User Profile

I need more of this book! Cox's masterful storytelling draws you into the shadowy world of international crime, where the FBI's audacious sting operation unfolds with heart-pounding suspense. Honestly, it reads like a crime thriller, but the fact that it's true makes it even more gripping.

While I initially struggled to keep track of the many players involved (seriously, there are a lot of names!), the narrative is so compelling that I was quickly swept up in the action. The colorful nicknames, like the unforgettable "Microsoft," certainly helped!

With every page, the stakes get higher, and I found myself constantly on the edge of my seat, wondering if the operation would be compromised. The tension was palpable! Cox's ability to build suspense is truly remarkable.

This book is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of law enforcement in the face of sophisticated criminal networks. It's a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, cybercrime, or just a darn good story.

And, like a good TV series, I'm already craving a sequel! The vast amount of data collected by Anom during this operation must hold countless more stories waiting to be told. I'm eager to see Cox delve deeper into the operations of specific criminal organizations. This book has opened a Pandora's Box of fascinating possibilities.

–This review was drafted by A.I. (Gemini) with a fairly lengthy prompt containing my opinions. I then edited the draft and have posted it. –

So, this was a weird one. As a McCammon fan, I've been slowly working my way through the earlier books that I had skipped when I got busy with college things. I decided to read this one because I saw the Peacock series Teacup is loosely based on it. I've watched the first four episodes of the show, and the connections are definitely very loose. It is good to see McCammon is a producer on the show.

Stinger is classic early McCammon with great body horror and suspense, and the themes definitely connect to his later novel Swan Song, but the writing isn't as mature. It’s kind of self-satisfying to see the connections running and developing through an author’s works.

The pacing is also pretty slow. This book could have been half as long and just as effective. The tensions between the Mexican and white communities are also pretty dated and seem naive. They just don't feel realistic. That said, past-me, the one coming of age in the 80s, might disagree.

Overall, if you're a McCammon fan, it's worth checking out, but it's definitely not his best work.

This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, a symphony of storytelling that left my heart pounding and a little exhausted.

Zélie is a force to be reckoned with. The story begins where the previous one left off: Zélie is imprisoned with other Orïshans on a ship sailing for a foreign land, and she’s been crowned with Magicite embedded into her skull. We learn, “the skulls” are looking for a diviner who can serve in a ritual for King Baldyr.

The world-building is simply breathtaking. Adeyemi paints a vivid picture of Orïsha and Gaia, a country introduced in this novel. Like the diviners, the powers of the Gaian’s is connected to their land.

The plot twists and turns like a river, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you know what's going to happen, Adeyemi throws a curveball that leaves you reeling. And the ending? Well, you’ll be satisfied. That said, I would have loved a bit more denouement, not Return of the King levels, but a bit more conclusion after the climax. I just want to know how everything settles.

In short, Children of Anguish and Anarchy is an absolute triumph. It's a must-read for fans of fantasy, adventure, and anyone who loves a good story. So grab your staff, summon your inner warrior, and prepare to be swept away on an unforgettable journey!