The idea of this book is intriguing. We are following the transformation of the character as his storyline unfolds layer by layer.
I like the fast pace, the willingness to create impacts, and the body counts along the way. The tightly woven of interlocking flows between scenes and characters are established firmly. There are enough revelations and mysteries; it was not a difficult read for me. The author manages to handle some sensitive topics delicately, and personally, I don't mind others that are more jarring.
Spoiler review ahead. This is a totally personal review based on how I felt during the reading experience.
I wish to feel more connected to the main character. It started really well. I like and understand him up to around one-third of the book, but eventually, I feel detached, and in the end, I feel indifferent to him. That may be the intention; I don't know. There are a couple of factors that don't flow well for me. Again, it is minor and could be unimportant to others, but they stand out for me. I find it difficult to believe that a character like Mason, which I relate to in many ways, would have the kind of job he has, that an organization that capable would take that long to locate him, and the clarity of Lester's motivations. I wish for richer backstories of Mason's "before" to make it a complete circle because the transformations and triggers feel underdeveloped. The story also feels less intimate because I felt like I was reading the characters from afar, not getting into their heads.
The mysteries and the way the plots make readers follow along are great. The deliveries, the punches, and some unpredictability are well-written.
3.5 of 5
