Scan barcode
whydah's review against another edition
1.0
For a book from the mid-20th century, it's understandable that it's such a portrayal of women... oh, wait, the book is from 2006.
Admittedly, it's been years since I read this book, but I hated it so much that I... I feel like I have to write something about it now. I barely remember the plot, but I do remember the one-dimensional cardboard cutouts that were supposed to be the characters. To the bad Anne Bonny copy, who was supposedly totally cool and strong and had to flee into his protective arms whenever another man was in the scene. And instead of just having her be a gay character, it feels like she only fucks women because men fuck women and a "strong woman" basically has to be a man. The problem solving in the book is also great because it just sorts itself out when a problem arises. “oh no, a trap! But luckily an unimportant side character just happens to come along and get us out before someone has to come up with a clever idea to solve this problem.” And that's only for the rare problems that actually occur, because the protagonists are actually too strong and cool and great to have problems. The whole book feels like a bad male power fantasy. And it's riddled with clichés from top to bottom.
I read this book at a time when I really didn't have high standards for books, I know that the book didn't set out to provide good representation for gay women, but even before it was as important to me as it is today , I just hated the book. I've never had such negative feelings about a book. It just feels disrespectful; to everyone who takes the time to read this book.
Admittedly, it's been years since I read this book, but I hated it so much that I... I feel like I have to write something about it now. I barely remember the plot, but I do remember the one-dimensional cardboard cutouts that were supposed to be the characters. To the bad Anne Bonny copy, who was supposedly totally cool and strong and had to flee into his protective arms whenever another man was in the scene. And instead of just having her be a gay character, it feels like she only fucks women because men fuck women and a "strong woman" basically has to be a man. The problem solving in the book is also great because it just sorts itself out when a problem arises. “oh no, a trap! But luckily an unimportant side character just happens to come along and get us out before someone has to come up with a clever idea to solve this problem.” And that's only for the rare problems that actually occur, because the protagonists are actually too strong and cool and great to have problems. The whole book feels like a bad male power fantasy. And it's riddled with clichés from top to bottom.
I read this book at a time when I really didn't have high standards for books, I know that the book didn't set out to provide good representation for gay women, but even before it was as important to me as it is today , I just hated the book. I've never had such negative feelings about a book. It just feels disrespectful; to everyone who takes the time to read this book.
readymadereader's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
charmedlassie's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
beastreader's review against another edition
3.0
I did like this book from Mr. Lange. While, it was not the greatest; it was still better than some of the prior novels. This one did have the Indiana Jones vibe that I was digging. The book is split out into different parts within the storyline. Each part building on the next.
While, I did like the storyline and the location; the characters were a bit dull. They were not charismatic like Indiana Jones. In fact, I kind of forgot what they looked like and their names. Although, what is lacking in the characters is made up in the story and the action. A good, quick read.
While, I did like the storyline and the location; the characters were a bit dull. They were not charismatic like Indiana Jones. In fact, I kind of forgot what they looked like and their names. Although, what is lacking in the characters is made up in the story and the action. A good, quick read.
missmollu's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
lachesisreads's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I love Michael Crichton, but this was - while fairly entertaining to read - poorly executed fluff. Written in the late 60s, the book is a product of its time: misogynist and racist, and with the amount of cigarettes and alcohol comsumed, it is a miracle no one keeled over halfway through.
Flat characters, an unconvincing storyline that never really developed any momentum and an ending that just fizzled out, this was a very forgettable reading experience.
Flat characters, an unconvincing storyline that never really developed any momentum and an ending that just fizzled out, this was a very forgettable reading experience.
mxsallybend's review against another edition
3.0
Before abandoning the practice with The Terminal Man in 1972, Michael Crichton actually published 10 of his first 11 titles under pseudonyms such as John Lange and Jeffery Hudson. The Andromeda Strain was the notable exception. While 2 of those titles were eventually republished under his own name, the rest were abandoned to the dusty shelves of used bookstores around the world, becoming collectibles for those who knew what to look for.
Easy Go, his third John Lange title, is one I came across a few years ago via a tattered paperback copy, re-titled The Last Tomb. Now available as part of Open Road Media's collection of The Med School Years, it's an amusing little adventure that offers some glimpses of the Crichton we've come to appreciate. It won't engage you on a moral, philosophical, or intellectual level like some of his better-known blockbusters, but it's perfect for a summer beach-read diversion.
Despite what you might initially think, especially from the cover, this is primarily the story of a heist, told with humor, à la Oceans Eleven. The characters are larger-than-life, bordering on the edge of parody, with all the over-exaggerated violence, sexuality, and macho-ism of the 70s. It's one of those so-bad-its-good kind of reads, one where you roll your eyes, but keep turning pages. There is an interesting archaeological puzzle to kick it all off, and some nice scenes of tomb raiding later on, but they're almost secondary to the personalities.
It's not going to make you forget the likes of Jurassic Park or State of Fear, but Easy Go is a fun romp that provides a glimpse into the man who would be Crichton.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Easy Go, his third John Lange title, is one I came across a few years ago via a tattered paperback copy, re-titled The Last Tomb. Now available as part of Open Road Media's collection of The Med School Years, it's an amusing little adventure that offers some glimpses of the Crichton we've come to appreciate. It won't engage you on a moral, philosophical, or intellectual level like some of his better-known blockbusters, but it's perfect for a summer beach-read diversion.
Despite what you might initially think, especially from the cover, this is primarily the story of a heist, told with humor, à la Oceans Eleven. The characters are larger-than-life, bordering on the edge of parody, with all the over-exaggerated violence, sexuality, and macho-ism of the 70s. It's one of those so-bad-its-good kind of reads, one where you roll your eyes, but keep turning pages. There is an interesting archaeological puzzle to kick it all off, and some nice scenes of tomb raiding later on, but they're almost secondary to the personalities.
It's not going to make you forget the likes of Jurassic Park or State of Fear, but Easy Go is a fun romp that provides a glimpse into the man who would be Crichton.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
mac_ashton's review against another edition
4.0
I have been a fan of Michael Crichton from the first time I watched Jurassic Park at far too young an age. Until recently, I thought I had read most of his works, but then I found John Lange. Turns out, like a lot of great writers, Crichton wrote under a pseudonym. Easy Go was published in 1968, just one year before The Andromeda Strain, and some sources say he wrote it in a week, earning just $1,500. Unlike his typical techno-thriller, sci-fi style, Easy Go showcases Crichton’s love of history that would later go into books like The Great Train Robbery and Pirate Latitudes. But enough background, this is supposed to brief, let’s get into it.
Easy Go has excellent pacing for 95% of the book (I checked my progress when it fell apart), and weaves a fun narrative about an Egyptologist, Barnaby, that discovers the location of Egypt’s last undiscovered tomb. After roughly translating the tomb’s location, he does the next logical thing and puts together a team to rob it. The premise is simple, but enjoyable. Listening to Barnaby wax about the tombs of Egypt and the untold riches lying in the sand inspired a sense of adventure in me that few books manage.
I was ready to give this book five stars until the very end where things wrap up in about five pages. The whole book is a single case of rising tension that suddenly and violently deflates. I’m a fan of quick endings as much as the next pulp reader, but this one could have used some more breathing room. After my time invested with Crichton’s band of tomb robbers, I wanted a few more minutes with them to know how things ended. I suppose that’s a mark of good characters. While most of the team are pulp tropes, that’s really what I came here to read, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Overall, if you’re a fan of adventure novels, ancient Egypt, or Michael Crichton’s other historical fiction (not counting Dragon Teeth, let the man rest in peace please), I’d give this one a read. The style is unmistakably Crichton, and for someone who thought I was done with his collection, Easy Go was a welcome surprise. Can’t wait to read the other John Lange novels.
Easy Go has excellent pacing for 95% of the book (I checked my progress when it fell apart), and weaves a fun narrative about an Egyptologist, Barnaby, that discovers the location of Egypt’s last undiscovered tomb. After roughly translating the tomb’s location, he does the next logical thing and puts together a team to rob it. The premise is simple, but enjoyable. Listening to Barnaby wax about the tombs of Egypt and the untold riches lying in the sand inspired a sense of adventure in me that few books manage.
I was ready to give this book five stars until the very end where things wrap up in about five pages. The whole book is a single case of rising tension that suddenly and violently deflates. I’m a fan of quick endings as much as the next pulp reader, but this one could have used some more breathing room. After my time invested with Crichton’s band of tomb robbers, I wanted a few more minutes with them to know how things ended. I suppose that’s a mark of good characters. While most of the team are pulp tropes, that’s really what I came here to read, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Overall, if you’re a fan of adventure novels, ancient Egypt, or Michael Crichton’s other historical fiction (not counting Dragon Teeth, let the man rest in peace please), I’d give this one a read. The style is unmistakably Crichton, and for someone who thought I was done with his collection, Easy Go was a welcome surprise. Can’t wait to read the other John Lange novels.