When it comes to thrillers, readers have a plethora of options to choose from. Two such options are Cemetery Dance by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child and Devolution, written by Lars Emmerich. Both novels have garnered significant attention and praise, but how do they stack up against each other? In this article, we’ll delve into the similarities and differences between the two novels, exploring their respective plot, characters, themes, writing styles, setting, and tone. By the end of this article, we’ll determine which novel comes out on top.
Overview of Cemetery Dance and Devolution
Cemetery Dance is the ninth installment in the Agent Pendergast series, written by the dynamic duo, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. The novel follows FBI Agent Aloysius X.L. Pendergast as he investigates a series of murders in a Kansas town. The catch? The murders were committed by zombies.
Devolution, on the other hand, is a standalone novel by Lars Emmerich. The story revolves around the eruption of Mount Rainier, which leaves a small community in Washington isolated and cut off from outside help. The community is soon beset by a group of Sasquatch-like creatures known as the Hominids. It’s up to the protagonist, Kate Holland, and her fellow survivors to fight for their lives and find a way out of harm’s way.
Despite their differences in plot and characters, both Cemetery Dance and Devolution share a common theme of survival in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Whether it’s fighting off zombies or fending off Hominids, the protagonists in both novels must use their wits and strength to stay alive. Additionally, both novels have been praised for their fast-paced action and suspenseful storytelling, making them must-reads for fans of the thriller genre.
Analysis of Plot and Characters in Cemetery Dance
The plot of Cemetery Dance is intricately woven, with numerous subplots that keep the reader engaged. Preston and Child have a knack for setting up red herrings and throwing in unexpected twists that keep the reader guessing. The characters in Cemetery Dance are well-developed and three-dimensional. Agent Pendergast is a particularly fascinating character, with his eccentricities and impeccable sense of intuition.
In addition to the plot and characters, the setting of Cemetery Dance is also noteworthy. The authors have created a vivid and atmospheric portrayal of a small town in the American South, complete with its own unique history and traditions. The town itself almost becomes a character in the story, adding to the overall sense of mystery and intrigue. This attention to detail in the setting further enhances the reading experience and immerses the reader in the world of Cemetery Dance.
Analysis of Plot and Characters in Devolution
While Devolution’s plot is straightforward, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in excitement. Emmerich does an excellent job of pacing the novel, with a build-up of tension that culminates in an edge-of-your-seat finale. The characters in Devolution are also compelling, with Kate Holland being a relatable and strong female protagonist.
In addition to the exciting plot and compelling characters, Devolution also explores themes of survival and human nature. As the characters face the challenges of being stranded in the wilderness, they are forced to confront their own limitations and the harsh realities of the natural world. This adds a layer of depth to the story and makes it more than just a thrilling adventure.
Furthermore, Emmerich’s writing style is engaging and descriptive, painting vivid pictures of the setting and the characters’ experiences. This makes the reader feel like they are right there with the characters, experiencing the danger and excitement firsthand. Overall, Devolution is a well-crafted novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats while also exploring deeper themes of humanity and survival.
Themes Explored in Cemetery Dance and Devolution
Both novels explore themes that are pertinent to the human experience. Cemetery Dance delves into the consequences of playing God, while Devolution explores the idea of humanity’s potential for savagery.
In addition to these themes, Cemetery Dance also touches on the concept of mortality and the fear of death. The characters in the novel are forced to confront their own mortality and the consequences of their actions, leading to a deeper exploration of the human psyche. Similarly, Devolution also explores the theme of survival and the lengths that humans will go to in order to survive in extreme situations. The novel raises questions about the true nature of humanity and whether our civilized society is merely a thin veneer that can be easily stripped away.
Writing Style Comparison: Preston & Child vs Emmerich
Preston and Child’s writing style is more traditional and refined, with a focus on building atmosphere and maintaining suspense. Emmerich’s writing style, on the other hand, is more fast-paced and action-oriented, with a focus on adventure and thrills.
Despite their differences in writing style, both Preston & Child and Emmerich have a talent for creating memorable characters. Preston & Child’s characters are often complex and multi-dimensional, with intricate backstories that add depth to the overall narrative. Emmerich’s characters, on the other hand, are often larger-than-life and heroic, with a focus on their physical abilities and daring feats.
Another key difference between the two authors is their approach to research. Preston & Child are known for their meticulous attention to detail, often incorporating real-world science and history into their stories. Emmerich, on the other hand, takes a more creative approach, often bending or even breaking the rules of science and logic in order to create a more thrilling and entertaining story.
Setting Comparison: Cemetery Dance vs Devolution
The setting plays a crucial role in both novels. Cemetery Dance takes place in a small town in Kansas, where the sleepy atmosphere is disrupted by the zombie outbreak. Meanwhile, Devolution is set in the Pacific Northwest, with the isolation and rugged terrain of the region adding to the sense of danger.
In Cemetery Dance, the town itself becomes a character, with its abandoned buildings and empty streets creating a haunting backdrop for the survivors’ struggles. The familiarity of the setting also adds to the horror, as the reader can imagine the same outbreak happening in their own hometown.
On the other hand, Devolution’s setting of the dense forest and mountains creates a sense of claustrophobia and isolation. The characters are cut off from civilization, with no easy way to escape the danger that lurks in the wilderness. The harsh environment also adds to the physical challenges the characters face, as they must navigate treacherous terrain while fighting for survival.
Tone and Atmosphere Comparison: Cemetery Dance vs Devolution
Cemetery Dance has a more ominous and dark tone, while Devolution has a more frantic and desperate tone.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Cemetery Dance
The strengths of Cemetery Dance lie in its intricate plot and well-developed characters. However, some readers may find the multiple subplots confusing or overwhelming.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Devolution
The strengths of Devolution lie in its fast-paced plot and relatable characters. However, some readers may find the depiction of the Hominids too fantastical or unbelievable.
Audience Reception and Reviews of Cemetery Dance
Cemetery Dance received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising Preston and Child’s ability to maintain the high standards set by their previous novels. However, some readers felt that the novel was too convoluted.
Audience Reception and Reviews of Devolution
Devolution has received mixed reviews, with some readers praising Emmerich’s ability to write a thrilling adventure, while others criticize the novel’s reliance on cliches and tropes.
Similarities between the Novels
Both novels deal with the survival of a community under extreme circumstances. They also explore the theme of humanity’s capacity for evil.
Differences between the Novels
The biggest difference between the two novels lies in their respective tones, with Cemetery Dance being a more traditional thriller and Devolution being a more action-packed adventure. The plots and characters are also very different, with Cemetery Dance dealing with zombies and Devolution focusing on Sasquatch-like creatures.
Which Novel is Better? A Comparative Review
Choosing the “better” novel is subjective, as both Cemetery Dance and Devolution have their strengths and weaknesses. However, if forced to choose, I would give the edge to Cemetery Dance due to the complexity of its plot and well-developed characters. That being said, fans of action-adventure novels may find Devolution more to their liking.
In conclusion, both Cemetery Dance and Devolution are thrilling novels that offer plenty of excitement and suspense. While they may differ in tone, setting, and writing style, they deliver on their promise of keeping readers on the edge of their seats.