7th Heaven

4. 7th Heaven by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. 376 p. Published February 2008.

I was first introduced to the Women’s Murder Club through the ongoing series on ABC. During the Writer’s Strike, I decided to read the books. I may get around to writing reviews for the others, but for now, here is my review of the latest edition to the series:

7th Heaven, as the last few novels of the WMC, has two concurrent plot lines. The book opens with the primary plot as a pair of serial arsonists, dubbing themselves Hawk and Pidge, hog-tie a rich couple and leave them to burn for the crime of high-society living.

Jump to Patterson’s protagonist, Homicide Inspector Lyndsey Boxer, who is called away from a meeting with the rest of the WMC with news of a hot tip on the 3-month old disappearance of celebrity Michael Campion. Boxer and the rest of the squad begin digging into the life of the last person believed to see Campion alive – Junie Moon, a prostitute. Things heat up as Ms. Moon suddenly confesses to Campion’s death and the disposal of his body. But with so much time past, no evidence or corpse can be found. For Boxer’s DA friend Yuki Castellano, things begin to get even tougher as Ms. Moon recants her confession. Yuki, never one to back down, presses on with the prosecution, and soon garners the attention of true-crime writer Jason Twilly.

As the trial hits full stride, Boxer is pulled into the investigation of the serial arson-murders. Soon enough, other couples are put to the flame, and the only clue SFPD’s finest can find are books left at each scene bearing Latin inscriptions. Suddenly, Boxer is called home to find that her own apartment has been set aflame, forcing her to move in with her boyfriend.

Personal issues assail both Boxer and Castellano as they try to work through obstacles. Soon enough, both plotlines take a stunning turn and Boxer finds herself pursuing one in order to solve the other.

With a fast-paced storyline and gut-wrenching ending, 7th Heaven takes the reader on Patterson’s latest thrill ride. Not many authors can pull so many stunts with a protagonist’s life, but Patterson makes it all believable.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Other Reviews of 7th Heaven: Avid Reader, Lynne’s Little COrner of the World

Mistborn: The Final Empire

3. Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson. 541 p. Published July 2007.

I only heard of Brandon Sanderson with the news of Robert Jordan’s unfortunate passing. Sanderson is the author chosen to compose the notes that will make the final volume of the Wheel of Time series. That being the case, I thought it demanded I read some of his work.

The Final Empire is the first book in the Mistborn series (I believe it’s supposed to be a trilogy). In it, you meet Kelsier, who, marked by his time spent in the unforgiving prison-mines of the Lord Ruler, seeks to overthrow the god who has ruled his world and enslaved his people for over 1,000 years. Kel has many things going for him, but his most powerful asset is his Allomancy – the ability to “burn” metals to grant him superior strength, perception, and arcane power. Kelsier is among the rarest of Allomancers – a Mistborn – someone who can burn all 10 of the allomantic metals.

As Kelsier begins to foment rebellion, he comes across Vin, a street thief hunted by the church for her undeveloped Mistborn powers. Kelsier takes Vin under his wing and soon convinces her to infiltrate the society of the Great Houses – the land’s ruling class. As the rebellion grows and the pressure builds, danger begins to close on Kelsier, Vin, and their allies from every side. Soon, both are fighting for their lives against the greatest foe possible – The Lord Ruler himself.

Brandon Sanderson does an amazing job creating his unique post-apocalyptic vision. The systems of magic he applies to the world both empowers and threatens his characters, and the depiction of this balance is truly captivating. The Final Empire is not your typical “coming of age through the trials of life and magic” novel. Sanderson’s characters touch the reader, and his ability to capture their conflicting emotions and motivations is truly masterful. The story’s climax is as sudden and unexpected as it is bitter and heartbreaking. Admittedly, I would have it no other way, but it was still shockingly abrupt and rendered the resolution of the story rather anticlimactic.

I sincerely look forward to the recently published sequel, The Well of Ascension. Jordan made an inspired choice in Sanderson, an author who will do his epic series proud.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Other Reviews of Mistborn: Fyrefly’s Book Blog