Scan barcode
johnbreeden's review against another edition
3.0
I just couldn't get into this book. I've read several of James Rollins' books, and have thoroughly enjoyed them. In particular, his stand-alone novels, such as this one, keep my attention. This one, however, was a little too easy to set down and walk away from. In all honest, I think this was just not the book for me. I am still a fan and look forward to the next book.
teachinsci's review against another edition
3.0
Alright, let me point out that this was a fun book. Not every book needs to be a cerebral challenge, and this book certainly provided some adventure along with ideas for travel. As always, James Rollins provides an escape from reality.
The book starts with a natural disaster that shakes the whole of the Pacific basinthe discovery of a giant crystal deep beneath the ocean. By the time it is done, it is wound its way through artificial intelligence, the Bermuda triangle, and a shoot out in newly discovered ruins.
The characters vary in their depths with the protagonist being the most nuanced, while every scientist beats the usual trope of experts at everything science - at least in this case bounded by their scientific field.
Over all karma if you are looking for something to kill some time That involves non Western mythology, this book would be right up your alley.
The book starts with a natural disaster that shakes the whole of the Pacific basinthe discovery of a giant crystal deep beneath the ocean. By the time it is done, it is wound its way through artificial intelligence, the Bermuda triangle, and a shoot out in newly discovered ruins.
The characters vary in their depths with the protagonist being the most nuanced, while every scientist beats the usual trope of experts at everything science - at least in this case bounded by their scientific field.
Over all karma if you are looking for something to kill some time That involves non Western mythology, this book would be right up your alley.
leahreadsalot's review against another edition
3.0
Bear with me, here; I have to get something off my chest! I am a sucker for action/thrillers during the summer. They're a nice break from "literature" and they're fun. Usually I can get through a typical thriller in a day or two. My issue with Rollins is that in every book, he's got one or two phrases that he uses constantly. Maybe it's a weird inside joke b/w the author and someone he loves. Who knows. But, really, shouldn't the EDITOR catch these things? For example: In Deep Fathom, Rollins uses the rather crude phrase "shit-eating grin" at least 4 times. I've read a lot of books, and I'm 31. And I really have no idea what that even means. I just don't understand the point. Once, okay. Twice--c'mon, Rollins, you're stretching it. BUT THREE TIMES? Where the eff is your editor?! I get that these books are no great literary masterpieces, but....
On to the review. I liked this book! It was unique among Rollins' books (unlike Subterranean which was a strange combo of Ice Hunt and Amazonia). The plot is rollicking and will keep the general reader interested to the last page. His characters are likeable (and his villains are exceedingly unlikeable, which I like--no gray area here. Bad guys are BAD. GUYS!) and the blend of science / X-Files-type stuff is always fun.
For quick, summer thrillers, Rollins IS the way to go, despite my frustration over the lack of editing.
On to the review. I liked this book! It was unique among Rollins' books (unlike Subterranean which was a strange combo of Ice Hunt and Amazonia). The plot is rollicking and will keep the general reader interested to the last page. His characters are likeable (and his villains are exceedingly unlikeable, which I like--no gray area here. Bad guys are BAD. GUYS!) and the blend of science / X-Files-type stuff is always fun.
For quick, summer thrillers, Rollins IS the way to go, despite my frustration over the lack of editing.
ida_the_vision's review against another edition
1.0
I loved Altar of Eden, I loved Subterranean and I loved Amazonia. This book, though...
Not one aspect of it interested me. The plot, the characters, the mystery... it was all just meh. I had to force my way through it.
I also felt (although this may be caused by me not reading Rollins in a few years) that the writing style was even simpler than his other novels, making it an annoying read.
Not one aspect of it interested me. The plot, the characters, the mystery... it was all just meh. I had to force my way through it.
I also felt (although this may be caused by me not reading Rollins in a few years) that the writing style was even simpler than his other novels, making it an annoying read.
spookyb_reads's review against another edition
2.0
I’m counting this as read because I got pretty far and have tired on 4 different occasions now to get though this book. It is just soooo boring. There is literally nothing to drag you in or hold your attention. I simply just didn’t care about any of the characters or the plot. Oooo a giant Crystal at the bottom of the sea?? Sometimes it’s magnetic??…come on. This is not enough to make someone interested for 75% of the book. It is so unlike Rollins. I even tried the audio book. So disappointed!
gbdill's review against another edition
2.0
Got about halfway into the book and just lost interest. Finding never before seen glyphs to solve an unfinished ancient riddle found on a crystal star discovered in one of two ancient pyramids that suddenly arose from the sea seemed a bit hokey and far-fetched to me. And who were these strange fellas with weird tattoos following the girls around that after nearly 300 pages of reading was still never revealed? I loved Black Order but tried very hard to stick with this novel and couldn't quite finish it. On to the next one.
liberrydude's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting but unbelievable at times thriller combining geopolitical intrigue with China and an onset of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the Pacific Rim as well as the discovery of a vanished civilization. Hacking and AI actually save the world in this story. A cheesy time traveling wrap up ending.
sudoankit's review against another edition
3.0
My first James Rollins adventure.
TLDR; I liked it although it had a lot of technical, scientific inaccuracies. Deep Fathom is an action thriller with science fiction, politics and warfare in it.
It starts off slow and finishes lightening fast. First, I would like to address some of the problems the story has —
(1) Characters. I couldn't sympathizes with the main character. Jack Kirkland, ex SEAL, retired Astronaut, now a treasure hunter. He is just hollow, he's like pack of chips but with more air than advertised. His love interest, Karen. Shut up Karen, you suck. The President is burning with revenge, the CIA's chief is burning with revenge, is again, burning with revenge.
There are many unlikable characters but few stand out, I loved the geologist, I loved the computer scientist (who, lol apparently got a Nobel in Computer Science??!! for creating an AI ). The good ones are given less time while the boring ones get all the book.
(2) The story or more specifically the plot is that A4 sheet of paper in an office which everyone uses to try out new punching machines.
(3) Predictable ending. I almost guessed the ending around 50 pages away from it.
The good parts:
(1) While the action isn't much, it's enjoyable.
(2) A casual, laid back thriller to burn over the weekend.
(3) The sci-fi elements are refreshing and original though I'm unsure about the accuracies of these. Still, I liked them.
Some questions, spoilers.
Finally, should you read this book?
If you like Robert Langdon/Dan Brown books then sure go ahead but be warned that the polish and quality you would find in Brown's books is not present. It's just like a rip off clone of a popular app in the App Store which I still download because hey, I love to try out new stuff of the same genre.
TLDR; I liked it although it had a lot of technical, scientific inaccuracies. Deep Fathom is an action thriller with science fiction, politics and warfare in it.
It starts off slow and finishes lightening fast. First, I would like to address some of the problems the story has —
(1) Characters. I couldn't sympathizes with the main character. Jack Kirkland, ex SEAL, retired Astronaut, now a treasure hunter. He is just hollow, he's like pack of chips but with more air than advertised. His love interest, Karen. Shut up Karen, you suck. The President is burning with revenge, the CIA's chief is burning with revenge,
Spoiler
David Spangler, the main villain (CIA's top agent)There are many unlikable characters but few stand out, I loved the geologist, I loved the computer scientist (who, lol apparently got a Nobel in Computer Science??!! for creating an AI ). The good ones are given less time while the boring ones get all the book.
(2) The story or more specifically the plot is that A4 sheet of paper in an office which everyone uses to try out new punching machines.
(3) Predictable ending. I almost guessed the ending around 50 pages away from it.
The good parts:
(1) While the action isn't much, it's enjoyable.
(2) A casual, laid back thriller to burn over the weekend.
(3) The sci-fi elements are refreshing and original though I'm unsure about the accuracies of these. Still, I liked them.
Some questions, spoilers.
Spoiler
1. Why Dr. Cortez didn't die? Well, because his body/innards were flushed in the ocean and the oceanic currents drifted them far away from the area which the global time flux didn't affect.Spoiler
2. How did the Fathom regain connection again with the deep sea habitat (with Karen and Jack)? Well, I have no clue! I thought they were supposed to surrender to the navy. I guess the navy left it as the area where Fathom was is going to be nuked.Finally, should you read this book?
If you like Robert Langdon/Dan Brown books then sure go ahead but be warned that the polish and quality you would find in Brown's books is not present. It's just like a rip off clone of a popular app in the App Store which I still download because hey, I love to try out new stuff of the same genre.
abigcoffeedragon's review against another edition
4.0
This one was just as enjoyable as the subterranean one that I read previously - James Rollins has a way to add some fun and some spice into the books, and I enjoy them as fun fast reads - this is another 2 day read for me from my dad.
rmichno's review against another edition
3.0
A fast paced read with a ridiculous plot and over-the-top villain. Not much depth to any of the characters but it was entertaining. Probably could have been cut down by at least 200 pages.