Rating: 
Summary: Dissappointed - - big time!
Review: It's really only 2 1/2 stars. Felt like the entire book was written as a screenplay, knowing it would have to be adapted in to a movie. Also, felt it tried too hard to reference contemporary news/events (various mentions right out of the headlines) - - it was too obvious and only served to bring me back to reality versus allowing me to get deeper into the story. Ending, without giving away, seemed way out of character for all involved - - sorry Thomas, still a big fan of Red Dragon and Silence, but this one wasn't nearly as strong.
Rating: 
Summary: The return of the king
Review: Thomas Harris' latest book, Hannibal, comes across as less a novel than a piece of classical art. The journey he takes the reader on is funny, frightening and unique to his own style of storytelling. As a fan of all Harris' material, from Black Sunday through Silence of the lambs, I feel I can definitely say that this is his strongest work. Hannibal has been called 'one of the most sadistic books ever written' by Time Magazine but nothing could be further from the truth. This is a sweeping saga that ties up all the loose ends from his previous FBI thrillers (Silence & Red Dragon) and provides a conclusion that is better than anyone could have hoped. Although the ending is horrifying it is also beautifully poetic, the calm way in which Harris describes scenes of the blackest horror only adds to the atmosphere. I cannot ever remember reading a book where I felt queasy and yes, even frightened to turn the page because of what I thought was coming. I won't spoil any plot details, it suffices to say that this novel is a sweeping, breathtaking masterpiece.
Rating: 
Summary: Harris Does Something Different
Review: I applaud Harris for resisting the temptation to rewrite Silence of the Lambs. The ending worked for me, in an appropriately creepy way.
Rating:
Summary: I didn't think he had the nerve... but I was wrong!!
Review: After reading the first two books and about halfway through "Hannibal" I considered the various ways this book could end. Unfortunately, my very favorite ending seemed way too daring. I admit it... I sold this author short and didn't think he could do it. Well to my delight, he not only did it, he did it deliciously well. Many thanks for the best read in a long time!
Rating:
Summary: It can be as good as you want it to be!!!
Review: Trying to understand what is wrong with this book doesn't seem to be the right approach, so if you are about to read 'Hannibal', don't believe everything you hear or see from the so called "critics". From what I can tell, most people don't understand just what Thomas Harris was trying to get across. Without giving anything away, "manipulation", is the word that comes to my mind when I think of Hannibal Lector. Clarice, and the rest of his victims are just his puppets. Just read and enjoy!!! I did..
Rating:
Summary: Remember, this is FICTION!
Review: People seem to expect the characters and events in Harris' books to appear real and believable. This is FICTION! They aren't real and neither are the events. Ultimately I think Harris does a good job of telling stories that have the ability to make one's skin crawl and have us looking over our shoulder for whatever spooky reason. I thought "Hannibal" got off to a disappointing start, but after the first few chapters I began to enjoy it for exactly the same creepy feelings I got when I read "Silence of the Lambs." Hannibal Lecter's character fascinates me because he is so creepy! I admire Harris for conjuring up characters such as Hannibal and Mason Verger, to allow our imaginations to run wild. The ending surprised me, and in fact I had to read the last few pages twice to make sure there wasn't some sublety I might have missed the first time. It definitely leaves room for another sequel!
Rating: 
Summary: Boring!!!!! Thats all that's needed to be said
Review: The book has little to no suspense. The first chapter and the last chapters do a little. The rest is a long story that is very drawn out. The film better do some reworking. I usually like everything I read but this was just boring. Wait for the paperback or the movie.
Rating:
Summary: Lousy book; however, was really a screenplay anyway!
Review: I listened to this rag on audio. Thomas Harris completely succeeded in his effort ... make lots of money on the movie. Good for him. What really grabbed me was DANIEL GERROLL as the narrator. Now HE is worth listening to ... even if he is reading an insurance policy. His range of expression is amazing. I will definitely look for him on audio books in the future. I would never have finished this as a book ... too unreal ... badly written ... NO ONE could be as smart as Lecter (really an unbelivable character) ... pompous ... wordy. But having listened to it read by Daniel Gerroll salvaged much.
Rating:
Summary: One of those you hate to finish!
Review: Harris has done it again! He's a story teller par excellence who can keep us sitting on the edge of the chair chapter after chapter. His knowledge and descriptions of Florence give even more reality to the chilling events. I always give the book I pick up after a Harris page-turner a second chance because it can NEVER match its predecessor.
Rating: 
Summary: A good ride to a horrendous destination...
Review: I've been waiting, salivating and anticipating this book since I heard it was in the works. I rushed right out and got it and dove in and was not disappointed at all until much later in the story.It does get a bit tedious after awhile reading about all the different wines, pieces of music and other interests of Lecter's, over and over again. But, it serves its purpose in showing he's not a sick, depraved monster only. He's a highly intelligent, articulate one as well which has you pulling for him at times. Pretty decent pace throughout, some slow spots but overall a good read... until the last 40 pages or so. What a complete and utter disappointment the ending was, it really killed the whole story for me. It seemed Mr. Harris took the easy way out by giving us the conclusion he did, not only a disappointment but a completely preposterous ending. I sort of expected it the way things were going there at the end but found myself aghast when I reached the final page, aghast that he would actually try to sell this ending off. If there is a movie, they had BETTER re-write the ending. It's an ending not worthy of the excellent talents of Jodie Foster or Anthony Hopkins.
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