Cornwell Genius, 03 Oct 2008
Cornwell at his very, very best.
If you enjoyed the Harlequin series featuring Thomas of Hookton then you will love this.
I read it within two days of receiving it and am gutted that it wasn't much longer even though it fully satisfied me as a true historical read.
Cornwell is the master of this style of writing. I really enjoy Conn Iggulden and Valerio Massimo Manfredi but Cornwell is the master.
My only wish is that Ridley Scott would take a story of Cornwell's like this one or the Harlequin series and make it into as visual a treat as the novels are writtenAzincourt.
More power to your quill Mr. Cornwell and long may your stories keep us as enthralled as this.

Like the one-time bestseller Jonathan Livingston Seagull, The Alchemist presents a simple fable, based on simple truths and places it in a highly unique situation. And though we may sense a bestselling formula, it is certainly not a new one: even the ancient tribal storytellers knew that this is the most successful method of entertaining an audience while slipping in a lesson or two. Brazilian storyteller Paulo Coehlo introduces Santiago, an Andalucian shepherd boy who one night dreams of a distant treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. And so he's off: leaving Spain to literally follow his dream.

Along the way he meets many spiritual messengers, who come in unassuming forms such as a camel driver and a well-read Englishman. In one of the Englishman's books, Santiago first learns about the alchemists--men who believed that if a metal were heated for many years, it would free itself of all its individual properties, and what was left would be the "Soul of the World." Of course he does eventually meet an alchemist, and the ensuing student-teacher relationship clarifies much of the boy's misguided agenda, while also emboldening him to stay true to his dreams. "My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy confides to the alchemist one night as they look up at a moonless night.

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself," the alchemist replies. "And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity."

Cornwell Genius, 03 Oct 2008
Cornwell at his very, very best.
If you enjoyed the Harlequin series featuring Thomas of Hookton then you will love this.
I read it within two days of receiving it and am gutted that it wasn't much longer even though it fully satisfied me as a true historical read.
Cornwell is the master of this style of writing. I really enjoy Conn Iggulden and Valerio Massimo Manfredi but Cornwell is the master.
My only wish is that Ridley Scott would take a story of Cornwell's like this one or the Harlequin series and make it into as visual a treat as the novels are writtenAzincourt.
More power to your quill Mr. Cornwell and long may your stories keep us as enthralled as this.

Disappointing, overhyped and a touch childish , 01 Oct 2008
I read this because it appeared on the BBC 100 Best Reads list and had some good reviews. I was rather disappointed to say the least. The writing style is simple and lacking in depth, although it may just not translate well. The story is a parable with a message about 'following one's dream'. Although this message is repeated frequently the story line is a bit forced and ends as something of a shaggy dog story. It's a bit like a cross between an Aesop's fable and a self-help book, with a bit of half-baked philosophy in the mix. I think it would appeal to older children and those who like something cheerful and unchallenging.

A simple beautiful tale in a complex world, 27 Sep 2008
This is brilliant. Ignore the religious do-gooders giving this a kicking, and read it for what it is. A simple, extraordinary tale, which is uplifting and spiritually breath taking. In a complex, over analysed world, this book simply reminds us all that, there is genius in simplicity and beauty wherever we choose to find it. On a very simple level those who always think the glass is half full will understand it and love it, those who think its half empty will hopefully realise there is another way to view things. I've read it many times, and it never fails to be an uplifing experience.

new age drivel, 09 Aug 2008
I doubt I would have been so offended by this book had it not been for the pretentious fawings of so many people who claimed it had changed their life. I was intrigued. I was then very disappointed. What a load of new age drivel. Change my life my foot. This book is pretentious and seems to have been lifted from an array of other superior novels and fables. I felt cheated by the rave reviews and am still somewhat dumbfounded by it.

must read at least once, 07 Aug 2008
The books just puts you at peace. For all you cynics out there it is a must read, positive and magical, still makes you believe there is hope out there you've just got to believe in it :)

an old, short story manipulated for the modern love of spiritual spin, 03 Aug 2008
I've given this book three stars partly out of respect for the fact that so many others have clearly appreciated the book, and partly for one or two passages which were, to me, like snippets of poetry: evocative and memorable. As a whole, though, I can't say I'm a fan.

The Alchemist follows the same basic plot as The Pedlar of Swaffham (an old English folk tale based on a local legend and/or myth) and other related tales. The difference is that the book is written with the obvious intention of a "spiritual message". I'm not criticising those who have found such a message, but it didn't have this effect on me for several reasons:
the root story doesn't have a spiritual element, and there simply isn't room for one in that plotline: it's neutral, with no glory or censure either in the advantages of staying at home, or the initiative of going on an adventure. Both are shown to have their advantages, and it's the delight in the twist to the end of the story - a key element of folk tales - that's the real purpose of telling it ...
Coelho spins a *long* tale which is seriously dull in places...
the style is a very conscious attempt at the "naivite" of stories such as the Little Prince, but these don't seem to work when they're used in a deliberate way (it's like trying to paint the bloom onto a grape). In fact I found this element slightly manipulative, and hence offputting.

I know this review won't be popular as The Alchemist has a lot of fans, but it just wasn't a very rewarding read for me on either a literary or instructive level. Taking old tales and trying to build a big "message" out of them is *very* hard to get right, and I'd have preferred something more along the lines of the old concept of storytelling - i.e. a version that allowed the reader to come to his or her own conclusion about the spiritual significance of the story, rather than having the whole thing constructed specifically to spell it out.

Cornwell Genius, 03 Oct 2008
Cornwell at his very, very best.
If you enjoyed the Harlequin series featuring Thomas of Hookton then you will love this.
I read it within two days of receiving it and am gutted that it wasn't much longer even though it fully satisfied me as a true historical read.
Cornwell is the master of this style of writing. I really enjoy Conn Iggulden and Valerio Massimo Manfredi but Cornwell is the master.
My only wish is that Ridley Scott would take a story of Cornwell's like this one or the Harlequin series and make it into as visual a treat as the novels are writtenAzincourt.
More power to your quill Mr. Cornwell and long may your stories keep us as enthralled as this.

Disappointing, overhyped and a touch childish , 01 Oct 2008
I read this because it appeared on the BBC 100 Best Reads list and had some good reviews. I was rather disappointed to say the least. The writing style is simple and lacking in depth, although it may just not translate well. The story is a parable with a message about 'following one's dream'. Although this message is repeated frequently the story line is a bit forced and ends as something of a shaggy dog story. It's a bit like a cross between an Aesop's fable and a self-help book, with a bit of half-baked philosophy in the mix. I think it would appeal to older children and those who like something cheerful and unchallenging.

A simple beautiful tale in a complex world, 27 Sep 2008
This is brilliant. Ignore the religious do-gooders giving this a kicking, and read it for what it is. A simple, extraordinary tale, which is uplifting and spiritually breath taking. In a complex, over analysed world, this book simply reminds us all that, there is genius in simplicity and beauty wherever we choose to find it. On a very simple level those who always think the glass is half full will understand it and love it, those who think its half empty will hopefully realise there is another way to view things. I've read it many times, and it never fails to be an uplifing experience.

new age drivel, 09 Aug 2008
I doubt I would have been so offended by this book had it not been for the pretentious fawings of so many people who claimed it had changed their life. I was intrigued. I was then very disappointed. What a load of new age drivel. Change my life my foot. This book is pretentious and seems to have been lifted from an array of other superior novels and fables. I felt cheated by the rave reviews and am still somewhat dumbfounded by it.

must read at least once, 07 Aug 2008
The books just puts you at peace. For all you cynics out there it is a must read, positive and magical, still makes you believe there is hope out there you've just got to believe in it :)

an old, short story manipulated for the modern love of spiritual spin, 03 Aug 2008
I've given this book three stars partly out of respect for the fact that so many others have clearly appreciated the book, and partly for one or two passages which were, to me, like snippets of poetry: evocative and memorable. As a whole, though, I can't say I'm a fan.

The Alchemist follows the same basic plot as The Pedlar of Swaffham (an old English folk tale based on a local legend and/or myth) and other related tales. The difference is that the book is written with the obvious intention of a "spiritual message". I'm not criticising those who have found such a message, but it didn't have this effect on me for several reasons:
the root story doesn't have a spiritual element, and there simply isn't room for one in that plotline: it's neutral, with no glory or censure either in the advantages of staying at home, or the initiative of going on an adventure. Both are shown to have their advantages, and it's the delight in the twist to the end of the story - a key element of folk tales - that's the real purpose of telling it ...
Coelho spins a *long* tale which is seriously dull in places...
the style is a very conscious attempt at the "naivite" of stories such as the Little Prince, but these don't seem to work when they're used in a deliberate way (it's like trying to paint the bloom onto a grape). In fact I found this element slightly manipulative, and hence offputting.

I know this review won't be popular as The Alchemist has a lot of fans, but it just wasn't a very rewarding read for me on either a literary or instructive level. Taking old tales and trying to build a big "message" out of them is *very* hard to get right, and I'd have preferred something more along the lines of the old concept of storytelling - i.e. a version that allowed the reader to come to his or her own conclusion about the spiritual significance of the story, rather than having the whole thing constructed specifically to spell it out.



No better after 20 years, 20 Aug 2008
I originally read this novel as a first year undergraduate in 1988. I found it dull and very hard work. I still remember having to force myself to read a page or two each night just to get through it. The horror indeed. I recently thought I would try reading it again as, after so long and with more mature tastes I might enjoy it. But no. I gave it my best shot - and then gave up. Maybe I'll have another go in 2028...

Brilliant fable of empire, 26 Mar 2008
An extraordinary book, which was so far ahead of its time that some contemporary reviewers (see above!) haven't caught up with it yet! It exposes the whole vile fallacy of empire - that arrogant pretension to rule over other peoples, all, of course, in the name of humanity and democracy! One of the truly great novels of our time.

Waste of time, 10 Mar 2008
We had to read this book in English and my god it is horrible. I have rarely read a more boing book and honestly I did not manage to read through it. I'm usually crazy about reading and I have read a lot of books, but this one was simply horrible. Both the way he writes and his sometimes hidden criticism of Africa. I think it is waste of time to read this book.

One of the greats, 13 Feb 2008
Some readers seem to have difficulty with this short novel. It's certainly not easy reading (Conrad never is, though I love his prose style), but is a challenging, thought-provoking and highly absorbing character study. The journey is as much into a mind breaking down as it is a physical journey down the Congo River. I found it richly rewarding (both the 1st time and when I read it again recently). It probably says more, in a short space, than any other novel about human existence, civilization and human excesses (with the possible exception of "The Fall" by Albert Camus). Powerful stuff - if you like a strong poison then try it (and then check out Conrad's great full-length novels: "Lord Jim", "Nostromo" and "Under Western Eyes").

Overhyped, 28 Dec 2007
After reading a couple of essays praising Conrad's writtings, I bought this book and tried to read it. How dissappointing the experience is! How is it that Conrad is regarded as a master of the English language? His style is emphatically european with lots of attention paid to lower order hyponyms and adjectives, similar to that of other contemporary Germanic and Russian authors. Lots of sentences are so foreign to native English speakers that I am not surprised to learn that he did not learn English until he was 21. That said, it is still admirable that he churned out so many readable books.
However, Heart of Darkness is not really an enjoyable read. Sentences are so lumpy and bumpy and I must say that Conrad wrote the most anti-climatic piece of literature in history. The journey was interestingly described, building up to the meeting with Kurtz. After that, nothing. Where is the corruption of a man's soul in the wild? Why did he die so rapidly? According to current moral viewpoints, the guy did not do anything more outrageous than accumulating lots of ivory and trying to be too friendly to the natives. The book did not offer any insight into the man's supposedly dark soul, worse it did not even show clearly that he was corrupt in the first place.

Cornwell Genius, 03 Oct 2008
Cornwell at his very, very best.
If you enjoyed the Harlequin series featuring Thomas of Hookton then you will love this.
I read it within two days of receiving it and am gutted that it wasn't much longer even though it fully satisfied me as a true historical read.
Cornwell is the master of this style of writing. I really enjoy Conn Iggulden and Valerio Massimo Manfredi but Cornwell is the master.
My only wish is that Ridley Scott would take a story of Cornwell's like this one or the Harlequin series and make it into as visual a treat as the novels are writtenAzincourt.
More power to your quill Mr. Cornwell and long may your stories keep us as enthralled as this.

Disappointing, overhyped and a touch childish , 01 Oct 2008
I read this because it appeared on the BBC 100 Best Reads list and had some good reviews. I was rather disappointed to say the least. The writing style is simple and lacking in depth, although it may just not translate well. The story is a parable with a message about 'following one's dream'. Although this message is repeated frequently the story line is a bit forced and ends as something of a shaggy dog story. It's a bit like a cross between an Aesop's fable and a self-help book, with a bit of half-baked philosophy in the mix. I think it would appeal to older children and those who like something cheerful and unchallenging.

A simple beautiful tale in a complex world, 27 Sep 2008
This is brilliant. Ignore the religious do-gooders giving this a kicking, and read it for what it is. A simple, extraordinary tale, which is uplifting and spiritually breath taking. In a complex, over analysed world, this book simply reminds us all that, there is genius in simplicity and beauty wherever we choose to find it. On a very simple level those who always think the glass is half full will understand it and love it, those who think its half empty will hopefully realise there is another way to view things. I've read it many times, and it never fails to be an uplifing experience.

new age drivel, 09 Aug 2008
I doubt I would have been so offended by this book had it not been for the pretentious fawings of so many people who claimed it had changed their life. I was intrigued. I was then very disappointed. What a load of new age drivel. Change my life my foot. This book is pretentious and seems to have been lifted from an array of other superior novels and fables. I felt cheated by the rave reviews and am still somewhat dumbfounded by it.

must read at least once, 07 Aug 2008
The books just puts you at peace. For all you cynics out there it is a must read, positive and magical, still makes you believe there is hope out there you've just got to believe in it :)

an old, short story manipulated for the modern love of spiritual spin, 03 Aug 2008
I've given this book three stars partly out of respect for the fact that so many others have clearly appreciated the book, and partly for one or two passages which were, to me, like snippets of poetry: evocative and memorable. As a whole, though, I can't say I'm a fan.

The Alchemist follows the same basic plot as The Pedlar of Swaffham (an old English folk tale based on a local legend and/or myth) and other related tales. The difference is that the book is written with the obvious intention of a "spiritual message". I'm not criticising those who have found such a message, but it didn't have this effect on me for several reasons:
the root story doesn't have a spiritual element, and there simply isn't room for one in that plotline: it's neutral, with no glory or censure either in the advantages of staying at home, or the initiative of going on an adventure. Both are shown to have their advantages, and it's the delight in the twist to the end of the story - a key element of folk tales - that's the real purpose of telling it ...
Coelho spins a *long* tale which is seriously dull in places...
the style is a very conscious attempt at the "naivite" of stories such as the Little Prince, but these don't seem to work when they're used in a deliberate way (it's like trying to paint the bloom onto a grape). In fact I found this element slightly manipulative, and hence offputting.

I know this review won't be popular as The Alchemist has a lot of fans, but it just wasn't a very rewarding read for me on either a literary or instructive level. Taking old tales and trying to build a big "message" out of them is *very* hard to get right, and I'd have preferred something more along the lines of the old concept of storytelling - i.e. a version that allowed the reader to come to his or her own conclusion about the spiritual significance of the story, rather than having the whole thing constructed specifically to spell it out.



No better after 20 years, 20 Aug 2008
I originally read this novel as a first year undergraduate in 1988. I found it dull and very hard work. I still remember having to force myself to read a page or two each night just to get through it. The horror indeed. I recently thought I would try reading it again as, after so long and with more mature tastes I might enjoy it. But no. I gave it my best shot - and then gave up. Maybe I'll have another go in 2028...

Brilliant fable of empire, 26 Mar 2008
An extraordinary book, which was so far ahead of its time that some contemporary reviewers (see above!) haven't caught up with it yet! It exposes the whole vile fallacy of empire - that arrogant pretension to rule over other peoples, all, of course, in the name of humanity and democracy! One of the truly great novels of our time.

Waste of time, 10 Mar 2008
We had to read this book in English and my god it is horrible. I have rarely read a more boing book and honestly I did not manage to read through it. I'm usually crazy about reading and I have read a lot of books, but this one was simply horrible. Both the way he writes and his sometimes hidden criticism of Africa. I think it is waste of time to read this book.

One of the greats, 13 Feb 2008
Some readers seem to have difficulty with this short novel. It's certainly not easy reading (Conrad never is, though I love his prose style), but is a challenging, thought-provoking and highly absorbing character study. The journey is as much into a mind breaking down as it is a physical journey down the Congo River. I found it richly rewarding (both the 1st time and when I read it again recently). It probably says more, in a short space, than any other novel about human existence, civilization and human excesses (with the possible exception of "The Fall" by Albert Camus). Powerful stuff - if you like a strong poison then try it (and then check out Conrad's great full-length novels: "Lord Jim", "Nostromo" and "Under Western Eyes").

Overhyped, 28 Dec 2007
After reading a couple of essays praising Conrad's writtings, I bought this book and tried to read it. How dissappointing the experience is! How is it that Conrad is regarded as a master of the English language? His style is emphatically european with lots of attention paid to lower order hyponyms and adjectives, similar to that of other contemporary Germanic and Russian authors. Lots of sentences are so foreign to native English speakers that I am not surprised to learn that he did not learn English until he was 21. That said, it is still admirable that he churned out so many readable books.
However, Heart of Darkness is not really an enjoyable read. Sentences are so lumpy and bumpy and I must say that Conrad wrote the most anti-climatic piece of literature in history. The journey was interestingly described, building up to the meeting with Kurtz. After that, nothing. Where is the corruption of a man's soul in the wild? Why did he die so rapidly? According to current moral viewpoints, the guy did not do anything more outrageous than accumulating lots of ivory and trying to be too friendly to the natives. The book did not offer any insight into the man's supposedly dark soul, worse it did not even show clearly that he was corrupt in the first place.


Shame on you, Martina!, 01 Oct 2008
This book is dreadful! I've always been a big fan of Martina especially Goodnight Lady, The Ladykiller and Dangerous Lady but this book is just terrible. Martina seems to think all her book have to have gangsters, prostitutes, domestic violence and paedophiles in order to be successful, but this book is now almost identical to the last few she wrote, so much so that I actually almost didn't buy it as the synopsis made it seem identical to the previous book. Danny Boy was a pointless character and it was an excruciating read. Please Martina, if you can't think of something original to write, don't write anything at all!

Absolutely awful, 22 Sep 2008
Please do not waste your money buying this book. If I could give it zero stars I certainly would have. It is repetitive drivel and I cannot understand how it made it to publication. Martina Cole should be embarrassed to have put her name to this book, given the excellent work she has produced in the past, and it is an insult to her fans. I only got as far as page p187 because I could not bear to read the words 'he was a Face' one more time. Judging by the comments on here, I didn't miss much!

Complete and utter let down!, 13 Sep 2008
I have read and enjoyed everyone of Martina's books, and was relieved to read so many reviews that I wholeheartedly agree with!!! What a load of old tosh.
I will buy the next book, but if this proves to be on the same par as Faces, that will be my last, which would be such a disapoinment as I have been a huge fan for many years.

Lesson learned, 10 Sep 2008
I really wish I had bothered to read a few reviews before buying this book. I have just finished the book - carried on reading it through to the bitter end as I had to justify spending £7.99 somehow. But I am sorry to say even down to the last flaming page the same few lines that were repeated all throughout the book appeared again. It was like Ms Cole had thrown 3 or 4 paragraphs into a hat and every couple of pages pulled one out to use yet again. So dissappointed as I have read a couple of her past books and enjoyed them. But 'Faces' was honestly a sad waste of a tree.

BORING BORING BORING, 29 Aug 2008
I am so disappointed. I have read every single one of her books, and only came onto this site to see if anyone else thought this book was the biggest waste of time ever, and sadly that is the case. Not only is it repetitive, it is also completely contradictory. Danny Boy is the most inconsistent character she has ever created. I feel she is now just writing to satisfy her publishers need of a book each christmastime, and has lost all passion and interest. She can't seriously think this book is good, can she? I hope she is reading these reveiws. She seriously needs to take some time out and come up with something decent! Don't worry about us fans! we'd rather wait a long time and read something amazing than read this rubbish every year.

Ex-military policemen Jack Reacher is lying low in Key West, digging up swimming pools by hand. He is not best pleased when a private detective starts asking questions about him, but when the detective, Costello, turns up dead with his fingertips sliced off, Reacher realises it is time to move on. Soon (as in Child's two previous excellent thrillers Die Trying and Killing Floor) Reacher is up to his neck in lethal trouble involving a vicious Wall Street manipulator, a mysterious woman (of course) and the livelihood of a whole community. Even the fate of soldiers missing in action in Vietnam is stirred into the brew. But this is not a book by one of the new breed of US thriller writers: Child prides himself that, as an Englishman, he writes American thrillers that are utterly convincing in milieu and toughness of action, without a trace of English sensibility. This new one is no exception-- every bit as lean and compulsive as its predecessors, it also builds on the freshest aspect of those books: Reacher may be a tough, epic hero, but he always remains human and vulnerable. Here's one for that long plane or train journey.

--Barry Forshaw

Cornwell Genius, 03 Oct 2008
Cornwell at his very, very best.
If you enjoyed the Harlequin series featuring Thomas of Hookton then you will love this.
I read it within two days of receiving it and am gutted that it wasn't much longer even though it fully satisfied me as a true historical read.
Cornwell is the master of this style of writing. I really enjoy Conn Iggulden and Valerio Massimo Manfredi but Cornwell is the master.
My only wish is that Ridley Scott would take a story of Cornwell's like this one or the Harlequin series and make it into as visual a treat as the novels are writtenAzincourt.
More power to your quill Mr. Cornwell and long may your stories keep us as enthralled as this.

Disappointing, overhyped and a touch childish , 01 Oct 2008
I read this because it appeared on the BBC 100 Best Reads list and had some good reviews. I was rather disappointed to say the least. The writing style is simple and lacking in depth, although it may just not translate well. The story is a parable with a message about 'following one's dream'. Although this message is repeated frequently the story line is a bit forced and ends as something of a shaggy dog story. It's a bit like a cross between an Aesop's fable and a self-help book, with a bit of half-baked philosophy in the mix. I think it would appeal to older children and those who like something cheerful and unchallenging.

A simple beautiful tale in a complex world, 27 Sep 2008
This is brilliant. Ignore the religious do-gooders giving this a kicking, and read it for what it is. A simple, extraordinary tale, which is uplifting and spiritually breath taking. In a complex, over analysed world, this book simply reminds us all that, there is genius in simplicity and beauty wherever we choose to find it. On a very simple level those who always think the glass is half full will understand it and love it, those who think its half empty will hopefully realise there is another way to view things. I've read it many times, and it never fails to be an uplifing experience.

new age drivel, 09 Aug 2008
I doubt I would have been so offended by this book had it not been for the pretentious fawings of so many people who claimed it had changed their life. I was intrigued. I was then very disappointed. What a load of new age drivel. Change my life my foot. This book is pretentious and seems to have been lifted from an array of other superior novels and fables. I felt cheated by the rave reviews and am still somewhat dumbfounded by it.

must read at least once, 07 Aug 2008
The books just puts you at peace. For all you cynics out there it is a must read, positive and magical, still makes you believe there is hope out there you've just got to believe in it :)

an old, short story manipulated for the modern love of spiritual spin, 03 Aug 2008
I've given this book three stars partly out of respect for the fact that so many others have clearly appreciated the book, and partly for one or two passages which were, to me, like snippets of poetry: evocative and memorable. As a whole, though, I can't say I'm a fan.

The Alchemist follows the same basic plot as The Pedlar of Swaffham (an old English folk tale based on a local legend and/or myth) and other related tales. The difference is that the book is written with the obvious intention of a "spiritual message". I'm not criticising those who have found such a message, but it didn't have this effect on me for several reasons:
the root story doesn't have a spiritual element, and there simply isn't room for one in that plotline: it's neutral, with no glory or censure either in the advantages of staying at home, or the initiative of going on an adventure. Both are shown to have their advantages, and it's the delight in the twist to the end of the story - a key element of folk tales - that's the real purpose of telling it ...
Coelho spins a *long* tale which is seriously dull in places...
the style is a very conscious attempt at the "naivite" of stories such as the Little Prince, but these don't seem to work when they're used in a deliberate way (it's like trying to paint the bloom onto a grape). In fact I found this element slightly manipulative, and hence offputting.

I know this review won't be popular as The Alchemist has a lot of fans, but it just wasn't a very rewarding read for me on either a literary or instructive level. Taking old tales and trying to build a big "message" out of them is *very* hard to get right, and I'd have preferred something more along the lines of the old concept of storytelling - i.e. a version that allowed the reader to come to his or her own conclusion about the spiritual significance of the story, rather than having the whole thing constructed specifically to spell it out.



No better after 20 years, 20 Aug 2008
I originally read this novel as a first year undergraduate in 1988. I found it dull and very hard work. I still remember having to force myself to read a page or two each night just to get through it. The horror indeed. I recently thought I would try reading it again as, after so long and with more mature tastes I might enjoy it. But no. I gave it my best shot - and then gave up. Maybe I'll have another go in 2028...

Brilliant fable of empire, 26 Mar 2008
An extraordinary book, which was so far ahead of its time that some contemporary reviewers (see above!) haven't caught up with it yet! It exposes the whole vile fallacy of empire - that arrogant pretension to rule over other peoples, all, of course, in the name of humanity and democracy! One of the truly great novels of our time.

Waste of time, 10 Mar 2008
We had to read this book in English and my god it is horrible. I have rarely read a more boing book and honestly I did not manage to read through it. I'm usually crazy about reading and I have read a lot of books, but this one was simply horrible. Both the way he writes and his sometimes hidden criticism of Africa. I think it is waste of time to read this book.

One of the greats, 13 Feb 2008
Some readers seem to have difficulty with this short novel. It's certainly not easy reading (Conrad never is, though I love his prose style), but is a challenging, thought-provoking and highly absorbing character study. The journey is as much into a mind breaking down as it is a physical journey down the Congo River. I found it richly rewarding (both the 1st time and when I read it again recently). It probably says more, in a short space, than any other novel about human existence, civilization and human excesses (with the possible exception of "The Fall" by Albert Camus). Powerful stuff - if you like a strong poison then try it (and then check out Conrad's great full-length novels: "Lord Jim", "Nostromo" and "Under Western Eyes").

Overhyped, 28 Dec 2007
After reading a couple of essays praising Conrad's writtings, I bought this book and tried to read it. How dissappointing the experience is! How is it that Conrad is regarded as a master of the English language? His style is emphatically european with lots of attention paid to lower order hyponyms and adjectives, similar to that of other contemporary Germanic and Russian authors. Lots of sentences are so foreign to native English speakers that I am not surprised to learn that he did not learn English until he was 21. That said, it is still admirable that he churned out so many readable books.
However, Heart of Darkness is not really an enjoyable read. Sentences are so lumpy and bumpy and I must say that Conrad wrote the most anti-climatic piece of literature in history. The journey was interestingly described, building up to the meeting with Kurtz. After that, nothing. Where is the corruption of a man's soul in the wild? Why did he die so rapidly? According to current moral viewpoints, the guy did not do anything more outrageous than accumulating lots of ivory and trying to be too friendly to the natives. The book did not offer any insight into the man's supposedly dark soul, worse it did not even show clearly that he was corrupt in the first place.


Shame on you, Martina!, 01 Oct 2008
This book is dreadful! I've always been a big fan of Martina especially Goodnight Lady, The Ladykiller and Dangerous Lady but this book is just terrible. Martina seems to think all her book have to have gangsters, prostitutes, domestic violence and paedophiles in order to be successful, but this book is now almost identical to the last few she wrote, so much so that I actually almost didn't buy it as the synopsis made it seem identical to the previous book. Danny Boy was a pointless character and it was an excruciating read. Please Martina, if you can't think of something original to write, don't write anything at all!

Absolutely awful, 22 Sep 2008
Please do not waste your money buying this book. If I could give it zero stars I certainly would have. It is repetitive drivel and I cannot understand how it made it to publication. Martina Cole should be embarrassed to have put her name to this book, given the excellent work she has produced in the past, and it is an insult to her fans. I only got as far as page p187 because I could not bear to read the words 'he was a Face' one more time. Judging by the comments on here, I didn't miss much!

Complete and utter let down!, 13 Sep 2008
I have read and enjoyed everyone of Martina's books, and was relieved to read so many reviews that I wholeheartedly agree with!!! What a load of old tosh.
I will buy the next book, but if this proves to be on the same par as Faces, that will be my last, which would be such a disapoinment as I have been a huge fan for many years.

Lesson learned, 10 Sep 2008
I really wish I had bothered to read a few reviews before buying this book. I have just finished the book - carried on reading it through to the bitter end as I had to justify spending £7.99 somehow. But I am sorry to say even down to the last flaming page the same few lines that were repeated all throughout the book appeared again. It was like Ms Cole had thrown 3 or 4 paragraphs into a hat and every couple of pages pulled one out to use yet again. So dissappointed as I have read a couple of her past books and enjoyed them. But 'Faces' was honestly a sad waste of a tree.

BORING BORING BORING, 29 Aug 2008
I am so disappointed. I have read every single one of her books, and only came onto this site to see if anyone else thought this book was the biggest waste of time ever, and sadly that is the case. Not only is it repetitive, it is also completely contradictory. Danny Boy is the most inconsistent character she has ever created. I feel she is now just writing to satisfy her publishers need of a book each christmastime, and has lost all passion and interest. She can't seriously think this book is good, can she? I hope she is reading these reveiws. She seriously needs to take some time out and come up with something decent! Don't worry about us fans! we'd rather wait a long time and read something amazing than read this rubbish every year.

Reacher at his best, 06 Jul 2008
This is classic Lee Child, when the Reacher formula was still working at its very best. The serial protagonist is at his peak in this novel, probably the best in the ever expanding list of Reacher stories. The story begins with Ex-military policemen Jack Reacher is lying low in Key West, digging up swimming pools by hand, and we get one of the best descriptions of what Reacher looks like and really thinks in this novel, unlike some of the others were we are left to imagine the big man. He is not best pleased when a private detective starts asking questions about him, but when the detective, Costello, turns up dead with his fingertips sliced off, Reacher realises it is time to move on. He ends up in lethal trouble involving a vicious Wall Street manipulator, a mysterious woman (of course) and the livelihood of a whole community. Even the fate of soldiers missing in action in Vietnam is stirred into the brew.
Child prides himself that, as an Englishman, he writes American thrillers that actually sell well in the US, a rare breed indeed This new one is no exception-- every bit as lean and compulsive as its predecessors, it also builds on the freshest aspect of those books: Reacher may be a tough, epic hero, but he always remains human and vulnerable. It`s a great formula for thriller lovers, and if you enjoy this Genre, the Harry Bosh books by Connely, Dan shepard stories by Stephen Leather and try the Soft Target trilogy by Conrad Jones.Here's one for that long plane or train journey.



Very good except......, 20 Oct 2007
An excellent thriller, tense, many twists and turns, but Lee Child rests his story on old stereotypes and easy characters. The main complaint I personally have is that yet again we have the demonisation of a disfigured man as the bad guy and the healthy white guy, as always, the hero. Maybe some day a gifted writer like Lee Child may come up with a reversal of roles and actually make a 'deformed' character the hero and the all white macho male the villian. I wait in great anticipation :-)

Nowhere near his best..., 06 Aug 2007
I think this is the third Lee Child book I've read and it is by far the worst, mainly because it's kind of boring. Not an awful lot happens, the "twists" stand out a mile, not a lot of deduction happens and by far the worst crime, one interesting subplot peters out rather than merging with the main plot in the finale.

Read it if you're a completist, but don't start the Reacher series with this, as you won't continue with it. Killing Floor and The Hard Way are both much better.

The hype, 12 Jun 2007
I don't understand what the hype is all about regarding Lee Child and his character, Jack Reacher. I think I've read too much Andy McNab, Harlan Coben, James Lee Burke and others who KNOW what they're talking about to be able to put up with Child. Lee Child simply doesn't know what he's talking about, whether it's guns or surveillance or action or sex or whatever. His books are heavy with padding--meaningless description. His characters are one dimensional at best. His plots are simple and unnatural. But the main problem still is that Lee Child simply hasn't had contact with reality--hard, violent, brutal reality--and writes with a naivete that is merely stupid.

This is how 'low brow' thriller writing should be done..., 08 May 2007
Jack Reacher novels are always pretty good. Child's got a knack for keeping what are essentially quite similar stories fresh and interesting.

Here, however, he turns it up a notch and delivers probably the finest Reacher novel I've read.

While the novel is not going to win any awards for great literature, the so called heavyweights like Dan Brown and Michael Reilly could take a leaf out of Lee Child's book when it comes to penning a good thriller.

The story begins when a man sent to find Reacher by a woman Jack's never heard of turns up dead behind a motel in Florida with his fingers cut off. Reacher's curiosity is piqued and he journey's to New York to find out why the man had to die, and what it has to do with him.

His search brings him face to face with his own past, and with Victor `Hook' Hobie.

Hobie is far and away the best villain to feature in any Jack Reacher novel I have read so far. A man with a secret that he will go to any lengths, no matter how brutal or sadistic, to protect. For the first time, you feel that Reacher has met an adversary worthy of the name, and as the book winds towards its climax, it grabs hold of you and won't let you go.

An essential read for Child fans and a great book in its own right to keep the Reacher virgin entertained, I honestly can't recommend this book enough.

Cornwell Genius, 03 Oct 2008
Cornwell at his very, very best.
If you enjoyed the Harlequin series featuring Thomas of Hookton then you will love this.
I read it within two days of receiving it and am gutted that it wasn't much longer even though it fully satisfied me as a true historical read.
Cornwell is the master of this style of writing. I really enjoy Conn Iggulden and Valerio Massimo Manfredi but Cornwell is the master.
My only wish is that Ridley Scott would take a story of Cornwell's like this one or the Harlequin series and make it into as visual a treat as the novels are writtenAzincourt.
More power to your quill Mr. Cornwell and long may your stories keep us as enthralled as this.

Disappointing, overhyped and a touch childish , 01 Oct 2008
I read this because it appeared on the BBC 100 Best Reads list and had some good reviews. I was rather disappointed to say the least. The writing style is simple and lacking in depth, although it may just not translate well. The story is a parable with a message about 'following one's dream'. Although this message is repeated frequently the story line is a bit forced and ends as something of a shaggy dog story. It's a bit like a cross between an Aesop's fable and a self-help book, with a bit of half-baked philosophy in the mix. I think it would appeal to older children and those who like something cheerful and unchallenging.

A simple beautiful tale in a complex world, 27 Sep 2008
This is brilliant. Ignore the religious do-gooders giving this a kicking, and read it for what it is. A simple, extraordinary tale, which is uplifting and spiritually breath taking. In a complex, over analysed world, this book simply reminds us all that, there is genius in simplicity and beauty wherever we choose to find it. On a very simple level those who always think the glass is half full will understand it and love it, those who think its half empty will hopefully realise there is another way to view things. I've read it many times, and it never fails to be an uplifing experience.

new age drivel, 09 Aug 2008
I doubt I would have been so offended by this book had it not been for the pretentious fawings of so many people who claimed it had changed their life. I was intrigued. I was then very disappointed. What a load of new age drivel. Change my life my foot. This book is pretentious and seems to have been lifted from an array of other superior novels and fables. I felt cheated by the rave reviews and am still somewhat dumbfounded by it.

must read at least once, 07 Aug 2008
The books just puts you at peace. For all you cynics out there it is a must read, positive and magical, still makes you believe there is hope out there you've just got to believe in it :)

an old, short story manipulated for the modern love of spiritual spin, 03 Aug 2008
I've given this book three stars partly out of respect for the fact that so many others have clearly appreciated the book, and partly for one or two passages which were, to me, like snippets of poetry: evocative and memorable. As a whole, though, I can't say I'm a fan.

The Alchemist follows the same basic plot as The Pedlar of Swaffham (an old English folk tale based on a local legend and/or myth) and other related tales. The difference is that the book is written with the obvious intention of a "spiritual message". I'm not criticising those who have found such a message, but it didn't have this effect on me for several reasons:
the root story doesn't have a spiritual element, and there simply isn't room for one in that plotline: it's neutral, with no glory or censure either in the advantages of staying at home, or the initiative of going on an adventure. Both are shown to have their advantages, and it's the delight in the twist to the end of the story - a key element of folk tales - that's the real purpose of telling it ...
Coelho spins a *long* tale which is seriously dull in places...
the style is a very conscious attempt at the "naivite" of stories such as the Little Prince, but these don't seem to work when they're used in a deliberate way (it's like trying to paint the bloom onto a grape). In fact I found this element slightly manipulative, and hence offputting.

I know this review won't be popular as The Alchemist has a lot of fans, but it just wasn't a very rewarding read for me on either a literary or instructive level. Taking old tales and trying to build a big "message" out of them is *very* hard to get right, and I'd have preferred something more along the lines of the old concept of storytelling - i.e. a version that allowed the reader to come to his or her own conclusion about the spiritual significance of the story, rather than having the whole thing constructed specifically to spell it out.



No better after 20 years, 20 Aug 2008
I originally read this novel as a first year undergraduate in 1988. I found it dull and very hard work. I still remember having to force myself to read a page or two each night just to get through it. The horror indeed. I recently thought I would try reading it again as, after so long and with more mature tastes I might enjoy it. But no. I gave it my best shot - and then gave up. Maybe I'll have another go in 2028...

Brilliant fable of empire, 26 Mar 2008
An extraordinary book, which was so far ahead of its time that some contemporary reviewers (see above!) haven't caught up with it yet! It exposes the whole vile fallacy of empire - that arrogant pretension to rule over other peoples, all, of course, in the name of humanity and democracy! One of the truly great novels of our time.

Waste of time, 10 Mar 2008
We had to read this book in English and my god it is horrible. I have rarely read a more boing book and honestly I did not manage to read through it. I'm usually crazy about reading and I have read a lot of books, but this one was simply horrible. Both the way he writes and his sometimes hidden criticism of Africa. I think it is waste of time to read this book.

One of the greats, 13 Feb 2008
Some readers seem to have difficulty with this short novel. It's certainly not easy reading (Conrad never is, though I love his prose style), but is a challenging, thought-provoking and highly absorbing character study. The journey is as much into a mind breaking down as it is a physical journey down the Congo River. I found it richly rewarding (both the 1st time and when I read it again recently). It probably says more, in a short space, than any other novel about human existence, civilization and human excesses (with the possible exception of "The Fall" by Albert Camus). Powerful stuff - if you like a strong poison then try it (and then check out Conrad's great full-length novels: "Lord Jim", "Nostromo" and "Under Western Eyes").

Overhyped, 28 Dec 2007
After reading a couple of essays praising Conrad's writtings, I bought this book and tried to read it. How dissappointing the experience is! How is it that Conrad is regarded as a master of the English language? His style is emphatically european with lots of attention paid to lower order hyponyms and adjectives, similar to that of other contemporary Germanic and Russian authors. Lots of sentences are so foreign to native English speakers that I am not surprised to learn that he did not learn English until he was 21. That said, it is still admirable that he churned out so many readable books.
However, Heart of Darkness is not really an enjoyable read. Sentences are so lumpy and bumpy and I must say that Conrad wrote the most anti-climatic piece of literature in history. The journey was interestingly described, building up to the meeting with Kurtz. After that, nothing. Where is the corruption of a man's soul in the wild? Why did he die so rapidly? According to current moral viewpoints, the guy did not do anything more outrageous than accumulating lots of ivory and trying to be too friendly to the natives. The book did not offer any insight into the man's supposedly dark soul, worse it did not even show clearly that he was corrupt in the first place.


Shame on you, Martina!, 01 Oct 2008
This book is dreadful! I've always been a big fan of Martina especially Goodnight Lady, The Ladykiller and Dangerous Lady but this book is just terrible. Martina seems to think all her book have to have gangsters, prostitutes, domestic violence and paedophiles in order to be successful, but this book is now almost identical to the last few she wrote, so much so that I actually almost didn't buy it as the synopsis made it seem identical to the previous book. Danny Boy was a pointless character and it was an excruciating read. Please Martina, if you can't think of something original to write, don't write anything at all!

Absolutely awful, 22 Sep 2008
Please do not waste your money buying this book. If I could give it zero stars I certainly would have. It is repetitive drivel and I cannot understand how it made it to publication. Martina Cole should be embarrassed to have put her name to this book, given the excellent work she has produced in the past, and it is an insult to her fans. I only got as far as page p187 because I could not bear to read the words 'he was a Face' one more time. Judging by the comments on here, I didn't miss much!

Complete and utter let down!, 13 Sep 2008
I have read and enjoyed everyone of Martina's books, and was relieved to read so many reviews that I wholeheartedly agree with!!! What a load of old tosh.
I will buy the next book, but if this proves to be on the same par as Faces, that will be my last, which would be such a disapoinment as I have been a huge fan for many years.

Lesson learned, 10 Sep 2008
I really wish I had bothered to read a few reviews before buying this book. I have just finished the book - carried on reading it through to the bitter end as I had to justify spending £7.99 somehow. But I am sorry to say even down to the last flaming page the same few lines that were repeated all throughout the book appeared again. It was like Ms Cole had thrown 3 or 4 paragraphs into a hat and every couple of pages pulled one out to use yet again. So dissappointed as I have read a couple of her past books and enjoyed them. But 'Faces' was honestly a sad waste of a tree.

BORING BORING BORING, 29 Aug 2008
I am so disappointed. I have read every single one of her books, and only came onto this site to see if anyone else thought this book was the biggest waste of time ever, and sadly that is the case. Not only is it repetitive, it is also completely contradictory. Danny Boy is the most inconsistent character she has ever created. I feel she is now just writing to satisfy her publishers need of a book each christmastime, and has lost all passion and interest. She can't seriously think this book is good, can she? I hope she is reading these reveiws. She seriously needs to take some time out and come up with something decent! Don't worry about us fans! we'd rather wait a long time and read something amazing than read this rubbish every year.

Reacher at his best, 06 Jul 2008
This is classic Lee Child, when the Reacher formula was still working at its very best. The serial protagonist is at his peak in this novel, probably the best in the ever expanding list of Reacher stories. The story begins with Ex-military policemen Jack Reacher is lying low in Key West, digging up swimming pools by hand, and we get one of the best descriptions of what Reacher looks like and really thinks in this novel, unlike some of the others were we are left to imagine the big man. He is not best pleased when a private detective starts asking questions about him, but when the detective, Costello, turns up dead with his fingertips sliced off, Reacher realises it is time to move on. He ends up in lethal trouble involving a vicious Wall Street manipulator, a mysterious woman (of course) and the livelihood of a whole community. Even the fate of soldiers missing in action in Vietnam is stirred into the brew.
Child prides himself that, as an Englishman, he writes American thrillers that actually sell well in the US, a rare breed indeed This new one is no exception-- every bit as lean and compulsive as its predecessors, it also builds on the freshest aspect of those books: Reacher may be a tough, epic hero, but he always remains human and vulnerable. It`s a great formula for thriller lovers, and if you enjoy this Genre, the Harry Bosh books by Connely, Dan shepard stories by Stephen Leather and try the Soft Target trilogy by Conrad Jones.Here's one for that long plane or train journey.



Very good except......, 20 Oct 2007
An excellent thriller, tense, many twists and turns, but Lee Child rests his story on old stereotypes and easy characters. The main complaint I personally have is that yet again we have the demonisation of a disfigured man as the bad guy and the healthy white guy, as always, the hero. Maybe some day a gifted writer like Lee Child may come up with a reversal of roles and actually make a 'deformed' character the hero and the all white macho male the villian. I wait in great anticipation :-)

Nowhere near his best..., 06 Aug 2007
I think this is the third Lee Child book I've read and it is by far the worst, mainly because it's kind of boring. Not an awful lot happens, the "twists" stand out a mile, not a lot of deduction happens and by far the worst crime, one interesting subplot peters out rather than merging with the main plot in the finale.

Read it if you're a completist, but don't start the Reacher series with this, as you won't continue with it. Killing Floor and The Hard Way are both much better.

The hype, 12 Jun 2007
I don't understand what the hype is all about regarding Lee Child and his character, Jack Reacher. I think I've read too much Andy McNab, Harlan Coben, James Lee Burke and others who KNOW what they're talking about to be able to put up with Child. Lee Child simply doesn't know what he's talking about, whether it's guns or surveillance or action or sex or whatever. His books are heavy with padding--meaningless description. His characters are one dimensional at best. His plots are simple and unnatural. But the main problem still is that Lee Child simply hasn't had contact with reality--hard, violent, brutal reality--and writes with a naivete that is merely stupid.

This is how 'low brow' thriller writing should be done..., 08 May 2007
Jack Reacher novels are always pretty good. Child's got a knack for keeping what are essentially quite similar stories fresh and interesting.

Here, however, he turns it up a notch and delivers probably the finest Reacher novel I've read.

While the novel is not going to win any awards for great literature, the so called heavyweights like Dan Brown and Michael Reilly could take a leaf out of Lee Child's book when it comes to penning a good thriller.

The story begins when a man sent to find Reacher by a woman Jack's never heard of turns up dead behind a motel in Florida with his fingers cut off. Reacher's curiosity is piqued and he journey's to New York to find out why the man had to die, and what it has to do with him.

His search brings him face to face with his own past, and with Victor `Hook' Hobie.

Hobie is far and away the best villain to feature in any Jack Reacher novel I have read so far. A man with a secret that he will go to any lengths, no matter how brutal or sadistic, to protect. For the first time, you feel that Reacher has met an adversary worthy of the name, and as the book winds towards its climax, it grabs hold of you and won't let you go.

An essential read for Child fans and a great book in its own right to keep the Reacher virgin entertained, I honestly can't recommend this book enough.


Uninspiring, 01 Oct 2008
As I find this period of British history fascinating I thought I'd give Sword song a try, but I must admit defeat - I have abandoned reading it after ony 73 pages. Yes, it has period feel, yes, the research is there - but it fails to hold me. I find the personalities less than gripping, and the story doesn't really flow for me. Obviously a matter of taste as the author is very popular!
I would recommend the books by Alfred Duggan from the same period - the same gritty imperfect heroes, but a style I much prefer.

not as good, 08 Aug 2008
Sadly, I was very disapointed with this book, definitely not a patch on the other three, I really was very disapointed and feel quite let down. Alfred was portrayed as a untrustworthy idiot, only interested in his books and his priests. The Danes I am sure would have most certainly killed any "traitor" out of hand, and were the Irish ever involved? if they were, I certainly never learnt that in school, and in my day we were actually taught History although we did know that the Norseman did land there in Eire and make settlements, as they did in America.
I just hope that the next book is better.

History lessons you don't fall asleep during!, 05 Jul 2008
Well I'll get all the negative stuff out of the way first! Uhtred really is just a dark ages 'Sharpe' he even has an Irish side kick now and whilst Sharpe was loathed as a commoner amongst upper class twit fellow officers, Uhtred is loathed because he is a pagan amongst pious preachy christians!

That said for many years I loved Sharpe! and likewise I am loving Uhtred and the Saxons, a major part of our national history largely ignored till now! Romans and vikings by the score, Saxons, hardly any!.

Back to the book it's architypical Cornwell. Our hero is unloved by his masters, out numbered by his foe's but backed up by his savage comrades. Yes we've seen it a hundred times before from Cornwell but it is such a winning formula and he does it probably better than anyone. Also I like the stories being told from the first person perspective by Uhtred himself as you really feel like you are in the heart of the action.

This book starts with the re-taking of London from the Danes an actual event but then takes a sharp left down imagination lane to put Uhtred in a daring rescue bid. As with most Cornwell stories the action is compelling gritty and believable, the book is fast paced though perhaps a hundred pages short of what we normally expect of him.

We are promised more Uhtred action shortley by the author and I'll no doubt be there with my credit card though I hope he doesn't over do it as I felt he did with Sharpe as there are so many other great bits of history he can take us to but I have not quite had enough of Uhtred yet! So I'll be sharpening my battle axe for next time.

Sword Song (Alfred the Great 4), 02 Jul 2008
I do agree with Barks. When is the next one going to be published? This series of books throws some light on the Dark Ages amidst high adventure. Plenty of blood and gore and a superb story with some twists to keep the reader page turning.

Great series - not a great book, 25 Jun 2008
I was really looking forward to this book after the first 2 complete belters in the series and a good 3rd. However, im sad to say i was let down. Uhtred is an awesome character but this story does drag on. Im sure this is not the case but i feel the book was released too quickly to continue the story and not as much care and attention went into it as in the first 2 books in the series. There are some cool bits dont get me wrong - the last battle to release the river blockade is pretty cool and Uhtred beating up a few power hungry king boot lickers (along with a few priests!! :) but the rest is a bit boring. Too much emphasis on religion. I know religion was important during this period but this is historic fiction so mention religion a bit but put in more battles, please. I started The Winter King for the 2nd time(the awesome arthur book by the great Cornwell) after and that is the sort of quality this book is missing. Shame - the series is getting worse book by book - lets hope the 5th gets back to the standard of the 1st 2.

Breakneck in its pace, uncompromising in its narrative ruthlessness, Persuader is typical of Lee Child's Jack Reacher adventures. After a first chapter that misdirects the reader quite staggeringly, ex-army freelance adventurer Reacher is apparently on the run. As always with Child and Reacher, what we see at first is only a small part of the complex plotting lying underneath. Reacher has his own reasons for taking on this case, reasons that are very personal and go back a decade. Being Reacher, tough with a heart of gold, his emotions--his liking for a drug dealer's wife and son, his more than professional interest in the DEA officer investigating them, his dislike of steroid-crazed thug Paulie--soon complicate his objectives. Childs is endlessly reliable on gadgets--the miniaturised e-mail senders, the big guns--and on action sequences--various fights and a swim in a riptide; he also makes us believe in complex emotions and deeper feelings than a love of violence. This is not one of the best of the Reacher books--it has too many flashbacks and a shadowy villain--but like all of them it is an action thriller for intelligent readers. --Roz Kaveney

Cornwell Genius, 03 Oct 2008
Cornwell at his very, very best.
If you enjoyed the Harlequin series featuring Thomas of Hookton then you will love this.
I read it within two days of receiving it and am gutted that it wasn't much longer even though it fully satisfied me as a true historical read.
Cornwell is the master of this style of writing. I really enjoy Conn Iggulden and Valerio Massimo Manfredi but Cornwell is the master.
My only wish is that Ridley Scott would take a story of Cornwell's like this one or the Harlequin series and make it into as visual a treat as the novels are writtenAzincourt.
More power to your quill Mr. Cornwell and long may your stories keep us as enthralled as this.

Disappointing, overhyped and a touch childish , 01 Oct 2008
I read this because it appeared on the BBC 100 Best Reads list and had some good reviews. I was rather disappointed to say the least. The writing style is simple and lacking in depth, although it may just not translate well. The story is a parable with a message about 'following one's dream'. Although this message is repeated frequently the story line is a bit forced and ends as something of a shaggy dog story. It's a bit like a cross between an Aesop's fable and a self-help book, with a bit of half-baked philosophy in the mix. I think it would appeal to older children and those who like something cheerful and unchallenging.

A simple beautiful tale in a complex world, 27 Sep 2008
This is brilliant. Ignore the religious do-gooders giving this a kicking, and read it for what it is. A simple, extraordinary tale, which is uplifting and spiritually breath taking. In a complex, over analysed world, this book simply reminds us all that, there is genius in simplicity and beauty wherever we choose to find it. On a very simple level those who always think the glass is half full will understand it and love it, those who think its half empty will hopefully realise there is another way to view things. I've read it many times, and it never fails to be an uplifing experience.

new age drivel, 09 Aug 2008
I doubt I would have been so offended by this book had it not been for the pretentious fawings of so many people who claimed it had changed their life. I was intrigued. I was then very disappointed. What a load of new age drivel. Change my life my foot. This book is pretentious and seems to have been lifted from an array of other superior novels and fables. I felt cheated by the rave reviews and am still somewhat dumbfounded by it.

must read at least once, 07 Aug 2008
The books just puts you at peace. For all you cynics out there it is a must read, positive and magical, still makes you believe there is hope out there you've just got to believe in it :)

an old, short story manipulated for the modern love of spiritual spin, 03 Aug 2008
I've given this book three stars partly out of respect for the fact that so many others have clearly appreciated the book, and partly for one or two passages which were, to me, like snippets of poetry: evocative and memorable. As a whole, though, I can't say I'm a fan.

The Alchemist follows the same basic plot as The Pedlar of Swaffham (an old English folk tale based on a local legend and/or myth) and other related tales. The difference is that the book is written with the obvious intention of a "spiritual message". I'm not criticising those who have found such a message, but it didn't have this effect on me for several reasons:
the root story doesn't have a spiritual element, and there simply isn't room for one in that plotline: it's neutral, with no glory or censure either in the advantages of staying at home, or the initiative of going on an adventure. Both are shown to have their advantages, and it's the delight in the twist to the end of the story - a key element of folk tales - that's the real purpose of telling it ...
Coelho spins a *long* tale which is seriously dull in places...
the style is a very conscious attempt at the "naivite" of stories such as the Little Prince, but these don't seem to work when they're used in a deliberate way (it's like trying to paint the bloom onto a grape). In fact I found this element slightly manipulative, and hence offputting.

I know this review won't be popular as The Alchemist has a lot of fans, but it just wasn't a very rewarding read for me on either a literary or instructive level. Taking old tales and trying to build a big "message" out of them is *very* hard to get right, and I'd have preferred something more along the lines of the old concept of storytelling - i.e. a version that allowed the reader to come to his or her own conclusion about the spiritual significance of the story, rather than having the whole thing constructed specifically to spell it out.



No better after 20 years, 20 Aug 2008
I originally read this novel as a first year undergraduate in 1988. I found it dull and very hard work. I still remember having to force myself to read a page or two each night just to get through it. The horror indeed. I recently thought I would try reading it again as, after so long and with more mature tastes I might enjoy it. But no. I gave it my best shot - and then gave up. Maybe I'll have another go in 2028...

Brilliant fable of empire, 26 Mar 2008
An extraordinary book, which was so far ahead of its time that some contemporary reviewers (see above!) haven't caught up with it yet! It exposes the whole vile fallacy of empire - that arrogant pretension to rule over other peoples, all, of course, in the name of humanity and democracy! One of the truly great novels of our time.

Waste of time, 10 Mar 2008
We had to read this book in English and my god it is horrible. I have rarely read a more boing book and honestly I did not manage to read through it. I'm usually crazy about reading and I have read a lot of books, but this one was simply horrible. Both the way he writes and his sometimes hidden criticism of Africa. I think it is waste of time to read this book.

One of the greats, 13 Feb 2008
Some readers seem to have difficulty with this short novel. It's certainly not easy reading (Conrad never is, though I love his prose style), but is a challenging, thought-provoking and highly absorbing character study. The journey is as much into a mind breaking down as it is a physical journey down the Congo River. I found it richly rewarding (both the 1st time and when I read it again recently). It probably says more, in a short space, than any other novel about human existence, civilization and human excesses (with the possible exception of "The Fall" by Albert Camus). Powerful stuff - if you like a strong poison then try it (and then check out Conrad's great full-length novels: "Lord Jim", "Nostromo" and "Under Western Eyes").

Overhyped, 28 Dec 2007
After reading a couple of essays praising Conrad's writtings, I bought this book and tried to read it. How dissappointing the experience is! How is it that Conrad is regarded as a master of the English language? His style is emphatically european with lots of attention paid to lower order hyponyms and adjectives, similar to that of other contemporary Germanic and Russian authors. Lots of sentences are so foreign to native English speakers that I am not surprised to learn that he did not learn English until he was 21. That said, it is still admirable that he churned out so many readable books.
However, Heart of Darkness is not really an enjoyable read. Sentences are so lumpy and bumpy and I must say that Conrad wrote the most anti-climatic piece of literature in history. The journey was interestingly described, building up to the meeting with Kurtz. After that, nothing. Where is the corruption of a man's soul in the wild? Why did he die so rapidly? According to current moral viewpoints, the guy did not do anything more outrageous than accumulating lots of ivory and trying to be too friendly to the natives. The book did not offer any insight into the man's supposedly dark soul, worse it did not even show clearly that he was corrupt in the first place.


Shame on you, Martina!, 01 Oct 2008
This book is dreadful! I've always been a big fan of Martina especially Goodnight Lady, The Ladykiller and Dangerous Lady but this book is just terrible. Martina seems to think all her book have to have gangsters, prostitutes, domestic violence and paedophiles in order to be successful, but this book is now almost identical to the last few she wrote, so much so that I actually almost didn't buy it as the synopsis made it seem identical to the previous book. Danny Boy was a pointless character and it was an excruciating read. Please Martina, if you can't think of something original to write, don't write anything at all!

Absolutely awful, 22 Sep 2008
Please do not waste your money buying this book. If I could give it zero stars I certainly would have. It is repetitive drivel and I cannot understand how it made it to publication. Martina Cole should be embarrassed to have put her name to this book, given the excellent work she has produced in the past, and it is an insult to her fans. I only got as far as page p187 because I could not bear to read the words 'he was a Face' one more time. Judging by the comments on here, I didn't miss much!

Complete and utter let down!, 13 Sep 2008
I have read and enjoyed everyone of Martina's books, and was relieved to read so many reviews that I wholeheartedly agree with!!! What a load of old tosh.
I will buy the next book, but if this proves to be on the same par as Faces, that will be my last, which would be such a disapoinment as I have been a huge fan for many years.

Lesson learned, 10 Sep 2008
I really wish I had bothered to read a few reviews before buying this book. I have just finished the book - carried on reading it through to the bitter end as I had to justify spending £7.99 somehow. But I am sorry to say even down to the last flaming page the same few lines that were repeated all throughout the book appeared again. It was like Ms Cole had thrown 3 or 4 paragraphs into a hat and every couple of pages pulled one out to use yet again. So dissappointed as I have read a couple of her past books and enjoyed them. But 'Faces' was honestly a sad waste of a tree.

BORING BORING BORING, 29 Aug 2008
I am so disappointed. I have read every single one of her books, and only came onto this site to see if anyone else thought this book was the biggest waste of time ever, and sadly that is the case. Not only is it repetitive, it is also completely contradictory. Danny Boy is the most inconsistent character she has ever created. I feel she is now just writing to satisfy her publishers need of a book each christmastime, and has lost all passion and interest. She can't seriously think this book is good, can she? I hope she is reading these reveiws. She seriously needs to take some time out and come up with something decent! Don't worry about us fans! we'd rather wait a long time and read something amazing than read this rubbish every year.

Reacher at his best, 06 Jul 2008
This is classic Lee Child, when the Reacher formula was still working at its very best. The serial protagonist is at his peak in this novel, probably the best in the ever expanding list of Reacher stories. The story begins with Ex-military policemen Jack Reacher is lying low in Key West, digging up swimming pools by hand, and we get one of the best descriptions of what Reacher looks like and really thinks in this novel, unlike some of the others were we are left to imagine the big man. He is not best pleased when a private detective starts asking questions about him, but when the detective, Costello, turns up dead with his fingertips sliced off, Reacher realises it is time to move on. He ends up in lethal trouble involving a vicious Wall Street manipulator, a mysterious woman (of course) and the livelihood of a whole community. Even the fate of soldiers missing in action in Vietnam is stirred into the brew.
Child prides himself that, as an Englishman, he writes American thrillers that actually sell well in the US, a rare breed indeed This new one is no exception-- every bit as lean and compulsive as its predecessors, it also builds on the freshest aspect of those books: Reacher may be a tough, epic hero, but he always remains human and vulnerable. It`s a great formula for thriller lovers, and if you enjoy this Genre, the Harry Bosh books by Connely, Dan shepard stories by Stephen Leather and try the Soft Target trilogy by Conrad Jones.Here's one for that long plane or train journey.



Very good except......, 20 Oct 2007
An excellent thriller, tense, many twists and turns, but Lee Child rests his story on old stereotypes and easy characters. The main complaint I personally have is that yet again we have the demonisation of a disfigured man as the bad guy and the healthy white guy, as always, the hero. Maybe some day a gifted writer like Lee Child may come up with a reversal of roles and actually make a 'deformed' character the hero and the all white macho male the villian. I wait in great anticipation :-)

Nowhere near his best..., 06 Aug 2007
I think this is the third Lee Child book I've read and it is by far the worst, mainly because it's kind of boring. Not an awful lot happens, the "twists" stand out a mile, not a lot of deduction happens and by far the worst crime, one interesting subplot peters out rather than merging with the main plot in the finale.

Read it if you're a completist, but don't start the Reacher series with this, as you won't continue with it. Killing Floor and The Hard Way are both much better.

The hype, 12 Jun 2007
I don't understand what the hype is all about regarding Lee Child and his character, Jack Reacher. I think I've read too much Andy McNab, Harlan Coben, James Lee Burke and others who KNOW what they're talking about to be able to put up with Child. Lee Child simply doesn't know what he's talking about, whether it's guns or surveillance or action or sex or whatever. His books are heavy with padding--meaningless description. His characters are one dimensional at best. His plots are simple and unnatural. But the main problem still is that Lee Child simply hasn't had contact with reality--hard, violent, brutal reality--and writes with a naivete that is merely stupid.

This is how 'low brow' thriller writing should be done..., 08 May 2007
Jack Reacher novels are always pretty good. Child's got a knack for keeping what are essentially quite similar stories fresh and interesting.

Here, however, he turns it up a notch and delivers probably the finest Reacher novel I've read.

While the novel is not going to win any awards for great literature, the so called heavyweights like Dan Brown and Michael Reilly could take a leaf out of Lee Child's book when it comes to penning a good thriller.

The story begins when a man sent to find Reacher by a woman Jack's never heard of turns up dead behind a motel in Florida with his fingers cut off. Reacher's curiosity is piqued and he journey's to New York to find out why the man had to die, and what it has to do with him.

His search brings him face to face with his own past, and with Victor `Hook' Hobie.

Hobie is far and away the best villain to feature in any Jack Reacher novel I have read so far. A man with a secret that he will go to any lengths, no matter how brutal or sadistic, to protect. For the first time, you feel that Reacher has met an adversary worthy of the name, and as the book winds towards its climax, it grabs hold of you and won't let you go.

An essential read for Child fans and a great book in its own right to keep the Reacher virgin entertained, I honestly can't recommend this book enough.


Uninspiring, 01 Oct 2008
As I find this period of British history fascinating I thought I'd give Sword song a try, but I must admit defeat - I have abandoned reading it after ony 73 pages. Yes, it has period feel, yes, the research is there - but it fails to hold me. I find the personalities less than gripping, and the story doesn't really flow for me. Obviously a matter of taste as the author is very popular!
I would recommend the books by Alfred Duggan from the same period - the same gritty imperfect heroes, but a style I much prefer.

not as good, 08 Aug 2008
Sadly, I was very disapointed with this book, definitely not a patch on the other three, I really was very disapointed and feel quite let down. Alfred was portrayed as a untrustworthy idiot, only interested in his books and his priests. The Danes I am sure would have most certainly killed any "traitor" out of hand, and were the Irish ever involved? if they were, I certainly never learnt that in school, and in my day we were actually taught History although we did know that the Norseman did land there in Eire and make settlements, as they did in America.
I just hope that the next book is better.

History lessons you don't fall asleep during!, 05 Jul 2008
Well I'll get all the negative stuff out of the way first! Uhtred really is just a dark ages 'Sharpe' he even has an Irish side kick now and whilst Sharpe was loathed as a commoner amongst upper class twit fellow officers, Uhtred is loathed because he is a pagan amongst pious preachy christians!

That said for many years I loved Sharpe! and likewise I am loving Uhtred and the Saxons, a major part of our national history largely ignored till now! Romans and vikings by the score, Saxons, hardly any!.

Back to the book it's architypical Cornwell. Our hero is unloved by his masters, out numbered by his foe's but backed up by his savage comrades. Yes we've seen it a hundred times before from Cornwell but it is such a winning formula and he does it probably better than anyone. Also I like the stories being told from the first person perspective by Uhtred himself as you really feel like you are in the heart of the action.

This book starts with the re-taking of London from the Danes an actual event but then takes a sharp left down imagination lane to put Uhtred in a daring rescue bid. As with most Cornwell stories the action is compelling gritty and believable, the book is fast paced though perhaps a hundred pages short of what we normally expect of him.

We are promised more Uhtred action shortley by the author and I'll no doubt be there with my credit card though I hope he doesn't over do it as I felt he did with Sharpe as there are so many other great bits of history he can take us to but I have not quite had enough of Uhtred yet! So I'll be sharpening my battle axe for next time.

Sword Song (Alfred the Great 4), 02 Jul 2008
I do agree with Barks. When is the next one going to be published? This series of books throws some light on the Dark Ages amidst high adventure. Plenty of blood and gore and a superb story with some twists to keep the reader page turning.

Great series - not a great book, 25 Jun 2008
I was really looking forward to this book after the first 2 complete belters in the series and a good 3rd. However, im sad to say i was let down. Uhtred is an awesome character but this story does drag on. Im sure this is not the case but i feel the book was released too quickly to continue the story and not as much care and attention went into it as in the first 2 books in the series. There are some cool bits dont get me wrong - the last battle to release the river blockade is pretty cool and Uhtred beating up a few power hungry king boot lickers (along with a few priests!! :) but the rest is a bit boring. Too much emphasis on religion. I know religion was important during this period but this is historic fiction so mention religion a bit but put in more battles, please. I started The Winter King for the 2nd time(the awesome arthur book by the great Cornwell) after and that is the sort of quality this book is missing. Shame - the series is getting worse book by book - lets hope the 5th gets back to the standard of the 1st 2.

A great read, 03 Aug 2008
I'm a great Lee Child fan, but for some reason was late coming to this one. The way it's written in the first person offers insights into the classic Reacher character in ways that some of the other books don't. I found this really worked, and overall this was definitely the most gripping of the series so far.

Reacher at his best, 31 Jul 2008
Another brilliant Reacher story I cant get enough of this character and his exploits. If you like this type of genre read the Soft Target books by Conrad Jones they`re even better, and thats saying something !!

My fave Reacher story, 10 Jun 2008
The first Reacher book I read I was quite disappointed with, some months later I happened upon this in a second hand shop and decided to give it a go.....2 days later I'd finished it and have been a Reacher fan ever since. The plot moves at a cracking pace, the storyline itself is simply ace....I love it

Hooked, 16 Jan 2008
As my first exposure to Lee Child, this couldn't have been a better hook. Since reading this in June 2007, I've now bought the entire Jack Reacher catalogue to date and am working my way through, and loving every minute.

To begin with, I had a little trouble adapting to the style and language of this book, but purely because I'd read an article about Lee Child prior to reading his work. I knew he was a Coventry guy and had spent much of his time working for Granada Television, so when I first started Persuader and was confronted with a style of writing and language more stateside than born and bread American authors I'd encountered, I was a little taken aback and dubious as to his motives. The first page in particular read more like wannabee Wes