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agentnk_'s review against another edition
5.0
entertaining adventure/mystery about scientific experimentation with animal and the results.
leirben's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ayaktruk's review against another edition
3.0
Picked this up in the Burbank Airport news shop to read on a flight home from LA - my last trip to pack up the remainder of my Mom's belongings.
I know I had read several previous works by Rollins -- turns out three of them (Black Order, Ice Hunt, and Deep Fathom) and I recalled enjoying them, so it was a safe bet I'd enjoy Alter of Eden as well.
I did, finished it a few days after my flight, and it's on the shelf with the other Rollin's paperbacks. In fact, I believe it all three of his previous works that I have were hand-me-downs from my Mom.
I know I had read several previous works by Rollins -- turns out three of them (Black Order, Ice Hunt, and Deep Fathom) and I recalled enjoying them, so it was a safe bet I'd enjoy Alter of Eden as well.
I did, finished it a few days after my flight, and it's on the shelf with the other Rollin's paperbacks. In fact, I believe it all three of his previous works that I have were hand-me-downs from my Mom.
naomistrange's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
5.0
zare_i's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting but rather short read. I like novels in which good guys [again who does not :)] win but this one seems a little bit rushed which is a shame because story is very interesting.
There is no .... no tension for the lead characters. You know from the first page how the story will unfold, moment something unexpected happens you can pretty well predict how that problem will be solved .... But I was stunned how efficient is the border patrol from the south of the USA :) man, either they have some pretty bad neighbors or armed forces need to look into the law enforcement community for the recruits :)
Entertaining read.
There is no .... no tension for the lead characters. You know from the first page how the story will unfold, moment something unexpected happens you can pretty well predict how that problem will be solved .... But I was stunned how efficient is the border patrol from the south of the USA :) man, either they have some pretty bad neighbors or armed forces need to look into the law enforcement community for the recruits :)
Entertaining read.
johnbreeden's review against another edition
4.0
I've been going through James Rollins' stand alone novels recently. I will admit I had difficulty staying with some of the earlier works, but with Altar of Eden, I fell right into the flow. Generally, one might think much of the scientific elements are far fetched, but I can see that Rollins has invested a great deal of time in research. The threads tying the various elements together may be fictional, but the individual points have scientific merit.
lirewoodis's review against another edition
3.0
An easy read with a beautiful setting. Not much memorable other than the descriptions of the bayou and New Orleans. While I am a James Rollins fan, I wouldn’t say this novel is his best.
dsuttles's review against another edition
2.0
Mehhh... interesting use of scientific ideas in fiction, but the story ultimately fell flat due to one-dimensional characters and cliche action tropes.
The main female character Lorna's tragic background includes problematic depictions of abortion and rape. I honestly don't have interest in analyzing it further, but figured I'd put the warning out there for any fellow ladies and allies who are tired of the usual moralizing and tired plot arcs involving these two topics.
Finally, the ending is hot defeatist garbage. Creatures who have developed group sentience are tortured beyond empathizing with their own offspring, so much so that when given the opportunity to reunite with their kin they instead choose suicide. I call bullshit. What a gross oversimplification of the psyche of survivors of abuse and violence.
But hey, at least the leading dude gets the pretty girl in the end, amiright?
A friend recommended this book to me. I'm looking forward to giving her back her paperback.
The main female character Lorna's tragic background includes problematic depictions of abortion and rape. I honestly don't have interest in analyzing it further, but figured I'd put the warning out there for any fellow ladies and allies who are tired of the usual moralizing and tired plot arcs involving these two topics.
Finally, the ending is hot defeatist garbage. Creatures who have developed group sentience are tortured beyond empathizing with their own offspring, so much so that when given the opportunity to reunite with their kin they instead choose suicide. I call bullshit. What a gross oversimplification of the psyche of survivors of abuse and violence.
But hey, at least the leading dude gets the pretty girl in the end, amiright?
A friend recommended this book to me. I'm looking forward to giving her back her paperback.
gbdill's review against another edition
2.0
Rednecks from the swamp collide with brilliant scientists gone mad.
I really pushed myself to finish this book. The first half of the story was excellent; quite compelling and adventurous. Mutant saber-toothed tiger on the loose, protecting its young and devouring unsuspecting people. The second half of the story gets lost in a bunch of gunfights and explosives on some obscure island in the Caribbean.
Not Rollins best work, but certainly not his worst either. Two-stars for his unique creativity. But, too lengthy of a story that inevitably loses its momentum to warrant a higher rating.
I really pushed myself to finish this book. The first half of the story was excellent; quite compelling and adventurous. Mutant saber-toothed tiger on the loose, protecting its young and devouring unsuspecting people. The second half of the story gets lost in a bunch of gunfights and explosives on some obscure island in the Caribbean.
Not Rollins best work, but certainly not his worst either. Two-stars for his unique creativity. But, too lengthy of a story that inevitably loses its momentum to warrant a higher rating.