Customer Reviews

Search: A Novel of Forbidden History

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

 

 

One of the ways, perhaps the most important way, I select Kindle books is on the basis of the reviews I read. That has worked very well for me in the past. But not this time. The reality about "Search" I didn't pay sufficient attention to was that it had only 3 reviews when I bought it. Mistake. I'm writing this review, my first, to let others know not everyone is thrilled with "Search".

"Search" is not a horrible book. It is generally well written and a good read, except when the authors attempt to add science lectures to the story. When they stick to the plot, "Search" is interesting and moves along at a good pace. So, what's my beef? I've been reading Science Fiction and Fantasy for more than fifty years, if "Search" belongs to the genre at all, it's only at the fringe. If I had read the various editorial reviews carefully, I might have guessed that. "Techno-thriller"? Yes. Science Fiction? Hardly. If you're looking for an SF, you may well be disappointed. If you expect an archaeologically themed techno-thriller, that's a different story.

To my way of thinking, as an SF fan, the end of "Search" was disappointing. While it did resolve the thriller aspect of the story, it left the more interesting issues raised by the book hanging. Frankly, I expect a compelling story line, but I also expect some interesting science fiction/speculation to be fleshed out. Which leads me to my last point. It is common practice, these days, for stories to span multiple books. It would be nice to be warned when that is the plan. "Search" reads like a book that is setting up a trilogy.

"Search" has a little something for everyone in it. A dash of Indiana Jones, a flavor of Graham Hancock, even a hint of Art Bell; they all can be found swirling around these pages. It's at times a fast paced thriller, a well thought out archeological mystery, and a compelling speculative history of mankind. It was refreshing to read a book that didn't involve the Templars or Illuminati for a change.

This is a novel that can be enjoyed on many different levels. It works very well as a straight-up adventure book - a perfect companion to pass the day away on the beach. There are exotic locations, lost treasures, and danger enough for the most demanding reader. If, however, you want to read deeper, it also works as an exploration on the nature of learning, and the place of knowledge in society.

On balance, I thoroughly enjoyed "Search". It's a book that will both entertain you and make you think. Good for the both the casual reader or the speculative history aficionado, there is much to sink your teeth into in this story. If you like your mysteries ancient, your societies secret, and your action pulse pounding - this is the book for you.

I have been an all-out converted fan of the Reeves-Stevens' since I read (and LOVED) their Star Trek novel, 'Federation'. Yeah, I KNOW what you're thinking: but I thought this was a techno-thriller?? Well...it IS. This husband-wife writing phenomenon have written a pretty amazing variety of novels over the years. They may best be remembered for their absolutely incredible Trek books (ALL of which are a HUGE cut above even the best *regular* Trek stories available) however, that all changed when they released 'Icefire' back in '99. Even Stephen King said it was amazing...and yes, he was 100% correct. Talk about a techno-thriller on steroids! They have since followed that up with several other great novels in the same vein (Quicksilver & Freefall), but I believe 'Search' is treading on entirely new ground for this couple.

At the heart of the story we have one world-class 'What If' conspiracy--of course I'm not gonna ruin it for you, but TRUST me, the story rocks. Ever since Dan Brown released the Da Vinci Code, there has been (literally) an over-abundance of similarly themed historical/regligious-themed thrillers, the VAST majority of which were obviously written to capitalize on the immediate craze without ANY regard to plot...most were about as deep as a teaspoon (if that...). Not so with 'Search'...not at ALL. At once we have multiple storylines all progressing along quite rapidly--most of which seem completely unrelated to one another--but never fear, they ALL tie together before long in what has GOT to be one of the more creative plot-lines I have read in quite some time. While I wouldn't necessarily describe the *Mystery* as 'more profound' than The Da Vinci Code, it certainly IS more so than what we discovered at the end of 'The Lost Symbol' (whose ending was ultimately a let-down if you ask me).

While NO living author (or dead for that matter) can write with the kinetic energy on the printed page like Matthew Reilly, there ARE a few authors who come pretty close. As far as realism is concerned, most blow Reilly out of the water, seeing as pretty much ALL of his books are wildly inventive, but all but impossible to swallow. 'Search', while more believable, certainly DOES require some hefty suspension of disbelief in order to get through--but then again, what techno-thriller doesn't more or less? I really would like to be more in-depth regarding the fabulously creative storyline, but one of my #1 pet peeves here at amazon are reviewers who take the time to spoil so much for unsuspecting readers who want nothing more than to just see if you liked what they were thinking of purchasing. I refuse to give away such detail...however, I WILL say this: if you are looking for a techno-thrilling, ass-kickin' adventure, look NO FURTHER than 'Search'. TRUST Me, however you get a copy of this great novel, it will definitely be money well spent. I can hardly wait to read it again.

Like many other readers, I first discovered Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens via "Federation," the greatest Trek novel ever written -- and one of the best straight-up science fiction stories I'd ever read. Since then, I've read most of their other work and followed their career with interest. They've never let me down, and they even almost managed to resurrect the craptacular "Enterprise" series with a final season that blew me away. (It was the reference to Berengaria 7 that did it. From then on, I was hooked!)

So here comes "Search," a novel I stumbled upon while looking for something fun to take on a camping trip. I blew through it in three short days. No, it's not high art, but it's fun and thought-provoking, and that's really all I ask from my recreational reading. It's also intelligent about the science vs. religion debate, which I appreciated.

Anyway, "Search" was exactly what I expected it to be: An intelligent techno-thriller that had a teeny bit of science fiction thrown in for good measure. I can't wait to find out what happens next to David and Jess and Lyle and Roz. If you're looking for something diverting to fill vacation down time, you can't go wrong with "Search."

Courtesy of [...]: "SEARCH is a powerful blend of stunningly thorough research blended convincingly with detailed speculative fiction lovingly draped on a framework of taut pacing."

Never beholden to Daniel Brown's half-baked, though admittedly massively successful conspiracy novels, SEARCH aims higher. Brown managed to take widely known and commonly kicked-around conspiracies and transform them into unlikely international adventure tales. But, SEARCH takes the time to build up its own historical mythology while constructing a unique conspiracy to challenge the Reeves-Stevens's solid collection of smart, capable heroes.

This book is so well thought out. Lot's of twist and turns. If you like a touch of Science fistion or a lot this is the book you want to buy. James Rollins,Luis L. Golmon move over here comes a new series. I so loved this book.

I started reading this book to see if it was (anything like) or(as good as) my favorite Douglas Preston-Lincoln Child's thrillers.
So far I like it enough to come to Amazon and read all the reviews. I hope that the negative reviews are wrong, but I have only read a quarter of the book so far. I was drawn in to the characters, the plot, the action, and really good writing. So far everything makes sense and moves along at a brisk pace. And so far the story fulfills that age-old test of a good yarn (as I read it I keep asking ... 'and then what happens?') Much better than the one BOURNE book I tried to read a few years ago. And so far, almost as good as Preston/Childs.

I was very surprised by this book. At first, I was a bit confused, even annoyed. The flasxhback sequences are a bit hard to follow. But, once you get in to the present day action, you are in for a wonderful ride. I don't like to give away too much in my reviews. Suffice it to say, i would call this "Anne Rice does Robert Ludlum." Buy it. Its worth it.

And they BETTER write a sequal.

This book took a lot of well-used elements- secret societies, ancient puzzles, the obsessed billionaire, the dedicated team of government agents and the loner with a quest and put them all together in a fast-paced and enjoyable whole.

The book suffers somewhat from weak characterization--some of the motivations and back-stories are not very convincing--but the flawless pacing and intriguing puzzle don't give you a lot of time to think about it.

I'd give it a solid B. Just the thing to make a long flight go by faster, or unwind after a day at work.

This book was exactly what I hoped it would be. It's a nice beach or vacation book, well written, decent characters and fleshed out story. If your looking for great literature that makes you think, this is not it but if you just want to kick back and have a good read this book is for you.