Impact (Wyman Ford, #1)

by Douglas Preston

[empressbrooke]

Coming off of [b:Blasphemy|1234704|Blasphemy|Douglas Preston|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DqQqjlI3L._SL75_.jpg|2498661], Preston's newest solo novel is a bit of a disappointment. It's the 3rd book featuring ex-CIA agent Wyman Ford (and the 4th in a series if you count the link between [b:The Codex|136640|The Codex|Douglas Preston|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172082458s/136640.jpg|1415837] and [b:Tyrannosaur Canyon|136641|Tyrannosaur Canyon|Douglas Preston|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172082459s/136641.jpg|1125436]), which suggests that there should be some continuity from book to book, right?

Well, Blasphemy ended with a startling bang, and I'd expect the next book in this series to mention it. But Preston didn't even give it a nod, which seemed like a wasted opportunity. After all, what's the point in using Wyman Ford again unless you want to bring his history with him? If you're not going to, why not just cook up another character? It wouldn't be difficult, especially since Wyman doesn't have much of a personality. He's just the sum of his actions; his character is solely comprised of what he does in each moment. And Preston should be better at creating memorable recurring characters than that - his books co-written with [a:Lincoln Child|11091|Lincoln Child|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1241119274p2/11091.jpg] are filled with them.

Also, the semi-main character Abbey is a total jerk. I think we're supposed to root for her, but she constantly bullies her best friend, steals from her dad, smokes dope and does shots in physically dangerous moments when she really needs her wits about her, and worries about losing her iPod when a hitman is chasing her. Another character, Mark Corso, is equally difficult to root for, and I can't tell if we're supposed to think he's being treated unfairly or not. I think we are, but he acts so bloody pompous and entitled that I'm just not sure.

The plot is typical Preston/Child - interesting and fast-paced and at times startling, but I would have enjoyed it much more if it hadn't been for the above problems. Probably because I know Preston is capable of more.