I didn't enjoy this volume nearly as much as the previous ones in the Corbett series. The series has devolved into a series of very trope laden plot elements with an overall plot more outrageous than all the previous volumes, the first volume ([b:Speaks the Nightbird|1525997|Speaks the Nightbird (Matthew Corbett, #1)|Robert McCammon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1407262287s/1525997.jpg|16692325] still beating the rest. The characterizations outside the already established characters was very weak this time, the "criminals" all being fairly one dimensional and too easy to thoroughly dislike. The Deus ex machina is telegraphed way too early and therefore has no suspenseful effect on the plot.

Still Corbett remains an interesting character in a sea of much less interesting ones now. The main driver of all the plots now has become the dastardly Professor Fell. This is what I feared this series would turn into. I had hope McCammon would manage to kill him off with the rest in this volume, but no such luck. ( )

While I'm enjoying this series, three things are beginning to stand out for me...

First, McCammon seems to be getting better at villains from book to book.

Second, McCammon seems bound and determined to only allow Corbett to engage in sex when he's drugged, injured, or otherwise incapacitated. He's essentially been raped in three of the four books so far.. It's getting stupid.

Finally, this whole sub plot with Berry should have been put to bed with the end of this novel. The way McCammon keeps doing a last minute change of heart is bullshit. It's insulting.

However, for all of that, this is actually a much more enjoyable series than I expected. ( )

Good adventure

4 stars for the story. However, some of the interactions between characters was a little predictable. Without giving a spoiler I can only say that a certain relationship is broken in a silly soap opera manner at the end. Still, while not a particularly strong entry in the series. It's not to be missed or skipped if you are following the saga of young Mr. Corbett. ( )

This is the latest installment in the Mathew Corbett series.
In this novel we meet Matthew's nemesis, Professor Fell.
I love how Matthew is growing throughout the series. At first in [b:Speaks the Nightbird|1525997|Speaks the Nightbird (Matthew Corbett, #1)|Robert R. McCammon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255700795s/1525997.jpg|16692325] Matthew is uncertain and a bit naive. As the series continues, he is learning and becoming more and more sure of himself. As he takes part in the scarier and darker side of life,as in [b:Mister Slaughter|6505314|Mister Slaughter (Matthew Corbett, #3)|Robert R. McCammon|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1308972122s/6505314.jpg|16696203] he becomes more hardened, more worldly. Now in his latest, Matthew is reminding me of that old Nietzsche quote: "Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster, and if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you."
Will Matthew survive this look into the abyss? You will have to read it to find out! ( )

Very enjoyable. I really like the swashbuckling thing. Somewhat alternative American history. Just a little fantasy. Good stuff. ( )