cdeane61's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this dystopian vision and its main character Avery Cates.
Looks to be a series and I will be reading the others as I find them.
Non-stop action right off the bat as you are dumped into this bleak world of haves and have-nots.
Looks to be a series and I will be reading the others as I find them.
Non-stop action right off the bat as you are dumped into this bleak world of haves and have-nots.
maxed's review against another edition
2.0
A somewhat unimpressive antiutopia action book. It feels a lot like 80's cyberpunk, but without so much computers, hackers and virtual reality. While the action itself is engaging, I find a lot of world-building very questionable, from the foundation of local Evil World Government (The System), to its relationship with The Electric Church, to livehood of the main character and his comrades, to a very cliche ending. This book would make a good Hollywood movie - utterly shallow, with lots of gunplay and seemingly convoluted intrigues which fall apart on closer examination. Unfortunately, books, unlike movies, give you time to pause and think, which is why it didn't quite work for me. "It was OK" is exactly how I would describe it.
butts2018's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
hawkeyegough's review against another edition
5.0
Brutal, dark and somehow funny. This book is set in the not-too-distant future where "Unification" has either destroyed the world or perfected it, based on your perspective. The protagonist (sort of?) is a "hitter," aka hitman for the people. It gets weirder from there, I recommend it. If you like cybernetics and the many ways AI could go wrong, check it out. Not for those afraid of nastiness or gore.
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
2.0
This book will be discussed at Powells Beaverton SF group on Tuesday November 9th at 7pm. It was not worth reading. Pieces of the book might have made a semi-interesting short story. It was vaguely noir, violent with fairly nasty language and not really any interesting characters or settings or plot. 2 of 5.
jaffo's review against another edition
3.0
This was a pretty decent old-fashioned noir-ish cyberpunk novel. The dystopian future is a little out of proportion, where 90% of humanity is criminal scum and 10% is uber-superwealthy elitists, but its hardly an impediment to the story.
made_in_dna's review against another edition
4.0
Set in the future, this is the story of Avery Cates who is not exactly a model citizen. In fact, if he had things his way, he would see the entirety of "society" and corrupt world government toppled. However, when he is approached by a man who wishes to hire him to assassinate the head of the Electric Church, he is going to need a helping hand from both government agents and the seedy underworld as well.
A post-cyberpunk book with heavy dystopian leanings. While I couldn't give it five stars, I did liked it. It lost a star because I felt it was a bit depressing and not always as compelling as I wished it had been. However, it did have several fine twists and will be checking out more of Jeff Somers work.
A post-cyberpunk book with heavy dystopian leanings. While I couldn't give it five stars, I did liked it. It lost a star because I felt it was a bit depressing and not always as compelling as I wished it had been. However, it did have several fine twists and will be checking out more of Jeff Somers work.
neko_cam's review against another edition
4.0
'The Electric Church' is an enjoyable tech noir action adventure. The world it builds is interesting, its cast of characters is varied and multifaceted, and once you're hooked the narrative pulls you firmly along right to the end. It doesn't explore its philosophical quandries too deeply, but that's okay when the rest of the story is as fun as this. I'd also like to give a special shout out to the character Dick Marin for absolutely shining in every scene that featured his presence.
I'm keen to check out subsequent Avery Cates stories.
I'm keen to check out subsequent Avery Cates stories.
leonardoz's review against another edition
4.0
This is a very entertaining quick read. Would not consider it deep character development, but good action sequences.
miq33l's review against another edition
4.0
Avery Cates is an asshole killer with principles. But I kind of like him. He reminds me a little of Harry Dresden, except he's not a wizard and kills people for money.
I enjoyed this book. It's really fast paced, well structured and nicely written. Also, language is rather foul sometimes.
Overall, 4 stars. I enjoyed it, read it all, and probably will read the remainder of the series.
I enjoyed this book. It's really fast paced, well structured and nicely written. Also, language is rather foul sometimes.
Overall, 4 stars. I enjoyed it, read it all, and probably will read the remainder of the series.