The Lure

I just finished The Lure. It was full of philosophical and ethical debates, but there was enough action to keep me reading. I loved the premise and liked the characters a lot. I can't wait to dive into his other books.

For the most part, I found this an enjoyable read. I liked the characters, the premise, and especially liked the outcome. However, I can't get by the atrocious writing. As a struggling writer trying to follow all these intricate rules just to get an agent to look at my manuscripts, it really bugs me that this novel could get published here in the states with virtually no Americanized editing. I know the British have some different standards for grammar, syntax, structure, etc., but to see a book like this make it to mass market paperback in this condition just seems wrong. I may have counted 30 "was's" on the first page alone, along with the many passive phrases that went on throughout the story. Second, the points of view shifted, sometimes within scenes, and sometimes within the same paragraph! To top this off, he changes from third person past tense, to first person present tense, then to first person past tense, and so on. A few years ago I could have read this story and thought it was great. But from what I know now and have had pounded into my head as a struggling writer, I lost some of the impact this book might have had on me. It just goes to show that luck must have just as much to do with getting published as writing skill. Though this tirade may make you think I actually hated this book, I didn't. Despite everything, I didn't find it a chore to read, and will be looking for more books by Mr. Napier. Bill, if you're reading this, you've created a fan, despite all. Recommended.

Like Dr. Napier's other novels, The Lure puts the man of science in the lead role of reluctant hero. No synopsis is needed as it is provided above, but leave it to say that it is in my opinion almost equal to Nemesis for entertainment value and it keeps the science facts and conjecture true to the mark! An excellent read!