Kolymsky Heights
a six-star book!! absolutely terrific - I heard Philip Pullman, the author, talk about this book on the radio with very great enthusiasm, so I bought it. What a book it is! It is absolutely beautifully plotted, full of twists and turns, very exciting in places (particularly at the end, which springs at least two real surprises), highly atmospheric, nicely paced and fresh, original and unusual as well. It s a sort-of Cold War thriller, but much more inventive than most, with an intriguing use of science and convincing pseudo-science at the heart of the plot. It has a charismatic hero - not a Bond-type macho-man, though he can do all that if he needs to, but a leading expert in minority ethnic languages, would you believe - a compelling love story and wonderful locations in Siberia, mainly, and some other places. I loved it from page one (it starts very well) to page 400 or so, where it ends neatly, satisfyingly and actually - surprising in this kind of book - quite movingly. Thanks, Mr. Pullman - you were right in spades!
An extraordinary book - Without doubt my Desert Island choice. The depth and range of this book is absolutely incredible. It is, in no particular order, a detective, chase, adventure, escape, espionage and scientific book. It should, in my opinion, be much better known. Awesome.
wait.... - wait....i dis agree with every single one of the reviews on this page.its far to deatiled for its own good , boring and such a let down. in the end i just did not care .a shame .i waited ages to get a hold of this book. to quote the great elvis . return to sender
Astonishingly Good - I found this book on a bus. I was hooked by the end of the first page. You will be also. Davidson is obviously a master of his craft. The chase scene at the end is literally breathtaking. Has anyone bought the film rights to this yet? If not, I d be happy to re-mortgage for the chance! Don t think, just buy this brilliant book. I promise you will not be sorry.
An outrageously good read. - This is without question one of the best fiction books I have ever read. Right from the opening lines the plot develops in a very natural and mesmerizing way. It has all the elements of the best thrillers you have ever read and the intrigue of all the best spy novels. The writers skill is such that each character is believable and each twist of the plot engrossing. None of the action is outrageously over the top and as such it is all woven into a gripping and believable story written with immense story teller s skill.There are very few books that everyone should read. This is one of them. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.