True madness is like an aura around someone. It glows blue like the flame from a gas fire. That madness can spread. Become like a religion for
True madness is like an aura around someone. It glows blue like the flame from a gas fire. That madness can spread. Become like a religion for the lost.
With this new novel, Cosby is 4 for 4. He continues to kick down the doors with guns blazing as he releases banger after banger in the crime fiction genre.
Being an investigative cop drama, I was a bit worried that it would feel a bit stale as the detective mystery has gotten a little worn out to me. But I should have know better. This feels very fresh as it follows Titus Crown, the first black sheriff of the small Virginia county of Charon, as he not only tries to get a lid on the racial unrest in his town but also hunts a terrifying serial killer on a rampage.
Cosby does everything right here, starting with the portrayal and build-up of the serial killer. The killer and their actions here are seriously bone-chilling and serves to maintain a potent layer of tension throughout the whole book. I was also impressed by how well-developed the community was, and loved how present Titus's deputies were, showing how this investigation is not a one-man show and how much he can't do his job without them. There's a romantic figure from Titus's past that pops up halfway through the book and I was really worried that this would turn into a silly love triangle, but I loved the mature way it was handled, without resorting to soap opera antics. One of the author's strengths is a tendency to never oversell, never hit the reader over the head, but efficiently present just the right amount of emotional development and social commentary to keep the reader truly engaged. He's like a storytelling gymnast, finding the right balance. ...more
I’m always interested to see what new directions they can take Green Lantern stories. At this point, the mythology and universe is so rich that there I’m always interested to see what new directions they can take Green Lantern stories. At this point, the mythology and universe is so rich that there are so many possibilities. It was a great idea bringing Hugo-award winning sci-if author N.K. Jemisin into this universe to create the newest Earth Lantern, Sojourner “Jo” Mullein. Her character stands out because she’s secretly recruited for a very specific detail in an out-of-jurisdiction sector with a second-rate, battery-less ring with a long recharge time, in a story that is independent of the rest of the DC Universe. And, like Dennis O’Neal did in the 70’s, Jemisin sets up Green Lantern as a literal Social Justice Warrior, as Jo investigates a series of rare murders on a planet that has outlawed emotions and uncovers political corruption and persecution.
Jemisin’s sci-if skills are fully on display here with the rich world-building being the strongest elemen, as she portrays the City Enduring as a detailed, colorful metropolis populated by three fascinating races, including one race of personified data and a group of intelligent plant-life for which the consumption of another person is a religious and social-bonding experience. And the other huge stand-out here is rising artist Jamal Campbell, who is quickly becoming one to look out for. While he still has some work to do with rendering action, there’s no denying his dynamic and energetic, colorful art, which is a joy to look at. Jo is also a great character and well-developed in this short span of 12 issues, with so many great character quirks, like the fact that she’s a Lantern with a total fear of flying.
Even if you’re new to reading the world of Green Lantern, this is still a great read, especially for sci-fi/fantasy fans,. And if you’re already a Lantern fan, you’ll enjoy this new addition to the universe and you’ll be excited to see how they integrate Jo Mullein into the larger DC Universe, if and when they do so!...more
For a while, I've been staying away from most "detective" novels because I began to find them repetitive and not fulfilling anymore. I longed for someFor a while, I've been staying away from most "detective" novels because I began to find them repetitive and not fulfilling anymore. I longed for something more than just solving a mystery over and over. But every now and then, a standard mystery comes along and impresses me! I read Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby recently and I really enjoyed it and sought out this one, his previous debut novel. I enjoyed it just as much and I can confidently say that he truly is a rising star to watch.
This book is armed with a cool, collected protagonist, who's pretty badass but not ridiculously so, tortured but not in a forced, clichéd way. Nate Waymaker works as an undertaker in his small Virginia town, but has been hired by the local church ladies to look into the mysterious death of a clergyman with a shaky past. The strange thing is that Cosby falls into many tropes here, with a structure lifted right out of Devil in a Blue Dress and with a hero who seems to be able to get every woman in the world drop their panties for him. But at the same time there was something that felt genuine about the novel, as if I was reading these clichés for the first time. The characters jump off the page, the dialogue is rich and grounded, and I enjoyed witnessing this author crafting a good story while finding his voice....more
One of the best novels I've read this year. Coming off of his impactful sophomore novel, Blacktop Wasteland, S.A. Cosby outdoes himself with this soulOne of the best novels I've read this year. Coming off of his impactful sophomore novel, Blacktop Wasteland, S.A. Cosby outdoes himself with this soulful crime tale of two fathers who must overcome their prejudice, regrets, and self-pity and take action to avenge the brutal murder of their married gay sons.
There is something so pitch-perfect about the execution here, it's really a sight to behold. Every scene is integral and well-done, and each character is built with elegance, with every flaw and strength on display in equal measure. The book is also touching and funny, with brutal action, but not without well-timed moments of reflection. There's really not much else to say. I feel like this silly, inadequate review doesn't do the book justice at all, and it should speak for itself. I haven't read a book this well-balanced and this ipressively orchestrated in a while.
There was no turning back. There was no path that lead anywhere except down a long road, as dark as your first night in hell, and paved all along the way with bad intentions.
At first glance on the surface, S.A. Cosby’s new novel is your run-of-the-mill crime tale. It tells the story of a talented getaway driver who’★★★★1/2
At first glance on the surface, S.A. Cosby’s new novel is your run-of-the-mill crime tale. It tells the story of a talented getaway driver who’s gotten out of the crime life to become a dedicated family man and mechanic and is pulled back in for another heist once the bills start piling up. You might think that you’ve read something like this before and you’d be correct. This story has been written before, but the big difference is that I doubt that it was written with such heart and soul. This is a standout, breakout novel that not only is impeccably paced and completely entertaining, but it also dives deep into character, creating a protagonist and a supporting cast that linger long after the last page.
Beauregard Montage is a great protagonist, a man struggling to reckon with his past and with his unexplained abandonment by his father, and a man whose desire to make a better life for his children comes into conflict with his suspicions that he can never outrun his violent life and criminal tendencies. Beauregard carries the story, but every other character is just as well-drawn, whether it was the sleazy brothers Reggie and Ronnie or even the unseen but just as present character of Beauregard’s long-gone father.
Anchored by confident, rugged writing and well-conceived, riveting action and car chase scenes, this is a fast-paced and entertaining read that should launch S.A. Cosby as a must-read crime writer.
*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest, if late, review.*...more
This debut novel follows Korede, a nurse who, after helping her sister Ayoola dispose of her third dead body, is now beginning to discover that AyoolaThis debut novel follows Korede, a nurse who, after helping her sister Ayoola dispose of her third dead body, is now beginning to discover that Ayoola might be a serial killer. I love how efficient the writing here proved to be: the short, clipped chapters, the bare, no-nonsense prose that gets right down to business with character development, and the nimble and direct first-person narration all led to a speedy, effective read.
Not only is it an entertaining little thriller but it also develops both lead characters in effective ways and is also an astute look at this particular sibling relationship. The one big thing I think is lacking is a full arc for Korede. In the end, I wish that there was more of a complete journey for her. The ending felt a bit meager and anti-climactic in regards to character. But I enjoyed the writing so much that I'm excited to see what Braithwaite does next....more
I've always had a fascination with voodoo/vodou and other Afro-religions, not necessarily to practice it myself, but I've always been interested in leI've always had a fascination with voodoo/vodou and other Afro-religions, not necessarily to practice it myself, but I've always been interested in learning more. So the fact that Valiant has a character with roots based in Louisiana voodoo is pretty damn cool. And it's also an awesome way of introducing and developing the dark supernatural sector of the Valiant universe.
Jack Boniface is in New Orleans searching for more information about his parents, especially his dad, who died mysteriously before he was born. What Jack doesn't realize is that he is the latest in a line of men who bond with a voodoo loa (spirit) to become Shadowman, the last line of defense against the parallel dark dimensions that exist just outside reality. It's his destiny to stop a powerful necromancer named Master Darque from conquering life on Earth.
There's a lot of potential for cool stuff in this book and it's successful at times, really standing out from other superheroes by featuring many elements and references from voodoo: from gris gris and other talismans, and even spirits like Baron Samedi. The art is also a pleasure to look at.
But overall it falls flatter than the other great books I've read from Valiant so far. The fact that Jack is the only Shadowman to be totally unprepared for his mission is never really fleshed out here and he falls right in line with the superheroics as if he's been doing it for years. Not only does this make the story less absorbing but it also misses the opportunity for heavier world-building and for us to learn about the mythology along with our protagonist....more
When I looked in the mirror, I saw a girl too old for her years. Saw a face with no joy. A smile that had nothing left in it but empty.
Ed
When I looked in the mirror, I saw a girl too old for her years. Saw a face with no joy. A smile that had nothing left in it but empty.
Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips's Criminal series is proving to be impressively consistent, getting better with each installment, and this third volume, The Dead and the Dying, is my favorite so far. This time we jump back to the 60's/70's and take a look at how some of sins of Center City's "fathers" led to where their "sons" are today. Mostly it revolves around Danica, a damaged woman who has returned to the city after leaving under controversial circumstances, and the three men caught up in her web. Brubaker tells the story from three different viewpoints, providing varying perspectives to this riveting noir tragedy.
What I came back for is dumb and dangerous and probably doomed. I feel that as sure as the sidewalk beneath my feet.
This volume has the most well-realized characters so far, a great structure, even more impressive writing, cool art, and a compelling story. In the crowded world of graphic fiction, Brubaker stands out above them all.