One Step Too Far by Lisa Gardner

By: Asrinus Subha

Rating: 4/5

One word to describe the book…thrilling! I had trouble setting the book down within the first two pages of the book. Finished the book in one week. It was that good. I rate this book a solid 4/5. Lisa Gardner has done it again.

The book "One Step Too Far" is described as thrilling, captivating readers from the first pages and keeping them engaged until the very end. Lisa Gardner's storytelling prowess shines through in this immersive tale of mystery, tension, and unexpected twists set in the Wyoming wilderness. The narrative follows a group of college friends on a fateful camping trip that takes a dark turn, leading to a gripping search for a missing friend. Led by Tim’s ferociously driven father Martin, Tim’s friends, Nemeth a local hiking expert, Bob a bigfoot hunter, Luciana and her cadaver dog Daisy, and Frankie Elkin, this group will undertake the final search, 5 years later.

My name is Frankie Elkin and finding missing people is what I do. When the police have given up, when the public no longer remembers, when the media has never bothered to care, I start looking. For no money, no recognition, and most of the time, with no help. Why do I do what I do? Because at the end of the day, the people left behind matter as much as the ones who are missing.

Frankie is the main protagonist and an unique selfless character that works well in stressful settings. While I liked her personality, her determination to solve missing person cases and her extensive ability to read people, I’m still trying to fully understand why she chooses to manage her income in the way she does. Additionally, I was hoping to get more character development for Frankie.

Eight people head into the woods. A grieving father, a hiking guide, three college friends, and three semi-professional searchers. On the surface, it makes sense. So why do I have a feeling eight of us won’t be coming back out?

All In All…

As secrets unravel and danger looms, the story evolves into a thrilling hunt where both the hunted and the hunters face perilous challenges. Overall, "One Step Too Far" offers top-tier entertainment for fans of thrillers, with a compelling plot and well-developed characters that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

This is first-class entertainment for thriller lovers, and I highly recommend reading this book.

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Rating: 4.5/5

By: Asrinus Subha

Have you ever managed to finish a book in just three days? I did with this book and it was because this novel was simply captivating!

Every murderer is probably somebody’s old friend

The Characters…

The story opens with a murder on a remote Greek island, caught in the grip of a "wild, unpredictable Greek wind." What truly sets this tale apart is its distinctive narrative approach. Elliot Chase, one of the seven people trapped on the island during a fierce storm, takes us through his perspective on the events leading up to, during, and following that tragic night of the murder.

Elliot's story centers around Lana Farrar, a retired and renowned actress who invited her friends—Elliot himself, her other best friend Kate, her housekeeper Agathi, her husband Jason, and her teenage son Leo to celebrate Easter with her on this picturesque yet tumultuous island.

Interesting Narration Style…

This is not your standard thriller with a detective unraveling the mystery. Instead, the book takes you through this journey in Elliot's perspective, eliciting a whirlwind of emotions.

Do you feel empathy for him for the narrator?

Do you express angers towards some of the characters?

Can Elliot be trusted? He seems so unreliable.

The unique narration, coupled with unexpected twists and turns, delivers a fast-paced psychological thriller that challenges your emotional intuition. Just when you think you’ve figured out the ending and are drawing your own conclusions, the reality of what transpired on that night of the murder is anything but predictable.

Overall..

I loved it! It was definitely a why-dunnit instead of a who-dunnit.

What are you thoughts of the book? Without any spoilers, leave your comment below.

Fire and Blood by George R.R. Martin

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

House of Targaryen

After the thrilling first season of "House of the Targaryen," I found myself a bit let down by the second season's conclusion. While season one captivated me and sparked my interest in the Targaryen legacy, season two felt like a missed opportunity. Eager to delve deeper into their story, I turned to George R.R. Martin's "Fire and Blood," and I’m glad I did.

"Fire and Blood" is a fascinating exploration of the Targaryen dynasty, chronicling their history from Aegon the Conqueror to the tumultuous civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. One of the book's most impressive aspects is Martin's intricate world-building. The depth of lore and the complexity of the Targaryen family tree make it a treasure for any fan of Westeros.

The narrative is presented as a historical account, narrated by a fictional maester and sprinkled with the colorful gossip of the court fool, Mushroom. This unique storytelling approach provides a broader perspective on the events, allowing readers to appreciate the grand scale of Targaryen history. Martin's prose is rich and immersive, filled with vivid descriptions and the political intrigue that fans have come to love.

The characters are generally well-developed, with their motivations explored in a way that feels true to the chaotic times they lived in. The book effectively showcases the complexities of power, loyalty, and betrayal that define the Targaryen legacy.

However, some readers might find the historical format a bit dry, especially if they prefer the character-driven narratives of the main series. The pacing can also be uneven, with certain sections feeling slow while others are packed with action.

In conclusion, "Fire and Blood" is a must-read for fans of George R.R. Martin and anyone interested in the intricate history of the Targaryens. With its rich detail and engaging storytelling, it earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars. So why not a perfect 5? Without giving too much away, I felt that the last few chapters seemed rushed and contradicted earlier descriptions of the powerful dragons. I also wished for a different ending. Nonetheless, it’s a rewarding read that offers a deeper understanding of this fascinating dynasty!