thisotherbookaccount's review against another edition
2.0
I'm sorry, but did Steve Hamilton forget to write a third act? Or a climax? The Lock Artist is a countdown clock at New Year's Eve that gets stuck at 3 and never goes to 0. Also, is Hamilton 12 years old? Because the love story is straight out of a child's fantasy. It's 2017. Manic pixie dream girls are so 2001.
rmichno's review against another edition
4.0
Compelling story and good writing. Main character was like ago but sometimes frustrating in his decisions. Ending was a bit forced, though.
sde's review against another edition
4.0
Very fast-paced, engrossing book. It is filed in the mystery section of my library, but it is more of a crime novel than a mystery. The 17 year old narrator is captivating. He cannot speak due to a childhood trauma which slowly unveils itself as the book moves on. He is a somewhat unwitting victim who gets caught up in organized crime, but he also accepts his own culpability and knows he could have turned away at several points.
The story goes back forth between two time periods about a year apart. I usually find skipping around in time distracting or confusing, but in this case it worked - and each chapter is clearly labelled as to where and when it takes place.
Although there is a fair bit of violence in this story, it is not dwelt upon. The author puts in the violence that is needed to tell his tale, but he does not put in a lot of gory detail. I really appreciated that, and it shows that he is a talented author that can really tell a story without relying on sensationalism.
The story points out how every seemingly minor decision a person makes can have an effect on his or her entire life, so be mindful every day of what you do.
The story goes back forth between two time periods about a year apart. I usually find skipping around in time distracting or confusing, but in this case it worked - and each chapter is clearly labelled as to where and when it takes place.
Although there is a fair bit of violence in this story, it is not dwelt upon. The author puts in the violence that is needed to tell his tale, but he does not put in a lot of gory detail. I really appreciated that, and it shows that he is a talented author that can really tell a story without relying on sensationalism.
The story points out how every seemingly minor decision a person makes can have an effect on his or her entire life, so be mindful every day of what you do.
mickeykay200's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
broski needs to google an ASL dictionary and amelia is a solid 3/10 but on the overall i really liked it and heists and stuff are very fun
lewiscain's review against another edition
5.0
I thought this was brilliant. Such a clever idea with some great characters, found it hard to put it down! I felt that when I was reading this I was fully absorbed in the story and I felt part of it too. A different take on this genre that really pays off!
strangecandy's review against another edition
4.0
Very good book. I'm not normally a mystery/thriller reader but this one was recommended by author Maggie Stiefvater. It's about a young boy who through a traumatic experience early on in life has lost the ability to speak. He finds he is talented at opening locks which inadvertently leads him unwillingly into a life of crime.
bernfarr's review against another edition
5.0
Compelling read for me
What a twisted tale of a teen caught up in a life of breaking open locks because of circumstances outside his control. Can’t help thinking there might be a follow-up book down the road.
What a twisted tale of a teen caught up in a life of breaking open locks because of circumstances outside his control. Can’t help thinking there might be a follow-up book down the road.
iggyebab's review against another edition
2.0
Parts of this book were so interesting. The way the author discusses locks and the picking of them was sensual and different. Some of the characters were interesting but it felt very much like a B movie.
fredicia's review
4.0
Okay, there's really nothing outstandingly wrong with this book, but it just wasn't five star material.
Firstly, the romance was wishy-washy, and it would have been better without it. I felt like it was an unnecessary story line.
Otherwise, it was fine. Michael was an engaging character, a bit too predictable at times, but that can be overlooked. All the minor characters had unique personalities and stood out.
So yeah, four stars
Firstly, the romance was wishy-washy, and it would have been better without it. I felt like it was an unnecessary story line.
Otherwise, it was fine. Michael was an engaging character, a bit too predictable at times, but that can be overlooked. All the minor characters had unique personalities and stood out.
So yeah, four stars