nglofile's review against another edition
2.0
After reading several reviews that claimed this heroine could be the successor to Lisbeth Salander, I realized I needed to give it a try -- if for no other reason than to be able to suggest it to those looking for additional readalike ideas. Frankly, I won't be mentioning it. The protagonist is too everything: too standoffish, too arrogant, too damaged, too unbelievable, too difficult to like, and just too much. The story was much more interesting when Miles Bradford was on stage, but he was kept off in the wings for much of the action. The use of language and phrasing didn't impress. I know the book will have its fans, but I'm not one.
audiobook note: This is the third time I've listened to a book with narrator Hillary Huber, and it's the third time it's been a bust. Perhaps it is unfair of me to hold her partly responsible for less-than-great works, but she doesn't help. Her attempts to be dramatic usually translate as flat and unmodulated. Her pronunciation, even of different languages, is smooth, but the overall effect is lacking.
audiobook note: This is the third time I've listened to a book with narrator Hillary Huber, and it's the third time it's been a bust. Perhaps it is unfair of me to hold her partly responsible for less-than-great works, but she doesn't help. Her attempts to be dramatic usually translate as flat and unmodulated. Her pronunciation, even of different languages, is smooth, but the overall effect is lacking.
stefanilw's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed the story, but found the writing style a bit too contrived. The main character, "Munroe", is very engaging and draws you in to her dangerous world outside the "safety" of the USA. I found mself constantly surprised at the turn of events, but found the prose to be lacking. The writing was inconsistant in that sometime it was very sophisticated and other times I felt like I was reading a Young Adult novel. I would still recommend it though.
mschlat's review against another edition
2.0
The high concept is interesting (a protagonist in the mold of Lisbeth Salander takes on a case in Equatorial Guinea), but the execution made reading a slog for the last third of the book. The author clearly knows and loves this portion of Africa, but the setting wasn't enough to offset the overly fraught nature of the plot.
slhandy45's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this one up at the bookstore a year or two ago but it never moved to the top of the pile. Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. The western African setting is fascinating, and the story is complicated but follow-able. One complaint: the backstory is confusing, treated in an awkward way, and still incomplete. I'll see if I can find the next book in the series at the library.
hansktla's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
myrdyr's review against another edition
4.0
I realize this hasn't received great reviews, but I liked it!
dkrueger34's review
4.0
Liked this a lot. Wish there was a map though. Don't know too much about the geography of Africa. Would read more from this author.
atjelea's review against another edition
4.0
I am so excited to have found a new author, a new series of books to read and a great kick ass female protagonist!!! This book introduces us to Vanessa Michael Monroe, a brilliant but damaged woman who specializes in the lucrative field of information acquirement. She plays in areas that can only be described as gray, but she manages to be a top professional in her field. She is a chameleon, a strategist and a woman who is teetering on the brink of internal destruction. It is only through her job and her adrenaline junkie habit that she is able to keep her demons at bay. In this book she takes on an assignment that deviates from her normal routine. In doing so, she creates a cascade of events that results in a fight for her life as she is forced to confront both her internal demons as well as the unknown men who are trying to kill her. This a great thrill ride...and I am eager to step back on with the next novel in this series!!!
lian_tanner's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyable thriller with a suitably tormented heroine and some good twists. The dialogue is a bit clunky in parts, and the whole thing occasionally slides into melodrama, but it kept me hooked all the way through, which is the main requirement when it comes to thrillers.
jgoalder's review against another edition
4.0
Well written, engrossing page turner. Can't put my finger on what, but something in the beginning bothered me, but I got over it and enjoyed it.