Customer Reviews

A Calculated Risk

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

It seems astounding that Neville says she wrote this book in the 1980s, it was updated and published in the early 1990s, yet everything described in it is happening again all over the world today. I loved A Calculated Risk so much that I've read it three times (probably for fantasy escapism, since I work in international currency exchange) and I sincerely hope there will be a sequel. My favorite Neville novel!

This is a good introduction for anyone who doesn't know too much about the world of high finance. Neville explains her plot in clear, unambiguous prose.

Would, however, that she could flesh out her characters the way she does her banking terminology. They are all cardboard cutouts, to one degree or another - some of them have a little more personality than others, but it seems that Neville has been working in those cold heartless banks just a little too long.

The three-star rating is for her explanations of financial terms and transactions; her previous book ("The Eight") was far better.

The first book I read by the author was The Eight, which I thought was terrific. The biggest problem I had with this one is how dated it's gotten...some of the background needed for the plot to work just hasn't held up over time. If you can suspend your judgment on that it's not a bad read. But if you've read The Eight, you're likely to be disappointed.

This is a wonderful book which will probably appeal more to women than to men.

I especially enjoyed this book as my background is in banking, as is the main character's. I am an American woman, who started as a stockbroker back in the 1970's, when there were few women in the brokerage and banking areas. This book reminds me of what women went through in that time, especially with the "old boys' club" and "glass ceiling" types of problems. Yet this character is able to overcome all of that and pull off an incredibly thrilling finanacial caper. In the background, a romance develops with an absolutely dazzling, incredible man. So many incredible things happen in this book that it absolutely has to be termed a fantasy in addition addition to being a romantic financial thriller.

A thoroughly enjoyable "escape" book for every woman who has ever worked in business (or who has ever been frustrated by men's behavior in business). This is the first book I have read by this author, and I hope to read more!

After reading The Eight, I was excited about reading another novel by the author. Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed. The characters could be in a romance novel, the story line was predictable and the plot did not keep me in suspense at all. When I read a good book, I am always sad when I reach the end of the story- I was happy to get to the end of this one!

First off, it's not as good as The Eight (which is still one of my most favorite books!). But, it was pretty good, a good novel to read now and then. It's not that exciting and I was pretty disappointed by the ending, which wasn't as exciting as I'd thought. But, there are many exciting parts about the the intriguing world of banking which was very interesting! The ONLY reasons WHY this is not as good as the The Eight was 1) lack of complex plot, 2) lack of in-depth characters. Other than that, this is a okay compared to other novels! I mean, Katherine Neville really knows alot about banking, which provides this novel with plenty of accurate info on the subject.

I loved this and all other Neville books. I love the mixture of adventure, escapism, romance , and history that blend together to create this book. I always become so entranced with her characters...and this book is no different. Verity and Tor are lovable, yet very human people. I would highly recommend this book if anyone is looking for something to get really caught up in. It becomes addicting, so watch out.

When I find a book that makes me want to put the world on pause so I can read just one more page - that's when I know I've found a winner. 'A Calculated Risk' is just such a book.

I did find the ending to be a bit convenient although upon a second read, I can see where the clues were scattered about. I loved the character of Zoltan Tor - what a name! - he's one of those characters you wish you could be or meet in real life.

A fun book.

This is the most entertaining and upbeat book I have read in a long, long time. I find a lot of fiction inane and boring, boring, boring. But A Calculated Risk was the kind of page-turner that keeps this guy up late at night! Tons of fascinating detail about the world of high finance.

I am surprised that this is Neville's one book that seems to have few reviews. Yet it was lauded by the NY Times as Wave after Wave of Excitement! I found it perhaps her most engaging book and I've read them all. Not to mention that the love scenes are truly steamy.