Cynthia T. reviewed on 7/28/2010 + 10 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

When I began reading Bestiary, I was intrigued by the cover and "by-lines." It seemed to be right up my alley, so to speak (science-archeology-thriller). I didn't realize that it was written by the author of Vigil, a book I had read several years ago (which I now need to re-read).

Bestiary was a very interesting concept for a book, but I thought that there were too many storylines coursing through it. Not that it was difficult to follow them all once I grasped who was who, but I just felt that it did not add anything to the main story. I felt that the book left me wanting to know more: about the beasts themselves (the descriptions did not give me a clear enough image to me); how the family came to be the custodians of the beasts; there was no reference to the "gates of Hell" as it implies on the cover; etc. Also, one of the storylines was apparently based on Vigil (although I had no recollection of the character....which is why I need to re-read it now).

I think that if the author would have stayed more focused on the main story (about the beasts), it would have been more fulfilling (for me, anyway), and honestly, I think it would make an exciting movie, too, if some of the key parts were fleshed out more.

So, overall - great concept, moderate execution.

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