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A review by jtbolscher
The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson
3.0
the inevitable ending to the trilogy coming from a mile away, the book less a book than an act three to a longer novel. my main issues with this book are on a writer-technical level, which feels both very presumptuous and hypocritical coming from me (person noted for never having completed a full draft of a novel, let alone someone who could live off of their writing). nevertheless, i can't ignore that this feels so much like a paint-by-numbers trilogy, starring contrivances that lead to stilted scenes meant to fulfill a very specific purpose, an endless parade of cliched characters (including my absolute least favorite incarnated in the form of david) and the most tell-not-show approach to storytelling this side of veronica roth.
and yet, despite my many annoyances and the very industry-line feel, the sheer competence of it all is undeniable. it's plotted well, the writing flows, the main characters do (eventually) have full arcs, the mystery is resolved in a satisfying way, and it leaves nothing hanging while obviously leaving room for more (as evidenced by the release of box in the woods). maureen johnson is clearly a very experienced writer, some might say even good, but i have to say i did hope for even a touch more.
and yet, despite my many annoyances and the very industry-line feel, the sheer competence of it all is undeniable. it's plotted well, the writing flows, the main characters do (eventually) have full arcs, the mystery is resolved in a satisfying way, and it leaves nothing hanging while obviously leaving room for more (as evidenced by the release of box in the woods). maureen johnson is clearly a very experienced writer, some might say even good, but i have to say i did hope for even a touch more.