Moderate Departure from Previous Books

The Devil's Eye represents a modest departure from the preceding volumes. The earlier novels all involve the tracking down of a variety of clues, many being dead ends, that are quite engaging, and feel like you're peeling through the many layers of an onion to eventually arrive at the truth (the best of the group being the excellent "Seeker"). The Devil's Eye does not involve so many onion layers, and in fact is pretty well solved about half-way through. The remainder of the book focuses on interracial relations, and concludes with a rather obvious twist that was apparent well before the end. However, it is still a typical McDevitt novel - good dialog and a pleasant story line (and always involving a boobytrapped air vehicle of some sort!). I hope McDevitt continues to write these novels, but I prefer the earlier plotting technique.

19 people found this helpful

I hope there's more to come

Jack McDevitt is one of my favorite science fiction authors. I consider his work A Talent for War to be a masterpiece by any definition. It matters little that as the series evolves, one of the two main characters, Alex Benedict becomes slightly less likable, more avaricious and given to duplicity. Polaris and Seeker continued the tradition of an interstellar antiquities dealer with an eye for profit. The Devil's Eye commences with some conundrums and poses the problem of why a gifted author would allow herself to be mind-wiped, losing all traces of her original character and remembering nothing of the terrible events experienced far from the center of the galaxy. In the printed form, this is a book that you can't put down and in audio, you can't stop listening. There are rumors of another Alex Benedict novel and I hope they are true because there is hope for the old rogue and perhaps, his rather sexy pilot.

4 people found this helpful

Semi-solid continuation of Benedict/Kolpath line.

"Seeker" got me hooked on Jennifer Van Dyck as a reader/narrator. She's absolutely wonderful, a true gem. McDevitt got me hooked on Benedict/Kolpath stories. This story is a nice expansion to the Rainbow Enterprises universe, a good continuation, but not quite the "Detective Archeologist" long drawn out multi onion layer plots/stories that Seeker and Polaris are. If you are looking for another Seeker, this isn't it; if you are looking for a solid continuation of the Rainbow theme, it is. The main mystery is "solved" 2/3 through, that’s true; McDevitt does a very good job continuing the story, though, so the last 1/3 is not a disappointment. And JVD - did I say she's the absolute best and completely believable as Chase Kolpath? I hope JMD writes more, so JVD can read them.

2 people found this helpful

Nicely done

I have read most of Mr. McDevitt's work. This is the first I have listened to as an audio book and I found that nothing was lost in the experience. The narrator did an admirable job. The story loses a bit of steam two-thirds through, but I still enjoyed the whole.

2 people found this helpful

Good book

Jennifer Van Dyck did an excellent job as narrator. Her voice is rich and she manages male characters well. She injected appropriate emotion when it was called for. In this series by Jack McDevitt, the main character is a woman and the choice of Van Dyke as narrator was an excellent one. The story is good entertainment. It won't change your life but it is a very pleasant way to spend time. I started listening to audible books a few years ago and have listened to about 400. I'm sure there are others who have listened to more. Based on my experience, it amazes me when a book is rated as a 1 or 2 star. I imagine they exist but I have not come across one (well, perhaps one). Maybe it all comes down to taste, the standard one sets and expectation. When I listen to a McDevitt book I expect an enjoyable story and that is what I get. I believe that qualifies as a success. Good work Jennifer Van Dyck. I imagine you are as beautiful as your voice.

2 people found this helpful

A Slight Departure

This is the first of the Alex Benedict novels I have listened to vs. physically read. Right off the bat, it did take me a while to stop expecting "Boss" to show up. This is due to the narrator, as I have listened to all of the Diving Universe books she has narrated via Audible.

The story itself was ultimately satisfying, yet a departure from the previous books. I can only assume that redoing the same old troupe was getting old for the author. Although I would like him to go back to what make's Alex a great series. But overall, I was well satisfied and will listen to the rest of the series.

1 person found this helpful

very good

What did you love best about The Devil's Eye?

the completeness of it. it is a well rounded book. it almost felt like more than one book because of the way the plot goes. Thats a dangerous move, sometimes i find that to be the downfall of a book. but it was done very well all loose ends tied up and brought back around.

What did you like best about this story?

The mutes. I like the amount of thought put into their race and the shared conciousness.

What does Jennifer Van Dyck and Jack McDevitt bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

the ai voices. i think i would have made them smooth and more human sounding. But i like the idea that they sound like computers while also being so human like.

Any additional comments?

i usually steer clear of future space traveling books. i don't know what made me get into his works, but i am really glad i did.

1 person found this helpful

Very Entertaining

Where does The Devil's Eye rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the second Alex Benedict story I listened to and it was very emjoyable. Great reading again.

1 person found this helpful

Good Book

I have enjoyed the Alex Benedict series. This was not as good as Polaris or Seeker. I wold recommend reading those first and then coming back to Devil's Eye. I enjoy having the stories told through the eyes of the assistant, Chase Kolpath. It gives us an honest look at Benedict.

1 person found this helpful

If you're a fan, go for it

This is a perfect read. Jennifer VanDick is Chase Kolpath ! She's a fantastic reader !!!!

In terms of book, if you are not a fan of Jack McDevitt, listen to other books first. It's not his best.

If you are already a fan and you wonder if you should go or not (which was my case reading other reviews), go for it ! The setup and story is amazing but you see most events coming long before they occur. It's just that the way they are handled are awesome !!!