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agentnk_'s review against another edition
5.0
very first question which popped up in my head halfway through this book was "Does Atlantis really exist?" well i think Mr Andy gave a good answer for that which hooked me to the book !
fyreprincess's review against another edition
2.0
Okay, so I grabbed this book off my sister’s shelf because it had been sitting there, unread, for ages, and since I had nothing to read, I thought ‘why not?’ The real question I should be asking is: ‘why?’ As in, ‘why did this book get published?’ ‘why is it receiving such high ratings?’ etc. Before reading it, I was interested, because you know, Atlantis. But as soon as I started reading it, I just realized that The Hunt for Atlantis by Andy McDermott is just a shitty version of a Matthew Reilly book (who I love by the way).
First of all, putting the story aside, the writing of the novel itself was pretty amateur. I probably could’ve written this book better than he did. The descriptions of the action sequences didn’t flow, they didn’t incite feelings of urgency, honestly, it just felt like McDermott chucked a bunch of ‘cool action moves’ together without actually thinking it through. The dialogue was mediocre, I found myself rolling my eyes at the author’s attempt at humour and smartass comments. Reading it, I found myself going back over what I read in order to make sense of what I was reading, and to just think about the context of their situation in accordance with the dialogue written for it – most of it just didn’t work.
Also, the first thing I noticed (and hated) while reading this book, was the fact that there was just too many exclamation marks. Like sure, put some in when someone’s yelling, or something is urgent, but pretty much all the exclamation marks used in this novel were pretty unnecessary and it got quite annoying. Another thing I noticed (and also hated) was the excessive use of ellipses. Sure it created a sense of suspense and such, but once again, most of them were not needed.
Can I just mention the fact that I don’t think referring to someone as ‘British’ is correct when they are just English. Britain encompasses England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, so unless this guy is all of those nationalities, he’s just English, not British. Okay so maybe now I’m just being annoying, but I just have to complain about the fact that there was this one character, Hugo Castille who absolutely hated helicopters, and every opportunity was taken to remind the reader of this fact. Guess how he died? A fucking helicopter. I’m pretty sure McDermott meant this as some sort of funny dramatic irony, but I didn’t laugh, I just rolled my eyes.
Story-wise, I thought that the process was a little too easy. Like, finding the lost city of Atlantis would be hella hard, and I just feel like everything came too easy to the team hunting it – and they didn’t even get to the actual hunting for Atlantis expedition until like halfway through the book. Also, what kind of bad guys just rely on their mole and the information he provides, to know where the good guys are in order to stop them? How about you work it out for yourself?
Once last thing I want to complain about, is McDermott’s shitty attempt at romance – if you could even call it that. Literally, I think this ‘romance’ was just chucked in at random intervals for the sake of it. There was nothing to lead up to this romance and it was just a shitty attempt in general.
Don’t even get me started on the characters. They all have no depth, and no development.
First of all, putting the story aside, the writing of the novel itself was pretty amateur. I probably could’ve written this book better than he did. The descriptions of the action sequences didn’t flow, they didn’t incite feelings of urgency, honestly, it just felt like McDermott chucked a bunch of ‘cool action moves’ together without actually thinking it through. The dialogue was mediocre, I found myself rolling my eyes at the author’s attempt at humour and smartass comments. Reading it, I found myself going back over what I read in order to make sense of what I was reading, and to just think about the context of their situation in accordance with the dialogue written for it – most of it just didn’t work.
Also, the first thing I noticed (and hated) while reading this book, was the fact that there was just too many exclamation marks. Like sure, put some in when someone’s yelling, or something is urgent, but pretty much all the exclamation marks used in this novel were pretty unnecessary and it got quite annoying. Another thing I noticed (and also hated) was the excessive use of ellipses. Sure it created a sense of suspense and such, but once again, most of them were not needed.
Can I just mention the fact that I don’t think referring to someone as ‘British’ is correct when they are just English. Britain encompasses England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, so unless this guy is all of those nationalities, he’s just English, not British. Okay so maybe now I’m just being annoying, but I just have to complain about the fact that there was this one character, Hugo Castille who absolutely hated helicopters, and every opportunity was taken to remind the reader of this fact. Guess how he died? A fucking helicopter. I’m pretty sure McDermott meant this as some sort of funny dramatic irony, but I didn’t laugh, I just rolled my eyes.
Story-wise, I thought that the process was a little too easy. Like, finding the lost city of Atlantis would be hella hard, and I just feel like everything came too easy to the team hunting it – and they didn’t even get to the actual hunting for Atlantis expedition until like halfway through the book. Also, what kind of bad guys just rely on their mole and the information he provides, to know where the good guys are in order to stop them? How about you work it out for yourself?
Once last thing I want to complain about, is McDermott’s shitty attempt at romance – if you could even call it that. Literally, I think this ‘romance’ was just chucked in at random intervals for the sake of it. There was nothing to lead up to this romance and it was just a shitty attempt in general.
Don’t even get me started on the characters. They all have no depth, and no development.
ayami's review against another edition
2.0
The author had a good idea for a book but it was ruined by endless and pointless action sequences. Found myself skipping those parts. Boring and predictable.
duparker's review against another edition
4.0
This is an odd book to review. It want spectacularly written, had no philosophy or life lesson, but I couldn't put it down.
Is it believable? Not after page 45, is it well written, nope. Is it highly readable, of course. It is a mass market treasure hunting book with the usual characters getting into scenarios and quips with twists and turns that work and unravel as each page flips.
The sole surprise was who made it out alive at the end.
I can see devouring the rest of the series rather nicely, and probably will. This is comfort reading and mixed in between some nonfiction, or read on a plane or on a trip, this will do just what it should.
Is it believable? Not after page 45, is it well written, nope. Is it highly readable, of course. It is a mass market treasure hunting book with the usual characters getting into scenarios and quips with twists and turns that work and unravel as each page flips.
The sole surprise was who made it out alive at the end.
I can see devouring the rest of the series rather nicely, and probably will. This is comfort reading and mixed in between some nonfiction, or read on a plane or on a trip, this will do just what it should.
catsandbooksandthings_14's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
konain's review against another edition
2.0
Overall it was a mixed bag. The basic storyline was very good, except the end sequence which was a bit too simplistic.
The writing varied from OK to downright horrible. Characterisation was poor and seemed hurried. The dialogues were juvenile. The action sequences were well written, though. Except at places where the writer was too influenced by Hollywood flicks, imagined an intricate action scene amd tried to put it on paper. And failed miserably.
Other problem with the story is the jigsaws. A thriller of this kind ought to be well researched and shouldn't have loopholes in the story. But there were huge gaps.
Then the final expedition to the Gulf of Cadiz, and yet no security is provided despite knowing that Qorbas is sure to attack. However, in the end sequence Frost is shown to possess a veritable military of his own.....plain stupid
The writing varied from OK to downright horrible. Characterisation was poor and seemed hurried. The dialogues were juvenile. The action sequences were well written, though. Except at places where the writer was too influenced by Hollywood flicks, imagined an intricate action scene amd tried to put it on paper. And failed miserably.
Other problem with the story is the jigsaws. A thriller of this kind ought to be well researched and shouldn't have loopholes in the story. But there were huge gaps.
Spoiler
The Wildes got killed in a landslide as claimed. Jonathan/Jack was the only survivor. Frost knew that the brotherhood is after the expedition. Yet he didn't question the explanation and didn't suspect the lone survivor. And this despite the fact that Frost is shown as highly intelligent, resourceful and obscenely wealthy. Next, the expedition to Amazon is again attacked and yet nothing.Then the final expedition to the Gulf of Cadiz, and yet no security is provided despite knowing that Qorbas is sure to attack. However, in the end sequence Frost is shown to possess a veritable military of his own.....plain stupid
andrealoverke's review against another edition
5.0
as good as Reilly. Altough the characters still need to grow on me.
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoy reading thrillers, the well-written ones that keep me turning the page even when I know I have to major league suspend belief. I have sort of stopped reading Clive Cussler because I want Dirk to just take a nap...he keeps going even after multiple beatings, running for what seems like days on end, never tiring....take a nap Dirk, dagnabbit!
Nina and Eddie actually get some rest from time to time and the action is almost non-stop, but is believable with a weensie bit of suspension of that there belief. I really like the chemistry and growing camaraderie of the pair.
I have been fascinated with the Atlantis legend for what seems like forever. The search for the lost city, the good guys trying to keep ahead of the bad ones, some very cool explosions, Nina learning how to climb through a sewer, Eddie's snarks....Nina's comebacks....
Five lost city thriller fun beans......
Nina and Eddie actually get some rest from time to time and the action is almost non-stop, but is believable with a weensie bit of suspension of that there belief. I really like the chemistry and growing camaraderie of the pair.
I have been fascinated with the Atlantis legend for what seems like forever. The search for the lost city, the good guys trying to keep ahead of the bad ones, some very cool explosions, Nina learning how to climb through a sewer, Eddie's snarks....Nina's comebacks....
Five lost city thriller fun beans......
foiltheplot's review against another edition
5.0
Click here for full review
Archaeologist Nina Wilde has a theory, a theory that could finally prove the existence of the legendary city, Atlantis. But that’s not all—if Nina’s theory is right, she will be able to pinpoint the city’s actual location. Here’s the catch—somebody knows about Atlantis, a certain brotherhood that doesn’t want its location to ever be found. With the help of an ex-SAS bodyguard and a billionaire heiress, Nina and her team set out on an action-packed roller-coaster ride to find the lost city. It’s a race around the world and against time as they fight for their lives and for eachother. From the streets of New York to jungles of Brasil to the mountains of Tibet, the hunt for Atlantis leads them to an 11,000 year old secret that could destroy all of mankind as they know it. Professional pride is on the line but so are their lives. Who lives? Who dies? And moreover, who can be trusted?
Andy McDermott is one of those authors that I go to time and time again and The Hunt for Atlantis is one of my favourite books. I’ve read it, like, a lot. So much so that my paperback copy runs the risk of disintegrating at any moment. It’s that good. Now let me preface my review by saying, this isn’t one of those books with a lot of deep, philosophical musings. This wasn’t crafted by an otherworldly literary prowess. No. It won’t be on high school reading lists anytime soon, that I can promise you. The Hunt for Atlantis is without a doubt, none of those things. What it is, though, is an explosive, in-your-face adventure novel. It’s what I like to refer to as “awesomely bad.” As in, it’s so bad it’s amazing. I tend to save this classification for those special books/movies that don’t tend to take themselves too seriously. You know the ones—they won’t be winning the Oscar or Pulitzer anytime soon. They sit back, relax and suddenly punch-you-in-the-face with how amazingly, unexpectedly great they are. Yeah. They’re my favourite kind. So if you can get down with that type of reading then grab a brewski and pound it hard and quick because we're going for quite a ride!
What I love most about McDermott’s writing style is that it’s high impact and cinematic. When I read his stories I can picture the scenes exactly as if I were watching them on the big screen. I can safely compare it to one of those big-budget summer blockbuster hits, like Transformers, only not sucky. The Hunt for Atlantis is a fast-paced thrill ride with non-stop exploits and insurmountable intrigue. McDermott does a great job of contrasting the action against the mystery behind the search for Atlantis. He’s woven enough historical fact into the narrative to provide wonder without letting the story become a dull history lesson, though it is important to note, his main focus is on the adventurous parts. If I had to put a classification to it, it would be something like Indiana Jones meets director, John McTiernan. And yes, while some of the more gratuitous action is a tad unbelievable (i.e.- a motorcycle driving out of the back of an airplane), the book’s quick pacing makes it easy to overlook the cheese-factor. I find it hard to be too critical so long as you pick it up and know exactly what’s in store for you.
And then there are the characters. Don’t get me wrong, I love me a kick-ass heroine but that’s not Nina Wilde. Don’t worry! I’m okay with this. Sometimes I want to see a normal archaeologist who doesn’t know how to wield a whip for a change. Sometimes there’s a need for a damsel in distress. It happens. It’s perfect because this is where my favourite character, ex-SAS bodyguard Edward Chase comes in. Oh god, I love me some Eddie. He’s bullish, he’s tough, he’s crude and he’s English. That’s my kinda man. I’d cast a very strapping Jason Statham to play Chase. The man delivers god-awful puns (are there any better kind?) for god’s sake! He’s sooooo amazing. And the tension between him and Nina is so palpable it had me stopping to fan myself like a dainty Southern belle in heat. Oh, let’s be honest here. That’s exactly what I was sans the adorable Southern drawl. Eddie Chase melts me into a tingly puddle of not-so-ladylike-thoughts all the time and I just love him. And Nina too. Oh, buggeration and fuckery. Hugs all around!
I could seriously go on and on about how crazy this book is but I’ll spare you all and sum it up in a few words: The action. Nonstop. The characters. Amazeballs. The story. Gut-punching. In short, this is like the Die Hard of the book world—utterly ridiculous but explosively fun! End scene.
Archaeologist Nina Wilde has a theory, a theory that could finally prove the existence of the legendary city, Atlantis. But that’s not all—if Nina’s theory is right, she will be able to pinpoint the city’s actual location. Here’s the catch—somebody knows about Atlantis, a certain brotherhood that doesn’t want its location to ever be found. With the help of an ex-SAS bodyguard and a billionaire heiress, Nina and her team set out on an action-packed roller-coaster ride to find the lost city. It’s a race around the world and against time as they fight for their lives and for eachother. From the streets of New York to jungles of Brasil to the mountains of Tibet, the hunt for Atlantis leads them to an 11,000 year old secret that could destroy all of mankind as they know it. Professional pride is on the line but so are their lives. Who lives? Who dies? And moreover, who can be trusted?
Andy McDermott is one of those authors that I go to time and time again and The Hunt for Atlantis is one of my favourite books. I’ve read it, like, a lot. So much so that my paperback copy runs the risk of disintegrating at any moment. It’s that good. Now let me preface my review by saying, this isn’t one of those books with a lot of deep, philosophical musings. This wasn’t crafted by an otherworldly literary prowess. No. It won’t be on high school reading lists anytime soon, that I can promise you. The Hunt for Atlantis is without a doubt, none of those things. What it is, though, is an explosive, in-your-face adventure novel. It’s what I like to refer to as “awesomely bad.” As in, it’s so bad it’s amazing. I tend to save this classification for those special books/movies that don’t tend to take themselves too seriously. You know the ones—they won’t be winning the Oscar or Pulitzer anytime soon. They sit back, relax and suddenly punch-you-in-the-face with how amazingly, unexpectedly great they are. Yeah. They’re my favourite kind. So if you can get down with that type of reading then grab a brewski and pound it hard and quick because we're going for quite a ride!
What I love most about McDermott’s writing style is that it’s high impact and cinematic. When I read his stories I can picture the scenes exactly as if I were watching them on the big screen. I can safely compare it to one of those big-budget summer blockbuster hits, like Transformers, only not sucky. The Hunt for Atlantis is a fast-paced thrill ride with non-stop exploits and insurmountable intrigue. McDermott does a great job of contrasting the action against the mystery behind the search for Atlantis. He’s woven enough historical fact into the narrative to provide wonder without letting the story become a dull history lesson, though it is important to note, his main focus is on the adventurous parts. If I had to put a classification to it, it would be something like Indiana Jones meets director, John McTiernan. And yes, while some of the more gratuitous action is a tad unbelievable (i.e.- a motorcycle driving out of the back of an airplane), the book’s quick pacing makes it easy to overlook the cheese-factor. I find it hard to be too critical so long as you pick it up and know exactly what’s in store for you.
And then there are the characters. Don’t get me wrong, I love me a kick-ass heroine but that’s not Nina Wilde. Don’t worry! I’m okay with this. Sometimes I want to see a normal archaeologist who doesn’t know how to wield a whip for a change. Sometimes there’s a need for a damsel in distress. It happens. It’s perfect because this is where my favourite character, ex-SAS bodyguard Edward Chase comes in. Oh god, I love me some Eddie. He’s bullish, he’s tough, he’s crude and he’s English. That’s my kinda man. I’d cast a very strapping Jason Statham to play Chase. The man delivers god-awful puns (are there any better kind?) for god’s sake! He’s sooooo amazing. And the tension between him and Nina is so palpable it had me stopping to fan myself like a dainty Southern belle in heat. Oh, let’s be honest here. That’s exactly what I was sans the adorable Southern drawl. Eddie Chase melts me into a tingly puddle of not-so-ladylike-thoughts all the time and I just love him. And Nina too. Oh, buggeration and fuckery. Hugs all around!
I could seriously go on and on about how crazy this book is but I’ll spare you all and sum it up in a few words: The action. Nonstop. The characters. Amazeballs. The story. Gut-punching. In short, this is like the Die Hard of the book world—utterly ridiculous but explosively fun! End scene.