It's not a great work of literature - but its entertaining
592910
A prequel - its okay I liked the first one better. It moves along fast with enough plot twists to keep you interested. Like many books in this genre, it does not repesent great literature, but then I really read them for the entertainment value. It certainly meets my criteria. Besides, I am hooked into the series so - were's the next one......
62309
Doesn't score too high on the prose side, but the action is compelling.
3362987
First off this is not the next da Vinci Code.  It tries to be in some ways but it isn't.  The writing style isn't the best, I'll admit, but its a pretty entertaining book.  I found it hard to put down and the charts and maps really helped.  The whole trap avoiding thing was pretty interesting.  There were a few problems with suspension of disbelief.  Personally I think they should have kept that falcon out, its a pretty stupid concept.  And the evil colonel having no nose was a bit much, but like I said, it was very entertaining.

  If you liked the da Vinci Code or Angels and Demons, even though this isn't as good, you will still enjoy the book.  So in a nutshell:

Cons: Character development for only a few people; some corny stuff like the trap-disabling falcon; using italics for every other word; and lots of exclaimation points.

Pros: Interesting plot; certain aspects like the technology and traps were quite original; visuals really helped; and it keeps you hooked.
2081197
I wouldn't say it's the best of the series, but it's well worth reading.
3156888
With a storyline that seems engineered solely to incorporate multiple, explicit accounts of intercourse, I'd hardly call this book a fantastic story; though it is pleasant enough in its own way. The literary equivalent of a chick flick, it's neither thought provoking nor particularly engaging, but provides light entertainment, and is in that capacity a book I could well recommend.
1354445
I did not know what it was about but found it to be entertaining.
338142
As a young adult book, I applaud the imagination and the concerns raised in the book. It's a fun, but flawed, story of the underdog who overcomes adversity to get the girl and win glory. I can see why people like it--and though I'm not the target demographic for this particular book, I did find myself enjoying it for what it is.

There are parts in this book that I fee like the author just sort of glosses over details. The main character(s) have very strong plot armor and are highly plot intelligent.

It's a quick read. If you enjoy some mindless television every now and then--this book isn't bad.
4850955
Not exactly great writing, but a dam good read
3212628
It's good, just not compelling...so I'm reading it at leisure between novels.
4759148
I liked the book for what it was. Entertainment, period. It is not a historical novel, nor does it try. I like the picture it presents and I like it because it is not real. The book is a little slow in places, but I still purchased the next book in the series and the prequel also. If you want a factual history book, look elsewhere. If you want a story to entertain you, this series has done the trick for me. The first book "Across the Nightingale Floor"<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Across-the-Nightingale-Floor-Tales-of-the-Otori-Book-1/dp/1573223328/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Across the Nightingale Floor (Tales of the Otori, Book 1)</a>&nbsp;was the most entertaining, but I found the entire series has something to offer as well.
3880097
It was entertaining - and for these who are WWII buffs - it is not battle of the budge or Patton -
3720875
Not as bad as the reviews would have you think.  I checked this out from my local library fearing that is was going to be awful, but was pleasantly surprised.  It's not a 5 star story by any stretch, but is entertaining enough to be a solid 3-4 stars.
2066122
An entertaining historical novel.  Not great literature but a fun read.
1604862
It's entertaining enough.  The story is a little flimsy but still a fun read.
1004096
This is not a great book, but it is a fun book.

The author is obviously early in the career, as the book has many flaws, but it's not bad mindless entertainment.

Pro: non-stop action, robots, spaceships, likeable characters.

Cons: it's basically Aladdin, but instead of a Genie, he has a magic ship that can do anything. The book lacks much of a sense of challenge, as you know the ship is going to pull a rabbit out of a hat whenever necessary.

Also, the characters are just appallingly naive. Here's a life pro tip: if you have an invulnerable ship, but you are a vulnerable kid, *any* plan that has you getting off the ship is a bad one. Particularly if you are the only one that can control the ship.

But the characterizations aren't bad. The characters, even the bad guys, have reasonable motivations, and they characters don't randomly do stupid thing to create conflict.
2261679
It kept me entertained, but it wasn't the best book Ive ever read.  It leaves a little to be desired
1997555
It took a few minutes to "get" it but we enjoyed the game once we caught on. It's not the most exciting game we have, but it's fun and entertaining.