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A review by brpost
High White Sun by J. Todd Scott
5.0
I recently received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I did not receive it from the publisher and I'm under no obligation to write any review. Having said that...
I loved this book.
It hit all the criteria I need a book in this genre to hit. Real and believable characters that make sense, including (especially) the bad guys... check. Showing me things about "the seedy side of life" that I don't ever experience in my 9-5 job... check. A plausible story that doesn't make me jump through hoops to believe... check. An ending that is satisfying, but still makes you grimace just a bit because not everything went the way you wanted it to, but was still the better, more realistic choice... check. The ability to make me stay up far later than is good for me because I just have to read one more chapter... check. (And isn't that the true litmus test of any book? If it can make you stay up late it's worth the purchase, right?)
As he did in the first book, Scott offers viewpoints from several characters, although differently than before, and it works really well. Readers who may have struggled with the format of the first book should feel more relaxed with this one. I liked the fact that Scott doesn't shy away from telling the story he needs to tell yet still has the restraint to not bloat the book with meaningless, mind-numbing detail or superfluous subplots. Speaking of detail, though- Scott can create a hell of setting with his words, no doubt about it.
No sophomore slump here, folks. J. Todd Scott clearly took every bit of knowledge gained in writing the first book and made his second offering even better.
I can't wait until this is officially released so I can get the hardcover on my shelf.
I loved this book.
It hit all the criteria I need a book in this genre to hit. Real and believable characters that make sense, including (especially) the bad guys... check. Showing me things about "the seedy side of life" that I don't ever experience in my 9-5 job... check. A plausible story that doesn't make me jump through hoops to believe... check. An ending that is satisfying, but still makes you grimace just a bit because not everything went the way you wanted it to, but was still the better, more realistic choice... check. The ability to make me stay up far later than is good for me because I just have to read one more chapter... check. (And isn't that the true litmus test of any book? If it can make you stay up late it's worth the purchase, right?)
As he did in the first book, Scott offers viewpoints from several characters, although differently than before, and it works really well. Readers who may have struggled with the format of the first book should feel more relaxed with this one. I liked the fact that Scott doesn't shy away from telling the story he needs to tell yet still has the restraint to not bloat the book with meaningless, mind-numbing detail or superfluous subplots. Speaking of detail, though- Scott can create a hell of setting with his words, no doubt about it.
No sophomore slump here, folks. J. Todd Scott clearly took every bit of knowledge gained in writing the first book and made his second offering even better.
I can't wait until this is officially released so I can get the hardcover on my shelf.