Thunderhead

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Summary: Exciting combo of fiction with truth
Review: Although I'm not an expert in the Anasazi culture of the Southwest, this book peaked my interest in the controversial theory that cannibalism may have played a role in the demise of this society. I became intrigued with the Anasazi when I saw an excellent PBS program, "Cannibals of the Canyon." This excellent, and thrilling book by Preston and Child combines the elements of reasoned speculation and historical fact of what may have caused the tribe's disappearance. I love a book that can take the reader a few steps beyond science into the domain of the unknown without stretching the reader's credulity. Plus, this book was truly EXCITING. Never once did my interest flag. The characters were clearly delineated, the plot sustainable, and even the dogs and horses had names!

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Summary: Thunderhead delivers it all!
Review: Lincoln and Child have unquestionably crafted one of the best reads of the summer! This is the first book I have read from these two authors and I am hooked! I will be reading more of their works this summer. L&C have fastidiously created each setting in the story so well that you are transported in your mind's eye to the canyons and valleys depicted throughout. You can almost feel the winds blow and hear the waters roar as you are taken on this fantastical journey in search of the lost city of Quivira! L&C have created characters with whom one can relate and actually care about. Most notable is the adventurous and impetuous heroine of the story: Nora Kelly. Her passion for finding the lost city is contagious and at times you find yourself audibly cheering her on in the face of what seems to be insurmountable obstacles. This book has it all: adventure, human struggle (both internal and external), love, and supreme suspense. You will be riveted from the opening few pages. L&C have this uncanny ability to slowly build a sense of impending doom and omnipresent evil through various literary techniques, which comes to fruition in the latter pages of the book with a heart racing, page turning climax. L&C also demonstrate an incredible command of the english language that I must admit sent me scrambling for a dictionary on more than one occasion. Add this book to your summer reading and get ready for a hair raising adventure you will not be able to put down.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: "Thunderhead" was a real page turner! I thoroughly enjoyed it; it was very engrossing. I could not stop reading the story; these two authors write about all the interesting stuff. They had me curious, terrified and worried. Their heroines are admirable, strong and believable. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to seriously escape the world for a day or two and enter into the Lost City of Gold!

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Summary: Need a great summer page-turner? This is your book!
Review: Child and Preston have created their best novel to date here, a combination of archaological/anthropological fact and mystery thriller fiction that is hard to put down once begun. The southwestern setting, specifically the canyon country of the Colorado basin is skillfully (and for the most part, accurately) drawn, and there is enough actual historical information about the Anasazi and their mysterious legacy to render the book "educational," to a degree. Also noteworthy is the improved character development the authors have provided this time around. Whereas in *Riptide* just about all of the characters were of the carboard-cutout type, the people who animate *Thunderhead* actually display a few internal conflicts and contradictions. Tolstoy it's not, but for a quick summertime read, I don't think we should raise the bar TOO high.

The ending, while filled with interesting twists and turns, is manically theatrical, perhaps too much so. But given the grandiose and dramatic plot lines that develop throoughout the preceding hundreds of pages, a Hollywood-type ending is surely forgivable here. If you want Great Literature, look elsewhere, but if you want a fun and absorbing read, this book might just be for you.

Rating:
Summary: Not the best thriller but pretty close
Review: Thunderhead had enough elements of the ideal thriller to keep me thinking about it after I had read half of the book from the library. I ended up waiting for the paperback and bought it as soon as it came out so I could keep it until I finished it. This is a great, great rollercoaster ride. There are some slow parts, but by and large this is about as close as you can get to writing a novel that is "unputdownable." I am not from the region in which the novel is set, so I can't say anything for the accuracy of the setting, but the mystery kept me going more than the promise of realistic local color. These guys know how to keep you glued to the edge of your seat as well as Michael Chricton. If Jurassic Park is your standard, you won't be disappointed by Thunderhead.

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Summary: Disappointing book.
Review: I found myself skipping way to many paragraphs and pages. Weak plot and uninteresting characters. Will not buy another book written by these authors.

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Summary: Great Book! Modern Indy-Style Adventure
Review: I had never read Preston or Child's books before, but this one has left me clammoring for more! The writing style is reminicient of Chricton, with a great mix of dialogue and technical information. This book is a great thriller and will have you up late to find out what lurks in the canyons!

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Summary: A Real Page Turner!
Review: I did not want to put this book down! I did not want to go to work or anywhere else while reading it. I have enjoyed all of their books! Keep up the good work!

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Summary: Super exciting read
Review: All their books are great! And this is no exception. Couldn't put it down !

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Summary: Great read... on one of my favorite subjects!
Review: The Myth & History of the Anasazi, is interestingly explored in this book. I lived in that part of the west for 7 years, & have made a small study of these fasinating peoples. So I think I judge anything on this subject very strictly. Child & Preston have done a wonderful, exciting, scary book on the subject. I found it fast paced, & hard to put down.