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pinkdiscoball's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
karenholmes's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to read something quick paced and got a copy of this book. I have already read a few Patterson's, specially the four women from Murder Mystery Club and some Alex Cross too. But I wanted a stand alone. The thing is, this doesn't really feel as a stand alone because the conclusion is so surprising you want to know what happens next.
I know Patterson's style, so no surprise here. Though this feels like an early version of Patterson's real style. In this one, he overuses brand names to establish class, he changes point of view too abruptly and does no transition from one chapter to another. He forgets about a few holes. But in general he has a fast pace and it's easy enough to read it in just a couple of days.
But there are a few things that nag me and that made me put the 3 stars instead of the 4 I'd put on a regular Patterson book. Will cover them as they are spoilers.
Why is Coleen so alone during the whole book? Yes, I know there are very few people in the know, but at least one of the nuns could have taken her to their convent or to a place she was taken care of. It doesn't make any sense and the mother in me cringed at the thought of it. She was treated as a minor character compared to Kathleen, and we don't even know what happens to her afterwards.
Why did Ms. Ward act that crazy? Yes, I know, the demon possessed her but it makes no sense if you've reached the end of the book because Kathleen's kid has no relation to the devil himself.
If Kathleen had a memory blackout of the night she went out with Justin, why did she think she was a virgin? Didn't she know she could have been rapped or something?
Why did Justin's friends act as if they didn't believe him when he said he had been with Kathleen, if they were also there?
Also there are untied-ed subplots such as the droughts and the plagues. They are there, but there is no conclusion for them alone.
Anyway it's an easy read and it's maybe one of the less gruesome of Patterson's books. There are less deaths and they are not gory.
I know Patterson's style, so no surprise here. Though this feels like an early version of Patterson's real style. In this one, he overuses brand names to establish class, he changes point of view too abruptly and does no transition from one chapter to another. He forgets about a few holes. But in general he has a fast pace and it's easy enough to read it in just a couple of days.
But there are a few things that nag me and that made me put the 3 stars instead of the 4 I'd put on a regular Patterson book. Will cover them as they are spoilers.
Spoiler
Why is Coleen so alone during the whole book? Yes, I know there are very few people in the know, but at least one of the nuns could have taken her to their convent or to a place she was taken care of. It doesn't make any sense and the mother in me cringed at the thought of it. She was treated as a minor character compared to Kathleen, and we don't even know what happens to her afterwards.
Why did Ms. Ward act that crazy? Yes, I know, the demon possessed her but it makes no sense if you've reached the end of the book because Kathleen's kid has no relation to the devil himself.
If Kathleen had a memory blackout of the night she went out with Justin, why did she think she was a virgin? Didn't she know she could have been rapped or something?
Why did Justin's friends act as if they didn't believe him when he said he had been with Kathleen, if they were also there?
Also there are untied-ed subplots such as the droughts and the plagues. They are there, but there is no conclusion for them alone.
Anyway it's an easy read and it's maybe one of the less gruesome of Patterson's books. There are less deaths and they are not gory.
theatretenor's review against another edition
5.0
I really did like it! Read it in one day. It was thrilling and intriguing and mysterious. I really enjoyed the end. Didn't know if I would, I was afraid the end would disappoint, but it did not! Quick read. Very enjoyable.
mlmanno's review against another edition
1.0
awful book. Hundreds of pages of whining and questioning and twenty pages of awful slapped together ending. I like other James Patterson books so this was a major disappointment
adiqua78's review against another edition
1.0
The very first James Patterson book that bored the crap out of me. I guess it was bound to happen.
mominafahim's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jediknightjoey3's review against another edition
3.0
I finished this book pretty fast. I gave it a 3.8/5. It was an easy book to get into. The short chapters made it easy to read. The ending gave me chills. I liked it.
hungrybookclub's review against another edition
Honestly, if I hadn't finished this book in a total of 2 hours I wouldn't have finished. The writing is awful, the story is weak, and the attempt to tie in a pandemic isn't fleshed out at all. This book was tragic in every way imaginable. 0 stars - DO NOT RECOMMEND.
dlguertin_66's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it! Different for most Patterson books, but still a great read!!
dan_quags's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0