Andrew K. (kuligowskiandrewt) -
Fans of soap operas â excuse me, âdaytime dramasâ - and their nighttime equivalents, as well as comic book series, may remember when they first joined a series in progress. There is no attempt to stop and introduce the characters and situations to new viewers / readers; the plot simply moves forward and it is up to the audience to pick up the necessary background in progress.
âMightier Than the Swordâ is author Jeffrey Archer's 5th book in his âClifton Chroniclesâ series, about a rich English family made up of captains of industry, influential politicians, and a best-selling author (the author may know a little about this â¦) Each character has their own personal crises; each character has their own personal causes; each character has their own personal antagonist(s), as well. Like a good daytime drama, their individual stories intertwine and occasionally intersect.
Author Archer knows that it isn't enough to hope that a new reader will be patient while acquiring the necessary background to enjoy the tale, so he begins with a bang â literally. Picking up the family's tale in the 1960s, it is learned that the Provisional Irish Republican Army has activated a bomb aboard a new luxury liner that is making its maiden voyage across the Atlantic. Not only do the characters (and readers) have to REALIZE that there's a bomb on board, but they have to find it, dispose of it â and then explain away the sound of the explosion to the rest of the passengers without instilling a panic.
I admit that this is not my typical read; it is a credit to Mr. Archer that I was able to be so quickly sucked into the drama and eagerly awaited each opportunity to progress through the book. (Although, I have to wonder if new readers might benefit by starting the series at the beginning, rather than jumping in with the fifth installment.)
Recommended.
RATING: 4 1/2 stars, rounded down to 4 stars where 1/2 stars are not permitted.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided with a free copy of this book in a random draw. No conditions were placed upon acceptance, although it was strongly hinted that a prompt, honest review would be appropriate. They'll have to settle for âhonestâ, as the book has been mired in my âto be readâ stack for over 2 years; at least the review was written promptly after I finished reading it!
âMightier Than the Swordâ is author Jeffrey Archer's 5th book in his âClifton Chroniclesâ series, about a rich English family made up of captains of industry, influential politicians, and a best-selling author (the author may know a little about this â¦) Each character has their own personal crises; each character has their own personal causes; each character has their own personal antagonist(s), as well. Like a good daytime drama, their individual stories intertwine and occasionally intersect.
Author Archer knows that it isn't enough to hope that a new reader will be patient while acquiring the necessary background to enjoy the tale, so he begins with a bang â literally. Picking up the family's tale in the 1960s, it is learned that the Provisional Irish Republican Army has activated a bomb aboard a new luxury liner that is making its maiden voyage across the Atlantic. Not only do the characters (and readers) have to REALIZE that there's a bomb on board, but they have to find it, dispose of it â and then explain away the sound of the explosion to the rest of the passengers without instilling a panic.
I admit that this is not my typical read; it is a credit to Mr. Archer that I was able to be so quickly sucked into the drama and eagerly awaited each opportunity to progress through the book. (Although, I have to wonder if new readers might benefit by starting the series at the beginning, rather than jumping in with the fifth installment.)
Recommended.
RATING: 4 1/2 stars, rounded down to 4 stars where 1/2 stars are not permitted.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided with a free copy of this book in a random draw. No conditions were placed upon acceptance, although it was strongly hinted that a prompt, honest review would be appropriate. They'll have to settle for âhonestâ, as the book has been mired in my âto be readâ stack for over 2 years; at least the review was written promptly after I finished reading it!
