5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A solid thriller, a stellar debut, January 15, 2007
This review is from: The Flock (Five Star Science Fiction & Fantasy) (Hardcover)
Like all good thrillers James Robert Smith's The Flock begins with a murder--in this case, several murders by several killers.
The killers are the titular Flock, a community of prehistoric birds which have survived into modern times for the same reason many animals, including man, have prevailed throughout the ages: by being smarter than the creatures which would hunt them. Author James Robert Smith creates a plausible scenario in which a species of large, flightless carnivores have survived the deadliest predator of all (that's us) by limiting its range to a broad, unpopulated area and covering its tracks so as to avoid detection. One member of the Flock specializes in this track-covering, and its interaction with the other members of its group, as well as that of a rogue bird called the Scarlet, comprises one of the many conflicts which must be resolved before the book's end.
The central conflict concerns man's eventual encroachment upon the Flock's habitat in the form of a town owned and operated by a large entertainment conglomerate which is not above murder when it comes to protecting its interests. Also involved are a wealthy environmentalist who suspects the existence of the Flock, a right-wing survivalist group and a park ranger who is caught between their competing interests--and the Flock. Even the Flock has its own internal problem with the reckless Scarlet, a creature which begins to demonstrate a dangerous disregard for the cautionary ways of his peers and intends to start its own Flock by drawing off females attracted to its alpha-male aggressiveness. Smith deftly juggles these multiple points of view, bringing the action to a steady boil which culminates in not one, but two deadly chases.
Few established authors could create and maintain what amounts to almost unbearable suspense. Fewer still could juggle as many themes--many of them familiar to readers of genre fiction--without seeming hackneyed. Far, far fewer still could resolve the narrative in such a manner that is not altogether pat: not all of the bad actors get their comeuppance. However, there is one sharp, darkly hilarious twist which may aid in the continued survival of the Flock. (One has to keep in mind that many birds are notorious mimics.)
Other reviewers have tossed off comparisons to Michael Crichton due to the presence of the prehistoric creatures, but these creatures are not cloned, nor does the plot depend upon piles of narrative-deadening "research" shaped to fit a particular agenda. I was more reminded of Carl Hiaasen, given the Florida setting and the deep appreciation Smith shows for it, as well as the clean prose, realistic characters (even among the animals), and the clever touch put on an overall satisfying ending. As with the best writers, James Robert Smith transcends the various genres he works with in The Flock to create a fast-paced, entertaining story that doesn't feel at all like a guilty pleasure. I look forward to more from this author.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Exciting First Novel -- With Big Critters, September 23, 2006
This review is from: The Flock (Five Star Science Fiction & Fantasy) (Hardcover)
James Robert (Bob) Smith's novel, The Flock, is a worthy first effort, beautifully produced in hardback by Gale/Five Star Books. The flock of the title is a group of prehistoric birds, known as Phorusrachids, which have survived in one of Florida's last remaining wilderness areas. They are impressive, predatory creatures whose survival is largely due to their near-human intelligence; however, their existence is now threatened by both developers and by an eccentric militiaman who owns a portion of the wilderness. A group of environmentalists, who wish to see the land preserved, pit themselves against the exploiters, and in the process discover the existence of the creatures. A complex game of intrigue ensues as the various parties square off, each with its own single-minded agenda.
Smith is a capable writer and has created a remarkably believable backstory for these dinosaur-like creatures. His human characters are mostly colorful -- sometimes a little too colorful -- but the drama never fails to be engaging. The birds themselves, though, are the stars of the story, and their unique characters enliven the book far more than if they were merely one-dimensional, predatory monsters.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best, August 24, 2006
This review is from: The Flock (Five Star Science Fiction & Fantasy) (Hardcover)
When I started this book I didn't quite know what to expect but after the first page I cound not put it down! It was wonderful from the first page to the last. Can hardly wait to read more of this James Robert Smith!
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