Helpful Score: 7
I have ALWAYS been a reader. I read for pleasure and inspiration and imagination. I usually read mystery, drama, comedy, bios and memoir. Every once in a while I come across a science fiction/fantasy type book that speaks to me and I give it a shot. I sometime wonder if I lack imagination and that is the reason I don't care for Sci/Fi/Fantasy books. Anyhoo.. this book spoke to me and I ordered it (thanks for the new home page book selector deal!) I must admit there were times as I was reading I said to myself, "WHAAAA??? what is this!!) but I muddled onward page by page.
Strieber is a gifted writer, he hooked me in, early on and I found myself reading at 2:30am before a work day. Bottom line: Good vs Evil know no genre. It is the classic battle and the makings of a great book. This one is that.. A great book. Very enjoyable and entertaining.
Strieber is a gifted writer, he hooked me in, early on and I found myself reading at 2:30am before a work day. Bottom line: Good vs Evil know no genre. It is the classic battle and the makings of a great book. This one is that.. A great book. Very enjoyable and entertaining.
Helpful Score: 4
So bad I couldn't finish it. Holy cow, what a mixed up mess!
Helpful Score: 2
I'll admit, my interest is more than a little peaked about 2012, and the historical background and predictions surrounding the much-anticipated date. So, 2012: The War for Souls practically jumped off the library shelf and into my eager hands.
I've never read anything by Whitley Strieber, and I was very young when he wrote Communion and received all the attention for the work. So I was even more intrigued by the book.
I really enjoyed the first third of the 2012. I devoured the first 10 chapters, which are like something out of a summer blockbuster disaster movie. The next third of the book started to get a little strange as Strieber's writing returned to its alien-themed comfort zone. And the end third of the tale was just out there.
The book follows writer (Wiley) who finds himself completely engrossed in his new novel. In fact, at times he finds himself compelled to write, as if he's channeling events that are happening in another world. The main character of his story, Martin, is an archeologist who knows too much, caught up in a global disaster and an otherworldly threat that can destroy his family, his career and even his very soul. And the cruel and calculating alien creatures that are killing millions on the Earth in Wiley's unfinished story might soon be coming for his world, too.
I did enjoy Streiber's writing style. His descriptions are colorful and he uses language well to help advance his scariest plot points. He's also masterful at subtle and unexpected humor. Anyone that can work Ann Coulter into a story like that deserves kudos for providing creative laughs. Both primary characters were also very well developed, and likeable.
My biggest problem with the book was that it was just a little too out there -- sorry to repeat, but it's really the only way I can put it. It's one of the wackiest and strangest stories I've ever read. It was well written and engaging, but I know it's not something I'd reread. In fact, I think it may deter me from seeking out any of Strieber's many other books of the alien persuasion. Strieber contends that he is the survivor of an alien abduction, and he certainly writes about the experience with gritty and disturbing intimacy.
In the end, I appreciated the story's creativity, but I can't say I liked it. Parts of 2012 just made me feel like I needed a shower. I now know more about cattle mutilations and anal probs than I ever wanted to. And I wish I was kidding.
I've never read anything by Whitley Strieber, and I was very young when he wrote Communion and received all the attention for the work. So I was even more intrigued by the book.
I really enjoyed the first third of the 2012. I devoured the first 10 chapters, which are like something out of a summer blockbuster disaster movie. The next third of the book started to get a little strange as Strieber's writing returned to its alien-themed comfort zone. And the end third of the tale was just out there.
The book follows writer (Wiley) who finds himself completely engrossed in his new novel. In fact, at times he finds himself compelled to write, as if he's channeling events that are happening in another world. The main character of his story, Martin, is an archeologist who knows too much, caught up in a global disaster and an otherworldly threat that can destroy his family, his career and even his very soul. And the cruel and calculating alien creatures that are killing millions on the Earth in Wiley's unfinished story might soon be coming for his world, too.
I did enjoy Streiber's writing style. His descriptions are colorful and he uses language well to help advance his scariest plot points. He's also masterful at subtle and unexpected humor. Anyone that can work Ann Coulter into a story like that deserves kudos for providing creative laughs. Both primary characters were also very well developed, and likeable.
My biggest problem with the book was that it was just a little too out there -- sorry to repeat, but it's really the only way I can put it. It's one of the wackiest and strangest stories I've ever read. It was well written and engaging, but I know it's not something I'd reread. In fact, I think it may deter me from seeking out any of Strieber's many other books of the alien persuasion. Strieber contends that he is the survivor of an alien abduction, and he certainly writes about the experience with gritty and disturbing intimacy.
In the end, I appreciated the story's creativity, but I can't say I liked it. Parts of 2012 just made me feel like I needed a shower. I now know more about cattle mutilations and anal probs than I ever wanted to. And I wish I was kidding.
I agree with Scott, though i am an avid reader of Scifi, and am also into 2012 books. They all are very unique but with the same type of attitude around them, and it is a good attitude, one that should make one peaceful inside. But yes i can agree with you and say that the ending was a bit off. But, how can one end a book that is supposed to be in the future. wouldn't that ruin it for everyone?! This is going to be turned into a movie as well hopefully as visual as the book was too. here is a link. It is due to be out in 2010.http://scifipedia.scifi.com/index.php/2012:_The_War_for_Souls_(movie)
Peace.
Druke
Peace.
Druke
Helpful Score: 1
2012 was a little slow to start but picked up the pace and wound up being an entertaining read.
