book review: Turn Coat
Turn Coat
by: Jim Butcher
Even though I was impatient enough to move over to the hardcovers, I still went into this expecting to be finally bored by the series. I mean, 10/11 books is a lot for a series, you know? That’s a lot of investment into characters, story, etc. for no “big” payoff. Lots of little ones, but no big ones.
I have to say, I think this series has had some of the slowest buildup to the real “big bads” of anything I’ve ever read, save maybe a few comic runs. Sure there is HUGE ohmygodimgonnadiewe’realldead drama every single book BUT there’s been a shadowy villain group on the outskirts of things that we are just now starting to see. Curious to see where it’s going, but I hope he has the series planned as a finite series. Not big on the run ons.
So, the book itself – it did not bore, which was nice. I ripped through it in a day. His pacing is not quite Dan Brown-ish (in franticness or poorly written-ness), but things still tend to happen pretty fast and make it hard to put down once I got just a little way in.
It’s quite hard to review this series without giving spoilers, hence some of my generic statements… I will say though that this is the book with the pyrrhic victory ending. Almost everyone gets fucked in one manner or another and several strong supporting characters take serious hits. It did indeed make me a bit sad for them.
There was only one thing that really annoyed me, which was what seemed to be an ongoing subplot about headaches…. I’m guessing it will be picked up next book, but it was mentioned a few times, then just not. I think he should have either kept it bubbling just a wee bit more or not mentioned it at all.
On a series note – what happened to the other holy sword? Am I missing something? Didn’t one go to Karrinin the last book?? Two books ago maybe? And what about the other floater. Seems like they should have been at least mentioned.
Evidently there are some short stories running around that fill in some gaps, need to track those down.
Also, I still miss Lash.
I enjoyed this latest book the most….maybe because he seemed more torn between doing what he wanted to do and what he knew was the right thing to do. He didn’t always choose the most noble thing, which made him feel all the more real for me.
I read the excerpt for the next one…and wow, what a nice twist (like you, don’t want to give anything away).
Just finished reading Under the Dome…might do a book review on my blog. Have you read it?
I think I know what the twist is… read a cover jacket somewhere or something? It’s interesting at least. Certainly makes the inevitable (?) relationship between himself and his officer friend (can’t remember names right now) even more complicated. Speaking of, what in the world happened to the holy sword she was given? I guess she gave it back to him? *scratch*
Butcher is doing a signing out here next month, and I’m going to do my best to be there.
I have not heard of Under the Dome… *googles* Ohh that. I suspect I will pass. I have yet to “get into” King. I love On Writing, but his horror stuff isn’t my cup of anything. In fact, straight horror in general just doesn’t do it for me. Then again, this could be more than just straight horror. Still, nothing about it interests me.
Under the Dome is actually not one of his horror books. It’s more of a snapshot (ahem, one that lasts 1000 plus pages) of human nature….the bad side of human nature, for the most part. Nothing scary, but certainly thought-provoking. I do agree with you on his horror books – those stay with you!
Good question about his sword….hmmm….
Cat