Customer Reviews

Double or Nothing (Quantum Leap 09)

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

 

 

I know this one has been out of print for a while, and it is customary to review newer things or at least things that can be located without a search, but I couldn't stand to see such a fine book supported only by a one star review. This is the only novel where Sam Leaps into two people at once, identical twins. His psyche is split in half, and we get two different versions of Sam: the side that is dedicated to solving the Leap and continuing on to help more people, and the darker more selfish side that is tired of jumping around and wants to settle down and satisfy his own desires. Their two lives unfold and they finally confront each other at the end. I had to leave off the fifth star because this one doesn't reach the emotional depth of several others in the series, the ending is good but not very touching (unlike Angels Unaware, which is perhaps the best in the series).

Pay no heed to the one star review, this book is a great Leap. It isn't one of the best, I'll give you that, but it did split Sam Becket's psyche in two. In this novel and this one alone, we get two different versions of Sam at once: the one who wants to focus only on the Leap and how to solve it, and the one who is tired of Leaping and wants to settle down. What results is a sometimes comical, sometimes dramatic, altogether unique approach to the Leap themes. The two Sams move along different paths that will eventually cross in an explosive and touching finale. The only thing keeping it from a five star is the fact that it didn't reach as deep down as some of the other Leap novels and many of the episodes. Fans of the show know what I'm talking about, that little bit of seasoning that leaves you misty eyed. I can't quite describe it, but if you've ever read "Angels Unaware" you'll know. Overall, this one is worth reading.

The title says it all. The publisher gambled double or nothing and lost. Hernderson's portrayal of the time tripping Sam Beckett was very sub-par. The story was bland with very little relation to the television series what so ever. I give it two thumbs down, only because I am limited to only two thumbs. If you want a good QUANTUM LEAP book, try "Odyssey" or "Pulitzer"