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coldprintcoffee's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
deereader's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
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? Yes
3.75
shmadsie's review against another edition
4.0
3.5. I really liked the plot of this one but you can definitely tell this is the debut book. Everything's a little rougher and the way every female character is written is.... whew, less than great. There is definitely measurable improvement between this and Blacktop Wasteland.
vwalker3's review against another edition
4.0
S.A. Crosby’s first novel shows the promise of those to come. A fast-paced, gritty crime story, told against the backdrop of sex, religion, and corruption. This is a great Southern Gothic crime novel, and a more than respectable first book!
readmeem's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
lefttoread's review against another edition
What Works
Cosby’s strength clearly lies in his ability to craft intense, hard-boiled action scenes. His writing has a raw, unapologetic edge that makes the violence and tension feel palpable, reminiscent of classic noir but with a distinctly Southern twist.
Cosby also succeeds in creating a protagonist who is intriguing, if somewhat familiar within the genre. Nathan Waymaker is a flawed, morally ambiguous character who fits well into the world Cosby has built. His background as a former law enforcement officer and his current status as a funeral home worker add a unique element to the story, providing dark humor that works well for a noir narrative.
What Falls Short
Where the novel falters is in character descriptions, particularly when it comes to the female characters. Each female character except for one maybe, was sexualised. It had that typical male gaze feel to it whenever a female character was introduced.
Overall Impression
As a debut novel, My Darkest Prayer showcases S.A. Cosby’s potential as a writer of gritty crime fiction. His ability to convey atmosphere and tension is impressive, and despite the flaws, it’s a solid entry into the genre and suggests that Cosby has much to offer in future works.
Cosby’s strength clearly lies in his ability to craft intense, hard-boiled action scenes. His writing has a raw, unapologetic edge that makes the violence and tension feel palpable, reminiscent of classic noir but with a distinctly Southern twist.
Cosby also succeeds in creating a protagonist who is intriguing, if somewhat familiar within the genre. Nathan Waymaker is a flawed, morally ambiguous character who fits well into the world Cosby has built. His background as a former law enforcement officer and his current status as a funeral home worker add a unique element to the story, providing dark humor that works well for a noir narrative.
What Falls Short
Where the novel falters is in character descriptions, particularly when it comes to the female characters. Each female character except for one maybe, was sexualised. It had that typical male gaze feel to it whenever a female character was introduced.
Overall Impression
As a debut novel, My Darkest Prayer showcases S.A. Cosby’s potential as a writer of gritty crime fiction. His ability to convey atmosphere and tension is impressive, and despite the flaws, it’s a solid entry into the genre and suggests that Cosby has much to offer in future works.
nahnopeuhmmsureok's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
hrector's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0