Member Reviews
This book was not for me, I didn't manage to finish it. I tried to enjoy a new genre, but will be sticking to traditional fantasy.
Another of my oldest netgalleys that I wish I had the time to get to sooner (we are getting through the list!)
This is a really good blend of fantasy and thriller - you take the demon out and we have a solid thriller for sure.
I really liked the premise, and the pace - it was fast and full - but I struggled a little with the over all execution of it all with the multi POV (which I like) but the back and forth threw me a little.
It's a pretty solid debut though and I look forward to seeing what else comes from this author :)
Not my usual genre or style of book but I thought I would give this one a go. I found it quite complex with the multiple characters plus the back and forth in time, and overall it wasn't really my cup of tea. It's a shame - there is some good writing and the potential for excellence.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book , here is my honest review.
Demons, and Magic, and Witches! Oh my!
Demons, and Magic, and Witches! Oy Vey!
The premise of the book paints the picture of hidden and criminal magic on the streets of London , which is in my wheelhouse completely. I was a bit disappointed that was just a bit of the storyline, with the greater chunk being the train ride through Russia. Just wasn't what I had thought the story would be.
I found the beginning of the story a bit confusing , many characters and fast paced. After a bit it became much easier to determine who and what was being referred to.
I believe it is an interesting idea, and wished it could have been expanded into some different directions.
I would also recommend some editing, repetitive at times.
It was a good weekend distraction.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. I was not disappointed, it was fast, dark and with lots of twists. Highly recommend.
Omg......... this book was amazing I flew threw the pages with Olympic speed I was hooked from the very first page. I found it full of twists and turns threw out and it kept me on the edge of my seat all the way threw I would defiantly recommend this book if you like a good book to keep you reading threw the night hopefully you enjoy it as much as I did
I was intrigued by the title - The End of the Line.
However, it had just way too much violence. It just was not as intriguing as I expected. I feel if the author cuts back somewhat on the story and revises it then it will be a more pleasant read. Sorry.
The cover of this book pulled me in and enticed me, but this book just was not right for me. Magic and crime-solving don't go hand in hand in books I like to read and so I was a bit disappointed.
In 2019 I received an eARC from Canelo via NetGalley of ‘The End of the Line’ by Gray Williams.
Yet about 20% in I decided that it wasn’t for me and citing too much violence, elected not to give feedback. However, I did think that I might try again in the future.
Last month I borrowed its audiobook edition from the local online library and did complete a combined read/listen. It still wasn’t quite my cup of tea as the violence and darkness was unrelenting. Still, I became quite invested in Amanda’s quest and the race across Russia was compelling.
I expect that I have become used to urban fantasies with elements of wry humour and this was more like a gritty crime novel with magic involved. I feel that Williams had some great ideas and that by ditching the lighter moments was creating something more akin to grimdark fantasy in a contemporary setting.
I am glad that I revisited it and may well read (or listen to) its sequel.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
The thing I loved most about this book was the setting, a high stakes race across Siberia is not a setting I had experienced before.
It was fast paced and definitely kept your blood pressure up. The rag tag grey characters and criminal underworld were all winning aspects for me. However I didn't enjoy the 'magical realism' aspect, and would of much preferred the read had it been devoid of magic or set in a magical world.
This read certainly delivered what it promised and I will be giving the second on in the series a go.
Not my cup of tea, unfortunately. I've had trouble in the past with magic crime-solving books and I fear this genre may just not be for me.
Great story concept, with good characters.
Whilst I do like the way the story unravels in segments and the lead up to the story is told backwards, it does still jump around a fair bit, leaving a few unanswered questions.
Having scanned the other reviews of this book, sadly I'm in agreement with the general consensus - mediocre.
The overall story was ok but, as others have said, it does jump around a bit too much. I can see why it did- as otherwise the second half of the book would literally take place in one scene and something needed to be brought in to mix it up a bit but honestly I thought overall it lacked a bit for me in execution.
The whole crime+magic angle works with revenge thrown in the mix but this never got me on the edge of my seat or even to a raised heart rate of brutally honest.
It was something a bit different to the norm but not entirely for me.
Thanks as ever, however, for the preview copy
The End Of The Line is a mix of crime fiction and fantasy, with plenty of action and magic.
There are quite a few characters and the timeline jumps between the past and present as the story unfolds. Mainly set in a small train carriage, a demon had been summoned and somehow escapes only to go on a rampage, so the story is around their travels to Russia to find it.
This has a clever plot, but I found it quite confusing, especially the first half, as the story gradually comes together. It has a tense, almost claustrophobic atmosphere overall and is an entertaining read.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an eARC of The End Of The Line.
The End of the Line has a lot of potential, but there are also a lot of flaws which detract from what could be a really good book. It's a popular trend to include multiple timelines, but they can be hard to pull off and Williams doesn't quite succeed here. It also doesn't help that there's a lot of complex world building and many characters to keep track of.
I can see what he was going for, and I did quite enjoy it, but it could have been better presented.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC without obligation.
Urban Fantasy is a genre I have enjoyed in the past so I thought I'd try The End of The Line. It was an enjoyable read if a little confusing with the changes to the past and present tense.
This was a very good book but I struggled with all of the jumping back and forth.
I don't know why authors have to jump around so much. Just write in order - of if you do need to mention things that happened in the past, fine - just don't do it too often.
It really ruined the book for me.
This book was difficult for me. I couldn't get into the story and it took me a long time to get through. I don't know what it was or if it just wasn't the book for me, but I struggled. It did seem to pick up towards the end though.
Sadly not a book for me, I found the back and forth timelines a little too much and a bit confusing at times.
The story just didn't hold my attention and I couldn't connect with any of the characters.
I have problems with books which keep jumping backwards and forwards in time. There were some very good concepts but not set in such a way that made for a good read.