The Girl Who Played With Fire Review

How many times has a sequel been better than its predecessor? Not often. But such might be the case with Stieg Larsson's "The Girl Who Played With Fire."

Now don't get me wrong, I am a HUGE fan of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," Larsson's first book in this series of three. These are some of the most gripping crime novels I've read in a while. Usually when I read books or watch movies, I can predict the twists coming a mile away. But not with Larsson's books.

I couldn't not put the book down. Every time some new twist occurred, I found myself saying "NO WAY. I can't believe that just happened!" And then I would continue reading furiously until I looked up at the clock and realized the day was gone.

Lisbeth Salander is one of the most interesting and unique characters I have seen in a long time. Michiko Kakutani of "The New York Times" describes Salander's character as "Angelina Jolie's Lara Croft endowed with Mr. Spock's intense braininess and Scarlett O'Hara's spunky instinct for survival."

Perhaps the best thing about "The Girl Who Played With Fire" is that Larsson really explores Salander's past. In "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," Salander was an interesting character, but the novel centered around Mikael Blomkvist's character. The situation is reversed in the sequel.

Like in "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," there are a lot of unsavory elements in "The Girl Who Played With Fire," giving the book a somewhat gritty tone. Larsson dives into the sex trade industry, as well as bringing back the despicable character of Nils Erik Bjurman. But this grittiness just made me root for Salander even more and cheer louder with each of her victories.

Salander will be back on May 4, 2010 in Larsson's third book, "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest." The title alone has completely hooked me.

Stieg Larsson unfortunately passed from a heart attack in 2004 at the age of 50. However, his legacy will live on through Lisbeth Salander, Mikael Blomkvist and in the pages of his books.