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A Reader's reviews
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-04-13 12:04:30 for Wheel Of Time #12.
(Language: English)
 
I was quite sceptical of how Sanderson would take Jordan's legacy. After reading this book, I am still unsure. Where Jordan's characters were grey, Sanderson's are much more black and white. While Mat Cauthon retains his original "not a hero yet a hero" persona, Perrin and Elayne are done a great injustice to and not enough time is devoted to them and there is no mention of Loial's whereabouts. The 2 interesting plot lines were the evolution of Rand, who explores a dark side of himself reminiscent of Anakin Skywalker. My only main gripe with this plot is how easily Graendal is killed compared to Rand's previous battles against the Forsaken.The other major storyline here is Egwene's battle to unite the 2 White Towers. This is where Sanderson truly fails. Where Jordan portrayed each Aes Sedai, especially the likes of Romanda and Lelaine, as crafty and cunning, Sanderson shows them as schoolyard bullies who give in easily in the end. Much more was needed when Egwene was offered the Amyrilin Seat by the original tower, and Sanderson just fails to deliver. Overall, I felt that justice was done to the ending of certain plots, but the spirit of the series is missing. Sanderson has the notes but he does not know the music of Robert Jordan. 
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-09-03 06:49:00 for From the Corner of His Eye.
(Language: English)
One of the problems that over-zealous religious people often have is the back-fitting of science with their faith. That is what this book seems to suffer from. Koontz goes over-the-top in fitting String theory into his story and then making it seem that multi-verses are a Biblical idea. The characters are either too good or too evil as he labels the non-believing Junior as someone with no morals, and every over-zealous Christian in his book as perfectly moral. He brings us the "ideal boy", but forgoes the struggle any boy with the powers Bartholomew possesses would face. He makes every word of the boy a fairy-tale miracle, and you wonder if he's fallen too much in love with his character to really care about the realism of the plot. The characters of Celestina, Agnes and Vanadium are pathetically one-dimensional, and once again too idealistic to be realistic enough. The one positive thing about the book is the character of Junior. Koontz builds up the character of Junior as we learn more about him right till the end. Sadly, like Voldemort in Harry Potter, the final battle is anti-climatic and in one instance Junior goes from super psychological villain to cowardly thug, and this is where the book leaves you disappointed and with a sense of wastefulness. Overall if you want a simple biblical tale in black and white, this is your perfect read. If on the other hand you like characters you can relate to and who have shades of gray, this is the last book you want to pick up. 2/5, and that is being generous.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-08-26 04:21:07 for Woman in White, the (Penguin Popular Classics).
(Language: English)
I was not actually aware of Collins' work before I had the chance to read this, and so I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the intriguing storyline and the way the villainous character of Fosco is portrayed. My only complaint is that at times it seems to get rather dire and the pace slackens in the middle. Still, a good read and something to have on your bookshelf for those boring weekend afternoons when you have nothing to do.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-05-28 04:35:32 for Shutter Island.
(Language: English)
I cannot believe this only has 3.5 stars on weRead. While its not as well written as other famous psychological thrillers, it has a plot and a style which can put any of its rivals to shame. Dont try guess the ending,you wont succeed;).
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-05-28 04:32:11 for Ring of Hell.
(Language: English)
This book is not just about Chris Benoit, its about an industry infested with drug and steroid use, about psychological force and about what the larger than life characters we see do 20 feet dives and bleed every week on TV really are outside the squared circle. A must read for anyone who wants to know more about pro-wrestling and anyone who grew up watching it.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-05-28 04:28:48 for Red Dragon and Silence of the Lambs.
(Language: English)
The 2 psychological thrillers which follow Dr Hannibal Lecter's trail of death have so far dissappointed. The writing has been really good but the plot is not about Dr Lecter but those he influences(this is especially true of Red Dragon). The crimes aren't that twisted either(thus leaving any fans of gore unsatisfied), I've seen better stuff in movies(American Psycho comes to mind) and while Dr Lecter provides the most interesting character in the book, the rest of it is rather hollow. Red Dragon is probably poorer, while Silence of the Lambs has so far been a bit better but for a book so hyped, it has fallen just short.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-02-21 06:17:38 for Animal Farm.
(Language: English)
The saying "size doesnt matter" rings true with this amazing work of art(for that is what it is) of politics, of the common interests which bind and unbind people, and of the betrayal of a thinker and a leader by the followers of his ideology. The parallels of the story and the evolution of socialism in the Soviet Union are striking, though this is by no means an anti-socialist book. Indeed, it shows that common interest and in many ways even greed(2 things capitalist societies are well versed about) manifests itself in both the ideologies, and that for all their differences, they really are quite similar. The book is quite short at around 120 pages, and one can read it in just about an hour, but it leaves you with a sense of learning that even the large textbooks of a politics course might not bring. To me, this should be read by every child being taught about socialism and capitalism, about economics, about politics and about the ways in which ideologies are formed and destroyed.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-02-04 04:29:42 for World Without End.
(Language: English)
I got this book at Glasgow Airport in December, since I was desparate for something to read on the flight. Having read the previous book in the series I expected a lot from this. I was rather dissappointed with the way the story turned out though. While Follett heavily improved the characterization of the antagonist by giving him shades of gray, the novel is too similar to the previous installment(Pillars of the Earth) to keep the reader hooked. There is a secret, a couple in desparate love who are estranged repeatedly due to circumstances and there are evil rulers and conspiring monks. For those who have read pillars, the book will be monotonous and at times predictable beyond imagination(ironic as that may sound). For readers new to the series, it will be much more entertaining and certainly will offer more than Pillars in terms of characters and complex storylines. Dont bother to pick this up if you have read the prequel.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-12-17 05:16:41 for The Stand.
(Language: English)
Many people call this Stephen King's greatest work. I tend to disagree, since I find the Dark Tower series to be a better read. Regardless of this, The Stand is one of the better books from the man who's storytelling abilities have been compared to those of Charles Dickens. The characters of Larry, Fran and Stu are well developed. A special mention has to be made of Glen Bateman, who's insights into democracy and the world are top notch. The only problem I found was the ending and the quickness with which the character of Randall Flagg is destroyed. Too many writers seem to be suffering from this syndrome, creating brilliant storylines and antagonists only to kill them off with utter contempt. A better ending would have made this a stellar work.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-12-17 04:59:27 for The Day of the Jackal.
(Language: English)
This was my first Forsyth book, and I got it with some apprehension coz people say Forsyth puts too much detail into his work and starts to bore you after a while. Well I did not find any evidence of that statement in this book. The plot is so real, so well crafted and so rich in detail, it blurs the line b/w fiction and fact. The Jackal is the perfect assassin, with an almost artistic skill to his job. The only gripe I have with the book is it never reveals the identity of the Jackal, and leaves you wondering and questioning with a rather unsatisfied feeling. Read this at your own risk, for you will end up with a sleepless night.
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