Customer Reviews

Thrips

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

 

 

Atmosphere is all in this detail-rich novel, from the beautiful beaches and palm trees to the traditional luaus of Hawaii. From the beginning, Thrips hooks the reader and doesn't let you go until the very last sentence. Just when you think you know what will happen, L.R. Farley throws an unexpected curve in the story, as the reporter searches for the reason behind the vicious bugs. It becomes a race against time to find a way to stop the mutant thrips from destroying the island.

The characters are lively and interesting and the mystery is well-plotted. An interesting read, which will leave readers clamoring for more.

Which is probably a good thing since it would have to take a good book to even make me want to skim something about man-eating insects. It's got enough bio-thriller to satisfy me, as well as a high body count (so I like a little gore, sue me), but there's some nice local references, so that makes me happy... yes, I'm from Hawaii. And despite the near-B-movie scenario (even one of the characters refs that), it's nice to see that when the islands are in danger of being eaten alive by flesh-eating bugs, it's off to the UH lab, not the CDC! YEAH!

And there's romance stuff for those who are into that, but I had more fun with the "end of the world by insect menace" part. And Nixon, who rocks. Still, bugs, ew.

Yikes! Common garden pest turned scourge? R.L. Farley's thrill-a-minute read limns the horrifying possibilities of bio-terrorism. Mutant thrips might be the bio-bugs in question but Farley's plot is as tangled as any web some mad scientist might weave. Here's a fresh blend of science with mystery that belongs on my bookshelf next to my classic favorites of the genre': Jaws and Jurassic Park.

This book was a disappointing read. It lacked suspense or any originality, and it could only really be entertaining for a very juvenile reader. Most chapters are 1 to 3 pages long and if any suspense is built up, although the chapter titles usually tell you exactly what is coming next, it is immediately resolved. The title seems a poor choice, although that is exactly what attracted me to the book. I am a part of a small proportion of the reading public that would even know what a thrips is (such as entomologists, agriculturists and some gardeners) and, it is these people that should avoid this book. Farley has included nothing here that would indicate that he consulted any outside sources and it is clear he has no interesting or deep insights into the scientific content that he bases the plot around. Additionally, the cover art is truly ugly. The two poor quality thrips images on the cover show likely dead specimens, dried out and broken, with one lying on its back and the other wingless, and hardly menacing looking.

I couldn't put it down. Farley writes with great imagery. An entertaining, goose-bump-causing, thought-provoking read.

Wow! After reading L.R. Farley's new book "Thrips" I found myself gasping for air. I think I held my breath through the entire thing. Mr. Farley starts out with a bang and keeps up the suspense right through to the end. In the process, I found out some fascinating facts about Hawaii that I hadn't known as well. Overall, I'd say two-thumbs-up!!!

I'm always on the look-out for a good book. L.R. Farley takes a gorgeous tropical island and turns it upside down with mystery and terror around every corner. I would recommend "Thrips" to anyone who enjoys a great read.

What are thrips? To most of us they are tiny insects that damage plants. They are usually controlled by commercial pesticides. To Mr. Farley, they constitute a potential disaster. A nice touch, to see something so common and innocent cast in such a light.

Mr. Farley falls back on his years as a newspaper reporter and editor to give this novel a strong feel of authenticity. I liked the way he showed the odd mixture of commercialism and natural beauty that permeated the Hawaiian island. Old customs and new are in constant conflict and the mixture that comprises Hawaiian culture is shown in loving detail.

This mindset is extended throughout the book, from the discussion of pesticides used by the local planters to the public meeting about the Thrips hosted by the University. Old ways are contrasted with new in almost every aspect of life, but most visibly in the way the islanders treat their environment.

This depth of characterization is strengthened by the wonderful touches of Hawaiian culture, music and scenery. Mr. Farley's understanding of the Hawaiian islands and people bring us sights and sounds that we might not have experienced before. His portrayal of environmental concerns, combined with enough scientific exposition to help us understand the true nature of the threat posed by these seemingly harmless pests, makes this suspense novel rise above the genre to tweak our environmental consciousness.

This was very good in ebook PDF format. It holds the reader very well, not knowing what may come next. The only thing I found wrong is that it just wasn't long enough ! Good books never are !

L.R. Farley's Thrips is a terrifying and realistic bio-terrorism thriller that will keep you riveted to your chair armed with a flyswatter, bug spray, and a new outlook on even the most common insect. This one is a "MUST READ".