I understand going back and forth in timelines, but I think that if the book started out about his dad, and then moved to the present, it would've been easier to follow. Regardless, it was a tough read for me. I would give it about 2 1/2 out of 5 stars if I had to rank it. However, I checked the rankings on Amazon- which were quite good. Perhaps I just didn't care for the way it was framed, but I'm sure that many others will!
Here's someone else's review from Amazon that gave it 5 stars: Tracy Hickman you have taken the Batman legacy and added a completely new chapter to it. The genius of the back story, mystery and intricate detail kept me reading even when I should have been doing something else. I couldn't put it down. I loved the way you included so much of the Batman history that we all know and love.
BOOK SUMMARY: Behind every mask is a real man.
Two
men joined by blood but separated by murder: Thomas, the rebellious
doctor and heir to the vast Wayne empire, and Bruce, his son, whose life
is forever altered when he witnesses the brutal death of his parents.
The slaying of Thomas and Martha Wayne is the torturous point on which Bruce turns to become the mysterious crusader Batman—the genesis of a simple mugging gone horribly wrong. The Dark Knight's file on the case has long been closed, the foundations of Bruce Wayne's secret life secure. But these foundations are shaken when an unexpected guest invades the grounds of Wayne Manor, raising questions about the event that ended the lives of the mother he loved and the father he worshipped, and sparked his unquenchable drive to protect and avenge.
To discover his true family history, Batman must face down old foes, confront his only confidant, invade the evil heart of Arkham Asylum, and shoulder the terrible new burden of a dark legacy.
The slaying of Thomas and Martha Wayne is the torturous point on which Bruce turns to become the mysterious crusader Batman—the genesis of a simple mugging gone horribly wrong. The Dark Knight's file on the case has long been closed, the foundations of Bruce Wayne's secret life secure. But these foundations are shaken when an unexpected guest invades the grounds of Wayne Manor, raising questions about the event that ended the lives of the mother he loved and the father he worshipped, and sparked his unquenchable drive to protect and avenge.
To discover his true family history, Batman must face down old foes, confront his only confidant, invade the evil heart of Arkham Asylum, and shoulder the terrible new burden of a dark legacy.
