A review by masoudhouse
Reflex by Steven Gould

adventurous dark funny tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

There's something about this that didn't immediately grab as much as Jumper, and didn't hold me in certain places. But those were brief, and overall it was nearly as great. It's really a shame that the movie was so engaging in action but so bland in characterization, considering that both this and the first book are so character-driven. 


The following is important to know whether you want to read this, but not spoilers; this information is part of the premise or inoperable enough to mention. Reflex splits the narrative into two protagonists. Some big content warnings is that one plot involves enslavement, torture, and  brainwashing elements. The author balances the intensity of this with some levity or by switching to the other plot that has the other protagonist trying to perform a rescue. However, something I appreciate is that the author doesn't undersell the horror of torture with some action movie hero's  invulnerability to trauma. The characters are raw, vulnerable, and go through cycles of all kinds of emotions. 

I really enjoyed despite the different narrative structure and plotting. If torture and a minute  body horror elements bother you, don't read this. Otherwise, check it out. 
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