Reviews

The River of Souls by Robert R. McCammon, Vincent Chong

brents's review against another edition

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3.0

My Least Favorite Corbett

This was definitely my least favorite entry in the Matthew Corbett series that I have read thus far. The fact that I still think it's worth of 3 stars should let you know how highly I view this series overall.

The writing here is as good as ever, and it's something that will always when point from me with McCammon even when the story is mediocre which is definitely the case here. The plot doesn't really have a central mystery, or at least one that is compelling or bot blatantly obvious right away. Instead it's kind of a straight forward chase. Also, there are some strange plot decisions here that reminded me of something you might see on a somewhat dumb network TV drama including a "to be continued" type of ending. Absolutely nothing to deter me from the rest of the series at all, but nothing of the highs from the first 4 books.

apriltwilights's review

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

lommelun's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

kaisu's review against another edition

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4.0

Für mich bisher der schwächste Band der Reihe. Er kam mir vor wie ein Überbrückungsbuch zwischen zwei anderen Büchern.
Trotz feiner Momente, hinterlies das einen faden Beigeschmack.

barb4ry1's review

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4.0

Matthew returns to Charles Town. Of course, he wouldn't be himself if he hadn't gotten into trouble. He joins a search for three escaped slaves. One of them might have committed a brutal murder. Only, Matthew suspects someone tries to frame the poor guy.

What follows is a frenetically paced journey through the jungle. Prepare for macabre scenes and a strong cliffhanger ending.

rek56's review

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adventurous

charshorrorcorner's review

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4.0

3.5 stars!
I'm a tad disappointed. Maybe it's because I love this series so much and I expected a lot from this volume. Maybe it's because I'm used to big books in this series and this volume is short. I'm not quite sure why, but I'm feeling unfulfilled.

Our beloved "problem solver" Matthew Corbett has ventured from NYC circa 1703 and is currently situated in Charles Town, Carolina. He has been hired to bring the local belle to a ball and what could be an easier job? Of course, Matthew being Matthew, he is soon involved in the investigation of a murder and he, (and we), are off! Soon finding himself in a row boat upon the River of Souls, he is faced with escaped slaves, a murderer on the loose, alligators, raving, maniacal skeletons, and baby cries coming from the swamps. What a blast!!

So, why am I feeling a little let down? Again, I can't quite say. I'm going to chalk it up to my excitement about a new entry in the series, because I mean just look up there! There was some seriously interesting, fun stuff going on. You don't get maniacal skeletons every day!

I still recommend this book, of course. Matthew is continuing to grow and the direction that his life has taken is completely different than anything that has come before. Now begins the long wait to see where Matthew (and Mr. McCammon) take us next.

*A big thank you goes to my friend Matthew who gifted me a copy of this book. Thanks again, Matt! *

nigellicus's review

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5.0

Matthew Corbett takes a slightly enforced trip to the south for what should be an easy but remunerative job. Unfortuntely, trouble and strife and peril are waiting. Trouble and peril and strife are running around getting everything ready and making sure everything is just right for young Corbett, preparing the murder, lining upnthe alligators and the arranging the teams for the game of kick-the-head, sharpening the arrows, filling the pits of quiksand, charming the snakes and putting the final preperations on the monster. Oh trouble and peril and strife are REALLY looking forward to having Matthew Corbett over for a visit.
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