billd's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
The King of Plagues by Jonathan Maberry is the third book in the Joe Ledger action / thriller series and it doesn't let you down one bit. As the other ones the story moves from location to location, from person to person, keeping you on your toes and holding your breath.
It starts with the destruction of a major hospital in London. Joe Ledger is basically on leave and potential retirement due to the death of his lover grace Courtland but his boss Church has called him back to help investigate the bombing. Also the story follows Gault, a villain from previous book, who is being courted by the 7 Kings to fill a gap in the organization, that being the King of Plagues. We also meet Circe, who works for a secret organization, Terror Town, trying to track terrorists and other baddies. And, oh yeah, there is Nicodemus, a prisoner in Philadelphia, who somehow has everyone in the prison under his thrall and seems to know everything that is going on.
So, that's the basic premise. The Kings are sowing discord and chaos and have many plans in the mill. Joe and the DMS team are seemingly one step behind as they try to track down the next attack. Santoro, of the Kings, is their lead man, terrorizing people to get them to follow their plans.
Slowly, the DMS gather info as they continue to fight; facing attacks in the Nevada desert, on an island in Scotland, even a Starbucks in Pennsylvania. The body count mounts but DMS persists! It all comes to a climax on a cruise ship off Brazil where the high and mighty in the entertainment world and political world gather for a huge concert for charity.
It's all very exciting. Joe tries to sort out his feelings, is he a policeman, a killer, or what. It's exciting, introspective and filled with action and personalities. Circe is a welcome addition. Entertainment plus. (4.0 stars)
It starts with the destruction of a major hospital in London. Joe Ledger is basically on leave and potential retirement due to the death of his lover grace Courtland but his boss Church has called him back to help investigate the bombing. Also the story follows Gault, a villain from previous book, who is being courted by the 7 Kings to fill a gap in the organization, that being the King of Plagues. We also meet Circe, who works for a secret organization, Terror Town, trying to track terrorists and other baddies. And, oh yeah, there is Nicodemus, a prisoner in Philadelphia, who somehow has everyone in the prison under his thrall and seems to know everything that is going on.
So, that's the basic premise. The Kings are sowing discord and chaos and have many plans in the mill. Joe and the DMS team are seemingly one step behind as they try to track down the next attack. Santoro, of the Kings, is their lead man, terrorizing people to get them to follow their plans.
Slowly, the DMS gather info as they continue to fight; facing attacks in the Nevada desert, on an island in Scotland, even a Starbucks in Pennsylvania. The body count mounts but DMS persists! It all comes to a climax on a cruise ship off Brazil where the high and mighty in the entertainment world and political world gather for a huge concert for charity.
It's all very exciting. Joe tries to sort out his feelings, is he a policeman, a killer, or what. It's exciting, introspective and filled with action and personalities. Circe is a welcome addition. Entertainment plus. (4.0 stars)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
terrik_409's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Like previous books the premise is horrifying. Poor Joe should be gibbering in a corner from all of the horrors he's faced. Stayed up till 4am to finish.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Mass/school shootings, Hate crime, Gun violence, Torture, and Violence
ripxw's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Islamophobia, Racial slurs, and Racism
Minor: Homophobia, Death of parent, Suicide attempt, Suicide, War, and Rape
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