Helpful Score: 2
I'll start out by saying that when I crack open a Preston & Child novel I don't expect to be blown away by literary genius, but rather to remain entertained with a somewhat outlandish (yet interesting) adventure story, complete with creepy evil villains, unexpected plot twists and a dashing hero that always manages to escape, regardless of how heavily the odds weigh against him.
With stories deeply rooted in scientific theory, history, and the supernatural, I've remained a fan over all of these years, ever since I cracked open "Relic" back in 1996. While my life has changed considerably since then, sadly Preston & Child's Pendergast series has not. As the years pass by I've found myself growing tired of the same old regurgitated plot line, which goes something like this:
- Someone dies in some really bizarre way
- Pengergast mysteriously arrives
- Pendergast quickly realizes that something peculiar has occurred and decides to investigate further
- D'Agosta is pulled in, even though he knows it's a bad idea.
- 300 pages of murders & near death experiences occur.
- D'Agosta loses his job, girlfriend, or both.
- The evil villain is ID'd, only after you're lead to believe a handful of other folks were the bad guy first.
- Evil villain is manhandled by Pendergast
- Setup for next book in series is inserted
- The End
The funny thing is, even though I realize what I'm about to get myself into each and every time, I still come back for me. This is not to say that I have not remained entertained throughout the series, but rather that as the amount of Pendergast novels increases my enjoyment level has continued to decrease...
And then we come to "Fever Dream"...the first Pendergast novel that I can honestly say I did not enjoy. While at first I found the mystery surrounding Pendergast's wife's death and its mysterious links to Audubon intriguing, the allure quickly wore off. I found the story to be rather slow moving in comparison to their previous efforts and by the close of the book I was simply pleased that it was over so that I could move on to something different.
Interestingly enough, before closing the book I noticed a note from the authors indicating that they were moving away from the Pendergast series for a bit to focus on their new project, "Gideon Sword", which apparently introduces a new set of characters. Hmm...perhaps they too have grown tired of writing the same thing over and over and over again?
With all of that said, should you read this book? Yes. Let's face it, if you've read all the other Pendergast novels there's no way you won't crack this one open too. That's just how it works with folks like us. Will you be disappointed if you do? Perhaps, but then again you already know what you're getting yourself into.
With stories deeply rooted in scientific theory, history, and the supernatural, I've remained a fan over all of these years, ever since I cracked open "Relic" back in 1996. While my life has changed considerably since then, sadly Preston & Child's Pendergast series has not. As the years pass by I've found myself growing tired of the same old regurgitated plot line, which goes something like this:
- Someone dies in some really bizarre way
- Pengergast mysteriously arrives
- Pendergast quickly realizes that something peculiar has occurred and decides to investigate further
- D'Agosta is pulled in, even though he knows it's a bad idea.
- 300 pages of murders & near death experiences occur.
- D'Agosta loses his job, girlfriend, or both.
- The evil villain is ID'd, only after you're lead to believe a handful of other folks were the bad guy first.
- Evil villain is manhandled by Pendergast
- Setup for next book in series is inserted
- The End
The funny thing is, even though I realize what I'm about to get myself into each and every time, I still come back for me. This is not to say that I have not remained entertained throughout the series, but rather that as the amount of Pendergast novels increases my enjoyment level has continued to decrease...
And then we come to "Fever Dream"...the first Pendergast novel that I can honestly say I did not enjoy. While at first I found the mystery surrounding Pendergast's wife's death and its mysterious links to Audubon intriguing, the allure quickly wore off. I found the story to be rather slow moving in comparison to their previous efforts and by the close of the book I was simply pleased that it was over so that I could move on to something different.
Interestingly enough, before closing the book I noticed a note from the authors indicating that they were moving away from the Pendergast series for a bit to focus on their new project, "Gideon Sword", which apparently introduces a new set of characters. Hmm...perhaps they too have grown tired of writing the same thing over and over and over again?
With all of that said, should you read this book? Yes. Let's face it, if you've read all the other Pendergast novels there's no way you won't crack this one open too. That's just how it works with folks like us. Will you be disappointed if you do? Perhaps, but then again you already know what you're getting yourself into.
Helpful Score: 1
Lots of suspense - moved fast. Good read!
One of the best in the Pendergast series--couldn't wait to finish it but was sorry when it was done! Narrow escapes, brilliant deductions, alligators, lions, creepy swamps, mad scientists and crazy rednecks---all in one hard to put down book!
Good book just hate that it's gona be continued.
The story was fascinating and the writing very well done; however the character was not one I enjoyed as many others I have. I considered reading other books in the Pendergast series and decided not, so many books and so little time...
Thought this one dropped the ball. Though it seems to be a preparation for the next one. Less than the first 8 in the series.
I thought Book 8 was a disaster and the authors recovered a bit with #9. In "Fever Dream", Special Agent Pendergast is back in true form. The plot is unfolded in true Preston & Child fashion and keeps you guessing until the end. I actually liked the ending in that you know there's more in store for Aloysius and Constance.
Long time fan of this series and was very glad to see new book. this one grabs your attention with many twists and turns. I agree with some other fans that the ending was a bit of a let down but still Agent Pendergast is a great read. Cant wait for the next one.
I am a long time Preston & Child fan, but was disappointed in the last two books as were a lot of fans judging from reviews that I've read. So...when I began to read "Fever Dream" I kept saying, "Yes, yes! They are back on track!" I loved this book, enjoyed every minute. It is filled with thrills and chills. I liked the added dimension to Pendergast's character. He actually lost his cool and collected demeanor; he became more human. I was uncomfortable with D'Agosta's seemingly puppet-like devotion to Pendergast. But, hey, it's fiction. We do have to suspend our perceptions of reality often while reading fiction. Why else read fiction but to escape reality. I do wish that Constance's dilemma was covered more thoroughly, but we will have to wait for the next book. A fun and entertaining, read. I highly recommend it.
This book was a little disappointing. The book was slow and that is and not what I was expecting.
Another great story from Preston & Child. Full of the unusual quirks that are typical Pendergast. A quick paced mystery story.
Another exciting, fast moving, scary but fun romp with Pendergast, et al. Preston and Child never cease to amaze with their exhaustive research and story telling process. A must read!
This wasn't my favorite Pendergast novel. While the suspense built, it was a little slower paced than its predecessors. Still an entertaining read as always though.
as exciting as the previous ones
The entire Special Agent Pendergast series has been very entertaining.
Good refresh of the Pendergast series. The story hangs together well even if you haven't read the previous books in the series. A good read overall.
