My very first review of 2025 comes later than expected, but is one I’m happy to have as my launch into a new season of wondrous, exhilarating rea★★★★½
My very first review of 2025 comes later than expected, but is one I’m happy to have as my launch into a new season of wondrous, exhilarating reads!
Adam Hamdy’s Pendulum is a relentless, adrenaline-charged thriller that grabs you by the throat from the first page and doesn’t let go until the final chapter. For fans of nail-biting suspense and intense action sequences, this book delivers in spades.
The novel opens with a truly horrifying premise: photojournalist John Wallace wakes up to find himself bound, a noose tightening around his neck, and a masked man preparing to execute him. What follows is a near-death escape and a spiraling descent into a shadowy world where trust is scarce, and danger is omnipresent. Hamdy crafts a villain as chilling as they come—a faceless, meticulous killer who seems unstoppable, making every chapter pulse with tension.
What sets Pendulum apart from your standard action thriller is Hamdy’s ability to balance the chaos of the chase with deeper themes. Wallace is a protagonist who bleeds both physically and emotionally. His journey isn’t just one of survival but also of redemption. His trauma, self-doubt, and moments of vulnerability lend authenticity to a character otherwise immersed in a world of larger-than-life stakes. Supporting characters, such as FBI investigator Christine Ash and Detective Patrick Bailey, bring added depth to the narrative, each carrying their own scars and motivations.
Hamdy’s writing style is crisp and cinematic, pulling readers headlong into the story with vivid descriptions and expertly paced twists. The action sequences are particularly well-crafted—high-octane, yet grounded enough to feel real. And yet, Pendulum is more than just action; it’s also an exploration of the fragility of human connection in an age where technology can both unite and endanger.
The only reason this isn’t a full five stars is the occasional predictability of certain subplots. While the central mystery remains compelling, a few revelations can be spotted coming, slightly diluting the overall suspense. That said, Hamdy’s storytelling prowess more than compensates for these minor hiccups, keeping you riveted to the end.
If you’re looking for a thriller that combines raw intensity with moments of introspection, Pendulum is a fantastic choice. It’s a white-knuckle ride that leaves you questioning not only the characters but also the dark underbelly of the digital age we live in. Highly recommended for fans of I Am Pilgrim or The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
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