No Need For Leverage!: Leverage by Nancy S. Thompson

Leverage is a sequel to The Mistaken, a story about forgiveness, revenge and retribution as a man and a woman, Tyler and Hannah, become caught up in the Mafia. Leverage is the story of how even in their new life, old enemies come back to haunt them.

The writing style in Leverage is consistent with The Mistaken and still has the same exciting pace that ensures the reader is captivated all the time. There are no points in the novel where the narration is boring and this is something which really gives credit to the story.

At first glance, I was concerned that the plot of Leverage would be similar to The Mistaken and therefore would appear to be just dragging out the other plot line, however I was happy to discover that this was not the case at all and Leverage's plot was completely different of its own accord. Although still containing connections with the Mafia, as was really to be expected, Leverage features new twists and turns around every corner that Thompson manages to pull off as never seeming excessive or forced. The plot is captivating and you will hold on to every word.

In my review of The Mistaken, I spoke of how the novel was able to show me a different perspective on the subjects of forgiveness and retribution, something that I really hoped would also be present in Leverage. I was not let down in that respect! The moralistic viewpoints were still there but this time there was even stronger emphasis on them, that makes a reader actually want to change the ways that they look at things such as redemption.

The characters of Leverage that were featured in The Mistaken are consistent with it and Thompson does not fall down where many authors do in keeping her characters the same in both novels. Ty and Hannah remain their likeable selves and this new viewpoint from Connor means that your understanding of their emotional rollercoaster continues to grow throughout the novel.

Leverage is a fantastic sequel to The Mistaken and everything you would ever want it to be. Thomson continues that magic of hers in making a thriller much more than meets the eye.

ONE SENTENCE: A more than deserving sequel to The Mistaken with kickass action that continues to make you think

Can't Be Mistaken: The Mistaken by Nancy S. Thompson

The Mistaken could be seen as a story about violence but I see it as a story of love, forgiveness and retribution. There is much more to it than meets the eye.

It’s a story that you can't help but feel emotionally connected to. You feel every one of Tyler's emotions and feel to the depths of your heart his grief, love and times of depression. You also feel every blow that is dealt to him and this is without doubt the first novel that has ever 'moulded' me in this particular way to feel a character's pain. It's something that I can't put my finger on but it has a huge effect. Another thing that I can't quite put my finger on is Thompson's distinctive style of writing that although appearing conventional has elements to it that make it very powerful and drive the plot forward in a way that I will probably never understand.

The pace of the novel is exciting but not rushed and although it takes a while to pick up, the reader is rewarded with gritty thrills. Hannah and Tyler are great characters and Thompson more than succeeds in making them likeable and loveable. When reading you feel as though you are inside their heads and even develop an understanding for the way they think.

The Mafia connections add substance to the plot and ensure that the story is not far-fetched. You would find difficulty in not believing every word. Inevitably, the plot features a huge amount of violence but I implore you not to dismiss it based on this fact. The violence is not in any way glorified and makes a point rather than excites. It may be dark at times but I never had the feeling that it was unnecessary, it serves a greater purpose.

I have taken on-board a huge amount from this novel. Whether this was Thompson’s intention or not I have no idea but I would urge you to read it and see what you bring away. The novel is above all fresh, an emotional tale that still manages to keep up the excitement of a thriller.

ONE SENTENCE: An emotional rollercoaster ride with loads of bite and a gritty plot.