Helpful Score: 7
I have ALWAYS been a reader. I read for pleasure and inspiration and imagination. I usually read mystery, drama, comedy, bios and memoir. Every once in a while I come across a science fiction/fantasy type book that speaks to me and I give it a shot. I sometime wonder if I lack imagination and that is the reason I don't care for Sci/Fi/Fantasy books. Anyhoo.. this book spoke to me and I ordered it (thanks for the new home page book selector deal!) I must admit there were times as I was reading I said to myself, "WHAAAA??? what is this!!) but I muddled onward page by page.
Strieber is a gifted writer, he hooked me in, early on and I found myself reading at 2:30am before a work day. Bottom line: Good vs Evil know no genre. It is the classic battle and the makings of a great book. This one is that.. A great book. Very enjoyable and entertaining.
Strieber is a gifted writer, he hooked me in, early on and I found myself reading at 2:30am before a work day. Bottom line: Good vs Evil know no genre. It is the classic battle and the makings of a great book. This one is that.. A great book. Very enjoyable and entertaining.
Helpful Score: 4
So bad I couldn't finish it. Holy cow, what a mixed up mess!
Helpful Score: 2
I'll admit, my interest is more than a little peaked about 2012, and the historical background and predictions surrounding the much-anticipated date. So, 2012: The War for Souls practically jumped off the library shelf and into my eager hands.
I've never read anything by Whitley Strieber, and I was very young when he wrote Communion and received all the attention for the work. So I was even more intrigued by the book.
I really enjoyed the first third of the 2012. I devoured the first 10 chapters, which are like something out of a summer blockbuster disaster movie. The next third of the book started to get a little strange as Strieber's writing returned to its alien-themed comfort zone. And the end third of the tale was just out there.
The book follows writer (Wiley) who finds himself completely engrossed in his new novel. In fact, at times he finds himself compelled to write, as if he's channeling events that are happening in another world. The main character of his story, Martin, is an archeologist who knows too much, caught up in a global disaster and an otherworldly threat that can destroy his family, his career and even his very soul. And the cruel and calculating alien creatures that are killing millions on the Earth in Wiley's unfinished story might soon be coming for his world, too.
I did enjoy Streiber's writing style. His descriptions are colorful and he uses language well to help advance his scariest plot points. He's also masterful at subtle and unexpected humor. Anyone that can work Ann Coulter into a story like that deserves kudos for providing creative laughs. Both primary characters were also very well developed, and likeable.
My biggest problem with the book was that it was just a little too out there -- sorry to repeat, but it's really the only way I can put it. It's one of the wackiest and strangest stories I've ever read. It was well written and engaging, but I know it's not something I'd reread. In fact, I think it may deter me from seeking out any of Strieber's many other books of the alien persuasion. Strieber contends that he is the survivor of an alien abduction, and he certainly writes about the experience with gritty and disturbing intimacy.
In the end, I appreciated the story's creativity, but I can't say I liked it. Parts of 2012 just made me feel like I needed a shower. I now know more about cattle mutilations and anal probs than I ever wanted to. And I wish I was kidding.
I've never read anything by Whitley Strieber, and I was very young when he wrote Communion and received all the attention for the work. So I was even more intrigued by the book.
I really enjoyed the first third of the 2012. I devoured the first 10 chapters, which are like something out of a summer blockbuster disaster movie. The next third of the book started to get a little strange as Strieber's writing returned to its alien-themed comfort zone. And the end third of the tale was just out there.
The book follows writer (Wiley) who finds himself completely engrossed in his new novel. In fact, at times he finds himself compelled to write, as if he's channeling events that are happening in another world. The main character of his story, Martin, is an archeologist who knows too much, caught up in a global disaster and an otherworldly threat that can destroy his family, his career and even his very soul. And the cruel and calculating alien creatures that are killing millions on the Earth in Wiley's unfinished story might soon be coming for his world, too.
I did enjoy Streiber's writing style. His descriptions are colorful and he uses language well to help advance his scariest plot points. He's also masterful at subtle and unexpected humor. Anyone that can work Ann Coulter into a story like that deserves kudos for providing creative laughs. Both primary characters were also very well developed, and likeable.
My biggest problem with the book was that it was just a little too out there -- sorry to repeat, but it's really the only way I can put it. It's one of the wackiest and strangest stories I've ever read. It was well written and engaging, but I know it's not something I'd reread. In fact, I think it may deter me from seeking out any of Strieber's many other books of the alien persuasion. Strieber contends that he is the survivor of an alien abduction, and he certainly writes about the experience with gritty and disturbing intimacy.
In the end, I appreciated the story's creativity, but I can't say I liked it. Parts of 2012 just made me feel like I needed a shower. I now know more about cattle mutilations and anal probs than I ever wanted to. And I wish I was kidding.
I agree with Scott, though i am an avid reader of Scifi, and am also into 2012 books. They all are very unique but with the same type of attitude around them, and it is a good attitude, one that should make one peaceful inside. But yes i can agree with you and say that the ending was a bit off. But, how can one end a book that is supposed to be in the future. wouldn't that ruin it for everyone?! This is going to be turned into a movie as well hopefully as visual as the book was too. here is a link. It is due to be out in 2010.http://scifipedia.scifi.com/index.php/2012:_The_War_for_Souls_(movie)
Peace.
Druke
Peace.
Druke
Helpful Score: 1
2012 was a little slow to start but picked up the pace and wound up being an entertaining read.
Helpful Score: 1
This is by far the most original, most intriguing 12/21/12 book I have read yet. And I have read several.
Whitley Striber always seems to come up with unique ideas and new ways of looking at things, and "2012" is one of his best efforts yet.
Combine the Myan calender,parallel universes, reptilian invaders, Heaven, Hell and the end of the world. Plop a family, or two parallel families, right down into the middle of it all and you have a winner. I could hardly put this book down!
But be forwarned, "2012" is one of the most convoluted, confusing, aspect-changing, and original books I have ever read. I was lost for the first third of the book, trying to keep up. It is well worth the effort.
If you enjoy this type of book you will love "2012", especially if you are a Whitley fan already. Don't let this one get away!
Whitley Striber always seems to come up with unique ideas and new ways of looking at things, and "2012" is one of his best efforts yet.
Combine the Myan calender,parallel universes, reptilian invaders, Heaven, Hell and the end of the world. Plop a family, or two parallel families, right down into the middle of it all and you have a winner. I could hardly put this book down!
But be forwarned, "2012" is one of the most convoluted, confusing, aspect-changing, and original books I have ever read. I was lost for the first third of the book, trying to keep up. It is well worth the effort.
If you enjoy this type of book you will love "2012", especially if you are a Whitley fan already. Don't let this one get away!
Helpful Score: 1
Good story. Not emotionally gripping.
Don't think this book is going to be like the movie. It is much more complicated with two stores interwoven which makes it hard to follow at times. This said however the story is exciting, imaginative and will raise goose-bumps on your arms. A chilling look into what might be in our future. Expect to be frightened. Good one.
I didn't like this book. It was weird and creepy to me, more so than other books I have read.
This book started off very slow, and I was unsure whether I'd get into the book. Then it started to get exciting. Some other moments became slow and confusing. I got lost with who was who. Overall it was a shocking book and worth a read for those of you who like extraterrestrial-themed novels.
I enjoyed this book but it had a crappy ending. It was like he didn't really know how to end the book.
Hard getting into this book ! Not what I thought it would be. Found some sections a bit confusing.
Based upon a calender that even the Maya abandoned as inefficient 800 years BEFORE the end of their civilization once again Streiber milks the money tit for current hysteria and cultural ignorance.
Don't bother.
Don't bother.
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-8359-Denver-Books-Examiner~y2010m3d29-2012-The-War-for-Souls-by-Whitley-Strieber
Boy what a let down. If there was any connection to the movie I couldn't find it.
I was a bit dissappointed with this one. I had thought it would be the book about the movie but it was not. It is taking me a long time to get through it as it is so morbid.
I am reading another book but know that I have to return and finish but it really is morbid and depressing.
I am reading another book but know that I have to return and finish but it really is morbid and depressing.
