The Fourth Estate

Rating:
Summary: A very readable and entertaining story of media compeitors
Review: Jeffrey Archer (almost) never fails. This is one of his better works, with good character development and an intriguing plot. I especially liked the way he flipped from one protagonist to the other as he traced their separate but parllel tracks to success and power in the media (newspapers and other outlets) business. As usual, the plot is suspenseful and full of unexpected twists. You cannot put it down. I also appreciate the fact that Archer, unlike Ken Follett,or even (alas) Tom Clancy and John Lecarre almost never resorts to lurid titillation to capture your interest. He is a great and dependable writer who shows one needn't be crude to captivate the reader.

Rating:
Summary: While sometimes enticing, this is not one of Archer's best.
Review: The Fourth Estate had it's moments, but I have to agree with the other readers in that it's not one of Archer's best. There weren't the usual surprises, and I really didn't care what happened to the characters. If this was your first Archer novel, keep reading! I must recommend "Honor Amoung Thieves" and "Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less" as my favorite page-turners.

Rating:
Summary: I didn't expect this from Mr. Archer
Review: I used to be an ardent fan of Jeffrey Archer. I have read Kane & Abel and the Prodigal Daughter umpteen number of times. But his recent books are a big disappointment for me. I really wish that he comes up with a different storyline other than Kane & Abel and builds on it for a while.

Rating:
Summary: Good,but too close to the truth
Review: This book is a fine novel,but I am slightly disappointed that Archer did not invent a storyline,and merely borrowed the events in the book from real-life "battles" between media tycoons.Having said that,it was an enjoyable read although,contrary to another reviewer`s comment, the ending WAS predictable.

Rating:
Summary: A well-written novel.
Review: I really thought Jeffrey Archer did a wonderful job with this book. The way he brought the characters into conflict to enhance their own lifestyles and lives was reminiscent of Shakespeare. Even though I am only 15, I thought this book was excellent in the way it showed not only two people's different rises to power, but how he developed these characters into people you could envision. I really enjoyed reading such a great masterpiece.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but not great
Review: I've read Kane & Abel, The Prodical Daughter, and Matter of Honor. All three of these kept me on the edge of my seat. This one didn't. It was good, but not one of Jeffrey Archer's best, in my opinion.

Rating:
Summary: What's wrong Mr. Archer?
Review: I am an ardent fan of Archer's and have read every single book of his. However, this book confirmed my belief that Mr Archer is going senile. Am I the only one who noticed the likeness of the plot of this book to that of Kane And Abel? How can you rip-off your own book? I simply couldn't believe that any human, let alone an author, could steal his own story line. If you're an Archer fan and want to remain so, I STRONGLY suggest you stay clear of this book. It's reall ynot worth the disillusionment.

Rating:
Summary: Bland
Review: This was not one of Archer's best. Being the third book I have read by him I was dissapointed. It was continuous storytelling. However, I did like the character contrast especially in their upbringing, and the fact that they came to act in virtually the same manner--all for the sake of money. However, the fact that one action had an equal and opposite reaction got old fast.

Rating:
Summary: History through the eyes of Archer's powerful characters
Review: This is the first I have read by Jeffrey Archer and it is certainly not the last. Painstakingly researched , life itself could not be more realistic .(We all remember Turner & Murdoch ) As Archer takes us on this journey of the power struggle between the two newspaper barons , we see over 60 years of his unfold before our eyes. An immortal piece of literature !

Rating:
Summary: I was disappointed
Review: I have read everything written by Jeffrey Archer, and have never felt so unexcited when reading one of his books. Although it was a decent story, it just seemed like it was going nowhere, and when I finished it, I was relieved. I hope his next effort is much better.