Reviews

The Second Sleep by Robert Harris

mini_pad110's review

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adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

ecdereus's review against another edition

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4.0

Voor degenen die al enkele recensies over dit boek hebben gelezen verklap ik niets nieuws als ik kort even vermeld dat wat in het begin een historische thriller lijkt die zich afspeelt in 1468 van 'onze' middeleeuwen, al snel een post-apocalyptische thriller blijkt te zijn en dat na een wereldomvattende ramp waarbij onze huidige technologische beschaving volledig werd vernietigd, gevolgd door enige decennia van 'Duisternis', de jaartelling opnieuw is gestart bij 666 (het getal van het Beest, zie Openbaring 13:17-18). Het verhaal speelt dus zo'n 800 jaar nadien in middeleeuws aandoende omstandigheden waar de Kerk en het Geloof als instituut met een krachtige invloed het volk onwetend proberen te houden door alles dat c.q. alle kennis die verband houdt met de weggevaagde technologische beschaving van 'de Ouden' (min of meer onze huidige maatschappij dus) als ketterij te bestempelen waarop de doodstraf staat.
Intrigerend! Én iets om je aan het denken te zetten. Vergelijk alleen maar eens als je eens een paar uur zonder elektriciteit of zonder internet zit, hoe onthand je dan al bent...

zoer03's review against another edition

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5.0

Omg where do I start. I will try not spoil this for anyone because when you realise the twist it really takes on another level of eerie and creepy. This is probably one of my faves for thrillers this year. Atmospheric and just mind blowing. Loved it will recommend this book to anyone... just don’t read it in the dark lol.

dhlunique's review

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

4.5

The various power dynamics were fun to see as they were exposed. Clever closing...

mcleanl's review

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adventurous dark informative 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? No

3.5

mollyhyland's review

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

4.0

bethfishreads's review against another edition

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3.5

In 1468 England, a young priest is sent to a small village to give the eulogy for the local priest. When he gets there, he begins to suspect that the priest's death wasn't an accident.

Be warned: the following is rather vague so I don't ruin any surprises. I went into this book blind, which I think is best. Try not to read too many descriptions.

This book was written in 2019, which is significant because of the themes Harris touches on in this historical mystery: in particular, the power of the conservative church, the possible affects of greed and technology, the difference between what authorities say is true and what the real truth is, the power of the rich, and the idea that science and faith are incompatible.

The mystery itself was okay, with a few red herrings and a few surprises, but the overall story of the young priest's transformation as he learns more about the village, the old priest, and his bishop was more compelling. I was not a fan of the ending, however, which I think was too convenient. I would have preferred a more open ending.

The audiobook was performed by Roy McMillan, who had pleasing vocal cadences and was able to set the mood and action.

Thanks to the publisher for the audio review copy.

brianam's review

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3.0

Figuring out the premise of the book was fun, but the second half is underbaked.

lexish00's review against another edition

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4.0

The ending didn't quite do it for me, it was abrupt and not entirely fulfilling. BUT the book was fast-paced and interesting and full of suspense. And it's not that the ending was bad, it was just not amazing given all the build up. I still quite liked it and would recommend it just for the overall thoughtfulness of the story (religion, end-of-the-world, science vs faith, etc etc).

davidpanik's review

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adventurous 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? Yes

4.0