Thriller novels have always been a popular genre among readers and over the years, several authors have emerged as prominent names in this space. In this article, we will be discussing two such authors – Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child and Lars Emmerich – and comparing their works, specifically The Book of the Dead and “Devolution”.
The Plotlines:
The Book of the Dead revolves around the Pendergast family, a prominent and wealthy New Orleans family, and their dark, twisted past. The novel is a continuation of the authors’ Pendergast series and follows FBI Special Agent Pendergast as he investigates the gruesome murder of a visiting archaeologist.
In “Devolution”, the focus is on the collapse of a tiny out-of-the-way community, Greenloop, that falls to primitive rituals, creatures, and savagery after a catastrophic volcanic eruption. It’s a story about survival and how far one will go when pushed to the edge.
While the core themes of both the novels are different, there are some plot overlaps as both books delve deep into the mystery and horror genre.
The authors, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, are known for their ability to create suspenseful and thrilling stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Their writing style is characterized by vivid descriptions, complex characters, and unexpected plot twists. In both “The Book of the Dead” and “Devolution”, they masterfully blend elements of horror, science fiction, and mystery to create a unique reading experience that is both terrifying and thought-provoking.
The Characters:
The Book of the Dead’s protagonist, FBI agent Pendergast, is known for his intelligence, wit, and dry humor. Pendergast is a well-rounded character with a clear backstory, making him quite relatable for readers.
In “Devolution”, the story revolves around Kate Holland, a tech-savvy marketing executive who is sent on a retreat to Greenloop with her husband and a handful of other people. Kate’s character is well-developed, and the reader’s curiosity is constantly piqued as the story unfolds around her.
While both authors have done an excellent job in creating their protagonists, the characters themselves are quite different. Pendergast’s complexity stands in stark contrast to Kate’s well-roundedness.
One of the supporting characters in The Book of the Dead is Vincent D’Agosta, Pendergast’s longtime friend and colleague. D’Agosta is a tough cop with a heart of gold, and his loyalty to Pendergast is unwavering. His character adds depth to the story and provides a strong contrast to Pendergast’s more cerebral approach to solving crimes.
In “Devolution”, the other characters on the retreat with Kate are also well-developed and add to the tension of the story. There’s Tony, the survivalist who takes charge when things start to go wrong, and Mostar, the enigmatic foreigner who seems to know more than he lets on. Each character has their own unique personality and backstory, making them all interesting and engaging to read about.
The Writing Styles:
Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child are known for their impeccable attention to detail, vivid prose, and unique writing style. They are known to explore the darker side of humanity, often pushing the boundaries of the horror genre.
In contrast, Lars Emmerich’s writing style is more straightforward, with an emphasis on pacing and characterization. His writing style leans more towards literary fiction, which makes his work stand out in the genre.
While both authors have their unique writing styles, they both excel at setting the tone and mood of the story.
Another author who has gained recognition for his writing style is Haruki Murakami. His writing is often described as surreal and dreamlike, with a focus on introspection and the human psyche. Murakami’s work often blends elements of magical realism with contemporary fiction, creating a unique reading experience for his audience.
On the other hand, Stephen King is known for his ability to create complex and multi-dimensional characters. His writing style is often characterized by his use of vivid imagery and descriptive language, which helps to immerse readers in the story. King’s work spans across various genres, including horror, science fiction, and fantasy, making him one of the most versatile writers of our time.
The Themes:
In The Book of the Dead, the core themes revolve around the darker side of humanity, the concept of family, and how our pasts influence our present. The novel goes into great detail and explores the impact of trauma on individuals and how they cope.
On the other hand, “Devolution” explores the themes of survival, sacrifice, and the fight or flight response. The novel examines how humans are not necessarily apex predators and the consequences of our actions on the environment and creatures around us.
Both authors have addressed important themes and have done so in unique ways, which will undoubtedly leave readers pondering the larger questions long after the book is finished.
Another important theme in The Book of the Dead is the idea of redemption and forgiveness. The characters in the novel are forced to confront their past mistakes and come to terms with the consequences of their actions. The novel explores the difficult journey towards forgiveness and the power of redemption in healing past wounds.
Similarly, in “Devolution,” the theme of community is explored. The novel examines how humans rely on each other for survival and how our actions can impact the well-being of the group. The characters in the novel must work together to overcome the challenges they face, highlighting the importance of community and cooperation in times of crisis.
The Reception:
Both The Book of the Dead and “Devolution” have been widely acclaimed by readers and critics alike. The Pendergast series has a cult following, and each addition to the series has been highly anticipated. Similarly, “Devolution” has received critical praise for its unique storyline and great pacing, making Lars Emmerich a master of the thriller genre.
In addition to the critical acclaim, both books have also been commercial successes. The Book of the Dead debuted at number two on the New York Times Bestseller list, while “Devolution” has sold over 500,000 copies worldwide. Fans of the Pendergast series have eagerly awaited the release of each new installment, and “Devolution” has introduced Lars Emmerich to a whole new audience of thriller enthusiasts.
From Page to Screen:
At this point, there have been no official announcements of either book being adapted into movies or TV series. However, given their success, it wouldn’t be surprising if a studio picked up the rights, and fans are eagerly waiting for further developments in this regard.
A Closer Look at Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child’s Collaborative Writing Process:
Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child have co-authored several novels, including The Book of the Dead, and have a unique collaborative writing process. Before they start writing a novel, they spend several weeks brainstorming ideas and outlining a structure, which provides a sturdy backbone for their writing.
The authors have spoken in interviews about their division of labor, wherein Child will focus on pacing and structuring, while Preston will work on character development and research. This process has been quite successful for the two authors, creating a cohesive and compelling story every time.
Lars Emmerich’s Writing Journey:
Lars Emmerich is a prolific writer with several successful books under his belt. He started his writing career as a screenwriter and has since moved on to write novels. He has written several acclaimed novels in the thriller, crime fiction, and legal drama genres.
In his writing, Emmerich draws from his real-life expertise in legal and technological matters, adding a degree of authenticity to his novels. He has mastered the craft of storytelling and knows how to keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
Thriller Novels in the Modern Era:
The thriller genre has evolved over the years, and today is celebrated for its unique perspectives, stylized writing, and fresh voices. In The Book of the Dead and “Devolution”, Preston & Child and Lars Emmerich represent authors who have found a way to innovate the genre and keep it fresh.
While both authors have unique strengths and styles, they share a love for the genre that’s apparent in their writing. It’s exciting to see what the future holds for this genre and the new voices and stories that will come to light.