Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing sequel to Ring
Review: After finishing the highly engaging Ring by the same author and reading all the reviews describing Spiral as even better than its predecessor I started reading this book with high anticipation. While I cannot deny the author's cleverness in re-using some of the characters of Ring in an inventive way and the initial part of the "virus" story, I was less than impressed by this sequel.
The medical examiner Ando unwittingly takes the initiative in a search for the mechanism by which the victims who have been exposed to the Ring videotape have died. In a slow introduction lasting up to 150 pages before any new findings get presented, Suzuki's attempts to create a gloomy and moody atmosphere did not strike me as particularly effective. This may (in part) be due to a clunky translation that is unfortunately all too common in the Japanese mystery genre.
After this introduction the story picks up some steam and for a while equals the level of Suzuki's previous book. However, -and I admit that more than two decades of bench work in cellular biology have led to some professional deformation- the storyline gradually degenerates from inventive to far-fetched, ridiculous and to downright ludicrous. Whereas the second half of Ring was a real page turner, Spiral slowly dies down like a night candle. The author's attempt at giving this book an ending that involved another "moral dilemma" completely fizzled.
In all a disappointing sequel, marred by a poor translation.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Book!!!!
Review: although completly different than ring 2 this is a much more complex and scary story. after reading ring and spiral i will definatly be looking for anything else by this writer.
Rating:
Summary: buy it!
Review: I almost never read fiction. I'm pretty much hooked on real-life biogrophies and events that really happened. I am however a huge fan of horror films and I heard so much about the original Japanese "Ring" movies (4 in all, all with English subtitles) that I just had to get them on DVD. While I enjoyed the original Japanese "Ringu" movie very much, I really enjoyed best of all the first sequel "Rasen", which I believe translates into "Spiral". It turns out that, unlike the American movie version or "Ring" the first 2 Japanese movies are very faithful to the novels. So as soon as it was translated into English I bought the first "Ring" novel and was hooked. Truly enjoyable. And for us Americans it also gives a bit of a glimpse of what contemporary Japanese life is like, although i'm sure the author never even thought of that while he was creating his works. It's just a nice side-product of the actual story.
"Spiral" I also pre-ordered. And much like the movie "Rasen" it offers a scientific basis for the mystery of how the virus actually works. You can almost believe it the way Mr Suzuki uncovers the scientific basis for the virus.
You also get to find out what happens to the main characters who remained alive at the conclusion of "Ring", so it's recommended to read that one first.
Not at all content to simply rehash the same old story with some new characters who don't know anything about the video and resulting virus, this takes the story to an entirely new level. I was glued to this book and was sad to see it end.
In the back of the hardcover edition it states that next year the 3rd and final book in the series by Mr Suzuki, "Loop" will be published. I have no idea what happens in this one since the 3rd and 4th Japanese movies "Ring 2" (which pretended that "Rasen" never existed) and "Ring 0" no longer followed the novels but simply followed the formula established by "Ringu". I don't think I can wait another year for "Loop" to come out here in the U.S.!
Rating: 
Summary: A great thriller, but.... a bit far fetched.
Review: I have to admit that this story was written very well in the form of a sequel and a stand alone novel. The author wanted a reason to carry on the story he left at the end of "Ring", but I can see where things could get a bit sticky. Therefore, this book is supposed to be a stand alone novel that will keep "Ring" fans happy.
Starting the story out with the autopsy of the character who died at the end of the first novel brings readers right in, but soon after things seem to get a bit far fetched. How? Well, the author takes horror to a scientific level, almost Michael Crichton like, an tries to keep us on our toes at the same time. I do think it works, but just the keeping us on our toes part, the "horror" gets lost pretty early on in the book.
I think that you have to look at this book in one of two ways to make your decision on whether you like it or not. First, do you want to look at it as a sequel or second, as stand alone novel.
Although I read the first book and loved it, I dont think that it succedes as a good sequel, even though main characters return, even the evil girl Sadoko, or in the U.S. named Samara. As a stand alone novel though, I find it great. I mean, this is fiction people, not reality, its supposed to be far fetched.
I enjoyed this book very much as a thriller, not a horror, and honestly believe that both "Ring" fans and newcomers will enjoy this read. I cant wait for the third installment entitled "Loop". Have a fun read.
Rating:
Summary: Even less horrific and more cerebral
Review: Spiral very cleverly takes the plot of Ringu and runs with it, involving alphanumeric codes and the mechanisms of cellular biology. Suzuki's style seems to have improved some, too, since Ringu, and is just as briskly readable, and a little more concrete in its descriptions. As in Ringu, theory eventually displaces horror as the core of the story, and probably to an even greater extent, but there are still some moments of genuine horror. There's also more of Ryuji Takayama, even though he's, um, dead. In other words, everything you loved in Ringu is back in force.
The only thing which harms Spiral, I think, is the contrast between its horrific and scientific elements. That there is some kind of tentative quasi-scientific explanation for the events makes them seem less frightening, and at the same time, the neccesary implausibility of the scientific explanations makes them seem unnecesary.
In any case, Spiral sets the stage nicely for the final volume in the series, Loop, which is hopefully soon forthcoming.
Rating:
Summary: good mystery with a scientific twist
Review: This book is very engaging for those who enjoyed the book "Ring", or have seen either movie made in US or Japan. The fantasy aspect of the story is skillfully drawn into simple tasks of everyday life, and it makes the reader ponder his/her own ambien. The translations of both "Ring" and "Spiral" are superb. I am looking forward to more books from Vertical Publishing company.
Rating:
Summary: good mystery with a scientific twist
Review: This book is very engaging for those who enjoyed the book "Ring", or have seen either movie made in US or Japan. The fantasy aspect of the story is skillfully drawn into simple tasks of everyday life, and it makes the reader ponder his/her own ambien. The translations of both "Ring" and "Spiral" are superb. I am looking forward to more books from Vertical Publishing company.
Rating:
Summary: The true story of the ring
Review: this story is in a league all its own.worlds better than its film version (released the same year as Ringu), and more subtle than Ringu 2, the alternative/'official' japanese film sequel that was made afterward, this novel had me hooked even before i was finished with its prologue. koji suzuki is supremely talented; the story blends supernatural and scientific in a way that seems completely and frighteningly believable. i dont wish to rattle on, so i'll just say this is honestly the best book i have ever read. however, my intuition says that hardcore fans of the american remake (and only the remake) may not necessarily enjoy this, but i think having a look would be worthwhile regardless.
Rating:
Summary: buy it!
Review: this was definitly one of the best books ive ever read. so many twists and turns. i personally think it was better than the first book, ring. i HIGHLY suggest reading it.
Rating:
Summary: Ok.
Review: Watch out for Japanese Horrors or Thrillers.
They are a lot scarier than american horrors.
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