Zelig Theodorovich

Ken Follett is at his best when he deals with a time period rich in recorded history. In this sort of setting, he seems able to create truly believable characters involved with complex and complicated situations that seem to have actually occurred. His character development is often complex, and multilayered. Circle of Dsys has none of that. Writing a sort of personal history within a time period and place that mankind lacks detailed information of, seems to be too much for Follett. The result is the creation of one-dimensional characters and situations that are unsatisfying to a reader used to the richly complex and often perplexing worlds Follett has created in the past. He seems lost in the age he’s chosen to focus on. The result is disappointing.

Michael Connelly is capable of interesting writing. His early Lincoln Lawyer books, and Void Moon, an early Bosch book are quite good. Something has happened, however, in the last few years that has dulled his writing. Dark Sacred Moon is the latest example of this sad, wasted writing. It is dull, tiring, and completely unconvincing. At no point does the reader feel part of the story, unlike his earlier work. This one is simply his latest effort. It's not a good one. Connelly seems to be ready to retire Harry Bosch, but he can't quite seem to do it. He's introduced a new character naked Renee Ballard, but she's not real. She seems to be just a semi-femalized younger Harry Bosch. Connelly has never written a female role convincingly, and Renee Ballard is less convincing than even his earlier efforts. I'd take this book back for a refund, if I'd purchased it. Lucky for me I borrowed it from a library!