Kim P. (perky42474) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Even better than "The girl with the dragon tattoo". Keeps you reading from cover to cover. I didn't want to put it down. Flows very smoothly from begining to end. Keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Helpful Score: 3
Faster moving than the first book. Great story line, the only problem I had was keeping all the names straight - many sound very similar and are unusual to me. Not crazy about all the unnecessary sexual stuff, but if you can read past that it's quite a story.
Cheryl R. (Spuddie) -
Helpful Score: 3
#2 Millenium trilogy featuring Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist. Salander returns home from her year-long sabbatical away from Sweden, settles into a new home and tries to figure out what to do with her life. She hasn't seen or spoken to any of her acquaintances since returning, but when she hacks into Blomkvist's computer to see what he's up to, she's stunned to see that he and his colleagues are working on an exposé of the sex trade in Sweden, specifically in importing penniless young girls in from foreign countries to essentially become slaves. She gathers some information and goes to see the young couple who are working specifically on the issue and the couple ends up brutally murdered just after she's there.
Blomkvist, who had called them to say he'd drop by some paperwork that was needed, discovers the bodies. When Salander's fingerprints are discovered on the weapon and her guardian is also found dead, she becomes the victim of a frantic witch hunt with painful details of her past splashed all over the papers--but for some reason, no one including the police, the prosecutor, or the newspapers has any information about the most important incident of all, the thing she calls "All The Evil" which occurred around her thirteenth birthday. Blomkvist and his team try to solve the murders of their co-workers independently of the police, as he does not believe Lisbeth is guilty.
Ok. I'm going to say right now that it took me weeks to read this book. I give the author an A for the storyline and plot, but the execution of the idea was, in my opinion, rather poorly done. The book seriously needed editing--it was way too long with way too many insignificant tangents and details about minor characters that were totally unnecessary and irrelevant. The writing style itself was very uneven--sometimes I was captivated and sucked into the story, but then a few pages later I had trouble concentrating because the writing had changed to superficial claptrap--for example, when Salander was furnishing her new home, there were three pages of prose listing the furniture (including brand names from Ikea) and the decor, yet when I was done reading that passage, I had no sense at all of what the place really looked like.
It was almost like there were two people writing. There was also the dichotomy with the characters--Salander was fascinating to me, but Blomkvist was dead boring. I also had to wonder why, with the supposedly wonderful medical care Sweden has, no one even whispered the term "Aspberger's Syndrome" in connection with Salander. I'm not a professional, and yet it was fairly clear to me (even in the last book!) that she likely had some form of that malady.
I've decided I'm not going to torture myself and read the third one. I know a lot of people loved this book, and when I had such an opposing reaction, I really did take some time to figure out if this is just me being contrary (as I have been known to be on occasion!) or if I had some valid criticism. I think my criticism is valid. The whole premise of the book and the story was a superb idea, but in my mind it was just poorly brought to life. This was not a book I couldn't put down, this was a book I HAD to put down and read in small bits in order to finish it. I can't help but wonder if the author had lived if the editing done would have been better. I guess we'll never know.
Blomkvist, who had called them to say he'd drop by some paperwork that was needed, discovers the bodies. When Salander's fingerprints are discovered on the weapon and her guardian is also found dead, she becomes the victim of a frantic witch hunt with painful details of her past splashed all over the papers--but for some reason, no one including the police, the prosecutor, or the newspapers has any information about the most important incident of all, the thing she calls "All The Evil" which occurred around her thirteenth birthday. Blomkvist and his team try to solve the murders of their co-workers independently of the police, as he does not believe Lisbeth is guilty.
Ok. I'm going to say right now that it took me weeks to read this book. I give the author an A for the storyline and plot, but the execution of the idea was, in my opinion, rather poorly done. The book seriously needed editing--it was way too long with way too many insignificant tangents and details about minor characters that were totally unnecessary and irrelevant. The writing style itself was very uneven--sometimes I was captivated and sucked into the story, but then a few pages later I had trouble concentrating because the writing had changed to superficial claptrap--for example, when Salander was furnishing her new home, there were three pages of prose listing the furniture (including brand names from Ikea) and the decor, yet when I was done reading that passage, I had no sense at all of what the place really looked like.
It was almost like there were two people writing. There was also the dichotomy with the characters--Salander was fascinating to me, but Blomkvist was dead boring. I also had to wonder why, with the supposedly wonderful medical care Sweden has, no one even whispered the term "Aspberger's Syndrome" in connection with Salander. I'm not a professional, and yet it was fairly clear to me (even in the last book!) that she likely had some form of that malady.
I've decided I'm not going to torture myself and read the third one. I know a lot of people loved this book, and when I had such an opposing reaction, I really did take some time to figure out if this is just me being contrary (as I have been known to be on occasion!) or if I had some valid criticism. I think my criticism is valid. The whole premise of the book and the story was a superb idea, but in my mind it was just poorly brought to life. This was not a book I couldn't put down, this was a book I HAD to put down and read in small bits in order to finish it. I can't help but wonder if the author had lived if the editing done would have been better. I guess we'll never know.
Stacy B. (stacems) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book is very good, but it takes a while to get into the main plot. The beginning is slow.
Stephanie S. (skywriter319) -
Helpful Score: 1
Unlike the first book, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE sucked me in right from the start, and relentlessly demanded my attention until the bitter and exhausting end. Whereas I felt ambivalent about recommending the series after having just read the first book, this one nudges the series firmly into my like column.
Lisbeth Salander is, without a doubt, a remarkable character. Misunderstood and abused at a young age, this precocious but reticent woman goes about her life in a quietly defiant way, usurping expectations and social norms, that I am honestly in awe of. You dont exactly what to be her, per semore like, if you were like her, had her issues, then you would want to BE her. Does that make sense? Probably not. But thats the best I can explain it.
The majority of the book centers around the happenings of a tight very few days. Its almost incredible to think how 600 pages of a book could be devoted to, like, one week in these characters lives. However, Larsson is painfully meticulous about his details. Sifting through all the descriptions feels like you are a detective of a huge case, trying to determine which facts are relevant and which are just red herrings. His writing style, then, is rather appropriate considering the genre, and so I didnt mind the overwrittenness.
THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE ends on such a nervewracking cliffhanger that you should be sure to have the third and final book by your side. This is very good, very engrossing escapist fiction. If, like me, you were skeptical about continuing on with the series after the end of the first book, dont worry. This will totally blow your mind and have you cancelling appointments left and right, just so you can stay in Lisbeths world.
Lisbeth Salander is, without a doubt, a remarkable character. Misunderstood and abused at a young age, this precocious but reticent woman goes about her life in a quietly defiant way, usurping expectations and social norms, that I am honestly in awe of. You dont exactly what to be her, per semore like, if you were like her, had her issues, then you would want to BE her. Does that make sense? Probably not. But thats the best I can explain it.
The majority of the book centers around the happenings of a tight very few days. Its almost incredible to think how 600 pages of a book could be devoted to, like, one week in these characters lives. However, Larsson is painfully meticulous about his details. Sifting through all the descriptions feels like you are a detective of a huge case, trying to determine which facts are relevant and which are just red herrings. His writing style, then, is rather appropriate considering the genre, and so I didnt mind the overwrittenness.
THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE ends on such a nervewracking cliffhanger that you should be sure to have the third and final book by your side. This is very good, very engrossing escapist fiction. If, like me, you were skeptical about continuing on with the series after the end of the first book, dont worry. This will totally blow your mind and have you cancelling appointments left and right, just so you can stay in Lisbeths world.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved all three books in the trilogy. Great characters, smart, suspenseful, topical and well written. What a shame we won't get to read the other seven books planned by Stieg Larsson before he died. He was an exceptional talent.
Helpful Score: 1
Possibly better than the first! Lisbeth Salander is at it again... with the help of Kalle Blomkvist of course. Must read, but again... inappropriate for kids.
Helpful Score: 1
Impossible to put down! My only problem with this book was I didn't have the third book when I finished this one. If you loved The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, you'll love Lisbeth Salander's story.
Stieg Larsson did it again in this second book....although I find its kind a slow from the first few chapter of the book, but it pick up fast pace near the end of the story, over all I enjoyed reading this book, and just can wait for the last one of Stieg Larsson triology.....I still recommend this book...
Amy M. (evergoose79) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 4 more book reviews
I thought that Book 2 of this trilogy was much better than Book 1. There was more focus on Lisbeth Salander, who is by far the interesting character. I also think that the flow was much better than the first. However, I would read the thie first book before reading this book or it would seem pretty choppy and probably would not make sense until the very end, plus almost all of the characters from the 2nd book originated from the first book.
This book was just as good as the first. I can't wait to get the third book and find out what happens in the saga of Lisbeth and Mikael.
Will be hard for you to put down!!!
Lisa R. (everydayreader) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 19 more book reviews
AWESOME! The whole series was great!
Jennifer C. (mrsstjames) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 8 more book reviews
There are very few books that I have read in a series and this one surely doesn't disappoint! Couldn't put this one down either! It has been a long time since I have been so excited by a book.
Cheryl N. (greedyreader) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 22 more book reviews
I liked this book better than the first one and cannot wait to read the third in the series. Larsson develops Lizbeth more fully making the reader much more able to sympathize with her. In doing so, however, he does minimize Mikael, which is rather confusing as he was concentrated on so intensely in The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo.
Ashli S. (ashlinicole) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 16 more book reviews
Better than the first book. Much more suspense. Will leave you racing to get the third book!
Leigh R. (leighrn) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 2 more book reviews
It is the second in a series and was very intriguing. I liked them both. The movie is a must see if you are reading this series.
Frank S. (colonelstech) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 38 more book reviews
Outstanding fiction. Truly a mystery with amazingly well-drawn characters.
I couldn't put it down..... Can't wait for my next one....
excellent! Even better than the first book.
Susan V. (nrlymrtl) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 297 more book reviews
Just as good as the first in the series, though not as compact in that the mystery gets tied up in the third novel.
Out heroine Lisbeth continues to kick butt in this story with unwanted help from her few friends. She has grown as a chracter and is making some major life choices for herself.
The bad guys vary from your average stupid, to cunning and deadly. I was worried that Lisbeth wouldn't survive to the next book in a few places.
Out heroine Lisbeth continues to kick butt in this story with unwanted help from her few friends. She has grown as a chracter and is making some major life choices for herself.
The bad guys vary from your average stupid, to cunning and deadly. I was worried that Lisbeth wouldn't survive to the next book in a few places.
I loved "The girl with the dragon tattoo". So I couldn't wait to dive into his next one. I must say it was hard to get into. I think this book could have been great with at least a third of it gone. The real story didn't start until you were well past page 400. However, even then it did it's wandering into things that didn't really matter. It would get really intense and start to flow, then the next chapter would be something way off in left field and you had to find your way back into the flow again. For me it made it hard to read and had to come back to it again and again while I read other books in between.
I am torn between reading the last one or not.
Overall a nice read, but not one that I would put into my collection.
I am torn between reading the last one or not.
Overall a nice read, but not one that I would put into my collection.
Good follow-on book to 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. Good, easy read, but an abrupt ending. Could have wrapped the story up a bit better. But I guess it met its intention, wanting me to read the 3rd book (Hornet's Nest) to find out what becomes of the main characters.
I enjoyed the book although I felt that it was written hastily. My daughter and I found typos and a few times where he explained a situation twice. All in all a good book. Like the 1st book better!
This was a book I didn't want to put down once I started reading it. A real page turner.
Mike M. (flyfisherman) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 3 more book reviews
Great book with intriguing story line. Characters are well developed which allows the reader to become part of the story. Really enjoyed the non-victim approach the author takes with the lead character. Would highly recommend.
Melissa F. (mitabird) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 188 more book reviews
This was a boring, jumbled mess. It's a shame since I enjoyed the first in the series. I wasn't surprised by some of the revelations and was disappointed with the big reveal involving Zala. What I liked about the characters in the first book made me annoyed with them in this book. I had to skim the last chapter just so I could finish it, but I had stopped caring about what was going on. I don't plan on reading the third book.
Excellent. Better than the first and that one was great also. Insight into Lisbeth's life is compelling and sad but makes you care for her and cheer her on. i can't wait to read the finale.
Louie A. (louiealf) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 27 more book reviews
The ending is always a surprise with Larsson!
Taryn C. (TarynC) -
This was a bit faster moving than the first book. Great story line, the only problem I had was keeping all the names straight - many sound very similar! Lots of surprises in this second book.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 1711 more book reviews
This book will keep you reading from the first page till the very last one. Excellent series that you don't want to miss. Storyline keeps getting better and better. Wow, what a wild ride!
Anne B. (MusicLady) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 13 more book reviews
Good mystery...pretty violent for my taste. But then I am a certified wimp.
Do not start this book unless you are prepared to read #3.
Marianne S. (sfc95) -
This book, like the first, did not pick up for my until I was at least half way through it, once it picked up it was great, but it was so slow in the beginning. I am not sure I want to go through this one more time to read the third book!
Elisabeth P. (BetsyP) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 566 more book reviews
The ongoing tale of Lisbeth Salander and Mikeal Blomkvist. Lisbeth returns home after traveling the world for a year. Mikeal is something of a public figure after the events from the first book. Someone from Lisbeth's life plots revenge against her, and goes to Lisbeth's worst enemy for help. And, Lisbeth is implicated in murder. Suddenly she's Sweden's Public Enemy #1. This series is compelling and exciting. I finished the book in two days, and went out immediately to get #3. Great read.
Great book
Brandy Lynn D. (poetictendency) -
Incredible book, I couldn't put it down.
When I finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I wasn't sure about continuing the series, but did so based on the rave reviews and friends who had previously read The Girl who Played with Fire. Now can't wait to read the next installment.
All the things that I disliked about Larsson's first books (multiple plots, periods of slow set-up) were not an issue in this fast pace book that continues the story of Lisabeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist. And everything I loved about the first book (strong characters, intriguing plot, depth of knowledge about the subject) continues in Larsson's second novel. The only complainant I have about the book is that it is hard to keep track of the characters especially since they are mainly referred to by their last names and most of which begins with B, S, or N.
All the things that I disliked about Larsson's first books (multiple plots, periods of slow set-up) were not an issue in this fast pace book that continues the story of Lisabeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist. And everything I loved about the first book (strong characters, intriguing plot, depth of knowledge about the subject) continues in Larsson's second novel. The only complainant I have about the book is that it is hard to keep track of the characters especially since they are mainly referred to by their last names and most of which begins with B, S, or N.
Great story line. Easy to read with an exciting plot. Wish all books were so brilliant!
Daneal C. (gypsydani) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 74 more book reviews
Book two in the Trilogy is a grabber from the start. Mikael Blomkvist has decided to publish a book about sex trafficking that is going to name names and many of the people are powerful. The two journalists who brought him the story are murdered leaving genius hacker Lisbeth Salander as the likely suspect. While police search for her convinced she is a dangerous psychopath, Mikael believes in her innocence and determines to save her. As the book moves rapidly along Lisbeth must face the horror of her past before the true killer is revealed. Really a good story and it leads directly into the final book.
Good book, keeps you tied in through the whole thing.
I lost a bit of sleep because of this book and was told more than once that I needed to put it down because I was being anti-social... the story is that good. By far the best of the trilogy although you really have to read all three once you get started.
This book was a fantastic read! Seeing how all the twists and turns each character takes in this second book of the series is just amazing! I could not put this book down, just like the first book and the third book. This series some people will not get into, but that is okay. I just think that if you are open-minded to different genres, you will have a better experience reading books!
Further to Cheryl's excellent discussion, where she talked about Lisbeth possibly having Aspberger's -- it IS mentioned; on page 556, Lisbeth's first trustee Palmgren (the good trustee) says he had seen that Lisbeth had many characteristics of the condition, but also many other qualities that do not fit the Aspberger's model, and says he doesn't know what (if anything) she's got.
I found the book a riveting read, although a bit hard to follow at times because of the number of characters and the place names, which are very likely extremely significant to the Swedish but conveyed nothing to this American. I could have done with a map and a cast of characters list. Mikael is kind of a lox, but Lisbeth is unforgettable.
I found the book a riveting read, although a bit hard to follow at times because of the number of characters and the place names, which are very likely extremely significant to the Swedish but conveyed nothing to this American. I could have done with a map and a cast of characters list. Mikael is kind of a lox, but Lisbeth is unforgettable.
Once you have read the first book, you will need to read this one also. As great as the first book in the series.
Again, really good read but must read first in series before this one.
Shay K. (CityGirl56) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 27 more book reviews
This series of books are the best I've read in years. Actually paid cash for the 3rd one as it wasn't listed with PBS.
Diane K. (dkovach) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 9 more book reviews
2nd best book ever
Barbara M. (barbiecat) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 17 more book reviews
loved this book as much as the first
Juanita F. (legal22) -
Loved it! Just as good as The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo, maybe better! Looking forward to reading the last one!
Jacqueline C. (jcluvscats) -
I thought this book was fantastic. Found it hard to put down and when I wasn't reading I was thinking of the characters and anxious to pick the book back up and see what else was happening.
Rob M. (zamboni831) reviewed The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millenium, Bk 2) on + 8 more book reviews
Excellent book! I can't wait for someone to post the third book! (hint, hint)
John O. (buzzby) -
Like most sequels, it was something of a disappointment.
