Pure Wish Fulfillment!!, 12 Aug 2008
Hi.

Though the cover has been updated with the stylish image of Hayden Christensen, this is the original Jumper novel published in 1992. Author Steven Gould must be fairly happy with himself of late; the worldwide success of the Jumper movie (released February '08) propelled the sale of his knockabout sci-fi novel ten-fold. When the screenplay for the movie was being developed introducing several new characters that did not feature in the book, he tapped out a prequel novel entitled Jumper: Griffin's story (also a good read) focussing on Jamie Bell's character and that of Roland, the Paladin character played by Samuel L. Jackson.

This is a good opportunity to mention just how the Jumper novel and the movie differ. And differ they do, quite considerably. The novel is intended not for the early teenage reader, but for young adults as well as mature readers. Whilst the movie showed David Rice discovering his gift as he falls beneath a frozen lake, in the novel David finds himself jumping away as he braces himself for another beating from his violent alcoholic father. He still arrives at his school's library trashing numerous shelves of books, though in the novel Stanville Public Library becomes a sanctuary for David each time he needs to seek shelter. The scenes in the opening credits of the movie as Davy robs a bank are present and correct, so too are the scenes showing him stashing everything under his bed in a cheap hotel. His girlfriend Millie appears in the book though they meet in a different place. The movie has the two characters as old school friends. The novel sees David meeting Millie at a party, before beginning their very tentative relationship. This is one area that I believe both the movie and the novel gets right. It is a resounding success for the writer and screenwriters. The relationship between them is very sweet and very emotional. If you have read the novel after seeing the film then you will be able to imagine the two of them together.

After the initial set up the movie and novel's events diverge significantly: the novel sees Davy trying to make his way on the streets of New York, acquiring false documentation, finding accommodation and trying to avoid too many unpleasant people as he comes to terms with his gift. The movie immediately introduces the Paladin characters and their violent quest to exterminate all jumpers. Davy's main adversaries in the novel are agents of the NSA. The Paladins do not feature in the novel at all, and presumably at the time the novels were written the author hadn't thought of them. The sub-plot that features David's mother as a member of the Paladin order who left home when Davy was 13 in order to protect him, is therefore entirely absent. The novel tells of his mother Mary Rice having merely left to escape the abusive husband. The Griffin character also does not appear and is very likely a creation of the movie's screenplay. One segment of the book which would have made interesting viewing given the current international political climate is the part of the story focussing on terrorism; David finding himself in a unique position to resolve a number of aircraft hijackings. However it is understandable why the film-makers chose to abandon this idea given the fact that one of the book's main villains is an Arab terrorist.

I look forward to reading the most recent novel in the series 'Reflex', and one hopes that the rumoured sequels to the Jumper movie will soon be put into production. There is also available on Amazon a Jumper Graphic Novel entitled 'Jumpscars' which is a prequel to the movie, and is also worth a look. So...Jumper the novel is well worth a read, especially for the aforementioned emotive relationship between Davy and Millie. And I think we all would just love the ability to `Jump' ourselves wouldn't we? This concept is pure wish fulfilment!


what a surprise, 06 May 2008
I grabbed this after my partner had finished it because I didn't have anything else to read. I wouldn't have chosen it for myself in a million years but I may have to read more of his books after this. I really enjoyed it, it gripped me from start to finish and I read it in no time at all. The main character Davey is lovely and I really warmed to him. It's such a novel idea and although Sci Fi I found the 'jumping' surprisingly believable, which is a shock to me!! It was fun and easy to read and not just for the big boys(who still think they're teenagers), I think some big girls will like it too.

A good, readable story, much better than the film., 30 Mar 2008
This is a well-written story that is easy to read, and gives much more insight into the character of David. Told from a first-person narrative, the story is very personal, and we can understand the reasons behind some of David's actions. It also raises questions as to whether his actions are justified. Gould potrays the thoughts and emotions of the main chracter realistically - I can identify with David's nerves before parties, and using teleportation to take revenge. However, I do think some of the dialogue between David and Millie is a bit clunky, although she is more rounded (and likeable) than in the film.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has seen the film, regardless of whether they liked it (which I do) or not, as it's more detailed and the plot is different.
This makes me wish I could be a Jumper too - it looks like fun!

very good, a very quick read, 09 Mar 2008
This is an extremely good book, but absolutely nothing like the film. I enjoyed the film then went home and bought the book, the book is far better. I would recommend this book highly, but beware, its over quickly.



An excellent book, but a word of warning..., 08 Mar 2008
This is an excellent book. I bought it because I saw the trailer for the movie and thought: "what a good idea, but I bet they've overdone the special effects at the expense of the story". So I thought I'd read the book first. I didn't realise that this book is not the story of the movie, but I enjoyed this so much that I probably will read 'Jumper: Griffin's Story' as well. I still haven't seen the movie and don't think I'll bother. The beauty of this story is not the imagery of moving instantly from place to place, but the moral dilemas the main character, Davy Rice, faces as a result of his ability. Is it acceptable to rob a bank so long as no one gets hurt? To convince someone they're going insane because they treated you badly in the past? To dispense justice to terrorists just because you can? There are many, many interesting questions and issues raised in this book.

But my word of warning is this: the movie is 12A and this book was (at one point, if not now) listed in a 'Young Adult' category. I would say this book really isn't appropriate for younger readers. There are some very dark themes: physical and mental child abuse, alcoholism, domestic violence, terrorist violence and homelessness to name a few. Admittedly there's no graphic sex or much in the way of swearing, but I would still strongly suggest that any parent thinking of buying this book for their child after seeing the film read it first, because it may not be suitable.

Pure Wish Fulfillment!!, 12 Aug 2008
Hi.

Though the cover has been updated with the stylish image of Hayden Christensen, this is the original Jumper novel published in 1992. Author Steven Gould must be fairly happy with himself of late; the worldwide success of the Jumper movie (released February '08) propelled the sale of his knockabout sci-fi novel ten-fold. When the screenplay for the movie was being developed introducing several new characters that did not feature in the book, he tapped out a prequel novel entitled Jumper: Griffin's story (also a good read) focussing on Jamie Bell's character and that of Roland, the Paladin character played by Samuel L. Jackson.

This is a good opportunity to mention just how the Jumper novel and the movie differ. And differ they do, quite considerably. The novel is intended not for the early teenage reader, but for young adults as well as mature readers. Whilst the movie showed David Rice discovering his gift as he falls beneath a frozen lake, in the novel David finds himself jumping away as he braces himself for another beating from his violent alcoholic father. He still arrives at his school's library trashing numerous shelves of books, though in the novel Stanville Public Library becomes a sanctuary for David each time he needs to seek shelter. The scenes in the opening credits of the movie as Davy robs a bank are present and correct, so too are the scenes showing him stashing everything under his bed in a cheap hotel. His girlfriend Millie appears in the book though they meet in a different place. The movie has the two characters as old school friends. The novel sees David meeting Millie at a party, before beginning their very tentative relationship. This is one area that I believe both the movie and the novel gets right. It is a resounding success for the writer and screenwriters. The relationship between them is very sweet and very emotional. If you have read the novel after seeing the film then you will be able to imagine the two of them together.

After the initial set up the movie and novel's events diverge significantly: the novel sees Davy trying to make his way on the streets of New York, acquiring false documentation, finding accommodation and trying to avoid too many unpleasant people as he comes to terms with his gift. The movie immediately introduces the Paladin characters and their violent quest to exterminate all jumpers. Davy's main adversaries in the novel are agents of the NSA. The Paladins do not feature in the novel at all, and presumably at the time the novels were written the author hadn't thought of them. The sub-plot that features David's mother as a member of the Paladin order who left home when Davy was 13 in order to protect him, is therefore entirely absent. The novel tells of his mother Mary Rice having merely left to escape the abusive husband. The Griffin character also does not appear and is very likely a creation of the movie's screenplay. One segment of the book which would have made interesting viewing given the current international political climate is the part of the story focussing on terrorism; David finding himself in a unique position to resolve a number of aircraft hijackings. However it is understandable why the film-makers chose to abandon this idea given the fact that one of the book's main villains is an Arab terrorist.

I look forward to reading the most recent novel in the series 'Reflex', and one hopes that the rumoured sequels to the Jumper movie will soon be put into production. There is also available on Amazon a Jumper Graphic Novel entitled 'Jumpscars' which is a prequel to the movie, and is also worth a look. So...Jumper the novel is well worth a read, especially for the aforementioned emotive relationship between Davy and Millie. And I think we all would just love the ability to `Jump' ourselves wouldn't we? This concept is pure wish fulfilment!


what a surprise, 06 May 2008
I grabbed this after my partner had finished it because I didn't have anything else to read. I wouldn't have chosen it for myself in a million years but I may have to read more of his books after this. I really enjoyed it, it gripped me from start to finish and I read it in no time at all. The main character Davey is lovely and I really warmed to him. It's such a novel idea and although Sci Fi I found the 'jumping' surprisingly believable, which is a shock to me!! It was fun and easy to read and not just for the big boys(who still think they're teenagers), I think some big girls will like it too.

A good, readable story, much better than the film., 30 Mar 2008
This is a well-written story that is easy to read, and gives much more insight into the character of David. Told from a first-person narrative, the story is very personal, and we can understand the reasons behind some of David's actions. It also raises questions as to whether his actions are justified. Gould potrays the thoughts and emotions of the main chracter realistically - I can identify with David's nerves before parties, and using teleportation to take revenge. However, I do think some of the dialogue between David and Millie is a bit clunky, although she is more rounded (and likeable) than in the film.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has seen the film, regardless of whether they liked it (which I do) or not, as it's more detailed and the plot is different.
This makes me wish I could be a Jumper too - it looks like fun!

very good, a very quick read, 09 Mar 2008
This is an extremely good book, but absolutely nothing like the film. I enjoyed the film then went home and bought the book, the book is far better. I would recommend this book highly, but beware, its over quickly.



An excellent book, but a word of warning..., 08 Mar 2008
This is an excellent book. I bought it because I saw the trailer for the movie and thought: "what a good idea, but I bet they've overdone the special effects at the expense of the story". So I thought I'd read the book first. I didn't realise that this book is not the story of the movie, but I enjoyed this so much that I probably will read 'Jumper: Griffin's Story' as well. I still haven't seen the movie and don't think I'll bother. The beauty of this story is not the imagery of moving instantly from place to place, but the moral dilemas the main character, Davy Rice, faces as a result of his ability. Is it acceptable to rob a bank so long as no one gets hurt? To convince someone they're going insane because they treated you badly in the past? To dispense justice to terrorists just because you can? There are many, many interesting questions and issues raised in this book.

But my word of warning is this: the movie is 12A and this book was (at one point, if not now) listed in a 'Young Adult' category. I would say this book really isn't appropriate for younger readers. There are some very dark themes: physical and mental child abuse, alcoholism, domestic violence, terrorist violence and homelessness to name a few. Admittedly there's no graphic sex or much in the way of swearing, but I would still strongly suggest that any parent thinking of buying this book for their child after seeing the film read it first, because it may not be suitable.

Ignore the film!, 05 Jan 2009
Jumper was a far better book then the film that was made from it, and here we finally have a follow up. Set 10 years after Jumper, Davy and Millie are an established couple and very much grown up. As payback for being left alone, Davy undertakes occasional Government missions using his teleporting skills but is captured by someone with an agenda to brainwash and use him and his skills. In the meantime Millie searches for him and makes an important discovery that may change everything.
This is thoughtful well written stuff. Good plotting and characterisation with an intriguing premise. Very enjoyable and recommended.

Millie can Jump!, 08 Nov 2008
This is Steven Gould's first sequel to his original Jumper novel, Jumper 2 for the uninitiated. Before the Jumper movie came along there were originally only these two jumper novels. There is no mention of Griffin or the Paladins in this story, because at this stage, those characters had not yet been devised.

Reflex is set ten years on from the original novel, and sees Millie and David living happily together both in Millie's house in Stillwater and out of David's secret high-hide carved out of a rock-face in the Texas wilderness. Millie is contentedly involved in her career as a counsellor, while David spends his time jumping around the world, occasionally assisting NSA Agent Cox with various covert `snatch-and-grab' jobs. At this point, very early on in the story, the author takes a bold step and has his main protagonist kidnapped by rogue private contractors leaving Millie to join the dots as to what may have happened to him. Unfortunately before she can do this she has to find a way out of David's hideaway where Davy left her, where the only way out is to `jump'.

Meanwhile David wakes up chained to the floor in an art-deco clean-room, visited only intermittently by a succession of scientists running tests on his abilities. These nameless and faceless individuals have actually discovered a way of trapping `jumpers', and have been contracted by high-level rogue elements of the US government to secure Davy for their own purposes. At least the first half of the book sees Davy tethered to the floor of his brightly lit prison cell before the private contractor's nefarious plan is revealed. Davy also has to contend with the unwanted sexual advances of one of his captors, that's when she's not trying to humiliate him, before being forced to jump around the world into war zones, foreign embassies etc on various illegal missions. The writing during this segment is particularly good, especially as Davy (separated from Millie) struggles against his own sexual desire towards his gaoler, whilst battling against the moral turmoil of being used for a planned assassination. Millie meanwhile discovers that due to her repeated exposure to Davy's teleportation as a passenger realises a few abilities of her own. She teams up with some helpful FBI agents and sets out to rescue Davy. As the drama reaches it's conclusion we finally come face to face with the `end of level demon' Lawrence Simons; one of the head honchos responsible for Davy's incarceration, setting up a very inventive finale.

The action is very original and the characterisation has also taken a step forward; both David and Millie have been written into developed adults. Given that it has been ten years since the original novel, Davy is now assailed with constant requests from Millie that they have a baby together! Gone too is the first person narrative, Gould this time opting for a story told from the third person. The author does a good job with this novel, a fast and snappy read. It seems inevitable that there will be a third Jumper novel. I remain curious as to whether Steven Gould will keep the stories of the novels and the forthcoming sequel movies separate or whether he will blend the two plotlines together.


Excellent sequel to Jumper, 11 Jan 2005
Reflex is the long awaited sequel to the fantastic Jumper -- a story written by Gould about a young man who learned he could teleport to anywhere in the world.

Now there is Reflex (finally!)

Jumper is one of my favourite books of all time, and I was concerned that Reflex might not live up to its older brother's towering reputation, but it did. :) Ten years have passed in Davy's life, and in that time his life has settled into routine. He is married to Millie, who is now a therapist with her own clinic, and while she helps the mentally infirm and depressed, Davy is busy jumping around the world.

Brian Cox, NSA, has a meeting with Davy to ask for his help with a covert mission, but there is a mole in the NSA and the meeting is compromised. Davy is captured, and Brian is killed. Davy wakes up days later and realises that he can't teleport away to save himself, but worse than that, he left Millie in their desert aerie with no way out!

Before reading this book, you MUST read Jumper. Both books could stand alone, but you would miss so much by not reading them in order.

Reviewed by Mark E. Cooper
The Devan Chronicles

Pure Wish Fulfillment!!, 12 Aug 2008
Hi.

Though the cover has been updated with the stylish image of Hayden Christensen, this is the original Jumper novel published in 1992. Author Steven Gould must be fairly happy with himself of late; the worldwide success of the Jumper movie (released February '08) propelled the sale of his knockabout sci-fi novel ten-fold. When the screenplay for the movie was being developed introducing several new characters that did not feature in the book, he tapped out a prequel novel entitled Jumper: Griffin's story (also a good read) focussing on Jamie Bell's character and that of Roland, the Paladin character played by Samuel L. Jackson.

This is a good opportunity to mention just how the Jumper novel and the movie differ. And differ they do, quite considerably. The novel is intended not for the early teenage reader, but for young adults as well as mature readers. Whilst the movie showed David Rice discovering his gift as he falls beneath a frozen lake, in the novel David finds himself jumping away as he braces himself for another beating from his violent alcoholic father. He still arrives at his school's library trashing numerous shelves of books, though in the novel Stanville Public Library becomes a sanctuary for David each time he needs to seek shelter. The scenes in the opening credits of the movie as Davy robs a bank are present and correct, so too are the scenes showing him stashing everything under his bed in a cheap hotel. His girlfriend Millie appears in the book though they meet in a different place. The movie has the two characters as old school friends. The novel sees David meeting Millie at a party, before beginning their very tentative relationship. This is one area that I believe both the movie and the novel gets right. It is a resounding success for the writer and screenwriters. The relationship between them is very sweet and very emotional. If you have read the novel after seeing the film then you will be able to imagine the two of them together.

After the initial set up the movie and novel's events diverge significantly: the novel sees Davy trying to make his way on the streets of New York, acquiring false documentation, finding accommodation and trying to avoid too many unpleasant people as he comes to terms with his gift. The movie immediately introduces the Paladin characters and their violent quest to exterminate all jumpers. Davy's main adversaries in the novel are agents of the NSA. The Paladins do not feature in the novel at all, and presumably at the time the novels were written the author hadn't thought of them. The sub-plot that features David's mother as a member of the Paladin order who left home when Davy was 13 in order to protect him, is therefore entirely absent. The novel tells of his mother Mary Rice having merely left to escape the abusive husband. The Griffin character also does not appear and is very likely a creation of the movie's screenplay. One segment of the book which would have made interesting viewing given the current international political climate is the part of the story focussing on terrorism; David finding himself in a unique position to resolve a number of aircraft hijackings. However it is understandable why the film-makers chose to abandon this idea given the fact that one of the book's main villains is an Arab terrorist.

I look forward to reading the most recent novel in the series 'Reflex', and one hopes that the rumoured sequels to the Jumper movie will soon be put into production. There is also available on Amazon a Jumper Graphic Novel entitled 'Jumpscars' which is a prequel to the movie, and is also worth a look. So...Jumper the novel is well worth a read, especially for the aforementioned emotive relationship between Davy and Millie. And I think we all would just love the ability to `Jump' ourselves wouldn't we? This concept is pure wish fulfilment!


what a surprise, 06 May 2008
I grabbed this after my partner had finished it because I didn't have anything else to read. I wouldn't have chosen it for myself in a million years but I may have to read more of his books after this. I really enjoyed it, it gripped me from start to finish and I read it in no time at all. The main character Davey is lovely and I really warmed to him. It's such a novel idea and although Sci Fi I found the 'jumping' surprisingly believable, which is a shock to me!! It was fun and easy to read and not just for the big boys(who still think they're teenagers), I think some big girls will like it too.

A good, readable story, much better than the film., 30 Mar 2008
This is a well-written story that is easy to read, and gives much more insight into the character of David. Told from a first-person narrative, the story is very personal, and we can understand the reasons behind some of David's actions. It also raises questions as to whether his actions are justified. Gould potrays the thoughts and emotions of the main chracter realistically - I can identify with David's nerves before parties, and using teleportation to take revenge. However, I do think some of the dialogue between David and Millie is a bit clunky, although she is more rounded (and likeable) than in the film.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has seen the film, regardless of whether they liked it (which I do) or not, as it's more detailed and the plot is different.
This makes me wish I could be a Jumper too - it looks like fun!

very good, a very quick read, 09 Mar 2008
This is an extremely good book, but absolutely nothing like the film. I enjoyed the film then went home and bought the book, the book is far better. I would recommend this book highly, but beware, its over quickly.



An excellent book, but a word of warning..., 08 Mar 2008
This is an excellent book. I bought it because I saw the trailer for the movie and thought: "what a good idea, but I bet they've overdone the special effects at the expense of the story". So I thought I'd read the book first. I didn't realise that this book is not the story of the movie, but I enjoyed this so much that I probably will read 'Jumper: Griffin's Story' as well. I still haven't seen the movie and don't think I'll bother. The beauty of this story is not the imagery of moving instantly from place to place, but the moral dilemas the main character, Davy Rice, faces as a result of his ability. Is it acceptable to rob a bank so long as no one gets hurt? To convince someone they're going insane because they treated you badly in the past? To dispense justice to terrorists just because you can? There are many, many interesting questions and issues raised in this book.

But my word of warning is this: the movie is 12A and this book was (at one point, if not now) listed in a 'Young Adult' category. I would say this book really isn't appropriate for younger readers. There are some very dark themes: physical and mental child abuse, alcoholism, domestic violence, terrorist violence and homelessness to name a few. Admittedly there's no graphic sex or much in the way of swearing, but I would still strongly suggest that any parent thinking of buying this book for their child after seeing the film read it first, because it may not be suitable.

Ignore the film!, 05 Jan 2009
Jumper was a far better book then the film that was made from it, and here we finally have a follow up. Set 10 years after Jumper, Davy and Millie are an established couple and very much grown up. As payback for being left alone, Davy undertakes occasional Government missions using his teleporting skills but is captured by someone with an agenda to brainwash and use him and his skills. In the meantime Millie searches for him and makes an important discovery that may change everything.
This is thoughtful well written stuff. Good plotting and characterisation with an intriguing premise. Very enjoyable and recommended.

Millie can Jump!, 08 Nov 2008
This is Steven Gould's first sequel to his original Jumper novel, Jumper 2 for the uninitiated. Before the Jumper movie came along there were originally only these two jumper novels. There is no mention of Griffin or the Paladins in this story, because at this stage, those characters had not yet been devised.

Reflex is set ten years on from the original novel, and sees Millie and David living happily together both in Millie's house in Stillwater and out of David's secret high-hide carved out of a rock-face in the Texas wilderness. Millie is contentedly involved in her career as a counsellor, while David spends his time jumping around the world, occasionally assisting NSA Agent Cox with various covert `snatch-and-grab' jobs. At this point, very early on in the story, the author takes a bold step and has his main protagonist kidnapped by rogue private contractors leaving Millie to join the dots as to what may have happened to him. Unfortunately before she can do this she has to find a way out of David's hideaway where Davy left her, where the only way out is to `jump'.

Meanwhile David wakes up chained to the floor in an art-deco clean-room, visited only intermittently by a succession of scientists running tests on his abilities. These nameless and faceless individuals have actually discovered a way of trapping `jumpers', and have been contracted by high-level rogue elements of the US government to secure Davy for their own purposes. At least the first half of the book sees Davy tethered to the floor of his brightly lit prison cell before the private contractor's nefarious plan is revealed. Davy also has to contend with the unwanted sexual advances of one of his captors, that's when she's not trying to humiliate him, before being forced to jump around the world into war zones, foreign embassies etc on various illegal missions. The writing during this segment is particularly good, especially as Davy (separated from Millie) struggles against his own sexual desire towards his gaoler, whilst battling against the moral turmoil of being used for a planned assassination. Millie meanwhile discovers that due to her repeated exposure to Davy's teleportation as a passenger realises a few abilities of her own. She teams up with some helpful FBI agents and sets out to rescue Davy. As the drama reaches it's conclusion we finally come face to face with the `end of level demon' Lawrence Simons; one of the head honchos responsible for Davy's incarceration, setting up a very inventive finale.

The action is very original and the characterisation has also taken a step forward; both David and Millie have been written into developed adults. Given that it has been ten years since the original novel, Davy is now assailed with constant requests from Millie that they have a baby together! Gone too is the first person narrative, Gould this time opting for a story told from the third person. The author does a good job with this novel, a fast and snappy read. It seems inevitable that there will be a third Jumper novel. I remain curious as to whether Steven Gould will keep the stories of the novels and the forthcoming sequel movies separate or whether he will blend the two plotlines together.


Excellent sequel to Jumper, 11 Jan 2005
Reflex is the long awaited sequel to the fantastic Jumper -- a story written by Gould about a young man who learned he could teleport to anywhere in the world.

Now there is Reflex (finally!)

Jumper is one of my favourite books of all time, and I was concerned that Reflex might not live up to its older brother's towering reputation, but it did. :) Ten years have passed in Davy's life, and in that time his life has settled into routine. He is married to Millie, who is now a therapist with her own clinic, and while she helps the mentally infirm and depressed, Davy is busy jumping around the world.

Brian Cox, NSA, has a meeting with Davy to ask for his help with a covert mission, but there is a mole in the NSA and the meeting is compromised. Davy is captured, and Brian is killed. Davy wakes up days later and realises that he can't teleport away to save himself, but worse than that, he left Millie in their desert aerie with no way out!

Before reading this book, you MUST read Jumper. Both books could stand alone, but you would miss so much by not reading them in order.

Reviewed by Mark E. Cooper
The Devan Chronicles

May sound strange, but this one's best in 'Jumper' series, 17 Dec 2008
I have read all three books in 'Jumper' series and enjoyed all of them pretty much. But this last one - Griffin's story - was the best to me, though it is more a prequel to 'Jumper' movie than a sequel to original series. I've heard and read many opinions that movie was not so good, except for a good idea - jumpining. Well, I could not tell, as i haven't seen it. But as I've read all three books, I feel I can judge it right to my personal opinion :) And 'Griffin's story' is good - nice main character, developement both in his character and story, and real fast paced and action packed plot. If reading original novels - 'Jumper' and 'Reflex' - I felt that something quite vital was missing there. And plots in those two ones sometimes were either too slow, either too much descriptive on nonessential detail. While 'Griffin' had a nice go all way round.
4 stars out of 5. And I would have given whole 5 if a sequel was at hand, either if Paladin question would've been answered bit deeper


ok, 03 Sep 2008
All in all I'm glad I borrowed this and didn't buy it. I read it on holiday and it's pretty good for a holiday read and a darn sight better than the novel Steven Gould wrote after the film. Griffin is a likeable character and you feel for him as a young orphan trying to establish a bond with someone and build a normal life but who is persecuted by an enemy he doesn't understand. This is the general gist of the story and it makes you wonder how a child can grow up sane having to live in fear of being discovered and having his attempts to love and be loved thwarted at every turn. My biggest gripe is the way the English characters speak, I don't think Steven Gould has ever set foot in England and some of the dialogue reads like a Carry On movie. The ending works but beckons a sequel.

The Second Jumper Origin Story, 28 Jul 2008
Hi.

In the brief foreword of this spin-off novel Author Steven Gould points out that this novel focusses on the supporting character from the movie. It is a prequel to the movie, not the novel. Though there is a similarity in writing styles between this novel and the original Jumper novel. Both books are written as a First Person Narrative - as if you are reading the actual thoughts of the protagonist.

It first happened to Griffin when he was 5 years old, after accidentally `jumping' in front of a packed tourist coach in the university city of Oxford. Only days later an attempt is made on Griffin's life when a mysterious driver tries to run him down in a public place. It demonstrates the extreme audacity of the fanatical Paladins in their quest to wipe out all jumpers, and is responsible for a hurried flight to safety by Griffin's family as they have to cross an ocean to protect his secret. Judging they are safe the O'Connor family settle down to a normal life in San Diego, with Griffin enrolling in a local school whilst being trained by his father to hone his teleportation skills. But the feeling of safety doesn't last long as Griffin involuntarily teleports to avoid being beaten by a school bully when cornered in the changing rooms after Karate practice. It isn't long before the Paladins come calling, murdering Griffin's parents before his eyes and thereby changing Griffin's life forever.

Found badly wounded in the wastelands outside of San Diego after surviving by the skin of his teeth, Griffin takes up with a group of Mexican folk involved in covert attempts to smuggle illegal immigrants into the United States. Safe for the time being, Griffin blends into the sunny melting pot of rural South America, making friends whilst trying to decide whether he can trust any of them with his secret. Learning the properties of his gift, Griffin `jumps' in secret to some of he locations he has been to before: the author having already established the rules which apply to the skill of teleportation. Though Griffin is seemingly unaware of the sensitivity of some of the Paladin's technology. He narrowly escapes a number of attempts on his life during this period. It is a number of years before the Paladins track him down however - displaying an absolute merciless determination to exterminate the whole race of Jumpers - a revelation to Griffin as he learns he is not the only person who shares this gift.

Realising that the Paladins cannot be either properly understood or reasoned with, Griffin resolves to make himself their enemy and immerses himself in the study of not only a plethora of languages, but with rigorous instruction in the martial arts. He jumps frequently to his life in London, making friends with a member of the club, in preparation for playing the Paladins at their own game. He falls in love along the way and struggles to maintain the friendships he has made. But it is all in vain, almost everyone Griffin befriends suffers a terrible fate, the Paladins leaving a trail of bodies in their wake as they try relentlessly to hunt him down. We end with Griffin, now matured, getting a bead on a small cell of Paladins operating out of Paris Central Station.

This novel is a swift snappy read and absolutely perfect reading if you are going on holiday and want something to pass the time with whilst sweltering under a sunshade. It is fun, fast and easy to read, short on thick unnecessary exposition and high on action. It is 296 pages long and wets your whistle for the other books in the series. And trust me, after immersing yourself in this adventure, you will be wishing that you could teleport as well. The Jumper movie released in February 2008 was, by all reports, a very good adaptation of the first book. We can only hope director Doug Liman decides to make more Jumper movies, possibly with a version of Jumper: Griffin's Story.


I hope they edited this for a UK audience, 20 Apr 2008
Having read the US version of this book, all I can say is I hope they re-edited before inflicting it on the UK market. Interesting story, piss-poor research.

A good read. , 28 Feb 2008
I read this book after I had seen the trailers for the film. I throughly enjoyed it however I feel the ending was slighlty rushed, not sure about Griffin being betrayed by his girlfriend. I didnt realise this wasn't about the man in the film until I started reading it or there was even another book. I inteend to read the other one as well. A good read.