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The 4400 #3
The 4400: Welcome to Promise City
Based on the hit USA Network series The 4400, an original novel about a group of 4400 people taken out of their time and returned to the present day with special powers, only no one, including them, is sure if they are a force for good...or for evil. Over nine thousand people were killed in Seattle, when promicin was unleashed within the city limits. Now the Federal government has to decide how to deal with citizens who have powers and abilities that cannot be legislated. An uneasy truce has arisen between Jordan Collier, the self-styled leader of The 4400, and the Federal government. While he stopped more people from being killed, Collier was the one responsible for unleashing promicin on the world. Now governments around the world have to wonder just who controls these powerful people and just what are Collier and The 4400 going to do next?
- GenresScience FictionFictionTv
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2009
32 people are currently reading
962 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 30, 2012
I really hesitated to try this book, not being a fan of TV tie-in novels. But when I was deployed several years ago, I was able to watch all four seasons of "The 4400" TV show in short order and was hugely dissapointed at the cliff-hanger ending. That's a real pet peeve of mine, so much so that I no longer watch TV shows when they air but almost always wait for them to be complete before starting them.
Anyway, I really read this book so that I could read the next book. My research indicates that the two novels complete the series and do a good job of wrapping up the main plot lines from the show. I guess I needed closure so I went ahead and took the plunge. This book wasn't as bad as other TV tie-in novels I've attempted. I found the characters to be very true to their TV selves and I thought the author did a good job of reminding the audience of where all the characters are now. Unfortunately, there are a lot of characters and so much of the book does not advance the plot very much at all. As I said, the next book is supposed to wrap it all up and has been well received by fans of the show.
So...if you liked the show and pulled your hair out after the last episode of season 4, as I did, then I suggest reading both novels. If you've not seen the show, or didn't care for it, I can't think of any reason why you would even pick this one up.
Anyway, I really read this book so that I could read the next book. My research indicates that the two novels complete the series and do a good job of wrapping up the main plot lines from the show. I guess I needed closure so I went ahead and took the plunge. This book wasn't as bad as other TV tie-in novels I've attempted. I found the characters to be very true to their TV selves and I thought the author did a good job of reminding the audience of where all the characters are now. Unfortunately, there are a lot of characters and so much of the book does not advance the plot very much at all. As I said, the next book is supposed to wrap it all up and has been well received by fans of the show.
So...if you liked the show and pulled your hair out after the last episode of season 4, as I did, then I suggest reading both novels. If you've not seen the show, or didn't care for it, I can't think of any reason why you would even pick this one up.
August 3, 2011
This book is really only for people who watched the 4-season television show "The 4400" through its season 4/series finale. For those people, this will be a very enjoyable book. The author writes the characters exactly as they were in the series. Their personalities, linguistics and mannerisms are represented very well. The story is good and suspensful. The novel, which is about 280 pages, is about the equivalent to 4-8 episodes of the show. It's a tad hard to calculate that because in the show, each episode would have its own story as well as ongoing plot progress. In the book, most of the story is ongoing throughout. But that's a general comparison. The ending was left wide open for what comes next.
I could easily imagine another 6 books before all this is really concluded, so if the next book (due out in October 09 and called "Broken Promises") really IS (as the author says) the conclusion of the entire series, I sure hope it's much longer and gets straight to the big issue of what the future really wants and which side is doing the right things (if any) to make that happen. (The author of the next book is different from this author, but they consulted each other closely, and also consulted with the show producers).
I could easily imagine another 6 books before all this is really concluded, so if the next book (due out in October 09 and called "Broken Promises") really IS (as the author says) the conclusion of the entire series, I sure hope it's much longer and gets straight to the big issue of what the future really wants and which side is doing the right things (if any) to make that happen. (The author of the next book is different from this author, but they consulted each other closely, and also consulted with the show producers).
Read
August 4, 2011286 pages Science fiction, A continuation of the TV series THE 4400. The story picks up the action from the end of the 4th season when show was canceled due the writer's strike .
You only need a passing knowledge of the show to understand the this book and it's sequel, The 4400 :Promises Broken, by David Mack, which acts as a continuation of the show. I enjoyed borrowing the DVD of show from my library and then reading this book. I would suggest that you do the same, unless you are a big fan of the fan. Cox does of good job of maintaining the shows continuity and at the same time moving the characters forward. This book is for those want to know how the show would have continued if it had not be canceled.Get this book from your local library and rent the DVD for an entertaining weekend when you just want to stay home,
You only need a passing knowledge of the show to understand the this book and it's sequel, The 4400 :Promises Broken, by David Mack, which acts as a continuation of the show. I enjoyed borrowing the DVD of show from my library and then reading this book. I would suggest that you do the same, unless you are a big fan of the fan. Cox does of good job of maintaining the shows continuity and at the same time moving the characters forward. This book is for those want to know how the show would have continued if it had not be canceled.Get this book from your local library and rent the DVD for an entertaining weekend when you just want to stay home,
July 6, 2021
“Just that these are volatile times. An epic conflict is brewing, one that will determine the very destiny of this planet.” Jordan claimed to have witnessed that struggle firsthand, during a temporary sojourn through time. “The future chose you to play a part in this struggle, along with the rest of the 4400. Frankly, and forgive me for saying this, I doubt that you will be able to retire from the fray
forever.”
forever.”
February 3, 2019
Successfully continues the plot threads left over from the end of the TV series. The book does suffer a little from being over crowded with all the characters but otherwise is a good addition to the ongoing saga.
August 31, 2017
This is a continuation of the TV series the 4400. 4400 people were taken over decades and all brought back at one time to Seattle. They soon discovered they all had abilities they never had before. Later it is discovered that they were taken into the future and given a substance that created their abilities and then returned so they could change the future and make it better. Very good series and a very good book!
December 9, 2024
This is sad. I had finished this book some time in the summer, updated my progress and wrote a full review... but, none of that got saved, apparently.
Anyway...
This is the third book on the 4400 mythos that I've read. So far, it's also the best of the bunch. Although, this book is by Cox (just as the Vesuvius Prophecy was), it's better than the previous two attempts. Then again, Wet Work was laughable and downright painful to read. In any case, Welcome to Promise City is a proper novel! Well, it's no Dostoyevsky, but it's a decent based-on-a-tv-show book.
Yes, the same old style of fragmented paragraphs with 3-word sentence after 3-word sentence is still here, highly annoying and seldom offering to the overall readability. Like anyone would love reading something like: "The table was dusty. The air was chilly. The floor cricked. The light flickered. Tom shivered. A shadow moved. etc". I agree on that it does some times make sense to use these short sentences. For example, for action scenes, it would push the reader to read faster, giving them a sense of urgency and anxiety. But, when you're overusing this technique each time you want to describe a new room or whatever, it definitely loses its function.
In any case, I can put up with that since the story feels (by comparison to the previous ones) extremely well weaved. As a spoiler/hook lets say that you'll come across the following characters from the show (and at least as many original ones that actually make sense): Dennis (Ryland), Tom, Meghan, Diana, April (D's sister), Maia, Kyle, Casie, Shawn, Jordan, Richard, Kevin, Tess, Marco ... etc. There's also been references to other minor characters from the show, which is too cool really. It does feel like diving back into the original 4400 TV show. Something that none of the previous two books managed.
I'd say that it's pretty safe to read this after having watched the series, without reading the previous books. However, there's references to characters and plots from the previous books! Nothing awfully important, but I did like the way Cox weaved the show and the previous novels into one common amalgamation.
All in all, yes, it was an enjoyable book, one that paves the way for the last one in the series. Supposedly, the last book provides closure to the 4400 mythology. I can't wait really.
Anyway...
This is the third book on the 4400 mythos that I've read. So far, it's also the best of the bunch. Although, this book is by Cox (just as the Vesuvius Prophecy was), it's better than the previous two attempts. Then again, Wet Work was laughable and downright painful to read. In any case, Welcome to Promise City is a proper novel! Well, it's no Dostoyevsky, but it's a decent based-on-a-tv-show book.
Yes, the same old style of fragmented paragraphs with 3-word sentence after 3-word sentence is still here, highly annoying and seldom offering to the overall readability. Like anyone would love reading something like: "The table was dusty. The air was chilly. The floor cricked. The light flickered. Tom shivered. A shadow moved. etc". I agree on that it does some times make sense to use these short sentences. For example, for action scenes, it would push the reader to read faster, giving them a sense of urgency and anxiety. But, when you're overusing this technique each time you want to describe a new room or whatever, it definitely loses its function.
In any case, I can put up with that since the story feels (by comparison to the previous ones) extremely well weaved. As a spoiler/hook lets say that you'll come across the following characters from the show (and at least as many original ones that actually make sense): Dennis (Ryland), Tom, Meghan, Diana, April (D's sister), Maia, Kyle, Casie, Shawn, Jordan, Richard, Kevin, Tess, Marco ... etc. There's also been references to other minor characters from the show, which is too cool really. It does feel like diving back into the original 4400 TV show. Something that none of the previous two books managed.
I'd say that it's pretty safe to read this after having watched the series, without reading the previous books. However, there's references to characters and plots from the previous books! Nothing awfully important, but I did like the way Cox weaved the show and the previous novels into one common amalgamation.
All in all, yes, it was an enjoyable book, one that paves the way for the last one in the series. Supposedly, the last book provides closure to the 4400 mythology. I can't wait really.
April 6, 2010
I poor attempt at converting a screen play into a novel. Even worse it did not advance the central plot any. I was hoping for some sense of completion for the series I enjoyed on the screen so much, but this book is completely skippable as far as I can tell.
May 19, 2013
I had such high hopes for this, but it was written as if for a ten year old and I felt as though I got maybe one more episode as opposed to a season. I really didn't feel as though the plot really continued very much.
February 2, 2022
Justo lo que esperaba de la historia!! Continúa dónde se quedó la serie, con los mismos personajes y su personalidad, nuevos personajes, nuevos poderes, misma historia. Gracias por este libro por dar continuidad a una serie que fue muy buena pero poco valorada.
April 8, 2022
So nice the TV show had a book to follow up, that being said this book was so good I got even more upset they didn't get to film it haha. Very action packed the whole time which makes it an engaging read. Can't wait to read the next one!!
July 16, 2025
this was one of my favourite TV shows before it was cut off and I very much e joked that someone took the time to complete the series. I feel like I got the closure I was longing for whe. I was left with the massive cliffhanger when the show ended.
December 8, 2017
I was really sad when this TV show was cancelled, but I think this books are very good continuations of the story.
April 30, 2018
There was a bit too much rehashing of what happened on the show. I guess the author hoped someone who knew nothing of the show would enjoy the book.
I did enjoy that the story was continuing.
I did enjoy that the story was continuing.
September 22, 2020
I love the 4400 story, and this book was well written. The writer knows the characters and is true to the whole tone of the original story.
January 7, 2014
I suppose the purpose of a novelization of a movie, or in this case, a tv series, is to relive the movie or tv show, and perhaps even expand one's understanding of it. In this regard, Mr. Cox's novel succeeds admirably. He has indicated he is a fan of The 4400, and his characterizations and knowledge of the series' details are thorough, impressive, and spot- on.
But Mr. Cox has the added responsibility of continuing a "plot in progress" and in this regard he is less successful. Little happens to advance the 4-season series and the novel could be reduced to perhaps two tv episodes, one dealing with each of the two story arcs. Mr. Cox doesn't hit his stride until around the 12th chapter when we finally have more than one scene in a chapter. He is at his best towards the end of the book when the action picks up and he feels free to develop some of the less well-known characters such as Abigail Hunnicut and the two Garritys.
My other main criticism of the novel is the writing style. Mr. Cox needs to vary his sentence structure for a more interesting, faster-paced read. Rarely have I been so aware of sentence structure: by the end of the book I felt clobbered by an endless repetition of subject-verb sentences. Perhaps Mr. Cox felt the need to write for a wider audience, but, if so, he didn't do himself or The 4400 any favors. I hope the conclusion found in David Mack's sequel will be a more satisfying read.
But Mr. Cox has the added responsibility of continuing a "plot in progress" and in this regard he is less successful. Little happens to advance the 4-season series and the novel could be reduced to perhaps two tv episodes, one dealing with each of the two story arcs. Mr. Cox doesn't hit his stride until around the 12th chapter when we finally have more than one scene in a chapter. He is at his best towards the end of the book when the action picks up and he feels free to develop some of the less well-known characters such as Abigail Hunnicut and the two Garritys.
My other main criticism of the novel is the writing style. Mr. Cox needs to vary his sentence structure for a more interesting, faster-paced read. Rarely have I been so aware of sentence structure: by the end of the book I felt clobbered by an endless repetition of subject-verb sentences. Perhaps Mr. Cox felt the need to write for a wider audience, but, if so, he didn't do himself or The 4400 any favors. I hope the conclusion found in David Mack's sequel will be a more satisfying read.
January 10, 2014
When the TV-series The 4400 got cancelled after a 4 season run, us who enjoyed that often goofy but sometimes smart sci-fi saga were given a duology of books to conclude a series that still had many plot threads open for closure. The first of these two books is "Welcome to Promise City" by Greg Cox.
I know Cox as a Star Trek writer, and have always found his stories solid but often lacking in uniqueness. He proved my prejudice right this time, as his 4400 continuation is just that: it does what it needs but lacks a certain depth or differentiator to make it special.
The story picks up soon after the season 4 finale and offers us a compressed story that will presumably lead to a closure of all major storylines in the follow-up novel written by David Mack, another Star Trek scribe. "Welcome to Promise City" is mostly set-up, but it seems to have a little too little of it. Mack has a load of work ahead of him if he's going to wrap things up in only one remaining novel.
In a way Cox's novel seems authentic, as it comes across as a TV-novelization of unseen final episodes. It does a good job in giving us dialogue and a plot, but the prose itself is left clinically observant and emotionally flat.
I know Cox as a Star Trek writer, and have always found his stories solid but often lacking in uniqueness. He proved my prejudice right this time, as his 4400 continuation is just that: it does what it needs but lacks a certain depth or differentiator to make it special.
The story picks up soon after the season 4 finale and offers us a compressed story that will presumably lead to a closure of all major storylines in the follow-up novel written by David Mack, another Star Trek scribe. "Welcome to Promise City" is mostly set-up, but it seems to have a little too little of it. Mack has a load of work ahead of him if he's going to wrap things up in only one remaining novel.
In a way Cox's novel seems authentic, as it comes across as a TV-novelization of unseen final episodes. It does a good job in giving us dialogue and a plot, but the prose itself is left clinically observant and emotionally flat.
December 13, 2013
Una historia no puede quedar sin un final. Mucho menos Los 4400.
Para cuando terminé de ver la serie, ansiaba saber qué ocurría con todos y con el futuro de la humanidad. Ansiaba saber cual de las dos visiones de Shawn se hacían realidad y que ocurriría con Los Marcados o Collier; el Nuevo 'Mesías'.
Ahora que he leído esta historia, me han quedado todavía más dudas por resolver, y al mismo tiempo, he quedado satisfecha, ya que la novela ha sido muy agradable y amena.
Los personajes son tal cual vistos en la serie, los diálogos, las actitudes, todo encaja.
Conforme iba avanzando la historia, no pude evitar encontrarme entre un dilema: ¿Cuál es el bando bueno? ¿Es la promicina para el bien? ¿De qué futuro hablan Los Marcados y por qué insisten en que siga su curso?
Destacaron mucho los personajes de Richard Tyler, Tom, Diana, Kyle y Collier. La aparición de Shawn fue muy poca y también la de Kevin. Sin embargo, Maia y Tess tuvieron muy buenos papeles en mi opinión.
Espero Promises Broken sea tan interesante y satisfactoria como esta primera parte.
Para cuando terminé de ver la serie, ansiaba saber qué ocurría con todos y con el futuro de la humanidad. Ansiaba saber cual de las dos visiones de Shawn se hacían realidad y que ocurriría con Los Marcados o Collier; el Nuevo 'Mesías'.
Ahora que he leído esta historia, me han quedado todavía más dudas por resolver, y al mismo tiempo, he quedado satisfecha, ya que la novela ha sido muy agradable y amena.
Los personajes son tal cual vistos en la serie, los diálogos, las actitudes, todo encaja.
Conforme iba avanzando la historia, no pude evitar encontrarme entre un dilema: ¿Cuál es el bando bueno? ¿Es la promicina para el bien? ¿De qué futuro hablan Los Marcados y por qué insisten en que siga su curso?
Destacaron mucho los personajes de Richard Tyler, Tom, Diana, Kyle y Collier. La aparición de Shawn fue muy poca y también la de Kevin. Sin embargo, Maia y Tess tuvieron muy buenos papeles en mi opinión.
Espero Promises Broken sea tan interesante y satisfactoria como esta primera parte.
January 24, 2016
The book continues the story of the 4400. Jordan Collier and his followers are basically in control of Seattle, and the people of power who hate them are considering their options, including nuking the entire city.
Richard Tyler gets beat up quite badly and more than once in this novel, and gets rescued more than once.
Tom and Diana find copies of a particular body and uncover a plan by some people to spread an air-borne version of promicin in numerous other cities, something which would lead to the death of half of the people exposed.
Marco has developed a power of his own, that being teleportation. Maia is also in the story and her visions prove quite important. The Marked are also in the story, and not all of them will survive until the end, but enough survive to provide future problems.
It's really a good continuation of the series. A lot of developments, a lot of action, and a better view into the Marked and a growing sense that the people they represent are really quite evil.
Richard Tyler gets beat up quite badly and more than once in this novel, and gets rescued more than once.
Tom and Diana find copies of a particular body and uncover a plan by some people to spread an air-borne version of promicin in numerous other cities, something which would lead to the death of half of the people exposed.
Marco has developed a power of his own, that being teleportation. Maia is also in the story and her visions prove quite important. The Marked are also in the story, and not all of them will survive until the end, but enough survive to provide future problems.
It's really a good continuation of the series. A lot of developments, a lot of action, and a better view into the Marked and a growing sense that the people they represent are really quite evil.
June 9, 2014
I'll start this by saying I am a die-hard 4400 fan, and I'll probably read/watch just about anything associated with the series. That being said, I really enjoyed "Welcome to Promise City". Considering that the book was written post-cancellation of the series, I felt like this story was exactly what the series needed after ending on such a promising (no pun intended) cliff-hanger. My only complaint (albeit, a minor one) concerns the ending, which was by no means bad. I just felt a bit underwhelmed after four seasons and a novel of buildup, but I still enjoyed it. A solid 4 stars.
July 15, 2014
If you're a fan of the series, this book is definitely worth the read. It takes off where the show ended and takes you further down the road with the 4400 and p-positives. In some reviews I read that they find there's no plot development, but I disagree. If you love this show and the characters, you will love this book.
March 31, 2013
Reads as you would expect generic fan-fiction to read: decent writing but nothing quality. Reads like a TV show with no defined arc. Recommended if you're interested in finding out what happens after the show was prematurely cancelled, but I wouldn't recommend for someone who hadn't seen (and liked) the show.
April 1, 2013
It has been a number of years since I visited the world of the 4400. Greg Cox did a great job of bringing back memories of the show as each character was introduced to the story. I think this knowledge of the show is most definitely required in order to truly appreciate/enjoy the book. A quick page turner of a read that should appeal to all fans of the prematurely cancelled TV program.
February 10, 2014
It sucks that the show was cancelled after 4 seasons. There was so much more story to tell. But this book continues the story in a pretty interesting way, in my opinion. It's a good read and keeps the characters true to their screen personas. I'm looking forward to the next one. Too bad that there are only two books that take place after the show. This could be a great book series.
January 7, 2011
I really loved the TV series The 4400.
This book does an adequate job of picking up where the show left off - though much of the wording and descriptions are either odd (overuse of the word "waif") or unnecessary (highly detailed descrptions of physical characteristics).
This book does an adequate job of picking up where the show left off - though much of the wording and descriptions are either odd (overuse of the word "waif") or unnecessary (highly detailed descrptions of physical characteristics).
May 16, 2013
This is a good book to get especially if you've watch the original 4400 T.V. series. It's easy to get into too after so many of the first few pages which are meant to bring the reader up to speed on what has happened since the first book or the T.V. episodes which end before this continues.
November 26, 2013
I enjoyed the TV series "The 4400" and looked forward to continuing the story in novel form but between the competent but pedestrian writing style and the uninteresting story, there's not a whole lot going for it.
February 8, 2014
I loved the 4400 series and was so sad to see it end. I discovered it after it had been canceled and practically watched it back to back. I was thrilled to be able to continue the series by book! Excellent read great continuation of the story:)
November 28, 2013
I'm reading this with Joey. The writing is laughable, but it is an interesting continuation of the series.
December 1, 2009
I enjoyed reading this book and have ordered the next.
It is nice to know what happens to The 4400 after the series has ended
It is nice to know what happens to The 4400 after the series has ended
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews