Title: Brilliance
Author: Marcus Sakey
First published July 16, 2013
444 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781611099690 (ISBN10: 1611099692)
Rating: 3.98
Overview
In a world where one percent of the population is born with extraordinary abilities, known as “brilliants,” Nick Cooper is a federal agent with his own unique gift: the ability to track down terrorists. But when a brilliant with a thirst for blood threatens to incite civil war, Cooper must go against everything he believes in to stop him.
As he delves deeper into the dangerous underworld of the brilliants, Cooper must confront the harsh reality that being gifted can be a curse. From the master of suspense, Marcus Sakey, comes a gripping adventure that combines breakneck thrills with shrewd social commentary, offering a terrifying glimpse into a world that is both different and disturbingly similar to our own.
About the Author
Marcus Sakey has penned nine bestselling novels, one of which is the popular Brilliance Trilogy that has sold over a million copies. His latest novel, AFTERLIFE, is scheduled to be adapted into a major motion picture by Imagine Entertainment, with producers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer at the helm.
The movie is set to release on July 18, 2017. Another one of Sakey’s novels, Good People, was adapted into a film featuring James Franco and Kate Hudson.
Marcus currently resides in Chicago with his family, including his wife and daughter.
Editoral Review
Zombie Haiku: Good Poetry for Your…Brains by Ryan Mecum is a unique and entertaining book that combines two seemingly unrelated genres: zombie horror and Japanese poetry. Published on June 30, 2008, it quickly gained a cult following and became a bestseller.
Mecum is an American poet and author who has published several poetry collections and horror novels. The book is a collection of haikus written from the perspective of zombies.
Each haiku captures a moment in the un-life of a zombie, from craving brains to stumbling around in search of victims. Although gory at times, the haikus are infused with humor and clever wordplay, making them both chilling and amusing.
The author’s use of the 5-7-5 syllable structure of haikus is impressive, and he manages to convey the grisly scenes with just a few words. The themes of Zombie Haiku revolve around death, decay, and the nature of humanity.
The book explores how the undead view the world and how they wrestle with their new existence. However, the haikus are not limited to zombies alone, exploring the human condition through the eyes of the undead.
Mecum paints a bleak picture of humanity as it is consumed by violence and destruction, blurring the lines between the living and the undead. The book’s strengths lie in its unique approach to zombie fiction and its ability to entertain without being too graphic.
The author manages to balance the horror with humor, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. The pacing of the book is excellent, with the short and snappy nature of haikus keeping the reader engaged.
The author’s style is fresh and original, and his use of language is inventive. However, the book has some limitations.
Although the haikus are cleverly written, the lack of a larger narrative may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied. Additionally, the book’s narrow focus may limit its appeal to those who are not fans of zombie horror or poetry.
In conclusion, Zombie Haiku: Good Poetry for Your…Brains by Ryan Mecum is a must-read for fans of zombie fiction and poetry. Its unique premise, clever writing, and humorous tone make it a light-hearted yet haunting read.
The book serves as a reminder that even in the face of death, there is still beauty to be found in the world. It is recommended for those who want a quick and entertaining read with a touch of horror.
I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars.
