I have read the new Renko Novel and I weep. Not for joy. I weep for what seems to be a favored writer whoring himself out and cashing in on a series.
Have you ever Watched a movie where they had to butcher the novel to make it fit time constraints? This is the feeling I have reading the book. Arkady is still the Renko we all knew and loved, yet, His portrayal is rather shabby at best. I had the feeling the book had missing chapters and the story did not flow very well at all. The supporting cast were not up to par with the previous novels. There is no hate or love or interest in those who surround Arkady thru this adventure. I always loved the character development, You hated Major Pribluda at the start of Gorky Park, you then get to learn more of his relationship with Renko and come to understand he is a complex human like everyday normal people. All the characters in his previous novels had life and complexities, Not in Wolves eat Dogs. The story does not flow and hard to follow with little intrust.
I happened to come across the editors edition with typos and all. I hope there was extensive rewrites for the first half of the book. For it truly stank, if it were not for the train wreck quality of the first half I would have not finished the book. The last half was better but still not up to par with his previous Arkady novels. DEC 6th (his last book) was a great read, this one. Unless the first edition has been modified a great deal, stank.
He did try and bring the Zone to life, yet this sight does a much better job. www.kidofspeed.com
I shall of course field any questions any have to ask. and proclaim this thread a no boxed spoiler zone!
Osip