The Passage
(Passage 1 of 3?)
by Justin Cronin
horror
copyright 2010
read in August 2019
rated 7/10: well worth reading
There are vampires. So, is this horror? Yes. That's the easy category. The "science" of vampire creation is too vague to make this science fiction. Actually, some of the later science strikes me as being unbelievably wrong -- not that it matters, it's just a way to advance the plot. There is definite apocalypse theme but, well, it's horror. With more.
The first part of the book is slow, like treacle. There is a lot going on but it is a slow build-up, not much action. Confusing, too, with lots of characters being introduced -- only for most of them to disappear.
There is a cast of thousands, many of whom play their -- essential -- parts and then disappear. Even a couple who later reappear... are quickly disposed of (again). Don't get too attached to anyone!
This is not a character-driven story. It is the history of the fall of our current civilisation. Perhaps a new civilisation will appear in the next two books?
btw: Current references -- with three books published -- are to "a book series" rather than "a trilogy". So be warned. Still, this book ends quite satisfactorily, despite the obvious to-be-continued final situation.
Then the action really begins -- and it's wham! bam! vampire blasting excitement... mostly. With quite a lot of exploration of the remaining post-apocalyptic civilisation. And some rather questionable decisions. In particular: why does the young family leave what appears to be a very safe location?!
This is a very thick book providing a lot of detail. Much of the detail is irrelevant to the plot -- but adds depth to the new world order.
The writing style is... very good. No surprise when I read that the author was a professor of English. Excellent style, very easy to read. Sometimes confusing as the story jumps from character to character -- and backwards and forwards in time.
All this adds up to a readable book which is well worth reading. And, quite satisfying.
Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
... Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved
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"Why be difficult? Be impossible." … Ginger Meggs
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