Book Review - The Amateurs

The Amateurs is a thriller about ordinary people trying to take an illegal bite out of society and the terrible consequences thereafter.

STORY:

Four friends: Alex, a bartender with too many bills and family trouble; Mitch, a doorman with self-esteem issues; Ian, a degenerate cocaine addict; and Jenn, a travel agent looking for excitement, decide it's time to take back what society owes them.  With a seemingly indestructible plan and absolutely no idea how to carry it out, the four misfits attempt to rob a bundle of cash from a mobster.  Think a mix of Tower Heist, Horrible Bosses, and Foolproof, but much better with a more serious tone.  Consequences, liquid filled tubes, terrible bets, and stupidity ensue.

"If we would've known snorting coke out of a dust buster was illegal, none of us 

would've broke into that house and stuck toothbrushes in our ass."

THOUGHTS:

Marcus Sakey (Author) essentially takes four ordinary people and throws them into an extraordinary circumstance.  What could possibly go wrong when four friends—who seem to have never watched an episode of CSI—draw up the perfect plan to rob an ex-mobster named Johnny Love?  In short?  Everything and anything.  But the real pull of the novel isn't the crime itself or the terrible effects of trying to steal a better life.  It's the characters.  Each personality is cleverly written with distinct differences and life problems, adding depth to each protagonist.

Sometimes when reading a novel or watching a movie, the main protagonist can be a little tough to relate too.  But Sakey's brilliance is writing four main protagonists and letting you choose to root for one or all of them.  Will you get behind good-looking Alex, a divorced father having trouble with child support payments?  Maybe lonely Mitch is more your speed, because he has that special someone in his life that he can't seem to ever obtain.  Then there's Ian, the rich stockbroker who snorts every single paycheck and tends to bet on the losing team almost exclusively.  If none of them hold your interest, than how about Jenn.  She's a thirty something travel agent that just needs a little adventure in life, because going to the same job everyday has grown increasingly stale.  Each and every character gets his or her own backstory, adding a flavor for every reader's taste.

"Are you sure this is going work?  I thought you needed a styrofoam cup on the 

end of this or something?" 

The story premise remains believable because each of the four have motive for taking the loot.  Whether it's to keep a family together, to stay alive, or just to try and be happy.  It's all here for them to contemplate and for the reader to easily understand, because there isn't a single person out there who hasn't thought about taking the easy route in life.  The story also remains grounded.  Sakey doesn't overdo it by throwing millions of bucks into the mix.  The ending balance is just enough to give each of them a fresh life to venture into.  Haven't you ever thought, "If I just had about fifty grand, I could pay off all those credit cards I've maxed on porn subscriptions."  Sure you have.  And if the chance to do so seemed easy enough with virtually no way of getting caught, wouldn't you take it?  But there's the catch: nothing is ever as easy as it seems.

The chapters switch from each character's point of view, letting you dive into their minds up until the heist.  This adds a level of drama on top of the suspense of getting caught.  Then the four are in the thick of it and—BAM—the littlest thing changes the outcome and it’s a constant uphill battle to keep themselves and the ones they love, alive.  The plot is equal parts thriller, comedy, and drama.  And after part two you'll realize the novel isn't all sunshine and rainbows.  If you're interested in heist stories or novels about ordinary people getting caught up in unbelievable circumstances, then this book is a no-brainer.

"You're the final vote.  Dodgeball, Trading Places, or Ferris Bueller's Day off?"

Now, not only are the four worried about the cops and dangerous men, but stealing money and having four people in on the plan presents complications on their friendship.  If one person were to get caught, would they betray the other three?  This is where moral decisions and true friendships come into play.  What if your true friend had a load of cash in their hands or a gun to their head, and to be set free, all they had to do was cough up your name.  Would they do it?  But the story doesn't only revolve around trust.  There's also a love triangle adding tension, family issues, and addictions, all adding upon the strenuous mess the foursome fall into.

"Hey, don't worry about looking like a preschooler.  I just crapped my pants, so we're about even." 

AND THEN THERE'S PART THREE:

If there's one spot the book slows, it'll be just after part three begins.  (Part one deals with the plan.  Part two contains the heist and part three is the aftermath.)  Typically in a novel you're privy to one character's inner monologue, but when you're dealing with four main protagonists, now you've quadrupled your inner thoughts.  So instead of the plot moving forward, the first couple of chapters tend to stay stuck in each character's head, as they attempt to work things out, before making their next move.  Also weighing down the ending is some the action chapters have punch lines that are way too predictable and cliché.  You'll already know what the last line of the chapter will be even pages away.  But the lull in the narrative is just the calm before the ending storm.  So don't let those few chapters dissuade your decision to read the book.

"Yes, hello.  Don't be alarmed.  I may look like the guy that ruined the future of both Deadpool 

and Green Lantern, but I assure you...I'm not him."

"I haven't the slightest idea of what you're talking about, Sir.  No one here ordered a pizza.  So beat it."   

CONCLUSION:

Marcus Sakey's The Amateurs is filled with wonderful prose, exceptional character building, and a great premise.  If only the last part would've kept the momentum going, then the rating would've been a full five stars.  So if heists, drugs, love, family, and friendship issues are your taste, then this story will sit happily in your collection.  Or you could just head to the nearest library and get all the wonderful items listed above…for free.

4 out of 5 stars (minus a star for the lull in part three)

Book Review - Brilliance

What do you get when mixing one part thriller, one part suspense, with a tad of Sci-Fi frosting?  Well, in a word: Brilliance.

STORY:

It's 1980 and along with bad hair, negotiable music, and super loud clothes, came children—approximately one percent of the population—who have an edge over normal society.  These children or "Brilliants" seem to have a knack for understanding data, picking up patterns, and seeing the world in numbers—much like Neo from the Matrix.  Among these Brilliants is man named Nick Cooper, a Federal Agent, who has quite the ability to hunt down his fellow Abnormals.  His latest target is the most wanted man in America, but catching this Brilliant comes at a cost.  Nick will have to turn his back on everything he believes in and loves just to get close.  Heightened perceptions, bombings, strategic moves, and a bit of Sci-Fi ensue.

"I caught my first tube today...Sir."

"Cut!  Damn it.  You have to let it go, Mr. Reeves.  Now let's try the scene again...maybe with 

a little less Johnny Utah?"

THOUGHTS:

Marcus Sakey's (Author) Brilliance can sit on Sci-Fi shelves, but its main genres are suspense and thriller.  Yes, there are "special" people running around, doing extraordinary things, but it isn't as crazy as you think.  The story stays grounded throughout most of the book, offering a plot more along the lines of any crime drama out there with twists and turns at every corner.  Nick Cooper (protagonist) is attempting to catch the number one terrorist in America and this is his story of how far he'll go to get the job done.  Does that mean Sci-Fi enthusiasts will hate it?  Not at all.  Just be prepared for a story that doesn't contain flying spaceships, talking droids, or even hover-boards.  This story takes place today with a slightly different past then we have now.  And these "Brilliants" aren't powered like the Justice League either.  Superman isn't giving orders while flying around the Earth, and Batman isn't saving Gotham by fighting large crocodiles and silly clowns.

"Man, one little shot of Kryptonite juice and you'd think I laser-beamed Lois' parents.  You know, we haven't flown together 

in months.  It's always, 'I have a headache, Clark' or 'I'm not in mood, Clark.'"

"I know, buddy.  I know.  Let's get you back to the cave to sober up.  Whad'ya say?" 

POWERS:

You might have seen the description of the novel and read about a female Brilliant who can become invisible.  First off, get Susan Storm out of your head, because she doesn't have the power of invisibility—it's more along the lines of cleverness.  In fact all the traits of every Brilliant are just increased brainpower—heightened intelligence if you would.  She's invisible because she can map out ahead of time where people are going to look or where cameras will be recording, and she'll happen to be somewhere else—hence "invisible."  Nick Cooper, on the other hand, has the ability to see patterns in body movement, which gives him an advantage when reading people or when in a fight (If you know exactly where a fist will be thrown, hopefully you're smart enough to not put your face in its way).  So if you want to see people with X-ray vision, dudes donning capes, or women with magical lassos, your best bet is to pick up a comic book.  But…before you go stomping off like a six year old that didn't get the new Barbie, there's much more to this story than its description.

"I hear you, but too many words confuse me.  Wait, crap.  Did I just say that out loud?"

WHY THE ABILITIES & ALTERNATE PAST?

The story begins in the 1980's with these "special" children being born and the nation becoming fascinated, yet scared of these abilities all at the same time.  Imagine if there were people who could write the code to break into any security or see the stock market as a simple game of numbers.  Any government would see them as a threat, but also as a great asset to have on their side.  And this is where the political undertones of the narrative come in.  Marcus Sakey may have written these Brilliants into the story because one: a little Sci-Fi is always fun to include in a plot.  And two: they're an easy way to avoid using a race (or religion) from today as a terrorist organization.  If an author happens to use people that actually exist, it will likely piss off a few—if not many—readers in the process.  But changing our history and making the conflict Normals versus Abnormals, you have an instant crowd pleaser, because everyone is fictional.  Is the book still somewhat political?  Sure.  There are underlining issues weaved throughout the text, making you analyze our own current situation, but only if you're really looking for them.

"I already told you, Bruce, I'm sober enough to fly.  Now will you please get that light out of my face."

MORE THOUGHTS:

Do yourself a favor and at least read part one of Brilliance.  If you hate it after those first hundred pages, then go ahead and chuck it at the book seller.  But you won't do that, because the story gets turned up to eleven by that point.  Part two begins the first change in the typical plot and it won't be the last.  When you first start reading the book, you'll think you have an inkling of where the story is headed, but where it ends is somewhere you'll never expect.

Brilliance also has a ton of heart.  The narrative has a lot to say about family values and the lengths you'll go to keep your children safe.  But having a family you love comes at a cost.  It's the perfect opportunity for someone to control your actions.  And this aspect of the tale brings immense depth to the main protagonist.  Nick Cooper not only wants to do what's right for his country, but he also wants to do what's right for his family and friends.  And when one contradicts the other, what choice do you make?

"Alright, same terms as last time:  Whoever loses has to dress up as Harley and spend an evening in Joker's cell."

"It's not as bad as you think, Bruce.  Last time, Joker, spent the entire night snuggled in my arms, talking about you."

CONCLUSION:

Brilliance could have been written without most of the Sci-Fi elements, but having the story contain a futuristic vibe, helps add uniqueness and charm to what would be an otherwise everyday thriller.  With suspense, humor, great dialogue, fantastic writing, and political undertones, this novel will make you turn the pages until there are no more words to be read.  Here's hoping the second book has just as many surprises as the first.

4 out of 5 stars (minus a star for a slightly slow / cliché Part One)