4.5 out of 5 stars
So, I really thought that Deadly Silence was an introduction to Silence, but boy was I wrong. After reading the first book in the series, I think Deadly Silence, even though it was billed as book 0.5, should be more of a 1.5 (or like a 0.9 or 1.1). The Suppressor is really two complete stories since it’s an introduction to Silence before he was Silence, his training, and then his first full mission. Don’t get me wrong, it read wonderfully as a first book. I’m just happy to get so much story out of a book.
The Suppressor hit me in so many ways. I loved Carter’s writing style and his ability to keep me on the edge of my seat as a reader. The whole opening of the book had me wondering what was going to happen, and even after stuff did happen – I was still looking for what’s next. Carter was able to write a book that had me keep going “wow, that’s great, let’s keep going”. And not a lot of authors can hook me that fast.
Combine that with the main character who doesn’t speak outwardly much (especially in the second part of the book) and I read something, unlike anything I’ve ever read. Sure, it has bits and pieces that remind me of other great action/thriller titles, but this was definitely unique.
If I were to critique anything about this book, it would be the insanely repetitive use of the phrase “diaphragmatic breathing”. Now, I almost didn’t add this into my review because I learned that his brain works differently from mine by getting to know Silence as a man. But, good lord did Carter add that phrase in a lot. Every time I heard “a deep breath, a…” I would guess “diaphragmatic!!!” and it started to take away from the story. Like I said above, I get that Silence’s brain works differently than mine, but I had to call it like I saw it. It bothered me and I wanted to just make sure I pointed it out. I’d bet if I was reading the story instead of listening to it I probably wouldn’t have even noticed. (note: it’s only said 9 times, I’m not sure why it bothered me as much as it did).
Throw in the great narration by Gary Bennett and you have a book that I absolutely flew through. Carter’s writing style combined with Bennett’s delivery, especially of the gravely and broken voice of Silence was perfect. A match made in heaven.