Non-Perishable

Even thought "Relic" was published 'way back in 1994, it still delivers plenty of thrills and excitement after all these years. In my opinion, that test of timelessness indicates a good novel. The plot of "Relic" had the potential to flop, since it tells an improbable monster story. But Preston/Child's excellent writing and thorough research facilitate our willing suspension of disbelief, rendering even the most far-fetched plot concepts scientifically plausible. "Relic" grips you right from the beginning, and doesn't let go until the end. The extended sequence in the dark catacombs under New York's Natural History Museum provides unparalleled suspense. "Relic," unlike most thrillers, has no primary hero, but, rather, three or four protagonists. However, it commences a wonderful series of intelligent thrillers featuring the brilliant, erudite, albino F.B.I. agent Aloysius Pendergast, introduced in this novel. David Colacci gives us an excellent reading of this audiobook. I highly recommend "Relic" to any thriller aficionado.

129 people found this helpful

Pleasantly surprised.

I read another Agent Pendergast novel before this one, and barely liked it. Not even sure why I bought this one, but I really liked it. The details about the museum and the research were fascinating, and the premise enjoyable. Much of the story reminded me of the old "Night Stalker" show.

Part of it you can believe, but some of it will tax credibility, and there are holes they don't even bother laying boards across, much less filling in. But overall, a good, smart, tense monster mystery that will have you deciding to drive slower or set your alarm half an hour later to fit in one more scene.

And the narrator fits the story--quick, accurate, detailed. Never trips over complicated science or academic terms. Good job.

86 people found this helpful

Relic (Unabrigded)

This book was written in 1994. The technology is somewhat dated, but the story line was great. The narration is second to none. Like others, I bought this book because it was on sale, but it was truly entertaining. It is an early Pendergast novel, and it really sets the stage for novels later in the series. Even though the sci-fi gets a little incredible at the end, if you like a good sci-fi mystery, download this book. You will not be sorry.

73 people found this helpful

A Personal Favorite

This is one of those books I have read more than once, but as soon as I saw it was available for download, I had to listen again. I love the whole series, but my favorites are the first two books, Relic and Reliquary. Although all the books can stand alone, it is particularly interesting to listen to them in order, since many of the characters are revisited as the series progresses.

If you enjoy a little science with your supense, you will definitely enjoy Preston and Child's books.

71 people found this helpful

Nailbiting Thrills and Perfectly Drawn Characters

This is my first experience with Detective Pendergast and I can assure it will not be my last. I have already downloaded the sequel and can't wait to see what happens next. I was dubious of this monster type genre at first, but the museum provides such a titilating backdrop and the characters are so interesting that my preconceptions quickly fell away. You won't regret trying this one!

41 people found this helpful

Great Book, NOTHING like the movie

I was leery of getting this book because I had seen the movie and it was HORRIBLE. However, the book is nothing like the movie. I am a big SciFi fan, and thoroughly enjoyed the twists of this book. I thought the authors did an extremely good job and the book wasn't predictable to me. I'm extremely picky about narrators and thought this one did an ok job. He didn't annoy me like a lot of narrators do.

32 people found this helpful

Destined to become a classic

I am drawn to stories about the unknown - spooky stories about what lurks in the basement of a museum attract me. I had this story on my wish list for awhile, but put it on hold because I listened to another in this series - "Fever Dream", and although I liked the story, I was annoyed by the profanity (mostly from the NYC police officer) and by the attempted rape scene. However, my adult daughter read "Relic", and liked it. So I downloaded it. Yes, there is profanity in this book, too, mostly from the same Police Officer. That said, however, the authors are fantastic writers, IMO, and it is obvious that much research goes into their writing. I gave it 5 stars because it's one of those books with much suspense - you don't want to stop listening. There's no romance or sexual situations in this book. However, if you are put off by gory descriptions of decapitations and the like, you might not like this book.

23 people found this helpful

Excellent Listen!

This was undoubtedly an excellent listen. I have followed all the books for FBI Pendergast, and I was thrilled to see finally we have the beginning of all of the characters introduced in the later of the series. The characters are well developed and this book definetely kept me interested all the way to the epilogue... Cant wait to download Book 2.

34 people found this helpful

Pretty Good

The book doesn't really pick up until the second half, but when it gets rolling it's hard to stop listening. I immediately started listening to the second book in the "Pendergast series", The Reliquary, on the strength of Agent Pendergasts portrayal in, The Relic.

My main complaint is that the narrator's voicing of some characters, for example the scotsman, is annoyingly cliche. Also, some descriptions of technology circa 1996 are a tad overdone in the style of the movie "Hackers".

Finally, let me just say that there is a great payoff in the last few chapters and epilogue. I highly recommend listening all the way through this book.

17 people found this helpful

absurd

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Can't think of anyone who would be able to take this series of books seriously. It is a stretch even for those more forgiving souls who enjoy complete escapism.

What could Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Don't know. Total rewrite? The characters are sadly cliche and not developed well.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narrator did what he could with what he had to work with. Pretty good reader.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Relic?

Not sure exactly - probably would have reworked the last half thoroughly.

Any additional comments?

The story is interesting at the onset, gets pretty far fetched by the end of the first book, then dissolves into complete idiocy right from the onset of the second one. Every aspect of this series is written with no concern for realism or the laws of nature. Unfortunately, I purchased 1 & 2 together. To be honest, the only reason I started the second book book was my curiosity about just how bad it could get. I put it down in disgust after the second chapter.

9 people found this helpful