Helpful Score: 3
I don't think i've ever written a bad review for McDevitt but this one will probably rate as one of my lowest for him. I have enjoyed every other book i've read from this author. I would rate it lower than Polaris & Seeker, but it does have a mystery storyline. The Storyline takes about 100 pages just to setup and from then it slowly developes. The story by far delves into the political dynamics of a distant planet Salud Afar, which stands outside the Galactic disk and whose night sky is dominated by only one star. it is a good story and i guess i'm being to cross when dealing with this author, or maybe he's setting us up with a Priscilla Hutchins type book next. Cause the mention of a world with a long gone civilization lies within 1200 light years from this planet "Salud Afar". This book is listed on several peoples' wish list, i just hope they can endure the slow story long enough to enjoy the book. Hopefully the author takes a hint and explores the above mention for his next book.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book, thought it was a typical Alex Benedict novel. Not as gripping as Seeker, but still a good mystery, clues laid out logically, quiet heroes. I hope McDevitt continues to write in this universe 'cause I like living there, if only for a few hours.
This is the fourth in the series, and despite many references to previous events - mostly involving the alien Mutes - I think a new reader could start here. You may not get a lot in the way of character development, and I never try to figure out if the science is plausible; for me these are nice solid SF thrillers. I thought the initial mystery was a good one - while Vicki voluntarily chose to undergo the mind-wipe procedure, Alex is sure that she did it because it was the only way she could cry for help. These follow something of a formula, and I thought I had the Big Secret figured out but much to my glee I was wrong. I like Alex's doggedness, and despite her stated skepticism Chase is right there on the hunt too. Small gripe: I am still amazed that Alex and Chase manage to survive an average of two air/spacecraft crashes per book - McDevitt needs another method to put them in danger. The solution to the "murder" takes place about 3/4 of the way through, but the initial problem needs to be solved as billions of lives are at stake, and this is where a knowledge of previous books might be nice.
McDevitt is a favorite of mine. His novels include great story lines as well as interesting characters. You don't have to read the Alex Benedict novels in order. They are self standing.
Benedict is a cross between Indiana Jones and Columbo with maybe a pinch of Mike Hammer.
An enjoyable read without having to work your way through it.
Benedict is a cross between Indiana Jones and Columbo with maybe a pinch of Mike Hammer.
An enjoyable read without having to work your way through it.
Reasonable, hard SF. Close to space opera, actually. Not sure I am going to continue with the series, but if you've liked A Talent for War, Polaris, and/or Seeker, you will probably like this one.
Mr. McDevitt, please don't make me change my list of favorite authors. I would sure hate to delete your name.
The third book in the Alex Benedict series, The Devil's Eye takes Alex and his lovely assistant Chase to a distant planet, outside the Confederacy. Their goal is to retrace the steps of famed horror writer Vickie Greene, who, after leaving Alex a message begging for help, has her mind erased. She can't tell them what happened so the duo must figure it out on their own, going from one tourist trap to another.
The book is told from Chase's perspective and I prefer it that way but the typically namby-pamby Alex seems to be coming out of his shell, which is good. In all honesty, I didn't read the last 60 pages, once the big mystery was revealed and everything turned to politics. I don't care about politics! I would much rather have spent more time discovering the local folklore that Ms. Green sought. I don't know if there is another book in this series but I think I might be done with it...
The third book in the Alex Benedict series, The Devil's Eye takes Alex and his lovely assistant Chase to a distant planet, outside the Confederacy. Their goal is to retrace the steps of famed horror writer Vickie Greene, who, after leaving Alex a message begging for help, has her mind erased. She can't tell them what happened so the duo must figure it out on their own, going from one tourist trap to another.
The book is told from Chase's perspective and I prefer it that way but the typically namby-pamby Alex seems to be coming out of his shell, which is good. In all honesty, I didn't read the last 60 pages, once the big mystery was revealed and everything turned to politics. I don't care about politics! I would much rather have spent more time discovering the local folklore that Ms. Green sought. I don't know if there is another book in this series but I think I might be done with it...
Not McDevitt's best. Worth a read though.
