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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
3.5 stars rounded up. Joe Ledger novels are reliable violent fun, but even for him this was darker than most. As always, a joy to see so many familiar characters. My two favorite characters survived to fight another day, so that is all that matters. ;)
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I will read *every* Joe Ledger book. This just wasn’t my favorite by far. It was repetitive with the multiple rehashings of Joe’s past and Junie and what she means to him. (Think every Batman movie showing his parents’ death.) I believe that if you’ve gotten this far with this/both series, you know. I don’t mind a quick rehash for new readers, because I need a refresher too, but it was annoying for me.
Am I anticipating the next book? Absolutely!
Am I anticipating the next book? Absolutely!
Thanks to the author and publisher for a free ARC of this book through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
This is book two of the Rogue Team International series, and kind of like book 10 of the Joe Ledger series - one of those 'cross-over' books. The reasoning behind this 'cross-over' I think is somewhat apparent in this story, and may or may not get revealed in any part of this review.
Many years ago, I had picked up the first Joe Ledger book as I was in post-apocalytic mood, and the title "Patient Zero" looked like it fit that view. Boy, was I wrong! In picking up this book through Netgalley.com, I knew what I as getting and there was no remorse. There is a bit of backflashes as the story starts, lining up the events of the big ending. Joe has gone rogue, and is untrackable to RTI, creating bloodshed and havoc where ever he winds up. But is it truly himself causing all this? And if it isn't, who, or what, is controlling him?
As usual, I enjoy a good action novel, and 'Relentless' did not fail me. I like how Mayberry included some information from past :edger novels to help cover some of the character background, and world background, in regards to not only Joe, but the team, and sort of how it came about. The events happening to Joe, the mental changes, were a bit of a twist for me. I suppose I may need to go back and actually read the series (in my near future for sure) to get the slow build-up of it all, but just based on the past information provided, the effects of PTSD (of war or personal trauma) is openly discussed - and I like that. It shouldn't be something no one should NOT discuss, especially in this type of story. I think the only part of the writing I did not like, was I felt the descriptions of guns and ammo were over-detailed. Half the detail just went straight over my head and turned me glassy-eyed.
So, will Joe be back for another story? I think Mayberry may have gotten to Joe's end story, without having to kill him. Though he might still show up in the future in minor ways. Again, enjoyed the book immensely!
#Relentless #NetGalley
This is book two of the Rogue Team International series, and kind of like book 10 of the Joe Ledger series - one of those 'cross-over' books. The reasoning behind this 'cross-over' I think is somewhat apparent in this story, and may or may not get revealed in any part of this review.
Many years ago, I had picked up the first Joe Ledger book as I was in post-apocalytic mood, and the title "Patient Zero" looked like it fit that view. Boy, was I wrong! In picking up this book through Netgalley.com, I knew what I as getting and there was no remorse. There is a bit of backflashes as the story starts, lining up the events of the big ending. Joe has gone rogue, and is untrackable to RTI, creating bloodshed and havoc where ever he winds up. But is it truly himself causing all this? And if it isn't, who, or what, is controlling him?
As usual, I enjoy a good action novel, and 'Relentless' did not fail me. I like how Mayberry included some information from past :edger novels to help cover some of the character background, and world background, in regards to not only Joe, but the team, and sort of how it came about. The events happening to Joe, the mental changes, were a bit of a twist for me. I suppose I may need to go back and actually read the series (in my near future for sure) to get the slow build-up of it all, but just based on the past information provided, the effects of PTSD (of war or personal trauma) is openly discussed - and I like that. It shouldn't be something no one should NOT discuss, especially in this type of story. I think the only part of the writing I did not like, was I felt the descriptions of guns and ammo were over-detailed. Half the detail just went straight over my head and turned me glassy-eyed.
So, will Joe be back for another story? I think Mayberry may have gotten to Joe's end story, without having to kill him. Though he might still show up in the future in minor ways. Again, enjoyed the book immensely!
#Relentless #NetGalley
adventurous
dark
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The slow descent into madness as a fallout from the events of the last entry was a treat to read (albeit written in a very ham-fisted way). It was effective. But I am really getting frustrated with the weird paranormal side of stuff. What's the real deal with Church and Nikodemus?! Just give us something more Mr. Maberry!
Fast-paced, full of snark, and a host of beloved characters. A good follow-up to RTI1. (I'm still mad about the ending of RTI1, but this does some atonement work.)
Whew! That was quite the ride.
I wasn’t a fan of the whole “darkness” tangent- but otherwise loved the book. I like the military style team action with a sprinkling of the paranormal.
I wasn’t a fan of the whole “darkness” tangent- but otherwise loved the book. I like the military style team action with a sprinkling of the paranormal.