Customer Reviews

Columbus: A Silver Bear Thriller (Silver Bear Thrillers)

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this book early at a book signing in New York, and devoured it immediately. I'm a huge fan of thrillers, and am always looking for new authors and characters. To me, the problem with a lot of writing these days is that it's formulaic - an author hits on a pattern of twists and reveals that sells, and then just keeps populating book after book with new villains to carry out the same roles.

It wasn't that way at all with this novel. I don't want to give anything away, but Columbus is a complex protagonist, as are his allies and enemies. They act like real people, not ciphers in service of a plot. They're not always a or b - sometimes they get angry or scared and surprise us in a believable way.

Again, trying to be spoiler free here, but another enjoyable part of the book is that the author (Derek Haas) isn't afraid to kill the original characters he creates. You can feel it with some authors - they come up with a sidekick that fits in well with their main character, and then you never have to worry about the sidekick's life. They'll be back in the next book. And the book after that. Haas isn't precious with his creations - you're in the sure hands of an author who can kill off Watson if it's going to make for a great read, and then come up with an even better partner for Holmes in the next book. Or the next chapter.

My one regret is that I'm discovering this series early. I really wish I'd stumbled on it years from now, and could plow through a dozen of these. Get this, get the first one (you don't need to read it to understand this, but why wouldn't you?) and enjoy!

I don't know how he's done it, but he has: Derek Haas has created a follow-up to his excellent first novel, THE SILVER BEAR, and topped it in almost every conceivable way. Highly enjoyable from cover to cover, COLUMBUS starts off as a slow burn, reintroducing us to the no-nonsense hitman at the center of THE SILVER BEAR as he adjusts to the realities of his life following the events of the previous novel. I don't want to give anything away but let's just say that when you least expect it, the narrative kicks in with full force and absolutely does not let up until the end!

I enjoyed the hell out of this book and would recommend it to anyone who appreciates a masterful blend of intriguing, well-observed characters and taut storytelling.

Haas is the real deal and I for one can't WAIT for the next book!

Odds are, once you start this book, you won't put it down until you finish it. Quick-paced, the book somehow manages to also be introspective, asking us to buy into and believe in a guy whom our better judgment tells us we should, probably, run from (though he'd still catch us). A love story emerges here, and the book begins to examine the whole notion of what it means to have a name, and, by extension, an identity. Highly recommend grabbing it. You'll tear through it.

I got this for my dad, because he loves spy thrillers and opened it up instead of working yesterday. I didn't put it down until it was done and now I have to buy my dad a new one because I cooked dinner while reading! Haas has an amazing ability to make the pages rich without making them water-logged. Most thrillers are 70% set up and maybe 30% payoff but this is just payoff after payoff, with amazing moments, and riveting descriptions. It isn't surprising that Mr. Haas runs the popular Popcorn Fiction site, because he's clearly a lover, and master, of the written word. This is a great book for anyone, not just Dads Who Love Spies.

I was especially surprised by how ruthless he is (the writer and the killer) in who he is willing to destroy to serve story. Completely original. Worth the lost hours!

Being in the mind of a one of world's best assassins was intriguing. Haas takes you on a ride that keeps the pages turning and the suspense high.

Great character. Great writer. A unique spin on the genre, and I've read them all. Can't wait for the next one.

This is the second of Derek Haas' books featuring Columbus the assassin. Published in the UK as "Hunt for the Bear" so don't make the mistake of thinking that it is a different novel.

This is very fast paced and all action as Columbus undertakes a hit that does not go as planned, only to find he is now the target of a number of assassins. Can he turn the tables before time runs out? And can a hitman have a personal life?

This is not overly original, from the Hitman game and film, to Tom Cain's Assassin, elements of Brett Battle's books and even Mark Greaney's rather good Gray Man. But it is still fast paced and an easy page turner. The author gives the targets sufficient reason for both Columbus and the reader to not feel any pity when they are despatched so Columbus succeeds as an anti-hero.

An easy and slightly guilty pleasure.

A thoroughly enjoyable sequal if indeed slightly predictable. Here Columbus has to decide what is really important to him and breaks some of his own rules. This leads to many deaths and Columbus questionning how good he really is.

COLUMBUS A Silver Bear Thriller is a great read. It's easy to follow and couldn't put it down. Be sure to read the first book about Columbus, THE SILVER BEAR.

I ripped through this book in two days, and man, were those days swell. "Columbus" picks up where "The Silver Bear" left off and doesn't stop to let you breathe for a minute. With rat-a-tat-tat prose, Haas rips you through a complex story filled with both twists you don't see coming, and characters who are far more complex then they first appear. Kick back in your favorite chair with this book. You won't be getting up for awhile.