CAIRNS, Australia | Member Since 2009
"Get Gone Girl soon!"
Remember the film, War of the Roses with Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas? Well, this is along similar lines but there are less physical thrills and far more psychological ones which makes for a better read whereas the former, perhaps, makes for more excitable viewing. I found it pretty impossible to "put this book down." It went everywhere with me while I completed my daily tasks and then again late into the night. I had finished it within 3 days but unlike other books I don't want to read another immediately as I would like to 'soak' this book up for a while and think about it. It is very well written and contains some complex ideas which are described in metaphoric symbolism and therefore made easier to understand. I am looking forward to Gillian Flynn writing another excellent book. Very highly recommended.
"strange genre...."
I don't know where Lawrence Block's head was when he wrote this, it's far from his best and I don't think it took him very long. It's pretty basic and leaves me with the impression that he just made it up as he went along with very few, if no, reviews. When he got to the end I think he realised how poor the book was so decided to throw in a really shocking and nasty ending. The book doesn't really fit in to any particular genre and it's a mixture of gay/lesbian sex, straight romance and suspense. To sum it up I'd describe the book as not particularly well written (I'm being kind) with a pretty seedy story line, possibly with a not so subliminal sub text theme that straight sex is good while alternatives are evil and get their just rewards.
"Narrator let this down...."
I can't help but think that this book could have been a top rated thriller/suspense if it had been read by a very good male narrator. It's a shame when this happens as bad reviews must surely affect sales. As it was, it was all too apparent the Kyle Riley was reading us the book and in no way did we become absorbed into the story. It was only because RJ Ellory is such a skilled writer that I managed to stay engaged with the book which is very well crafted and his use of language is excellent. I recommend this book TO ACTUALLY READ, rather than listen to this audio version.
"Pleasantly surprised!"
I have always enjoyed Ms Unger's work, and when these early books she had written were released as audiobooks, I must admit I was nervous about trying them. Luckly my worry was unfounded and although the plot of Darkness Gathers may have been a made bit overly complex with lots and lots of action surrounding it, altogether it was an excellent read with some good twists and turns to continually surprise and pique ones interest. Certainly worth a credit.
"Dan Simmons has a lot of strings in his bow."
I enjoyed this book immensely. Yes there was 'horror' but not the kind when you're scared to turn the next page, or decide to skip it altogether. I guess you could say it was mild to middling horror. There was heaps of suspense though, and the story progressed so well it was hard to put down. Dialogue between the characters was written well and the character development was excellent. I would welcome more of this genre from Mr Simmons.
"ridiculously far-fetched"
about as believable as going to heaven or hell. This writer and his ilk are really paranoid to the extreme. They must have very miserable lives.....
Trying to make one a true believer through fiction is an old trick. This book, however, is not even a good story, nor is it well written or narrated. See for yourself, if you like, but I would not waste a credit.
"A wonderful, wonderful book"
A real tear jerker, but without any cloying sentimentality. We travel with Zac on his road from a traumatic past and to sobriety and a hopeful future. The story, told in the first person is excellently written; a real triumph for the author, Benjamin Alire Saenz. Thank god for writers like yourself.
"lost the plot....."
I have enjoyed earlier books in this series more. It was a bit disjointed, and, for me, the overall theme of the story was lost. There seemed to be a lot of murder and mayhem over not much at all. If you asked me to tell you succinctly what the book was about, I would find it difficult to answer, beyond saying it was a 'supernatural thriller.'
"This book is so good it's a freak!"
Books like these only come by once in an eon, especially when the audiobook version is read so damn well, it just couldn't be better. There are so many layers of meaning in this book it gives you pause to reflect a long time after you finish reading it. It's about freedom and love, and ultimately about the human spirit's ability to transcend and move forward from one's own worst fears, memories and experiences. This book should be read by everyone.
"Very predictable."
A good plot for a teenagers' action comic but not a satisfying read for this old chook who loves her mysteries and suspense stories unfold through some intelligent story writing. There was little or no character development and I was quite happy when the ride was over. I think Lincoln should stick to writing books with Douglas who is obviously the one whose in charge of developing the characters in their novels. The narration was average, but I guess it was difficult for the narrator to get excited about reading this book too.