Underworld: Book 1 (Underworld (Pocket Star Books)) (Bk. 1) [Mass Market Paperback]

Greg Cox (Author)

Book Description

Series: Underworld (Pocket Star Books) | Publication Date: September 1, 2003

The centuries-long battle between vampires and werewolves has reached a new intensity under the streets of New York City. One young werewolf called Michael is determined to end the conflict, but high-ranking vampire Selene has the strength of ten men, and plans to use it to destroy the werewolves.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

GREG COX is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous Star Trek novels, including The Eugenics Wars (Volumes One and Two), The Q Continuum, Assignment: Eternity, and The Black Shore. His short fiction can be found in such anthologies as Star Trek: Tales of the Dominion War, Star Trek: The Amazing Stories, and Star Trek: Enterprise Logs. His first Khan novel, The Eugenics Wars, Volume One, was voted Best SF Book of the Year by the readers of Dreamwatch magazine. Cox can also be found as a bonus feature on the Director's Edition DVD of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. He lives in Oxford, Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Star (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743480716
• ISBN-13: 978-0743480710
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #127,351 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent companion to the film., June 23, 2004

By 

Marcy Gomez (Kansas City, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Underworld: Book 1 (Underworld (Pocket Star Books)) (Bk. 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

I love the film "Underworld" and bought this book hoping to get more background information on the characters. The film warrants a sequel (and filming on "Underworld 2" starts Fall 2004) and even after several viewings of the dvd I always found new facts and tidbits that I hadn't caught before.

This is where the book comes in handy. Greg Cox does a fantastic job not only of bringing the film to life with his vivid descriptions, but he also does a great job of telling you what the characters are thinking and feeling. There is also more background info on the characters and the vampire and lycan culture that is not obvious or even mentioned in the film. For instance, I didn't realize that the vampire culture has a certain hierarchy and that the character Erika is considered a mere servant. Kraven and Lucian's plans are also explained here while only alluded to in the film. Many of my questions were answered in this book and this is why I find this an indispensable companion to the movie/dvd.

If you are an "Underworld" fan, then this book is a must have. It is a quick and enjoyable read that will give you new insight on the characters and cultures of the movie.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hauntingly Alluring, September 21, 2004

By 

Kelly - See all my reviews

This review is from: Underworld: Book 1 (Underworld (Pocket Star Books)) (Bk. 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

The plot captivates you from the first page. Taking two of horrors most legendary creatures and pitting them against each other, Underworld grabs an old idea and adds an element fans have been wondering for years. Who would win in a fight, Dracula or the Wolfman? What would be the repercussions if the strengths of both villains were combined into one individual? Another fear of mine was that there would be more action than story. Not so. Although the action is constant throughout the book, there is significantly more dialogue. Which would be a plus in any book, but in an adaptation it's a gold star. What I will say though is that for a complete overall enjoyment, read the book and watch the movie. Keep the balance and share the love.

The pace in the book is hypersonic. You are constantly moving and shifting with just a brief pause in between. The atmosphere is dark, dank and heated. The location constantly shifts between a centuries old castle and an underground hideout. Both carry an air of desperation and the smell of decay. Cox's style of writing is both generous and sympathetic. He pens his tales with compassion, as though this battle existed inside him. Be it the screenplay or his own identity shining through, the man creates a world that is hauntingly alluring.

The characters come off as cold, vengeful monsters. With loyalty the only tie that binds them, each one screams villain. That is the biggest twist in the book. Granted, they have barely any morals, kill daily and regret very little and yet, they still manage to extract sympathy. Even gaining love and understanding. Also just for the record, the book clearly explains the development of the attraction between Selene and Michael.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Adaptation, May 30, 2005

By 

Jeffrey Davenport - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Underworld: Book 1 (Underworld (Pocket Star Books)) (Bk. 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

I have read a few movie tie-ins before, but none compares to this. If you enjoyed the movie, definitely buy this book. It will fill in a few blanks for you. I especially liked how the author actually emphasized the Hungarian setting.