2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent concept - marginal writing, November 19, 2008
This review is from: The Lure (Mass Market Paperback)
I was intrigued by the concept, and I have to say that the technology and the ethical dilemmas were all presented in proper detail, but the writing mechanics were marginal throughout. Several chapters had a completely new style that was disconnected from the rest of the book. Plus, he has an annoying habit of forgetting to introduce characters, and then referencing them by name. And his description of the romance only reinforces the stereotype that nerdy scientists know nothing about the opposite sex.
I'll give credit that the escape sequence in the cave was well written, as were most of the descriptions of buildings and scenery.
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
An original and entertaining read, October 23, 2005
THE LURE kicks off in the Tatra's, in an underground laboratory which detects signals that could only have come from an extra-terrestrial intelligence. How do we authenticate it? Do we respond to it? And most importantly, what consequences could this have for us? Indeed, several governments suddenly take a big interest in the matter, and they have somewhat different view about how to deal with this situation. The result: scientists on the run! Getting chased by none other than the CIA hit squads and other unsavory characters!
This novel takes us to some fascinating locations in Eastern Europe, and I enjoyed the trip. However, this book requires considerable suspension of reality, so fair enough: it is a novel after all. In fact, I found the idea very original, which was a refreshing change from most of the re-hashes I have read lately. Furthermore, the author is clearly a scientist. Indeed, he is a Professor of Astronomy! It is absolutely evident from his writing, and you do not encounter a string of scientific "blunders" as you do for example with Matthew Reilly's novels. Which is a good thing. However, on the down side, while his idea is excellent, the story leaves a bit to be desired. There are too many boring stereotypes. Somewhat forward Norwegian (read Scandinavian) women with long blond hair; Russians who never stop smoking and who could drink endless amounts of hard liquor. They tend to make the plot seem a little shallow and unoriginal. The key political figures, for example, the US president, seem to be simple and somewhat dim; although given the current incumbent, this is probably right on the mark. There is also perhaps an overdose of physics and astronomy, but these are well-worked into the story. While I still recommend THE LURE without hesitation, I certainly preferred NEMESIS, REVELATION and SPLINTERED ICON, and would direct prospective readers to those novels first.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible Novel, July 4, 2010
This review is from: The Lure (Mass Market Paperback)
A truly incredible, pulse pounding thriller that come close to the level of great literature. Napier develops characters of depth and humanity and puts them in realistic situations that put all that they are to the test. What distinguishes his writing here is the philosophical and ethical questions that permeate the book yet never slow down the breathlessness and blazing excitement of the plot. The author really does elevate the genre thriller to a new literary level and the respect of his fellow authors are clear from the endorsements on the jacket. In many ways, this is Napier's masterpiece and certainly a not to be missed treasure for demanding readers.
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