Reviews

Next of Kin by Dan Wells

mneiger's review

Go to review page

dark mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

zemthy889's review

Go to review page

dark emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

amybraunauthor's review

Go to review page

5.0

Excellent! Can't wait for the next book in a truly disturbing but fantastic series!

abigailhartnett's review

Go to review page

5.0

This little novella brought me back into the world of the John Cleaver books and reminded me why I love them. Dan has an excellent way with words and a way with emotion that could perhaps have seemed a little over the top here, but given the character, I thought it was excellent.

Don't read this unless you've also read the original John Cleaver trilogy (I'm Not a Serial Killer, Mr. Monster, and I Don't Want to Kill You), as it probably won't make much sense and definitely won't have as much impact. This novella draws on the knowledge you gain in those books.

But if you have read that trilogy, you'll adore this short adventure which, instead of following John, brings you into the perspective of the antagonists in the previous books. And provides it's own little mystery in just a few thousand words.

missbookiverse's review

Go to review page

5.0

Holy Batman wow, this was awesome. I tried to read it right after finishing the 3rd John Cleaver book but just couldn't get into it, so I tried again a few months later and this time I had no trouble at all. It blew me away instead. Elijah's story is rather heart-wrenching and I loved to learn more about the Gods. The best part was the connection it had to John though. He's not just in the story but some years must've have passed and wow, things have changed and I absolutely cannot wait for the 4th John Cleaver book. Can it be in my hands now, pretty please?

spacepandita2022's review

Go to review page

fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

strider23's review

Go to review page

3.0

Interesting read. I liked the idea to see the actions from a demon's perspective. It was refreshing. Elijah is a great character and I often wonder whether all of these demons really deserve death.

lilelelel's review

Go to review page

dark reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

ashleyhoj's review

Go to review page

emotional reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 That was the most beautiful piece of short fiction I've ever read. 

cajeck's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Great writing

Dan Wells uses effective imagery, and his dark and imaginative world is captivating. As a prequel to the new John Cleaver trilogy, this was an awesome read.