It was difficult to figure out why this novel doesn't quite work. It had lots of potential, and I wanted to like it. The writing is strong. The brutality didn't bother me. (I don't see why it would bother anyone who has read & enjoyed anything like 'Game of Thrones.') I could even have overlooked the author's inexplicably poor choice to make his anti-hero 14 years old, which is completely unrealistic given the character's attitudes and behavior and how others respond to him. However, the narration is oddly uneven, almost as if an incompetent editor cut out all the parts that were needed for continuity. There seemed to be no thorough, cohesive vision for the story as a whole.
I doubt I'll be reading the next book in this series, but I will keep an eye out for future books by Lawrence, as I did appreciate the writing. Perhaps he's like wine and cheese: gets better with age.
I doubt I'll be reading the next book in this series, but I will keep an eye out for future books by Lawrence, as I did appreciate the writing. Perhaps he's like wine and cheese: gets better with age.
