Brain Candy

This story involves a search for the "Lost City of Gold" - it is situated in the desert areas of Utah. The writing evokes thrilling emotion, and stimulates the mind' eye with rich imagery. I've read several of the Preston Child novels; like the rest, this one is an action packed, fast-paced thriller. Unlike some of the rest, this one has a tight plot, that doesn't require overlooking little lapses of logic, or suspending disbelief in the face of wholly incredible plot elements. I started Thunderhead on a trip to Rochester MN, where I was scheduled to speak at a conference at the Mayo Clinic. This was a moment in my career, to be invited to speak at the Mayo. The best part: I was spared nervous anticipation - I could not tear myself away from the car, in fact. I had a presentation on Saturday, and one on Sunday; when I wasn't presenting, I was touring Rochester in my car, turning audible page after audible page. It struck me funny: you would think I would be back at the conference rubbing elbows; but no, I was right there with Nora in the deserts of Utah. (Okay, okay: this isn't War and Peace. Like I said, it's Brain Candy, the kind you can't stop popping, one after the other, into your head, until the box is empty. Then you upturn the box, shake it vigorously, and hope one more little treat rolls out, but alas, it's empty, over, finished. Bummer. There is cold-comfort in remembering that too much of this brain candy makes you intellectually fat. Still, a little of it after those protein-dense, peer-reviewed-journal-article-meals is good for what ails you. Click purchase, you won't be sorry.)

147 people found this helpful

This is archaeology?!

Despite my negative sounding title (a quote from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) I actually quite enjoyed Thunderhead. Despite the implausible ending, the book is quite action packed and is a fun listen especially with the ever reliable Scott Brick.

It's also quite interesting to see some major characters from the Pendergast novels like Nora Kelly and Bill Smithback having their own stories.

11 people found this helpful

Fabulous Mystery

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely!!! This book was absolutely fascinating from beginning to end. All the i's were dotted & the t's crossed when it came to all the characters & story line. Getting to the bottom of the disapearance of the ancient Indian culture all the way to the search for the massive treasure this book never disappointed me as a reader. All of the characters were strong in thier presence which always lends a special gift & the narrator just made my day. Kudos to the authors for giving the ending a nice closure I wasn't expecting that. Preston & Childs really did their homework on this book & included tons of historical details....love that!.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Thunderhead?

Finding the hidden city.

Which scene was your favorite?

Any of the meal preparations by the chef

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The very beginning of the search & the ending

Any additional comments?

MORE!

20 people found this helpful

Excellent listen!!

This book has more twists and turns than the canyons the characters have to travel through. A terrific adventure through our beautiful Southwest. Preston and Child are great together!! Enjoy!!

19 people found this helpful

Oh my god

This is one of the best books Ive ever read. It has very well developed characters and the storyline never faulters. Every chapter was thrilling and without a doubt some were frightening. Once again these authors managed to piece togther a masterpiece with an amazing ending that strings together the plot so well that I couldnt believe it. Every loose end it tied up so well. If you want to really enjoy the horror side of this book listen to it while going to sleep! You will definately have some fantastic nightmares, I did!!

45 people found this helpful

Droning narration ddin't help a slow story

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

A differeny narrator. The reading was slow and monotonous and nearly put me to sleep.

What was most disappointing about Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child ’s story?

Altho the story started out interesting, as it progresses, the sequence of events didn't make sense. Nora became less interesting and sympathetic as well, adn her actions less plausible.

What didn’t you like about Scott Brick’s performance?

Very slow reading.

Any additional comments?

I didn't make it past two hours of this book. I would have stopped sooner, but I didn't want to download a new book while driving.

7 people found this helpful

Great little entertainer

Loved it. Made my commute fly by.

Preston and Child write fun little techo-pop thrillers with enough background research to sound reasonably plausible but with enough wriggle room for some pulpy action-adventure.

Characters might be a little flat, and there are some plot twists that felt forced, but overall a very enjoyable read. Nothing terribly complicated or convoluted which made it easy to pick up where you left off.

Scott Brick.... well, he's decent, but he likes to make every character sounds like they're using a "half-whispered-husky-sexy voice."

12 people found this helpful

Very good read

Scott Brick is one of my favorite narrators and he did great justice to this book as well. From the first I was captured by this book. I can't believe I waited this long to 'read' it. I got caught up elsewhere but I loved this book ! You won't regret using a credit for this one !

18 people found this helpful

Tired.

Starts out well but I soon realized that the narrator's performance was poor. His delivery quickly became monotonous and very difficult to listen to. He sounds as though he can barely get the next word out. Instead of dramatic and suspenseful it became tired and boring. I had to force myself to finish what might have been an otherwise good read. The few instances where he deviates from his slow, drawn out delivery were brief but show he could have made the book much more enjoyable.
As for the content I thought it was unique.

5 people found this helpful

Lincoln and Child always brings the suspense

This was a book about archeology and magic, no surprise there. What is so great about Lincoln and Child is that every word brings some kind of emotion. Thriller, suspense, shock, romance you name it. And although the story may be 17 hours in length you are engaged from word one. No fillers. Every bit of the story kept you in suspense. Plus I just love the way they combine modern technology with old school pirate tales. In addition, the archeologist go to digs to uncover a mystery but they end up unleashing something supernatural. It's a great exciting story that was hard to put down because at every turn your like oh no what is happening next. Also Scott Brick always a great narrator.

4 people found this helpful