The Presence

Rating:
Summary: BIT OF A DISAPPOINTMENT
Review: Touted as a "suspenseful thriller" this book was a disappointment. Saul's early novels were riveting, full of character development and interesting plot lines. This novel, set on an unrealistic premise that people become infected with a strange disease that allows that to breathe toxic substances such as ammonia, and not air. Once again, Saul takes the reader to an exotic location (Hawaii -- where he also happens to live part-time; guess he didn't have to go very far for research -- just out the back door) with a single parent, raising a somewhat troubled teenager (this type of character is getting stale Mr. Saul). After a night dive, the son develops the non-breathing-air problem. How will he be cured? Who is responsible for this deed? Very predictable, very easy to figure out. The charcters showed no depth, emotion or real character development. The novel reminded me of a high school book that I could have wrote. Paying nearly $40.00 for the book, I sure could use the $100 prize to help me re-coup my losses. If you are a really devoted Saul fan, I would suggest you read this book; just to say that you did. If not, wait for the paperback. Arlen

Rating:
Summary: I could have read it better myself!
Review: Usually I like everything written by John Saul. However, I chose to get this as an audio book. What a mistake! Sorry, Lee Meriwether, but not all men sound like they are 75 year olds from the South. The storyline was extremely difficult to follow, as I spent so much of my energy trying to separate the voice from the character. Also, the abridged version of the story was a major disappointment! Much of the storyline was omitted and the ending seemed choppy. Many of the details that might help readers become engrossed in the book were left out. How unfortunate. I almost want to also buy the hardcover book and read it myself to reinstate my faith in Mr. Saul. Oh, well, better luck next time

Rating:
Summary: Silly, predictable, and entertaining. It's a Saul story.
Review: You can forget the bogus Maui setting for this book, it's simply a backdrop decoration. This "speculative fiction" story is set firmly in John Saul Techno-Thriller Territory, so it can really take place anywhere. Anyone who has read a Saul novel knows this tale too well - some Meglomanical Corporation has taken over a small town so it may conduct unethical medical experiments on the children and teenagers. Been there and done that in The God Project, Darkness, Shadows, Sleepwalk, Creature, and on and on. But one reads John Saul for dependable fun, not for surprises, and The Presence does have its moments of gruesome fun. It did not stun me, nor did it bore me, it just kept me suitably entertained until the end, which is about all I expect from John Saul.

Rating:
Summary: Silly, predictable, and entertaining. It's a Saul story.
Review: You can forget the bogus Maui setting for this book, it's simply a backdrop decoration. This "speculative fiction" story is set firmly in John Saul Techno-Thriller Territory, so it can really take place anywhere. Anyone who has read a Saul novel knows this tale too well - some Meglomanical Corporation has taken over a small town so it may conduct unethical medical experiments on the children and teenagers. Been there and done that in The God Project, Darkness, Shadows, Sleepwalk, Creature, and on and on. But one reads John Saul for dependable fun, not for surprises, and The Presence does have its moments of gruesome fun. It did not stun me, nor did it bore me, it just kept me suitably entertained until the end, which is about all I expect from John Saul.