I was kind of let down by this one.And, don't get me wrong, I realize that Iris Johansen novels are brain candy. They're not intended to be mind-blowing literature. But this one just didn't seem to be as well put together as other offerings from her.Things I Liked: the character of Sean Galen. If Sean Galen has his own series, I will read them all. If he does not have his own series, then Iris Johansen needs to write one, because I promise that I will read them all. I also enjoyed the plotting: There are two deaths in this novel that were unexpected and broke my heart. There are also some really nice ideas presented about the state of the human mind when in one of the coma states the characters in this novel are either studying or experiencing. Things I Did Not Like: This novel seemed choppy and rushed. The continual shifting from character point to view was unnecessary and not well put together. The plotting was good, but this novel's plot twists (a thing which Iris is usually a master of) seemed like cheating a few times. A good chunk of them narrowed down to "things the reader didn't know already" instead of "things the reader thought they would have already figured out." In the end, this novel will stand out to me as the introduction of Sean Galen. Not much more.
This is one of those paperbacks on the shelf of my local laundromat, and it's perfect for that - it moves along well enough that it effectively kills time during the spin cycle, it's not so absorbing that I mind putting it away when the wash is done, and the plot's good enough that I remember where I was the next time I come in. The action is pretty good, the characters not so much - I actually cared more about the supporting cast than the protagonists. One weird thing, from the style of writing and plot I incorrectly assumed the author was male. So while this isn't my favorite type of book, I'm glad to see women writing in this genre.
What do You think about Final Target (2002)?
I have read several books by Iris Johansen and I have liked them, the Final Target however is not one that I would put on the top of my list. The story goes in and out and at times I had a hard time following it. The characters to me were completely unrelateable and at times too wordy. There were several instances where I came close to putting the book down but the one thing that did intrigue me was the relationship between Cassie and Melissa, who shared a telepathic connection. Outside of that I cannot say That I found this book very interesting at all and it is not one that would recommend.
—Tamara
First Iris Johnson novel. Thought I was reading a stand alone novel but turns out was one in a series. Felt complete. The president's daughter is in a coma like state after an attack to steal a priceless artifact. A doctor and her sister who has a psychic conection teams with the man who rescued her from the attack to try and get her to recover. Someone still wants the artifact. Throw in some artificial diamonds and multiple villains. Fairly easy read, and with some surprising twists and turns. I thought similar in style to some of Mary Higgins Clark.
—Kaye
I did enjoy this novel but I was a little let down. As a very big Iris Johansen fan, I was excited to get this book. I was satisfied because, true to form, she kept me turning pages. However, in comparison to her other novels, we barely scratch the surface with these characters. I hardly knew anything about anyone in the book when they were thrown together in this plot, and the psychic bond between Melissa and Cassie develops. I would have a appreciated a little more background on the characters. For this reason I give it three stars.
—Judith
