Review: Does it work? Definitely...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 18, 2012
This is one of those books where I wish there was a half star option because there is one flaw that keeps this from being a five star book. But there is also a reason its more than a four star book. Ultimately the plus outweighs the minus and this gets four stars. What's so impressive about this book is that Platt and Wright have basically created a new template for serialized novels -- taking the terminology of television (episodes, seasons, series) and applying it to serialized fiction.This concept is more than just coming up with some new terminology. Yesterday's Gone actually takes its inspiration from what I believe is our current golden age of television which includes shows like Battlestar Galactica, Breaking Bad, and Game of Thrones. In other words, great plots with fantastic characters told in serialized fashion with plot twists and cliffhangers at the end of every episode. That Platt and Wright thought to do this with their writing is no small thing.Of course, none of that matters if the writing isn't any good, the plot unbelievable or the characters are boring. None of that is true with Yesterday's Gone. Indeed, the first season reminded me of the best of Stephen King with books such as The Stand. Every character was compelling, dealing with perilous situations and left me wanting to know what come next.My sole complaint with the book is that it violates one aspect of the serialized format -- the first season should end with a big revelation that answers some questions while raising more. Unfortunately, season one ends without answering any of the questions so skillfully set up during the six episodes. Instead, it ends with another revelation that only raises more questions instead of answering any.But that's a small quibble and I'm definitely going to read season two.