|
|
|
|
Synopsis
|
|
Robert McCammon, author of the popular Matthew Corbett historical
thrillers (Speaks the Nightbird, Mister Slaughter), now
gives us something new and completely unexpected: The Five, a
contemporary novel as vivid, timely, and compelling as anything he has
written to date.
The Five tells the story of an eponymous rock band struggling to
survive on the margins of the music business. As they move through the
American Southwest on what might be their final tour together, the band
members come to the attention of a damaged Iraq war veteran, and their
lives are changed forever.
The narrative that follows is a riveting account of violence, terror,
and pursuit set against a credible, immensely detailed rock and roll
backdrop. It is also a moving meditation on loyalty and friendship, on
the nature and importance of families—those we are born into and
those we create for ourselves—and on the redemptive power of the
creative spirit. Written with wit, elegance, and passionate conviction,
The Five lays claim to new imaginative territory, and reaffirms
McCammon's position as one of the finest, most unpredictable
storytellers of our time.
|
|
|
Reviews and Comments (may contain spoilers!)
|
- New!!
October Country: Review: The Five, 9-JUN-2011:
- Read
the review at October Country
- New!!
cctheprofessor: The Five: "Everything is quiet but the song that
keeps me sane", 8-JUN-2011:
- Read
the review at cctheprofessor
- New!!
Gumshoe Review: The Five, 4-MAY-2011:
- Read the
review at Gumshoe Review
- New!!
Bibrary Bookslut: The Five, 2-MAY-2011:
- Read
the review at Bribrary Bookslut
- New!!
A review by Mark Justice from Pod of Horror #64,
12-APR-2011:
- Download Pod of Horror #64
"Finally, we have The Five, the new novel from Robert McCammon.
Any new McCammon work is noteworthy and a cause for celebration. But
The Five is also McCammon's return to contemporary fiction. The
Five chronicles the last tour of the titular rock band. As they
travel the southwest in a broken down van, their manager and keyboard
player announce they're leaving the group. After a surreal encounter with
a mysterious young woman, the band decides to write one last song
together. At the same time, a troubled veteran becomes convinced that he
must kill The Five. Whether he's crazy or under the influence of a vast
and dark power is something you'll have to decide for yourself. The
possible supernatural element is mostly relegated to the background of
The Five. It informs the story without detracting from the rich
tale of the traveling musicians and the tragic events that lead to their
final show. Ultimately, The Five is about the wellspring of
creativity and the enduring power of art, told with incredible skill.
McCammon's love for music shines through on every page. I defy anyone to
read The Five and not come away feeling changed for the better.
If McCammon had not written Boy's Life, I wouldn't hesitate to say
this is his best novel ever. It's a book I'm sure I will return to again
and again."
- New!!
An unsolicited note from Stephen King
-
“The Five isn't just Robert McCammon's best novel in years; it's his best
novel ever. Terrifying, suspenseful, unputdownable, and full of rock and roll
energy. It's also uplifting, a book you'll finish feeling better about your
world, your friends, and your music. Here's one you'll beg friends to
read.”
- New!!
From Publishers Weekly, March 14, 2011
-
 The Five
Robert McCammon. Subterranean (www.subterraneanpress.com), $26.95 (520p) ISBN 978-1-59606-341-9
McCammon (Mister Slaughter) delivers a complex, mind-blowing
story of a rock band's last days. The Five—rage-filled frontman
Nomad, lesbian drummer Berke, retro-inspired keyboardist Terry,
self-possessed bassist Mike, and mellow vocalist/guitarist
Ariel—are winding down a tour in the Southwest. Both Terry and
their manager want out, so this looks to be their last tour. Inspired by
a chance meeting with a mysterious woman, they decide to write one final
song as a team. What they don't know is that an unstable ex-Marine is
stalking them, driven to assassinate them all. After he kills a band
member, the remaining four of the Five dodge from gig to gig, pawns in a
supernatural struggle far beyond their comprehension. Steeped in rock
history, infused with power and passion, and laced with psychological
horror and razor-sharp tension, this is not an easy read, but a
memorable one. (June)
|
|
|
