This book has lots of action but falls short in description. I've read that this novelization of several comic books adds some subplots. While lots of characters entering and leaving the story works for the graphic form, it doesn't work as well in prose.

There are 2 or 3 stories here. The first is the story of Bane, then the story of a new Batman, and finally Bruce Wayne and Batman. While I've read some of the comics and graphic novels, I am not familiar with all the characters and villains. Abattoir? Various Robins? O'Neil is a long-time fixture in Batman comics and is clearly referencing other works, but the casual reader needs a little more than a name-drop.

I enjoyed the action, but a novel often has more description. The closest he comes is an 11th hour entrance to the Batcave - unknown to the reader and fairly well described. I also wonder if there is some legal reason he couldn't say Batmobile - it is referred to as the 'mobile several times. Like Batman - a bit unnerving. I liked the book, but it didn't blow me away. I enjoyed Greg Cox's [b:Batman: The Court of Owls|40046794|Batman The Court of Owls|Greg Cox|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525600065l/40046794.SX50.jpg|62054597] far more.