The Devil's Punchbowl: A Novel by Greg Iles
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Book Reviews of The Devil's Punchbowl: A Novel
Book Review: Lengthy? check. Good story? check. Exposure to something new & different? check!
Summary: 4 Stars
I'll start by saying that this is the first book I've read by Greg Iles. I definitely struggled in the beginning because the story just didn't seem to be moving - at least, no more than a snail's pace. I put it down and restarted at least three times, but I'm glad that I ultimately stuck with it, because the story just seemed to get deeper, increasingly interesting, and more entangled as it went on. You name the ingredients that make a good story, and I'd say this one has quite a few of them; love, murder, suspense, cops, bloodsport, mobsters 'n money, family, heroism, violence... I'll stop now, but you get the picture. I agree with some other reviewers who warn to bring a strong stomach. Some of the details and events created here are a bit gorey and disturbing, but so is the act that's being written about. Aren't we, as readers, more enthralled in the story when the picture is painted for us? And don't "details" act as "paint" in writing? I do feel that the book could and should have been shortened a tad, which is why I rated it 4 instead of 5 stars. Some scenes were overly explained, some parts dragged on (like the beginning.. it just didn't hold my attention well enough), and some conversations (between characters) dragged on unneccesarily, but overall I feel it was a good read. If you can strap in for a long ride/read, I say give this one a try. As mentioned previously, this was my first Iles experience, and now I'm looking forward to future ones.Book Review: 4 1/2 Compelling Stars
Summary: 4 Stars
See story summaries above.
Okay, after reading the first hundred pages or so I was getting a little worried about what's to come. Needless to say, I think that was just a warmup to the speed and terror this novel turned into. I mean, holy cow, I couldn't put it down after page 100. The characters, the settings, the topical plotting with the dog fights, all of it just came together in a well rounded, terror filled thriller. Ex Delta force soldier Kelly, is still one of my favorite Bad arses.
I very much look forward to the next Penn Cage novel, because you know one's a coming.
From inside: If physicists want to develop a time machine, they should explore fear. Fear dilates and compresses time without limit. For desperate people awaiting rescue, every instant stretches into unendurable agony; for those awaiting death by cancer, the earth spins relentlessly, shortening the days until they pass like fanned pages in a book. Trapped in our bodies, perception is all, and the engine of perception is hunger for life.
Book Review: Iles is Back
Summary: 4 Stars
The writers last book was not up the usual standards that this reviewer has seen in his other works. That is not the case with this work which brings back Penn Cage and a plethora of characters from other works by the author. Without going into the actual story, this may be the most complex story that Iles has written. There are numerous plots and sub-plots that the writer is able to manipulate like a skillful juggler and he is able to do this very deftly. The characters are very well developed on all levels as this book made for a rapid read. The ability to betwwen the numerous plots and maintain the readers interest is an art that few writers posess. The only area that I found somewhat disturbing was the excessive violence throughout this work. The same points could have been made as effectively in a different manner. This is still an excellent read.Book Review: One of his best!
Summary: 4 Stars
I have read all of Greg Iles novels. This is one of his best to date. His last novel (Third Degree) was not one of my favourites, but he came back on form with this novel that kept me up at night... I just couldn't put it down. It was extremely graphic and at times I was a bit squeamish but in the end it was well written. I have one problem why I didn't give it 5 stars but 4 1/2, he mentioned something urgent his father had to tell him when he had a heart attack at the very last page of the book and then the book ended!!! What the hell!!! I can't deal with those kind of cliffhangers, I only expect them when I am watching TV or if the book is a series or something!Book Review: The Devils Punchbowl
Summary: 4 Stars
This book to me isn't one of Greg Isles best. I would recommend it to people that like his books. It became much better to me after half way through. It took alot for me to "stay" with this book.