will probably never get finished
341952
really hard to put these things together and requires more tools than a pair of needlenose pliers.  i have a feeling this present will never get finished, and my guy loves puzzles, tanks, metalsmithing... the works.  perhaps if they had a challenge level scale and an approximate build time on them it would be easier to decide which ones to purchase to at least start with so you know whether or not you're going to like building these models/kits.
4376794
I rarely give up on books. When I was reading the Mists of Avalon, I got so angry at one point in the book I quit reading it. A couple months later I picked it back up and finished it, and now it is one of my favorites books. I learned my lesson, always finish the book, you just never know how it will end up. I have tried reading this book, but I just can't finish it. It doesn't keep my attention. While you're reading it you realize that the storyline and plot should make for a very interesting book, but it just doesn't seem to work. I don't feel a connection to any character, they feel very superficial to me. If I ever get around to finishing it, I may come back and update this review, but that day seems to be far away.
1708518
Unfortunately, I simply cannot give this book anything but a poor rating.  I have always felt that I must finish any book I start to read even if it's not - in my opinion - the best.  However, after forging through more than half of this novel,  I finally gave it up.  The writing seems to just go on endlessly getting nowhere.  I kept having to go back sometimes a paragraph...sometimes a page... to figure out what was going on.
2454349
I want to like this book, I really do, but I just don't. I'm actually struggling to finish it and I'm only halfway through. There's also a number of inconsistencies like they go out to the truck for their first time together, but the next morning it's a station wagon. Did his fairy godmother's spell wear off at midnight? (couldn't resist lol)  Also the way things are described while they 'get it on' so to speak, the wagon actually makes more sense since even a truck with an extended cab wouldn't really have room for what they were doing in the back seat, especially when the dude's described being over six foot and heavily muscled. Maybe what the author intended was a large SUV? Whole scene was a bit confusing as a result.

Also while the condors were reasonably well researched, they're a diurnal (daytime) bird, meaning they're not really equipped to fly in the dark. Add to that they're nesting up high in a cliff face, so the whole the birds divebombing the guy who got too close to the cliff base in the dark didn't really make sense to me. They can't see well to fly which puts them at risk, the guy is still firmly on the ground and they're high up, and he's not making any moves to climb. Waking up and watching him, yes, divebombing under those conditions, not so much.  Honestly I'm not certain they'd bother divebombing him in the daytime either unless he climbed up, though I'm no expert. Also yes, baby condors DO eat regurgitated food from their parents. The whole puppet thing works as a substitute, but condors, like most birds, eat and store food in their crop, and then regurgitate that for the chicks.

I think part of the issue I'm really having with these latest books (ghost writer perhaps?) is that there's a clear agenda attached that gets in the way of the story for me. I'm all over getting info about different animals and such, but it feels disjointed and heavy handed to me, which is why I think I'm having the 'eyes glazing over' effect and just not really enjoying these latest books.
2882713
This is one of the longest books in existence, and I have still yet to finish it, but I will someday.
2738713
I've tried to like this book.  I've tried to finish this book.  Can't do either.
2392980
I really wanted to like this story. The concept seems creative. I was even willing to suspend disbelief enough to accept that genetic modification could result in the ability to control the elements. However, I've made it to about 8% and I think I'm gonna give up. The problem is the writing. Certain phrases are just awkward, while others are missing words. For example:

"There were memories and feelings that Nein brought back when struck me down. It was always a fight myself in order to drift off at night, but with the current events..." (Loc 300, 8%)

It really takes a reader out of the story when they have to stop and figure out what the author is trying to say. I suggest the author enlist the help of a proofreader... or several. I suspect the author has a good imagination but to turn these into stories for the public more polish is needed in the writing. It possible some die hard sci-fi fans (who love the concept of element controlling superpowers) may be able to look past the writing and find something to enjoy. As it stands, I personally cannot recommend this book.
1627431
The book seems to go on forever and I never managed to finish it. At least the English is excellent, so this is no distraction. The main character survives again and again by luck, but sometimes by miraculous ability. If this doesn't bother you you may enjoy his many trials.
3446615
I've reached 70% so I have to finish. I find this slow, poorly edited and so far beyond belief. I really hope I am pleasantly surprised but pretty doubtful.
2125025
Not sure what all the 5 stars are about.  Maybe they got further then I did.  I got about 1/4 of the way into this.  One short story after another, and I mean short.  Keep thinking they'd get better, but all seem to have been written by a 16 yr old.  Don't like to give bad reviews, but I just can't read any more of this.  I read a LOT of books and make a pledge to always finish, but this is one of the very, very few I just feel is a total waste of my time, besides the fact I'm not enjoying what I'm reading, and that is the purpose of reading isn't it?  To enjoy the story?
3404605
I love Lincoln Rhyme books but, like others, I am having a hard time finishing this one.  I am about 65% finished and just about ready to put it down for the last time.  The story seems to ramble and drag on.  Find myself skipping page after page trying to find the spot where the main story continues.

This book is certainly not what I had hoped for.
4378110
I really enjoyed the Shifting Fog and the House at Riverton so I had high hopes for Kate Morton's latest offering. I had expectations of a dark gothic tale but this really seems interminable. I'm still only 30 per cent into it but I can't seem to find any connection with the characters. All this feeding chooks and riding bicycles and looking at pies in the oven. Pahleese! When I studied professional writing I remember my lecturer slashing through all my carefully crafted prose of people doing trivial stuff and gruffly saying 'You gotta get rid of this crap and move the story forwards!' Kate's editor (if there was one) should have done the same thing. I sense there must be some purpose in this story and perhaps there is a big ending but it sure is slow going at the moment. I will persist and hope for the best. I'll revisit this review if things improve.
1894334
I'm currently reading this, but I'm not sure I can force myself to finish it unless it gets better quickly.
4611930
I didn't finish it. Maybe sometime when I have nothing else.
276896
I still haven't been able to complete one project, but when I do, itll be amazing!
4838683
Very slow moving.  I'm not finished yet, and I'm not sure I'll be able to stick it out to the end.
2450198
Really? Ava and Adolph? Trying to finish for book club and typically appreciative of unique narrative styles. The author's command of prose is lovely but it mostly goes nowhere and when it goes somewhere, it is ludicrous. Seriously, I just had deja vu writing this and still it's a regret of time.