kaylakaotik's review
5.0
I knew that if 144 was half as good as Unbreakables, it would be worth the read. It didn’t cross my mind, though, that 144 could possibly be the better book. I got a pleasant surprise.
Joe’s writing is even better than before. I was hooked on the story from the very beginning. He provides just enough detail to make the story interesting without bogging it down with unnecessary details. Joe is a mastermind at creating these elaborate heists. He leaves nothing to chance. Just when I thought I had something figured out, he switches it up and keeps me guessing. I loved it.
There were some other things that, while not super important, I did enjoy. I liked that we were given some information about what the characters had been up to since their last heist, but it didn’t take away from the present day story. I also liked that Leigh, Thomas, and Tendai were more important characters this time around. Thomas and Tendai were especially interesting to me.
Joe’s books just keep getting better. If there’s another book in the series, I will definitely read it.
* This book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. *
Joe’s writing is even better than before. I was hooked on the story from the very beginning. He provides just enough detail to make the story interesting without bogging it down with unnecessary details. Joe is a mastermind at creating these elaborate heists. He leaves nothing to chance. Just when I thought I had something figured out, he switches it up and keeps me guessing. I loved it.
There were some other things that, while not super important, I did enjoy. I liked that we were given some information about what the characters had been up to since their last heist, but it didn’t take away from the present day story. I also liked that Leigh, Thomas, and Tendai were more important characters this time around. Thomas and Tendai were especially interesting to me.
Joe’s books just keep getting better. If there’s another book in the series, I will definitely read it.
* This book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. *
nads25's review
4.0
144 is the follow up novel on Unbreakables published locally in 2012. It is a crime and adventure novel which revolves around a bunch of friends that are over-qualified yet un-employed in the South African job market. After years have gone past with many failed interviews they decide to redirect their energy towards burglary. Novel 1 sets a huge president with its masterly maneuvered and carefully crafted layout. Due to this it is no surprise to find that 144, its predecessor - was published shortly after with similar reviews.
144 Brings the three-o’s story to epic-ally set heights. Where they (Ben, Chris and Leon) first attempted their expertise in confiscating diamonds from smugglers, the new novel leads them to take interest into an African Artefact which enters the country illegally. To add to the already grinding adventure Joe cunningly introduced the characters of Inspector Le Roux and Ntuli – investigators, who take special interest to the case revolving around the mysterious artifact.
144 Is synonymous to the time constraint the threesome has to take hold of their special cargo. It’s a small window where they not only have close encounters with numerous obstacles, they also have to concentrate and pre-empt the involvement of the intellectual inspectors.
What I liked:
While novel one took readers on a journey where you experienced the conflict revolving around the different characters, novel 2 was more focused on the story. Joe managed to sway more attention on his other three characters Thomas, Tendai and Leigh who in novel one wasn't as defined. He (Joe) selectively grows his story with a bit of filtered backdrop and weaves it into yet another majestic plot.
Nail Biting adventure.
Well done.
144 Brings the three-o’s story to epic-ally set heights. Where they (Ben, Chris and Leon) first attempted their expertise in confiscating diamonds from smugglers, the new novel leads them to take interest into an African Artefact which enters the country illegally. To add to the already grinding adventure Joe cunningly introduced the characters of Inspector Le Roux and Ntuli – investigators, who take special interest to the case revolving around the mysterious artifact.
144 Is synonymous to the time constraint the threesome has to take hold of their special cargo. It’s a small window where they not only have close encounters with numerous obstacles, they also have to concentrate and pre-empt the involvement of the intellectual inspectors.
What I liked:
While novel one took readers on a journey where you experienced the conflict revolving around the different characters, novel 2 was more focused on the story. Joe managed to sway more attention on his other three characters Thomas, Tendai and Leigh who in novel one wasn't as defined. He (Joe) selectively grows his story with a bit of filtered backdrop and weaves it into yet another majestic plot.
Nail Biting adventure.
Well done.
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