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

by Greg Cox (Author) "Budapest was no stranger to war..." (more)
Key Phrases: other lycan, dead lycan, titanium chair, Death Dealers, Michael Corvin, Ferenciek Square (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Can't miss: vampires, werewolves, action, special effects, and Kate Beckinsale in a tight black outfit. I'll be there."

Product Description

DEADLY RIVALS FOR CENTURIES,
DESTINY WILL BRING THEM TOGETHER.

Vampires and werewolves. Sworn enemies for over nine hundred years, they have fought a secret war in the darkest shadows of the mortal world, pitting undead strength and cunning against feral rage and savagery. Now, in the hip Gothic streets of modern-day Budapest, the ancient conflict takes an unexpected new twist. Selene is a Death Dealer, a vampire warrior dedicated to the destruction of the hated lycans. Michael is a werewolf, an innocent American newly infected with the lupine curse. Against all reason and history, they find themselves drawn together even as the grisly inhuman war rushes toward its nightmarish climax. They have no idea of the power their unlikely union can unleash -- and of the terrifying secrets that will be revealed in the unearthly realm of...

UNDERWORLD

A gripping tale of passion, betrayal, and revenge starring Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman

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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 (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #162,195 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 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 (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

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 (...right behind you...) - See all my reviews

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 (REAL NAME)

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.