The story is perhaps a bit ambitious in its detail, and since this is meant to be the first in a series, perhaps the author over-reached in trying to fit too much detail, too many conspirators involved in too many nefarious practices into one book. At times the dialog is forced, the narration is cavalier, as if the hero is showing off for the reader – there are even a couple of ‘asides’ that come off as arrogance and not story telling. The plot also starts to develop holes that are never filled and even though it is linear in nature, you find yourself wondering if you slept through part of the trip.
The story at times stretches credibility in its technology and weapons and even bad guys but it can be forgiven that fault since it is in a way, a technological ‘new age’ thriller.
One glaring fault is Abbott seems to have forgotten Chekhov's gun. Chekhov's gun, simply stated is “if you introduce a gun in act one, it must go off by act three.” Yet, Capra’s parkour skills are not used in any obvious way after the opening act. Yet, this detail was what drew the reader into the character and into the story in the first place.
As it stands, Adrenaline is an “okay read,” a read-and-forget weekend escape. But Sam Capra, with a little more development, and a little more focus is enough of an intriguing character that as a series it should work.This is not my favorite read in a thriller this year, but because of certain aspects which were beautifully conceived and crafted, and because of the main character, I'd definitely look for book two and see if the writing comes together and fulfills its promise.
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