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Aloysius Pendergast #16
The Obsidian Chamber
Special Agent Pendergast wird vermisst, bei seinem letzten Abenteuer vermutlich ertrunken. Von Trauer überwältigt, zieht sich seine Vertraute Constance Greene in das New Yorker Anwesen zurück. Erfolglos versucht Pendergasts Bodyguard Proctor, in ihr neuen Lebensmut zu wecken. Doch dann nehmen die Ereignisse plötzlich eine unerwartete Wendung: Proctor wird von einem Eindringling überwältigt und betäubt. Als er wieder zu sich kommt, muss er hilflos mit ansehen, wie der Mann mit Constance in einem Auto davonrast. Aber er erkennt den Täter - und nimmt die Verfolgung auf.
11 pages, Audio CD
First published October 18, 2016
About the author
Douglas Preston
178 books12.6k followersDouglas Preston was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1956, and grew up in the deadly boring suburb of Wellesley. Following a distinguished career at a private nursery school--he was almost immediately expelled--he attended public schools and the Cambridge School of Weston. Notable events in his early life included the loss of a fingertip at the age of three to a bicycle; the loss of his two front teeth to his brother Richard's fist; and various broken bones, also incurred in dust-ups with Richard. (Richard went on to write The Hot Zone and The Cobra Event, which tells you all you need to know about what it was like to grow up with him as a brother.)
As they grew up, Doug, Richard, and their little brother David roamed the quiet suburbs of Wellesley, terrorizing the natives with home-made rockets and incendiary devices mail-ordered from the backs of comic books or concocted from chemistry sets. With a friend they once attempted to fly a rocket into Wellesley Square; the rocket malfunctioned and nearly killed a man mowing his lawn. They were local celebrities, often appearing in the "Police Notes" section of The Wellesley Townsman. It is a miracle they survived childhood intact.
After unaccountably being rejected by Stanford University (a pox on it), Preston attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, where he studied mathematics, biology, physics, anthropology, chemistry, geology, and astronomy before settling down to English literature. After graduating, Preston began his career at the American Museum of Natural History in New York as an editor, writer, and eventually manager of publications. (Preston also taught writing at Princeton University and was managing editor of Curator.) His eight-year stint at the Museum resulted in the non-fiction book, Dinosaurs in the Attic, edited by a rising young star at St. Martin's Press, a polymath by the name of Lincoln Child. During this period, Preston gave Child a midnight tour of the museum, and in the darkened Hall of Late Dinosaurs, under a looming T. Rex, Child turned to Preston and said: "This would make the perfect setting for a thriller!" That thriller would, of course, be Relic.
In 1986, Douglas Preston piled everything he owned into the back of a Subaru and moved from New York City to Santa Fe to write full time, following the advice of S. J. Perelman that "the dubious privilege of a freelance writer is he's given the freedom to starve anywhere." After the requisite period of penury, Preston achieved a small success with the publication of Cities of Gold, a non-fiction book about Coronado's search for the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola. To research the book, Preston and a friend retraced on horseback 1,000 miles of Coronado's route across Arizona and New Mexico, packing their supplies and sleeping under the stars--nearly killing themselves in the process. Since then he has published several more non-fiction books on the history of the American Southwest, Talking to the Ground and The Royal Road, as well as a novel entitled Jennie. In the early 1990s Preston and Child teamed up to write suspense novels; Relic was the first, followed by several others, including Riptide and Thunderhead. Relic was released as a motion picture by Paramount in 1997. Other films are under development at Hollywood studios. Preston and Child live 500 miles apart and write their books together via telephone, fax, and the Internet.
Preston and his brother Richard are currently producing a television miniseries for ABC and Mandalay Entertainment, to be aired in the spring of 2000, if all goes well, which in Hollywood is rarely the case.
Preston continues a magazine writing career by contributing regularly to The New Yorker magazine. He has also written for National Geographic, Natural History, Smithsonisan, Harper's,and Travel & Leisure,among others.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/dougla...
As they grew up, Doug, Richard, and their little brother David roamed the quiet suburbs of Wellesley, terrorizing the natives with home-made rockets and incendiary devices mail-ordered from the backs of comic books or concocted from chemistry sets. With a friend they once attempted to fly a rocket into Wellesley Square; the rocket malfunctioned and nearly killed a man mowing his lawn. They were local celebrities, often appearing in the "Police Notes" section of The Wellesley Townsman. It is a miracle they survived childhood intact.
After unaccountably being rejected by Stanford University (a pox on it), Preston attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, where he studied mathematics, biology, physics, anthropology, chemistry, geology, and astronomy before settling down to English literature. After graduating, Preston began his career at the American Museum of Natural History in New York as an editor, writer, and eventually manager of publications. (Preston also taught writing at Princeton University and was managing editor of Curator.) His eight-year stint at the Museum resulted in the non-fiction book, Dinosaurs in the Attic, edited by a rising young star at St. Martin's Press, a polymath by the name of Lincoln Child. During this period, Preston gave Child a midnight tour of the museum, and in the darkened Hall of Late Dinosaurs, under a looming T. Rex, Child turned to Preston and said: "This would make the perfect setting for a thriller!" That thriller would, of course, be Relic.
In 1986, Douglas Preston piled everything he owned into the back of a Subaru and moved from New York City to Santa Fe to write full time, following the advice of S. J. Perelman that "the dubious privilege of a freelance writer is he's given the freedom to starve anywhere." After the requisite period of penury, Preston achieved a small success with the publication of Cities of Gold, a non-fiction book about Coronado's search for the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola. To research the book, Preston and a friend retraced on horseback 1,000 miles of Coronado's route across Arizona and New Mexico, packing their supplies and sleeping under the stars--nearly killing themselves in the process. Since then he has published several more non-fiction books on the history of the American Southwest, Talking to the Ground and The Royal Road, as well as a novel entitled Jennie. In the early 1990s Preston and Child teamed up to write suspense novels; Relic was the first, followed by several others, including Riptide and Thunderhead. Relic was released as a motion picture by Paramount in 1997. Other films are under development at Hollywood studios. Preston and Child live 500 miles apart and write their books together via telephone, fax, and the Internet.
Preston and his brother Richard are currently producing a television miniseries for ABC and Mandalay Entertainment, to be aired in the spring of 2000, if all goes well, which in Hollywood is rarely the case.
Preston continues a magazine writing career by contributing regularly to The New Yorker magazine. He has also written for National Geographic, Natural History, Smithsonisan, Harper's,and Travel & Leisure,among others.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/dougla...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,558 reviews
February 11, 2019
I was not a huge fan of the book right before this one in the series – Crimson Shore. While Obsidian Chamber was a great deal better, I feel like where it ended left something to be desired. In fact, up until the end I was going with 5 stars all the way, but one major resolution is bringing it to 4.5 – and I am debating about whether to round down to 4 because I want my version of the ending so badly!!! See spoiler in next paragraph for details if you do not mind the key resolution being ruined for you.
I was reading this in a Buddy Read (shout out to Ginger and Terry), and so far the consensus seems to be
But, if I ignore the ending (I know, what’s the point then, but just bear with me . . .), I thought this was a really great book and it got back to a style of writing and storytelling I have not seen in a few books. There were lots of interesting storylines taking place all over the world. There was action, mystery, peril, etc. Also, a huge cast of characters – some that we haven’t seen in a few books. It just felt more meaty and full as a story than I have seen from Preston and Child lately. I hope that trend continues in the next book.
I will sum it up that this was a 95% satisfying book with one big speck of sand in my eye during the resolution. I am going to err on the side of 5 stars because I love P&C books so much. Also, I want to make sure that it is obvious to others when they check out my reviews of this series that I liked it better than the last one. But, I think I will need to start rewriting some of the stories as fan fiction!
Another thought that one of my Buddy Readers and I had about the ending
I was reading this in a Buddy Read (shout out to Ginger and Terry), and so far the consensus seems to be
But, if I ignore the ending (I know, what’s the point then, but just bear with me . . .), I thought this was a really great book and it got back to a style of writing and storytelling I have not seen in a few books. There were lots of interesting storylines taking place all over the world. There was action, mystery, peril, etc. Also, a huge cast of characters – some that we haven’t seen in a few books. It just felt more meaty and full as a story than I have seen from Preston and Child lately. I hope that trend continues in the next book.
I will sum it up that this was a 95% satisfying book with one big speck of sand in my eye during the resolution. I am going to err on the side of 5 stars because I love P&C books so much. Also, I want to make sure that it is obvious to others when they check out my reviews of this series that I liked it better than the last one. But, I think I will need to start rewriting some of the stories as fan fiction!
Another thought that one of my Buddy Readers and I had about the ending
November 4, 2016
2.5* What a lovely cover for this book; but a cover does not imply it will be enjoyable and well written. Having read several books by these talented authors it was disappointing that The Obsidian Chamber did not live up to expectations. The plot, characters, and flow was not up to their usual standard.
** Thank you to Publisher Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review. **
** Thank you to Publisher Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review. **
November 13, 2016
Oh, how are the mighty fallen. When I first discovered Relic, every book that followed was a treat.
Until they weren't.
I can't blame anyone for wanting to ride a gravy train, but this book should have been titled "The Obvious Cash In." The strain on credulity was so great, in terms of plot and character action, even for a series that has previously involved underwater monsters and overgrown man-babies in ways that made sense. I can almost see the phone call:
Publisher: Doug, Linc, you know how much we love your books.
Doug: We're really excited about these Gideon books, and....
Publisher: Yeah. About that. We're hoping you can maybe do a few more Pendergast for us.
::Mutes call::
Lincoln: I distinctly remember him drowning at the end of the last one?
Doug: Eh, we can fish him out. He's survived worse.
Lincoln: True.
::Unmutes call::
Doug: Yeah, we can probably manage that. There's always another case he can go on.
Publisher: Yeah. Um. There's something else. We'd REALLY love it if you could bring Diogenes back. Readers are just CRAZY about Pendergast's evil brother!! Is there ANY way?
::Mutes call::
L: Correct me if I'm wrong, Douglas, but did we or did we not drop Diogenes down a VOLCANO?
::Unmute::
D: That may be a little tricky - he was in a volcano last time we saw him.
P: I knooooow. But the reeeeaaaaaderrrrs and the saaaaallllles. Plus! You glimpsed him in the last book! He's ALIVE!
::mutes::
D: Pengergast's life was flashing before his fucking eyes. Of course he saw his brother!
L: A volcano. How do you survive a damn volcano?!
D: What about that Tom Hanks movie? Where jumps in the volcano but it pushes him out?
L: Seriously?
D: It's fiction. I dunno.
::Unmute::
L: Look, you guys, we're not sure how we feel about this. It's kind of a stretch for someone to survive a volcano.
Publisher: We could pay you ridiculous amounts of money!
::mute::
D: Boats are expensive. You?
L: Promised the wife a trip to Tuscany for our anniversary. A good one.
::unmutes::
D: Diogenes will return!!
As for the rest? I honestly wonder if they were just messing with us. No other explanation I can think of. Complete disappointment.
Until they weren't.
I can't blame anyone for wanting to ride a gravy train, but this book should have been titled "The Obvious Cash In." The strain on credulity was so great, in terms of plot and character action, even for a series that has previously involved underwater monsters and overgrown man-babies in ways that made sense. I can almost see the phone call:
Publisher: Doug, Linc, you know how much we love your books.
Doug: We're really excited about these Gideon books, and....
Publisher: Yeah. About that. We're hoping you can maybe do a few more Pendergast for us.
::Mutes call::
Lincoln: I distinctly remember him drowning at the end of the last one?
Doug: Eh, we can fish him out. He's survived worse.
Lincoln: True.
::Unmutes call::
Doug: Yeah, we can probably manage that. There's always another case he can go on.
Publisher: Yeah. Um. There's something else. We'd REALLY love it if you could bring Diogenes back. Readers are just CRAZY about Pendergast's evil brother!! Is there ANY way?
::Mutes call::
L: Correct me if I'm wrong, Douglas, but did we or did we not drop Diogenes down a VOLCANO?
::Unmute::
D: That may be a little tricky - he was in a volcano last time we saw him.
P: I knooooow. But the reeeeaaaaaderrrrs and the saaaaallllles. Plus! You glimpsed him in the last book! He's ALIVE!
::mutes::
D: Pengergast's life was flashing before his fucking eyes. Of course he saw his brother!
L: A volcano. How do you survive a damn volcano?!
D: What about that Tom Hanks movie? Where jumps in the volcano but it pushes him out?
L: Seriously?
D: It's fiction. I dunno.
::Unmute::
L: Look, you guys, we're not sure how we feel about this. It's kind of a stretch for someone to survive a volcano.
Publisher: We could pay you ridiculous amounts of money!
::mute::
D: Boats are expensive. You?
L: Promised the wife a trip to Tuscany for our anniversary. A good one.
::unmutes::
D: Diogenes will return!!
As for the rest? I honestly wonder if they were just messing with us. No other explanation I can think of. Complete disappointment.
October 29, 2016
3.5 Another series I have followed from the beginning, Pendergast being such an interesting character, his family background intriguing. This one starts exactly where the last one left off. Constance now alone is confronted by a person, thought dead, from her past so this storyline mostly concerns her. She is quite a formidable adversary, and as usual things are not as they appear. There is plenty of action, I thought the beginning of the book with Proctor went on a bit too long and was becoming a little bored but after that things happen so quickly that I just kept reading. There are always hidden layers in these books and the surprises and revelations are part of what keeps the story moving. The characters too, all have different aspects to their personalities and one never quite knows what to believe.
Have to admit though, that while I liked this, enjoyed finding out a little more about the Prendergast family history and events of the past, it was not a favorite of mine. A little too much suspension of belief was required, too many coincidences and maybe just not enough of the brilliance of Pendergast himself. Hope in the next one, which I will most definitely read, the authors will return to the elements that made this series so good for so long. From the ending of this one, not at all sure where the next one is heading.
ARC from publisher.
Have to admit though, that while I liked this, enjoyed finding out a little more about the Prendergast family history and events of the past, it was not a favorite of mine. A little too much suspension of belief was required, too many coincidences and maybe just not enough of the brilliance of Pendergast himself. Hope in the next one, which I will most definitely read, the authors will return to the elements that made this series so good for so long. From the ending of this one, not at all sure where the next one is heading.
ARC from publisher.
August 21, 2022
After a confusing start this part of the series got extremely tight and intriguing. Why did Diogenes abduct Constance? Who died on the plane? What about Proctor? The biggest question, is Pendergast still alive? What are Diogenes' plans? The authors send you on a rollercoaster ride full of twists and new turns. The story is absolutely outstanding and reveals many secrets of Pendergasts family. You'll also meet all the well known characters of the series. How will it end? Definitely worth your time and reading. Highly recommended!
February 12, 2019
4 stars for me!
I had a hard time rating this one because I loved what Preston & Child did with a certain plot in The Obsidian Chamber. I thought I would have issues with this plot but they wrote it well.
My issue with The Obsidian Chamber came at the end of the book. I'm not sure if I'm satisfied with how they resolved
I did enjoy the new characters of Howard Longstreet and Flavia Greyling! They really added to the book and gave it some freshness which is what this series needs right now.
Bring back Vincent D'Agosta & Laura Hayward as well!
I need some of my favorite characters back and need Constance to fade away. I'm sick of her.
I had a hard time rating this one because I loved what Preston & Child did with a certain plot in The Obsidian Chamber. I thought I would have issues with this plot but they wrote it well.
My issue with The Obsidian Chamber came at the end of the book. I'm not sure if I'm satisfied with how they resolved
I did enjoy the new characters of Howard Longstreet and Flavia Greyling! They really added to the book and gave it some freshness which is what this series needs right now.
Bring back Vincent D'Agosta & Laura Hayward as well!
I need some of my favorite characters back and need Constance to fade away. I'm sick of her.
December 25, 2016
Before you start Obsidian Chamber, ask yourself this: Do I honestly give a fuck about Constance Greene's love life?
Anyone?
Anyone?
If not, I suggest pretending this particular installment of the series doesn't exist. If by chance there is someone out there who finds Constance a less-irritating plot device than I do...well, dearie, do I have a book for you.
Chamber picks up immediately after the conclusion of Crimson Shore, with Pendergast missing and presumed dead and Constance, who suddenly developed feels for the agent in the last novel, ready to consign herself to the cellars beneath 891 Riverside Drive until she recovers from said feels. (Because, you know, that's what adults do.) Before the mopes can truly set in, however, an intruder breaks into the mansion looking for Constance, sending Pendergast's devoted manservant Proctor off on an internationally manhunt.
Had this novel been the promised Around the World in 80 Days with Badass!Proctor, I would have been a happy woman. Instead, in an act of narrative cruelty, Proctor's epic pursuit turns into little more than a severe punking, while the action turns back to Constance, who finds herself being courted (for realsies this time, honest!) by Pendergast's brother, (not dead!) Diogenes for 400 pages in what must be the world's most awful and awkward meet-cute rom-com. The authors keep us in Diogenes's head for most of that time, which gives the reader not only a strong inkling of how this relationship is going to end but a measure of sympathy for the devil when it does. (And it does, in a flash of deus ex Pendergast.)
All in all, Obsidian Chamber reads like the kind of relationship roadblock writers of teen soaps throw up when they're trying to delay an inevitable 'ship docking into port (so to speak), which means it's only interesting in so far as you care about Constance and Pendergast's love affair (gah, I gagged even typing that) or about Pendergast's family drama (no again, sorry). What a pity; had Preston and Child decided to go a slightly more interesting way with this, they could have used this same set up to launch dark!Constance as Pendergast's new arch-nemesis. I would have read the hell out of that.
Anyone?
Anyone?
If not, I suggest pretending this particular installment of the series doesn't exist. If by chance there is someone out there who finds Constance a less-irritating plot device than I do...well, dearie, do I have a book for you.
Chamber picks up immediately after the conclusion of Crimson Shore, with Pendergast missing and presumed dead and Constance, who suddenly developed feels for the agent in the last novel, ready to consign herself to the cellars beneath 891 Riverside Drive until she recovers from said feels. (Because, you know, that's what adults do.) Before the mopes can truly set in, however, an intruder breaks into the mansion looking for Constance, sending Pendergast's devoted manservant Proctor off on an internationally manhunt.
Had this novel been the promised Around the World in 80 Days with Badass!Proctor, I would have been a happy woman. Instead, in an act of narrative cruelty, Proctor's epic pursuit turns into little more than a severe punking, while the action turns back to Constance, who finds herself being courted (for realsies this time, honest!) by Pendergast's brother, (not dead!) Diogenes for 400 pages in what must be the world's most awful and awkward meet-cute rom-com. The authors keep us in Diogenes's head for most of that time, which gives the reader not only a strong inkling of how this relationship is going to end but a measure of sympathy for the devil when it does. (And it does, in a flash of deus ex Pendergast.)
All in all, Obsidian Chamber reads like the kind of relationship roadblock writers of teen soaps throw up when they're trying to delay an inevitable 'ship docking into port (so to speak), which means it's only interesting in so far as you care about Constance and Pendergast's love affair (gah, I gagged even typing that) or about Pendergast's family drama (no again, sorry). What a pity; had Preston and Child decided to go a slightly more interesting way with this, they could have used this same set up to launch dark!Constance as Pendergast's new arch-nemesis. I would have read the hell out of that.
November 13, 2022
In The Obsidian Chamber, a FBI thriller set in New York City focusing around Special Agent Pendergast, readers might think they're either re-reading a familiar book or reading something written by a new author... yep, that's a bit confusing, eh? Pendergast has been presumed dead before. Evil rogues he's killed come back after dying. Generally, the books revolve around either of these two players. This time... Pendergast is presumed dead again and someone we know very well is back from the dead to kidnap Constance - again! POV is told from 4 or 5 new characters, and so it's a fun but shaky start. It all comes together about a 1/3 of the way thru when the stories intersect and we see the missing pieces (told in different time periods too). I enjoyed the different way of telling a story we've heard before with a twist. But I definitely want to take a few books off this path and have true FBI cases before returning to Pendergast's twisted family crimes!
April 12, 2017
I read the first Pendergast book Relic a couple of years ago and since then I have this been a favorite series of mine. It has been an interesting journey where I have learned more about Aloysius Pendergast and his family as the books progress and now here we are at book 16.
Pendergast is missing after the harrowing ending in the last book, and no one knows if he is alive or dead. For Constance, his ward is this a traumatizing experience and she has decided to retreat to the world she is so familiar with, the chambers below the Pendergast mansion. However, and an old enemy has returned, someone that she knows very well. But, Constance will soon learn that not everything is as it seems.
As with most books in this series was The Obsidian Chamber a pure joy to read. I miss the time when I had several Pendergast books to read, but in a way is it also nice to get a new one every year. This book felt more like a Constance book than an Aloysius Pendergast book. Of course, he is not totally missing from the book, but much of the story is about Constance. It's actually a bit tricky to write this review without spoiling too much of the story, like for instance who is back. So, I will just write some general thoughts about the book.
Constance is an intersecting character, not my personal favorite, but her backstory is truly intriguing and her first introduction to the series was spectacular. I do find myself not overfond with her growing attraction to Aloysius. I just can't seem to enjoy that idea. I must prefer her just being his ward. She has a central role in this book, and I did enjoy her part in this book. I was a bit surprised by her action in this book, how docile she seemed. However, everything got explained nicely towards the end of the book.
I was a bit worried that it would end with a cliffhanger, and yes, there was a kind of cliffhanger, but still, the story felt ended at the moment. It's the kind of ending that felt satisfying and not frustrating. The previous books end was way more frustrating than this.
Finally, I hope that Corrie is in the next book. She has not had a prominent role since White Fire book 13 and I loved that book and I adore her.
I want to thank Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
Pendergast is missing after the harrowing ending in the last book, and no one knows if he is alive or dead. For Constance, his ward is this a traumatizing experience and she has decided to retreat to the world she is so familiar with, the chambers below the Pendergast mansion. However, and an old enemy has returned, someone that she knows very well. But, Constance will soon learn that not everything is as it seems.
As with most books in this series was The Obsidian Chamber a pure joy to read. I miss the time when I had several Pendergast books to read, but in a way is it also nice to get a new one every year. This book felt more like a Constance book than an Aloysius Pendergast book. Of course, he is not totally missing from the book, but much of the story is about Constance. It's actually a bit tricky to write this review without spoiling too much of the story, like for instance who is back. So, I will just write some general thoughts about the book.
Constance is an intersecting character, not my personal favorite, but her backstory is truly intriguing and her first introduction to the series was spectacular. I do find myself not overfond with her growing attraction to Aloysius. I just can't seem to enjoy that idea. I must prefer her just being his ward. She has a central role in this book, and I did enjoy her part in this book. I was a bit surprised by her action in this book, how docile she seemed. However, everything got explained nicely towards the end of the book.
I was a bit worried that it would end with a cliffhanger, and yes, there was a kind of cliffhanger, but still, the story felt ended at the moment. It's the kind of ending that felt satisfying and not frustrating. The previous books end was way more frustrating than this.
Finally, I hope that Corrie is in the next book. She has not had a prominent role since White Fire book 13 and I loved that book and I adore her.
I want to thank Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
February 13, 2019
Picks up right where Crimson Shore left off. You should definitely read it first. This book is written a little differently as it takes place from many points of view. And there's no real case to solve, just a day in the life (if you will) of the Pendergast cast of characters. Proctor gets to take center stage for a large portion of the book. The book ties up a lot of loose ends and allows for a new direction for the characters in the future.
Received an advance copy from Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Received an advance copy from Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2016
This felt like a blatant cash grab--I was annoyed and angry throughout the entirety of this book.
I subscribe to these authors' email newsletter, so ages ago (pre Crimson Shore) got an email teasing about a new trilogy planned that would involve the why and how angry New Orleans mob burnt down the Pendergast family home with his mom & dad trapped inside. That's always been a big part of the back story, with luckily a backup mansion built by the deranged Great-Uncle Enoch in New York City. The origin of why this happened sounds cool--I'm onboard with a Pendergast Family Tragedy actually being explored, because we're now on book 16 and that still hasn't come up. It does not in this book.
I refused to believe the clues in Crimson Shore that Diogenes is still alive, because...he clearly fell into a volcano NINE BOOKS ago.
But then this happened:
Apparently you can survive a volcano if you fall into it the right way. The molten lava gave off hot air that allowed Diogenes to waft his face into a molten hot crevice. Then he was able to crawl off the mountain to the favorite staple in fiction (and these authors employ far too frequently)--the kindly old lady with no friends or relatives who will take you in, no questions asked, and cheerfully tend to all sorts of bullet wounds, stabs, and volcano face melting as you recover in her second guest bedroom. Luckily for Diogenes, this old lady was a dab hand at making her own ointments, and now he just has a distinguished raffish scar along the side of his face as volcano memento. Oh, and now he wants to mend all his ways and is wildly in love with Constance.
Aloysius Xingu Leng Pendergast last we saw was drifting out to sea after the fight with the monster baby (which Diogenes was behind--turns out Carole Hinterwasser's assistant at the tourist shop & waitress at the inn were in cahoots with him all long). He's now been "rescued" by drug smugglers who plan to ransom him. Proctor is racing off to Africa to rescue Constance whom he sees gets kidnapped by Diogenes. Kindly Old Mrs. Trask is caring for her suddenly ill sister upstate. No one has cell phones or uses email so naturally things get complicated for no reason.
Can I say for a moment how much I dislike the techphobia in this book. I know there's always that Mime guy they can call when they need anything done online, but it's especially stupid in this book and causes all sorts of complications. The FBI executive director in charge of rescuing Pendergast from the kidnappers for example--let's take a look at his office:
"There was not even a computer--Longstreet did his digital work elsewhere. Instead, there were three walls lined in books of every imaginable subject...Longstreet's thin and remarkable tall form lounged in one of the wing chairs. He was reading--alternately--from a confidential report in one hand and a copy of George Eliot's Daniel Deronda in the other."
Insufferable. Every character (except for a blink and you miss her Laura Hayward cameo) is ridiculous to nth degree. And not really much happens. Most of the book is spent with Diogenes wooing Constance (gross), Constance slowly falling for him again (even grosser), Pendergast agreeing to avenge all of Diogenes' former victims and save Constance, and Proctor tangling with lions and slowly making his way across the Sahara desert. There's no real mystery, just a slow moving train wreck as the book creaks its way to a denouement.
My thoughts on the ending:
The only part I liked at the end was the housekeeper back from nursing her sister (so about that...deathly sick for 28 days, poisoned by Diogenes--he never bothered to send an antidote after running off with Constance)? Who wisely mused "She'd thought of trying to telephone, but realized that she knew neither Mr. Pendergast's nor Proctor's cell phone. Constance of course had no phone and didn't care for one. Really, once they were back, she was going to have to make sure to..." Why doesn't she know her boss and sole coworker's phone number?
Bleh. Also if you have not read the previous 16 books, most of this book will be even more incomprehensible to you.
PS.
How Pendergast was able to trick the Tiffany's saleswoman into giving up the address was not just sleazy and ridiculous, but dangerous.
I subscribe to these authors' email newsletter, so ages ago (pre Crimson Shore) got an email teasing about a new trilogy planned that would involve the why and how angry New Orleans mob burnt down the Pendergast family home with his mom & dad trapped inside. That's always been a big part of the back story, with luckily a backup mansion built by the deranged Great-Uncle Enoch in New York City. The origin of why this happened sounds cool--I'm onboard with a Pendergast Family Tragedy actually being explored, because we're now on book 16 and that still hasn't come up. It does not in this book.
I refused to believe the clues in Crimson Shore that Diogenes is still alive, because...he clearly fell into a volcano NINE BOOKS ago.
But then this happened:
Apparently you can survive a volcano if you fall into it the right way. The molten lava gave off hot air that allowed Diogenes to waft his face into a molten hot crevice. Then he was able to crawl off the mountain to the favorite staple in fiction (and these authors employ far too frequently)--the kindly old lady with no friends or relatives who will take you in, no questions asked, and cheerfully tend to all sorts of bullet wounds, stabs, and volcano face melting as you recover in her second guest bedroom. Luckily for Diogenes, this old lady was a dab hand at making her own ointments, and now he just has a distinguished raffish scar along the side of his face as volcano memento. Oh, and now he wants to mend all his ways and is wildly in love with Constance.
Aloysius Xingu Leng Pendergast last we saw was drifting out to sea after the fight with the monster baby (which Diogenes was behind--turns out Carole Hinterwasser's assistant at the tourist shop & waitress at the inn were in cahoots with him all long). He's now been "rescued" by drug smugglers who plan to ransom him. Proctor is racing off to Africa to rescue Constance whom he sees gets kidnapped by Diogenes. Kindly Old Mrs. Trask is caring for her suddenly ill sister upstate. No one has cell phones or uses email so naturally things get complicated for no reason.
Can I say for a moment how much I dislike the techphobia in this book. I know there's always that Mime guy they can call when they need anything done online, but it's especially stupid in this book and causes all sorts of complications. The FBI executive director in charge of rescuing Pendergast from the kidnappers for example--let's take a look at his office:
"There was not even a computer--Longstreet did his digital work elsewhere. Instead, there were three walls lined in books of every imaginable subject...Longstreet's thin and remarkable tall form lounged in one of the wing chairs. He was reading--alternately--from a confidential report in one hand and a copy of George Eliot's Daniel Deronda in the other."
Insufferable. Every character (except for a blink and you miss her Laura Hayward cameo) is ridiculous to nth degree. And not really much happens. Most of the book is spent with Diogenes wooing Constance (gross), Constance slowly falling for him again (even grosser), Pendergast agreeing to avenge all of Diogenes' former victims and save Constance, and Proctor tangling with lions and slowly making his way across the Sahara desert. There's no real mystery, just a slow moving train wreck as the book creaks its way to a denouement.
My thoughts on the ending:
The only part I liked at the end was the housekeeper back from nursing her sister (so about that...deathly sick for 28 days, poisoned by Diogenes--he never bothered to send an antidote after running off with Constance)? Who wisely mused "She'd thought of trying to telephone, but realized that she knew neither Mr. Pendergast's nor Proctor's cell phone. Constance of course had no phone and didn't care for one. Really, once they were back, she was going to have to make sure to..." Why doesn't she know her boss and sole coworker's phone number?
Bleh. Also if you have not read the previous 16 books, most of this book will be even more incomprehensible to you.
PS.
How Pendergast was able to trick the Tiffany's saleswoman into giving up the address was not just sleazy and ridiculous, but dangerous.
February 12, 2019
The closer I get to catching up with the authors, the sadder I get that I don't have a stack of these books waiting for me. Great writing continues. This was another fun installment, and for me, was 4.5/5.0 stars.
February 8, 2019
Update: Full circle? Maybe. Almost. There is still much to see ahead. I’m still reeling from what all did occur. I was unable to put it down once I reached a certain point.
Yeah, I think I have a book hangover. The next volume awaits. Still a Pendergast fan. #foreverAXL
*****************************************************
Much thinking to do, there is .....
Yeah, I think I have a book hangover. The next volume awaits. Still a Pendergast fan. #foreverAXL
*****************************************************
Much thinking to do, there is .....
April 22, 2020
Hmmm... this is probably my least favourite installment of the Pendergast series so far. It's still not a bad book and hence why I rated it 3-stars, but a big part of the story focused on characters whom I'm not a fan of. I need more mysteries with Pendergast, D'Agosta and even Laura Hayward, and much less Constance please.
September 21, 2016
First, thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for a review!
This book was one plot twist after another... and it seriously relied on the reader having partaken in most of the prior 15 books. Unlike many of the others in the series, which can be read on their own without much series spoilage or backstory needed, this one really brought back a LOT of elements of so many of the prior books and tied up a bunch of stories. Of course, it also left a lot hanging, but that's the fun of a series book -- until the author states the end is nigh, you know more is coming.
Other than making sure that other readers know that this one is definitely a "read-the-others-first" entry in the series, I can't say much about the story because, well, saying more would seriously spoil multiple books worth of twists, cliffhangers, and mysteries.
I absolutely love this series, and Obsidian Chamber was no exception to that love.
Pick up this series. You've got a lot of great books to catch up on if you do. :)
This book was one plot twist after another... and it seriously relied on the reader having partaken in most of the prior 15 books. Unlike many of the others in the series, which can be read on their own without much series spoilage or backstory needed, this one really brought back a LOT of elements of so many of the prior books and tied up a bunch of stories. Of course, it also left a lot hanging, but that's the fun of a series book -- until the author states the end is nigh, you know more is coming.
Other than making sure that other readers know that this one is definitely a "read-the-others-first" entry in the series, I can't say much about the story because, well, saying more would seriously spoil multiple books worth of twists, cliffhangers, and mysteries.
I absolutely love this series, and Obsidian Chamber was no exception to that love.
Pick up this series. You've got a lot of great books to catch up on if you do. :)
October 28, 2016
I e been reading the Pendergast series for years and love them. Some of the most entertaining reads. However this one felt lazy and thrown in just as a filler book. I am growing tired of characters dying and coming back to life. This feels like a trend in many stories lately. Please just kill off a character and let them stay dead! Create new and interesting people to move the story forward and in different directions. Not going backwards to old familiar storylines.
October 21, 2016
Well, I have so many feelings, yet not much to say. This book was far better than the last of memory serves. But it was a bit predictable. I love and hated almost each character for their selflessness and selfish actions. I hated the ending. It seemed dumb and only because the authors want Pendergast to be aloof. IDK.
October 30, 2016
The Pendergast series by Preston and Child is one of my annual treats. What new, strange and usually odd situation will the Agent and his associates and friends find themselves involved in this time. In this book everything is different as Pendergast is missing and presumed dead as of the end of the last episode, set on the coast of Massachusetts. Now we watch as his ward Constance reels from the loss of the most important person in her life; as Proctor, his bodyguard works to help and protect her. But something/someone seems to be lurking in the mansion on Riverside Drive.
As always, I am not going to give plot away here. Suffice it to say, Preston & Child bring their action game to this one---at times a wee bit too much for me. For a series that already strains credulity to the limit (and I accept that willingly) there was a bit to much of an action novel this time. That said, the Pendergast mythos has been advanced, the saga continues, the stories of many continuing characters have been forwarded. But has any part been completed? In a Pendergast novel? Complete is a very strong word for these books. I very definitely look forward to the next step in this series, wherever it may lead.
3.5* rounded to 4*
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
As always, I am not going to give plot away here. Suffice it to say, Preston & Child bring their action game to this one---at times a wee bit too much for me. For a series that already strains credulity to the limit (and I accept that willingly) there was a bit to much of an action novel this time. That said, the Pendergast mythos has been advanced, the saga continues, the stories of many continuing characters have been forwarded. But has any part been completed? In a Pendergast novel? Complete is a very strong word for these books. I very definitely look forward to the next step in this series, wherever it may lead.
3.5* rounded to 4*
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 28, 2018
The Obsidian Chamber wildly oscillates between being seriously awesome and downright stupid. I liked the start of the book - like most Pendergast novels, the first act tends to be fast paced and drags the reader into the story. But then, like most Pendergast novels, the rest of the acts start dragging.
A couple of points to note - Pendergast finally realizes that he is responsible for Diogenes. The second is the bloody sitcom like relationship Pendergast & Constance have. I hate this in sitcoms and I specifically hate it happening here. Why o why?
Overall, I consider this an average Pendergast at best.
A couple of points to note - Pendergast finally realizes that he is responsible for Diogenes. The second is the bloody sitcom like relationship Pendergast & Constance have. I hate this in sitcoms and I specifically hate it happening here. Why o why?
Overall, I consider this an average Pendergast at best.
February 6, 2018
2018 Reading Challenge: has two authors
Well this was much better than they’ve been lately! Vincent and that annoying journalist chick play no roles. They get on my nerves. My only issue is the villain is more of an anti-villain, which is quite out of character. But all-in-all great read
Well this was much better than they’ve been lately! Vincent and that annoying journalist chick play no roles. They get on my nerves. My only issue is the villain is more of an anti-villain, which is quite out of character. But all-in-all great read
February 6, 2017
For the most part, it's not necessary to read the Pendergast books in any particular order, however in this case I do think it's best to have read "Crimson Shore" before reading this book. "Obsidian Chamber" picks up shortly after the end of the 15th book in the series. I feared that in the prior book the authors had written themselves into a corner with the relationship between Pendergast and his ward Constance, but I should have had more faith in the authors, because they have resisted the urge to make them a couple. Constance has a very interesting backstory (established in my favorite book of the series "The Cabinet of Curiosities"), but I'd be happy to have her gone from the series for a while.
In this book Pendergast is presumed dead and Constance is abducted from Penergast's mansion on Riverside Drive. If you have read earlier books in this series you will immediately know the identity of the kidnapper. This kidnapping provides the opportunity for the authors to turn Proctor into an action hero. Before this book, I had never seen Proctor described as a "bodyguard", he was basically Pendergast's butler and chauffeur, so I didn't realize that he was heavily armed and had a skill set that includes torture and fighting lions. Proctor was fun in this book and he should add some variety to future books.
It was a little disturbing that the only women in this book were two mentally unbalanced women scorned, but I liked the book a lot anyway.
I received a free copy of the e-book from the publisher, however I wound up borrowing and listening to the audiobook from the library.
In this book Pendergast is presumed dead and Constance is abducted from Penergast's mansion on Riverside Drive. If you have read earlier books in this series you will immediately know the identity of the kidnapper. This kidnapping provides the opportunity for the authors to turn Proctor into an action hero. Before this book, I had never seen Proctor described as a "bodyguard", he was basically Pendergast's butler and chauffeur, so I didn't realize that he was heavily armed and had a skill set that includes torture and fighting lions. Proctor was fun in this book and he should add some variety to future books.
It was a little disturbing that the only women in this book were two mentally unbalanced women scorned, but I liked the book a lot anyway.
I received a free copy of the e-book from the publisher, however I wound up borrowing and listening to the audiobook from the library.
November 14, 2016
After the apparent dead of agent Pendergast at the end of the previous book "The crimson Shore" his ward Constance Green is left in deep grief. She is left in his New York mansion pulling away from the world while manservant Proctor watches over her while mrs Trask, the housekeeper, is away taking care of her sick sister.
The mansion gets an unwanted visitor who spirits Constance away from her solitude and grief. Proctor gives chase across three continents to ensure the safety of Constance.
This Pendergast story is already the 16th installment in a series that is a blind buy every year. It will not be a great spoiler that Pendergast is not as dead as it seems and he once more is an imposant figure of a man and a very good FBI agent. We learn a lot more about Constance and Pendergast history which endears both even more. We learn something more about Pendergasts history and abilities and personal story before he became an FBI agent.
It is a good story, not the best in the series, but is seems to close a story-line and yet leaves openings for so many new ones. This is not a book I would advise first time readers of this series to read as it is way to convoluted with details from previous tales and implies you need to know more than this book. Which can be considered a bonus for the fans and a minus for the newbies.
Well worth your time if you fancy reading a fascinating series, start at the beginning and you'll find this book a welcome treat.
The mansion gets an unwanted visitor who spirits Constance away from her solitude and grief. Proctor gives chase across three continents to ensure the safety of Constance.
This Pendergast story is already the 16th installment in a series that is a blind buy every year. It will not be a great spoiler that Pendergast is not as dead as it seems and he once more is an imposant figure of a man and a very good FBI agent. We learn a lot more about Constance and Pendergast history which endears both even more. We learn something more about Pendergasts history and abilities and personal story before he became an FBI agent.
It is a good story, not the best in the series, but is seems to close a story-line and yet leaves openings for so many new ones. This is not a book I would advise first time readers of this series to read as it is way to convoluted with details from previous tales and implies you need to know more than this book. Which can be considered a bonus for the fans and a minus for the newbies.
Well worth your time if you fancy reading a fascinating series, start at the beginning and you'll find this book a welcome treat.
November 2, 2016
Pendergast Series Book #16: Diogenes- 3.5 stars ...
I absolutely love this series but this is the first book that didn't really grab me like the others. If you're familiar with this series and characters then you know Aloysius brother' Diogenes usually plays the bad guy role. In this book, he is supposedly turning over a new leaf and he has not only fallen in love with Constance but is giving up his bad boy ways.
I don't think I quite like this "new and improved" version. I just don't buy it so it was hard for me to reconcile this new personality with the evil person that has always committed such heinous acts. Plus Aloysius and Constance have been so set on finally just being done with him that what they did at the end, did not ring true to me at all. It felt totally contrived to keep Diogenes in the picture for a little while longer.
So this was definitely not one of my favorites but I am doubly curious now to see what the next book brings. I just hope it's better then this one!
*I received this book from NetGalley & Grand Central Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I absolutely love this series but this is the first book that didn't really grab me like the others. If you're familiar with this series and characters then you know Aloysius brother' Diogenes usually plays the bad guy role. In this book, he is supposedly turning over a new leaf and he has not only fallen in love with Constance but is giving up his bad boy ways.
I don't think I quite like this "new and improved" version. I just don't buy it so it was hard for me to reconcile this new personality with the evil person that has always committed such heinous acts. Plus Aloysius and Constance have been so set on finally just being done with him that what they did at the end, did not ring true to me at all. It felt totally contrived to keep Diogenes in the picture for a little while longer.
So this was definitely not one of my favorites but I am doubly curious now to see what the next book brings. I just hope it's better then this one!
*I received this book from NetGalley & Grand Central Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
December 19, 2017
Pendergast books are among my all-time favourites. Two years ago I read Relic and immeditaely after finishingt it I bought whole series and during two or three months I read only Pendergast. Than each year I was awaiting impatiently next instalment in the series. Blue Labyrinth was great, Crimson SHore was good, Obsidian Chamber disappointed me.
I don't want to spoil things for you but let me say that Epilogue is really, really stupid and illogical - SPOILER: . The finishing part after Epilogue left me drustrated. Character "development" in this book was forced and not credible. Plot was predictable.
While I do hope there'll be a lot more books in Pendergast series I would prefer to wait for them longer and receive more quality. At the moment I feel like authors profit from their franchise (natural thing) but, sadly, last books in the series are - for me - inferior to the older instalments.
Sure, I'll get any other book in the series because I'm a fan. This however doesn't meand I'm uncritical.
I don't want to spoil things for you but let me say that Epilogue is really, really stupid and illogical - SPOILER: . The finishing part after Epilogue left me drustrated. Character "development" in this book was forced and not credible. Plot was predictable.
While I do hope there'll be a lot more books in Pendergast series I would prefer to wait for them longer and receive more quality. At the moment I feel like authors profit from their franchise (natural thing) but, sadly, last books in the series are - for me - inferior to the older instalments.
Sure, I'll get any other book in the series because I'm a fan. This however doesn't meand I'm uncritical.
April 19, 2020
This was such an exciting book! I listened to the audio book format while working in my yard and planting the garden. Definitely keep me totally absorbed in the story the entire time. Made hours of outdoor work whiz right by!
A dangerous figure in both Pendergast's and Constance Green's past comes back in this exciting tale. The cliff hanger ending of Crimson Shore is resolved, and a character I didn't expect to see again popped up to cause all sorts of problems. I feel like this book returns to the action/vibe of the first few books that was maybe lacking a bit in later stories. I think the Helen-centric books bogged down the series a bit....for me, that particular continuing plot carried on too long. I do have to say that I feel like the two main characters made some bad judgment calls in this book. I think both characters will have to deal with some bad consequences from decisions made in The Obsidian Chamber.
The audio book version (Hachette Audio)is just under 13 hours long. It is narrated by Rene Auberjonois, who gives his usual excellent performance. Auberjonois passed away in December 2019 and stopped narrating this series with book 18. Jefferson Mays narrates the newest book, Crooked River, that just came out in 2020. I will savor the next two books with Auberjonois' narration, and do my best to accept the change once I get to book 20.
Moving on to Book #17, City of Endless Night!
A dangerous figure in both Pendergast's and Constance Green's past comes back in this exciting tale. The cliff hanger ending of Crimson Shore is resolved, and a character I didn't expect to see again popped up to cause all sorts of problems. I feel like this book returns to the action/vibe of the first few books that was maybe lacking a bit in later stories. I think the Helen-centric books bogged down the series a bit....for me, that particular continuing plot carried on too long. I do have to say that I feel like the two main characters made some bad judgment calls in this book. I think both characters will have to deal with some bad consequences from decisions made in The Obsidian Chamber.
The audio book version (Hachette Audio)is just under 13 hours long. It is narrated by Rene Auberjonois, who gives his usual excellent performance. Auberjonois passed away in December 2019 and stopped narrating this series with book 18. Jefferson Mays narrates the newest book, Crooked River, that just came out in 2020. I will savor the next two books with Auberjonois' narration, and do my best to accept the change once I get to book 20.
Moving on to Book #17, City of Endless Night!
January 25, 2019
Being on such a high from the previous book, Crimson Shore, I was prepared to keep going full throttle. This book did have excitement but it definitely slowed me down in the beginning. It picked back up midway and kept going full speed ahead to a satisfying ending that builds anticipation for the next book.
Not to give away any spoilers, but this is another Pendergast book and it is typically him if you have read any of the other books in the series. It is very difficult to review these books without given away any clues or revealing characters. So I will just say you will not be disappointed if you are a reader of this series.
I also highly recommend you begin this series from the beginning and not the middle or you will not understand what in the world is going on and will miss the true impact of what is happening.
This is a 5 star book for me (and usually I am stingy with stars).
Not to give away any spoilers, but this is another Pendergast book and it is typically him if you have read any of the other books in the series. It is very difficult to review these books without given away any clues or revealing characters. So I will just say you will not be disappointed if you are a reader of this series.
I also highly recommend you begin this series from the beginning and not the middle or you will not understand what in the world is going on and will miss the true impact of what is happening.
This is a 5 star book for me (and usually I am stingy with stars).
February 12, 2023
Okay, even for a Pendergast book this was buck wild.
ME: I like all of my Pendergast characters equally
EARLIER TODAY: I don’t care much for Constance
ME: I like all of my Pendergast characters equally
EARLIER TODAY: I don’t care much for Constance
December 19, 2016
The Obsidian Chamber by Preston and Child is the 16th book in the Pendergast series.
Before I begin the review, I'd like to mention that this is the first book in this series that I've read and although that is almost never a good idea, I wasn't able to resist accepting this title when it was offered to me.
I absolutely loved reading this book. It was equal parts clever, suspenseful, full of unforeseeable twists and chilling and extremely interesting characters. I enjoyed the premise of the plot and I loved the fact that things were told in such a way that as a new reader to the series, I was able to get an idea about what might have happened in the earlier parts. I even got a decent idea as to how the chemistry between the characters worked up until this part. So I was really happy to get all the important background information that the authors cleverly infused without affecting the present narration.
This book had really strong characters and even though I did not fall in love with the main guy, AXL Pendergast (mainly because he wasn't the main character in this particular story) I was really drawn towards the other main characters in this book. I'm pretty sure that Diogenes might have been the crazy serial killer in the parts before this one, but in this part, I loved him as he was a completely changed man standing right on the turning point in his life. And it makes me wonder that now that I actually like the villain of the story, how could I possibly read the previous parts.
Anyway, back to the character dissection, I did not much like the character of Constance. She was too "ancient" for me to feel connected to her. I did love Proctor, he is this smart, intelligent and stud guy who'd do anything to protect his people. So yeah, this is one of those books that'll make you fall in love with more than half of the characters.
The storyline was strong and so were the characters and the writing, so there was actually nothing that I, as a reader, couldn't have liked. The book started with one hell of a fast paced beginning with Proctor running around the world changing plane after plane chasing the kidnapper and I was hooked right from the start. But then a really mind-bending twist followed and I was like, "What the hell?" and then things started to get really interesting, to say the least.
The ending was a bit slow, but that could be overlooked considering that it is an ongoing series, so a mild closure for all the characters is needed. Though I would have loved to read more about proctor towards the end, considering that the book started with him. Also, a few scenes between Constance and Diogenes felt like a slog, especially when they both started talking about the ancient aristocratic stuff, but maybe that's just me.
Other than these minor issues, I loved the book, so much that I'm planning to read this entire series from beginning in the coming days. If you like reading nice suspenseful stories rich with strong characters and storylines then this book (or rather series) is for you.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
Before I begin the review, I'd like to mention that this is the first book in this series that I've read and although that is almost never a good idea, I wasn't able to resist accepting this title when it was offered to me.
I absolutely loved reading this book. It was equal parts clever, suspenseful, full of unforeseeable twists and chilling and extremely interesting characters. I enjoyed the premise of the plot and I loved the fact that things were told in such a way that as a new reader to the series, I was able to get an idea about what might have happened in the earlier parts. I even got a decent idea as to how the chemistry between the characters worked up until this part. So I was really happy to get all the important background information that the authors cleverly infused without affecting the present narration.
This book had really strong characters and even though I did not fall in love with the main guy, AXL Pendergast (mainly because he wasn't the main character in this particular story) I was really drawn towards the other main characters in this book. I'm pretty sure that Diogenes might have been the crazy serial killer in the parts before this one, but in this part, I loved him as he was a completely changed man standing right on the turning point in his life. And it makes me wonder that now that I actually like the villain of the story, how could I possibly read the previous parts.
Anyway, back to the character dissection, I did not much like the character of Constance. She was too "ancient" for me to feel connected to her. I did love Proctor, he is this smart, intelligent and stud guy who'd do anything to protect his people. So yeah, this is one of those books that'll make you fall in love with more than half of the characters.
The storyline was strong and so were the characters and the writing, so there was actually nothing that I, as a reader, couldn't have liked. The book started with one hell of a fast paced beginning with Proctor running around the world changing plane after plane chasing the kidnapper and I was hooked right from the start. But then a really mind-bending twist followed and I was like, "What the hell?" and then things started to get really interesting, to say the least.
The ending was a bit slow, but that could be overlooked considering that it is an ongoing series, so a mild closure for all the characters is needed. Though I would have loved to read more about proctor towards the end, considering that the book started with him. Also, a few scenes between Constance and Diogenes felt like a slog, especially when they both started talking about the ancient aristocratic stuff, but maybe that's just me.
Other than these minor issues, I loved the book, so much that I'm planning to read this entire series from beginning in the coming days. If you like reading nice suspenseful stories rich with strong characters and storylines then this book (or rather series) is for you.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
March 27, 2017
Where this will be a spoiler free review of this novel, I am going to spoil the previous novel in this series, so if you are not that far, don't read the rest of this review.
This was a very different book in the series, perhaps the most different as it diverted from the expected path of almost all the previous novels. Foremost, there is no mystery or case to solve in this particular story. Normally, Agent Axl Pendergast is trying to solve a case, that for whatever reason has intrigued him, and everything that happens from there on comes out from his investigation. This is not the case here. This is what I call an "aftermath" story. Everything that the book is following comes from the aftermath of the previous novel. That novel ended with the disappearance of Agent Pendergast and the reappearance of the most notorious character of this series, his brother Digonese Pendergast.
We have the wonderfully twisted character of Diogenes and we as readers are trying to find out what his true plan is. This novel is a character drama as much as anything. We find out a lot more about Diogenes and surprisingly Proctor who dominates the first section of this novel. I loved finding out more about him, and would love to see him take a more prominent role in future novels.
This character drama has a definite conclusion with, what I feel, is a definite wrapping of certain character driven storylines throughout this series. It really feels like this series is now ready to go in a different direction. And after 16 books in this series, you can understand that the writers may be doing a reset here to go off in different directions.
I love this series and loved this book. I hope to see many more novels of this series, but also realize that it can't go on forever. This novel may mark a new beginning for the series and it may mark the beginning of the end for it. Not knowing exactly what the writers are thinking, I am merely guessing. So I wait with profound interest in the next novel.
This was a very different book in the series, perhaps the most different as it diverted from the expected path of almost all the previous novels. Foremost, there is no mystery or case to solve in this particular story. Normally, Agent Axl Pendergast is trying to solve a case, that for whatever reason has intrigued him, and everything that happens from there on comes out from his investigation. This is not the case here. This is what I call an "aftermath" story. Everything that the book is following comes from the aftermath of the previous novel. That novel ended with the disappearance of Agent Pendergast and the reappearance of the most notorious character of this series, his brother Digonese Pendergast.
We have the wonderfully twisted character of Diogenes and we as readers are trying to find out what his true plan is. This novel is a character drama as much as anything. We find out a lot more about Diogenes and surprisingly Proctor who dominates the first section of this novel. I loved finding out more about him, and would love to see him take a more prominent role in future novels.
This character drama has a definite conclusion with, what I feel, is a definite wrapping of certain character driven storylines throughout this series. It really feels like this series is now ready to go in a different direction. And after 16 books in this series, you can understand that the writers may be doing a reset here to go off in different directions.
I love this series and loved this book. I hope to see many more novels of this series, but also realize that it can't go on forever. This novel may mark a new beginning for the series and it may mark the beginning of the end for it. Not knowing exactly what the writers are thinking, I am merely guessing. So I wait with profound interest in the next novel.
November 16, 2016
*2.5 stars. I have enjoyed this series since it began with Relic, which was an absolutely riveting horror story. This team of authors continues to write with the same page-turning skill but I wish they'd return to the supernatural quality that made those early books in the series so successful. I find I rather dislike having major characters killed off only to find them back in the story once again--gee, what a surprise (not really.) I've also noticed that long-running series tend to get too deeply wrapped up with the same core characters rather than bringing in new intriguing mysteries to solve. That's a mistake, guys! For I find I am a little tired of the elitism surrounding the Pendergast family. For all these reasons and for a very unlikeable ending, I rated the book only 2.5 stars.
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