Scan barcode
A review by posies23
All-in by Pete Hautman
4.0
In the sequel to STONE COLD (Aka NO LIMIT), we catch up with poker prodigy Denn after the events of the previous book. Hautman does a nice job of keeping the sequel friendly to people that didn't read the first book, but certain elements of it will resonate more if you read them in order.
This time, Hautman broadens the point-of-view, and raises the stakes (pun intended) for Denn by adding two interesting characters: Cattie, a card-dealer Denn is romantically attracted to but has some secrets, and Jimbo, Denn's only friend and a fellow gambler. As the story progresses, the different POVs help to deepen the storyline and explain the events (and intricacies of poker) as they unfold. This book is quite different in tone from the first book, but I can't say too much more about that without going into spoilers.
As with the first novel, Hautman lets the characters make mistakes, and doesn't moralize about their choices. Like the best writers, he lets the story stand for itself, and lets the readers make up their minds about who is right and who is wrong.
The ending is intentionally ambiguous, which might bother some readers, but there are some clues scattered throughout the book that will help close readers make up their minds about how things turn out.
Highly recommended.
This time, Hautman broadens the point-of-view, and raises the stakes (pun intended) for Denn by adding two interesting characters: Cattie, a card-dealer Denn is romantically attracted to but has some secrets, and Jimbo, Denn's only friend and a fellow gambler. As the story progresses, the different POVs help to deepen the storyline and explain the events (and intricacies of poker) as they unfold. This book is quite different in tone from the first book, but I can't say too much more about that without going into spoilers.
As with the first novel, Hautman lets the characters make mistakes, and doesn't moralize about their choices. Like the best writers, he lets the story stand for itself, and lets the readers make up their minds about who is right and who is wrong.
The ending is intentionally ambiguous, which might bother some readers, but there are some clues scattered throughout the book that will help close readers make up their minds about how things turn out.
Highly recommended.