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Summary: Finlandia Loves Neville
Review: Katherine Neville is one of the favorite authors in Finland. Unfortunately only her first book has been published here. How sad for those who cannot read this magnificent book in English. Her grasp of physics - not to mention literature - is truly astounding. I love a good book, but ever more so when it makes me think!
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Summary: THE BEST BOOK I HAVE READ - LEFT ME SPINNING!
Review: I loved Neville's first two books, but I must say, THE MAGIC CIRCLE dances rings around them. A book that covers 2000 years of history, a dazzling family embroiled in all the intrigues of our century, and a heroine, Ariel Behn, who can even out-ski an avalanche like James Bond. If you love action, adventure, historical or modern, this book is for you.
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Summary: ANCIENT MYSTERIES
Review: The Magic Circle was the first book by Katherine Neville that I read, and now, having gone back to read her earlier works, I still think it is the best. I see there is quite a fan club out there for The Eight and some people who think A Calculated Risk is better. I have to hand it to her. She weaves a complex web in so many areas of expertise. But I prefer Magic Circle due to the ancient historical parts in which she clearly knows her stuff. The book is also extremely fast-paced if you are inclined, as I am, to read a book straight through and not try to over examine it. Highly recommended for the discerning reader.
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Summary: She Wasn't on Oprah!
Review: I admit I hate New Age drivel and things that are hyped in the media. So let me be as honest as possible. The big advantage of Magic Circle to me is that Oprah did not review it - WE did! In fact, I thought this was the only book to deal with New Age topics that really riveted me. I agree with the previous reviewer. It is like the Illuminatus Trilogy.
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Summary: Awesome
Review: Having just read Neville's magic circle, I am now a confirmed fan.Neville's awesome scholarship - and I should know having studied the Late Antique/messianic period - underpins and drives, rather than hampers the rip-roaring plot which rivals the Illuminati Trilogy for wierdness and dramtic settings. The parallel plotline has the added advantage of making the distant past seem... real. Only the ending, with its somehow anti-climatic revelation, marred an otherwise perfect book. Mind you, getting off a roller-coaster is also anti-climatic, and even a Jimi Hendrix solo has to come to an end at some point.
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Summary: AT LAST A BOOK FOR GROWN-UPS
Review: I think grown-ups need to be entertained as much as children do. Finally, a book that makes you think while providing hours of edge-of-the-seat entertainment. The heroine, Ariel Behn, is a nuclear security expert, and the humor and upbeat patter that go with her view of her job are not to be missed. Some readers seem to have had trouble sorting through the family relationships, but I really can't see why. Ariel's family are much easier to sort out than the Herods and the Caesars, who were real historical figures. Besides, Neville recaps it all for us nicely several times along the way - for those who are reading, not just skimming. Highly recommended for the intelligent reader.
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Summary: Wish it were longer!
Review: I usually hate books that are long and crammed with detail. But somehow the author has been able to make the pages fly by. I wish there were more like this one.
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Summary: Physics, History, and Mystery
Review: I never thought anyone writing fiction could make the world of physics fascinating. Here's a book about a FEMALE nuke who has charm, spirit, and tons of intelligence, and who goes on a quest for the secret of the ages. How the author has pulled this off and made it fascinating is beyond me, but The Magic Circle is a challenging intellectual read that leaves you wanting more. A sequel, Ms Neville?
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Summary: Nuclear Power
Review: I am a nuclear scientist and my wife gave me this book to read so we could discuss it in relation to my work. I had never heard of Katherine Neville, and I don't read much fiction. I prefer history. This book was not disappointing in any regard. The way Neville weaves together fascinating aspects of ancient history along with a fast-paced, totally believable modern plot is truly outstanding. Thanks to Ms Neville for a spellbinding read.
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Summary: I want MORE!
Review: What a treat that book was! Thanks Alice for giving it to me before leaving for vacation. And thanks to the author for writing such a wonderful book, and lengthy too, enough to have last me through my 2 week vacation. For all of you that did not like it, try reading it under the shade of palm trees on the beach. You will love it!
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