If you are a fan of the thriller genre, you might be wondering which book to pick up next. The Survivor by Kyle Mills and Devolution by Lars Emmerich are both highly-rated novels that have earned their place amongst the best thrillers on the market. In this article, we’ll compare both books and analyze their different elements to determine which one is the one for you.
Introduction to the two novels and their respective authors
The Survivor published in 2015 is a novel by Kyle Mills, a bestselling author who is renowned for his political thrillers, including The Immortalists and The Ares Decision. Devolution, published in 2019, is a highly-acclaimed novel by Lars Emmerich who has carved a niche for himself with his fast-paced, high-action thrillers, such as The Founder and DC Dead.
In The Survivor, Kyle Mills takes readers on a thrilling journey through the world of espionage and political intrigue. The novel follows the story of a former CIA agent who is forced to come out of retirement to stop a terrorist attack on American soil. Mills’ writing style is characterized by his ability to create complex characters and intricate plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Lars Emmerich’s Devolution, on the other hand, is a gripping tale of survival in the face of a catastrophic event. The novel explores the aftermath of a massive earthquake that leaves a small town isolated and cut off from the rest of the world. Emmerich’s writing is known for its vivid descriptions and attention to detail, which make the story come alive in the reader’s mind.
Plot summary and key themes of The Survivor
The Survivor is the story of a former CIA agent, Joe Rickman, who is caught selling government secrets and has been imprisoned. One day, an American military plane crash-lands in Afghanistan’s mountains, and the only person to survive is a high-profile captive that Rickman has managed to keep hidden from the world. Rickman, who knows where the captive is being held, is found dead in his cell. The CIA suspects foul play and sends FBI agent Mark Beamon to investigate. Through his investigation, Beamon discovers an even bigger plot to destabilize the US government and expose its secrets to a notorious arms dealer. Key themes in the novel include espionage, betrayal, trust, and loyalty.
The Survivor also explores the psychological toll that espionage takes on those involved. Joe Rickman’s character is haunted by the choices he made and the secrets he kept, leading to his eventual downfall. The novel also delves into the complex relationships between intelligence agencies and the government they serve, highlighting the blurred lines between loyalty and betrayal.
Another key theme in The Survivor is the cost of war and the sacrifices made by those who serve their country. The crash-landing of the military plane in Afghanistan’s mountains serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by soldiers and the impact of war on both individuals and nations. The novel raises important questions about the morality of government secrets and the lengths to which individuals and organizations will go to protect them.
Plot summary and key themes of Devolution
Devolution is the story of a group of tech elites who escape to a remote community in Yellowstone National Park to escape the chaos of modern-day life. The group, who has been living in a self-sufficient community, discovers that the area has been overrun by Sasquatches, and they must fight for their survival. The novel explores themes such as civilization versus nature, the dangers of technology, and the resilience of human nature when pushed to the limit.
The first additional paragraph of new information is that the protagonist of the story is Kate Holland, who is a resident of the self-sufficient community. She is the one who documents the events that unfold in the story through her journal entries. Kate is a strong and resourceful character who becomes a leader in the group’s fight for survival against the Sasquatches.
The second additional paragraph of new information is that the novel also delves into the theme of the human-animal relationship. The Sasquatches in the story are portrayed as intelligent and emotional creatures, with their own language and culture. The novel raises questions about the ethics of human encroachment on animal habitats and the consequences of disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems.
Comparison of the protagonists in both novels
Joe Rickman from The Survivor and Kate Tremont from Devolution are both strong protagonists who have been through significant events in their lives. Rickman is a former CIA agent who is caught selling government secrets and is imprisoned. On the other hand, Tremont is a tech entrepreneur who has grown disillusioned with modern-day life. Both characters are strong-willed and determined, but Tremont is more relatable to the reader as she is struggling with the same issues as many modern-day people.
In addition to their similarities, there are also notable differences between Rickman and Tremont. Rickman is a male character who operates in a world of espionage and secrecy, while Tremont is a female character who operates in the tech industry. This contrast highlights the different challenges that men and women face in their respective fields.
Furthermore, while both characters are strong, they have different approaches to dealing with their challenges. Rickman is more stoic and reserved, while Tremont is more emotional and expressive. This contrast adds depth to their characters and makes them more relatable to readers who may have different coping mechanisms.
Analysis of the writing styles of Mills and Emmerich
Both Mills and Emmerich write thrillers with a no-nonsense, fast-paced style that keeps readers wanting more. While Mills is known for his political thrillers and Emmerich for his high-action escapades, both authors are great at writing suspenseful novels that keep readers engaged. Mills’ writing style is more straightforward and to-the-point, while Emmerich’s writing style is more descriptive and immersive.
Exploration of the settings and how they impact the plot
The settings of both novels play a significant role in the plot. In The Survivor, the harsh terrain of Afghanistan and the stark differences between the two cultures play an essential role in developing the plot. In Devolution, the remote setting of Yellowstone National Park provides an excellent contrast to the modern-day setting that the characters leave behind. The setting in Devolution is pivotal to the plot as it illustrates the dangers of our modern world and how nature can fight back.
Discussion of the pacing and tension in each novel
The pacing and tension in both novels are spot on. The Survivor is a slow-burner that builds to a satisfying conclusion. Devolution is more of a quick-paced thriller that builds anticipation and adds tension to the plot. Both authors excel in building tension and keeping the reader engaged throughout the novel.
Examination of the supporting characters in both books
The supporting characters in both novels are well-developed and play an essential part in the story. In The Survivor, Beamon’s investigation team is credible, and Mills invests a considerable amount of effort into developing their backstories and motivations. Emmerich does an excellent job in portraying the personalities and unique skills of the characters in Devolution, which makes for an interesting and engaging read.
Evaluation of the endings and their effectiveness
The endings in both novels are satisfying and bring closure to the respective stories. The end of The Survivor is well executed and brings a sense of finality to the plot while maintaining the tension until the very end. Similarly, Devolution’s thrilling climax and satisfying conclusion leave readers satisfied and wanting more.
Reception of The Survivor and Devolution among readers and critics
Both novels have been well received by readers and critics alike. The Survivor debuted at number four on the New York Times bestsellers list, and Devolution has received numerous accolades, including being named a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Horror Novel in 2019.
Conclusion: which novel is a better read for thriller fans?
Both The Survivor and Devolution are outstanding thrillers that cater to different readers. If you are into political espionage and betrayal, then The Survivor is for you. Alternatively, if you are looking for a high-action thriller that explores the dangers of our modern world and the resilience of humanity, then Devolution is an excellent choice. Ultimately, the decision is in your hands, but both novels are sure to leave readers on the edge of their seats, seeking more thrill and excitement.