Member Reviews

Despite having read the previous two books featuring Constance, I found myself confused with the various points of view. The action was too rushed as the story hurtled forward. I enjoyed reading about 19th century New York and the limitations of available technology to move the story forward. Overall, an enjoyable read. Does this mean we will not have any more Pendergast novels? Tell me it is not so.

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If you read the series, then you know what you're gonna get here. It's a typical Pendergast novel, with the usual goings on, the completion of a recent trilogy with Diogenes returning from the grave. I've read every book in the series, and this is a competent effort. Not a whole lot going on, but I always enjoy revisiting these characters and it's worth the time if you're a fan. Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This novel is the 22nd installment in the series featuring the indomitable FBI Agent Aloysius Pendergast and the third in the arc relating to Constance Greene and Dr. Enoch Leng. It took me a few pages to get back into the story which had ended abruptly (with a “to be continued” caveat) in “The Cabinet of Dr. Leng” (book21). However, I quickly became absorbed in the storyline and finished the book quickly.

As with most time travel sagas, the reader must suspend attachment to the real world and this book stretches the boundaries to the extreme. Most of the Pendergast series have some element of the occult, but Dr. Leng is the embodiment of pure evil – a physician who is willing to kill to advance his scientific experiments in longevity while pursuing his agenda to purify humanity. Frankly, I am happy to see this dark storyline reach its conclusion, if indeed it did end.

This book could be read as a stand-alone novel, but I believe the reader would be missing the rich history of these characters and their tumultuous relationships. Pendergast, Detective D’Agosta, Constance Greene, Dr. Leng, Diogenes, and even Proctor have played pivotal roles in each other’s lives for years. While I do not feel this represents the authors’ best work, I continue to be a fan and look forward to the next book. One other note: one of the joys of reading this series is the authors' illuminating vocabulary, both contemporary usage as well as terms appropriate for the earlier period. Thank goodness for the kindle feature that accesses definitions in the text.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

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“Live or die?” Pendergast asked quietly.

Leng’s goal has moved beyond the Arcanum, although that is still of intense interest. Extending his life is only a proximate goal. His ultimate ambition - is to mirror the Sixth Extinction, possibly.

As brothers work together will Dr Leng win out? Get a scorecard for all the characters and the characters/ costumes they develop to accomplish their plan within a plan within a plan.

Preston and Child really got this one right, perfect end of a trilogy, in a time warp continuum, without disturbing the status quo.

Buy it, read or listen to it and enjoy your favorite characters; because they all have equal time in this story!

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Preston and Child have done it again in Angel of Vengence! This nonstop action thriller had me on the edge of my seat the entire ride. Pendergest, Constance, and are all together in the 19th century where they were trapped after the Time Machine broke down. They join forces to try to rid the world of Leng, joined by a very unlikely helper. I seriously thought none of them was making it out of that time…..

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“The Angel of Vengeance” (Pendergast #22) is part of a quartet of books — the early “Cabinet of Curiosities” (2002) and numbers 20/21 of the Pendergast books, “Bloodless” and “The Cabinet of Dr. Leng.” In the previous two installments, there were also other investigations (that had brought Agent Coldmoon on as Pendergast’s partner), but this book starts (and partially repeats) where the last book and its cliffhanger left off. The authors have promised this is definitely the last part of the arc — Pendergast will apparently be freed in book 23 to take up a different case confounding the FBI.

I’m a solid fan of Agent Aloysius, but I ended up re-reading “The Cabinet of Dr.Leng” prior to jumping into this novel. The authors do an excellent job of refreshing your memory if you don’t do the same, but this is also not a book that could be a standalone. You need the complex backstory to truly enjoy it. Most of the narrative takes place in the 1880s and regulars D’Agosta, Constance, Proctor, Diogenes and the villain Enoch Leng all have large parts. It’s not just a Pendergast story and it is missing the usual police procedural (no Coldmoon, too bad) that’s been embedded in the previous two books. But it’s a terrific wrap up to a fantastic story. I normally am hesitant about time travel tales, but since I was already being prepped by the rest of the books, I was totally invested in it! 5 stars!

And - ah! - Preston and Child always have the ability to expand my vocabulary! I can imagine their story conferences:
Preston: “Linc, I want spondilux, badinage, ordure, simulacrum, macassar, and hämophile included.”
Child: “Well, Doug, I’ll fight the editor for your words as long as you support scaphism, grapheme, persiflage, lorgnette, and superannuated on my end.”

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Diogenes’ one green eyes/one milky blue eye is present as are other unusual eye colors — Constance and Binky’s violet eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Although Leng does have a large repository of botanical poisons.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

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Oh. My. GOODNESS!! I've been waiting for this book since finishing the cliff-hanging ARC of the previous installment last year... It was most definitely worth the wait! I consumed this book in 24 hours. Preston and Child did a fabulous job bringing the Enoch Leng story arc to a most satisfying conclusion.

Their ability to continue writing within this world for 22 books - and to keep the characters constantly evolving and the plots constantly original and engaging - is amazing to me. I hope they write Pendergast novels for as long as humanly possible. I love everything about this world and these characters. The books have heart, depth, humor/levity, a heavy creepy factor, and so many intriguing twists and turns that I don't see coming (and I read A LOT).

If you don't know the series, you really must start (with Relic, Book 1) and work your way forward.

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Good plot driven story. The sci-fi elements really only work as a way to move the plot along. Like previous titles in series, requires a generous amount of 'willing suspension of disbelief' but still provides a enjoyable and suspenseful read.

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Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central for the opportunity to read Angel of Vengeance by Preston and Child. This is a series by two writers who never disappoint! The end of this book, which concludes this particular trilogy, has some surprising twists leaving us very curious about the direction the series might now be taking. Very Exciting! 22 beezillion gold stars.

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Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an electronic copy for my review.

The latest volume in the Pendergast series could not come soon enough. The previous book ended on a cliffhanger! How COULD they! Fortunately, the library had a copy of the previous book so I could re-read it and re-learn what had previously happened. When they left us, Constance had found the means to go back in time to the 1880s to save her siblings from a horrible fate.

Of course Pendergast will try to find a way to follow her into the past. But anything more than this would constitute spoilers. I will say that this story had twist after plot twist, dragging the reader into a labyrinth that seems escape-proof. It's quite an intense read, and when I read books like this I have to take frequent breaks to get myself back into the real world. (And for anyone not familiar with this series, I recommend going back to the beginning and reading the books in order. But be warned... there are some rather gruesome scenes here and there.)

The very end of the book offers a couple of satisfying final twists, rather like cherries on top.of a banana split.

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Angel of Vengeance continues from the end of the previous story. Constance has gone back to a timeline in 1880 to save her siblings and her younger self from the evil Dr. Leng. Pendergast can’t let Constance go on her own, so he enlists D’Agosta to accompany him.
From the beginning, there is lots of action and a game of wits between Leng and Constance. Told from different viewpoints, the story is full of suspense! I loved this book! It was a real page-turner and the ending was very satisfying. This was the perfect addition to the Pendergast series.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

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Preston & Child do it AGAIN! I've been following this series forever, and it never disappoints. This latest was the typical roller-coaster... loved every "oh-my-gosh!" second of it. I honestly thought they were going to kill off a beloved character... till they didn't. I wish they could write them as fast as I can read them. I also wish the publishers would put together some trade paperback sized collections, so I could buy (anew) the whole series, in order, in less than 24 books. And then read them all again from the beginning!

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Angel of Vengeance is a great addition to the Pendergast set. Best read as part of the series due to many previous references, this time-travel book spins the tale even further back for a unique view of the saga.

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

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This book begins immediately after the previous one ends and continues at a breakneck pace. It follows as Pendergast, Constance and Vinnie are joined by Diogenes to attempt to save Constance’s siblings from Leng and try to somehow return to the present.

Authors Preston and Childs have once again worked magic with their characters, the plot and location. This book was well written, fun to read and, thankfully, didn’t end with a cliffhanger. However, I think we all would like to see what happens next with Pendergast and Constance.

My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

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Aloysius Pendergast is back and this time it means life or death for him as well. His ward, Constance Greene needs his help. In an alternate 1880 New York City, Evil Dr. Enoch Leng has taken her siblings and will kill them if Constance doesn’t give him her life-extending formula. Meanwhile, Aloysius’ evil twin brother, Diogenes, has his own ulterior motives. He travels through the same portal as Constance and Aloysius and has been cozying up to Enoch Leng. With Aloysius and Diogenes being descended from the evil doctor, killing off the doctor can also mean the end of Aloysius. What is Diogenes up to? Can Aloysius and Constance stop the evil doctor and save her siblings? Can Aloysius stop the evil doctor once and for all without killing himself in the process?

The plot is suspenseful, compelling, well-developed, and fast-paced. Told through alternating points of view, the author builds up tension for the readers while drawing them into Aloysius’ world. The main characters are authentic, believable, and easy to root for. The world building continues to be complex and engrossing. Recommended for readers who are fans of the Pendergast series, alternate realities, good vs. evil. Although it can be read out of order, the novel will make more sense to readers who have read the other Pendergast novels. Recommended for most library collections. 5 stars

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Aloysius Pendergast’s and his ward, Constance Greene have gone through a portal to an alternate 1880 New York Reality. There, sadistic doctor, Enoch Leng is bent on killing Constance’s siblings to get a life-extending formula she possesses. Aloysisus’ evil twin brother, Diogenes also follows the duo through the portal and is working with Leng. Complicating issues, Leng is one of Pendergast’s ancestors, so killing Leng will make it so Aloysius and Diogenes are never born. Can Aloysius find a way to save Constance and her sibling while not destroying himself?
The plot is engaging, well-developed, and fast-paced. Told through alternating points of view, the authors build tension and suspense, crafting a compelling plot. The main characters are authentic, believable, and easy to root for. The world building continues to be well developed and draws the reader into the story. Recommended for readers who are fans of the Pendergast series, alternate realities, suspense, and saving the world. Recommended for most library collections.

Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. No other compensation was received.

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Constance Greene's plan for vengeance against Dr. Enoch Leng has failed. Pendergast and D'Agosta, who traveled to the alternate timeline to help, may be stuck there with no way home. Their best chance of defeating Leng lies in an unholy alliance between Constance, Pendergast and Diogenes, their own personal angel of vengeance. This book was fantastic! I was torn between uncovering all the layers of the plot and not wanting it to end. The descriptions of New York City in the 1800's were so vivid I too was transported with the characters experiencing everything alongside them. Thank you, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, for giving us such an incredible, electrifying tale filled with cunning villains, vicious gangs and nefarious schemes!

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Ebook/Historical Thriller: After the mediocre cliffhanger in Bloodless, fans were due a better than average novel. I did like this installment, but I still had questions at the end.
This book doesn't come out for a while, so no spoilers.

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Once again, the reader is immersed in a story that takes us via the “portal” back to New York City in the late 1800s. The descriptive language is astounding as is the tale of murder, kidnapping and medical experimentation. The reader is constantly turning pages to see if sanity will prevail and if Pendergast and others will ever return to New York City and the 21st century. The writing is brilliant and even had this reader flinching from the description of a knife fight.
This novel is recommended for all who enjoy this genre and I thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this novel by Preston and Child who always require me to have my dictionary close at hand.

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Thank you Preston & Child for wrapping up the wild and heart pounding "trilogy" of Constance, Pendergast, D'Agusto and Diogenes! These authors NEVER disappoint and of course...at the end leave you knowing another adventure is coming soon! Thanks Netgalley for the advanced read!!!

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