Link

Rating:
Summary: A RIVETING TALE OF ADVENTURE AND INTRIGUE
Review: As a die-hard espionage fan, LINK was slightly out of my usual reading genre, but I quickly became engrossed in the various subplots. For me personally, I LIKED all of the added subplots about the Bolivian cartels and how the CIA becomes involved. It allowed me to track three different storylines at once. And while some reviewers loved the first two-thirds and not the end--I found it to be incredibly exciting. The story has wonderful ticking clocks and builds to a sensational finish.

I can't wait for the sequel.

Rating:
Summary: PLEASANTLY SURPRISED
Review: From the plains of Africa to the highlands of Bolivia-- this story weaves an epic trail of subterfuge and survival and posits many uncanny coincidences about the history of our species.

It truly gets you thinking. I recommend it for sci-fi lovers and also for people who like thrillers. Becker seems to have delivered enough of both genres to keep both camps intrigued.

I was expecting a light, fun read-- which it was-- but got a whole lot more out of it than I planned. Kudos on this first novel.

Rating:
Summary: CLIVE CUSSLER FANS TAKE NOTE!
Review: I picked up the novel because of the great quote given by one of my favorite authors, Clive Cussler. For fans of his, this is a a must read, because both authors truly know how to deliver a stunning story.

Link is chock-full of interesting tidbits. I actually didn't care one way or another about any of the science mentioned, though it raised some interesting points, I was simply too enthralled with the actual plot.

If you like the x-files or any adventure story then I am sure you will love this book.

Rating:
Summary: FUN VACATION READING
Review: I picked up a copy of LINK before our family's annual ski vacation. I got hooked on the plane-- from the very first chapter-- then found it nearly impossible to put down. (In fact, I missed the first day of skiing so I could finish it.)

Mr. Becker seems to be an incredibly talented writer-- even some of the reviews which didn't take to what they saw as his "creationist" views-- gave him kudos to his talent as a very readable author. I thought the descriptions of the various locations of the book were marvelous (Mali, Bolivia, Brazil, etc,.) and the author did a fantastic job of weaving in actual tribes and ancient history.

Though some may have problems with all the ideas presented, I do think they were intriguing. Samantha, one of the lead characters was very likeable--- a tough, strong woman-- and I enjoyed her relationship with Dr. Austin.

I think nearly everyone could recommend this book to friends. I have given my copy to my best friend who loved it too-- and given it to her husband-- who when I last checked-- had given it to his secretary. I suppose I'll have to buy another copy. A very well-written debut novel. Check it out.

Rating:
Summary: Good beginning... but then it just got ridiculous
Review: I picked up this book because the writing was touted as a "Crichton -like." I'm a huge fan of Michael Crichton and Mr. Becker is no Micheal Crichton.

The story started out great,a real page turner. But then once the crew entered the South American ruins the pace slammed to a halt. I forced myself to finish the book and the further I got in the book the more ridiculous the story became.

Unlike some reviewers, I was not offended by the creationist slant. On the contrary, I would not say Link supports creationism. The references to God and creation seemed thrown in after the fact and didn't really fit in the story.

I would recommend waiting for the movie

Rating:
Summary: Explanation
Review: I wrote my first review before reading other customer reviews. I feel compelled to explain why some of us are attacking the book for inaccurate science when it is indeed fiction. There is a quite popular genre of books that mix fiction (made up people and actions) with scientific fact. Michael Crichton is one such author. "Link" purports to be this type of a book, but clearly isn't. Hence the disappointed reviews.

Rating:
Summary: Erroneous and boring
Review: It took me two weeks to force my way through this book. I'd like to say that it just wasn't my cup of tea, but it goes beyond taste. This is just a bad book. Apparently, there was no time to waste with editors - certainly not technical editors. I'd like to know the author's credentials which lead him to believe he can refute countless learned and brilliant minds. Beyond that the characters were shallow and boring. The lead, Jack Austin, was especially hard to take - Mr. "I'm so victimized and misunderstood because I'm so superior to everyone else." Add to that some sappy dribble and you have a should-miss read.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting Ideas/Difficult to Grasp
Review: This book started out with some thought provoking ideas and interesting points of view, but just went on for too long. It could have been condensed from its 380 pages down to approximately 250 pages and held the reader's interest much better. It put me in mind of many of today's movies where the film plays for two plus hours, but the story ends after one and a half hours. It is based on a great concept but pulls in just too much extraneous matter.

Rating:
Summary: you've got to be kidding
Review: It starts out with an interesting premise - aliens as the creators of modern man, then deteriorates rapidly into cartoonish posturing and bad pseudo-scientific claptrap. Sorry, the author sounds like a nice guy from his afterword, but the plot reads like a Hollywood B movie from the 50's. I think The Lost World or Journey to the Center of the Earth did the convenient destruction of all evidence better. Throw in semi-reformed arms dealer turned biotech company owner, female drug lord with incest survivor psychological issues and a underground lab with mummies and a working cold fusion device and you have as incoherent a plot as I have ever seen. Truly, the book is pathetic.

Rating:
Summary: Neat Idea, but not well focused
Review: I really liked the premise of this book; a team of scientists digging in desert discover an Alien relic. Where did this relic come from? and what was its function? What does this say about ancient history and our world as we know it?

The answer to these questions, which weaves fact with fiction is the most fascinating aspect of the story, and makes for a good, intelligent read.

Unfortunately, the bulk of the plot is focused on a ridiculous plot involving drug lords, the DEA and many boring sequences in which the bad guys are in hot pursuit of the good guys. I had to skim the last few pages of the book because I was so bored at the end. Not my idea of a good time.

In the final analysis, I wish the author focused more on his philosophy, ideas, and imagination regarding the alien relic, rather than try to build an action novel which didnt work.