Title: The Prodigal Daughter (Kane & Abel, #2)
Author: Archer, Jeffrey
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Pages: 485
Date Read: 10 February 2024
Bookshelves: read
My Rating (out of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The book begins with the details from the first book Kane and Abel, introducing the patriarchs and gave more context to the circumstances that made them sworn enemies. But we know in the first few pages that the story is not about these two men, but rather about Abel’s daughter Florentyna. The story takes us through her formative years, her love for Kane’s son, her other close relationships and how she would leverage these relationships much later in life to propel her to being the leader of the free world.
It’s a story well told. But I felt it was longer than it needed to be. An interesting problem I have with the Kane and Abel trilogy is that I read the third book first, the first book second and the second book third. This meant that with this book being the second, I had little to look forward to in the way of suspense; and this informed my perception of the book’s length.
Also didn’t help that Archer went too granular with American politics. I understand the need for context, but it was of little interest to me and I felt that the book was worse for it.
Archer is a fantastic storyteller. Period. But he writes in a style I have come to respect but may never admire. His writing is straightforward, direct, and practical. Which is great. But his writing has never left me in awe and that’s why I will be keeping one star to myself. Sue me.
That said, I think this is a good series. In fact, Kane and Abel, the first book, remains one of my favourite books of all time. But don’t be like me. Read the damn books in order!