Siege

Admittedly, 'Siege' isn't a book I would usually pick up. It was for a want of trying something different that made me purchase it for my Kindle.

As a girl that spent a lot of time reading young adult fiction (John Green, David Levithan) or 'chick-lit' novels (Sophie Kinsella), I wanted to get out of that cushy comfort zone and try something new. I've never been that brave and often find myself steering clear of action orientated novels, with lots of violence and gore. Fortunately, 'Siege' wasn't like that at all and has opened a whole new world of fiction that I plan to jump into. (Albeit after some light relief with a Sophie Kinsella novel...)

Simon Kernick is often referred to as 'the master of suspense' and I couldn't agree more. With short chapters, each from the viewpoint of a different character, Kernick manages to keep the pace up throughout the novel. There isn't a moment where it drags. Of course readers will find themselves preferring some characters to others. In particular, I found the chapters following terrorist, Fox, a lot more interesting than that of the cancer stricken hotel guest, Martin. Although, I find it depends on the events and what we find out about each character that makes them interesting overall.

The novel begins with the kidnap of two children, setting the scene for an explosive twenty four hours in which the terrorists create decoys, before finally taking hold of the Stanhope Hotel in London. For many of the characters it's a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The terrorists seem like ruthless killers at the beginning of their attack, but after a while when the cracks begin to show, that's when things get really interesting.

There are plenty of twists and turns, some unexpected, and remember the very first chapter, because those events do come back to affect one of the characters introduced as the siege takes place. The last ten chapters or so really will make you want to finish the book in quick time. Kernick has a wonderful way of building the suspense, creating characters that intertwine and dealing with such a big event in an intricate, detailed way. It's clear he has done a hell of a lot of research into the police, negotiations, terrorism, weapons and bombs.

Overall, an intriguing novel, one I would recommend to absolutely everyone. It isn't so squeamish or vulgar that it'd make the faint hearted feel sick. Of course there is violence and some gory bits, often it seems Kernick is writing it in such a casual way that makes it even more shocking, but he sets the tone for the terrorists perfectly, creating angry, cold blooded killers in most of them. The introduction of Tina Boyd was a surprise for regular readers, as I've since found out she's a reoccurring character in Kernick's novels.

A detailed, thought provoking story, where readers will be excited until the last page.