The Providence Rider [NOOK Book]

Matthew Corbett Is Back with a Bang

The Providence Rider was one of my three most anticipated novels of the year, and I was thrown off guard when it arrived nearly a month early while I was in the middle of reading the unabridged version of The Count of Monte Cristo. Only through extreme willpower, did I slog through Monte Cristo before eagerly devouring the latest installment of Matthew Corbett. It's by far the shortest of the four novels, but it packs a walloping punch, hooks you from the opening, and doesn't let up until you read the final page. I would highly recommend reading the first three novels of McCammon's epic series before tackling The Providence Rider, but you could follow this tale without the first three novels. You'll just miss out on some salient details and a pretty large number of subtle nods to previous events and characters. Still McCammon does pretty well in providing previous key plot points in high-level detail. The novel starts out in New York with Matthew Corbett still reeling from his brutal adventure against Tyranthus Slaughter and Lyra Sutch. Against this backdrop, Matthew is quite reluctant to attend a dinner invitation extended by an emissary of the infamous Professor Fell. Fell, however, is not one to take No for an answer. Soon, explosions begin rocking buildings around the city and promise to continue to do so until Matthew takes Professor Fell up on that meeting. Fell is looking for Matthew to be a Providence Rider, someone who can ride in and deliver a much-needed boon to the Professor. The setting for this adventure, however, is far from New York. Instead Matthew must travel to the mysterious Pendulum Island where the criminal Master Bosses of Professor Fell's empire are gathered for a meeting. As one would expect from McCammon, this motley group of characters are a macabre bunch. Some are grotesque, others creepy, some downright violent, or a combination of those traits. Matthew has gone up against a few grisly characters in past books, but never quite on the scale of this one where he faces off against nearly a dozen adversaries. I was thinking a lot about first meetings of characters: Watson and Holmes, Gollum and Bilbo, etc. Sometimes when you read those passages you know that those characters will have a powerful relationship, in friendship or adversarial, throughout the remainder of the tale. Matthew gets his long awaited meeting with Professor Fell, although it unfolded in a manner I was not expecting. Still, the relationship between these two is irrevocably changed after this book. Matthew has mucked with the peripheral of Fell's organization before, but when he finds himself in the very heart of it, Matthew Corbett will do as Matthew Corbett does and be a fly in the ointment where he can cause so much more damage. McCammon's writing is in typical fine form: direct, florid, and visceral. At times, McCammon provides light-hearted whimsical details then immediately follows with gruesome notes, but they never feel cheap or throw away lines. His prose is some of the best out there, and McCammon is at the top of his game in The Providence Rider. Probably my only caveat is the book's brevity. I would have liked to see more of Matthew's adventures on Pendulum Island. There were times when I felt it all unfolded maybe too quickly. I consider that nitpicking though, because the tale itself is a rollicking page-turner, and it fits well within the scope of this 10 book series. In many ways, this feels like the openi

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

McCammon is wonderful!

Been a fan of Robert McCammons books since the 80s, so I'm a little bias. This story is another great read. The characters, as in all his books, are very believable. His capture of the early 1700s gives the real meaning too "Throwback". His plots are different, meaning not traditional, yet unpredictable, and interesting.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

ANOTHER AWESOME READ FROM McCAMMON!!!!!!!!

This man is truly one of my favorite authors. This series is so exciting and I hate waiting between books! This book continues the story of Matthew with a terribly exicting dance with the wonderfully frightening Professor Fell. It would probably be preferable to read the previous books in this series, but it would still be a great read if not. I will be so sorry when this series comes to an end.

Robert McCammom is the author of my favorite book of all times (Boy's Life). His characters are always very well developed and he can weave a story filled with chuckles, guffaws, tears, horrors, and even nail-biting adventure! Cheers to you Mr. McCammon for all of your wonderful stories (in all different genres)! And may you have many more stories floating around in that brilliant mind of yours!!!!!!!!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Excellent, as always

This continuation of the Matthew Corbett stories is every bit as good as the first three. The details and characterizations make this world come alive. Very enjoyable read.

Wow!!

This entire series is beautifully written, with this last masterpiece being no exception. The characters and their surroundings really come to life. I started reading Mr. McCammon's work years ago, and as long as he continues to write, I will continue to faithfully read each and every word. I eagerly await to see our favorite providence rider on to his next great mystery, and how he will cleverly slip through the tentacles of the evil professor. I only hope we don't have to wait too long!!

cks 11 11 12

this series are ment to be stand alone novels so there is always back story info i find this tedeous this book has alot of tedeous back story

I'm completely hooked on this series. It has the cool factor tur

I'm completely hooked on this series. It has the cool factor turned up to 11! Like all of McCammon's books (I've read the vast majority) there is never a dull moment or a boring page. Tight plot, fast paced, great characters, mystery, action, suspense, horror...in a book that takes place in 1700? You'd think it'd be dry as burnt toast, but that's what makes it so cool! It'd be relatively easy to set the time period to the 70's, 80's 90's etc. But the time period here makes for a very unique vibe for a thrill ride. If someone said "James Bond in pantaloons" it might sound like a weird mix, but you know it's going to be badass. By the time you get to The Providence Rider after reading the previous three Corbett books you'll be feeling that fish-hook tug on your brain, that urge to know how it's all going to unfold...

Another winner ! Enjoyed every page !

I just thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were well defined and a very good plot.

Another winner from McCammon

Outstanding sense of period and a true mystery. Another great entry in the adventures of Matthew Corbett

as always, a fanastic book, couldn't put it down. Cant wait till

as always, a fanastic book, couldn't put it down. Cant wait till mr. corbetts next adventure!

Highly Recomended

The Matthew Corbett series is an awesome read. I highly recommend everyone of Robert MaCammon's books.

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