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abject_reptile's review against another edition
5.0
I wish they'd translate more of Akunin's work. I'm spinning these out for as long as I can - and given my desire to devour them in one marathon session it's hard - but I'm going to run out before long and there won't be anything to take their place. I can't think of another writer who can spend half a book in the mind of the adversary (I use that word loosely given the devilish complexities of the Tsarist bureaucracy and the uncertainties of who the real adversary is) and leave you feeling that you don't care if you ever get back to the protagonist no matter how delightful he is (and he is).
lunese's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tosza's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
arpopovaa's review against another edition
4.0
Im im love with all that political terror and Erast Fandorin is my crush. Sorry for that gen z review.
darklords_headache's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
kris_mccracken's review against another edition
5.0
The sixth in the series, I think that this is (thus far) his best: reactionary autocrats, revolutionary terrorists, murky plots, sinister schemes and a heavy political edge I really enjoyed this bleak tale!
I particularly enjoyed the vivid painting of the key revolutionary 'Green'. Fashioned by a cruel world, Akunin has done a great job in constructing a beautiful example of the sympathetic villain. This book has it all, assassinations, bomb-making, bank heists, love trysts, and scores of bodies piling up as the stakes are raised every page. I loved it.
I particularly enjoyed the vivid painting of the key revolutionary 'Green'. Fashioned by a cruel world, Akunin has done a great job in constructing a beautiful example of the sympathetic villain. This book has it all, assassinations, bomb-making, bank heists, love trysts, and scores of bodies piling up as the stakes are raised every page. I loved it.
alexzayts's review against another edition
4.0
Sometimes a bit confusing because I don't understand all the titles and ranks of 19th century Russia
dennisfischman's review against another edition
4.0
One of the best of this series, even though it is less a murder mystery than a tale of revolution and repression where people die along the way. You get a deeper sense of Russian society than in previous books, including the pervasive prejudices against Jews that led to sporadic massacres. Fandorin's understanding of what he is doing has also grown more complex as he advances, and there's a huge twist at the end of the book.