Rating: 
Summary: Hearing the Magic
Review: I listened to the tapes only as I was driving the car. Hours spent in traffic melted and I found that I arrived at my destinations too soon. At times I said, "Oh no! Oh no!" This is adventure! Michael Crichton is a scientist and a storyteller. Not everyone will grasp the science of the possibilities of quantum physics, time travel or parallel universes called multi-verses, but it is not required. I enjoyed the mental challenge, and began to second guess the probabilities, but all one has to do to enjoy the book is simply suspend disbelief and get involved with characters who are comprised of a variety of people who are egocentric, devilishly cruel, intriguing as they find strength within themselves they didn't know they had, and charming. How do you find a missing colleague who inserted a message for help in a 600 year old document, keep your head on (literally), and get home? Imagine being transported to a ancient world that is as real to you as a telephone only to find that the world is as you imagined, but very different and laden with more pitfalls than you thought. And then...the transport device that took you into the past is gone. The intellectual discussions about the valorous knights and battles (1357 Dordogne in South France) fade as the reality of being in this world kills and threatens those who enter. Crichton's events are based in historical information. The beginning of the story is hard to follow because there are many characters that are introduced with their own story lines, but they do fold together the way a medieval tapestry does--with a lot of details. Well researched details. This story makes you remember that you should always beware of what you ask for, you might get it. I thoroughly enjoyed the tapes. This was the first time I listened to books on tape, and now I'm afraid that none of the others will be as good.
Rating: 
Summary: alright, at least has a story
Review: I like this a little although has some very choppy lines
Rating: 
Summary: Crichton Took a Day Off!
Review: What I look forward to in a Crichton novel is his ability to make the unimaginable seem real, and his ability to create three dimensional charecters that are ready to step off the page. That didn't happen here. It seemed to me that he simply put together a product for the year 2000. The second star is for the research, not for the plot. It was predictable, even as to who would stay behind. Usally I have to force my self to but down a Crichton novel, with this one I had force my self to finish.
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Summary: This book made me cry !
Review: I feel Crichton wrote the best book ever. i recommend it to any crichton fan ! The ending was amazing and i am totally in awe of his writing. I've read all his books and this was the diamond of them all. beautiful book !
Rating:
Summary: whoa.....
Review: pretty dang good. read it...
Rating:
Summary: A Knight to Remember
Review: Having taught Medieval history, I am well aware how infrequently the era is addressed in popular culture. In spite of the cult of Creative Anachronism who recreate this era, few people seldom get it right. It is obvious that Crichton has done his research well. His tale is fascinating and accurate. It has high adventure and great suspense. It is not a classic by any means but it is a highly enjoyable read. It is further amazing that Crichton combines high technology and science with Medieval lore and culture. It is a highly appealing mix and he handles them both very well. This is a perfect light read for anyone who wants to take themselves into another world. My only criticism of it is that it seems to be written towards a screenplay format...so the movie shouldn't be far behind. It would have been nice if it had more of a literary feel. But that is a minor complaint. Mount your steed and charge into this book with abandon. You won't be sorry.
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Summary: A unique moment
Review: Michael knows how to construct a story and make it so beautifully well creative and sound. You will be amazed by his ability.
Rating: 
Summary: Formula Story Telling Still Works
Review: I have read two books by Michael Crichton and attempted four. This is book is probably the best effort so far. It is an intriguing storyline but he has yet to deviate from his typical book writing formula. If you've read any book by him, you've read this one too but this is probably the best storyline so far.
Rating:
Summary: Excelent, totally captivating!
Review: This is, in my opinion, is one of Crichton's best works. Sure the first half might be a BIG yawn, but the last half, you'll find it impossible to put the book down. My only wonder is what the company decide to do with the time machine. Are they stop to improve the machine or keep it going? But anyway, it's a great work and I really admire Crichton for his strong will to make all those research. Great work, not the one to be missed! Trust me!
Rating:
Summary: An average, obvious Crichton read.
Review: Initially inspired, ultimately bland; the promise of an exciting book which dissipates into mediocrity, showing signs of succumbing to insipid literary easy-ways-out even near the beginning--which is the most intriguing part of the book, introducing perhaps the most interesting aspects of the story, all of which were ultimately forgotten in favor of pursuing the (increasingly tedious) quest of the three main characters. I found myself trudging through the medieval bulk of the novel--the endless descriptive action sequences, the transparent plot (even if in the name of 'simple' realism, which takes significant blows elsewhere)--in the simple hope that it'd somehow wander back to the story's scientific foundation. Considering the focus on the details of the action and adventure, however--especially when combined with the book's numerous and sometimes unforgiveable cliches--I think it simply makes it clear that this was a book written for the express purpose of being made into a movie later. And I'm sure it'll be a good movie; I just don't think it's a good Crichton novel, especially not by the standards of such as Sphere and The Andromeda Strain. Regardless, I don't regret having spent my time on it.
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