The novel alternates between Buck’s present in 2009 and 1965, when he was one of the few Jewish detectives on the Memphis police force. In this time period, racial tension is naturally involved here in the case, and the story is as much about Buck’s struggles with moral issues as it is about Elijah’s seemingly “unsolved” bank heist. Don’t Ever Look Back is an enjoyable crime novel that is in turns both funny and poignant.
A review copy was provided through the goodreads.com first reads program.
]]>
Red Rising does lose some points for originality; many elements are instantly reminiscent of other popular stories. There’s a definite Hunger Games vibe in that the poor laborers are oppressed by the rich elites. The institute is a battleground where teenagers are made to battle each other. People are born into defined castes created through breeding and genetic engineering, a la Brave New World. There’s even a system of school houses with a sorting ceremony, although unlike Harry Potter, this sorting is thoroughly unpleasant.
It’s to author Pierce Brown’s credit that the story is able to be much more than just “Hungry Potter.” The world of Red Rising is very well developed and uses the genre tropes on very creative ways. Nothing is black and white here, and the revenge element definitely keeps the story interesting.
Things pick up considerably once Darrow leaves the underground mining colony, and the reader is given a glimpse of Darrow’s futuristic world. Red Rising is a really good read, even if it isn’t the most unique story out there, and the ending certainly left me wanting more.
]]>