The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (Millennium Trilogy, #3)

by Stieg Larsson

The stunning third and final novel in Stieg Larsson's internationally best-selling trilogy
Lisbeth Salander--the heart of Larsson's two previous novels--lies in critical condition, a bullet wound to her head, in the intensive care unit of a Swedish city hospital. She's fighting for her life in more ways than one: if and when she recovers, she'll be taken back to Stockholm to stand trial for three murders. With the help of her friend, journalist Mikael Blomkvist, she will not only have to prove her innocence, but also identify and denounce those in authority who have allowed the vulnerable, like herself, to suffer abuse and violence. And, on her own, she will plot revenge--against the man who tried to kill her, and the corrupt government institutions that very nearly destroyed her life.Once upon a time, she was a victim. Now Salander is fighting back. - From the Hardcover edition.

• ISBN10: 0307593673
• ISBN13: 9780307593672
• Publish Date: 25 May 2010 (first published 1 October 2009)
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Knopf Publishing Group
• Format: eBook
• Pages: 477
• Language: English

Reviews

[Michael @ Knowledge Lost]

I enjoyed the first novel, but the second two were unoriginal and at times boring. The first book in the series took a modern take on the who done it genre, but the second two books just were too generic.

[Terri M. LeBlanc]

Overall, I'm happy I stuck this series out. I do feel the series, as a whole, was worth the read and one of the better "must reads" of the year.

I am, however, slightly disappointed with the time it took to come to a resolution, as well as, how the main characters, introduced in the first book, slowly get sidelined by all the government background that needs to be explained. Plus all the political and police figures that were introduced in this novel did make my mind spin a bit. I wanted more time with Lisbeth and Mikael, but the red tape that is revealed in the 2nd book takes the forefront in this novel and the last chapter seems like such a waste.

Definitely worth the time to read to find out how it all ends and how it is all tied together. Will not be a series, I will read again.

[Whitney @ First Impressions Reviews]

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest is the last novel in the Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson. The third installment picks up where The Girl Who Played With Fire left off, our hero Lisbeth Salander hanging on through life and death after being shot in the head. When she is "captured" and taken to the hospital she is put under security until she can be transferred to jail and await the trial. Meanwhile, those at Millennium and Milton Security are working hard to prove her innocence.

I felt The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest was just as fast paced as it's predecessors and grew a stronger bond to the characters making it more difficult to shut the book. Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander could be compared to a modern day Nick and Nora Charles. They banter, drink freely and have sex without a second thought. They are on the case first, discovering clues that others have glaringly missed making it look as easy as tying your shoes.

I do have two small complaints, that while sometimes a bit annoying still did not detract from the storyline for me. One is that Stieg Larsson goes into great detail of the politics of Sweden and while it can be interesting could have shortened the novel by at least a hundred pages if half had been removed. Second, there were a plethora of evil-doers all conspiring against Salander and sometimes I got confused or mixed up on who was who, having to flip back and forth to make sure I had it straight.

Like the two before, the ending was a pageturner and sped read as fast I could go, waiting on pins and needles while reaching the conclusion of the Millennium Trilogy.

[ibeforem]

This is a difficult book to review. It’s always sad to reach the end of a series, but sadder when you know there will be no other books from the author. Larsson gave us a suitable end to the story, filled with danger, intrigue, politics, conspiracies, and cover-ups, but still able to tie up all the loose ends. Salander is on the sidelines for most of the novel, but she’s still able to use her gifts to help Mikael as he tries to save her from those who would like to lock her in an institution for the rest of her life (or at least until they can figure out a way to kill her). I’ve always found Mikael’s and Salander’s relationship to be interesting — part parental, part lustful, part loving, part practical — and it was easy to see that they cared for each other, even if they didn’t know how to express it most of the time.

I don’t really want to get into the plot, because I don’t want to spoil anything. But I do want to discuss some of the themes. Larsson’s main theme throughout this trilogy has been the strength of women. This book is filled to the brim with strong, smart, independent, not afraid to make a hard decision, sexy women. Not only Salander, but also those who worked to help her: Mikael’s sister Annika, Erika Berger, Officer Modig, Monica Figuerola and Susanne Linder. There are no shrinking violets here. These women are as much Salander’s savior as Mikael is.

Another theme that I think is pretty prominent is the importance of free journalism in a free society. It’s mentioned on multiple occasions that the government can’t control the press, and that’s ultimately what does the forces of evil in. With a little hacking help, of course.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. The pace isn’t quite the same as the first two, but the enjoyment level is there. It kept me up on more than one evening as I raced towards the end. Once Salander’s trial begins, it’s impossible to put down. If you are a fan of this series, this is a must-read. If you haven’t read any of them yet, start at the beginning. Immediately.