Section 1: Urban Fantasy Books Similar to Half-Resurrection Blues
Both Older and Wendig use boldness in their prose that pairs well with their delightfully flawed characters. I also appreciated the authentic voices of the main characters from both stories. These characters will do what they want, even if it will screw up so many things. They are who they are and must go through all this before they are willing or capable of change.
Section 2: Most Powerful Themes Represented in Half-Resurrection Blues
Now he’s in a relationship and lying about his part in what happened to her brother. His actions make Carlos question his existence, the Council, and everything he’s learned in this half-deadish existence. When he just did his job, he could be blind to the truth, but now that he’s not just another drone, he’s in trouble, which also plays to the other key theme in the book of actions having consequences.
Section 3: What I Did Not Like about Half-Resurrection Blues
Another item I did not enjoy was Carlos’ voice. I know that voice seems weird to complain about in a book, but speech and thought patterns still come through, creating a character’s voice. Carlos’ overt maleness worked for the character, but it felt like an over-exaggeration of masculinity: the tragic romantic hero and the hyper-sexualized male mind. Some readers may enjoy that style, but it grated on me.
Section 4: Who Will Love and Hate Half-Resurrection Blues
If you’re a reader who does not like mixing science and religious topics, or if you’re not a big fan of either police procedurals or detective stories, you will most likely not enjoy this book.
Section 5: L. Rigdon’s Star Rating of Half-Resurrection Blues
While I found the world and the supernatural concepts interesting, I didn’t love the main character. That said, I don’t think you’re supposed to love Carlos. He’s rough and ragged and relies on what he can do now. He seems unmotivated or unwilling to push himself until romantic obsession forces him. I also may be harshly judging Older’s work here since I know I’m comparing this story to the first book of his that I read, Shadowshaper, which is a far superior story IMHO.