As the second to last book of the series this one finally uncovered a lot about Nameless himself and about „Ace of Diamonds” which was really satisfying to read. The writing is still amazing although a bit repetitive at times but never in a way that makes you want to put the book aside.

„A terrorist attack in the news leaves Nameless reeling from a disturbing vision. But it’s not a glimpse of the future. It’s a recovered memory that’s opening a window into his mysterious past. Uncharacteristically forthcoming—and unexpectedly personal—Nameless’s handlers have no choice but to emerge from the shadows. The indoctrinating factions of his visions are growing in number. What’s more, their chilling symbol of totalitarian control is now linked to the highest powers in the country. As his memories begin to break through, is Nameless prepared to face who he really is and defeat the encroaching madness of the future?“

Blurb

I listened to this short story on top of reading it and it was fantastic once again. I love that combination of reading and listening. Edoardo Ballerini has done an amazing job narrating the whole series and his voice has become inseparable from the character for me at this point.

The case itself was smaller or shorter this time but all the more suspenseful. It felt twisty and psychologically brutal in the best way. I really liked that shift towards a tighter more claustrophobic story. The way Howard clearly cares about Nameless is a great part of the whole thing too. Their dynamic keeps grounding the series in something human between all the darkness.

I was a little bit saddened by the fact that the „Triskelions” have already infiltrated so many positions in government and in big companies. For my taste that reveal could have been slower or we should have heard more about it along the way. That was exactly what I was afraid of when we first learned about the group. That they would end up as an interesting background layer and nothing more. Still I have high hopes for the last part to bring it all together.

Still 4 stars because it is thrilling from start to finish.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you’d like to read this book, I’d be glad if you ordered it through this link. The price stays the same for you and I receive a small share. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

📝 If you are looking for my own short stories, poems and texts, check out my Substack: https://substack.com/@fragmentsandthedark