Once again we join the nameless assassin on an assignment to end a threat to the nation. This time, though, he's left hanging by those he trusts the most. They're not sure he's reliable any more, and he doesn't know if he should blindly follow every directive he's given.
Zadoff has a talent for writing fast-paced thrillers that delve into politics, activism, and social order. The most remarkable aspect of this talent lies in creating these awesome stories for the teen set. I am the Mission is full of action and the reader is taken through every aspect of the adventure by someone who knows what it is to be a modern teen- even if he's partially faking it.
Daniel (at least, that's his name for this book) is an excellent narrator and protagonist, voicing doubts and concerns about the program and its leaders. He is always keeping himself apart, yet finding himself pulled further into the intrigue.
I am really looking forward to the next installment of the Unknown Assassin. I'm not sure how Zadoff could possibly make it better than this book, but I do know that I don't want to miss it.
I am the Mission by Allen Zadoff: 5 out of 5 stars.
Showing posts with label assassins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label assassins. Show all posts
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Dear Killer by Katherine Ewell
Ever wanted to be inside the head of London's most notorious serial killer? Dear Killer provides readers insight to the mind of Kit, seventeen-year-old hired killer who never backs down after she decides to take a life.
I found myself thinking oddly during this book. Mainly because Kit makes everything seem so rational, following her rules to the letter. I'd find myself thinking, yeah, that makes sense. Then I'd remember she was talking about killing someone without leaving evidence, flawlessly evading capture.
Kit's a very introspective person, frequently wondering about herself and how others would feel or react in different situations. This does present a problem for the reader, giving the impression that Kit is too self-centered and unfocused to represent a true serial killer. It can be overlooked, though, as it can be construed as the self-examination of a girl who can't share her thoughts with anyone else at the risk of her own exposure.
I did have an issue with the ending, but after thinking about it for a while, I feel it was the right way to go. I can't say any more than that without sharing too much.
My main problem was the authenticity. The writing is good, but it doesn't have a British feel. Yes, it's set in London and Kit mentions some famous landmarks and streets. But she refers to her mother as "Mom," not "Mum." Her speech patterns also don't match those of other authors who successfully capture all things British. I was able to push past that, though, and enjoy the story.
I also had trouble with the relationship between Alex and Kit. For a police officer, he's entirely too trusting of her randomly turning up at crime scenes and offering her input. Unless someone is a forensic genius, why would a cop listen to the opinion of a teenager wandering through almost every area in which there is a dead body? Also, why is this same cop meeting said teenager regularly for coffee and lunch when they have had no previous benign relationship? I'm not sure this could have looked more sketchy under any circumstance.
After wavering back and forth several times and reading a few things between Dear Killer and writing this review, I have to admit that I liked it. It was intriguing, it provided a lot to think about, and Kit is a strong character. I could have been much better with more authenticity, some consistency, and some more revision.
3 of 5 stars.
I found myself thinking oddly during this book. Mainly because Kit makes everything seem so rational, following her rules to the letter. I'd find myself thinking, yeah, that makes sense. Then I'd remember she was talking about killing someone without leaving evidence, flawlessly evading capture.
Kit's a very introspective person, frequently wondering about herself and how others would feel or react in different situations. This does present a problem for the reader, giving the impression that Kit is too self-centered and unfocused to represent a true serial killer. It can be overlooked, though, as it can be construed as the self-examination of a girl who can't share her thoughts with anyone else at the risk of her own exposure.
I did have an issue with the ending, but after thinking about it for a while, I feel it was the right way to go. I can't say any more than that without sharing too much.
My main problem was the authenticity. The writing is good, but it doesn't have a British feel. Yes, it's set in London and Kit mentions some famous landmarks and streets. But she refers to her mother as "Mom," not "Mum." Her speech patterns also don't match those of other authors who successfully capture all things British. I was able to push past that, though, and enjoy the story.
I also had trouble with the relationship between Alex and Kit. For a police officer, he's entirely too trusting of her randomly turning up at crime scenes and offering her input. Unless someone is a forensic genius, why would a cop listen to the opinion of a teenager wandering through almost every area in which there is a dead body? Also, why is this same cop meeting said teenager regularly for coffee and lunch when they have had no previous benign relationship? I'm not sure this could have looked more sketchy under any circumstance.
After wavering back and forth several times and reading a few things between Dear Killer and writing this review, I have to admit that I liked it. It was intriguing, it provided a lot to think about, and Kit is a strong character. I could have been much better with more authenticity, some consistency, and some more revision.
3 of 5 stars.
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