If you’re a fan of thriller novels, you likely have heard of Blue Moon by Lee Child and Burn by Lars Emmerich. Both novels have received critical acclaim and have a dedicated fan base. In this article, we will be comparing the two novels in detail, thereby helping readers understand the similarities and differences between the writing styles, plot structures, characters, settings, and themes.
A Brief Overview of Blue Moon and Burn
Blue Moon is the twenty-fourth novel in Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series. It was published in 2019 and follows the story of Jack Reacher in a showdown against the criminal underworld of a midwestern American city. Burn is the first novel in Lars Emmerich’s Simon Finch series, published in 2019. The novel revolves around a CIA operative Simon Finch, who’s trying to stop a rogue agent who’s leaked vital national secrets to the Chinese government.
In Blue Moon, Jack Reacher finds himself in the middle of a turf war between two rival criminal gangs. As he tries to help an elderly couple who have been caught up in the conflict, he discovers that there’s more to the situation than meets the eye. With his usual blend of intelligence and brute force, Reacher sets out to uncover the truth and bring the criminals to justice.
In Burn, Simon Finch is tasked with tracking down a rogue CIA agent who has gone off the grid and is suspected of selling classified information to the Chinese government. As he follows the trail, Finch discovers that the agent is not acting alone and that there are other players involved in the conspiracy. With the clock ticking, Finch must use all his skills and resources to stop the leak and prevent a major national security breach.
The Writing Style and Techniques of Lee Child and Lars Emmerich
Both authors use a descriptive writing style, though with distinct differences. Child’s writing is characterised by his minimalist writing, short sentences, and an easy-to-follow style. His books are known for their fast and furious pace and focus heavily on Reacher’s physical abilities and deductive reasoning. Emmerich’s writing style is more elaborate, with longer and more complex sentences that take time to unpack. His books often feature subtle layers of detail, and his writing is known to take readers on a roller-coaster ride of emotions.
The Plot Structure and Character Development in Blue Moon and Burn
The plot in Blue Moon is relatively straightforward, and the story is easy to follow. Reacher gets off a train and is immediately drawn into the middle of a mob war when he helps an elderly man. The story progresses with Reacher taking on the bad guys and gets to the bottom of things. By comparison, Burn’s plot is much more intricate, with numerous plot twists that keep the reader guessing. The characters are equally different. Reacher, on the one hand, is a loner with no fixed abode, who lives from paycheck to paycheck. Finch, on the other hand, is employed by the US government and has a home and family. Child develops Reacher through his actions, and as he likes to emphasize, Reacher cannot be judged by his words. Emmerich’s approach to this is to show the development of his characters through the various plot twists and conflicts.
How Do Lee Child and Lars Emmerich Approach Suspense and Tension in Their Novels?
Both authors have unique approaches to creating suspense and tension. In Blue Moon, Child builds tension by using short and explosive action sequences, leaving little time for the reader to catch their breath. The book is punctuated with moments of high tension that escalate relentlessly as the story progresses. Emmerich, however, creates suspense through his masterful understanding of pacing and by using a more subtle approach. The story in Burn is more suspenseful as the reader is kept guessing until the end as to who the leak is.
The Themes Explored in Blue Moon and Burn: A Comparative Analysis
The themes explored in both books are the same in principle – the struggle between good and evil. However, the authors approach them differently. In Blue Moon, Child explores the dark side of human nature, showing how violence is often the last resort for those who have exhausted all other options. Emmerich deals with issues of loyalty and betrayal, patriotism and nationalism, and the all-pervading feeling that something is not quite right with the world order.
Blue Moon vs Burn: Which Novel Has More Action Sequences?
While both books have their fair share of action sequences, Blue Moon has more. Child’s writing style, with its emphasis on physical prowess, means that there are several pulse-racing fight scenes which keep readers on the edge of their seats. However, this is not to say that Burn is without its fair share of action – there are still plenty of heart-stopping chase and combat scenes in Emmerich’s book.
Examining the Protagonists of Blue Moon and Burn: Jack Reacher vs Simon Finch
Both protagonists are vastly different from each other. Jack Reacher is often described as a “hero” who fights for justice, even if it means breaking a few bones along the way. Simon Finch, however, is a slightly more nuanced character. Finch is a spy, and his actions are often more circumspect and measured. Both Reacher and Finch are skilled fighters, but Reacher is more of a brawler, while Finch prefers a more tactical approach.
The Antagonists in Blue Moon and Burn: Who is More Menacing, the Blue Rose or the Hidden Hand?
The Blue Rose, the organised crime gang in Blue Moon, are ruthless and operate with minimal regard for human life. The Hidden Hand, the rogue group in Burn, is no less menacing, with their actions having far-reaching consequences. Ultimately, who is more menacing comes down to personal preference – do you fear the street-level thugs or the men who operate behind closed doors?
The Role of Setting in Blue Moon and Burn: New York City vs Washington DC.
The settings in both novels are different from each other. Blue Moon’s setting is a fictional midwestern American city, while Burn is set in Washington DC. New York City also plays a significant role in Blue Moon, with several key scenes taking place there. The cities where the action takes place often inform the storyline. Child uses the setting of New York City to convey its frenetic energy and tense atmosphere, a contrast to the slower-paced midwestern city in which the story unfolds. Washington DC, by comparison, has a more formal, governmental atmosphere – an atmosphere that Emmerich uses to his advantage when writing Burn.
A Critical Analysis of the Endings of Blue Moon and Burn.
The endings to both novels are dramatically different. Blue Moon’s ending is satisfying but predictable. Reacher beats the bad guys and then walks off into the sunset. Burn, by contrast, ends on a cliffhanger, setting the stage for the next book in the series, which keeps the reader engaged and invested in the story.
Which Novel is a Better Read? Our Verdict on Blue Moon vs Burn.
Ultimately, both novels are excellent reads and worth your time. Blue Moon is a more traditional thriller with an action-oriented approach and a satisfying, albeit predictable, ending. Burn, on the other hand, is a more complex thriller with greater depth and, in our opinion, the better of the two. The plot is more intricate, the characters deep and nuanced, and the ending spurs readers to pick up the next book in the series.
The Legacy of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher Series on Thriller Fiction
Jack Reacher is a cherished character in the thriller genre, and his influence on the genre is undeniable. Child’s minimalist writing style and action-oriented approach have inspired countless authors to adopt similar approaches in their own writing.
How Does Lars Emmerich’s Writing Compare to Other Contemporary Thriller Writers?
Emmerich’s writing style is both unique and distinctive, making his books stand out in the genre. However, his books are not mainstream, and Emmerich’s approach may not be for everyone. Nonetheless, fans of the thriller genre would do well to give his books a chance.