... The crash itself, although dramatic and graphically described by Herbert is little more than the lead in to the story.
This story once more centres around one main character, this being the only "survivor" from the crash – Keller. Feeling guilty at being the only person to survive ... Read review
Although the title of this and some of the write ups perhaps lead you to believe that this is a story of an air crash it is far from it. The crash itself, although dramatic and graphically described by Herbert is little more than the lead in to the story.
This story once more centres around one main character, this being the only "survivor" from the crash – Keller. Feeling guilty at being the only person to survive ... ...strange incidents in and around the town of Eton where the crash occurred.
As per normal Herbert details these incidents so graphically you
sometimes feel the hairs on the back of your neck prickling.
I wont give away any of the story as it would obviously spoil it but suffice to say that as usual with Herberts work you will be unable to put it down right till the end .... an ending incidentally which is totally ... more
Although the title of this and some of the write ups perhaps lead you to believe that this is a story of an air crash it is far from it. The crash itself, although dramatic and graphically described by Herbert is little more than the lead in to the story.
This story once more centres around one main character, this being the only "survivor" from the crash – Keller. Feeling guilty at being the only person to survive he tries to come to terms with why he was spared. This is entwined with lots of very strange incidents in and around the town of Eton where the crash occurred.
As per normal Herbert details these incidents so graphically you sometimes feel the hairs on the back of your neck prickling.
I wont give away any of the story as it would obviously spoil it but suffice to say that as usual with Herberts work you will be unable to put it down right till the end .... an ending incidentally which is totally unexpected and startling in the extreme.
This is another of Herberts stories which were subsequently turned into a film, however having seen the film I can safely say the book wins hands down every time. There is just something about the way Herbert writes certain things that dont seem to be able to be transmitted onto the big screen.
In summary I would say it is not perhaps his best ever novel but it would certainly make its way into anybodys favourites list. If you haven't read it yet make sure you do !!
Advantages: Stunning and qyite believable Disadvantages: none
...would be like to be the only survivor of a horrific tragedy, well in this stunning James Herbert story David Keller is in that exact situation.
It had been one of the worst crashes in airline history, killing over 300 people, and leaving only one survivor. Now the dead were buried and the town of Eton tried to forget. However, one man could not rest. Keller had walked from the flames of the wreck, driven on by unseen forces, seeking the answer to ... ...the shocking, dreadful truth about what was buried in the old graveyard. In addition, a truth Keller did not want to believe . . . As you follow the exploits of David Keller you will be transported to a world that only a writer of James Herbert’s imagination could conjure up. Be prepared for tears, laughter, and a very believable twist. I have always found James Herbert to be an excellent storyteller, but this story in my opinion has surpassed ...
toon_33 05.07.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of The Survivor - James Herbert
Advantages: Small book, good read ! interesting and makes you think! Disadvantages: Similar to other work! More characters may have been interesting.
The Survivor is about David Kellor who is the Only person to escape from a flaming wreckage of a Jumbo Jet.
The story starts with the crash and the aftermath of the crash for the local villagers of WIndsor.
But quickley events ensure that the crash is only the starts of the evil tale.
David Kellor starts putting the story together and as all James Herbert Books the tale soon turns to evil and death with a strange twist regarding Kellor's involvement ...
Sammy45999 24.06.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of The Survivor - James Herbert
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Advantages: you do get caught up in it Disadvantages: not entirely original
I read this a few months ago and quite enjoyed it. It is the first book by JamesHerbert that I have read.
The story concerns the survivor of a Nazi attack at the end of World War II. Realising that he is losing the war, Hitler unleashes the 'Blood Death' which kills off most of the population of Europe.
An airman is left alive because he is immune to the disease. He spends his time wandering London trying to avoid the followers of a man who is dying and trying to capture the hero in order to transfuse his blood.
If you are familiar with the film 'The Omega Man' starring Charlton Heston the plot will be somewhat familiar to you. Lone survivor against the odds. Except of course it isn't a lone survivor in either. In both the hero manages to find others who have survived this plague and he links up with them. The book is ...
oclumhain 01.03.2001 (28.02.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of 48 - James Herbert
Advantages: Pure fantasy, real magic Disadvantages: far too short
The Magic Cottage is my personal favourite book by JamesHerbert. It is an extremely atmospheric story featuring a cottage deep in the heart of a forest.
JamesHerbert is said to be the master of the genre, and only Stephen King overtakes him in the publication of new novels.
JamesHerbert has written many other novels; some have been made into films. Other novels written by JamesHerbert include: The Rats, Lair, Domain, The Fog, The Survivor and The Dark.
The story opens with the main characters of the book, Mike and Midge, going to view the Magic Cottage (called Gramarye in the story). At first, Mike is apprehensive about the move into such an isolated cottage; Midge’s enthusiasm soon wins him over. Soon after moving in however, strange things start to happen: animals pay unusual visits, bats appear from nowhere ...
Advantages: Good story, realistic locations. Disadvantages: Not his normal stuff.
Surprisingly enough this story is set in …. You guessed it - 1948 !!
The scene is a devastated London 3 years after Hitler, in a final act of retaliation, released what was to become known as the “Blood Death” . This ultimately killed the majority of the population
The hero of the story, an American pilot called Hoke has lived in the city all this time, one of only a few people unaffected by the disease his blood is highly sought after by a group of fascist “Blackshirts”.
These Blackshirts weren’t killed outright but instead were dying slowly of the disease, they believe that their only hope of survival is a transfusion of immune blood from other survivors like, guess who ?
So that’s the scene, it sounds pretty basic but the way JamesHerbert describes the ensuing chases ...
Mickm9 24.11.2000 (04.02.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of James Herbert
It had been one of the worst crashes in airline history, with over 300 dead and only one survivor. Now the dead were buried and the town of Eton tried to forget. But Keller, the survivor, wanted to know what unseen forces had left him still alive.
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A nice gripping and readable novel ; A terrific tale of survival ; Very atmospheric ; The characters thoughts and feelings are projected well to the reader
Suddenly stops flowing towards the middle ; King can be slightly over obsequious towards the main character (*)
