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joelrsundquist's review
5.0
I asked Mr. McCammon in 2019 what book he was the most proud of. He said, without hesitation, the Five.
I can now see why. Great book!
I can now see why. Great book!
mato's review
4.0
This was a fine effort by McCammon. I am a fan of his earlier stuff but this felt superior to that. If you're at all interested in the small music scene (roadies, traveling bands, classic rock 'n roll, etc.) this is a must-read.
In addition, although there are supernatural elements, they are handled very deftly and, while great, are not the main focus of the story. The plot focuses on a US vet with PTSD who fixates on the road band, seeing them as a threat and attempting to kill them one by one for their "transgressions."
The only con I have against this book (and it's a minor one) is that it could certainly be the forst book in a series. While the ending is fairly closed, there are some future paths tat could be followed if he so desired. As a stand-alone novel it does well and was very entertaining.
In addition, although there are supernatural elements, they are handled very deftly and, while great, are not the main focus of the story. The plot focuses on a US vet with PTSD who fixates on the road band, seeing them as a threat and attempting to kill them one by one for their "transgressions."
The only con I have against this book (and it's a minor one) is that it could certainly be the forst book in a series. While the ending is fairly closed, there are some future paths tat could be followed if he so desired. As a stand-alone novel it does well and was very entertaining.
charshorrorcorner's review
5.0
I just finished reading The Five over the weekend. I'm not ashamed to say that there were tears in my eyes as I did so.
I really loved this book. Anyone who has ever felt like a song was actually written for them or is speaking to them personally would like this book.
I am not going to get into the plot line as everyone else already has. Suffice it to say that by the 3rd or 4th chapter I was completely engaged with these well developed characters and I truly cared about what would happen to them. To me, that is the sign of a great writer. The characters also grew and developed throughout the entire book-a few of them were completely different people by the end. No cardboard characters here.
As with "Swan Song" these characters will be with me for a long time and "they will be heard".
I really loved this book. Anyone who has ever felt like a song was actually written for them or is speaking to them personally would like this book.
I am not going to get into the plot line as everyone else already has. Suffice it to say that by the 3rd or 4th chapter I was completely engaged with these well developed characters and I truly cared about what would happen to them. To me, that is the sign of a great writer. The characters also grew and developed throughout the entire book-a few of them were completely different people by the end. No cardboard characters here.
As with "Swan Song" these characters will be with me for a long time and "they will be heard".
mikedeab63's review
4.0
For me, comparisons to Stephen King are a compliment and this, more than any other past McCammon book, feels like it could have just as easily been written by King. It's loooong, but mostly not in a bad way, there's a toying supernatural element, overarching themes of the creative process, loads of music and pop culture references and lots of small character moments that quickly make the reader care for this rag-tag group.
In summing up this story, it feels small, a loner latches onto a small roadhouse band and starts picking members off, but McCammon takes his time and paints it on a large canvas. Sometimes this wide angle is a good thing (a great, spooky interlude at a mountaintop metal music festival), sometimes it's a bad thing (a number of repetitive scenes in and around music clubs), but it's all pretty interesting (especially if you like music) and engrossing.
A fine reminder of why I tore through McCammon's books from the 80's. The man can just plain spin a good ole yarn.
In summing up this story, it feels small, a loner latches onto a small roadhouse band and starts picking members off, but McCammon takes his time and paints it on a large canvas. Sometimes this wide angle is a good thing (a great, spooky interlude at a mountaintop metal music festival), sometimes it's a bad thing (a number of repetitive scenes in and around music clubs), but it's all pretty interesting (especially if you like music) and engrossing.
A fine reminder of why I tore through McCammon's books from the 80's. The man can just plain spin a good ole yarn.
midnightbookgirl's review
5.0
The Five is amazing. It's not easily summed up, so I won't really try. It's about a band, it's about the forces of good vs. the forces of evil, and it's about love and friendship. Did I mention it's amazing? This is my first book by Robert McCammon and I only picked it up because Stephen King listed it in his summer reading list. But I feel like I've been giving a gift. McCammon's writing abilities blew me away and I found myself reaching for my little book o'quotes time and time again. This is a hefty book, but I guarantee you that it is worth the time. I don't know what genre to list this book under, horror isn't appropriate, so maybe thriller is the best fit- there were so many times that this book had my heart in my throat and my fingers knotted. And yes, I will be reading future Robert McCammon books!
dennisb's review
3.0
A little disappointed in my favorite horror and historical-mystery writer's foray into the world of rock 'n' roll. Still good characters and plotting but the usual excitement of a Robert McCammon novel was lacking for me.
tracyreads's review
4.0
I really did enjoy this read. The synopsis does a great job of clueing you in on what to expect, but basically, this novel follows a band that is on their last tour (for various reasons) and manages to make a very dangerous enemy in the process.
I feel silly reviewing McCammon's writing. I mean, he is amazing. The Five is no different. The characters are engaging, the pacing is good, and there are passages that just made me sit and stare in awe at the sheer brilliance of what I just read.
For some reason, though, about halfway through, I put this book down and didn't come back to it for a month. The middle, for me, kind of hit a slog and I wasn't as drawn in as before. The ending did pick back up, with some of my favorite writing coming in during the last 10 chapters or so.
If you're looking for another McCammon to pick up, I recommend this one. I'm planning to dive into more of his next month, with Swan Song.
I feel silly reviewing McCammon's writing. I mean, he is amazing. The Five is no different. The characters are engaging, the pacing is good, and there are passages that just made me sit and stare in awe at the sheer brilliance of what I just read.
For some reason, though, about halfway through, I put this book down and didn't come back to it for a month. The middle, for me, kind of hit a slog and I wasn't as drawn in as before. The ending did pick back up, with some of my favorite writing coming in during the last 10 chapters or so.
If you're looking for another McCammon to pick up, I recommend this one. I'm planning to dive into more of his next month, with Swan Song.
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