Reviews

Pielgrzym by Maciej Szymański, Terry Hayes

cubej's review

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

katiescho741's review against another edition

4.0

I remember buying this book in a supermarket and being dubious about whether I would like it. It turned out that I really liked it, even though it was not my normal thing to read and despite the issues with it.
It's very obviously written by a white man...the female characters are described based on looks, especially when they are wearing make-up, high heels, and how sensual their face is. The writing in general is very masculine but this book has become a guilty pleasure for me. It's fast-paced, an easy read, and it draws you in to the dark plot and the world behind the curtain.
I liked the way the Saracen's part of the story was also told. We watch as he experiences terrible things, works hard, and we see his determination and skills grow. Yes he is masterminding a horrific plan but I found he was written in quite a sympathetic way and you sort of have to admire the skill, intelligence, and patience
It could have been several books, and it's a bit a hefty thriller with lots of interwoven stories and flash-backs, but I think it works and is very immersive. I think the main character is lacking a little in the personality department, but I assumed it was because of his history in the secret world and having to be so many different people throughout his life.

Spoiler

After a dark and violent book, the ending is happy and hopeful. I can't imagine how you would write nay sequels to this book though because he seems to have finally shaken off the secret world, so to plunge him back in for a follow-up would be a bit cruel!

dr2danielr's review against another edition

4.0

A true page turner! Although I must say, it became a page-turner to me halfway through the book and that is for this particular book quite some pages. For me, the introduction was a bit too long. The first 200-250 pages, with the exception of the starting chapter (the murder in the hotel in New York), took too long. But after this introduction and when the Pilgrim is finally recruited to chase down the Saraceen (an intelligent and dangerous terrorist with a cruel plan to attack the western world), the book was hard to lay down.

twincam59's review against another edition

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

sandranir's review against another edition

5.0

This is one of those books that grip you from the get-go and doesn't let go 'til the very last page. Even then, it'll remain with you for a long, long time. It wrecked havoc to my sleeping pattern and I don't know how long it'll get back to normal.

Rich with details, vivid and all too human characters, the plot is highly believable and makes one wonder just how close to the truth it is.

beeb2001's review against another edition

5.0

Fantastic thriller that is so immersive you don’t want it to end. The characters are compelling and complex and the story line progresses at such a pace that you never become bored with it. The jump in time, location and case is perfectly executed. Every crime fan should read this book.

boskycat's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

chefjeng's review against another edition

1.0

Just shy of 100 pages in I'm abandoning this and I feel bad about it. I very rarely DNF a book.
This was recommended to me by so many people but I just can't persevere anymore. Raging islamaphobia, sexism (I just couldn't stomach one more description of a female characters 'assets')
I so wanted to like this but it's poorly written trash. Far far far better thrillers out there.

shirleycallow's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

hnjnaylor's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• 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

Loved it!