Rating: Summary: Add this to your library... Review: I must admit that I pre-ordered this book and was not disappointed once I had finished reading it. Having read most of his novels, this was "way up there" in terms of entertainment value. There's something about Crichton's books that have a certain level of realism making you almost feel like you're there seeing the events from a safe distance - Thank God for that in this case! I'd say a big part of that is all the research he puts in, which in turn makes up the backbone of his stories. Basically, in this story, technology has advanced to such a level that time travel is possible. Due to some strange occurances in the present, you see a group of Historians sent back to 14thC France. His descriptions of the medieval past are quite amazing! The plot is pretty suspenseful as well... If you're craving some escapism and like his writing style then you can't go past this one! Now all I have to do is wait impatiently for his next book...
Rating: Summary: Same old story Review: I am somewhat disappointed with this book. The storyline is similar to his previous masterpiece -Jurassic Park, Lost World hence the ending is predictable. However, i have to commend him on his brilliant research on quantum technology which I find truly enlightening.
Rating: Summary: Great Read Review: A brilliant amalgamation of modern technological 'fiction' with historical reality. An outstanding read.
Rating: Summary: it's all a bit silly, really Review: crichton's latest is eminently readable in his usual page-turner way. it provides a fascinating insight into life in 12th century france. it's probably thoroughly accurate in that respect too. but there's something about modern day people clowning around in middle age costumes saying forsooth and hey nonny nonny that makes you embarrassedly look up from the page every now and then to check nobody in the subway car has seen you. crichton has always dwelled challengingly on the border between what is possible and what is yet beyond the grasp of science. here a considerably larger than usual measure of disbelief suspension is required for the enjoyment of this otherwise quite thrilling thriller.
Rating: Summary: Crichton's worst -- Don't bother Review: I have read all of Crichton's fiction, hanging onto his every idea and phrase. Crichton is a brilliant man, and an equally brilliant author. Imagine my disappointment with Timeline, a made-for-tv heap of swords-and-armor trash. Poorly written and sloppily planned, Timeline hardly deserves to be placed next to Soap Opera Digest in the supermarket check-out aisle. I could feel the commercial breaks in the narrative: "They're split up again! Will they ever return to the present? Stay tuned!" To Crichton's credit, this novel is as well-researched as any of his others, and his ideas about the future of technology are intriguing. But the story itself is a waste. Don't fault Crichton for one bad apple, but don't bother with Timeline.
Rating: Summary: You can even smell the world inside the book Review: This book is came to be just the best that I've read until now this year. Michael Crichton has the power of bringing us inside his world. His detailed descriptions of every scene make us feel that we are inside of it. We can barely smell the horses and everything
Rating: Summary: A Little Off Track Review: I was excited to finally see a new book from Michael Crichton hit the shelves last Thanksgiving. I just got to it now, and unfortunatly, it wasn't what I was expecting. Yes there is the usual info, and the suspense, but something is missing from Timeline. It seems to follow the same formula of all action/suspense/thriller novels in which the good guys avoid every possible danger that would lead to their death, and the villians trip the wrong way and meet their demise. From Chris escaping death of "skilled" knights numerous times, to Kate flying off beams high atop a castle, it just isn't realistic. Although I must say that Andre Marek is one of the most interesting charcters I have met in a Crichton novel in a long time, which is saying a lot since character description is not his high point. A mixed review; not good, but not bad either.
Rating: Summary: An Example of The Decline of Modern Fiction Review: Timeline was, by far, one of the worst books I have ever had the displeasure to read. Crichton put his one dimensional characters into strings of impossible conflicts, one laughably close to the other, which they extricated themselves from with the luck of heroes from children's cartoons. Consider, trained soldiers can only brush them with their arrows, yet when the female character Kate picks up a bow after only being trained a bit by another character, Marek, she kills with ease. In general, the writing style seemes hurried (ex. page 320, last paragraph), as if the author was tripping over himself to complete the book, not wanting to spend time on any serious description. Timeline was, however, worth one star. The Multiverse Theory is a compelling issue that, in terms of quantum computing, will have profound real-world effects on our future lives. It cannot be argued that Crichton tackles interesting ideas, but the way he goes about it would be best served between the front and back covers of young adult books.
Rating: Summary: Comic Book Review: Anyone who has read Connie Willis' excellent "The Doomsday Book" will recognize it in Crichton's cartoonish comic book rendition of this Middle Age time travel story. It's simply "Jurassic Park" in a castle. Delete "raptor" and insert "Knight". Same story, same characters, same sacrifice of historical accuracy for the sake of thrills.
Rating: Summary: Timeline: Too Much Review: Michael Crichton writes, I read. But this one was a frustrated effort. The action is perfect for a film. However, the main characters were - at every turn - losing each other. It was too much, too often. It will make a great action film, but in text was frustrating to read. I kept thinking, "Good GRIEF, not again!" I finished the book ONLY because I am compulsive, if not, I would have put it down halfway through.
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