Jason Appleby

• Rated 4 stars

“Enjoyable story told with all the usual King style and class, creating well formed characters and lifelike environments. This is some of Kings better work, with a satisfying conclusion and coherently constructed plot. If there was a complaint it would concern the middle of the book where the endless surveilance of Oswald failed to progress the storyline and got bogged down. Otherwise very enjoyable.”

Jason Appleby wrote this review Friday, January 27, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

2 of 2 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 1 stars

“Whilst having strong religious convictions myself I am always happy to listen to clear, well reasoned and thoughtful opinions that oppose mine. Thus I sought out a book by that well known atheist Richard Dawkins, and proceeded to read "The God Delusion". I found this book ridiculous in many ways and I presume there are better examples of atheist reasoning around, so if anyone can suggest one be my guest.
I won't go in to lengthy discussion but for those interested I'll say this; Dawkins fails to adequately critique many of the views he opposes. To say he constructs "straw men" would be an understatement. Many of positions supporting the existence of God are poorly understood, represented or described. It reads a little like a blog, with a condescending tone and little effort in explaining the shortcomings of his own views and possible solutions. If you are after intelligent discussion I'm afraid you may be disappointed here. ”

Jason Appleby wrote this review Thursday, January 19, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 3 stars

“Dirk Pitt is the kind of guy Ethan hunt and James Bond wish they were. This guy never gets it wrong, and Cussler has him existing in some kind of "Last action hero" universe where he is invincible. So if you don't need character development or suspense, but enjoy fast paced action where good will triumph evil comprehensively then this book is perfect. Storyline is interesting, but not exactly a page turner. ”

Jason Appleby wrote this review Saturday, January 14, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 3 stars

“Not a strong book by King but fans of his style will still enjoy it. Whilst not particularly scary or suspenseful it certainly holds your interest in unravelling the complex relationship between the title character and her late husband. Would have benefited from having a plot that wasn't so obvious.”

Jason Appleby wrote this review Monday, January 2, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 1 stars

“ Is it just me or was this book complete rubbish? Grisham's clinical style fails to create characters of any substance, and the lack of passion and heart make this one sanitized read. Actual storyline is reasonable and does keep you reading, but with it being so difficult to "know" the characters finishing the book brought more relief than regret.
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Jason Appleby wrote this review Monday, January 2, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“ This book is thoroughly enjoyable, different stories intersecting. I loved the Hearts story, and King is on his game here.
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Jason Appleby wrote this review Monday, January 2, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“ Classic book. As with most Irving books the character that holds the narrative point of view is the least interesting of them all, merely getting us close to the action. Well constructed characters inhabit a world that seems very real, and the plot is quite unpredictable but satisfying.
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Jason Appleby wrote this review Monday, January 2, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“ King must have been sweating writing this book it is so fast paced;at least for this prodigious writer. Paying homage to George Romero and others King has written an action sci-fi/Zombie thriller. Perhaps he looking for another movie? Thoroughly enjoyable but not a classic, must agree that the ending would have been stronger if he'd made the decision for us.
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Jason Appleby wrote this review Monday, January 2, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“ I understand that the relationship is central and is stronger for the lack of diversions; still a little more exposition would have led me to enjoy this book more. Still it is very powerful and he deserves the praise he recieves.
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Jason Appleby wrote this review Monday, January 2, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“ It is only Irving's undoubted skill and story telling ability that prevents this book being ridiculous. The overall story is frail and worse quite boring, with many unconvincing events. Pat's supposed personal growth not apparent, even less so through Irvings insistence that it has occurred. The motivations of Doris are murky at best and difficult to understand. The dream sequences are incongruous and fail to progress the story. We also spend much of the book with the hand surgeon whom actually plays very little role in the novels plot.The book is a mess but I still enjoyed it, the many subplots are amusing enough to justify the effort to complete this short Irving novel.”

Jason Appleby wrote this review Monday, January 2, 2012. ( reply | permalink )