well-done exploration of the horrors of the social media construction of today's self-narrative. What sins consume the "Me Generation" as they carefully edit their lives to be consumed by others? And how much of their story is reconstructed in the process?
Jason Arnopp explores these ideas in accounts assembled after Jack's death. The writing is tense but often humorous, and boasts a well-constructed twist ending providing a creative take on a horror trope.
Though the book can feel oppressive (you know Jack is doomed and only making it worse for himself) there is an undeniable pull to deconstruct the aspects of his downfall as he tries everything he can to prevent you from doing so. This is where The Last Days of Jack Sparks really shines.
The best horror writing has the ability to gradually reveal to readers the terror inherent in the everyday. Jack Sparks won't make you sleep with the lights on. The scares are instead much more existential. Once you finish the novel you'll find yourself questioning your motives the next time you go to post something on a site like Facebook, Twitter, or -ahem- Goodreads.
Jason Arnopp explores these ideas in accounts assembled after Jack's death. The writing is tense but often humorous, and boasts a well-constructed twist ending providing a creative take on a horror trope.
Though the book can feel oppressive (you know Jack is doomed and only making it worse for himself) there is an undeniable pull to deconstruct the aspects of his downfall as he tries everything he can to prevent you from doing so. This is where The Last Days of Jack Sparks really shines.
The best horror writing has the ability to gradually reveal to readers the terror inherent in the everyday. Jack Sparks won't make you sleep with the lights on. The scares are instead much more existential. Once you finish the novel you'll find yourself questioning your motives the next time you go to post something on a site like Facebook, Twitter, or -ahem- Goodreads.