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skullfullofbooks's review
It's a very western style book. I don't enjoy it very much.
nphoenix09's review against another edition
4.0
First “blind date book” and I loved it! Not something I normally go for but turned out to be very interesting!
jenniferstringer's review against another edition
3.0
Part western, part mystery with a little paleontology thrown in. Three stars might be a little generous as the pacing felt off with most of the action happening toward the end as well as not-too-terribly fleshed out characters, but a distracting escape was just what I wanted.
katzreads's review against another edition
3.0
A good one. . .not great, but solid. Interesting characters, a few unlikely turns of event, and the ending felt a bit rushed. But thoroughly enjoable
mxsallybend's review against another edition
3.0
Although I enjoyed this one (for the most part), it was a very awkward read. There are really three stories being told here, one of which I felt was unnecessary, and another just silly.
Number one, we have the story of the science - the trials and triumphs of the dinosaur hunters. That's what I bought this one to read, and I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. The detailed description of the digs was very well done, and the narratives about how those dinosaurs lived and died were fantastic.
Number two, we have a story of frustrated cowboy love. While I can fully appreciate how it was intended to add some sexual tension to the story, it was unnecessary. The relationship between Mike and Jeanette is cold and one-sided, and his affair with the town mayor is probably one of the weakest aspects of his character, especially coupled with his spite for her husband. Toss in two hot, fliratatious, conveniently available young women to assist with the dig, along with a tryst between Jeanette and Pick (the dinosaur diggger himself), and it just gets soap operaish.
Number three, we have a silly subplot involving an ex-porn mogul, the Russian mob, rich Mexican dinosaur smugglers, a family of anti-government survivalists, and an inexplicably cruel and crooked majoy. Perhaps, if it hadn't been resolved in such a cartoonish fashion, and if there had been some real consquences of everbody's actions, this might have been easier to stomach, but it just didn't work for me at all.
Having said all that, the dinosaur elements were strong enough to carry the book. It's not my favourite Hickam work, but still a (mostly) enjoyable read all the same.
Number one, we have the story of the science - the trials and triumphs of the dinosaur hunters. That's what I bought this one to read, and I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. The detailed description of the digs was very well done, and the narratives about how those dinosaurs lived and died were fantastic.
Number two, we have a story of frustrated cowboy love. While I can fully appreciate how it was intended to add some sexual tension to the story, it was unnecessary. The relationship between Mike and Jeanette is cold and one-sided, and his affair with the town mayor is probably one of the weakest aspects of his character, especially coupled with his spite for her husband. Toss in two hot, fliratatious, conveniently available young women to assist with the dig, along with a tryst between Jeanette and Pick (the dinosaur diggger himself), and it just gets soap operaish.
Number three, we have a silly subplot involving an ex-porn mogul, the Russian mob, rich Mexican dinosaur smugglers, a family of anti-government survivalists, and an inexplicably cruel and crooked majoy. Perhaps, if it hadn't been resolved in such a cartoonish fashion, and if there had been some real consquences of everbody's actions, this might have been easier to stomach, but it just didn't work for me at all.
Having said all that, the dinosaur elements were strong enough to carry the book. It's not my favourite Hickam work, but still a (mostly) enjoyable read all the same.
kaitlin89pascoe's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
thebrownbookloft's review against another edition
3.0
Not my favorite Homer Hickam book, but it was a reasonably good read. I guess I just expected a bit more depth from the characters. The change in setting from coal miner country to a Montana ranch was interesting, but considering that the author likes to dinosaur hunt in that area himself, he was quite familiar with the process and the landscape, and that really showed. In fact the dinosaur hunting was the most interesting part of the book.
thebrownbookloft's review
3.0
Not my favorite Homer Hickam book, but it was a reasonably good read. I guess I just expected a bit more depth from the characters. The change in setting from coal miner country to a Montana ranch was interesting, but considering that the author likes to dinosaur hunt in that area himself, he was quite familiar with the process and the landscape, and that really showed. In fact the dinosaur hunting was the most interesting part of the book.