Customer Reviews

Disappeared (Alias)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Alias prequel series started out okay with mostly character development in RECRUITED, and picked up speed but didn't change much with the action-packed A SECRET LIFE. Now, as Lynn Mason's second entry into the series, she combines the best of both of those books in DISAPPEARED.
It seems as if the main character, Sydney Bristow, has really grown up and is learning how to do things on her own and handle a full mission. The plot clipped along at a rapid pace but didn't leave anything to be desired, and the ending had a twist that was something I'd expect from the show's brilliant writers. Overall much better than its slightly-better-than-average-predecessors that I just read as a fan of the show. This one leaves you wanting more.

I love Alias the show and the books. Yes it is true that this one is a little different from the show and other books but I think that is a good thing. This one has a bit of a mystery inserted into it, that kind of reminded me of those oldfashioned mysteries. I think it was trying to be like clue or Murder on the Orient Express on purpose. I don't want the books to be exactly like the show. The same old missions would get boring. Also this one was more of a grownups book while the other ones were very teenager. If they want grown ups to read these books they will do more like this, or even more grown up like a longer Robert Ludlum story. This one still had the young college parts. But it did have funny parts with Francie and a good one with her dad (in memory). I think the Alias books should keep surprising us just like the show does.

For those new to Alias or even want an extra glimpse (pre-Alias) of Sydney Bristow, this prequel is worth reading. It sets up Sydney as we know her, but still new to the job as a spy. The descriptions of the Scottish castle is creepy enough. Something of a traditional mystery and spy novel. Sydney does get a chance to kick some major butt, too.

Sydney is still flying high from her success in Paris when she gets her next assignment. She's been asked to go undercover as Adriana Nichita to a meeting where she and several other traders on the black market will discuss what to do in Suratia, a small European country where they used to have freedom to conduct their illegal activities. Sydney's excitement is dampened by the fact that Noah Hicks, despite a glowing mission report, suggests she's not ready to go solo. Determined, she sets out, only to be even more isolated when a storm cuts off the island they're on from the SD-6 team on the mainland. Will Syd be able to maintain her disguise until she can leave? And what kind of danger is she really in?

I loved this book! True, it starts out slower then the others as we follow Syd around in LA before actually leaving for the mission. But one thing I like about the show is that the story is about so much more then her missions, and this book captures that aspect very well. Once she does leave, things really heat up. I stayed up way too late finishing the story. And, once again, there are little tidbits that reward loyal fans with trivia without confusing anyone who might not be familiar with every episode.

These books are a fun glimpse into the world of Sydney Bristow before the show started. I'm enjoying them immensely.

Alias is a top-notch show. I was worried these books wouldn't live up to ther show. They really do. Any details coveres on the show are thoroughly maintained in the book. Plus, you get to hear Sydney's inner voice and what she's thinking. Very cool.

I highly recommend the entire series.

Being a die-hard fan of the show, I have read the other books in the Alias series, but had a bit of trouble finding this one. It was an amusing, fast read, but I thought it was lacking in plot. All Sydney does is hang around in a castle while her co-inhabitants are picked off one by one. The real action does not happen until the very end of the book. I thought the scene showing how she gets to know the hunky Burke was the high point of the book.

This is the darkest book by far. Sydney finally goes on a mission where people die. Big Time. I kept thinking I had it figured out, but I didn't. Which I like!!!! I won't give it away but it is COOL!!! It could even have a sequel. I laughed out loud at the party scene too because I've been to some like that with friends. I like how we see Sydney as an awkward college girl and then a kicking ... superagent. I can see it in my head just like a TV show. It's that good! Just one question. When is Will going to show up?!!

If you're a fan of the series read this book - you'll probably like it. It's one of 4 prequals to season 1. Sydney in this series is not yet confident in her skills as an agent, nor is she particularly adept at handling every situation yet. It was nice to read her this way, because if you've seen the series, she eventually becomes basically, unflappable in the face of danger.

I give it only 3 stars because I wanted more vivid description of the events, and the plot was fairly simple. Also, the language and the drinking seemed out of place in the beginning of this book. Particularly the language, it was heavy in the beginning, then tapered off. That seems weird as Sydney was involved in more intense situations later in the story.

That being said, if you're a fan of the series, don't hesitate to pick it up. It's a short, entertaining read.

My favorite TV show is Alias, and I also really like like the books. I'll keep this short. These books are nice because they are fun to read, action packed, suspenseful and they fill in the beginning of Sydney's story. The only thing that I miss from the show are all of my favorite characters. None of the following appear in these books: Vaughn, Will, Marshall, Jack or Weiss. Its pretty much just Francie (and tiny cameos from Sloane and Dixon). But I guess these characters will come into play later on. Enjoy!

In my last review I stated that the Alias books had just been juvenile for people who watch Alias. Well this book is not necessarily longer or harder to read but it does feel more like Sydney is an adult and not some bubble popping valley-girl. I would say that the authors are moving more towards the series that the fans want to read.

The book starts with Sydney being offered her first solo mission. Noah however speaks up and says that she is not ready for this mission and just to prove him wrong she accepts the mission. Her mission is to go undercover to a meeting between all the villains of the world. The ending is very surprising, but one suggestion I have for the authors would be to leave the readers with a cliff hanger.

One interesting thing that the authors are doing is putting in other peoples thoughts at the end of some chapters. For instance we learn that Noah has the same feelings for Sydney that she has for him. This is a wonderful strategy because it helps move along the series plot.

I am going to be honest with you. I can not wait for the next book to come out. In this book the authors have made progress with making the series more adult but there is still more progress to make. I am giving this book a four out of five. But if the series continues to grow up then the books should be on their way to all fives.

----------------Colby Anderson