Reviews

The Boy from Reactor 4 by Orest Stelmach

efabri123's review against another edition

Go to review page

1.0

I really wanted to like this book. It's rare that I become so disinterested that I can't even bring myself to finish. I got a little over halfway through but I was forcing myself. I found that I didn't care much for any of the characters, I couldn't identify with them and I wasn't sucked into the plot. I constantly felt like I was being strung along on a trip I tried my best to avoid. I hate bashing another author's work as I'm sure a lot of effort went into this as with any novel but it wasn't for me.

little_red_dragon's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

More than anything, The Boy from Reactor 4 is a look into Ukrainian culture and history, both in Ukraine and America. This backdrop makes for a startling read for anyone who's unfamiliar with this culture. The action is top-notch and the twists and turns will leave you gasping. Overall, it's very well-written.

But,
Spoiler the prologue, which has Bobby playing hockey in America with Nadia as his guardian, gives away so much of the story that the tension isn't there. You know that everything is going to work out and the two of them will make it back to the States before you even meet Bobby. For me, that made the entire chase lose some interest, since there weren't really high stakes.


It's still a thoroughly enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.

iconoclastthinker's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

A fantastic thriller with a unique heroine and a great, albeit large, cast of characters.

gregtrob's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Good suspenseful fast moving story.

chauf's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

3.0

andrewbeverert's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Good, fun thriller from a first-time author ill be looking for more from.

austinstorm's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

A globe-trotting thriller / adventure story. The setting helped to elevate the material - the Chernobyl details were the best part and had the most veracity. The central antagonist Victor is also great. The book moves well, especially once the action heats up. The protagonists are a little flat and underdeveloped, and the book frequently references a prior caper - perhaps the author is planning to write a prequel in addition to the sequel.

morepagesplease's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Good, if unremarkable read. I did find the information about Chernobyl to be very interesting.

affiknittyreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I picked up this book as one of the Kindle Unlimited offerings. I was really pleasantly surprised with it. It is a good mix of action, suspense, and color about the settings and the characters. I thought that the background information about Chernobyl and Ukrainian culture was well-incorporated into the story.

nyctei's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Could not put this book down! Good pacing, good characters, good read. I couldn't wait to see how it would all work out.