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Repairman Jack: The Early Years #2
Dark City
Dark City is the second of a new prequel trilogy, Repairman Jack: The Early Years by F. Paul Wilson.
It's February 1992. Desert Storm is raging in Iraq but twenty-two-year-old Jack has more pressing matters at home. His favorite bar, The Spot, is about to be sold out from under Julio, Jack's friend. Jack has been something of a tag-along to this point, but now he takes the reins and demonstrates his innate talent for seeing biters get bit. With a body count even higher than in Cold City, this second novel of the Early Years Trilogy hurtles Jack into the final volume in which all scores will be settled, all debts paid.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
It's February 1992. Desert Storm is raging in Iraq but twenty-two-year-old Jack has more pressing matters at home. His favorite bar, The Spot, is about to be sold out from under Julio, Jack's friend. Jack has been something of a tag-along to this point, but now he takes the reins and demonstrates his innate talent for seeing biters get bit. With a body count even higher than in Cold City, this second novel of the Early Years Trilogy hurtles Jack into the final volume in which all scores will be settled, all debts paid.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
368 pages, ebook
First published July 15, 2013
About the author
F. Paul Wilson
377 books1,888 followersFrancis Paul Wilson is an author, born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He writes novels and short stories primarily in the science fiction and horror genres. His debut novel was Healer (1976). Wilson is also a part-time practicing family physician. He made his first sales in 1970 to Analog and continued to write science fiction throughout the seventies. In 1981 he ventured into the horror genre with the international bestseller, The Keep, and helped define the field throughout the rest of the decade. In the 1990s he became a true genre hopper, moving from science fiction to horror to medical thrillers and branching into interactive scripting for Disney Interactive and other multimedia companies. He, along with Matthew J. Costello, created and scripted FTL Newsfeed which ran daily on the Sci-Fi Channel from 1992-1996.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/fpaulw...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/fpaulw...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
October 27, 2013
This is the second book in the three book prequel that will make up the final Repairman Jack novels. It's once again giving the background about how Jack came to be the man that took on the horrifying Rakoshi in The Tomb. It's an entertaining story thats working along a number of story lines. If your new to F. Paul Wilson then you should know that nearly everything he's written is connected to a much larger Secret History of the world and every repairman Jack novel walks the fine line between Lee Child's Jack Reacher type vigilantly justice and H.P. Lovecraft's world from beyond. It all started way back in the stunning novel The Keep and moves through to the equally great novel Nightworld and there are jogs this way and that way that cross over Repairman Jack and through the Advisary Cycle of wonderful bookstand through other short stories.
Iv'e read nearly every word that F. Paul Wilson has ever published, and the reason I have is that he has a very readable style that is combined with a very distinct vision of justice. Which basically means that bad guys may make a few hits here and there, but in the end they are going to get their asses handed to them, and then some. And really who doesn't like seeing the bad guys beaten?
F.Paul Wilson could have used these three novels to just walk us through the details of Jacks life that taught him the tricks of his violent trade, but he went a step further and made some complex and riveting stories that are really entertaining to read. I greatly enjoyed Dark City, but it does fill me with a little sadness because there will only be one more Repairman Jack Novel, and I hate to see Jack go. But on the other hand I'm really interested to see where F. Paul Wilson goes next, because it's been one hell of a ride so far.
Iv'e read nearly every word that F. Paul Wilson has ever published, and the reason I have is that he has a very readable style that is combined with a very distinct vision of justice. Which basically means that bad guys may make a few hits here and there, but in the end they are going to get their asses handed to them, and then some. And really who doesn't like seeing the bad guys beaten?
F.Paul Wilson could have used these three novels to just walk us through the details of Jacks life that taught him the tricks of his violent trade, but he went a step further and made some complex and riveting stories that are really entertaining to read. I greatly enjoyed Dark City, but it does fill me with a little sadness because there will only be one more Repairman Jack Novel, and I hate to see Jack go. But on the other hand I'm really interested to see where F. Paul Wilson goes next, because it's been one hell of a ride so far.
November 1, 2013
Decent, but as with the preceding entry in this trilogy, a serious case of prequelitis. It's definitely interesting to see the way Jack's philosophy is developing over time, but I really don't need every ancillary character from the rest of the series to appear for a brief fan service cameo. And please, please, please, F. Paul Wilson: stop writing sex scenes. You are really very bad at it, and I would like you to stop.
May 19, 2017
The second book of the Repairman Jack prequel trilogy takes place in 1991 and continues to show us Jack’s progression from an adolescent and somewhat naïve rogue to who he will become as the formidable Repairman Jack. In this volume, Jack is only 22 years old but really turns the corner from follower to leader and begins to stake out his future as a fixer.
Several subplots intertwine in this book. The major plot from book one where Jack helps to put down a ring of child enslavement/sex fiends continues and really brings Jack to a realization of the sort of fine line he will need to walk while skirting the law to bring justice. Simultaneously the big bad of the entire Repairman Jack series is looming as radical terrorists intent upon bringing jihad to the US at the behest of the blind Sheikh Omar are actually playing into the hands of “The Order” but don’t actually realize this. But perhaps the most fun is to be had when Jack takes on what will become a typical sort of fix-it case by thwarting a con-man’s attempt to swindle an old lady which in turn helps Jack’s new friend Julio in other ways.
Long-time fans of F. Paul Wilson’s “Secret History of the World” will likely pick up on some subtle clues here that work toward the greater plots to come, including a lady with a dog, multiple coincidences and minor mentions of characters that will have greater roles in future novels. This is all done in a very subtle manner so those readers who have yet to experience the rest of the RJ series will not feel like they are missing anything at all.
Can’t wait for book three, Fear City, the final novel in the “Early Years” trilogy.
Several subplots intertwine in this book. The major plot from book one where Jack helps to put down a ring of child enslavement/sex fiends continues and really brings Jack to a realization of the sort of fine line he will need to walk while skirting the law to bring justice. Simultaneously the big bad of the entire Repairman Jack series is looming as radical terrorists intent upon bringing jihad to the US at the behest of the blind Sheikh Omar are actually playing into the hands of “The Order” but don’t actually realize this. But perhaps the most fun is to be had when Jack takes on what will become a typical sort of fix-it case by thwarting a con-man’s attempt to swindle an old lady which in turn helps Jack’s new friend Julio in other ways.
Long-time fans of F. Paul Wilson’s “Secret History of the World” will likely pick up on some subtle clues here that work toward the greater plots to come, including a lady with a dog, multiple coincidences and minor mentions of characters that will have greater roles in future novels. This is all done in a very subtle manner so those readers who have yet to experience the rest of the RJ series will not feel like they are missing anything at all.
Can’t wait for book three, Fear City, the final novel in the “Early Years” trilogy.
August 17, 2021
Dark City is the second of the early years of Repairman Jack novels by F Paul Wilson. It was OK. Jack is learning painful lessons about himself, humanity and how to deal with the complexities of life. He's a good man who gets caught up in some bad situations his naivete didn't let him see coming. He also takes action to prevent bad things he does see coming but takes risks for other people without their knowledge or consent.
The story is a good one with action throughout, it's a page turner but I like the mature repairman much better.
The story is a good one with action throughout, it's a page turner but I like the mature repairman much better.
December 31, 2022
Dark City picks up shortly after Cold City left off. Almost like season two of a show. Through the course of the book, Jack ends up getting involved with the various parties he encountered in the previous one. While being pulled into further adventures with the vigilante brothers whose aim is to eliminate sex trafficking rings he starts to go down darker paths that will shape his future Repairman self. He also encounters his former cigarette runner boss and the sex trafficker who forced him into that scenario in the first place. Additionally, Jack gets further involved in helping Julio deal with both the con artist ex-brother-in-law and the mafiosos who are shaking him down. Both scenarios show Jack beginning to problem solve, or "repair" situations as his trade will eventually become. Meanwhile, the jihadists are still planning for massive chaos which please the Order, even as jack, without realizing it, keeps disrupting their plans. Thankfully, unlike in Cold City, several of the plots are resolved by the end of the book, and major cliffhangers aren't left dangling. Instead, future phases of some of those plots are planted for continuation in the next novel.
March 13, 2019
The plot moved along at a decent pace. Some characters were "taken care of" a bit quicker than I had imagined but I figure he was saving room for bigger events in the third volume. I actually took more interest in the secondary characters this time. You can tell the author does his research. I also have to give him a hat tip at introducing supernatural elements that do not seem supernatural at the moment.
I find Jack to be an interesting protagonist, although I am not sure if I buy his desire for "symmetry." He still seems somewhat of a blank slate.
I find Jack to be an interesting protagonist, although I am not sure if I buy his desire for "symmetry." He still seems somewhat of a blank slate.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
October 20, 2020Not my thing
November 26, 2022
Another 4 star outing as Jack's backstory comes together nicely. Looking forward to the 3rd book!
December 14, 2017
I put this on my Urban Fantasy shelf mostly as a nod to "what's to come" in the series. Here we are just establishing the character and filling in ground work and answering a few questions that may have been in the minds of some readers who have read through the series (these are prequels written after the series). There is even the answer to one of the inside jokes for those who hadn't read vintage or classic science fiction. The name Isher Sporting Goods get explained.
"Jack" (he comes away from "these books" with the name) is involved (mostly) with mundane criminals and terrorists (though a certain group rears its head for the first time)...
As always when it comes to a Repairman Jack book a good read. Enjoy.
"Jack" (he comes away from "these books" with the name) is involved (mostly) with mundane criminals and terrorists (though a certain group rears its head for the first time)...
As always when it comes to a Repairman Jack book a good read. Enjoy.
January 20, 2014
It's Getting Dark But It's Not There Yet
DARK CITY is part 2 of the prequel trilogy of F.Paul Wilson's best-selling Repairman Jack series. The trilogy describes Jack's entrée into his adult life as "Repairman Jack" (still sans a nome de gun and and answering machine) as a 22 year old in 1991 NYC. Part 2 picks up directly after the opener, with Jack looking for wheels and deciding on the Corvair referred to but not seen in the adult series. He is still entangled with the Muslim pedophile slave traders from the first book, plus a threat to new buddy Julio's bar "The Spot", for which he devises a "repair" that is as clever and neatly designed and executed as the many to come that that will earn him the name "Repairman Jack".
There are several clues and/or foreshadowing of events to come over the next couple of decades having to do with the "Secret History of the World" that becomes the prime motivator of all things in the both the regular adult RJ series as well as the YA Young Jack trilogy, but there is nothing terribly explicit here. In fact, if one has not already read these other RJ novels the mentions of chaos, coincidence and several characters that make (sometimes very brief) appearances will simply not be noticed. But for long-time fans of the series, the genesis of many things is here and clearly in evidence and nicely worked in to the story.
There is a lot of backstory fill here (to the good) but in some ways Jack ("Just Jack" for the first time) seems perhaps a bit too self-assured for a 22 year old, even one that has escaped all the problems that he did as a teen in the YS Young Jack Trilogy and the first entry in this trilogy of (apparently) last-ever RJ Adventures. Still, there are continuing hints of the overpowering blackness/anger that will play an important role in the future for Jack, but the focus is firmly on the here and now.
F.P.Wilson is a highly skilled writer and Repairman Jack is his crowning achievement, with the (totally but post hoc intertwined) "Adversary Cycle" a close second. This is not the best of the (many) RJ novel (hence *only* 4 not 5 stars), but it is still a not-to-be-missed addition to Wilson's Opus Magnus. I await the "final" (jeez - I hope not) chapter with bated breath.
Recommended for all RJ fans. And it might not be a terrible place for FPW and RJ tyros to jump in either.
J.M. Tepper
DARK CITY is part 2 of the prequel trilogy of F.Paul Wilson's best-selling Repairman Jack series. The trilogy describes Jack's entrée into his adult life as "Repairman Jack" (still sans a nome de gun and and answering machine) as a 22 year old in 1991 NYC. Part 2 picks up directly after the opener, with Jack looking for wheels and deciding on the Corvair referred to but not seen in the adult series. He is still entangled with the Muslim pedophile slave traders from the first book, plus a threat to new buddy Julio's bar "The Spot", for which he devises a "repair" that is as clever and neatly designed and executed as the many to come that that will earn him the name "Repairman Jack".
There are several clues and/or foreshadowing of events to come over the next couple of decades having to do with the "Secret History of the World" that becomes the prime motivator of all things in the both the regular adult RJ series as well as the YA Young Jack trilogy, but there is nothing terribly explicit here. In fact, if one has not already read these other RJ novels the mentions of chaos, coincidence and several characters that make (sometimes very brief) appearances will simply not be noticed. But for long-time fans of the series, the genesis of many things is here and clearly in evidence and nicely worked in to the story.
There is a lot of backstory fill here (to the good) but in some ways Jack ("Just Jack" for the first time) seems perhaps a bit too self-assured for a 22 year old, even one that has escaped all the problems that he did as a teen in the YS Young Jack Trilogy and the first entry in this trilogy of (apparently) last-ever RJ Adventures. Still, there are continuing hints of the overpowering blackness/anger that will play an important role in the future for Jack, but the focus is firmly on the here and now.
F.P.Wilson is a highly skilled writer and Repairman Jack is his crowning achievement, with the (totally but post hoc intertwined) "Adversary Cycle" a close second. This is not the best of the (many) RJ novel (hence *only* 4 not 5 stars), but it is still a not-to-be-missed addition to Wilson's Opus Magnus. I await the "final" (jeez - I hope not) chapter with bated breath.
Recommended for all RJ fans. And it might not be a terrible place for FPW and RJ tyros to jump in either.
J.M. Tepper
September 16, 2013
This, the second installment in a prequel, focuses on the early years of this author’s Repairman Jack series.
With this tale, readers are taken back in time to observe a 22-year-old Jack running from a gang of Dominicans. The angry group has their machetes waving high above their heads, as Jack climbs on top of a moving subway train to get away. In other words, from page one, the action is intense.
It is the early 1990’s and Jack is trying to settle down in New York City. On his way to becoming an urban mercenary, as he calls it, the brush with the Dominicans was somewhat of a misunderstanding; they object to Jack being their boss at his oh-so-tender age.
When Jack gets away he heads to his favorite bar, ‘The Spot.’ Julio, the owner, is about to lose the bar and Jack wants to make sure that doesn’t happen; he’s trying desperately to get something on the person who is buying the bar and make him go away for good. Jack does find something…a true scammer who goes after elderly ladies to get their money.
But the scammer is not all Jack runs across; he even has a chance happening with Arabs who are planning the first bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993.
One thing occurs right after another that seem like a string of coincidences leading the reader to Jack’s eventual destiny. But the actual reasons why Jack became who he became are still out there, just waiting for this incredible author to pen Book III.
A fast-paced, thrill fest, it would be wise to read the first novel, Cold City, which is a truly terrific lead-in. It’s no wonder why thriller fans rave about this ordinary guy who is out to protect the citizens, with a little of the supernatural thrown in for good measure.
With this tale, readers are taken back in time to observe a 22-year-old Jack running from a gang of Dominicans. The angry group has their machetes waving high above their heads, as Jack climbs on top of a moving subway train to get away. In other words, from page one, the action is intense.
It is the early 1990’s and Jack is trying to settle down in New York City. On his way to becoming an urban mercenary, as he calls it, the brush with the Dominicans was somewhat of a misunderstanding; they object to Jack being their boss at his oh-so-tender age.
When Jack gets away he heads to his favorite bar, ‘The Spot.’ Julio, the owner, is about to lose the bar and Jack wants to make sure that doesn’t happen; he’s trying desperately to get something on the person who is buying the bar and make him go away for good. Jack does find something…a true scammer who goes after elderly ladies to get their money.
But the scammer is not all Jack runs across; he even has a chance happening with Arabs who are planning the first bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993.
One thing occurs right after another that seem like a string of coincidences leading the reader to Jack’s eventual destiny. But the actual reasons why Jack became who he became are still out there, just waiting for this incredible author to pen Book III.
A fast-paced, thrill fest, it would be wise to read the first novel, Cold City, which is a truly terrific lead-in. It’s no wonder why thriller fans rave about this ordinary guy who is out to protect the citizens, with a little of the supernatural thrown in for good measure.
December 11, 2013
The middle book in the trilogy of Repairman Jack prequel novels set in the character’s early years in NYC is about how the character became who he is. This novel is great for F.Paul Wilson nerds but it is clearly a fan service. Being that I am a serious fan of this character and world, to say I was happy with it is an understatement. I am not sure this book would have the same effect if you were not a reader with 15 Jack novels in the back of your mind.
That said Dark City is a well plotted crime novel that has lots of nasty characters getting what they deserve thanks to Jack’s well thought out plans. I enjoyed all the little tiny ways that Wilson tied the events in subtle ways to the wider plot of the Secret history of the world (The saga that plays out mostly in the six Adversary cycle and 15 Repairman Jack novels).
This novel is mostly about the jihadists and the child slavers that Jack got in the first novel (by tricking them and giving freedom to the girls). You see Jack train, and learn his revenge and fix-it craft while making the friends that become important to him in later years.
This is an easy read and a must for serious Jack fans but not where you start. It is a prequel and I think you should read the other books first.
That said Dark City is a well plotted crime novel that has lots of nasty characters getting what they deserve thanks to Jack’s well thought out plans. I enjoyed all the little tiny ways that Wilson tied the events in subtle ways to the wider plot of the Secret history of the world (The saga that plays out mostly in the six Adversary cycle and 15 Repairman Jack novels).
This novel is mostly about the jihadists and the child slavers that Jack got in the first novel (by tricking them and giving freedom to the girls). You see Jack train, and learn his revenge and fix-it craft while making the friends that become important to him in later years.
This is an easy read and a must for serious Jack fans but not where you start. It is a prequel and I think you should read the other books first.
November 12, 2014
Dark City by F. Paul Wilson
I may be one of the few action adventure readers who has just discovered Repairman Jack. This is a series that documents one man's quest to right wrongs in a unique vigilante/godfather manner.
This specific book appears to be the middle book of a trilogy chronicling the early years of Repairman Jack.
I read the Keep, a book in another Wilson series years ago and was impressed. I'm somewhat dismayed I wasn't more diligent in keeping track of what Wilson was writing as the Repairman Jack Series seems to incorporate a lot of what I enjoy. There is action, adventure and retribution. The retribution is earmarked by what your extreme fantasy punishments might be for despicable behavior. Even those of us who consider themselves normal often find we are gripped with rage when we see things like human trafficking and abuse. Jack does something about it.
Jack flounders a bit in this book which provides clues as to whom he becomes in later books. That is an assumption on my part since I haven't read the later books yet.
I recommend the book and I plan on reading more of the series.
Site: http://www.siue.edu/~kcole/f.paul/ind...
This may or may not come up, I got some errors trying to access it.
I may be one of the few action adventure readers who has just discovered Repairman Jack. This is a series that documents one man's quest to right wrongs in a unique vigilante/godfather manner.
This specific book appears to be the middle book of a trilogy chronicling the early years of Repairman Jack.
I read the Keep, a book in another Wilson series years ago and was impressed. I'm somewhat dismayed I wasn't more diligent in keeping track of what Wilson was writing as the Repairman Jack Series seems to incorporate a lot of what I enjoy. There is action, adventure and retribution. The retribution is earmarked by what your extreme fantasy punishments might be for despicable behavior. Even those of us who consider themselves normal often find we are gripped with rage when we see things like human trafficking and abuse. Jack does something about it.
Jack flounders a bit in this book which provides clues as to whom he becomes in later books. That is an assumption on my part since I haven't read the later books yet.
I recommend the book and I plan on reading more of the series.
Site: http://www.siue.edu/~kcole/f.paul/ind...
This may or may not come up, I got some errors trying to access it.
June 30, 2014
Jack is back. He is still fighting with the Muslim pedophiles that he broke up their slave trade/sex ring in Cold City. He is also helping his friend Julio keep The Spot from being sold but the other owners. He also has a run in with Dominicans from the landscaping job he worked when he first got into town. We also get to see how Jack is training, working with the blackness that takes him over, and starts planning on how to take care of situations with a more creative eye.
This is only the second Repairman Jack book that I have read. I really liked Cold City and thought this was a good follow up. I enjoy following Jack as he is training himself to be something bigger and better.
I think that if you have not read the Repairman Jack original stories, this is a great way to get into the series from the start. For those that have read them, I think that you will enjoy seeing how Jack started fine tuning his skill.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This is only the second Repairman Jack book that I have read. I really liked Cold City and thought this was a good follow up. I enjoy following Jack as he is training himself to be something bigger and better.
I think that if you have not read the Repairman Jack original stories, this is a great way to get into the series from the start. For those that have read them, I think that you will enjoy seeing how Jack started fine tuning his skill.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2013
In this second volume of the Early Years trilogy, we continue to see the events that are transforming the young man Jack into the very formidable Repairman Jack of the main series.
Following the first volume, the Order is looking for jack and the two men who broke up their child enslavement/sex toy ring and stole their three million dollars. They set up a trap to grab them and find their money.
At the same time, terrorists are plotting to bring Jihad to the U.S. and are allied with the Order. They just don't know it.
And finally, Jack is trying to help his friend Julio, who's bar, of which Julio is only a ten percent owner, is about to be sold out from under him, being bought from a vengeful brother-in-law.
Only one more book to go. I don't know what plans author F. Paul wilson has for after that.
Recommended
Following the first volume, the Order is looking for jack and the two men who broke up their child enslavement/sex toy ring and stole their three million dollars. They set up a trap to grab them and find their money.
At the same time, terrorists are plotting to bring Jihad to the U.S. and are allied with the Order. They just don't know it.
And finally, Jack is trying to help his friend Julio, who's bar, of which Julio is only a ten percent owner, is about to be sold out from under him, being bought from a vengeful brother-in-law.
Only one more book to go. I don't know what plans author F. Paul wilson has for after that.
Recommended
January 8, 2014
What I wrote in my review of the first book in this trilogy, Cold City, applies just the same to the sequel:
However, Dark City suffers as many middle books of trilogies must necessarily suffer: the plot's resolution is temporary and begs for a more complete solution.
I await the final Jack book eagerly.
Here is what I was hoping for: an origin story about Jack stripped of the big Adversary Cycle plot arc with its conspiracies and supernatural angles. Give me Jack as a plain urban mercenary... There are few things I enjoy reading more than Jack kicking dirt bag butt. And in Cold City, there are some serious dirt bags in need of justice.
However, Dark City suffers as many middle books of trilogies must necessarily suffer: the plot's resolution is temporary and begs for a more complete solution.
I await the final Jack book eagerly.
February 2, 2015
Continuing only a few months after Cold City, Dark City is the same writing style, the same characters, and a total continuation of the last book. If you're thinking about jumping into this book without reading Cold City DO NOT.
Otherwise the child slave ring is still an issue, the jihadists are getting crazier, and Jack is getting more and more of a badass. There's enough crisp, fun dialogue and action to keep you reading late into the night and it's definitely a fantastic bridge to the finale of the trilogy.
Otherwise the child slave ring is still an issue, the jihadists are getting crazier, and Jack is getting more and more of a badass. There's enough crisp, fun dialogue and action to keep you reading late into the night and it's definitely a fantastic bridge to the finale of the trilogy.
October 22, 2013
I love Jack. I love this series ... but I was (slightly) disappointed in this book. Too much Muslim terrorists and not enough Jack!
That being said, any book by Wilson is worth reading. He is blessed with a talent for straight-ahead narrative, no frills. Unlike his more famous (???) contemporaries Stephen King and Dean Koontz, Wilson has never fallen into the trap of over-writing with no editor brave enough to do the needed cutting and slap-aside-the-head asking "What are you thinking?"
That being said, any book by Wilson is worth reading. He is blessed with a talent for straight-ahead narrative, no frills. Unlike his more famous (???) contemporaries Stephen King and Dean Koontz, Wilson has never fallen into the trap of over-writing with no editor brave enough to do the needed cutting and slap-aside-the-head asking "What are you thinking?"
March 11, 2014
Okay, now that I am completely caught up I have to wait until November for the third book! I'm enjoying this intro to Repairman Jack.
This all takes place pre-9/11 and the plot involves Muslim extremists and jihad, so if that subject matter doesn't appeal, this storyline through the trilogy might not be for you. Just FYI.
This all takes place pre-9/11 and the plot involves Muslim extremists and jihad, so if that subject matter doesn't appeal, this storyline through the trilogy might not be for you. Just FYI.
April 5, 2014
What a great series I have stumbled into. I have found a new (to me) go to series to read inbetween the doorstop fantasy novels I tend to read. These repairman Jack novels are fast and hard hitting. I'm really liking the diversion.
Better review should be forthcoming, but I need to get some sleep now. I was up much of the night reading.
Better review should be forthcoming, but I need to get some sleep now. I was up much of the night reading.
December 14, 2014
I'm enjoying watching the build up to the "full blown" Repairman Jack persona. This book hangs together well, and seems to have a less arbitrary ending point than the first one in this "Young Jack" trilogy. I'm looking forward to starting the third volume, now.
March 22, 2014
Book 2 of the trilogy. Only disappointment was that I finished this book and book 3, Fear City is not yet published. Left me with a cliff hanger until the book is released.
August 18, 2014
Great insight into the Repairman Jack character and his development. Lots of action! Can't wait for the next installment.
August 20, 2022
If you are a big fan of Repairman Jack like I am, then you will enjoy this.
March 6, 2019
I enjoyed this book a lot. It featured one of Jack's better fixes throughout the series. It completes the story of how Jack's favorite bar became Julio's. So why only two stars? This felt like the middle third of a longer book. This would be a world's worst book to read on it's own, and even if you've read the one that comes before it the ending is not satisfying in resolving 80% of the storylines of the book.
It's actually difficult to even recall where this book began because it is so much in the middle of the overarching storyline of the trilogy. Jack is trying to help Julio buy the bar he manages while also thwarting Julio's sister's ex from buying it. The human traffickers that Jack helped sabotage in book one lay a trap for him in book 2. The jihadist Muslims are continuing to pull strings on the traffickers, while simultaneously being manipulated by the Eternal Septimus Order. Tommy and Vinnie are mobsters who continue to try and get rich by any means necessary. Jack begins to suspect his girlfriend Kristin might be keeping a secret, but then changes his mind. Abe considers getting a pet.
Out of all the storylines, one gets resolved and everything else takes a mini-step forward to set up the actual resolutions in book three. The jihadists and the mobsters have almost zero movement in this book, despite both getting significant page counts. The payoff better be worth it at this point because neither story has been particularly interesting when Jack hasn't been involved. The aforementioned fix tangentially involved the mob guys, but the fact that they're still being involved in the story line afterward eliminates any surprise at these guys coming to bite Jack in the ass later on.
It's actually difficult to even recall where this book began because it is so much in the middle of the overarching storyline of the trilogy. Jack is trying to help Julio buy the bar he manages while also thwarting Julio's sister's ex from buying it. The human traffickers that Jack helped sabotage in book one lay a trap for him in book 2. The jihadist Muslims are continuing to pull strings on the traffickers, while simultaneously being manipulated by the Eternal Septimus Order. Tommy and Vinnie are mobsters who continue to try and get rich by any means necessary. Jack begins to suspect his girlfriend Kristin might be keeping a secret, but then changes his mind. Abe considers getting a pet.
Out of all the storylines, one gets resolved and everything else takes a mini-step forward to set up the actual resolutions in book three. The jihadists and the mobsters have almost zero movement in this book, despite both getting significant page counts. The payoff better be worth it at this point because neither story has been particularly interesting when Jack hasn't been involved. The aforementioned fix tangentially involved the mob guys, but the fact that they're still being involved in the story line afterward eliminates any surprise at these guys coming to bite Jack in the ass later on.
April 3, 2019
It's a bit hard to review this book considering the story is 3 books long. I almost wish Wilson had condensed the story a bit. You know how some movie franchises have split one book into 2 or 3 movies unnecessarily? It feels like Wilson stretched the this story needlessly into 3 books. Now, I enjoy the books, don't get me wrong, but man is this being dragged out.
Much like Cold City, Dark City is showing us the "origins" of Repairman Jack as a young adult living in New York City becoming the off the books "Fixer" for people in need.
There are some very satisfying moments here, and I won't spoil them. But there are also bits that seem more like filler. I'll of course read the third book.
Much like Cold City, Dark City is showing us the "origins" of Repairman Jack as a young adult living in New York City becoming the off the books "Fixer" for people in need.
There are some very satisfying moments here, and I won't spoil them. But there are also bits that seem more like filler. I'll of course read the third book.
June 2, 2020
Picking up from the first installment of this “early Jack” series, our anti-hero is still learning the tricks of the underworld. Multiple threads seem more like the author couldn’t make a full novel out of any particular set of circumstances, and thus intertwined them in one. They do not really complement each other, and the jumping between story lines is often more confusing than entertaining. The lines that do begin to come together bring some resolution of loose ends, but only with such fantastic coincidences as to make the story less compelling. The novel ends with a lead-in to the final book in this series, which will be the end of the Repairman Jack stories for some time. Entertaining, but the excess use of arbitrary plot devices detracts from the empathy with the characters.
April 11, 2019
Amazing Character
Repairman Jack, the early years. I’m a fan of everything Jack; we find our hero early in his new chosen career, learning his trade. The story has several sub plots and storylines, most come together in the end, and nicely done.
The good is that this is about Jack and his adventures, his friends and enemies, plus what happens to them. All good stuff.
The bad is not every storyline concludes and a few questions remain. Plus, F. Paul Wilson’s books are on the expensive side, mostly because there’re well done and popular. If you’ve been introduced to Jack, you’ll want this installment.
Repairman Jack, the early years. I’m a fan of everything Jack; we find our hero early in his new chosen career, learning his trade. The story has several sub plots and storylines, most come together in the end, and nicely done.
The good is that this is about Jack and his adventures, his friends and enemies, plus what happens to them. All good stuff.
The bad is not every storyline concludes and a few questions remain. Plus, F. Paul Wilson’s books are on the expensive side, mostly because there’re well done and popular. If you’ve been introduced to Jack, you’ll want this installment.
August 6, 2020
I was only going to give this book a 3 rating, until i got to the last 125 pages, then I was able to start piecing some of the different scenes into place and saw where Jack was headed in resolving them. The only thing I didn't like was the ending, of course being trilogy you knew there would be a few loose ends but the two I wanted to see resolved to see if I was right in my conclusions didn't happen. If I ever come across the next book I'll get it otherwise I'll have to satisfy myself with the goodreads outline.
January 24, 2018
I'd give this one 4.5 stars. The series kept me reading and I'm already listening to the third book of the series. This book jumps a bit plot wise from the first book, diving into Jack in 1992 and continues the story lines from the first book, building up some of the relationships and closing down some of the plot lines as it lays the ground for the final book in the trilogy.
Looking forward to wrapping up the Repairman Jack early years and giving the core series a try.
Looking forward to wrapping up the Repairman Jack early years and giving the core series a try.
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