1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exceptional Novel, July 3, 2010
This review is from: Revelation (Mass Market Paperback)
Superbly written and intelligently plotted thriller that is so well done that it may rank with some of the best ever published. While the thrills certainly are there, it is the depth of characterization and stark realism achieved by the author that truly astounds. Napier is an undiscovered treasure and an author I will seek out in the future. If any of his other novels come close to this triumphal work, they will be worth any effort to find. Napier has breathed new life into the genre as well as elevating it to the level of fine literature.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Good story idea, weak characters, October 21, 2008
This review is from: Revelation (Mass Market Paperback)
A scientist named Findhorn inexplicably is contracted to go find "something" buried in a floating iceberg, finds it, bad people want it and he bumbles along thru various close-shaves to a luke-warm conclusion... along the way you get a historical perspective of what it was like to be a displaced east-european scientist shortly after WWII.
The historical sections were the most entertaining parts of the book, made me want to read more about that era. The modern characters needed much more filling out, very two dimensional, little background... they are just plopped in and you're expected to embrace them. Lastly the Findhorn character really needs to be renamed "Findballs" as he's an embarassment to men (particularly Scotsmen) everywhere.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Story Marred By Atrocious Writing, October 28, 2008
This review is from: Revelation (Mass Market Paperback)
I didn't go into this book blind. I'd read The Lure and knew Mr. Napier's writing style was atrocious. I also said I'd be glad to read another of his books. Despite the lack of writing discipline, he can still weave a good story, and this one was no exception.
I heard similar theories about igniting the atmosphere back in the 60's, and this falls right in line with that paranoid possibility. Our hero, Findhorn faces the dilemma of endless energy versus the risk of wiping out life on earth.
There was just enough details and logic to make the unbelievable believable as Findhorn plods around the world, trying to figure out the clues. It was a stretch to see how easily this mild mannered scientist just slipped through the grip of huge international killers, not to mention a group of religious fanatics. Mr. Napier also draws the supporting characters as untrustworthy, though that may or may not be how they end up. I never knew who was really on his side until the end. In particular is his sidekick, Romella. Half the time I thought she was a CIA plant, or working for the bad guys.
As for the writing, well, where do I start? He mixes points of view with abandon, uses plenty of was's, tells and doesn't show, and what really got me was near the end, he inexplicably changes to present tense! I'll never understand how such bad writing got through an editor, but then again, as a struggling writer, I may never understand the true nature of the publishing world.
Overall, the average reader will likely not even be aware of the faults I've pointed out in the writing style. Looking at it as a great story, and despite a few flaws in logic, Revelation is well worth the time to sit down and read it. I have no trouble recommending this to those looking for a good thriller.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
