Customer Reviews

The Searchers, Book Two: Empire of Dust (The Searchers, No 2)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Too often, the second part of a trilogy is also the dullest part. Everything is set up in the first book, and everything is resolved in the third, so the second can't do anything but mark time.

Empire of Dust manages to escape the curse of the second volume. It answers several questions and resolves some issues from the first novel, while setting up new situations for what promises to be an exciting conclusion. The author manages to remind the reader of relevant information from the first book without screaming, "This is a recap." This book could probably be read independently, though it does say Book Two, right on the cover, so nobody should be upset if they feel like they're coming in on the middle of the story . . .

This series continues to out-X-Files the X-Files. My only fear is that once everything is revealed, it'll just seem goofy. I'm willing to take that chance, though. I've got to find out how this story ends!

I waited to post reviews on the first two books in the Searcher series until I saw how the last volume turned out. I needn't have bothered, since Mr. Williamson maintained the taut writing, finely delineated characters, and sure hand at dealing with paranormal (or is it??) material right up to the cataclysmic end. These are superb thrillers, marrying X-Files style paranormal investigation with a sure hand at action and a trip into the most fascinating corners of strange phenomena. The series feels like one large novel that reaches progressive crescendos at the end of each installment, with the last volume (which I just finished) providing a suitably grand finale.

I hadn't seen much from Mr. Williamson in recent years, but I remember his Ash Wednesday as one of the more literate and emotionally powerful horror novels of the past couple decades. It's good to see him back in top form.

There's no question that these are inspired by the X-Files, but they bring a literacy, craft, and intelligence to paranormal fiction that we see too rarely. Now that the final volume is out, buy them all and read them all together.

Williamson trilogy really begins to smoke with this second entry. Our three agents are hot on the trail of The Prisoner, a mysterious man who has apparently lived for centuries and has been hidden from the public by the Catholic Church and The Knights of Templar. Others are aware of his existence, however, including a twisted but ragtag band of cult followers. And three different groups, including a religious madman with lots of money and power, are racing towards his holding cell in the Arizona desert. Some want to free him of his chains, others want to kill him. But the Prisoner is more powerful than any of them are prepared for... After a wobbly start, EMPIRE OF DUST, redeems the series. I'm turning the pages of book three as fast as I can to find out hwo the world will be saved from The One Who Does Not Die. (Look for my review of the conclusion.)

This series is proving to be very interesting indeed. The first novel plants an idea in your mind. The second novel feeds that idea and suddenly flips you over 360 degrees, although by that time, you're already thinking along those lines based on the direction the storyline is going. Again, excellent writing style, intricate plot, good premise for a series, and no idea where the story is heading. This series could easily compete with the now ever popular "Left Behind" series that in my opinion has become too familiar and too predictable. The Searchers series has what the "Left Behind" series is lacking, surprises at every corner, suspense, and leaves you wanting more. Bring on the third one!

Williamson returns with another stunning chapter in this trilogy. In the previous book, CITY OF IRON, we were left with The Survivor gone to who knows where. In this book the trio find him and now has to deal with the havoc he doles out. This novel is interesting because of the internal struggle of the three members of the Searchers group. Due to certain circumstances, they are all tested in their own belief systems and now adopt some "otherworldly" explanations for what's occurring. In brief, this novel rocks and is a sure-fire success. Please read the first novel before this one to get the full effect of characters and plots. Highest Recommendation.

Like the first book in this series, "City of Iron", the action is fast paced and with enough plot twists to keep you guessing. If you like good old fashioned space opera, Bond novels, Conan, or the Dynochrome Brigade you'll get along well with this book. After all how many books have you read where the Holy Mother Church gets chased around the country by angst ridden covert ops, the undead, and a swat team from the religious reich. My only fear is that Williamson will run out of conspiracy theories before he gets a few more of these published.

PLEASE read the first book before you get involved in this one. "The Searchers" stands well enough on it's own but adding background from the first more than doubles the enjoyment. You won't be tempted to leave this on one the plane.

I was so engrossed with this sequel to The Searchers that I found myself up at 3:00 in the morning reading with ALL THE LIGHTS ON!

Empire of Dust is a very fun read, just like the previous book in the series, City of Iron. The book is fast paced with many twists and surprises. It also has a great monster! It's like the X-Files at its best. I do recommend that buyers read City of Iron before reading this one.

While this is marginally better than Part 1, City of Iron, I still feel this series leaves a lot to be desired. While the "prisoner" idea is interesting, I still feel many of the characters are little more than cardboard cut-outs. Once again, I cannot recommend this series, though I do think Mr. Williamson has written some far better books (including his Crow novel)