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smit1286's review
2.0
The premise is interesting and I liked some of the elements that unfolded in the last few chapters, but I wasn't crazy about the book as a whole. I can't quite put my finger on what I didn't like. The writing wasn't terrible; I just didn't like it. I didn't like the main character and I didn't feel particularly sympathetic to him. I didn't like the predictability of the ending. I didn't like that I felt inevitable hopelessness while reading the story. Plus I felt like the book could have been shorter. There were times when I was really drawn in but there were other times when I had to force myself to stay awake. I wish some of the more exciting elements of the story would have been expanded on. I suppose in this case it is just a matter of my personal taste in books. I am excited to see the movie however as I think this is going to be one of those rare instances where I will prefer the movie over the book.
dynel's review against another edition
4.0
If you're expecting a light and fluffy read, just like the movie, then you're sadly mistaken. Although the story mostly follows the same plot points like the movie, it is also much much darker and we get to see a lot more of Eddie's thoughtprocess. That last part is what makes this book so different and interesting to read. At it's heart, this is a very metaphysical book.
All the characters from the movie are there too. The rich Financial Guru Carl van Loon, The Lowlife Ex-Brother in Law Vernon Gant, and many more. But in comparison to Eddie, they are quite weak and 2-dimensionally written.
In this case however, that's not a problem at all. They actually complement Eddie's self reflective nature.
I gave this book 4 stars, although it is darker than the movie it adds a more mature view of the story and gives us more insights to enjoy.
All the characters from the movie are there too. The rich Financial Guru Carl van Loon, The Lowlife Ex-Brother in Law Vernon Gant, and many more. But in comparison to Eddie, they are quite weak and 2-dimensionally written.
In this case however, that's not a problem at all. They actually complement Eddie's self reflective nature.
I gave this book 4 stars, although it is darker than the movie it adds a more mature view of the story and gives us more insights to enjoy.
gagnedouze's review
5.0
Phenomenally fast-paced, gripping and very well written.
Thoroughally enjoyed this book and will be checking out more of Alan Glynn's work soon.
Thoroughally enjoyed this book and will be checking out more of Alan Glynn's work soon.
bookshelfinchaos's review
4.0
aka Limitless as renamed by I'm guessing Hollywood when they made it into a movie starring Bradley Cooper. I have not seen the movie yet however I saw the book sitting on the shelf one day and thought the movie had looked interesting from previews and I'd like to see what it was all about before I saw the movie.
It is very good so far, I'm getting to the part where he starts dabbling in the stock market and the financial part is losing me as I don't understand trades at all but the story line is very good and I'm enjoying it very much!
It is very good so far, I'm getting to the part where he starts dabbling in the stock market and the financial part is losing me as I don't understand trades at all but the story line is very good and I'm enjoying it very much!
liberrydude's review
3.0
This is the book which the movie "Limitless" is based on and I wished I had read the book first. The book "follows" the movie to a considerable degree. However, you know they almost always change the ending and other plot devices and that's exactly what happened. It just took awhile to get there. I was rewarded with a much different ending in the book that was more realistic and tragic. The movie was good but the book is better.
lipsandpalms's review
3.0
While interesting, this book suffers from many books that take place in a series: setting up plot developments to only be explored in future installments. The love interest, major business merger, drug supply dilemma, the imminent death of the main character, Eddie's culpability in a murder investigation and the mysterious organization using Eddie as a test rat are all presumably resolved when we *tune in next week for the exciting conclusion! *
It's difficult to rate the story without comparing it to the film.The film cuts out much of the fat present in the book. There were whole chapters here describing the location of a new apartment and deliberation about the decor or what street we're on only to turn left here and drive down this street blah blah. We get it: you know where to go in New York.
In the film, Eddie is a creative writer trying desperately to get a story fully formed in his head. The drugs deeply enhance his ability to be creative and coherent. In the book, Eddie suddenly has a revelation on how to rearrange and title a number of historical events and relevant pop culture? While this section is interesting, I felt he was squandering this gift of being a momentary genius.
The film also balances the stress of the merger along with the Russian loan shark much better than the book. In the book, the issue is resolved so quickly you wonder why it took so long to get there. It's the only satisfying conclusion to a problem in the whole book despite this problem getting relatively little attention and downplayed to a minor inconvenience.
The main issue of the book, I'd say, is that the pill Eddie takes is basically a get out of jail free card. Any seemingly insurmountable obstacles are easily resolved with them. The only way to challenge him is to remove the pills and see what he does. Not unlike Superman, where they have to either kill him or give him a weakness in order for the story to have stakes. When it gets to a part in the story where there are no pills left, some appear to save the day.
Overall, a decent read, but I don't think I'll continue the series.
It's difficult to rate the story without comparing it to the film.The film cuts out much of the fat present in the book. There were whole chapters here describing the location of a new apartment and deliberation about the decor or what street we're on only to turn left here and drive down this street blah blah. We get it: you know where to go in New York.
In the film, Eddie is a creative writer trying desperately to get a story fully formed in his head. The drugs deeply enhance his ability to be creative and coherent. In the book, Eddie suddenly has a revelation on how to rearrange and title a number of historical events and relevant pop culture? While this section is interesting, I felt he was squandering this gift of being a momentary genius.
The film also balances the stress of the merger along with the Russian loan shark much better than the book. In the book, the issue is resolved so quickly you wonder why it took so long to get there. It's the only satisfying conclusion to a problem in the whole book despite this problem getting relatively little attention and downplayed to a minor inconvenience.
The main issue of the book, I'd say, is that the pill Eddie takes is basically a get out of jail free card. Any seemingly insurmountable obstacles are easily resolved with them. The only way to challenge him is to remove the pills and see what he does. Not unlike Superman, where they have to either kill him or give him a weakness in order for the story to have stakes. When it gets to a part in the story where there are no pills left, some appear to save the day.
Overall, a decent read, but I don't think I'll continue the series.
meiko's review
2.0
I picked this book up almost immediately after watching the movie adaptation.
That was like, two, maybe even three months ago.
During the process I've picked up (and finished) Patrick Süskind's Perfume and a so-called "teen novel" Thirteen Reasons Why.
And a couple trashy Romances.
And two Agatha Christies.
I didn't fully warm up to the story itself way past halfway point, about 54% in. If you ask me, any book that doesn't attract you within the first third, you should ditch it aside. Life's too short to waste on something you don't enjoy reading.
I stuck through this one for a peculiar reason. I do self-destructive things when I'm down, but not self-harm. I write articles that pick on issues I know most people would have an issue with, I read novels that depress me further.
The book isn't bad, it's just depressing.
Watch the movie, this book should be the absolute last resort.
That was like, two, maybe even three months ago.
During the process I've picked up (and finished) Patrick Süskind's Perfume and a so-called "teen novel" Thirteen Reasons Why.
And a couple trashy Romances.
And two Agatha Christies.
I didn't fully warm up to the story itself way past halfway point, about 54% in. If you ask me, any book that doesn't attract you within the first third, you should ditch it aside. Life's too short to waste on something you don't enjoy reading.
I stuck through this one for a peculiar reason. I do self-destructive things when I'm down, but not self-harm. I write articles that pick on issues I know most people would have an issue with, I read novels that depress me further.
The book isn't bad, it's just depressing.
Watch the movie, this book should be the absolute last resort.
ksifactory's review
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This book gives me so much anxiety even so I already knew the whole storyline. I see now why I put it down for ten-ish years.
luisbarcelo's review against another edition
4.0
Great premise, great writing, underwhelming but realistic ending.