Reviewed by Angie on
I have to say that The Collector was the most fun I’ve had reading so far this year! Dante Walker. You’ll either hate him or love to hate him! I have a soft spot for unlikeable characters if they’re written right (which he is), so I fall into the latter group. He made a terrible first impression on me, but I had to keep reading! His voice is unique, clearly male, and magnetic. Even if he does seem a bit like a rich, bad boy caricature, I found him believable. I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough to get more of his story!
The Collector begins with Dante beginning his newest assignment. He must collect the soul of one Charlie Cooper. Charlie is a walking, talking stereotype of the ultimate loser with a heart of gold and a tragic past: acne, too skinny, frizzy hair, glasses, crooked teeth, a limp, wears both backpack straps, witnessed the death of both parents and volunteers every Saturday. Wow. I think the only thing left out is an annoying, nasally voice. Dante is not impressed with Charlie..at all…in fact, he’s kind of repulsed by her. But he must befriend her and corrupt her within the next 10 days if he wants that big shiny promotion!
What follows is a light-hearted and hilarious story. Charlie is just so happy and good, and of course she eventually earns Dante’s affection. I loved watching Dante slowly turn into less of a jerkwad as The Collector moved forward. He’s still incredibly shallow throughout the whole book, but I think in his case, actions speak louder than words. He repeatedly stands up for Charlie and does what he thinks is right at the time, even if it might not be.
Despite being rude, crude, and down right bad, Dante Walker is a wonderful narrator. The Collector would not have been the same if he was any different, so if you can get past the first few pages, you are in store for a real treat!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 5 May, 2013: Finished reading
- 5 May, 2013: Reviewed