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Apr 08, 2017PimaLib_ChristineR rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Warning: Minor Plot Spoilers: After 2015's Crimson Shore, I believe most readers were ready to see the reappearance of Diogenese Prendergast, based on some of AXL Prendergast's comments before his disappearance. How and why Diogenese reappears is the real plot twist here, and while this series has always required suspension of disbelief, I believe coming out of an active volcano with a minor scar, may have broken mine. Good Points: 1. Terrific opener, with the usually silent butler, and factotum, Proctor, getting to pull out all the stops. 2. Constance gets main screen for a good majority of this novel, and unlike Blue Labyrinth, it isn't just her physical prowess that we get to see. Constance is often played as a cipher. We can't understand her motives or her actions (time in the nuthouse anyone?) until long after we learn of them. This novel gives us a chance to see her in action, to question and understand her motives, as well as see her kick some more rear end. 3. Another thing I choose to put in the positive category is no one goes into a Chongg Ran trance and is suddenly able to clearly see event to which they were not a party. The Not So Good Points: 1. Corrie Swanson, love her or hate her. I happen to love her and would love to see her incorporated into the series more, especially as she seems intent on following in Prendergast's footsteps. 2. The fact that it feels like we're going in a circle. I'd rather go back to some of their crazy days of the Museum than return to a potential feud with Diogenes. It seems no matter if one of these novels is or isn't your favorite, the team of Preston and Child write in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, no matter what. And this novel certainly kept that streak going for me. Unlike some of the others, I do believe it would be helpful to have read most of the series for this one to make sense.