Another posthumous offering from Crichton. I hope they keep finding them! This book was great! It is a western - pure and simple - gunfights, saloons,Another posthumous offering from Crichton. I hope they keep finding them! This book was great! It is a western - pure and simple - gunfights, saloons, Indian war controversy, and even the appearance of some famous Western names. But, instead of gold nuggets, the treasure is dinosaur bones.
It's something I think people really don't think about. One of the best sources of dinosaur bones is the American West, and their discovery began right in the middle of all the tobacco chewing, stage coach holding up, showdowns at high noon barbarism we equate with westward expansion. Imagine in the middle of that, thousands of miles away from resources and safety, college professors and students with no gunslinging skills digging up thousands of pounds of fossilized bones and transporting them hundreds of miles across a barren landscape at risk from a wide variety of dangers to get to the nearest train station that will get them and the bones safely back to their civilized Ivy League school in the east. Well, you don't have to imagine it, Crichton has you covered!
In the afterward it says that his idea for this story began back in 1974 - long before Jurassic Park. It is amazing it took this long for the book to come out. Sad that he missed it!
You like Crichton? You like Westerns? You like paleontology? Read this!...more
Best way to sum this up - one of the most unique and original stories I have read in a long time. 75% of this book I cannot give you a similar exampleBest way to sum this up - one of the most unique and original stories I have read in a long time. 75% of this book I cannot give you a similar example of from another story.
I can see why others have said it is tough to review without spoiling. EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BEFORE IT GETS SPOILED FOR YOU!
It is the perfect balance of suspense, action, sci-fi, romance, and WHAT THE HECK!?!? I was enthralled the entire time and did not want to put it down (but we all have to sleep and work sometime, right?)
Maybe this book isn't for you, but perhaps there is a different version of you somewhere and it is perfect for them. Do that other you justice and give this one a shot!
Update 12/6/2016 - ARGH! This should have won the Goodreads Choice Awards! I am calling for a recount!...more
I wish all horror novels were like this! Or, at least most of them . . .
This book was great! Suspenseful and action-packed throughout. The narrative fI wish all horror novels were like this! Or, at least most of them . . .
This book was great! Suspenseful and action-packed throughout. The narrative flowed perfectly, keeping me engaged the whole time. There were enough plot twists to keep M. Night Shyamalan happy. Horror fans should be very pleased with this one - I can comfortably say I recommend this book to you if you like horror.
A note about the writing: The writing is very basic, but I like that. Not lots of long, descriptive paragraphs, which I think would have slowed the place. Instead there is a lot of dialogue and quick paragraphs that give you only what you need. I think some might complain about this claiming it is too simplistic and not "literary" enough, but I thought it was perfect for this story.
A note about the setting: I went into this not knowing the setting, but it turns out that the story takes place in central Indiana, which is where I live. At one point they mentioned the south side of Indianapolis and that was where I was sitting at the time reading it! Because of this, I could very easily connect to the environment.
One final note with a spoiler: (view spoiler)[ The ending left the book in cliffhanger mode. I need to look into Janz's other books to see if he has already or will be connecting it (hide spoiler)]
Here is Pumpkinhead from the Pumpkinhead movie series - after you read this, you will know why I have added this here. Tell me if I am right or not!?
Quite a fantastic and epic story! A casino caper and a swashbuckling adventure combining action, deceThis book is 1/3 this:
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And 2/3 this:
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Quite a fantastic and epic story! A casino caper and a swashbuckling adventure combining action, deception, romance, and humor - this book has it all. Very well written. Even with the length of the story, I never felt that it had gone on too long. Definitely no filler.
This is a sequel and I think I like it better than the first. That is saying a lot because the first was great! In this case, I will say something I don't usually say - I think you could read this one without reading the first and be just fine. While they do bring up some events from the first book, the author does a great job making this book it's own.
So, do you like epic awesomeness? Crossbow battles? Death by poison? Wild pirate sex? Baskets full of cats? Then look no further!
For the first two books of the Gideon Crew series it was hard not to compare them to Preston and Child's Pendergast series. Unfortunately, when comparFor the first two books of the Gideon Crew series it was hard not to compare them to Preston and Child's Pendergast series. Unfortunately, when comparing to Pendergast, you have big shoes to fill. Up until now, those shoes were falling off because Crew's feet were too small. But, it seems like Crew has finally had a growth spurt in a big way!
The Lost Island was a fantastic, enthralling, and intricately crafted adventure. Combining science, technology, art, literature, history, adventure, and sarcastic comebacks, I was into this book from page one. In fact, while there is some back story in the first two books, I think if you are short on time you could read this one right after The Ice Limit - note: you HAVE TO read The Ice Limit first, or you may as well not even bother.
I think I am going to end this review here in order to avoid spoilers. But, know this, it is good, it is great, Preston and Child are the masters of the adventure mystery genre (is that a genre? If not, I am coining the phrase here!) You owe it to yourself to read Pendergast and Crew!...more
I have been in the habit lately of using gifs in my reviews, so it is likely that you will see some here.
Oh, wait! I feel one coming on - this was me I have been in the habit lately of using gifs in my reviews, so it is likely that you will see some here.
Oh, wait! I feel one coming on - this was me this entire book:
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Holy cow! This book was a rush! I thought things were intense and suspenseful in previous Preston and Child books, but they raised the bar and way outdid themselves. I have no clue how they fit so much action, mystery, suspense and general bad-ass-ery into one book.
Here is a quick summary in gifs:
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Finally - if only Antonio Banderas was a bit paler:
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Read this series . . . That's just it - clear your TBR, grab Relic (first in the series), and start at the beginning - don't start here!. If you like all the things I previously mentioned, especially the bad-ass-ery, then you will love ALL this!
Amazing! Preston & Child do it again. This book is soooooo good from page one until the very end. Excitement, suspense, mystery, gore, betrayal, etc. Amazing! Preston & Child do it again. This book is soooooo good from page one until the very end. Excitement, suspense, mystery, gore, betrayal, etc. it's all there and there is a lot of it! Also, it is obvious that they put so much research into their books - but the history parts of it are not dry, they just make it more intriguing!
Note: This is not a Pendergast novel, but it falls between Reliquary and Cabinet of Curiosities.
If you like a great story with great mystery and some scares and gore, bring an umbrella for the Thunderhead!...more
This book is an excellent and unique take on a post-apocalyptic earth. Recently, literature has been saturated with post-apocalyptic stories and sometThis book is an excellent and unique take on a post-apocalyptic earth. Recently, literature has been saturated with post-apocalyptic stories and sometimes it is hard to find something that is fresh . . . something that doesn't feel like it has already been done before. Everything about this book was suspenseful and interesting - no boredom of rehashed ideas/concepts/storylines for me.
Another cool thing about it is the book is divided into little novellas which kind of refresh the story every 50 to 100 pages while keeping with the bigger story as a whole.
The characters you meet in this book are great. They are easy to empathize with. They are easy to cheer for. They are easy to despise. In the end, some are hard to mourn.
I am not sure this book is for everyone. I have read reviews that say it is too long or too slow. I did not feel either of those things so hopefully you won't either!...more
In life, we all make mistakes. Some big, some small, but usually we quickly forget them. But what happens when you make a mistake that haunts you everIn life, we all make mistakes. Some big, some small, but usually we quickly forget them. But what happens when you make a mistake that haunts you every day and you can do nothing about it?
This book was fantastic. I loved the writing. I loved the characters. They were so well developed I could feel their emotions in myself as I read. I was deeply and truly satisfied by the story and the writing. When I closed the book after the last page I felt like I was sitting back after finishing an amazing meal.
Read this! It is going up on my favorites shelf!...more
With many nods to the great Arthur C. Clarke, especially the theoretically well meaning AIDAN, this was a very, [image]
This book was pretty darn good!
With many nods to the great Arthur C. Clarke, especially the theoretically well meaning AIDAN, this was a very, very pleasant surprise. I think Clarke would have enjoyed this book a great deal.
I ended up listening to this book after debating whether or not I should read it instead. I looked through it at the book store and it is a very visually appealing collection of documents, dossiers, and diagrams. However, I saw that the audiobook won awards so I figured I would give it a go. I was not disappointed! It was a fantastic radio drama with multiple actors and sound effects. I found myself holding my breath while I was driving (which is not the best place to be when holding your breath!)
Creative, suspenseful, and terrifying - this mix of sci-fi and horror is guaranteed to appeal to a large audience and I think you should give it a try! I can't wait to check out the sequel!
Side note for those who might be concerned that this book is marketed as YA: It only kinda felt YA as two of the main characters are young and in love. Other than that, space horror fest all the way!...more
A fantastic and well told story! At times, I was near tears. Other times I wanted to reach into the book and punch one of the characters. I was so emoA fantastic and well told story! At times, I was near tears. Other times I wanted to reach into the book and punch one of the characters. I was so emotionally invested, I was talking out loud to the book. In the end, I set down my Kindle and gave a standing ovation.
I was skeptical going in . . . this is the part where I fear pet lovers will start unfriending me and/or sending me hate mail! I am not a big pet person so I have been putting this off because I heard it is told from the point of view of a dog. My worry was that it may not appeal if I couldn't connect to the love an owner might have for their dog (I know, I am a terrible person!😉) But, I will say that I really enjoyed it. The dog in question is Enzo, and he comes across as very wise and human. The cutesy dog/owner story I feared it is not.
Because Enzo is very wise, this book is very quotable. I began to picture Enzo sitting on a mountaintop in robes waiting to impart knowledge on those coming to seek his guidance. Because of this, I feel that this is a good book to recommend to those seeking inspiration.
Another aspect that sold me on this book is how much the book is about auto racing. I love watching auto racing and talking about cars, drivers, great moves someone made in a race, or their mistakes made, etc. This is just like Denny and Enzo in the book. I thought it was awesome how auto racing philosophy was connected to life in general.
I mentioned in the beginning that at times this book made me rage. It has been a long time since a book has made me this mad (the last was probably The Giver - which I actually flung across the room. That was a physical copy, though. This was my Kindle, I didn't want to fling it). I cannot really say what made me so mad without spoilers, but be sure to prepare yourself because I bet there are few people who can make it through this book without a similar reaction.
Because I was so moved - to happiness, to sadness, and to anger - I give this book A++++, 16 thumbs up, all the book awards, etc. I can easily recommend this book to anyone!...more
"Maybe money is the great conspiracy, the great fiction. The great addiction too: we're all addicted and we can't break the habit now"
This book is jus"Maybe money is the great conspiracy, the great fiction. The great addiction too: we're all addicted and we can't break the habit now"
This book is just crazy . . . I went back and forth between 4 and 5 stars, but the epilogue took me back to 5 stars. I just couldn't think of a reason to rate it any lower!
This is the story of John Self and his life of alcohol, sex, drugs, shady business, and MONEY. The story is told through his eyes and is a stream of consciousness circus from page one.
In giving it 5 stars, you may say to yourself "wow, I better go out and read this one right away since Matthew says it is so good!" I caution you, though, as much as I enjoyed it, I can tell that this book is not for everyone. I bet one out of every four readers will give this one up by page 25. A few times, I was not exactly sure what I was reading - but after awhile I was as addicted to it as John is to money.
If you are into bizarre, stream of consciousness novels where you get to join the tragic hero on his downward spiral - give this one a go, it just might become one of your favorite books ever. ...more
This book is good. This book is really REALLY good. This book is better than I expected. Amazing!
I have to go watch the movie RIGHT NOW!
From the mean This book is good. This book is really REALLY good. This book is better than I expected. Amazing!
I have to go watch the movie RIGHT NOW!
From the mean streets of New York City . . . to the casinos of Las Vegas . . . to the villas of Sicily . . . the Corleones have got things under control . . . and those who cross them will pay the price.
This book has a lot of intrigue, action, suspense, double-crossing - general bad-ass-ery. I will make you an offer you can't refuse - READ THIS BOOK!...more
This book was a very pleasant surprise - I could not put it down! I enjoyed the background of the wealthy family putting on airs of happiness while roThis book was a very pleasant surprise - I could not put it down! I enjoyed the background of the wealthy family putting on airs of happiness while rotteness is eating away at the core. I believed the relationships. I believed the characters. The author did not have to try hard to pull me in. In fact, one of the things I enjoyed was how the author could tell so much story in so few words.
There is so much more I could say, but it is up to you to read and determine what are lies and what are truths....more
This is an excellent piece of literature. It contains poetic storytelling, shocking twists, thoroughly developed characters, symbolism, humor, romanceThis is an excellent piece of literature. It contains poetic storytelling, shocking twists, thoroughly developed characters, symbolism, humor, romance, betrayal, action, sentimentality, nostalgia, and much, much more.
For book lovers it is perfect because it revolves around the mysteries of a little known author (Julian Carax) that the main protagonist, Daniel, stumbles across in a secret stash of literature called the Cemetery of Forgotten books. From there it quickly develops into a fantastic story of good vs. evil; driven by jealousy and shrouded in the unknown.
I saw some complaints that this book is slow. I can understand that - it is not a light book and it is not a quick read. But, the payoff from getting immersed in the thick narrative is totally worth the extra time in the end.
Lovers of books, lovers of historical fiction, lovers of mysteries with shocking twists, lovers of complex romance/revenge story lines, lovers of ultimate good vs evil battles - step right in to The Cemetery of Forgotten Books . . . and lose yourself in The Shadow of the Wind....more
Very easy for me to rate this book 5 stars. It is amazing. There is so much in it and it is not hard to read. It just tells it like it is and does it Very easy for me to rate this book 5 stars. It is amazing. There is so much in it and it is not hard to read. It just tells it like it is and does it so well.
It is like a high priced, high quality buffet with lots of different stations. At each of those stations is a main table with an awesome featured food (thick cut prime rib, chocolate fondue fountain, Mongolian BBQ bowl, etc.). In layman's terms, there is SO MUCH awesome story here with a HUGE payoff every 50 pages or so. I am very satisfied with the story I got - full of literature!
Oh, and this book has one of the most heartless and despicable villains ever put on paper.
I recommend this book to anyone that wants to read a decent story told very well. This has solidified with me that Steinbeck is a literary genius - cannot be denied!...more
I have seen lots of good reviews and lots of bad reviews for this one. I am a little nervous to recommend this as some people whom I thought would lovI have seen lots of good reviews and lots of bad reviews for this one. I am a little nervous to recommend this as some people whom I thought would love it, hated it.
So, proceed with caution, but . . .
I thought it was excellent, exciting, interesting, suspenseful, mysterious, etc., etc., etc.!
I think what hit home with me is that a lot of it took place in places in Wyoming and Montana where I used to live, work, and travel. Because of this I could see what the characters were seeing very well.
One thing that I thought was weird, though, was that even though he referred to many cities, roads, and national parks by their name or designation, they obviously went to Yellowstone, stayed at the Old Faithful Inn, and watched Old Faithful, but that was one place where he did not refer to anything by name. It stuck out to me as very odd.
But, that was just a small oddity in and otherwise great book. I can definitely say I will be checking out more Blake Crouch in the future....more
This was a reread of a required reading book from high school. Usually I am rereading required reading because I did not like the book b4 to 4.5 stars
This was a reread of a required reading book from high school. Usually I am rereading required reading because I did not like the book back then and I want to see if I like it now. But, in this case, I really liked this one when I read it in high school and I really liked it now, too!
There is just something about Hardy that I enjoy. In the past couple of years I read Far From The Madding Crowd and loved it as well. The feel of the writing is not much different from other books I have read from the time period, but I don't always seem to connect with those. With Hardy, I have been pretty lucky so far and I am looking forward to trying others.
There are a few repetitive/draggy parts. I think if I did not enjoy this book as much as I did those parts would have had a much more negative effect on my overall experience. But, I am able to let them slide and, honestly, the repetition probably adds to the frustration I have with the characters when they finally do something different and it is the wrong thing. (This is a good thing - any time I shake my fist at the characters through the page it means I am totally engaged)
I think I can summarize Tess of the D'Urbervilles in a few bullet points:
- Men suck but women pay the price for their suckage - Honesty is not always the best policy - That thing you need to happen will not happen until right after it is too late - Cow milking can be sexy
If you have read other Hardy and liked it, read this. If you have read other books from this genre and liked them, read this. If you are looking for something to read, read this. Heck, just read this!...more
Are you looking for the most Western book ever? If so, Lonesome Dove better be in your search!
This was a fantastic epic journey! I am glad I took thisAre you looking for the most Western book ever? If so, Lonesome Dove better be in your search!
This was a fantastic epic journey! I am glad I took this one slowly over the course of several months so that I could savor it. You may look at this and say, “Matthew, you took exactly four months to read an 858 page novel? That must have been a chore!” But, it was not. Every chapter was a story in itself, every page added to the characters, atmosphere, drama, etc. No filler. No boring parts. Everything in Lonesome Dove is there for a reason and helps to make this one of the best Westerns ever.
The Story – The American West was not clean. The American West was not forgiving. This book does not pull any punches when it comes to setting the mood for what life was really like as the American West was settled. Cowboys, bandits, whore houses, fur trappers, buffalo hunters, Native Americans, etc. – all there and not romanticized. I think it did a great job of touching on sensitive topics (women’s role in the old West, Native American treatment, etc.) and keeping it real without making the reader uncomfortable. Those things did happen, so when telling stories about them, it is easy to do it wrong and make a book uncomfortable to read. I did not feel that was the case here even when things were at their most shocking in this story.
The Characters – So many wonderful and interesting characters! I love that McMurtry took the time to flesh all of them out and make sure that even some of the minor characters have more heart and soul than some of the main characters in other books. And, part of what is great about this is how real the characters are; they are not written so we think all the good guys are perfect or all the bad guys are bad. You soon realize that anything is possible for any character and nothing feels forced to make a point. The movement of all the lives together is very organic. Needless to say, a very satisfying character study.
The Atmosphere – You want to feel like you are in the Old West. Read this book. Period!
Summary – I am sure by now you can tell this book blew me away. I would highly recommend it, but it may not be for everyone. If you are not a fan of Epics, it is probably not for you. If you have a hard time with real, raw, and often not pretty scenes in books, this also may not be for you (not quite as bad as Cormac McCarthy in Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West, but still pretty intense!). If you are fans of books like Gone with the Wind by Mitchell or Centennial by Michener and you have not read this book, you must! You really, really, really must read this book!...more
This book is wonderfully eccentric and weird! The characters are so odd, but are all so oddly endearing. The slapstick, irreverent unbelieveability ofThis book is wonderfully eccentric and weird! The characters are so odd, but are all so oddly endearing. The slapstick, irreverent unbelieveability of the story and antics (especially Ignatius) kept me enthralled and wondering what was next.
The fact that this book was written, hidden away, and then released posthumously is kind of amazing as well. It is hard to believe this book sat hidden for years - the product of a troubled yet creative mind - only to be found by his mother and sent to a publisher for review. She could have easily tossed it, ignored it, etc. - it is a good thing she didn't!
I listened to this book and I think it added to it even more. The reader did a great job and I felt like I was listening to a radio comedy the whole way through. If you like audiobooks, I think you are doing yourself a disservice if you miss this one....more
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