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kerameia's review against another edition
3.0
It's an entertaining, exciting read that begins slowly and picks up speed as the horror and mass chaos unfolds. I found the underlying idea of animals triggered into aggressive behavior to be intriguing, and I especially like(d) the scientists' observations of animal social behaviors. I thought the characters were pretty real, pretty standard--though the protagonist's charming sarcasm and observations were the highlight of the cast and had me lol-ing.
In terms of story, I think the explanation behind the chaos or HAC is credible. Sure, (insert mysterious cause here), that could happen! However, I found at times that the plot moved too quickly and didn't explain certain things thoroughly enough. For instance, after the grisly discovery of Natalie's body, the story jumps ahead 10 years without so much as a reference to that incident. Were there not some kind of repercussions Oz would've had to face for keeping a chimpanzee (let alone one that killed someone) in an apartment? How did he move on from that--what were the days or even year following like for him? And how on earth did the neighbors not hear or suspect anything from the noises of a woman being mauled to death next door??
Also, I was doubtful about the promptness with which the Big Stop took effect. It only took 3 days of careful behavior for the U.S. (and the world? I forget) to see a nation-wide change in animal behavior? Even if that were the case, did the animals (such as the wandering, mangy dogs) not appear to be physically effected in some way by their days of ceaseless bloodletting and scavenging (why, for ex., did some dogs appear to have moldy fur--was that a consequence of something)? And it only took a day or so of people breaking the rules for Attila to revert back to a blood-thirsty ape?
Entertaining, a great look into humanity's weakness (the days following the Big Stop broke my heart...likely behavior, as sad as it is), but with holes I think.
In terms of story, I think the explanation behind the chaos or HAC is credible. Sure, (insert mysterious cause here), that could happen! However, I found at times that the plot moved too quickly and didn't explain certain things thoroughly enough. For instance, after the grisly discovery of Natalie's body, the story jumps ahead 10 years without so much as a reference to that incident. Were there not some kind of repercussions Oz would've had to face for keeping a chimpanzee (let alone one that killed someone) in an apartment? How did he move on from that--what were the days or even year following like for him? And how on earth did the neighbors not hear or suspect anything from the noises of a woman being mauled to death next door??
Also, I was doubtful about the promptness with which the Big Stop took effect. It only took 3 days of careful behavior for the U.S. (and the world? I forget) to see a nation-wide change in animal behavior? Even if that were the case, did the animals (such as the wandering, mangy dogs) not appear to be physically effected in some way by their days of ceaseless bloodletting and scavenging (why, for ex., did some dogs appear to have moldy fur--was that a consequence of something)? And it only took a day or so of people breaking the rules for Attila to revert back to a blood-thirsty ape?
Entertaining, a great look into humanity's weakness (the days following the Big Stop broke my heart...likely behavior, as sad as it is), but with holes I think.
aharv9's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
Exciting, quick read.
bhalstead04's review against another edition
4.0
I thought it might be a little cheezy, but it was an excellent page turner!! Loved it!
esalley's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
kristicuse's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jrice92's review
3.0
So I would give Zoo 3.5 stars, the premise of Animals turning on man is fascinating and I think if it was more fleshed out it would have been an incredible book.
Oz is an interesting main character and the side characters although they don’t get much page time are done well, this book highlights the stupidity of man and how often we are our own worst enemy but I wanted more from the book.
This was my first James Paterson book and probably wasn’t the best place to start, I will read more by the author and although I did enjoy Zoo the main feeling I’m left with is a want of more.
Oz is an interesting main character and the side characters although they don’t get much page time are done well, this book highlights the stupidity of man and how often we are our own worst enemy but I wanted more from the book.
This was my first James Paterson book and probably wasn’t the best place to start, I will read more by the author and although I did enjoy Zoo the main feeling I’m left with is a want of more.
perksofem_'s review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
It was a really good story and went by very quickly. It was also extremely frustrating to see how humanity is basically the downfall of itself because it doesn't seem all that far fetched that it could be. Towards the end it did feel like things were being rushed which feels off since there is another book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
jennrocca's review against another edition
2.0
This was my first James Patterson book. I hated it. The writing was dreadful. Plot points were introduced then dropped. There was absolutely nothing credible about the story. I have no problem suspending disbelief but the situations in this story and the responses of the people to their environment were utterly unbelievable.
I would recommend this book to no one. It's possible that crazy, conspiracy theorist, nut jobs with no understanding of science might enjoy it.
If you did like this book then you may also like "Cyberstorm" by Matthew Mather.
[update - after reading other reviews]
How could I have forgotten to mention the raging sexism! A female scientist is introduced early on in the story. She joins the story purely to lend scientific credibility to the main character's work. Then her science background is never brought up again. Ever. This highly educated woman was relegated to being "gorgeous" and, eventually, taking care of a toddler.
This book did not "make my heart race". It never "held me in suspense." At the most climactic moments I could put it down without a thought.
I would recommend this book to no one. It's possible that crazy, conspiracy theorist, nut jobs with no understanding of science might enjoy it.
If you did like this book then you may also like "Cyberstorm" by Matthew Mather.
[update - after reading other reviews]
How could I have forgotten to mention the raging sexism! A female scientist is introduced early on in the story. She joins the story purely to lend scientific credibility to the main character's work. Then her science background is never brought up again. Ever. This highly educated woman was relegated to being "gorgeous" and, eventually, taking care of a toddler.
This book did not "make my heart race". It never "held me in suspense." At the most climactic moments I could put it down without a thought.
royalwaves's review against another edition
2.5
This isn’t bad but as someone who watched the show first and adored it I’m disappointed. The show changed quite a few things to actually make you care for the characters and keep you invested. If you didn’t watch the show first don’t bother with reading this. And if you read this first the show is so much better and you should give it a chance even if you hated this book.
blackcats_and_coffeecups's review against another edition
3.0
Brain candy fun. Not too serious.
liked: Some of the scenes are written from the animals' perspective.
disliked: the ending is pretty abrupt as is Oz's "discovery" of the root cause of it all.
liked: Some of the scenes are written from the animals' perspective.
disliked: the ending is pretty abrupt as is Oz's "discovery" of the root cause of it all.