Showing 1-3 out of 3 reviews.

• I found several grammatical errors in this book, especially in regard to missing commas. Other than that, I found the writing style to be too flowery for my tastes. I also could not get interested in the characters or the storyline. I just don't think this was my type of book.

  2.00 out of 5

  eheinlen

• Middle books are always difficult (as second books whether part of series or not, second nights of plays, and sophomore years in high school and college). The first part is where all the fun stuff is - the setting up, introducing and developing the characters, and positioning everybody for the middle part of their journey to the inevitable climax (that will happen in another book, on another year, on another night).The Last Four Things suffers a bit from place as a middle book. Mr. Hoffman seems to feel that in this book it is time to muse on religion in its various forms as written in his book, to throw odd bits of real history into his alternate history, and generally to show off his Oxford education and how well-read he is. I understand this impulse because I am constantly comparing books I've read to other books I've read. I do this because I understand books on a personal level based in part on my reading history, but I've completely discarded reviews I've written because they came off as just a little to show-offy and smug. This tendency is the primary disappointment for me in the writing. It's just altogether too discursive and not interesting enough to really get away with it.Mr. Hoffman very much proved to me in The Left Hand of God that he can build worlds and alternate history, that he's read a lot and has an interesting take on things, and that he is very very good with language. He can draw you in and keep you reading for the craft alone. It's unfortunate that the tone of this book tends to be obnoxiously smug and self-satisfied. Combine this with characters that I really don't like (I read them because the writing is so good) and this is a letdown. It's still well written and I'm certain much of this will be necessary to the third book, but this really could have used a better edit. Still looking forward to the next. Still love the first.

  2.00 out of 5

  kraaivrouw

• Cale is with Redeemer Bosco again at the Sanctuary, the place he escaped from not even a year ago. Bosco acts different with Cale now, as Bosco believes Cale to be the flesh of Gods anger with humanity. Bosco has much planned for Cale and Cale is working with him as he doesn't seem to have any other choice.After reading The Left Hand of God I wanted to read this book. There was great setup and creation in the first book with the Redeemers and Thomas Cale and his friends. There is an audience for this book, but I'm sorry to say I don't think I'm in that group. I struggled with this book. I felt as the first 100 pages where very confusing, well, not confusing as much as straying. We are on the main path of the story then off the story went with the side characters telling us about them and their history. I wanted to stay on track with Cale and the main story line. In this writing style I found myself forgetting what was happening. When Bosco talked with Cale I was lost. They seemed to talk in circles around each other, which is what I expect them to do knowing their history. The lines fell flat for me, which again the characters are raised this way so it is true to character. But for me I struggled with it.I worked my way to a little over half way and still felt I wasn't getting much from the story. I don't like to not finish books, but this one I stopped. I may someday come back to try and finish, but felt best to let go now.I found myself falling asleep while trying to read it, like I do with historical reads. So maybe if you are a fantasy fan who enjoy historical reads, you might enjoy this trilogy as well.I hate giving bad reviews, and I do hope others enjoy this series. If you have tried it and enjoyed it I would love to hear from you.

  out of 5

  MelHay

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