Thunderhead
by Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child

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Book Reviews of Thunderhead

Book Review: Fun, but peculiarly reminiscent of previous work
Summary: 3 Stars

I like Preston and Child's work so far -- their research is good (if heavy-handed) and their plots are fun. Most of their popular novels involve the same main plot device... some primitive legend that has a modern scientific explanation. This one is no different, although the suspense somehow doesn't match that of RIPTIDE or THE RELIC.

What is more disturbing about this book is that it's clear the two authors have only a few character types. There is the enthusiastic and driven hero (RIPTIDE's Hatch was an exception), doggedly pursuing a long shot theory or familial dream. There is the ethnic minority or specialist who gravely prescribes respect for the mysteries of the past (and who, of course, was right all along -- the aura of superiority ascribed to ancient ways in all of P & C's books borders on the insufferable). There is the obsessive and unstable ubermensch-type, who eventually goes nuts and threatens everyone. And then there is the smartass for comic relief.

P & C's best books (RELIC and RIPTIDE) include characters who deviate from these stereotypes, and which don't include a lot of unpunished moralizing. This one, disappointingly, has both stereotypes and moralizing, and while I was entertained, I doubt I would read it again or recommend it over their past successes.

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