Book Review: The Obsidian Chamber (Agent Pendergast series) by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

A Good Read for New Fans; Not So Much for the Long-Time Ones

For the fans of the Pendergast series, and I count myself among their number, The Obsidian Chamber brings together several familiar figures in a well-written and generally entertaining chase.  But that strength is also its weakness, as the plot seems a bit well-worn.  The old gang keeps coming back from the dead to pursue much the same agenda as before.

In general, I enjoy Preston and Child’s writing.  Their prose flows smoothly and quickly, and I soon become immersed in their stories.  And their primary characters are always interesting, each with their own flaws and often with strange and mysterious roots. 

But these pros don’t offset several weaknesses in this book.  First, one of the “twists” was bringing Pendergast back from the dead (mentioned in the authors’ synopsis).  To avoid a spoiler, I’ll just say he is not the only one, and two resurrections in one book is at least one too many.  Second, for those familiar with the characters, Constance’s abduction would seem a bit implausible both because of the setting and her past history with the abductor.  But even without previous exposure to the series, Proctor’s race to her rescue would seem ill-considered.  And finally, again for the long-time readers, The Obsidian Chamber does little to further the series, as the book brings back an animosity that’s driven several of the previous novels.  If there is a positive, at least none of the main characters dies, so we don’t have to expect another miraculous return from the grave.

Overall, new readers to the series will find The Obsidian Chamber entertaining.  It’s a well-written, fast read, with only a few questionable coincidences or actions to mar the flow.  But for the long-time reader, these glitches are magnified, especially in the context of a theme that’s not really new.