Rating: 
Summary: Flat and mediocre
Review: Ken Follett's name still sells books and that would be the only reason to consider this book. Peter's review below is dead-on - this is flat stuff - nothing like vintage Follett (Eye of the Needle, Key to Rebecca, Lie Down with Lions etc were very good).
Either he has lost that touch or this is a rush job or ...
The only reason to give it 2 stars is that it maintained the minimum interest necessary for me to complete it(not a very long book. A name other than Ken Follett and this would get a 1-star!Very very mediocre - character development is minimal as is the "plot" - if one can call it that. Do yourself a favor and give this one a wide berth.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Read
Review: This was my first Ken Follett novel. Since I have nothing to compare it to (his earlier work) I enjoyed it. Certainly there were a couple of predictable parts, but all in all I enjoyed the story line and the plot. I did have to keep reminding myself of the time period it was written for and why the subject was using a pay phone where he could have used a cell phone. I enjoyed it and will purchase another Follett novel.
Rating: 
Summary: A Costly Conclusion.
Review: I gave CODE TO ZERO 3 stars, because it sucked me in. The plot starts out great. Guy loses his memory, and he must find out who he is. I found myself intrigued with what was actually happening in the story. But, a lousy and predictable ending cost FOLLETT two stars. Where's the drama? The Twist? Nothing! Straight as a board.
Rating:
Summary: Engaging if cliched plot and characters
Review: Set in the early 1940s and late 1950s, "Zero" has all the characteristics of a movie from that time: spies, war heroes, espionage, and drama. The hero is handsome, brilliant and dashing. His wife is stunning, tall, brilliant and only a little less dashing. The book jumps back and forth between the time the collection of key characters meet at Harvard in 1941 and the same set converge again at the time of the first American space launch in 1958. In between, there are wars to be fought, affairs to ignite, and traitors to flush out. The basic premise of a man finding himself dirty and without memory, struggling to regain his own sense of self is an old story line. Yet it sets off a plausible and generally entertaining and exciting chain of events. In his typical fashion, Follett does a good job of drawing the reder into his story, cliches and all. Books such as these, unless there is a compelling story, should be set aside very quickly or not read at all. Instead, despite the stereotypes and aged images, this is an enjoyable read. Yes, some of the situations are a bit too standard and two or more characters are more cartoons than characters, but Follett uses history as a method to weave together a not unlikely plot and even to throw in a few twists and turns along the way. Great airplane paperback reading.
Rating:
Summary: This one fell flat.
Review: "Code to Zero" is set during the Cold War, and the US/Soviet space race in particular. It is the story of a group of friends at Harvard who become scientists and spies, spouses and friends. We begin with Luke, who wakes up in a men's room with no memory of who he is. Bit by bit, Luke figures things out and events come to a head at the launch of an American satellite. The story is by no means awful... but based on Follett's earlier, compelling, powerful storytelling, it is a disappointment. The characters are somewhat flat, the dialog is stilted, and the plot is simplistic. Follett certainly set himself a high bar with his earlier novels, which I do recommend highly. I was sorry that Code To Zero didn't meet that same standard. If this were my first Follett novel, I'd probably not pick up another... don't make that mistake, the others are very worthwhile!
Rating:
Summary: Overall, a Good Novel
Review: I really think the idea behind this novel is spectacular. A man wakes up one morning in Washington DC, dressed like a bum, not knowing who he is. Turns out he is a NASA bigwig, and he has something to do with the apace race. Set in the 40's and 50's, the book is true to its setting, though there are a few mistakes. This could just be Follet changing history through fiction, so I can let that slide. What makes this book work is the superb characterization and background story that keeps you interested. Obviously, Follet knows what he is doing, and his strong points definitely overshadow the few mistakes and glitches. If you like this sort of novel, try:
The Sigma Protocol, by Robert Ludlum
Soft Case, by John Misak
Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: Very choppy with historical references to a point of being confusing (WWII, Space Race, Cold War scattered throughout). Character development very weak and outcome in many ways very predictable. Did like Billie! Felt like pieces of several other novels and movies somehow taped together. Found myself racing through the plot and simply disregarding the other fragments which had no added value. I know Follett is more capable then that. Take a walk on the beach, clean the slate and use the type of firepower you have. You got to be kidding me - swimming out to sea
Rating:
Summary: He's going to lose me if he keeps this up.
Review: The Third Twin was the beginning of Ken Follett's descent into mediocrity. The Hammer of Eden continued his decline. Code to Zero cemented it. It has trite diaglogue, is badly edited, lacks the detail of works like Eye of the Needle and The Key to Rebecca, and just plain stunk. The pages were double-spaced to make the book reach its required page length. One of the things I've most loved about his books was his ability to write vulnerable male characters and strong female characters. His characters were so thinly drawn as to be caricatures. Unless he goes back to being the writer he used to be, he's lost me. I doubt I will ever read him again.
Rating:
Summary: First Rate Follett
Review: This story set in 1958 and flashing back to the early 1940's is remarkably true to the period, not only to the physical landscape, but also to the mental and moral attitudes prevalent at that time. Protagonist Dr. Claude "Luke" Lucas is a true man of his time. The story revolves around our first space launch, treachery, double agents, just the right amount of romance, and a satisfyingly non-telegraphed whodunit. Particular praise to British author Follett being so right on in telling a uniquely American tale. Luke's autobiographical amnesia (he retains his skills and knowledge, but has no memory of who he is or any of his interpersonal relationships) is well done. I just wished we had been kept in suspense longer regarding his true identity. The story was riveting while he logically tries to piece together, using every faculty left to him, just who he might be. The characterizations are good, if a few too many of them. Cape Canaveral is well depicted and we catch the excitement of a space launch that no longer exists today. I didn't think the premise that if this particular launch was not successful, the USA was forever doomed to be in the backwater of space technology, was overly compelling. Old pro Follett delivers on crackling suspense in the final countdown. I was introduced to Ken Follett via "Eye of the Needle" and was completely blown away by this wonderful story and went on a tear reading other Follett tales. He's a consistent good storyteller, but there is no denying there is an uneveness in quality. "Code to Zero" is no "Eye of the Needle," but it is certainly very fine Follett. Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Code To Zero Did Exactly What I Wanted It To Do
Review: I bought this book in an Airport when I was on a long lay-over. I read it in about 12 hours and it did exactly what I wanted it to do, it passed the time. Isn't that part of what all books are supposed to do? If the author keeps you entertained while you're reading the book, his/her job is done. The story line was very good, above-average in my opinion. I had never read Follete before as best-selling books aren't what I usually purchase. There were no slow moments in this book. I didn't analyze it for historical accuracy but taken purely as a work of fiction written for entertainment, it was very fulfilling. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something fun and exciting to read.
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