Customer Reviews

The Listeners

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

i've read almost all of Christopher Pike's other books so i consider myself a sound voice of criticsm regarding his books. i liked this one. it was engaging and easy to read throughout. i don't see what makes it an adult book besides occasional swearing and some very mild nudity - take those bits out and it could pass as one of his teen books. which is just fine, because it made it incredibly easy to read. i liked David Conner and enjoyed his characterization as well as that of his boss, Ned, and Dr. Spears, the guy heading the Listeners movement. Spears especially had some interesting stuff going on; pity he couldn't be explored more in depth.
the one thing i didn't like was Lucy Temple, David's love interest. could anyone be more annoying? she was such an... sometimes. and Margaret was a little much...for obvious reasons, after you read the book. but you know, that's just the way he writes.
generally speaking, there are some recurring Pike themes in this book - an ancient evil, a greater spiritual SOMETHING that's out there, the power of love blah blah blah. if you feel like you've been there, done that, then don't read this book. but if you like Pike's writing style (smooth and easy like hot chocolate, yum) then you'll enjoy this one.

Listeners has to be one of Pike's best. He developed the story line well and I really looked forward to the romance between David and Lucy. Often I feel like Pike's books are too short and the endings are not fulfilling, however the ending to Listeners is very satisfying. I am a major Christopher Pike fan, and at first I was afraid that his adult books would disappoint me, but it was just the opposite. Listeners and Season of Passage are two of my favorites! I love the story lines---there truly is no limit to Pike's imagination!!

In the book The Listeners, I was awed by the intensity of this book. The story about the twins and the intricate love story that Mr. Pike has written makes me wonder if there will ever be another sequel. The sheer horror of the story made me extremly scared and I loved every minute of this book. I highly recommed this book to anyone with an open mind.

Most of Pike's books can take you to a place that you have never been. He takes something so simple and turns it into a masterpiece. The Listeners is a mixture of anthropology, paraphychology, horror, and love. Most of Pike's books makes me reflect deeply on the aspects of my life, but this is the first book to actually scare me. I have not even finished reading it because I got to the scary part and it is quite late at night. A definite 5!

Talk about a Master! Christopher Pike's "The Listeners" makes all of the other books ever written seem like childrens books! I read this book in three days! The main character is David Conner. An FBI agent on the edge of hell! He has just lost the woman he loves, and will stop at nothing to make sure that justice is served. WITH A LOADED GUN! Expertly, Christopher Pike sends David Conner into your soul. Hearing and feeling his every thought as if if you were actually him! Pain sweeps into your body as you feel his sadness when the people he care's about die. True fear, when he becomes frightened, and absolute joy when he blows off someone's head! I don't care what books you like, or if you even hate to read, you must read this book, it's more entertaining that T.V.! Pike has done what no other human being can do. The ability to trap someone into a character's mind and actually feel the person's fears, hopes and dreams. You will love the revenge that David takes out on the people he wants dead. The most shy, and quiet people will actually reap with joy as David Conner stands above a killer a fires a bullet into his head while the killer is unarmed. A must for all! READ! Any disagreements, questions about this book or any other one of Pike's books, please E-MAIL ME!!!

I, like I imagine most people who have reviewed this book are, am a big fan of Christopher Pike. I grew up with them through my teens and am still re-reading now. So to put it bluntly I was prepared to like this novel. Unfortunately this is definitely one of Pike's worst, something which is all the more disappointing when we all know he's capable of real excellence.

The story revolves around David O'Connor, an FBI agent with a murky past who is sent to investigate a group of people who have, through deep mind regression discovered several of the government's secrets. Before long he finds himself to Lucy, one half of some twins in the group that are more dangerous than their appearances would have him think, whilst his boss sets about investigating the hidden secrets of group's founder Dr. Spear from his trip to Africa. Thus for a while we have Pike surfing through in easy mode, with a few jokes peppering a gentle story of attraction, explanation of the set-up and flashbacks to what haunts the characters. This is all well and good, but it's when he takes it to the next level and we learn of a super race of reptiles that ruled the Earth millions of years before Man appeared. This is something that Pike has explored before in books such as 'Scavenger Hunt', and it has rarely worked, and certainly doesn't here. The one scene where the scenario genuinely scares is in a visit to a woman who has drawn the creature into her and thrashes under her restraints in a mental asylum. It's such a pity that after that we're back to science-fiction mumbo-jumbo about how the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids and rapid turnarounds of character that sees hard-nosed David suddenly start believing that an evil reptile race can be invoked through identical twins.

To say this is an adult book is bizarre, as the only difference to his teen books (some of which are far more accomplised) is that there is a little swearing, but the violence is certainly no more offensive than in the 'Last Vampire' books. It's mostly that the idea is so ludicrous that many people will have trouble believing it, something which is a pity when Pike has such an obvious narrative flair. As such the book is easy to read and at times even quite gripping, but the fact that it neither convinces or really gels together pinpoints it as one of Pike's worst novels. If you're looking for his best try out the superb 'Road To Nowhere' or 'Die Softly', both of which are true originals.

Again and again he presents readers with fabulous tales- there seems to be no limit to his imagination. This story of an undercover FBI agent, David, will soften the hearts of any person who follows him as he investigates a new age channeling group who knows too much about the inner workings of the government. A fascinating tale, complete with twists, mystery, romance, and Pike favorite: astronomy. A must read for Pike fans!

This is a great book by my favorite author ever. Christopher Pike's books always hook me right away, and this one is no exception. The characterization is great, plot moves quickly, and the writing style is outstanding. Every time I read one of Christopher Pike's books, it always leaves me with a lot to think about and a hopeful outlook on the world. I highly recommend The Listeners.

I picked up this book a few years ago at a flear market because I saw that it was written by Christopher Pike. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was an adult novel! Very interesting premise and characters. I enjoyed it very much. If you liked his young adult novels, you will not be disappointed.

This is my favorite book of Christopher Pike's so far. I liked it a lot better than "The Cold One" and "Seasons of Passage". They were good too, but I thought this book was a lot better. I have read this book at least 10 times in the past ten years and plan to read it many more.