Customer Reviews

Rift

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Enjoyed it!
I heard a local DJ talking about this book earlier in the week, so I went and bought it, and I enjoyed the read. The DJ talked about it being a science fiction book, but there is also a lot of action and thrill. Not sure why one of the reviews said the characters weren't developed enough, I would have to disagree. This is a real book, and had events that could really happen. Unlike the Da Vinci Code where it is all chase... all the time, this one is also a chase, but it also makes you think, feel and tests the choices you would make if it were you.
Good read.

That's a lot to say for someone with ADD. I would have read it in one sitting but I had to work sometime. Kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. Characters were well developed and you began to feel for Cameron. Lots of research were put in to make sure everything was accurate. A great read!!

I particularly like the way action and character intermingle in this book. I pretty much read it in one night, and didn't put it down. The genre of "near-possible" science fiction is fascinating, and this definitely works. I was impressed that the author went to lengths to research some of the physics behind his premise, and didn't just make it all up.

Looking forward to more work from Cox.

For an avid reader, this book was a pleasant surprise. The story is easy to follow but has enough mystery to keep the reader guessing and enough twists and turns to keep the reader from figuring out the end. The characters are realistic and gain the readers sympathy as the book reaches its end. All in all it's a fun read for a summer weekend, you won't be disappointed.

I am a Sheldon, Follet, Forsthye, reader who likes action and suspense. Rift had a good story, kept my interest to keep reading. It was a great book and I would recommend to other readers

I look for interesting characters, a solid plot and plenty of action when I read fiction, and this book delivered. It kept me happily entertained throughout a very long flight, so I definitely feel that I got my money's worth. Certainly a good effort for a first-time author.

This was a typical "trip" pick up - rush into a store, see what's new, use the cover as a selection tool, and then head to the airport ..... Great to see that is was definitely not a waste of time! This book kept me awake during a flight I normally reserve for snoozing - not an easy task. Cox has an open text style of writing allowing him to get good character development while still pushing an interesting plot ahead of the reader. For someone who likes to mix their fiction with a bit of education, I enjoyed the balance that Cox tries to make between sharing science while not "dumbing" it too much so as it insults a readers intelligence. I am curious to see what he will turn out next. Bottom line - worth checking out.

I was hooked as soon as a read the dust jacket. Believable characters, fast pace, kept me wanting more. I ran right out and purchased THE GOD PARTICLE. I could not wait for more RICHARD COX. I am hooked. We may be looking at the next huge best selling author.

Thanks for the great adventure. KEEP IT UP!!!
I am a loyal fan now!!

Tori

First of all, I must say that the last reviewer brought up some good points, but I don't fully agree with his critique. In my opinion, the only weakness this book suffers from is one support character's lack of depth. Batista could be any corporate slimeball, but it seems that some deeper connection is required for Cameron to hate him so much. The rage of a "working stiff" for his boss only runs so deep, even with the extraordinary circumstances they're in. Something is missing there that I can't put my finger on.

The other relationships in the novel are well played. The reader fully gets the feel of the widening gap between Cam and his wife, and the reason it came to be. His best friend Tom plays exactly the role he should: he's the seemingly unshakable friend who can do no wrong, but when suspicions of Cams' deteriorating health and safety are aroused, his emotions come through, and it leads to his demise. Ultimately, Tom serves as the device that keeps Cam going when he doesn't really know what he's going for. The relationship between Cameron and Crystal (as well as the group of "corporate revolutionaries" he encounters is solid and believable, though some may see the "nude dancer as messiah" device as contrived.

The last critique also questioned Cam's motivation for certain actions, but it seems to me that any breakdowns evident in his mental processes are intentional: he is literally falling apart from the inside out.

Now, let me get to the part where Cox seems to have truly found his niche: the action. All of the action sequences are very well-written and lend themselves to visuals quite easily. I read some of them several times simply because I so enjoyed their movement and pace. Any other critiques aside, nobody can tell me that this guy can't write for excitement.

The criticisms of not explaining the technology of teleportation fall flat with me. Typically, that's the Achillies' Heel of Sci-Fi, Tech thrillers, and the like. In the end, a couple of great plot twists throw the reader for a loop, and its conclusion just feels "right".

In all, I thought this book was wonderful, especially for a debut novel. It's one of the few books I've read that I wished was longer rather than shorter.

NeuroStar owner Rodrigo Batiste is planning to offer tele-transporation to the public after successful trials with dogs; though the braver witnesses note that the canines came out of the tests mentally confused. Needing a human guinea pig, Rodrigo selects boring company accountant Cameron Fisher, who was to be fired anyway. Over the concern of his religious fanatical spouse who worries that he could lose his soul, Cameron accepts the five million dollars in return to his transportation from Houston to Phoenix.

Less than an hour after Cameron entered the transmission booth in Houston, he arrives at the Phoenix office. Cameron and his best friend go to a strip joint where they meet dancer, Crystal, who knows more about the top secret project than Cameron does (don't ask Richard Cox don't tell). Cameron and Tom next go to a golf course, but two men follow and kill his pal. Cameron flees with the assassins in pursuit.

RIFT is an exciting fast-paced techno-thriller that keeps changing the theme of the tale starting with science fiction and ending in espionage with plenty of action along the way. Cameron is a terrific protagonist who does not quite know what the machine truly did to him, but will find out (along with surprised readers) before too long. The support cast is stereotyped whether they work for Neurostar, strip, or are killers yet between the reluctant hero and his exploits to live (loose definition) fans will enjoy this wild thriller.