11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
A Far Cry from Ludlum's best, August 3, 2005
Taut with international intrigue and frenetic action, Robert Ludlum's novels are generally highly entertaining and rich with suspense. The standard of The Cry of the Halidon, however, is well below his usual.
Unlike most of his other books, The Cry of the Halidon is rarely suspenseful and does not build to a recognizable climax. The plot is typical Ludlum fare, with Alexander Tarquin Mcauliff selected by a company, -Dunstone Limited- to head a survey team deep into the Jamaican forests. Minutes after successfully attaining the survey assignment, he is approached by British Intelligence and informed that the motives of Dunstone are far from honest.
Naturally, he finds himself involved not only with British Intelligence, Dunstone and the rebel factions of Jamaica but also with a third faction, an organization known only as the "Halidon." While initially this may seem gripping and interesting, the text quickly becomes confused and rambling. With so many hostile organizations and no primary antagonist, it is frequently difficult to comprehend the plot, let alone the actions of the main character.
Although the novel does become more interesting at its conclusion, I found The Cry of the Halidon to be ultimately unsatisfying, with its more suspenseful elements overwhelmed by a confusing plot, a sprawling diction and a lackluster climax.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not what I expected, August 16, 2004
A weak story line and a confusing plot ensured that I was complete lost somewhere in the middle of Jamica in the first few chapters.Was disappointing to read this work of Ludlum, who otherwise has had an untarnished reputation so far.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
a big let down, February 14, 2004
being a ludlum fan,i took this book with great expectations.this book not onlylacks speed and action but also good characterisation.totally it is a big disappointment for ludlum fans.for new ludlum readers i would like to recommend the bourne identity
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