If you’re a fan of thrillers, you might already be familiar with Olen Steinhauer and Lars Emmerich. These two authors have made a name for themselves in the thriller genre, with their latest works, The Tourist and Burn, respectively, receiving critical acclaim. In this article, we’ll be diving in deep and comparing these two novels to help you decide which one you’d like to pick up first.
Introduction to the authors Olen Steinhauer and Lars Emmerich
Before we start comparing the two novels, let’s take a brief look at the authors behind them. Olen Steinhauer is an American novelist who has written several books, including the Milo Weaver series, The Bridge of Sighs, and All the Old Knives. Lars Emmerich, on the other hand, is a German author who has written three books so far: Blood of the Albatross, The Tesla Legacy, and Burn. Both writers have been praised for their ability to create intricate plots and compelling characters.
Steinhauer has been nominated for several prestigious awards, including the Edgar Award and the Anthony Award. He is known for his espionage and thriller novels, which often explore the complexities of politics and power. Emmerich, on the other hand, has a background in science and technology, which is reflected in his writing. His novels often incorporate elements of science fiction and technology, while still maintaining a strong focus on character development and plot.
Plot summary of The Tourist and Burn
The Tourist follows the story of Milo Weaver, a former CIA agent who is pulled back into the agency to investigate the disappearance of a colleague. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a conspiracy that threatens to shake the very foundation of the agency. Burn, on the other hand, follows the story of ex-CIA agent Alex Devereaux, who must race against time to prevent a terrorist attack that could plunge the world into chaos.
In The Tourist, Milo Weaver’s investigation leads him to cross paths with a mysterious woman named Danielle, who may hold the key to unraveling the conspiracy. As Milo and Danielle work together to uncover the truth, they find themselves in grave danger from those who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.
In Burn, Alex Devereaux must navigate a web of deceit and betrayal as he races to stop a group of terrorists from carrying out their deadly plan. Along the way, he must confront his own demons and grapple with the moral complexities of his former profession, as he fights to save innocent lives and prevent a global catastrophe.
Comparison of the protagonist characters in both novels
While both novels deal with ex-CIA agents, the protagonists in The Tourist and Burn are quite different. Milo Weaver is a more complex character who is struggling to come to terms with his past actions, while Alex Devereaux is more of a straightforward hero who is doing everything he can to save the world. Both characters are well-developed and engaging, but Milo Weaver’s character is deeper and more nuanced.
One of the key differences between Milo Weaver and Alex Devereaux is their approach to problem-solving. Milo tends to be more analytical and strategic, carefully weighing his options before taking action. Alex, on the other hand, is more impulsive and willing to take risks to achieve her goals. This contrast is particularly evident in the way they handle dangerous situations, with Milo preferring to avoid conflict whenever possible, while Alex is more likely to charge headfirst into danger.
Analysis of the writing style and tone in The Tourist and Burn
Both novels are well-written and have a fast-paced, suspenseful tone that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Steinhauer’s writing style is more literary, with a focus on character development and internal conflict. Emmerich’s style, on the other hand, is more action-oriented, with a focus on plot and external conflict. Both approaches work well for the respective novels.
However, it is worth noting that while both novels share similarities in their writing style and tone, they differ in their themes. The Tourist explores the theme of identity and the consequences of living a double life, while Burn delves into the theme of revenge and the lengths one will go to seek it. These themes are woven seamlessly into the plot and add an additional layer of depth to the novels.
Similarities and differences in the settings of the two novels
Both The Tourist and Burn take place in different parts of the world, with the former set in Europe and the latter in the Middle East. Both novels use their setting effectively to create a sense of place and atmosphere. However, The Tourist is more focused on the internal workings of the CIA, while Burn is more concerned with the fight against terrorism.
In The Tourist, the setting of Europe is used to create a sense of history and tradition, with scenes taking place in iconic locations such as Paris and Venice. On the other hand, Burn’s setting in the Middle East is used to highlight the political tensions and conflicts in the region.
Despite their differences, both novels use their settings to explore themes of power, corruption, and the impact of global politics on individuals. The Tourist delves into the moral complexities of espionage and the consequences of government secrets, while Burn examines the effects of terrorism on both the victims and the perpetrators.
Exploration of the themes presented in The Tourist and Burn
Both novels deal with similar themes, such as loyalty, betrayal, and the morality of espionage. However, The Tourist is more focused on the personal consequences of these themes, while Burn is more concerned with the larger geopolitical implications of espionage. Both novels are thought-provoking and offer insights into the complicated world of espionage.
In addition to these themes, both novels also explore the idea of identity and how it can be manipulated in the world of espionage. The Tourist delves into the concept of creating false identities and the toll it takes on the individual, while Burn examines the use of identity as a tool for espionage and the consequences it can have on international relations. These explorations of identity add another layer of complexity to the already intricate world of espionage presented in both novels.
Character study: Reviewing the secondary characters in both novels
Both novels have a cast of supporting characters that are well-developed and interesting. In The Tourist, we have the enigmatic and mysterious Alan Drummond, while in Burn, we have the charismatic Iranian general, Qasim. Both characters add depth and complexity to the novels.
Evaluation of narrative structure and pacing in The Tourist and Burn
The Tourist and Burn both have a well-crafted narrative structure and pacing that keep the reader engaged throughout. The Tourist has more of a slow burn, with the tension gradually building until the explosive conclusion. Burn, on the other hand, is more of a rollercoaster ride, with twists and turns at every corner.
Critical reception and reader response to The Tourist and Burn
Both novels have received critical acclaim, with The Tourist being nominated for several awards and Burn receiving positive reviews from readers and critics alike. Readers have praised both novels for their tightly-woven plots and well-developed characters.
Final thoughts: Which novel is better?
In the end, it’s difficult to say which novel is better, as both The Tourist and Burn are excellent examples of the thriller genre. If you’re looking for a more literary, character-driven novel, The Tourist might be more your speed. But if you’re looking for a fast-paced, action-oriented novel, Burn might be the way to go.
Recommendations for readers who enjoyed either or both novels
If you enjoyed The Tourist, we recommend checking out Olen Steinhauer’s other works, such as the Milo Weaver series or The Bridge of Sighs. If you enjoyed Burn, we recommend checking out other works in the espionage/thriller genre, such as John le Carre’s Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy or Daniel Silva’s The Kill Artist.
Overall, both The Tourist and Burn are must-reads for fans of the thriller genre. These two novels showcase the best of what thrillers can offer: complex characters, engaging plots, and a sense of suspense that keeps the reader hooked until the very last page.