Customer Reviews

Jumper: Griffin's Story

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

 

 

Three and a half stars for this one.

The way I understand it, Steven Gould's 1992 debut novel JUMPER was opted for the cinema, but, predictably, along the way, it got tweaked and tweaked some more. JUMPER: GRIFFIN'S STORY then is Stephen Gould's attempt to reconcile some of the changes that were effected: call it a book adaptation of the film adaptation of the original novel. Note: the film's main protagonist will still be the original JUMPER's Davy Rice (played by Hayden Christensen). Griffin O'Conner is, however, a key character. This book tells his story.

Plot SPOILERS now.

Griffin was 5 years old when his innate teleporting talent began manifesting. Since then, his parents had become cautious to the point of paranoia. They established a set of rules for Griffin to follow: 1) Never jump where he can be seen. 2) Never jump near home. 3) Never jump to or from the same place twice. 4) Never, never, ever jump unless necessary or Dad or Mum tells him to. And they were right to be concerned. At 9 years old, Griffin makes an inadvertent "jump" in karate school which results in the shocking murders of his parents at the hands of a shadowy and well-resourced organization. The rest of the novel follows Griffin down the years as he tries desperately to survive on his own. Criminy, it's not easy being underaged and still maintain your homeschooling, brush up on your Spanish and French, develop a crush on a beautiful but much older girl, and repeatedly thwart your relentless would-be assassins.

As comparisons with the original source would leave JUMPER: GRIFFIN'S STORY much the worse for it, I'll leave it at this: yes, the first JUMPER is better. On its own merits, GRIFFIN'S STORY has certain things going for it: namely, a very young but precocious and intrepid protagonist, some fairly gripping action sequences, a fast pace, and, of course, the wondrous sci-fi aspects of "jumping." Someone somewhere compared Gould's novels to Robert Heinlein's young adult books (THE ROLLING STONES, RED PLANET, STARMAN JONES, etc), and there's some truth in that. A charming innocence and sense of wonder permeate Gould's novels, especially JUMPER and WILDSIDE. Though not as evocative in these pages, these elements are still present.

Gould once again weaves in themes of friendship and family, isolation and self-reliance, and, most stridently, the abuse of power and authority. As Griffin tries to make it on his own, he meets up with several folks who end up being his fast friends and allies. These relationships do allow him to achieve a semblance of normality for a while, but then, inevitably, something happens and the chase would be on again. Griffin's life from early childhood to teenhood is shot thru with one tragedy after another, with the occasional lull. And as Griffin's losses mount, one wonders how much more grief he can take before he starts looking for serious answers.

GRIFFIN'S STORY is quite stingy with several key explanations, but maybe it's because Griffin is only part of the story in the film and so certain things needn't be as yet divulged. Whatever the case, the book doesn't go at all into the how, what, and why of Griffin's ability. Mention is nonchalantly made of other jumpers and then is teasingly left at that.

We also don't get to sniff out too many details about Griffin's indefatigable and scary pursuers, in terms of who they are and why they're so hell bent on killling jumpers. We do find out that several of these agents have the ability to sense when a jumper teleports and that their preferred weaponry is a projectile gun which shoots out electrified cables. For what it's worth (and THIS IS A SPOILER), what the book doesn't reveal is that the villains, called Paladins, belong to a secret society that has existed for uncountable centuries and that their primary objective is to hunt down and kill jumpers simply because their "jumping" gift renders them too powerful to be allowed to exist.

By no means is JUMPER: GRIFFIN'S STORY a classic. Yep, it's a ripping good yarn on the surface, but it cries out for more depth and follow-through. I do get why Gould didn't go more into the how and what of Griffin's talent; it would've been mere repetition of what he wrote in JUMPER. But the end effect is a certain hollowness to this book and a chance that it'll leave you ultimately unsated, especially if you've read the wonderful Davy Rice series (JUMPER and REFLEX). In writing this book, Steven Gould is helping to pave the way for the upcoming film, and, as such, GRIFFIN'S STORY will serve to fill in some gaps. Mind you, I did enjoy reading it and am very curious about what happens to Griffin. And now I'm keenly anticipating the film adaptation. Speaking of which, JUMPER releases on February 15, 2008 and is projected to be the first in a hopefully thrilling and thoughtful trilogy (but Hayden Christensen, yikes!). For this one, I'm fervently crossing my fingers and toes and everything else I can think of...

I've just finished Gould's reworking of the Jumper series. At first, having read the, "Note about the Novel," I felt a little cheated. Had I just paid for a re-hash of one of my favourite novels? In short, the answer is, 'no'. Despite having a completely new setting, plot and characters, I loved Griffin's Story as much as the first Jumper novel.

I was expecting a story about Davy and Millie's child but, instead, was taken into a world that had no connection with the earlier books and had a slightly different take on the main premise, (teleportation). In the original novel I felt the whole aeroplane high-jacker angle was a little bit of a conceptual stretch, although it admirably served to explore Davy's abilities. Many fans will not be able to let go of the original Jumper universe. After a brief struggle, I did just that and fell deeply into the new story.

This novel doesn't require the "Jumper" to be quite so unique. It also manages to throw frightening challenges Griffin's way, without any improbable coincidences. In fact, Griffin is almost always in defensive mode because his opponents keep him that way. They achieve this due to their impressive resources, competence and experience. By contrast Davy always had plenty of time to regroup, consider his options and then take control. As a nine year old boy, Griffin is nowhere near that comfortable. This is a darker tale and yet the central character, Griffin, is just as warm and likeable as Davy ever was.

The story as a whole, as well as the wide open ending, seem to be setting up for a TV series to follow the film adaptation. The shadowy group which is pitted against Griffin, has barely been described. We still have plenty to learn about their abilities, structure and purpose. And what of the implied existence of other Jumpers? Why are they such a threat. Do any work for the enemy? I can't wait to find out.

I have read and re-read Jumper and Reflex numerous times and was looking forward to Griffin's Story so much that I ordered it in advance of publication, which is rare for me. I wish that I had waited and saved myself the disappointment that washed over me the entire time I read the book.

Most of the negatives have already been covered by the other reviews that preceded mine, so I won't reiterate them. I would add that where Jumper and Reflex were fast-paced, the action always seemed to flow smoothly. Griffin's Story seemed so choppy that at times I almost experienced motion sickness. Then I realized that the story was either written explicitly to be made a movie or was derived from a screenplay, and suddenly the choppy feel made sense. If I wanted to watch an "action" movie, I would, but I instead chose to read a novel that I presumed would inherit at least some of the characteristics of the two prior novels the author had written set in the same universe.

All the criticisms of the other reviewers I agree with - shallow protagonist, silly and poorly developed/explained "bad guys", immature and inappropriate romantic interests for protagonist that never reach the level of development and belief of David and Millie (in Jumper and Reflex), and lack of a suitable conclusion at the end of the book.

I do hope that Gould will eventually continue the story of David Rice and Millie Harrison in another book, but not if it is planned/written as poorly as Griffin's Story.

Okay, this is the book based on the movie based on a book by the same author. Confused yet?

I loved Gould's original book Jumper, and was pleased to hear they were making a movie. It's not in the least surprising that there were changes-the original book has a lot of character introspection that would be difficult to convey visually. I can only suppose that the changes became so extensive that they chose to rename the character and tell a completely different story- a decision I applaud, since 'inspired by the book' is a good warning that what you see on the screen won't be what was originally written.

So what about the new book? In this version, young Griffin O'Connor has been a 'jumper' since he was five. His parents teach him to keep it a secret, but when he gives away his secret, men come in the night to kill him and his parents. This sets up a more-or-less standard thriller plot, with the added interest of Griffin's fantastic abilities.

I think that in the realms of movie tie-in novels it will be a winner- Gould's lucid writing style, and strong characterization make this a fast and enjoyable read. However, the simplifications that were made to bring this to the screen do weaken the story considerably compared to the original. In particular, the incomplete resolution of the ending (leaving room for a sequel, I assume), is much less satisfying.

This was an enjoyable couple of hours' read on a hot summer afternoon, and I'm still looking forward to the film, but for a darker, more complex and compelling tale, go back to the original Jumper and it's excellent sequel, Reflex (Jumper).

I'm guessing the order of events probably has Gould getting Jumper optioned by some studio or director, followed by an 'adaptation' that had "young boy" and "teleportation" in common with the novel. The rest of what we've seen added in - the visual effects of jumping, the 'paladins', the big evil conspiracy - changed the story from Jumper to something else.

Gould, in what must have been a difficult decision, agreed to the changes that destroyed his work, a la Postman, but managed a concession - it would be based on a new novel that he would write, one that would change his story setting to match the movie.

And so, we have this wretched thing.

I don't know if that is what happened, but given the input and the output, its not hard to figure out who had to make concessions to whom, and who would be demanding story changes of such magnitude.

I can't criticize Gould for agreeing to this - everyone needs to pay the rent, but as a long time fan of science fiction, and of --good-- cinematic storytelling, I have to say I'm getting tired of studio execs trying to drive the creative process, since their only driving talents seem to revolve around driving things into the ground.

My advice - read this story, as any further Jumper novels will be based on this world not the original canon, and since its obviously and dreadfully set up for a sequel. Gould, even though he is clearly confined to adapting an absolutely excremental screenplay, is still an amazing writer, who I still enjoy reading. Let us hope he is more careful in allowing options of his other works. I have nightmares centered around an adaptation of Wildside that has the tunnel leading to a world of elves and orcs, with a conspiracy of elite masonic assassins trying to close the tunnel before the magical creatures enter our world.

Or something like that. --{retch}--

Please note the above idea is copyrighted and not available for option. Anyone trying to make such an adaptation of Wildside will be sued. Or something like that.

This is the third book in a set of three so far--all for adult readers. The original book, Jumper, is an incredibly good read. In fact, I've been tempted to recommend it to teens, but never do because of a single graphic and appalling scene very early in the book. (I'm a public school teacher; no NC-17 allowed!) Otherwise, Jumper is brilliant. It reminded me of Ender's Game in that it was such a ride, such a complete, slam-bang STORY. I was therefore pleased to come across Jumper: Griffin's Story, and hoped to like it just as much. I didn't for a couple of reasons.

First, as Steven Gould explains in an introductory note, he has added some plot elements which came from the movie now being made based on Jumper and Reflex. The most important of these elements would have to be the faceless group of people trying to kill off every jumper they can get their hands on. This adds a sort of Da Vinci Code aspect to the plot which I didn't like nearly as well as the kinds of things Gould did in Jumper. Jumper didn't need a mysterious guild of assassins to succeed. It was the very ordinariness of everything surrounding Davey's teleportation ability that made for such intriguing plot developments.

Second, Griffin is less likable than Davey. I appreciate his survival skills and the fact that he has to become tougher in order to evade his pursuers; I like the dilemma that gradually takes over his life as he realizes that anyone who gets close to him WILL get badly hurt or die. But in many ways, Griffin is simply playing out a teenage boy's fantasy life. Think about it: in addition to the power he has to get away and even track and trick the people who try to kill him, Griffin goes where he wants, takes what he wants, does what he wants, learns what he wants, and likes who he wants. This means he speaks French (home-schooling himself), pursues older women, steals everything from cash to technology, quickly learns karate, hangs out on exotic beaches, is cooler than everyone he meets, and yet finds that most of the people he comes across try to meet his needs in some way. (Note that in the first book, Davey also fell for an older woman.)

If it weren't for the deadly pursuit and the jumping, Griffin would simply be a spoiled, unethical rich kid running wild all over the planet. As it is, he's almost as self-centered as James Bond. I will say that at least the author has Griffin grow up pretty quickly, which is helpful because the 9-year-old seems like a 15-year-old anyway.

Of course, teenage boys reading the book would probably get a vicarious kick out of all of this. But somehow, even though Davey in Jumper made similar choices, Davey always seemed like a real and somewhat conflicted person. I was a little less sure about Griffin's humanity, despite the obvious sympathy engendered by his orphan and fugitive status.

The ending's rather dark, by the way, and clearly intended to set us up for another book.

Jumper: Griffin's Story is an action-packed read and might be worth your time; it just doesn't meet the standard set by Jumper. Putting Jumper aside for a moment, I did like Griffin's approach to creating a lair, one of many inventive plot developments. The people Griffin meets and cares for also add a lot to the story. And the unrelenting pursuit creates a suspenseful tone that carries the reader along. So the book does have its strengths.

P.S. I finally read Reflex, which is better than Griffin's Story but still not as good as Jumper. Again, the level of violence and sex in Reflex--including torturous brainwashing scenes--makes it a thoroughly adult read. I suspect that with a movie coming out, kids are going to want to read these books, but some parents might want to think twice about that, especially for younger teens. Griffin's Story is really the only one of the three that could reasonably be defined as a Young Adult book.

One of the first Steve Gould books I read was Jumper. It was a fantastic story of a young boy who could 'Jump' and used his ability to get into and out of trouble.

This book is extremely similar. it is more visual and as the author says, it fits into a movie plot much better than the original did. The plot is almost identical, except the young kid and his enemies get a lot darker.

Honestly I like the original world better. It had a much "brighter" tone than this book. I especially enjoyed the sequel Reflex (Jumper) and the plot line in it.

However, even with an extremely similar plot and revelations (like he has to steal, and similar negatives for teleporting) Griffin's story is still a great read. Once I got past the first chapter, I could not put the book down. I intend to read it several more times to fully understand and appreciate it, and look forward to the movie tie-in.

I hope Steven Gould got a lot of money from hollywood for the rights to Jumper, because this mess is half the book the original is. The plot is full of tremendous holes that I can only figure they hope to explain in the sequel. It's still very readalbe, but just does not hold together.

Save your money and buy a paperback copy of the original Jumper (and Reflex) but skip this, or get it at a library.

Very disapointing.

I was introduced to the Jumper series by the movie. I then went on to read Reflex which left me wondering what happened to the Paladin. Then it occurred to me that the Paladin were introduced by the movie and not in the first book (which I haven't read yet). Coming from this angle, I was greatly pleased with Griffin's Story. It provided a great background to one of the most dynamic characters of the movie. Before I purchased it for my Kindle, there were a few reviews that shot it down due to not sticking with the original Jumper book. Since I didn't read Jumper, it didn't present a problem for me and I completely enjoyed it. Though in my thirst for more from Steven, I may go back and read it.

I also appreciate that the movie introduced me to Steven Gould as an author. He's a very easy read, and a wonderful escape into his highly detailed worlds. I just bought Wildside and I'm looking forward to seeing how he does with a non-Jumper world.

Having read the first two Jumper books by Steven Gould, I was interested in seeing if this book would fit into the continuity of the books or the movie adaptation (which departed from the books significantly). Apparently, it's the latter, much to the detriment of the book. It's quite unfortunate actually, that this book and the movie seem to overwrite the events of the first two books with a completely different story.

Personally, I preferred the world of the first two books, where jumpers were extremely rare, jumping didn't damage the environment around the jumper and bring debris from one location to the next, and most importantly, jumping could not be sensed by "sensitives." On this last point, the book focused a lot of time talking about how jumps could be sensed by Paladins, whereas the movie seemed to completely ignore this ability. Why waste so much time on an issue the movie doesn't even use? The Paladins aren't a bad idea, but they were ineffectual in the book (actually, you find out nothing about who they are and why they do what they do until the movie). The villains of Reflex (Jumper 2) were much more cool and fun.

The main thing missing from Griffin's Story is the sense of wonder, introspection and investigation into the nature of jumping that David Rice had in the first two books. Like David, Griffin uses his powers to help himself, but unlike David, he doesn't eventually decide to use his powers to help people (except the ones he has led into trouble himself).

In any case, my recommendation is to skip Griffin's Story and the movie and just read the first two books.

[Disclosure: This review also appears on [...], a site for review and discussion of creative works.]