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Book Review: The Girl Who Played with Fire

2011 February 8
by Sarah

The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millennium, #2)The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in Stieg Larsson’s Millenium Series, and I’m so glad I didn’t stop after number one. For some background and to keep from repeating myself, read my review of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo from last August.

I really enjoyed this book. While the first book suffered from a too long introduction of the main characters, The Girl Who Played with Fire jumps right back into Lisbeth Salander’s life. It still takes a little while before we get into the meat of the story, but this time I didn’t mind because I was enjoying my view into Lisbeth’s mind and actions. We also get more of Lisbeth and less of Mikeal Blomkvist, which is a much better balance in my opinion.

Again, while the first one didn’t become a real page-turner until over half-way in, this book made me catch my breath after only about a third of the way. And that wasn’t the only now-I-can’t-put-this-down development.

The Girl Who Played with Fire has all the great elements of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but with slightly tighter writing and an even better story. This time, instead of dealing so personally with aggravated sexual assault, the focus changes slightly to the illegal sex trade. There are still some graphic, violent scenes, but they are not as sexual in nature and involve more telling rather than detailed showing.

Also, I have to warn you, the end is a cliffhanger. I wasn’t expecting that since the first book wrapped up all the story lines. I’ve also heard that #2 is easily the best in the series; however, I need my closure, and I still want more of Lisbeth and even Blomkvist.


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