For readers of past Sidebottom works, the style, pace, plot, and overall flavor will be different, but the usual mastery of execution will be familiar. Sidebottom provides an explanation at the end of the volume (after the epilogue, the afterword, and acknowledgements) as to why he chose this approach, and a glimpse into his mindset.
As I mentioned before, the execution of the approach/strategy was up to his usual mastery. However, as for me and my expectations, I prefer his other work to this. It must be said, however, that I was not a fan of "24" or of any "reality" shows, etc., so inasmuch as some of these modern "styles/genres" influenced or inspired Sidebottom, the odds were against me really liking it.
I cannot stress enough that this is a personal preference, and not an indictment of the work itself. Sidebottom is a master, and his work is exceptional. I would recommend any and all his work to anyone... but I might caveat to anyone either familiar with his other work, or not a fan of "24" style entertainments. Otherwise it is the usual enjoyment of plot, high pace, intrigue, depth, bursts of violence, all set against a wonderful (and accurate) backdrop. So get comfortable, have a dictionary handy, plan to spend some time dedicated to this thing (you won't want to put it down), and enjoy.
As I mentioned before, the execution of the approach/strategy was up to his usual mastery. However, as for me and my expectations, I prefer his other work to this. It must be said, however, that I was not a fan of "24" or of any "reality" shows, etc., so inasmuch as some of these modern "styles/genres" influenced or inspired Sidebottom, the odds were against me really liking it.
I cannot stress enough that this is a personal preference, and not an indictment of the work itself. Sidebottom is a master, and his work is exceptional. I would recommend any and all his work to anyone... but I might caveat to anyone either familiar with his other work, or not a fan of "24" style entertainments. Otherwise it is the usual enjoyment of plot, high pace, intrigue, depth, bursts of violence, all set against a wonderful (and accurate) backdrop. So get comfortable, have a dictionary handy, plan to spend some time dedicated to this thing (you won't want to put it down), and enjoy.