Rating: Summary: I think this book does fall in the middle ground . . . Review: . . . despite the "love it or hate it" theme of the rest of the reviews on this page. I don't think this is a great book, but neither is it as bad as some of the other reviewers have posted. Bad one star books are the formulaic garbage cranked out by too many publishers these days. This isn't one of those. At least there are some thought provoking ideas in this book, and for me the best part was the romance between the telepathic married couple. Imagine the possibilities (and the difficulties). I think Simmons handled that part very well, while other parts didn't work for me. Such as the "look everybody, I did my research" mathematics formulae scattered throughout, which the average reader will not understand or care about. Doing the research is important, but I think it was overdone for this book. I would say that this is not a good place to start with Simmons, but for someone who has read his better books and wants more, there are much worse ways to spend an evening than reading this. Nobody hits a home run every time they step up to the plate.
Rating: Summary: The Hollow Man is Amazing! Review: After reading the other comments on this page I realise that this may not be everybody's idea of a fantastic novel. However, if you have enjoyed Simmons previously and/or you would like to read something truly original, try this. This novel certainly lives up to Dan Simmons reputation as being perhaps the most dynamic author of our, or any, time. This book, the story of Jeremy, who loses his way after the death of his wife only to, eventually, rediscover himself, his wife and the secret of life and death itself, is one of the strangest and most brilliant works of fiction in existence. I can only guess that the authors of the negative comments on this page must simply have failed the understand the massive scope of the journey that Simmons had led them on. Perhaps second only to Summer of Night, although I am yet to read Children of the Night or any of The Hyperion Cantos.
Rating: Summary: A blast of a ride Review: All Dan Simmons books up till this point are wonderful. After... he loses much of his touch. This is an expanded story from one of his original shorts. To me it was a blast. Like his best work it is a thriller and it makes you think. His language is also wonderful. Get it.
Rating: Summary: Mediocre for Dan Simmons Review: First off, I am a huge fan of Dan Simmons, but I felt that 'The Hollow Man' fell far below his usual standards in storytelling and writing. Although it begins and initially proceeds well, towards the end it becomes confused and it seems that Mr. Simmons doesn't really know how to end the story and resolve all the questions it ultimately poses. I'd recommend skipping this novel altogether and reading his other excellent novels, especially the Hyperion series.
Rating: Summary: Mediocre for Dan Simmons Review: First off, I am a huge fan of Dan Simmons, but I felt that 'The Hollow Man' fell far below his usual standards in storytelling and writing. Although it begins and initially proceeds well, towards the end it becomes confused and it seems that Mr. Simmons doesn't really know how to end the story and resolve all the questions it ultimately poses. I'd recommend skipping this novel altogether and reading his other excellent novels, especially the Hyperion series.
Rating: Summary: disappointing and disjointed Review: I bought this because Hyperion was excellent and was very disappointed. I couldn't identify with the characters, the narrative jumped about too much, the science didn't interest me, the plot didn't interest me and I'm glad I picked it up second hand rather than paying full price!
Rating: Summary: disappointing and disjointed Review: I bought this because Hyperion was excellent and was very disappointed. I couldn't identify with the characters, the narrative jumped about too much, the science didn't interest me, the plot didn't interest me and I'm glad I picked it up second hand rather than paying full price!
Rating: Summary: Dan's Bomb Review: I enjoyed the Hyperion series. Children of the Night was OK, but with Hollow Man, Dan Simmons has bombed out. This book should not have passed editorial muster: the "plot" is incinsistent and never clear; the "science" fiction never comes alive; events do not follow logically, nor do they build upon themselves; even the chapter titles do not relate to the book. I found this a tough, disappointing read, and the final page and "plot" resolution, topped off the experience. If written by a no-name author, this book would never have been published (and should not have been).
Rating: Summary: Different, yet enlightening. Review: I read this after reading the Hyperion books, wondering what else Simmons had to offer and found that this guy thinks big thoughts and communicates them well. I did find parts of this book disturbing (in a good way) when things began to happen that I did not see coming. An excellent read indeed!
Rating: Summary: Beautiful throughout Review: I think this is probably one of the best works I have ever read, by anyone (I say "probably" because Neil Gaiman's Sandman series is quite a rival for best). I can't say enough good things about it. For anyone who loves TRUE science fiction (and by that I mean fiction that relies heavily upon actual science for the plot, not simply fantasy set in outer space) this is a must-have gem far surpassing the Hyperion series. I read another review of this book, though, saying that the short story version is better. If anyone knows what the short story version is called, and where I can find it, please e-mail me at ladykuus@aol.com.
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