MirrorWorld

I've read most of Mr. Robinson's books and have loved them all. His Last Hunter series holds a very special place in my heart for a variety of reasons. Island 731, however, always held the highest position on his thriller list for it's dark, gritty feel...and sense of dread. How interesting that a book about creatures dubbed the ‘Dread” would take it's place as my Number One favorite book of Robinson's thrillers. But it does. Easily.

First of all, the character of Crazy is, hands down, the most intriguing of Robinson's creations, in my opinion. A man without memory or fear from the start of the book. How on earth can an author take a character like that and possible make him likeable? Human even? But Robinson does it and he does it with style. As a matter of fact, Crazy becomes even more interesting as a human the further certain changes in his body go (trying to avoid spoilers there). Plus, he's funny (of course, R.C. Bray's narration might have had something to do with that as well).

But how amazing this story is goes beyond the character of Crazy, or his co-stars in this book. The story itself is just...altogether genius. Not only is it an incredible story with some crazy cool (and brilliant) layers (explanations for ghosts, the Mothman, and monsters of old are given and it makes total sense), but it can't help but make the reader ponder the mystery of fear in all its forms. Ponder how many nuances of our lives are governed by fear. And ponder ways to allow fear to work for us, instead of hindering us in our daily lives. Fear, in many ways, has driven humanity and its advancement far more than ambition ever could, and this story helps to expose the dreaded emotion to the light of day in such a way that it becomes much more palpable...and ultimately, controllable.

Bravo, Mr. Robinson. My favorite of your books so far!