canadianbookaddict's review against another edition
5.0
You know I don't often read suspense/thriller books often. Not because I don't like them but because I am very picky when it comes to those genre.
I have read and reviewed all of Russell's books so far and I have been a fan since I read his first book so I was very happy to read The Demeter Code.
This book is action packed from beginning to end. It is very well written and made me want to keep reading until the end. It is one that kept me at the edge of my seat.
If you are into mystery/thriller books I highly recommend this book and all of Russell's other books.
I have read and reviewed all of Russell's books so far and I have been a fan since I read his first book so I was very happy to read The Demeter Code.
This book is action packed from beginning to end. It is very well written and made me want to keep reading until the end. It is one that kept me at the edge of my seat.
If you are into mystery/thriller books I highly recommend this book and all of Russell's other books.
babyleo's review against another edition
4.0
Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review.
The first thing to say about this story is that it is filled with the unexpected and nothing is as it seems. The writing is extremely clever and captivating, and Brooks fills it with numerous surprises. For a story that seems exaggerated and action packed it actually remains quite realistic both in dialogue and events. The characters are also realistic and Brooks demonstrates great knowledge and understanding of government agencies and their practices.
The concept is fascinating and highly possible in real life which adds to the excitement. The fast paced story is not rushed but it still manages to capture the intensity of the situations and the urgency in the unfolding events. The way Brooks writes makes the scenes play in your mind like a movie; the writing is clear and explained well but not overly so either.
The use of multiple perspectives allows a great chance at understanding and capturing the wider story, while still withholding key details. Every point of view is also a great chance to get an insight into characters minds and personality, villain or hero alike. Brooks manages to express who the characters are through their actions and their thoughts, and it offers a great chance to understand who they are without it needing to be directly addressed.
These multiple points of view along with the retelling of overlapping events work exceptionally well and they are all brought together and cleverly connected in a way you didn't know they were connected. Brooks makes use of these numerous viewpoints to cover all the angles which adds to the completeness of scenes and events, and it also adds a lot more to the story than just characters recapping everything to one another and not being able to experience it alongside with them.
There is no doubt that Brooks has written a gripping story that brings together a wonderful narrative that explores real life possibilities coupled with an execution that is both mysterious and thrilling, and one that ends up going in directions you never even imagined.
A longer version of this review was posted on my blog https://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2015/03/12/the-demeter-code-by-russell-brooks/
The first thing to say about this story is that it is filled with the unexpected and nothing is as it seems. The writing is extremely clever and captivating, and Brooks fills it with numerous surprises. For a story that seems exaggerated and action packed it actually remains quite realistic both in dialogue and events. The characters are also realistic and Brooks demonstrates great knowledge and understanding of government agencies and their practices.
The concept is fascinating and highly possible in real life which adds to the excitement. The fast paced story is not rushed but it still manages to capture the intensity of the situations and the urgency in the unfolding events. The way Brooks writes makes the scenes play in your mind like a movie; the writing is clear and explained well but not overly so either.
The use of multiple perspectives allows a great chance at understanding and capturing the wider story, while still withholding key details. Every point of view is also a great chance to get an insight into characters minds and personality, villain or hero alike. Brooks manages to express who the characters are through their actions and their thoughts, and it offers a great chance to understand who they are without it needing to be directly addressed.
These multiple points of view along with the retelling of overlapping events work exceptionally well and they are all brought together and cleverly connected in a way you didn't know they were connected. Brooks makes use of these numerous viewpoints to cover all the angles which adds to the completeness of scenes and events, and it also adds a lot more to the story than just characters recapping everything to one another and not being able to experience it alongside with them.
There is no doubt that Brooks has written a gripping story that brings together a wonderful narrative that explores real life possibilities coupled with an execution that is both mysterious and thrilling, and one that ends up going in directions you never even imagined.
A longer version of this review was posted on my blog https://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2015/03/12/the-demeter-code-by-russell-brooks/
hdbblog's review against another edition
4.0
It's not often that I read novels full of espionage and politics. I'm extremely picky about those that I do choose to read. That being said, Ridley Fox is one character I'll always happily come back to. I first met him in Pandora's Succession, and quickly fell into step with his complex personality. In The Demeter Code he's back for more. A little more rough around the edges, a little less willing to play by the rules, and once again caught up in a mission that extends far beyond what he could possibly imagine.
Brooks writes this tale on a global scale. I followed Fox and he traveled the world, tracking down informants and constantly putting himself in harms way. Being completely honest, this isn't a light read in the least. If you're an avid reader of thrillers, it might be a little easier to keep up. I found myself reading this book very carefully though. It took me extra time to dissect the overlapping plot lines, catch up with the large cast of characters, and keep abreast of all the secrets being revealed. This is a well crafted novel, but it reads in a way that assumes you're used to this type of story. It took a different kind of attention for me to finish, but I didn't mind. I was more than happy to follow along.
I think the thing I've always liked most about these books is that Ridley Fox and Nita Parris complete one another so perfectly. Fox is the one who goes underground, assuming identities and creating important connections. Parris is the intel and scientific mind. She's just as fierce as Fox, but she chooses to use her talents to help him get what he needs. There's always intelligent banter between these two, perhaps even a bit of spark, but the fact remains that they're two halves of the same whole. Keeping up with them as they tried to figure out the Code was a lot of fun.
My only complaint, and it's a small one, is that this story is much more technical than where I first met Ridley Fox. As I said, it took me a lot longer to finish it than I anticipated because I really had to buckle down and read carefully. Still, the action was plentiful, the twists well executed, and I really can't be too upset. Just be warned that this is a story you're going to want to settle in for. It will sweep you up, and you'll find yourself unable to stop reading once you've started.
Brooks writes this tale on a global scale. I followed Fox and he traveled the world, tracking down informants and constantly putting himself in harms way. Being completely honest, this isn't a light read in the least. If you're an avid reader of thrillers, it might be a little easier to keep up. I found myself reading this book very carefully though. It took me extra time to dissect the overlapping plot lines, catch up with the large cast of characters, and keep abreast of all the secrets being revealed. This is a well crafted novel, but it reads in a way that assumes you're used to this type of story. It took a different kind of attention for me to finish, but I didn't mind. I was more than happy to follow along.
I think the thing I've always liked most about these books is that Ridley Fox and Nita Parris complete one another so perfectly. Fox is the one who goes underground, assuming identities and creating important connections. Parris is the intel and scientific mind. She's just as fierce as Fox, but she chooses to use her talents to help him get what he needs. There's always intelligent banter between these two, perhaps even a bit of spark, but the fact remains that they're two halves of the same whole. Keeping up with them as they tried to figure out the Code was a lot of fun.
My only complaint, and it's a small one, is that this story is much more technical than where I first met Ridley Fox. As I said, it took me a lot longer to finish it than I anticipated because I really had to buckle down and read carefully. Still, the action was plentiful, the twists well executed, and I really can't be too upset. Just be warned that this is a story you're going to want to settle in for. It will sweep you up, and you'll find yourself unable to stop reading once you've started.
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