The third and final book in Grimwood's Arabesk trilogy, continues the story of Ashraf Bey, a reluctant detective in a near future alternate North Africa. This is science fiction meets Raymond Chandler meets alternate history meets a touch of cyberpunk. A strange mix but one I find compelling. However, although still enjoyable, this has proved to be my least favourite of the three; easier to follow but it never quite attains the pace and tension of the others.
Grimwood’s writing is, as ever, sharp and gritty and his characters are well drawn though he allowed Zara, a strong character from the previous books, to slide into an unsympathetic and rather whiny minor character in this one which was a shame. However in compensation this time the young Hani is brought forward to prominence and the passages from her perspective were a real joy to read.
The cyber aspects of the cyberpunk is much reduced this time around but the punk aspects are still very much in evidence with Grimwood unfailingly capturing the atmosphere of the dirty underbelly of society without actually wallowing in it.
A good but not brilliant conclusion to the generally excellent Arabesk trilogy.
Grimwood’s writing is, as ever, sharp and gritty and his characters are well drawn though he allowed Zara, a strong character from the previous books, to slide into an unsympathetic and rather whiny minor character in this one which was a shame. However in compensation this time the young Hani is brought forward to prominence and the passages from her perspective were a real joy to read.
The cyber aspects of the cyberpunk is much reduced this time around but the punk aspects are still very much in evidence with Grimwood unfailingly capturing the atmosphere of the dirty underbelly of society without actually wallowing in it.
A good but not brilliant conclusion to the generally excellent Arabesk trilogy.
