Member Reviews

The fact that it has taken so long to finish reading says a lot. Larsson's original books with Salamander etc were intense but you got drawn in. I'm afraid that this continuation never achieved the drawing in for me, everything was just sooooo long and drawn out which meant that I often wandered off at a tangent following a bit of description or caught my eye. Sorry. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

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It was nice to go back to the characters although it felt like they had lost a little depth since the original books. A good read overall.

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I love this book series especially the ones by Stig Larsson and enjoyed the characters that he had created and am glad that these can still continue.

I love Lisbeth as a character she is truly amazing and really makes these books a great read

Would highly recommend

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Karin Smirnoff’s The Girl in the Eagle’s Talons offers a fresh perspective on a familiar narrative universe, following in the footsteps of Stieg Larsson’s iconic Millennium series. While the novel has its strengths, it ultimately falls into some of the same pitfalls that characterize many sequels and adaptations.

Smirnoff’s writing style is engaging, bubbling with an intensity that draws readers in from the beginning. The pacing is generally good, with a balance of action and introspection that reflects the complex emotions of the characters. The narrative centers around a young woman, which is a nod to the series’ legacy of strong female protagonists. Her journey is compelling, showcasing themes of resilience and empowerment that resonate well.

However, the reliance on established characters and plotlines can feel limiting at times. While the connections to the original Millennium universe are intriguing, they may alienate new readers who are unfamiliar with the backstory. Additionally, certain characters lack the depth and development that one might hope for, making them feel more like archetypes than fully realized individuals.

The mystery at the heart of the story is engaging, with several twists and turns that keep readers guessing. Yet, the resolution can be somewhat predictable, which may leave seasoned mystery fans feeling a bit underwhelmed. Smirnoff brings a unique voice to the narrative, but at times it feels like the novel is trying too hard to replicate the formula of its predecessors rather than carving out its own identity.

In conclusion, The Girl in the Eagle’s Talons is an average read that successfully captures some of the intrigue of the Millennium series while also stumbling over familiar tropes. Fans of the original may find value in Smirnoff’s take, but those looking for something new and innovative might be left wanting. Overall, it’s a decent addition to the series, but not a groundbreaking one.

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I was excited but apprehensive about reading this book. My main thought was can another author do Lisbeth justice. It was a worry when David Largercrantz took on the story but can a third author be successful?

This book was very slow to start. The first 12 or so chapters seemed to be full of names and places, nothing was really making sense and felt like it dragged on and on. I really wasn’t enjoying it and could easily have given up. Just as I was about to give up, I started a new chapter and the book got going. This Author doesn't seem to write with quite the same vibe as previous books in the series but once it got going it had me wanting to read more. For me the characters were a bit flat. Lisbeth needed a bit more fire, there needed to be more of Mikael and Lisbeth. Then as it just got going it all came to an end! This book needed more rounding off, stories needed finishing. I feel too much was left unanswered. What happened to Branco? Did Henry stay with his wife? Did his brother stay around or disappear? What was the link to the biker gang?
As I am sat here writing this I’m wondering if I would read another if the author wrote it, and I cannot honestly say I would look out for it, request it or buy it but if I was offered a copy for free, I think curiosity would probably get the better of me.
Do I hope there is another Lisbeth story. No, my overall feeling is that Karin Smirnoff should off left well alone and did not live up to the standard of writing from the two previous authors.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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The millenium series started by Stieg Larsson and completed by other authors including David Lagercrantz and Now Karin Smirnoff. However this latest instalment really bears very little relationship to the previous 6. Not to put too fine a point on it this was a really poor narrative. There were far too many narrative events and far too little to truly connect each one to the next. Lisbeth Salander, in particular, takes an awful long time to enter the storyline. I was perhaps at 60% before I really had an even partial understanding of just what was going on. For me this is the last book that I will read in the series

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I really loved the millenium series and was happy to get on board with the stories written/finished by David Lagercrantz but this was a completely different style and vibe to previous millennium books. Really drawn out written that felt hard work to read. Time to stop flogging a dead horse

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The Girl in the Eagle’s Talons is a respectable sequel in the series, with Snirnoff “getting” the characters and themes as originated by Stieg Larsson.

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I did not get to read this one before it evaporated, I was hoping to get a physical copy locally so held on a while. I haven't seen it so I'm just letting you know. I am sure I'd find it interesting. When I get a copy I will review.

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Enjoyable and in the same tone as the other books in this universe, which is no mean feet when by a different author.

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Like so many other readers I loved the first three books in the series. Having read the next three with mixed feelings, I felt compelled to request this title. Sadly I did not particularly enjoy it. Confusing plot, characters that just didn't feel authentic anymore and a rushed conclusion meant this was less a labour of love, more just a labour. I do think it was reasonably well written, but the shoes were just too big to step into and if any more books in this series were to be released I think it would be a pass for me.

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Lisbeth Salander rides again

The story takes a while to get going but pulls together all the usual protagonists of Mikael, Lisbeth, a certain notorious motorcycle gang and a new villain. It then adds the twists of reuniting Mikael with his daughter and finding Lisbeth an unexpected, and talented, relative to care for.

The story follows the usual twists and turns favoured by Salander’s creator, digging into corruption as a means of overturning local democracy along with the usual violence, vice, murder and mayhem to give the backbone of a Salander story.

While the book builds in the usual manner I felt that Lisbeth’s character didn’t expand much and that the ending fizzled out a bit. The story leaves a number of threads hanging to feed into potential sequels but the ending wasn’t as satisfactory as the other Salander novels for me. This wouldn’t stop me from giving at least one more in the series by this author a try though.

I was given this book from the author via netgalley only for the pleasure of reading and leaving an honest review should I choose to.

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It is quite a while since I read the first millennium trilogy and although other novels have since been written this is the first I have read. I had some initial difficulty in reconnecting with the characters but having done so I did enjoy the read. It takes Lisbeth out of her comfort zone and into a more rural area along with some other original characters. There is a a lot of violence and cruelty depicted so perhaps not a book for the faint hearted but will appeal to lovers of the original novels.

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Loved this book, great read from cover to cover. I enjoyed the story line, the characters were great in description and acting out. I couldnt put this book down. Kept me reading right to the last page.

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Did not enjoy. Felt a completely pointless book, the characters felts so far from who they truly are and not authentic at all! The story felt like it was going to amount to something but then didn’t, was confusing, rushed and erratic with very little substance. It was very hard to actually put the time and energy into finish this book, however I wanted to due to the originals and felt I owed it to do so, however I was very disappointed. The books should have been left after the original trilogy or the fourth at a push and no more should be written. They’re drifting further and further from the authentic characters and stories Steig Larsson produced and with each one that is released, it feels more and more like exploiting the series for money and publicity rather than keeping the characters alive.

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After Stieg Larsson’s original trilogy and David Lagercrantz’s underrated continuations, Swedish thriller writer Karin Smirnoff takes the helm of the Millennium series, with mixed results. For long-time fans, it’s great in concept to have more Salander stories and the storyline entwines green energy, corporate greed, misogyny and violence. Larsson-like topics. Salander’s genius niece, Svala, echoes the hacker’s troubles with authorities and ruthless villains, while aging journo Mikael Blomkvist faces his own family issues as worrisome rumours then violence swirl around his daughter’s fiancée. Bond-esque villains and patchy pacing may trouble some fans, while Smirnoff lays intriguing seeds for future instalments

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The Girl in the Eagle's Talons by Karin Smirnoff is a new book added to the millennium series created by Stieg Larrson and continued by David Lagercrantz. The Series follow Lisbeth Salander, a trauma survivior with a photographic memory and Mikael Blomkvist, an investigative journalist.
The first six books offer valuable insights into their world and are worth reading. One noteworthy change is Lisbeth Salander's character has been softened in this instalment, possibly due to the author's female perspective.
The Novel, The Girl in the Eagle's Talons takes is set in the Swedish town of Gasskas. Lisbeth is there as the only living relative of her fourteen year old niece, Svala Hirak. Svala's mother has disappeared suddenly, leaving Svala without a guardian.
It is a coincidence that Mikael Blomkvist is in town at the same time for his daughter's wedding. Pernilla is to wed Henry Salo, a councillor linked to a biker gang.
When a businessman threatens Henry's family to sway his choice for a wind farm tender, Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomlvist team up again. They join forces to protect Lisbeth's niece and save Mikael's grandson.
I enjoyed the original trilogy and was thrilled about the idea that a new author is taking on the task of continuing the series.
This instalment introduces us to a new character, Svala Hirak, who bears a striking resemblance to Lisbeth Salander in many ways. I am eagerly anticipating the evolution of Svala Hirak's character in the forthcoming instalments.
I believe Karin Smirnoff successfully meets expectations with a great plot twist and action, although the story starts slow. I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.

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When you release a book that in title 'alludes' to be a continuation of a world beating franchise it is somewhat disappointing to find that the main characters appear only fleetingly in the latest edition! New characters introduced but in my mind not adding to the 'Dragon Tattoo' series....not for me. Reasonable read though, just not what I was expecting....many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

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A well written book with great attention to detail, following the footsteps of Lisbeth Salander. The story dovetails seamlessly into the details of her life that we have previously read. An absorbing read, taking the reader on step further into the life of Lisbeth and those around her.

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It’s hard to live up to Steig Larsons Millennium series but Karin Smirnoff does a good job. Mikael has travelled north to his daughter’s wedding, Pernilla is to marry local councillor Henry Salo. Henry is planning a large wind farm and one of the bidders for the project is a criminal corporation.
It’s always good to catch up with Lisbeth and Mikael and the introduction of Svala , Lisbeth’s niece, was interesting and I hope she’s in future books. A good addition to the series.

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