Scan barcode
johnbreeden's review against another edition
5.0
I am really getting into this series. I believe the characters are developing more. Each is written into branching scenarios which are entertaining, but manage to stay the course and merge back together into the primary narrative. A few threads in the story kind of drop towards the end, such as the Death Volunteers' leader. Also, as with many of these types of novels, luck might as well have a shout out as well. Overall, the novel is entertaining and magnetic - pulling the reader back to the novel with its pace and energy.
fotoshopguy52's review against another edition
4.0
There is no doubt that Instinct is an improvement in many ways over Mr. Robinson's first novel in the Chess Team Adventure series, but that is not to say it is perfect. While the science and the events occurring are somewhat more believable, there are still times when he goes too far, and I simply cannot accept even the remotest chance that many could come to pass.
However, the story is fast-paced, and for the most part enjoyable. The character development is good, and there is a true sense that you care for success of their plight. There are certainly some very interesting concepts and ideas that the author expresses, but unfortunately, as in the first book, some are simply too far-fetched.
My decision to read the next novel in the series (Threshold) was side-tracked by the fact that the synopsis sounded particularly ludicrous (as in such things as living statues), so I passed for now, and moved on to a novel by Daniel Judson (Avenged).
You may want to keep items like this in mind before you start this series.
However, the story is fast-paced, and for the most part enjoyable. The character development is good, and there is a true sense that you care for success of their plight. There are certainly some very interesting concepts and ideas that the author expresses, but unfortunately, as in the first book, some are simply too far-fetched.
My decision to read the next novel in the series (Threshold) was side-tracked by the fact that the synopsis sounded particularly ludicrous (as in such things as living statues), so I passed for now, and moved on to a novel by Daniel Judson (Avenged).
You may want to keep items like this in mind before you start this series.
barbtrek's review against another edition
3.0
I have mixed feelings about this one. Seemed a little too long in spots. I didn’t like or love to hate the antagonists. The whole pandemic thing was a bit too prophetic! I’m definitely going on in the series but I hope it goes uphill from here.
gbdill's review
3.0
The Chess Team is on a quest to discover a cure for the deadly Brugada disease that is killing off hundreds of people in the U.S. including the President of the United States. In the hills of Vietnam they stumble upon a colony of genetically mutated Neanderthals who have descended from one single human "father". Inside Mount Meru they find a necropolis whose source of energy can be found in crystals enabling them to become stronger and live longer with the hopes of outliving and decimating the human race. Quite corny, but just enough corniness to pique my curiosity and keep me reading. Overall, it was a good book but not Robinson's best. Pulse was terrific and it seems his new book Threshold will deliver off his original story involving the Hydra. Looking forward to reading it.
veronica87's review
4.0
3.5 stars
If this was the type of series that tried to be serious then I'd have to rate it lower because there is just some rampant silliness going on. But this series doesn't aspire to be anything but what it is and that's pure escapist entertainment. So leave your sense of reality behind as Jack Sigler, call sign King, and his Chess team blow plausibility out of the water.
This time around the human race is threatened with extinction via pandemic and the only place where a cure might be found is in the deep jungles of Vietnam. There are military threats as well as fierce and unexpected opposition from the natural world itself to go through and all the while the clock is ticking down on the human race. It's just another day at the office for King, Queen, Bishop, Knight, and Rook. The Pawn of the Week (Pawn being the floating call sign given to any temporary member of the Chess team) is Dr. Sarah Fogg, a CDC scientist tasked with finding and isolating the cure with just what she carries in her handy-dandy backpack. This is suspension of disbelief, remember? *wink*
Anyway, the chapters are short which keeps the third person narrative going at a fast clip as it moves from one point of action to another. Once the mission starts, there's never a moment of down time for the characters. There is a peek into King's past and Deep Blue's identity but I have to say that Rook and Knight are emerging as my favorite Chess team members and I hope that subsequent books shine some light on them at some point. I could've done without Sarah morphing into a love interest for one of the guys. Who wants to see these guys settle down and be in loooovvvvveeee? Not me, that's for damn sure. That aside, it was still a crazy, wild adventure.
If this was the type of series that tried to be serious then I'd have to rate it lower because there is just some rampant silliness going on.
Spoiler
I mean, a "twitchy scientist" keeping up with an elite Delta unit out in the jungle? C'mon!This time around the human race is threatened with extinction via pandemic and the only place where a cure might be found is in the deep jungles of Vietnam. There are military threats as well as fierce and unexpected opposition from the natural world itself to go through and all the while the clock is ticking down on the human race. It's just another day at the office for King, Queen, Bishop, Knight, and Rook. The Pawn of the Week (Pawn being the floating call sign given to any temporary member of the Chess team) is Dr. Sarah Fogg, a CDC scientist tasked with finding and isolating the cure with just what she carries in her handy-dandy backpack. This is suspension of disbelief, remember? *wink*
Anyway, the chapters are short which keeps the third person narrative going at a fast clip as it moves from one point of action to another. Once the mission starts, there's never a moment of down time for the characters. There is a peek into King's past and Deep Blue's identity but I have to say that Rook and Knight are emerging as my favorite Chess team members and I hope that subsequent books shine some light on them at some point. I could've done without Sarah morphing into a love interest for one of the guys. Who wants to see these guys settle down and be in loooovvvvveeee? Not me, that's for damn sure. That aside, it was still a crazy, wild adventure.
imzadirose's review against another edition
3.0
This series is definitely bizarre, but I like it. Still a little too much standing around talking, rather than shooting things, but I love the Chess Team itself so it's ok. Yay that I figured out who Deep Blue was, BUT REALLY, that's Deep Blue? I hope it wasn't supposed to be a shocker when we found out and it was kind of lame, but oh well. I do like this series, though I want more action. Will continue on with it.
ymiranda's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely insane roller coaster ride of bad guys, blood, guts, bullets and super-human soldiers with just a dash of romance. Loved it!
patchy710's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved it. The Chess Team is officially one of my favorite action/sci-fi reads!
veronica87's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
If this was the type of series that tried to be serious then I'd have to rate it lower because there is just some rampant silliness going on. I mean, a "twitchy scientist" keeping up with an elite Delta unit out in the jungle? C'mon! But this series doesn't aspire to be anything but what it is and that's pure escapist entertainment. So leave your sense of reality behind as Jack Sigler, call sign King, and his Chess team blow plausibility out of the water.
This time around the human race is threatened with extinction via pandemic and the only place where a cure might be found is in the deep jungles of Vietnam. There are military threats as well as fierce and unexpected opposition from the natural world itself to go through and all the while the clock is ticking down on the human race. It's just another day at the office for King, Queen, Bishop, Knight, and Rook. The Pawn of the Week (Pawn being the floating call sign given to any temporary member of the Chess team) is Dr. Sarah Fogg, a CDC scientist tasked with finding and isolating the cure with just what she carries in her handy-dandy backpack. This is suspension of disbelief, remember? *wink*
Anyway, the chapters are short which keeps the third person narrative going at a fast clip as it moves from one point of action to another. Once the mission starts, there's never a moment of down time for the characters. There is a peek into King's past and Deep Blue's identity but I have to say that Rook and Knight are emerging as my favorite Chess team members and I hope that subsequent books shine some light on them at some point. I could've done without Sarah morphing into a love interest for one of the guys. Who wants to see these guys settle down and be in loooovvvvveeee? Not me, that's for damn sure. That aside, it was still a crazy, wild adventure.
If this was the type of series that tried to be serious then I'd have to rate it lower because there is just some rampant silliness going on.
This time around the human race is threatened with extinction via pandemic and the only place where a cure might be found is in the deep jungles of Vietnam. There are military threats as well as fierce and unexpected opposition from the natural world itself to go through and all the while the clock is ticking down on the human race. It's just another day at the office for King, Queen, Bishop, Knight, and Rook. The Pawn of the Week (Pawn being the floating call sign given to any temporary member of the Chess team) is Dr. Sarah Fogg, a CDC scientist tasked with finding and isolating the cure with just what she carries in her handy-dandy backpack. This is suspension of disbelief, remember? *wink*
Anyway, the chapters are short which keeps the third person narrative going at a fast clip as it moves from one point of action to another. Once the mission starts, there's never a moment of down time for the characters. There is a peek into King's past and Deep Blue's identity but I have to say that Rook and Knight are emerging as my favorite Chess team members and I hope that subsequent books shine some light on them at some point. I could've done without Sarah morphing into a love interest for one of the guys. Who wants to see these guys settle down and be in loooovvvvveeee? Not me, that's for damn sure. That aside, it was still a crazy, wild adventure.
imzadirose's review
3.0
This series is definitely bizarre, but I like it. Still a little too much standing around talking, rather than shooting things, but I love the Chess Team itself so it's ok. Yay that I figured out who Deep Blue was, BUT REALLY, that's Deep Blue? I hope it wasn't supposed to be a shocker when we found out and it was kind of lame, but oh well. I do like this series, though I want more action. Will continue on with it.
More...