I’m doing things a bit differently with this blog post. This is a double book review of the first two books in the Blood on Snow book series by Jo Nesbo. Thank you to A.A. Knopf for my copy of Midnight Sun.
Rating: 3/5 stars
This is the story of Olav: an extremely talented “fixer” for one of Oslo’s most powerful crime bosses. But Olav is also an unusually complicated fixer. He has a capacity for love that is as far-reaching as is his gift for murder. He is our straightforward, calm-in-the-face-of-crisis narrator with a storyteller’s hypnotic knack for fantasy. He has an “innate talent for subordination” but running through his veins is a “virus” born of the power over life and death. And while his latest job puts him at the pinnacle of his trade, it may be mutating into his greatest mistake. . . .
My honest review:
This book was a quick, easy read and my first Jo Nesbo book. It could almost be considered a novella really. The storyline was decent although not as detailed as it would have been in a longer novel. I didn’t find myself getting attached to the characters like I usually do with these types of books. I found myself getting irritated with Olav and his simplicity at times. I can honestly say that I am terrified of The Fisherman, and I’m so happy that he is just a character in the book.
Even without the detail I’m used to in crime dramas, this book had great backbone and lifelike characters. Jo Nesbo has a writing style that is easy to follow. This book was an enjoyable read, and I will definitely read more of his novels in the future.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Jon is on the run. He has betrayed Oslo’s biggest crime lord: The Fisherman.
Fleeing to an isolated corner of Norway, to a mountain town so far north that the sun never sets, Jon hopes to find sanctuary amongst a local religious sect.
Hiding out in a shepherd’s cabin in the wilderness, all that stands between him and his fate are Lea, a bereaved mother and her young son, Knut.
But while Lea provides him with a rifle and Knut brings essential supplies, the midnight sun is slowly driving Jon to insanity.
And then he discovers that The Fisherman’s men are getting closer…
My honest review:
It’s really hard for me to talk about this book without revealing spoilers, but I will do my best. I enjoyed reading this book. I immediately found myself relating to Jon (or Ulf) throughout the book. His actions and reactions are so perfectly human. His mistakes are ones that many in the same position would make. I feel like this book does a much better job of drawing you into the life of each character and how that affects Jon’s existence.
This book also explores a bit more of the Norwegian culture and sub-cultures. With almost 100 pages more than Blood on Snow, Midnight Sun went into more detail about everything from surroundings to environment to personal relationships. I was actually upset when the book ended. I am very excited to see where the series is headed and to see who else will tangle with The Fisherman.
Find the Author at the links below ∇
Jenn Blogs Books 