Bob

Character Problems

Revisado: 11-24-21

I loved the first book of this series, "Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits", as well as everything else that I had read by Mr. Wong - except this book!
The main character Zoey, transitioned from a likeable, naïve, goodhearted, underdog personality in the first book, into an inherently unlikeable, entitled, annoying, self-centered, elitist in this book. Her personality alienated me as the reader/listener and I found myself wincing every time she imposed her will on her paid subordinates. She exercised questionable judgement, no understanding of dangerous circumstances and put many at unnecessary risk to serve her whims and ego. I know that this is a fictional work, not even close to reality, and the characters are not realistic, but by the middle of the book I had nothing but feelings of contempt for Zoey. I started rooting for the bad guys in the plot.
Some might find this book OK, I was disappointed.

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King just keeps getting better!

Revisado: 06-23-18

Years ago, I used to read books by King and marvel over his imaginative horror/fantasy storylines. The plot ideas are still there, but now I marvel over his character development and dialog. His characters become real and you really care about them. Great book, read it and you won’t be disappointed.

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Needs an editor

Revisado: 01-19-18

This story had its moments, but in the end I felt that it was too long. The story had potential and the narration was good. The thought processes of the characters and the supernatural details of the story were inconsistent. They would behave in the most naive and irrational ways, (why don't we split up and search the haunted house!). Every time they were faced with a supernatural event they would be surprised. I finished it, but could not wait to start another book before it ended.

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I love this genre, did not like this book

Revisado: 07-20-17

Did not like the narration or the character development. The plot/ideas were weird, but they did not capture my interest.

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Great Story

Revisado: 07-16-17

Reminded me of a modern day version of the hard boiled detective novels of old. Think Sam Spade in modern times. I sat in my car after arriving home after a long drive, in my driveway, listening to the story on more than one occasion. Very entertaining.

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Good narration - the story - ehh

Revisado: 01-24-17

NOTE SPOILERS IN REVIEW:
I really wanted to like this book as I really enjoy the genre - I did not. This story was filled with "borrowed ideas" from "The Haunting" that were used over and over. I wish I had a nickel for every time the author discussed a supernatural entity bending in a wooden door until it splintered. He even used the scenario where the entity is holding a characters hand in the dark - like the movie.The reactions of the characters to supernatural events were inconsistent. They would witness something incomprehensible in a haunted house, yet still remain a skeptic. The author would keep referencing the same event and expressing the shock and fear of the characters of the event as if it was the first time they were witnessing it. The characters were unbelievable with most be annoying. The plot was cumbersome and the story needed a good editor. I made it to the end, but it was tough. The narrator was excellent.

Read the "The Haunting" if you want to read a great ghost story.

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Veiled anti-semitism damages a reasonable story

Revisado: 04-10-16

The story was reasonable and held my interest. The actions of the characters, their emotions and responses to circumstances were not always easy to believe, but overall I cared about the characters and the story was mildly engaging. The most disturbing element of the story had to do with the main antagonist. He behaves in a manor that is contemptible. The character is violent - a sociopathic bully, cruel and sadistic. The author makes a point to make the readers aware that he is a Jew. There is no significant relevance to his ethnicity in the story line, other than one minor detail that is mentioned in passing and unnecessary. It was like the author wanted to paint a picture of the man's character that was so repulsive by his actions and figured "I will make him a Jew to really make him repugnant to all". This feature of the character didn't hurt the story line, because as I wrote above this character feature was insignificant. What the ethnicity of this character did allow is that is gave the reader an inside view of the authors views on Jewish people. I have not read anything else by this author, but I understand from reading reviews of her other books that she repeats this character development "feature" in at least one of her other novels. You have to question the motivation of this type of heavy handed character development detail that seems arbitrary. Maybe her not so subtle anti-semitic views can be overlooked by some - but it did not appeal to me and damaged my opinion of the story and the author . Add a star to the story if racism does not bother you.

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An emotional ride.

Revisado: 04-11-15

A great and very moving tale. I found myself thinking about this book months after I finished it.

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Great listen!

Revisado: 04-11-15

Great book, great characters that you really care about. It gives you insight into a truly tragic period of history.

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Tedious plot that made me lose patience.

Revisado: 01-04-14

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I do not know?

What was most disappointing about Blake Crouch’s story?

It was just a series of strange occurrences that did not suck me into the story. The character did not behave in a fashion that would be expected given his circumstances. The end was a total blind side that came from nowhere.

What didn’t you like about Paul Michael Garcia’s performance?

Performance was acceptable

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

It started out strong and then quickly became like a broken record. Repeated "wierdness" with no advancement in plot or character development.

Any additional comments?

This book was not for me, although from the other reviews it seems that many people enjoyed it.

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