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fotoshopguy52's review against another edition
5.0
James Rollins (and in this case, Grant Blackwood). has shown again why he is one the great masters of International Thriller novels. Although there were a few moments is this novel that were somewhat uneven in their pacing, for the much greater part, the story is engrossing, fast paced, and as usual for Mr. Rollins, extremely thought provoking, as he again outlines another of the many possible perils that we face in this all too fast moving technology-based world.
The fact that I was able to discern a couple of "surprise" items ahead of time was somewhat unusual for one of his novels, and this along with the occasional pacing issues would have brought my review down to 4 and 1/2 stars if Goodreads allowed that level of granularity. However, since they do not, and I am a huge fan of Mr. Rollins, I have no remorse in bumping him up to five stars, as he deserves it in many ways simply for the extensive research he did, and his undying ability to entertain while also providing stimulating factual knowledge about the incredible world we live in.
The fact that I was able to discern a couple of "surprise" items ahead of time was somewhat unusual for one of his novels, and this along with the occasional pacing issues would have brought my review down to 4 and 1/2 stars if Goodreads allowed that level of granularity. However, since they do not, and I am a huge fan of Mr. Rollins, I have no remorse in bumping him up to five stars, as he deserves it in many ways simply for the extensive research he did, and his undying ability to entertain while also providing stimulating factual knowledge about the incredible world we live in.
kstumpf's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent story and characters. I am eager to read about Tucker and Kane’s next adventure.
riahashley's review against another edition
5.0
Rollins has an amazing way of pulling in the reader. Similar ideas as in Sigma Force. Need to continue this series!
liberrydude's review against another edition
3.0
I wish there was a kill switch for this book as it was too long with too many shocks and twists. Nevertheless, the characters and plot were entertaining. Set in: Namibia, South Africa, Russia, Michigan, Maryland, and Turkey. There’s the equivalent of stem cells for plants and it is hinted in the diaries of a long dead Boer botanist of its lethality. A Russian scientist wants to defect to the West and he’s the leading expert on the Boer botanist as well as this plant life that a rogue Kremlin general wants to weaponize. But first Tucker Wayne and Kane need to get the scientist out of Russia to find this prehistoric plant. Plus there’s a Swedish woman assassin who has more lives than a cat.
darthbiblia's review against another edition
5.0
A Malinois, Action, Adventure, Explosions, Bioterrorism... What could be better?
zenithharpink's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. "The Kill Switch" wasn't the right title, maybe "The LUCA Strain?" though neither option is all that differentiating. It just didn't work, as it wasn't the focus of the book, really.
Generally, this book didn't deliver on my expectations, which were high, but not sky-high. I did enjoy the dynamic between Kane and Tucker, though I nearly stopped reading when Tucker revealed his backstory. Violence against animals is probably my only trigger. It was a tough go, but I'm glad I stuck with it. The characters were also generally enjoyable/interesting and contributed to the narrative.
The big problem with this book is that there simply isn't enough plot, and highlights a point that action-packed isn't necessarily fast-paced. A lot of the narrative was just (action-packed) travel. It got tedious fast.
I'm going to read more in the series, because I did enjoy the Kane/Tucket dynamic, but I'm hopeful things pick up. I recommend to fans of Rollins, or those looking for an action thriller that is undemanding of its reader, as well as anybody looking for a book featuring canine partners.
Generally, this book didn't deliver on my expectations, which were high, but not sky-high. I did enjoy the dynamic between Kane and Tucker, though I nearly stopped reading when Tucker revealed his backstory. Violence against animals is probably my only trigger. It was a tough go, but I'm glad I stuck with it. The characters were also generally enjoyable/interesting and contributed to the narrative.
The big problem with this book is that there simply isn't enough plot, and highlights a point that action-packed isn't necessarily fast-paced. A lot of the narrative was just (action-packed) travel. It got tedious fast.
I'm going to read more in the series, because I did enjoy the Kane/Tucket dynamic, but I'm hopeful things pick up. I recommend to fans of Rollins, or those looking for an action thriller that is undemanding of its reader, as well as anybody looking for a book featuring canine partners.
dhsnyder's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
1.0
Could not finish reading this book. Too confusing and slow.
dinaachi's review against another edition
4.0
Although this was a great book, i found it somewhat less exciting than War Hawk from this series. I listened to this via Audiobook which might’ve made it more difficult to follow but it was still a well-edited story.
veronica87's review against another edition
3.0
I mostly enjoyed this book. It had lots of action without the obligatory, pointless romance. The bits from the dog's POV were unnecessary and felt a bit silly for this type of book though.