Review of The Futility of Vengeance
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Lisa Grimaldi
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Review of The Futility of Vengeance
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Futility of Vengeance" by Adam Guest.]
The Futility of Vengeance by Adam Guest is a sequel in his Many Worlds series and, as such, continues the story of Gary Jackson. More Worldlines are created as Gary continues to make choices in his life that affect his different relationships, particularly those with his friends/girlfriends Michelle and Sinead. While the first book in this series focuses mostly on trying to right a wrong that was committed with no knowledge of potential consequences, this time around the focus, as the title states, is on vengeance. The Gary who committed the horrific crime must be punished for his devastating actions, but to what end? With so many Worldlines, how do you find the correct Gary to punish? How can you punish one Gary without affecting other Gary’s in other Worldlines, or even innocent people associated with Gary? The situation only becomes more entwined and complicated.
I loved the premise of this book, as I did its predecessor. It is fascinating and engaging to read about how a seemingly small decision can have a huge impact on your life and the lives of those who care about you. I agree with the author’s representation that vengeance does not satisfy as one would hope it would and often harms others who care for us. I also found Guest’s characterizations true. Each character acted consistently true to their personalities, despite the different circumstances they each faced.
With this novel, however, I found the different Worldlines starting to become less focused and more muddled. The four branches (Worldlines) of the first book now have branches off of branches, and for me, it was too much. I often felt lost from what I knew of each iteration of Gary – what choices had he made, who was his girlfriend as opposed to just a friend in this Worldline, had he made it in time before someone died, and what life decisions was he contemplating? I feel as though the author is starting to wander too far from the crisp writing of his first book.
It is my fervent hope that Guest continues to explore this amazing premise and this fascinating world while returning to the more streamlined, focused writing of the first book. I hope he picks no more than four storylines to focus on if there is a third book. I want to follow Gary on his many paths, but I fear we are both getting lost. There are a few minor errors in punctuation, but not enough to distract from the enjoyment of a worthy story. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I recommend this book to any reader who enjoys science fiction served with just a hint of philosophy. Perhaps a more organized mind than mine can keep a closer eye on Gary and his various struggles.
******
The Futility of Vengeance
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Futility of Vengeance by Adam Guest is a sequel in his Many Worlds series and, as such, continues the story of Gary Jackson. More Worldlines are created as Gary continues to make choices in his life that affect his different relationships, particularly those with his friends/girlfriends Michelle and Sinead. While the first book in this series focuses mostly on trying to right a wrong that was committed with no knowledge of potential consequences, this time around the focus, as the title states, is on vengeance. The Gary who committed the horrific crime must be punished for his devastating actions, but to what end? With so many Worldlines, how do you find the correct Gary to punish? How can you punish one Gary without affecting other Gary’s in other Worldlines, or even innocent people associated with Gary? The situation only becomes more entwined and complicated.
I loved the premise of this book, as I did its predecessor. It is fascinating and engaging to read about how a seemingly small decision can have a huge impact on your life and the lives of those who care about you. I agree with the author’s representation that vengeance does not satisfy as one would hope it would and often harms others who care for us. I also found Guest’s characterizations true. Each character acted consistently true to their personalities, despite the different circumstances they each faced.
With this novel, however, I found the different Worldlines starting to become less focused and more muddled. The four branches (Worldlines) of the first book now have branches off of branches, and for me, it was too much. I often felt lost from what I knew of each iteration of Gary – what choices had he made, who was his girlfriend as opposed to just a friend in this Worldline, had he made it in time before someone died, and what life decisions was he contemplating? I feel as though the author is starting to wander too far from the crisp writing of his first book.
It is my fervent hope that Guest continues to explore this amazing premise and this fascinating world while returning to the more streamlined, focused writing of the first book. I hope he picks no more than four storylines to focus on if there is a third book. I want to follow Gary on his many paths, but I fear we are both getting lost. There are a few minor errors in punctuation, but not enough to distract from the enjoyment of a worthy story. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I recommend this book to any reader who enjoys science fiction served with just a hint of philosophy. Perhaps a more organized mind than mine can keep a closer eye on Gary and his various struggles.
******
The Futility of Vengeance
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Final Notice by Van Fleisher
