Chris Boult

This is a hell of a story, with sub plots, the unexpected and twists aplenty, but ultimately it leaves me with mixed feelings. In a sense I feel cheated that it is just another extension of the first three books, written skillfully, but formulaically. The classic crime novel where the plot falls into place dramatically at the end and the motivation of the killer is revealed. Life is not so clear, but this is popular fiction after all. I didn't like the end and it's inevitable conclusion; that I shall have to read the next one!

A fascinating story meticulously researched. I felt the structure of the story however was out of balance. I found the beginning gripping, the middle a little too detailed and almost tedious and the vital part at the end after all the build up was over all too quickly. The characterisation and the sheer epic nature of the voyage however was inspirational. A fine read for anyone interested in adventure, exploration and the limits of human endurance.

A very detailed and quite believable plot featuring characters from Anglo Saxon history. Given the number of players and the use of old English I did find it a little difficult to follow at times, although the thrust of the story carried me through.

A very detailed and thorough dramatisation of a famous period of history. I'm not sure exactly where fact and fiction meet or overlap but nevertheless it is a gripping story.

This is the most inspirational book I have ever read. Nims Purja is a truly exceptional guy. Despite not being his first language, he describes in plain English his experiences climbing, his time in the forces and in life in general with an honesty and integrity which is both refreshing and rare. With some military and mountaineering experience myself I am completely humbled. His attitude, determination and ability is admirable. To climb one such mountain in a lifetime would be the pinnacle for many people, but to climb all 14 of the world's highest peaks in such a short time, with no loss or major injury in his team is absolutely incredible. I do have reservations about the merits of approaching mountains as an athletic challenge where speed is so much of the essence, but Nims leaves you in no doubt about his respect for this environment and the Nepalese people. For anyone looking to push the boundaries, particularly of physical endurance there is wisdom in droves to be enjoyed in this book.

I found this book to be a thoughtful and heart warming account of rural life over the generations. Honest comment and eloquent description help paint a human picture of developments in farming practice and country life, in terms that enrich and enhance many of the current dilemmas and debates about ecology, the environment and our responsibility to future generations. With considered reflection James Rebanks reaches a balanced and pragmatic view of sustainable farming. A well presented and argued account that was informative, helpful and hopeful.

As a fan of Peter May books, I must say I didn't find this to be one of his best. The plot is complicated and a times difficult to follow with frequent changes of sub plot and points in time. The core plot however was somewhat tame, at times predictable and stretched the boundaries of credible fiction too far for me. A relative disappointment.

I struggled to stick with this book, waiting in vein for the story to pick up, and was left wondering why I bothered when it eventually came to a limp conclusion. Although well written and amusing the story line was weak, naïve and simplistic, rather in the Miss Marple tradition. Not for me.

As an author myself, I like to take a punt on debut novels and this sounded interesting and I wasn't disappointed. A well written strong story line with many a sub plot and twist builds the story, suggesting possible explanations and raising tension. Perhaps the sheer number of dead ends stretched credibility, but it was a good read and an very creditable first novel.

An engaging story with humour, romance and insight into the wine trade. Many a sub plot and twist keep you going to an ending leaving some of the key questions unanswered.