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timinbc's review against another edition
3.0
Set your expectations for something like Iron Man or an action-figure story. Think of a nice airport read or similar time-passer. By that measure this book is fine.
Gods and military and SF techniques. Might work. Seems to, for a while. But as it all comes to a conclusion we realize that most of the awesomely-powerful-god vs. awesomely-powerful-powersuited humans conflicts come down to spar-spar-easy-kill (which may well be what would happen if they were real) - but in the end it felt too much like "you have rolled a seven. Your character has been grievously wounded. Roll one die to see if he lives."
Lovegrove has written more than 50 books, so I am not sure why he has given us some quite awful characters and dialogue here, such as the ludicrous Aussie from the shrimp-on-the-barbie har-de-har-har too-right-Bruce cliché store.
No writer should EVER write, "His nostrils were naturally flared, a sign of self-assurance and the right kind of pride." Good grief, what kind of nonsense is that?
Nor should any writer have someone "stepping foot" on anything, nor should an editor let it pass. "Setting foot" is standard, and "stepping" does not improve it.
I finally got stalled on the fact that the two guys orchestrating all this were able to create all sorts of mighty fighting machines without anyone else noticing, and without the rest of the world inventing or building anything much beyond the sort of thing the Army brings to Doctor Who (which is to say, guys in uniforms with rifles whose sole job is to get scythed down by the bad guys).
The whole explanation of how the two forces were created is handwaving of the worst kind. Lovegrove hasn't really even made a serious effort to build a backstory. In fact I'll spoil it for you: the two builders are both wealthy and smart, and that's all you need to build flying people, Gorgons and super fighting suits, right?
It's my first Lovegrove, but also my last. Feels to me like an author who has chosen volume of output over quality, which to be fair is what I hear publishers are demanding these days.
Gods and military and SF techniques. Might work. Seems to, for a while. But as it all comes to a conclusion we realize that most of the awesomely-powerful-god vs. awesomely-powerful-powersuited humans conflicts come down to spar-spar-easy-kill (which may well be what would happen if they were real) - but in the end it felt too much like "you have rolled a seven. Your character has been grievously wounded. Roll one die to see if he lives."
Lovegrove has written more than 50 books, so I am not sure why he has given us some quite awful characters and dialogue here, such as the ludicrous Aussie from the shrimp-on-the-barbie har-de-har-har too-right-Bruce cliché store.
No writer should EVER write, "His nostrils were naturally flared, a sign of self-assurance and the right kind of pride." Good grief, what kind of nonsense is that?
Nor should any writer have someone "stepping foot" on anything, nor should an editor let it pass. "Setting foot" is standard, and "stepping" does not improve it.
I finally got stalled on the fact that the two guys orchestrating all this were able to create all sorts of mighty fighting machines without anyone else noticing, and without the rest of the world inventing or building anything much beyond the sort of thing the Army brings to Doctor Who (which is to say, guys in uniforms with rifles whose sole job is to get scythed down by the bad guys).
The whole explanation of how the two forces were created is handwaving of the worst kind. Lovegrove hasn't really even made a serious effort to build a backstory. In fact I'll spoil it for you: the two builders are both wealthy and smart, and that's all you need to build flying people, Gorgons and super fighting suits, right?
It's my first Lovegrove, but also my last. Feels to me like an author who has chosen volume of output over quality, which to be fair is what I hear publishers are demanding these days.
kariyanine's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
thomasnel's review against another edition
3.0
The book was just an average book in my opinion. The characters felt pretty surface level and the weird outcropping to things that were irrelevant were off putting. I am a big fan of mythology, but some of the book was off putting. I can't place my finger on it so I can't give a concrete reason why it is bad or good. Read it for yourself is my conclusion.
tamick's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
cdeane61's review against another edition
4.0
Cool premise, no issues with the writing, I actually enjoyed this one.
Short, easy chapters that i could put down and pick up in spurts.
Perfect for travel, or busy times, when getting a chance to sit down with a good book.
Short, easy chapters that i could put down and pick up in spurts.
Perfect for travel, or busy times, when getting a chance to sit down with a good book.
lukexcage's review against another edition
5.0
This was my first introduction to James Lovegrove and it easily became one of my all time favorite books. I’m a sucker for Greek mythology and was intrigued by the idea of having it retold within a modern context, with the ancient gods of Mount Olympus residing in an alternate version of the UK. It’s a great blend of sci-fi/fantasy/mystery, and it specifically made me realize just how much I enjoy urban fantasy, as well as how important the mystery elements of a story are for me.
The plot kept me hooked throughout and the payoff/twist at the end was well worth the ride. I’m now immersed in all the Pantheon books, and this is always one of my go to recommendations for anyone looking for something new to jump into. It’s fun, easy to read, and blends together the source materials so well. Also, the covers are amazing
The plot kept me hooked throughout and the payoff/twist at the end was well worth the ride. I’m now immersed in all the Pantheon books, and this is always one of my go to recommendations for anyone looking for something new to jump into. It’s fun, easy to read, and blends together the source materials so well. Also, the covers are amazing
readerxxx's review
3.0
Better than the Age of Ra but about 100 pages longer than it needed to be. Books of action should stay consistent and not try to be preachy at the same time.
kimal25's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book. I knew I would like it, yet it still sat on my bookshelf for several years before I got around to it. I love Greek mythology, so it was amazing to see that incorporated. There were hints about the gods' origins, though I still didn't see this as a possibility. Probably been reading too much fantasy and science fiction. I loved everything about this, especially the suits. The main character was very down to earth, which helped to get into the book, but her back story was not as traumatic as I had imagined it would be and I was a little disappointed by it and her reactions to life. However, I genuinely did love the book. The ending was wonderful too.
vengence99's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
iainbertram's review against another edition
2.0
Slightly astonished to see Lovegrove being compared to Ballard.
This book has some good ideas. Unfortunately the plotting is formulaic and the dialogue is abysmal. The characters are stereo types of the worst sort.
Avoid.
This book has some good ideas. Unfortunately the plotting is formulaic and the dialogue is abysmal. The characters are stereo types of the worst sort.
Avoid.