©2002 Lincoln Child; (P)2002 Books on Tape, Inc.
"Child proves he is capable of fireworks (literally) at the rousing conclusion." (Publishers Weekly)
"The blend of technological jargon and suspense results in a real thrill-a-minute read." (Booklist)
"Utopia (unabridged)"
The roller coaster on the cover of this book says it all. I got this unabridged audio from the original publisher and thought it was worth every $ I spent. I've shared it with a few friends and it's always slow coming back because they just have to let their husband or wife listen to it also. I've been a fan of the Preston & Child books for years and I think Lincoln Child might even be better as a solo writer. I won't waste space with a synopsis of the book as Audible has done that already on the abridged listing.
You get involved with the main characters quickly, and the robotic and computer systems running this theme park are intriguing even for my non technical friends. This is much more of a thriller than a mystery or a horror story. I figured out the "who done it?" part early on, but I don't think the author was trying for another Agatha Christie novel, the roller coaster ride is what this book's about. I've read a couple reviews saying the ending was stretched out. I must admit it did seem that way but I thought it was because I couldn't wait to know how it turned out. This book will never be on Oprah's list. It doesn't try to be the next great American novel, but it's a great way to spend a long commute.
As always Scott Brick is a top-notch narrator who doesn't disappoint. Get the unabridged edition, you're going to want to spend awhile at this Park. When you get this book be ready to sit back strap in and just have fun.
"Will make you forget you are driving"
I am not a huge fan of thrillers, but decided this one had enough technology added in to keep me interested, and I am glad I got it. Great commute listening! I found myself constantly engaged, so much so that I had to be careful I wasn't just poking along on the highway. Some parts are a bit over-drawn out, and I had the bad egg figured out right from the start, but the descriptions of the park, wow...would love to go to an amusement park like that, without John Doe. The readers is fantastic. He does accents well and even does the female characters justice. First male reader I've heard who does do a consistently good job with female characters. Sometimes he forgets the accents while reading, but not enough to distract from the overall quality.
"Tricked"
It's funny how I came to listen to this particular audiobook. I mistakenly thought I was downloading "Utopia" by Thomas More, a book written in 1516 about an ideal world. I generally don't listen to thrillers, so this was a somewhat new experience for me. That being said, I really enjoyed the book. Although the foreshadowing was (in my opinion) a bit overdone, cluing the reader into major plot elements to come, there were enough new plot elements introduced every minute to keep you excited. The narrator does a fine job, even if the chief of security does end up sounding a bit like Christopher Walkin. I don't regret getting this book, and I enjoyed listening the entire time, but it didn't end up teaching me as much about life as I'd hoped.
brenwalt
"Decent but labored"
Great story line but Child goes way overboard on descriptions so much so that I fast forward many times. Hard to critize though as the story line keeps you captured.
"Fantastic!"
I've been listening to audiobooks for years and there is no better narrator than Scott Brick. His character's voices are clearly distinguishable from one another, he never mispronounces words, he always get's the inflections right and uses the correct emphasis on the words. In addition to flawless narration, it seems he's very particular about the quality of the book he chooses to narrate, like a superstar actor who has his pick of roles. This book is no exception. It is well written and exciting. It's a great listen!
"Absolutely a Utopian Read"
Suspenseful, absolutely thrilling and awesome, felt like I was right there in the story. A great read for any amusement park fan or suspense-thriller enthusiast. I fell in love with "Wingnut" the robotic dog, he's so adorable! I loved this book and think anyone who enjoys books with alot of action and surprising turns around every corner is sure to love this book about a state-of-the-art amusement park and some unfortunate events. A must have.
"A must listen"
I will never look at an amusement park the same way again. We all know there must be a “behind the curtain” where the magic is made. However, the thought of evils lurking there has never crossed my mind. This book is better than a roller costar. You will love the build to the top, the screaming plunges and the twists and turns are to die for…yes die for.
"Great mindbender by Child, great narration"
To anyone who has spent any time at large amusement parks (I lived near Disney World for awhile), this is too close for comfort. So many points hit home and ring true. This was a farfetched (as are many of Child's) but close enough to reality to cause pause. Scott Brick, as usual does a masterful job; but someone has GOT to clue him in on how to pronounce "careened". He has pronounced it "karinned" in one too many books. Other than that, typically masterful in suspense and unique subject matter.