The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
sarahinreaderland's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is probably my longest anticipated book ever. I read I am Pilgrim years ago and I was craving a sequel immediately. I (among many others) had waiting so long for the release of The Year of the Locust, that I had forgotten it was coming.Â
What I had forgotten about Terry Hayes' writing, is the sheer amount of detail that goes into his stories. It's completely understandable that they take so long to write. Also explains why this book took me so long to read. This was in no way, shape or form a quick read. Every page was crammed with small intricate details and it took a lot of concentration for me to keep up. I don't say this in a negative way. It's impressive to me.
I loved Kane so much and I really enjoyed seeing a softer, more vulnerable side to him. The stakes for him were far higher during this book, given the developments in his personal life. Some of the other character probably used that as fuel to doubt his abilities, but of course, he was as able as ever.Â
The one thing that surprised me about this story was the addition of an almost sci-fi theme and a touch of dystopia. I didn't see it coming and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I spent many chapters questioning the plot, myself and the characters and it was an adventure of epic proportions.
It took me nearly a whole month to finish this book and I feel somewhat accomplished now that I have. Did I love it as much as I am Pilgrim? Probably not, but I think that has more to do with the development of my own reading preferences than anything else. Would I recommend it? Most definitely. But buckle yourself in.
What I had forgotten about Terry Hayes' writing, is the sheer amount of detail that goes into his stories. It's completely understandable that they take so long to write. Also explains why this book took me so long to read. This was in no way, shape or form a quick read. Every page was crammed with small intricate details and it took a lot of concentration for me to keep up. I don't say this in a negative way. It's impressive to me.
I loved Kane so much and I really enjoyed seeing a softer, more vulnerable side to him. The stakes for him were far higher during this book, given the developments in his personal life. Some of the other character probably used that as fuel to doubt his abilities, but of course, he was as able as ever.Â
The one thing that surprised me about this story was the addition of an almost sci-fi theme and a touch of dystopia. I didn't see it coming and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I spent many chapters questioning the plot, myself and the characters and it was an adventure of epic proportions.
It took me nearly a whole month to finish this book and I feel somewhat accomplished now that I have. Did I love it as much as I am Pilgrim? Probably not, but I think that has more to do with the development of my own reading preferences than anything else. Would I recommend it? Most definitely. But buckle yourself in.
searlait_carolinehoey's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
aiswaldron's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
stineym's review
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
lennartde's review against another edition
2.0
Ten years after „The Pilgrim“, Terry Hayes follows his debut hit with „The Year of the Locust“. At the outset, this starts familiar enough as a terrorist hunt against an Al Qaeda-like group with a sufficiently evil mastermind. The story follows a denied access area spy hunting a terrorist behind enemy lines in Iran. The book progresses nicely, right up until the last third when it swerves into science fiction territory. After Hayes famously pushed this back for a number of years, he concludes the book with a twist that would not have been amiss in this year’s Indiana Jones movie. Unfortunately, this is not a compliment - neither for the book nor the movie…
vloertje's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
steve_angelkov's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
4.0
Well that was one of the longest waits to read a second novel in a series. Â
The Year of the Locust is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that follows the exploits of Kane, a CIA operative who specializes in infiltrating and extracting targets from denied access areas. Kane is sent to the volatile region where Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan meet, where he encounters a formidable enemy who threatens to unleash a global catastrophe. The novel is a sequel to Hayes' previous bestseller, I Am Pilgrim, but it can be read as a standalone.
The novel is a gripping and suspenseful read, with twists and turns that keep the reader hooked.Â
The writing upto 75%-80% point, is pretty much as expected. Without exposing any plot spoilers the story twist is unexpected. Â
Hayes has a knack for creating realistic and complex characters, especially the villain, who is both terrifying and fascinating. The novel also explores themes such as geopolitics, terrorism, espionage, and morality, and raises questions about the role and responsibility of the West in the world. Hayes' background as a journalist and screenwriter is evident in his vivid and cinematic descriptions of the settings and the action scenes.
The Year of the Locust is a highly recommended book for fans of thrillers, spy novels, and adventure stories. It is a well-written, well-researched, and well-executed novel that delivers on its promise of a thrilling and satisfying ride.
The Year of the Locust is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that follows the exploits of Kane, a CIA operative who specializes in infiltrating and extracting targets from denied access areas. Kane is sent to the volatile region where Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan meet, where he encounters a formidable enemy who threatens to unleash a global catastrophe. The novel is a sequel to Hayes' previous bestseller, I Am Pilgrim, but it can be read as a standalone.
The novel is a gripping and suspenseful read, with twists and turns that keep the reader hooked.Â
The writing upto 75%-80% point, is pretty much as expected. Without exposing any plot spoilers the story twist is unexpected. Â
Hayes has a knack for creating realistic and complex characters, especially the villain, who is both terrifying and fascinating. The novel also explores themes such as geopolitics, terrorism, espionage, and morality, and raises questions about the role and responsibility of the West in the world. Hayes' background as a journalist and screenwriter is evident in his vivid and cinematic descriptions of the settings and the action scenes.
The Year of the Locust is a highly recommended book for fans of thrillers, spy novels, and adventure stories. It is a well-written, well-researched, and well-executed novel that delivers on its promise of a thrilling and satisfying ride.
heloiseborel's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot