Going into “The Empty Ones”, I was already anticipating some things about the book itself, the series as a whole, and the last book; I’m pretty sure “Kill All Angels” will word-punch my heart right in the reading ventricles. Knowing the author and his particular writing style, sense of humor, skills in pacing and building up suspense right until the very last possible moment, at which point the action turns all the way up to eleven and ass-kickings are handed out like there’s a Free Sample Day at your local fight club – all of this helped me relax a bit as I began reading the first chapter. Surely I would just experience something like “The Unnoticeables”, only… well, more of that. Right?
This is where I’d like to list the three major points which, when blended together, once again played with my expectations: Carey, Kaitlyn, and everything else.
To me, Carey represents the familiarity with the previous book. Seeing as how he apparently survives the events of 1978 (this really shouldn’t come as a spoiler to anyone), the younger Carey is the known variable here. He’s every bit as reckless as before, with just the right amount of introspective moments that shine a pretty big light on how unsure of his role in the fight against the Angels he feels. But damn it if he isn’t going to try his best, loudest, and (on at least one occasion) most car-destroying to live another day in pursuit of cheap beer and girls who are far better than what he thinks he deserves. Carey’s portions of the book read like the best parts of old-school horror flicks. They’re set in London, punk hasn’t been diversified yet, it’s constantly raining, the Underground is filled with Tar Men, plus there is an evil nigh-indestructible band whose music plain sucks. That’s just dripping with awesomeness. Also, plot happens, and that’s nice, too.
Kaitlyn, in the meantime, has had it rough. On the run, without a plan, accompanied by her best friend and an aged, leather-jacketed, still irresponsible Carey, she rightfully feels lost, apart from her singular goal of finding and somehow destroying Marco Luis – a monster, devoid of all that makes one a human being, save for his good looks and on-cue smile; an Empty One. Having already killed an Angel once is taking its toll on Kaitlyn. She constantly feels like she’s standing on the edge of understanding what is going on, but the realization sits just out of her reach. Her chapters are what I like to describe as a transition: We find out more about her through some flashbacks, we delve into the abstract notions of the mechanism behind the Universe as seen in her dreams, and we witness substantial development in her character not only as a person, but also within the scope of the series. The 2014 Kaitlyn is the natural progression of the 2013 Kaitlyn.
Before I launch into the “everything else” part, I’d also like to point out that, when compared to one another, Carey and Kaitlyn’s respective arcs have grown to be even more similar than before. Granted, the resemblance is still far from overt, but it feels more present. This, along with some key moments in Carey’s chapters, goes to show that there is a lot more to the seemingly unlikely alliance the two protagonists share.
And now for the things that I consider new and improved in comparison to “The Unnoticeables”. I may gush about stuff here, but a) I don’t care; and b) this is MY review, and I suck at reviewing works that I like.
The addition of some new POV characters was a great way to bring more life into them. I realize that it’s not always possible to develop side characters as well as intended, so to be able to see the events fold out from their perspective made me appreciate them a lot more. These chapters don’t take away the focus on Kaitlyn and Carey, they help in the building of the lore, and they can feel poignant, funny, sad, and (this thing is disgusted with itself to admit) very, very disturbing.
Also good: The addition of new monsters. I’m a sucker for body horror, so when a book sequence can remind me of John Carpenter’s “The Thing”, that’s always a plus. Talking about these new monsters verges on spoiler territory, though. I’m not getting near that. It would be much more fun to read about them on your own.
I know some people who don’t like cliffhangers, especially in book series. The argument here is that cliffhangers make the reader aware of the format when, ideally, each book should be self-contained, with overarching plot points to bridge them together. I respect that view, but I don’t necessarily agree with it. Truth be told, “The Empty Ones” took me on a rollercoaster of a ride that I only got through alive because the book had the good decency to end before the suspense killed me. There were breather moments, mind you; I just liked them as much as the fast-paced adventure ones.
All in all, “The Empty Ones” is a damn fine read and the most fun I’ve had while being kept on the edge of my seat, waiting to find out what happens in the next chapter well before having finished the current one. As Robert Brockway himself has stated on multiple occasions, the book (and, in fact, the entire series) defies being placed in a single genre, so it could find a bit of opposition in the face of some hardcore purists. If you’re into genre-mashing, the odds are you’ll like it. If you loved “The Unnoticeables” like I did, you’re (probably) going to spam the author with messages about how unfair it is to wait another whole year to read the last book.
There’s your review, Robert. I did exactly what you asked of me. Now hand over the conclusion. Slowly. Wait, not that slo--
Ah, crap.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
Next 2 for you in this series
See full series
More like The Empty Ones: A Novel (The Vicious Circuit Book 2)
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Loading...
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
Wonderful second installment
Wonderful second installment. Couldn't put it down and finished it the day I got it, it's as unstoppable as punk rock and the evil that is Mario Lopez
Top reviews from other countries
C. CLARK
Good follow up to the first book in the series
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 17, 2017Mike Muzyka
Ordered it from UK to Canada: that's how much I love this book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 29, 2016Amazon Customer
Pretty bloody good
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2016