Review: Book of Souls

Book Review: Book of Souls, by Glenn Cooper, 4 stars

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A shocking truth lies within the pages of an ancient library, locked inside a high-security complex deep beneath the Nevada desert. And the US government will stop at nothing to keep it classified. But now a shadowy group of ex-employees want the world to know - however terrifying the disclosure might prove to be. And when a single volume missing from the original collection mysteriously surfaces at a London auction house, they persuade former FBI agent Will Piper to help them obtain it and unlock the ultimate secret of the library, once and for all.
Traveling to England, Will discovers the text contains a sonnet that holds a series of clues - clues that reveal the book has had a profound effect on the history of mankind. But all the time he is being watched. And as he gets nearer to the final revelation, he and his young family become a direct target for a deadly group of men whose duty it is to guard the library's secret - whatever it takes. However, the truth is too powerful to keep hidden...

Genre: suspense

Publication date: December 2010

Mature content: yes

Review: Book of Souls is the second in a series and follows book one (Library of the Dead) so closely they could just be one long book instead of two. Still, Book of Souls is written in a way that makes it easy to read as a stand alone if needed (even at the cost of feeling it's a bit repetitive if you've just finished book one).

I have to say I enjoyed Book of Souls way more than Library of the Dead. I still don't like Will Piper as a man, and probably never will. I really thought he had redeemed himself at the end of book one, but I should have known better, as he jumps at the fist chance he has to cheat on his wife.

In terms of plot, however, Book of Souls is very cleverly crafted, interweaving fact and fiction in a very convincing and captivating way. Towards the end, though, the story lost a bit of momentum - either that or I just preferred the parts when I was given glimpses into the past instead of Will's present.


While I think Book of Souls still isn't an off-the-charts amazing book, it's hard to put down once you start reading it, and I recommend it. 

Happy Wednesday,

the book worm, book blog

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