NEO HYPER Book Club #2 (28 may - 11 jun)

[Sterling Archer]

Firstly, I'll say this: great job, you two. A really enjoyable read that brought more to the table than I expected. I think one of my favorite parts about this thread is how consistent the writing is between the writers. I've read my share of stories where depending on who is behind the pen, character A can seem like two entirely different people from one post to the next. There's none of that here, which to me says that you both have a respect for the other's character and some real effort went into to. Much appreciated, both as a fellow writer and a reader. I never felt like I had to try and figure out if there was some new character popping up that I hadn't noticed.

The characters themselves are the obvious centerpiece of the story and I feel like they're showcased quite well. While I think I might have preferred maybe a smidge more physical description of our heroes to help me picture them mentally, I feel like their personalities shine through perfectly. I think the first scene really showcases what the reader has to look forward to, after Isaac sees Christa murder the attacker without batting an eye. This scene is really powerful since, at least in my eyes, it shows not only how they're different but how they are similar. Isaac hates to fight and kill, and yet he would to protect someone. Christa is a hardass, but in much the same way, she clearly puts her life on the line to ensure Isaac is safe, even if it might be also largely for her own benefit. If it really was all about "I kill all the time", Isaac would have been left to bleed out in the bar, or killed off for slowing her down. Likewise with the hostage, Christa could have easily blown a hole in her to make it an easier shot. It's an interesting juxtaposition that I feel is deeper than "hey check out my body count". There's thought behind the action and there's a reason for it. Isaac sees a little of his younger self in her, and I feel like there's a part of Christa that almost wishes she could be like Isaac.

Another place I feel like I have to give some real credit is in the vocabulary and the almost poetic way some of the sentences flowed. It really helped to paint a vivid picture, I think. On the other side of the coin, there was a fair amount of typos and small grammar issues that could maybe have been caught with another read-through. This didn't take anything out of the story itself for me personally, but it's something I noticed. I'll also concede here that some things that I might see as grammar issues are actually just style choices, so take this with a good few grains of salt.

Overall, I think this had a little something for everyone. Some really intense action, some heartfelt moments, a fair share of FEEEELS. I wish we had seen more of Damien, but I imagine that will be for next time. =P

Would I recommend this to a friend? You betcha. With that in mind, I'd definitely nominate this for a Great bonus.