17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely riveting, April 12, 2010
This review is from: Son of Perdition (Chronicles of Brothers) (Paperback)
Son of Perdition, the latest in the Chronicles of Brothers series from Wendy Alec cannot be easily described in a few words. At its most basic level it's a riveting and extremely tense supernatural thriller that renders one's nails well and truly gnawed by the time the stunning cliffhanging conclusion is reached.
The plot follows on from predecessors The Fall of Lucifer and Messiah: The First Judgement in that it continues the story of the three angelic archangel brothers Gabriel, Michael and Lucifer. However, in this novel the emphasis shifts from the heavenly realms to Earth with three human brothers whose existence parallels their angelic counterparts. Nick, Jason and Adrian belong to the hugely powerful and influential De Vere dynasty.
Jason is a cynical television tychoon whose personal life is a disaster. Nick is a playboy archaeologist whose debauched lifestyle has resulted in him contracting AIDS. Adrian is the charismatic ex-British prime minister involved in international diplomacy. These three brothers are each gradually drawn into a story about a frightening conspiracy designed to bring about the rule of the Antichrist.
This novel focuses on Nick and his journey to redemption as he uncovers his terrifying family history and the plans of those involved in the conspiracy. Here Wendy Alec chucks in all manner of urban legends and historical references - some of it well established fact - in order to build her story. Presidential assassinations, 9/11 and countless other events around which conspiracy theories have flourished are all drawn together here in a way that actually forces the reader to wonder just how much of this could be more than informed guesswork.
Those who read the previous novels expecting more of the same will discover that Son of Perdition has an altogether different tone. The non linear narrative jumps around in an innovative (but not confusing) way. Also, the more Earth bound plot is surprisingly dark in places, though shot through with an underlying optimism and some great touches of humour and whimsy. Twists and turns abound, and the afore-mentioned ending will leave the reader begging for book four.
Wendy Alec's writing is bold and confident, and seems to improve with each instalment. One can detect the presence of many influences - not just obvious ones like Tolkien or Dan Brown but also stories like The Godfather and others that deal in epic fashion with rich, influential families. However, these influences do not mean the work is derivative. It is in fact a startlingly original work that stands apart in the fantasy genre like nothing else since Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials.
To conclude, I strongly urge anyone reading this to pick up a copy. The Chronicles of Brothers is the best kept secret in fantasy fiction.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Best yet, May 22, 2010
This review is from: Son of Perdition (Chronicles of Brothers) (Paperback)
This is Wendy's strongest release yet. It is somewhat darker than the first two books but there were also funny moments that made me laugh out loud.
The fight between good and evil gathers pace in this instalment and it also answers some of the questions that were left unanswered from the previous books(although it raises a lot more of it's own).
There is plenty of intrigue and the way she has written this you are left wanting more.
If you enjoyed this then I'd also recommend 'Godstone - The Kairos Boxes' which is an excellent and very original new Christian fantasy:
Godstone - The Kairos Boxes
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The best so far, May 21, 2010
This review is from: Son of Perdition (Chronicles of Brothers) (Paperback)
This is the best and most readable of the series so far. The others were overfull of words and heavy on descriptions badly drawn (needed better editing) that made the books hard to read for some people. But this one is different. Wendy Alec puts conspiracy theories (including AIDS conspiracy theories) into a theological light, taking the emphasis off the people who are making terrible and tragic decisions about our world and refocusing our eyes on the principalities and powers and rulers of darkness that are motivating them. She also attacks mean-spiritedness towards people who are "different" in an insightful way. Well worth the read.
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