Review: Great sequel. Definite recommendation
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 2, 2013
Book Review: The Highway : The Reanimates Book 2 by J RudolphReviewed by J Bryden LloydWriting Style - 3.5/5.0 (Good)As the follow-up to `The Complex', this story is written in exactly the same style and structure as the first. Although I was more impressed with the maturity and improvement of this instalment, once again I was frustrated by the opening of the piece, which gave the entire summary of the opening book. Excellent idea if you have no intention of purchasing the first part (not that this is in any way helpful to the author), but if you have read the first part, it is exceedingly frustrating to find where the new part begins.The dialogue felt smoother, but occasionally also felt a little out of place, especially where the descriptive was at its best.Character Development - 4.0/5.0 (Very Good)This was a bit of mix-and-match in my opinion. Whereas this was a continuation of the previous part, it has to be said that some of the main characters seem to have reached a developmental `plateau'. In defence of this, it does mean that the story progresses at a reasonable pace, and the few who do change and develop, do so very well.As you would expect, with these characters now out on the open road, there are a whole new range of issues to deal with, and several new characters make appearances.The element of realism within the sub-plots is quite refreshing, and although this is - essentially - a post apocalyptic zom-romp; it IS impressive how the author keeps the interest centred on the survivors for the vast majority of the story.Descriptive - 3.5/5.0 (Good)As with the first part, the scene and atmospheric descriptive is superb. Throughout the read, I had only a couple of minor pauses where I had to `join the dots', but these were merely as afterthoughts.Where I did feel a little disappointed, was in the character descriptive. Yes, this is a continuation, so - in theory - you `know' what the characters look like; but to defend my position I would point out that the author has made an effort at the start of the book, to give the potential for a reader to pick up this part and never have need to go back. With that in mind, the complete lack of character descriptive is a little off-putting.Unfortunately, this omission is then transposed to some of the new characters, and does provide a rather glaring imbalance when placed against the obvious hard work that has gone into the rest of the descriptive.Language & Grammar - 4.0/5.0 (Very Good)Some minor grammatical issues spread throughout. A few unnecessary words and such, which were noticeable.Nevertheless, this offering was far more stable (with regard to word selection and use) than the first book. Once again, it could be read by younger readers, but once again I would err on the side of caution, with regards to some of the more violent content.This does serve to show how much this new author is developing, and I would like to think we could be on the verge of something far stronger from her.Plot - 4.5/5.0 (Excellent) - MINOR SPOILERSSo... having been forced to run at the end of the first book, Cali and the gang are heading off in search of family. Driving off on the wide, open roads... oh, wait... dammit they're blocked!The realistic elements of the plot continue to keep the reader engrossed in the possibilities, and just as you start to ask yourself why there are no large pockets of survivors... okay, enough of that. Needless to say, there are few things missed in the imagination of this particular writer.I thought the sub-plots (there were five or six running throughout the book) were both clever and beautifully latched into the characters. Along with the obvious, come the nice little twists and turns that make the reader keep going, and the ending definitely leaves you wanting more... immediately.General - 4.0/5.0 (Very Good)As with the first book, I picked up an early edition and fed back some early concerns which have since been addressed. That being said, this is still an impressive story and is told with a terrific flair and aptitude by a decent writer.Once again, the human element of the story is more important than having all-out war with the undead. Indeed, the theme of the piece seems to concentrate on how best to stay well clear of them.Despite my criticisms, this IS an impressive book. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters... yes, it could do with that extra little something; but like its predecessor, this one is worth the time, outlay and effort.Four stars... Would have been a solid 5, but this writer is definitely moving in the right direction.