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HomeShop at BookSurgeJuvenile Non-FictionScience & NatureTrees & ForestsThe General and the Spy |
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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 1 customer reviews )
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Same author -- Better Author - Excellent Series Mar 13, 2010
By Doty Wilson
"Doty"
Same author -- better author; I believe that's how I'd sum up Richard Barrs, the author, in his second book.
But first, my complaint. There is only one. The second book is directly tied into the first story. Without reading Two Spies and a General, new readers might not be able to follow what is taking place. References are made by characters about past events or relationships that are from the first book with the expectation that readers know/remember those events. Other readers might not consider this a negative, but I believe it is helpful in a sequel that there be some explanation of past events for new readers.
Going back to my original statement, there are subtle changes in Richard's writing style. The first book is all about frenetic action. Hero is always on the move, always killing or being beaten on the head. In this book a great deal more emphasis has been placed on character development and relationships. Characters interact more deeply with each other and communicate emotion better. As I sit here trying to put words to what exactly I mean, I can only think of one way to describe the difference. In the first book the narrative TELLS us when someone is angry or happy. In this book characters emotions can be FELT through dialog and body language. I've never really noticed the difference so starkly as between these two books by the same author.
Many of the characters from the first book do not make re-appearances while there are many new characters added. By and far, my favorites character is the girl Julia. Her spunk and attitude is adorably cute yet believable and sometimes sad.
The General and the Spy is clean. No language, no sex, just like the first book.
Reading my original review for Two Spies and a General, I remembered a request I'd made for the sources of information. Sure enough, this book has resources used with comments about each one. Very nicely done in my opinion.
I would like everyone reading this review to know that I have been in contact with the author since my first review. I don't believe it has affected my critique, but thought potential buys should know. We bumped into each other on Amazon's forums after my first review and then I contacted him on his website. We've exchanged the occasional email since.
ADDITION
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Richard saw my review asked if I would add a link of his website, so here it is. It's a nifty little site with some more history and information about the author.
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