Rating: 
Summary: Not everyone has read The Plague Tales...
Review: I got the feeling from this book that someone (Ms Benson's editor?) thought the book was too long, and removed parts that didn't directly affect the storyline. The result is that there are pieces of information that are missing, which leaves the reader feeling confused and dissatisfied. Most of these omissions have to do with the 2007 narrative - there's no explanation of why Janie was in England and how she found the journal that ties the 2 stories together. Or of what disease her assistant had, which Janie cured, and somehow affected the outcome of the story. Or exactly what the significance is of Kristina's memory lapses, as well as her being one of "the first" to not be included in the database.
Since I didn't read the prequel, I don't know if these things were addressed there or not. However, even if they were, not everyone reads books in a series in the order in which they were written. Because of this, most authors of a series "recap" major information about characters and setting from novel to novel.
However, if you're not a person who wants all parts of a story to "fit together", if you like historical novels, this might be a book you'd enjoy since the storyline that is set 600 years ago is very compelling.
Rating:
Summary: Not everyone has read The Plague Tales...
Review: I just had to respond to another reviewer's warning that this book is a sequel that does not stand on its own. I agree that it was a sneaky trick on the part of the publishers to leave out any reference within the book or on the cover that this is a sequel; had I known, I wouldn't have started this book without reading Plague Tales first. However, I didn't figure it out until I was well into the book, but by then I was too caught up in the story to put it down. I thought it was a very engrossing story on its own, though I agree some of the backstory came off a lot more cryptically to me than it probably did to those who had read Plague Tales first. If I had my 'druthers, I would have read them in order, but having said that, I enjoyed the book thoroughly. And now I'm off to read Plague Tales!
Rating: 
Summary: a page-turner on its own
Review: I just had to respond to another reviewer's warning that this book is a sequel that does not stand on its own. I agree that it was a sneaky trick on the part of the publishers to leave out any reference within the book or on the cover that this is a sequel; had I known, I wouldn't have started this book without reading Plague Tales first. However, I didn't figure it out until I was well into the book, but by then I was too caught up in the story to put it down. I thought it was a very engrossing story on its own, though I agree some of the backstory came off a lot more cryptically to me than it probably did to those who had read Plague Tales first. If I had my 'druthers, I would have read them in order, but having said that, I enjoyed the book thoroughly. And now I'm off to read Plague Tales!
Rating: 
Summary: Awesome Book - recommend reading this and "The Plague Tales"
Review: I picked this book up at the airport, not having read its precursor, "The Plague Tales". I loved this book, and couldn't wait to get my hands on "The Plague Tales", which I started yesterday and am currently devouring. Ann Benson writes very well, and has the ability to transport you to the place and time of her choosing. I wish, however, that I would have read "The Plague Tales" first, as that would have mde it easier to understand some of the references in "The Burning Road". Hopefully some of the mysteries will be resolved when I finish "The Plague Tales". Also, judging from the ending of "The Burning Road", I'm assuming a sequel is in the works. I guarantee I will be in line to purchase that one as well. The book is a treat! You'd be missing out if you passed it by.
Rating:
Summary: Not as good as #1....
Review: I picked up the book just to see what Alejandro was up to. That storyline was far more interesting to me than the 2007 stuff. Ms. Benson could not (in my humble opinion) recapture the thrill, fun, humour, sadness of the first one. One thing that I appreciated though (in both books), I did not know what to expect. If I made a guess, Ms. Benson steered me in another direction. In other words, Ms. Benson is not a predictable writer. Anyway, Ms. Benson, if you're reading this, lay off the language and sex. There's enough of it in my real world.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting Plot
Review: I read about this book through an on-line review and thought that the plot of the story was unique -- weaving the 1300s and future 2007. I was not disappointed. At times I found the characters aluding to things that I didn't understand -- maybe my answer is in the first of the series which I recently purchased. Characters are not superficial -- you get to know them.
Rating:
Summary: Leaves me wanting more!
Review: I read The Plague Tales because of its medieval theme. While I enjoyed that book I mainly bought The Burning Road due to a feeling of wanting to at least finish the series as it is so far. I have just finished reading The Burning Road and all I can say now is WHEN IS THE NEXT INSTALLMENT? This book picks up a decade later in the medieval chapters and Alejandro has taken Kate out of England and back to France where a very important new character comes into their lives and drags them into the current political intrigues there. Meanwhile, back in 2007 America, Dr. Jane Crowe has come across some very disturbing instances of severe spinal injuries for no apparent reason and DR SAM is rearing its ugly head again. Oh - and she also must make a decision which of the men in her life she really wants to be with. I love medieval history (and even pure fiction) so I did enjoy those chapters a little more than the "contemporary" chapters although those are sufficient to scare you to death about the possibilities of the (near?) future. A wonderful read!
Rating:
Summary: Sleepless Night
Review: I spent a sleepless night with The Burning Road. I loved the tale and found the Subject`s so interesting that a f/u must be coming soon.This book left me gasping for more I hated to finish reading it and shall now return to The Plague Talest to refesh my memory-
Rating:
Summary: even better than plague tales
Review: It is even better than Plague tales:even more of a page turner and easier to go back and forth between the two parallel stories. Best of all, after finishing it, I both feel satisfied and find myself thinking a lot about the book. Can't wait for the next one!
Rating:
Summary: A chilling possibility for the near future.
Review: Ms. Benson brings back the characters from her first book, The Plague Tales.Again the message is what is possible, and more frightening, probable because of our misuse and overuse of antibiotics. The characters are very likable. The pace is fast and suspenseful.This is a very difficult book to put down.Anyone interested in Medieval times,mysteries,or science will find an excellent read in this outstanding book. One hopes that Ms.Benson will write at least one more book in this series so we can find out what happens to the characters and the world.
|
