Scan barcode
es_the_book_hoarder's review against another edition
5.0
This is really a 4.5 but I've rounded it up because I'm still thinking about it a day after finishing, and I've spoken to people about it - which only really happens if I've not enjoyed a book and need to vent, or if I have completely enjoyed a book and need to get my thoughts out of my brain! This book falls under the latter.
I Am The Night introduces us to Francis Ackerman Jr. - a prolific serial killer, who is questioning his existence and the reasons why he is what he is - and believes in destiny. The murder scenes are detailed and somewhat gory, but I like that because I enjoy horror as a genre, so I’m not bothered by that sort of imagery, but it may be too much for some. Plus, it is an internal part of who Francis is, and the writing drew me into his character straight away – I’d even go so far as to say that I liked Francis more than the other main character in the book! He is intriguing, honest, downright insane, but he’s amazingly real.
Marcus Williams is our other lead character, and as much as I thought he was great, for some reason I didn’t completely connect with him. I think this may be because of the way he reacts to the situations he finds himself in – and there are a lot of situations in this novel! Marcus is an ex-cop who moves to a ranch, left to him by a recently deceased relative, to get a fresh start. Unfortunately, he gets a lot more than he bargained for when Ackerman murders someone in the town and he discovers the body. Before long, Marcus finds himself embroiled in an inconceivable conspiracy that leaves him fighting to survive and hoping beyond hope that someone will believe his tale.
As events conspire and our two lead characters are brought together, the questions of destiny, good and evil, life and death, purpose and morality are all explored before culminating in a dramatic conclusion that I didn’t see coming at all! The twists and turns in this novel keep you hooked until the last page. I literally could not stop reading - I was so intrigued as to what was happening and every time I thought I’d got it figured out Cross threw another curve ball into the mix.
I found Ethan Cross’s writing style easy to read, and the pace flowed brilliantly with the storyline. I could easily see this as a movie or a mini series as it really has that feel to it. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am very much looking forward to what I hope is an inevitable sequel.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I Am The Night introduces us to Francis Ackerman Jr. - a prolific serial killer, who is questioning his existence and the reasons why he is what he is - and believes in destiny. The murder scenes are detailed and somewhat gory, but I like that because I enjoy horror as a genre, so I’m not bothered by that sort of imagery, but it may be too much for some. Plus, it is an internal part of who Francis is, and the writing drew me into his character straight away – I’d even go so far as to say that I liked Francis more than the other main character in the book! He is intriguing, honest, downright insane, but he’s amazingly real.
Marcus Williams is our other lead character, and as much as I thought he was great, for some reason I didn’t completely connect with him. I think this may be because of the way he reacts to the situations he finds himself in – and there are a lot of situations in this novel! Marcus is an ex-cop who moves to a ranch, left to him by a recently deceased relative, to get a fresh start. Unfortunately, he gets a lot more than he bargained for when Ackerman murders someone in the town and he discovers the body. Before long, Marcus finds himself embroiled in an inconceivable conspiracy that leaves him fighting to survive and hoping beyond hope that someone will believe his tale.
As events conspire and our two lead characters are brought together, the questions of destiny, good and evil, life and death, purpose and morality are all explored before culminating in a dramatic conclusion that I didn’t see coming at all! The twists and turns in this novel keep you hooked until the last page. I literally could not stop reading - I was so intrigued as to what was happening and every time I thought I’d got it figured out Cross threw another curve ball into the mix.
I found Ethan Cross’s writing style easy to read, and the pace flowed brilliantly with the storyline. I could easily see this as a movie or a mini series as it really has that feel to it. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am very much looking forward to what I hope is an inevitable sequel.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
lhart2222's review
3.0
3/5
Following deranged killer Francis Ackerman Jr and detailed and very real descriptions of his killings, you sense what kind of a man he is. On the contrary Marcus Williams is deemed his “opposite” and will do all he can to prevent taking another persons life. Both become entangled in a scheme that is way above their heads, and the battle between good and evil begins.
I’m really torn on this book, it started well and fast paced, having me gripped and wanting to read more and more. The more I did read though the further it traveled into the world of far fetched nonsense. The story could have been a great one if it was as it seemed 200 pages into the book, but when chapter after chapter a new unique twist is revealed it loses its thrill and becomes a little tedious.
On to the characters in this book, the main two are Francis and Marcus. Francis the killer is great at the beginning, committing heinous crimes and being despicable, creating a true villain. The more it goes on though the less real it becomes, there is only so many times he can dodge bullets, beat five armed men and always find his way about undetected like he’s invisible before he becomes a bit boring. Marcus on the other hand is a bit of a drip. All the other characters add different roles to the story, some good, some bad, but the most annoying thing about most of them is their lack of logical decision making.
The writing was good to begin with but the more it went on it began to drag. Not because it was badly written but it was obvious what was happening next and I just wanted to cut to the chase. This book could have done with a few less twist and being a bit more to the point. When it was good though it was enjoyable to read, but at times tried too hard to be something it wasn’t. Not everything was predictable but all the minor encounters just seemed to be delaying the inevitable.
Overall this book was okay. It could have been a lot better with a few changes along the way, both story and writing wise. I’d recommend this book still as it was enjoyable to read despite my faults with it, and although previously saying it was obvious at times, the ending was one I didn’t see coming.
Following deranged killer Francis Ackerman Jr and detailed and very real descriptions of his killings, you sense what kind of a man he is. On the contrary Marcus Williams is deemed his “opposite” and will do all he can to prevent taking another persons life. Both become entangled in a scheme that is way above their heads, and the battle between good and evil begins.
I’m really torn on this book, it started well and fast paced, having me gripped and wanting to read more and more. The more I did read though the further it traveled into the world of far fetched nonsense. The story could have been a great one if it was as it seemed 200 pages into the book, but when chapter after chapter a new unique twist is revealed it loses its thrill and becomes a little tedious.
On to the characters in this book, the main two are Francis and Marcus. Francis the killer is great at the beginning, committing heinous crimes and being despicable, creating a true villain. The more it goes on though the less real it becomes, there is only so many times he can dodge bullets, beat five armed men and always find his way about undetected like he’s invisible before he becomes a bit boring. Marcus on the other hand is a bit of a drip. All the other characters add different roles to the story, some good, some bad, but the most annoying thing about most of them is their lack of logical decision making.
The writing was good to begin with but the more it went on it began to drag. Not because it was badly written but it was obvious what was happening next and I just wanted to cut to the chase. This book could have done with a few less twist and being a bit more to the point. When it was good though it was enjoyable to read, but at times tried too hard to be something it wasn’t. Not everything was predictable but all the minor encounters just seemed to be delaying the inevitable.
Overall this book was okay. It could have been a lot better with a few changes along the way, both story and writing wise. I’d recommend this book still as it was enjoyable to read despite my faults with it, and although previously saying it was obvious at times, the ending was one I didn’t see coming.
jacqueshol's review against another edition
3.0
I recently read Ethan Cross's first installment, "I am the Night" of his Ackerman series. If you have a penchant for serial killer thrillers, this book may be for you, but fair warning – it's not for the faint of heart. The graphic and psychologically disturbing nature may give you pause.
The storyline didn't bring much originality to the table, drawing parallels to the Saw film series, with the incessant "play a game" motif being repeated throughout. The real stumbling block for me, though, was the numerous plot twists. Authors seem to think piling twists one after another enhances the reading experience. The constant barrage of twists reached a point where it became more bewildering than engaging. Readers can only endure so many unexpected turns before scepticism sets in, and emotional investment wanes due to the looming uncertainty. The final twists became absurd, making the conclusion rather laughable. A pity, as it diluted what could have been a strong and believable story.
I wanted to give the book a 2.5-star rating, but extended the benefit of the doubt, rounding up considering it's the author's first book in this series. Despite the constant plot twists, I'm inclined to give the Ackerman series another shot with the hope that subsequent installments strike a better balance. This one had its merits until the twists took an unfortunate comical turn.
The storyline didn't bring much originality to the table, drawing parallels to the Saw film series, with the incessant "play a game" motif being repeated throughout. The real stumbling block for me, though, was the numerous plot twists. Authors seem to think piling twists one after another enhances the reading experience. The constant barrage of twists reached a point where it became more bewildering than engaging. Readers can only endure so many unexpected turns before scepticism sets in, and emotional investment wanes due to the looming uncertainty. The final twists became absurd, making the conclusion rather laughable. A pity, as it diluted what could have been a strong and believable story.
I wanted to give the book a 2.5-star rating, but extended the benefit of the doubt, rounding up considering it's the author's first book in this series. Despite the constant plot twists, I'm inclined to give the Ackerman series another shot with the hope that subsequent installments strike a better balance. This one had its merits until the twists took an unfortunate comical turn.
queer_pyrate's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
tonimarierawk's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It’s a trashy crime thriller, if you’re looking for literary fiction you’re in the wrong place. Enjoyable, interested to see how he stretches the story out for 6 books.
klwpvfc's review against another edition
3.0
I had seen these books compared to the Robert Hunter series by Chris Carter, so I had to give them a go. Unfortunately it fell short of that but it was entertaining enough to make me think I’d read the next book.
sumipeplix's review against another edition
Very poorly written and does not flow well
thelibraryofanna's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0