Author: Claire North
Genre: Fantasy or speculative fiction
I've been eyeing up this book for a while now. I started reading Sci-Fi and Fantasy (again) fairly recently and so the concept of this book interested me. However, it's definitely a mixed bag. My background is in crime and I took heed of one review that warned about the absence of a plot. But I persevered anyway, I was already committed. Charlie is the new Harbinger of Death. He goes before Death, sometimes as a warning, sometimes as a courtesy, sometimes for the preservation of an idea.
Ok, so is any of this entertaining? Yes, by and large. I can live with no plot/conflict as long as the writing is strong or the characters are interesting. Both of those attributes are present here. And there is conflict. I mean, how would you feel if Death's assistant showed up? Indeed, Charlie gets kidnapped quite a few times and beaten half to death. We get to travel around the world with him and hear about the trials of modern life and injustices along the way. The latter sections were very strong, presented as snippets of overheard conversations, and they brought to life a number of current issues.
So, sharp social commentary, an intriguing set up that is never fully explained (near enough though and no, there wasn't too much religious ideology) and a lead character who is simply trying to find his way in life. It's almost a rites of passage story. With Death.
Ok, so is any of this entertaining? Yes, by and large. I can live with no plot/conflict as long as the writing is strong or the characters are interesting. Both of those attributes are present here. And there is conflict. I mean, how would you feel if Death's assistant showed up? Indeed, Charlie gets kidnapped quite a few times and beaten half to death. We get to travel around the world with him and hear about the trials of modern life and injustices along the way. The latter sections were very strong, presented as snippets of overheard conversations, and they brought to life a number of current issues.
So, sharp social commentary, an intriguing set up that is never fully explained (near enough though and no, there wasn't too much religious ideology) and a lead character who is simply trying to find his way in life. It's almost a rites of passage story. With Death.
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