Sleepers and Scouts (Bystanders #3)

Back to escapist fiction

Author Phillip Murrell provided a print copy of Sleepers and Scouts (Bystander#3) for review.

This third installment of the four book Bystanders series continues the saga of a world changed by the activities of the "Augmented" people who have suddenly developed superpowers of all kinds. As is the way in the real world, their are some augments with good intentions and some with less than good intentions (probably wouldn't have much of a story without this dichotomy). 

Lots and lots of action and as Iv'e said before; acknowledgement at least of most every social justice construct you can think of. Thankfully not preachy, hit you over the head indoctrination just part of the story. 

Still some secrets to be revealed to bring satisfactory conclusion to the story (I guess that's why there is a fourth book).

I'm still liking the overall story line which is coalescing more as the books progress. If you are not up on your mythological characters, you will be after reading this series. This is a big part of what I enjoy about this book and the whole series, the interplay between mythical characters from differing eras acting as though they have always all been together. 

The only real drawback for me though is the over abundance of augment characters. There are getting to be so many of them that they are getting hard to follow. But that could just be my tired old brain. I was glad to see that Papa Nutmare mellowed out in this book.

The one description that defines this book and series for me is; over the top. All the aspects of this story are over the top; story lines characters, situations, action, violence. You name it, it's over the top. But that is what is keeping it fun, at least for me. Realistic? Not even close. Escapist? You betcha Red Ryder. Enjoy!

Mike