A review by read_late
Hell's Aquarium, by Steve Alten
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
If you want creature horror this might be right up your alley.
It isn't a stand out example of the series, it isn't particularly well-written, but to help pass a weekend while doing chores, it's a lot of fun.
There's a lot of exposition. A LOT. That's part of Alten's style but in this book it was particularly noticeable.
Alten's female characters could be stronger, there could be less slut-shaming, and his military characters could be less cliche, but it doesn't make the book unreadable.
With this audiobook version, the narrator does a lot of accents. Not all of them feel appropriate to the character.
All that being said--I was entertained. Despite its warts, it was still imaginative and immersive, and I'll probably read everything in this series (and everything Alten publishes) .
It's a solid 3.5.
It isn't a stand out example of the series, it isn't particularly well-written, but to help pass a weekend while doing chores, it's a lot of fun.
There's a lot of exposition. A LOT. That's part of Alten's style but in this book it was particularly noticeable.
Alten's female characters could be stronger, there could be less slut-shaming, and his military characters could be less cliche, but it doesn't make the book unreadable.
With this audiobook version, the narrator does a lot of accents. Not all of them feel appropriate to the character.
All that being said--I was entertained. Despite its warts, it was still imaginative and immersive, and I'll probably read everything in this series (and everything Alten publishes) .
It's a solid 3.5.