Review: The Lion by Nelson DeMille
by Jenners • 08/07/2010 • 4 Stars, D Authors, Fiction, L Titles, Mystery/Thriller • 14 Comments
A meme concept by That’s A Novel Idea
2 words that describe the book―Smart-Ass Cop Thriller
3 setting where the book took place or characters I met
- Setting: New York City, modern day
- Former NYPD Detective, terrorist task force member and perennial smart-ass John Corey returns to face-off against the “one that got away.”
- Libyan terrorist Asad Kahil (“The Lion”) previously faced off with Corey in The Lion’s Game, but the stand-off ended in a stalemate. This time, only one will be left standing.
4 things I liked or disliked about the book
- I liked visiting with my favorite smart-ass cop John Corey. I’ve been a fan of DeMille’s Corey books since I first read Plum Island, and I always look forward to the next installment. There is just something about Corey that I find incredibly amusing.
- I disliked that this book felt a bit tired. I’m not sure if it is me or DeMille, but I didn’t enjoy this Corey installment as much as I did previous outings. Perhaps it was the plot, which had quite a lot of “sitting around waiting for the other guy to make a move.”
- I liked the intense sky-diving scene. As I was reading, I could totally envision it happening in a movie. (And I wonder if there are any Corey movies in the works? He seems tailor-made for the silver screen.) Perhaps part of my disappointment with the book was that this scene took place near the beginning, and I felt the rest of the book never lived up to that level of excitement.
- I disliked that I found myself actually wishing for one of the major characters to die. After the set-up that DeMille gives, I felt it should have happened, and I think it was a bit of a cop-out to have the character recover so easily. Plus, it would have made for more of an emotional read, which I think the series has been lacking.
5 stars or less for my rating:
I’m giving the book 4 stars. I’m a big fan of John Corey books, and although I thought this was one of the weaker books in the series, it was still a fast, exciting read. Even when he isn’t at his best, I think DeMille does thrillers better than most writers out there. For Corey fans, you’ll enjoy seeing your favorite wise-ass back in action. For newbies, start with Plum Island and work your way through the books to get to know Corey better. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with a smart-ass edge, this book would be a fine choice.
The Whys and Wheres: I bought this book for my Kindle as soon as I heard it was being released. Both Mr. Jenners and I burned through the book in two days after doing Rock, Paper, Scissors to see who got first crack at it.
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I've read mostly positive reviews of this one and will definitely add it to my list.
I'm deliberately putting off reading this. Why? Because as long as it sits on my shelf, unread, John Corey is alive and well and waiting for me to read. Once I finish it, there's no John Corey waiting for me and I'm not psychologically ready to handle that.
i love that you guys play rock, paper scissors to see who gets to read the book first! my daughters and i do that too!!!
Even though you were bored a 4. Well it couldn't have been that boring. Or do you just love the guy and are giving him another shot. (no pun intended).
it does sound good, I like the sound of that sky diving scene.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
I need to put this author on my "to read" list.
I think the sign of a good mystery thriller is when they do throw a major character under the bus. My skin crawls when they conveniently have a vest on when they get shot, or when all abductees are murdered except for the cop's kid/wife.
You wrote: "I disliked that I found myself actually wishing for one of the major characters to die." Better stay away from Wuthering Heights – ha ha!
I've got the audio version of this and I'm anxious to read it.
Hey Jenners, I agree with you that the DeMille critically wounded, recover way too quickly.
Well, 4 stars is an excellent rating even though some of the excitement for you abated. Still, it's hard to get a disappointing book by a favorite author. Maybe DeMille will have a nice rest and the next book won't feel so "tired."
The Big Guy read this one and said it was boring, so I didn't even bother. I do remember us both liking Plum Island a lot. Have a great weekend, Jenners!
Maybe he's waiting for the next book (to kill that character). Still, 4 stars is pretty good. I can just imagine you and Mr. Jenners doing Rock, Paper, Scissors
No SM5 for me this week. Didn't have time. I'll be back next week.
I haven't read this one but I am a fan of Nelson DeMille and John Corey so something to look forward to.