Nick DeWolf

Pulling Strings is a unique experience that has a lot going for it. The protagonist is an older female, and the idea of a puppeteer psychic is a fascinating premise. Unfortunately, this book is closer to horror than I enjoy, and grammar errors and awkward adjectives kept pulling me out of the story.

Full review: https://rebeccasreadingcorner.blog/review-nick-dewolf-pulling-strings/… (más)

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Well, this review is about two months too late (I'm so sorry, Nick; I keep doing this to you) but better late than never is usually a good motto to stand by.

Anyone who's seen some of my past reviews knows that I'm a big fan of the reimagination of superheroes. [b:Hero Status|23854153|Hero Status (The White Knight & Black Valentine Series, #1)|Kristen Brand|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1422117009s/23854153.jpg|43463888] by Kristen Brand utterly charmed me, [b:Verbosity's Vengeance: A Grammarian Adventure Novel|18483678|Verbosity's Vengeance A Grammarian Adventure Novel|Tony Noland|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1378996205s/18483678.jpg|26161352] by Tony Noland was hysterical, and I'm no different from the rest of my generation in my love of The Incredibles. So when VILLAINS NEVER DIE came across my screen, I was excited. DeWolf has an excellent way with words, and a better hand at character than most, and I knew he'd do the topic justice.

I was not wrong.

There are three main viewpoint characters: a supervillain, a superhero, and the unsuspecting bystander, who all get wrapped up into the same plot, same history, same disasterpiece. The villain is lurking near retirement, the hero is fresh and new, the bystander is incredibly confused and wondering what all she's gotten herself caught up in--and in time, wondering if there was ever a time she could have been out of it. And you follow along because each of them have their own viewpoint on what's happening, and you really want to see as much of the full pictures as you possibly can--and these three can give that to you.

The nuance that avoids most superhero stories has found a comfortable home here. These aren't cookie cutter characters and storybook villains. These are real people who made real choices, and they don't have to tread a line between black and white because they have built an entire gray spectrum to exist in. And that--THAT--is what I love to see and don't see enough of. I want to see the characters who go from "I want to punch him in his stupid face" to "what do you mean, there's no more of his story; I have to know how he grows!" I want to hate and love people in between pages. I want it all, and DeWolf delivers.

The only thing keeping me from giving this a 5 star rating is, in fact, one of the things I liked about it--but I'm not sure it got pulled off as well as it could have. Bouncing between characters is a very difficult thing to do, particularly in a full immersion background--and characters who speak in first person. The combination of the two made it hard for me to keep my mind with each character, and keep track of who and where they were. Sure, as the book went on I learned their speech patterns--and most of them end up in the same room by the end. But there's just that bit of hesitation in the back of my mind that doesn't let me quite give this 5 stars. But it's a solid 4.75.

The end, while both not what I wanted and the only logical way to go, is both complete and open, in a way that doesn't leave the reader hanging, but has just enough there to build up to a sequel if the author so chose. And if he does, I'll be first in line to read it.

Because there are some unfinished battles there, and I'd love to see them play out.

Rating: ****3/4 - Most Definitely Recommended… (más)

Since I'd reviewed a previous book of his, Nick reached out to me to see if I'd be willing to read and review a new book of his if he gave me a copy of it. Since I'd really enjoyed FRIGHTFULLY EVER AFTER, I was more than happy to do such. This review is my own, unbiased opinion.

(Though amusingly enough, a writer friend of mine who knows Nick asked me to do the same thing just after I'd finished reading it.) That being said, I'd really only read one piece of DeWolf's before, so I wasn't sure what I was walking into--but it sounded up my alley.

And sure enough, it's just the right combination of supernatural whodunit and heart-pounding thriller to keep you on edge and not want to put the book down. I was absolutely fascinated by the psychic powers described in the book, and how all the different individuals used those powers either for good or ill. DeWolf has a hell of a way with words, and he's not afraid to put down exactly the words he wants--a refreshing change from some authors I've seen. It's intense, it's nerve-wracking, it's everything you want from a thriller. And it doesn't give you a nice happy pat ending, which is again a nice change.

Nick DeWolf is definitely on my list of authors to watch, and he should be on yours as well. (Sorry this took so long, Nick!!)… (más)

Villains Never Die by Nick DeWolf is a book I requested and the review is voluntary. This book caused me to go break one of my own rules of not to re-read a book! I also did this right away! The first read through I read in parts and I loved the book but I felt I would have liked it better if I read it in one sitting so I re-read it again! This really is a terrific super hero/super villain book. It is going in my favorite folder and favorite book for the year!
The characters are amazing and well developed, the plot is laid out so bits and pieces are given slowly like bread crumbs to give you clues, tons of humor, lots of action, twists and turns, and great world building!
The story is told through several characters viewpoints. I liked it because it gave a glimpse into the heart and mind of that character. All of these glimpses and switching between characters led to many surprises! I am glad I read it twice, there were lots of clues I missed the first time.
I really, really loved this book! Can't wait for the next one!… (más)