halletttime2's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
5.0
Straight out of college Charlie applies for an unusual job, Harbinger of Death. His role is to travel to visit people indicated on his calendar and give them a gift. Sometimes he is there because the person will die, sometimes as a courtesy and sometimes because it is something bigger that will die. When Charlie falls in love he becomes more philosophical about his role and when he meets the rich and powerful Patrick he realises that more is at stake than just the death of a few individuals.
I loved the premise of this book, that the four dooms as amongst us and manipulating events and that Death has a right-hand man. The little vignettes about Charlie's assignments were well-written and make the reader really think. Some of the linking elements were a little confusing but I liked the overall message about man's relationships with man and also with the planet. This was a profound book which also entertains.
I loved the premise of this book, that the four dooms as amongst us and manipulating events and that Death has a right-hand man. The little vignettes about Charlie's assignments were well-written and make the reader really think. Some of the linking elements were a little confusing but I liked the overall message about man's relationships with man and also with the planet. This was a profound book which also entertains.
rosiemc's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
babblingstacey's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful
Claire North has became my favorite modern author, I read her books so slowly to savor them, they are so unique and beautiful.
Claire North has became my favorite modern author, I read her books so slowly to savor them, they are so unique and beautiful.
malongorose's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
henriklukee's review against another edition
3.0
This book was quite confusing. I really liked how North writes but I had some difficulty keeping up with the plot and all the places and events the book takes you to. The book felt rushed and overcrowded with events at certain parts. Really liked the main character and Death and their relationship tho. Also liked how the book plays with the ideas of death, life and humanity and the interplay between them. Worth a read.
larastead's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
gillothen's review against another edition
3.0
Claire North deals with life, lives and death, so the premise of this novel is definitely in her territory, though the style is often reminiscent of one of her alter egos, Kate Griffin. This is by no means a bad thing.
Episodic initially, like most of the earlier North books, this becomes more coherent in the last part of the narrative as the protagonist struggles with himself and his place in the world. I'm still not sure about the role of Patrick, however - a metaphor for modern capitalism?
A thoroughly enjoyable read, starting well and becoming gripping.
Episodic initially, like most of the earlier North books, this becomes more coherent in the last part of the narrative as the protagonist struggles with himself and his place in the world. I'm still not sure about the role of Patrick, however - a metaphor for modern capitalism?
A thoroughly enjoyable read, starting well and becoming gripping.
lenny9987's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0