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Quake!: A Novel by Cottonwood, Joe (May 1, 1995) Hardcover
"Quake" hits eight points on the Richter scale it is a disaster novel of epic proportions that will have listeners thinking twice about their next trip to New York City."Quake" is the sort of disaster novel that has become the mainstay of the SyFy Channel. In it, Manhattan and its boroughs become the epicenter of terror as fault lines wreak havoc on the city. Terrorists, floods, blackouts, and hurricanes add to the destruction. Bridges and skyscrapers collapse, and the nightmare begins.Amid the chaos, FBI agent Hector Mendoza is trying to reunite with his wife and assistant US Attorney Nick Dykstra is trying to find his college student daughter. Meanwhile, the Indian Point nuclear power plant, just forty miles north, is compromised, and a deadly cloud of radiation is drifting toward densely populated areas. Even the subways aren t deep enough to get away from the menacing conditions above ground."
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
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About the author
Jack Douglas
102 books36 followersJack Douglas (born Douglas Linley Crickard , July 17, 1908 - January 31, 1989) was an American comedy writer who wrote for radio and television while additionally writing a series of humor books.
On radio, he was a writer for Red Skelton, Bob Hope and the situation comedy, Tommy Riggs and Betty Lou (1938–46), in which Riggs switched back and forth from his natural baritone to the voice of a seven-year-old girl.
Continuing to write for Skelton and Hope as he moved into television, Douglas also wrote for Jimmy Durante, Bing Crosby, Woody Allen, Johnny Carson, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet , The Jack Paar Show , The George Gobel Show, and Laugh-In .
The producer of Laugh-In , George Schlatter, said, "He saw the world from a different angle than the rest of us. He was not only funny, he was nice." Douglas won an Emmy Award in 1954 for best-written comedy material.
He was best known for his frequent guest appearances on Jack Paar's shows of the late 1950s and early 1960s. On one such appearance, when Douglas was well established as a Paar guest, he was chastised by Paar for holding a stack of file cards with his jokes while talking with Paar.
When Paar returned to television in 1973 and was confronted by unexpected low ratings, he engaged Douglas to contribute monologue material by mail. One week, there was no mail from Douglas; but his next package contained a "Sorry I didn't send anything last week. I forgot you were on."
Douglas and his third wife Reiko, a Japanese-born singer and comedian, were regular guests on shows hosted by Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, and Johnny Carson.
On radio, he was a writer for Red Skelton, Bob Hope and the situation comedy, Tommy Riggs and Betty Lou (1938–46), in which Riggs switched back and forth from his natural baritone to the voice of a seven-year-old girl.
Continuing to write for Skelton and Hope as he moved into television, Douglas also wrote for Jimmy Durante, Bing Crosby, Woody Allen, Johnny Carson, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet , The Jack Paar Show , The George Gobel Show, and Laugh-In .
The producer of Laugh-In , George Schlatter, said, "He saw the world from a different angle than the rest of us. He was not only funny, he was nice." Douglas won an Emmy Award in 1954 for best-written comedy material.
He was best known for his frequent guest appearances on Jack Paar's shows of the late 1950s and early 1960s. On one such appearance, when Douglas was well established as a Paar guest, he was chastised by Paar for holding a stack of file cards with his jokes while talking with Paar.
When Paar returned to television in 1973 and was confronted by unexpected low ratings, he engaged Douglas to contribute monologue material by mail. One week, there was no mail from Douglas; but his next package contained a "Sorry I didn't send anything last week. I forgot you were on."
Douglas and his third wife Reiko, a Japanese-born singer and comedian, were regular guests on shows hosted by Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, and Johnny Carson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 11, 2014
The last 3 or 4 books I read were long(ish) and dealt with murder, horror, and non-fiction. It was time for something a little on the lighter side and a return to one of my favorite genres: the disaster novel. At 348 pages, "Quake" was just the right amount of pages for a real quick read and it cost me a measly 6 bucks at Walmart, so I figured I couldn't really lose out, even if I wasn't expecting much.
"Quake" actually surprised me. It was better than I could have guessed based on its cheap cover and unknown author. There was virtually no set-up or lengthy, drawn out explanation (which I like). Instead, the quake happens almost instantly and for the next 335 pages or so, it's a book that never really slows down. Douglas does a decent job at keeping the pace steady and never letting the story get too far out of control. There's even a few (unrealistic) twists and turns thrown in for good measure.
I just wish that Douglas wouldn't have tried to make this book 3 different things at once. On one hand it's a disaster novel. On another it's a thriller dealing with terrorism. Somewhere along the lines we get subjected to a political stance as well. All of those things are totally fine, don't get mw wrong, but it's really hard to try and cram all of those things into a short novel like this one. Plus, it makes for a highly unlikely and contrived plot. Not that there's anything wrong with that (hell, isn't the entire genre of horror that way?), but here, I wish the author would have picked just one area to focus on.
It seems to me that ever since Dorchester went out of business a few years back, there hasn't been a real good independent publisher to pick up the slack. Now, however, it looks like Kennsington (and their Pinnacle imprint) are the new go-to guys. I've already seen ex-Leisure authors on this company's roster. I say all that because, like that defunct company, I've found a few, nice little surprising reads (and authors) with Kennsington. And Douglas is no different. "Quake" is an enjoyable, quick read, that, should you just want to escape from the world for a few days, is worth the time spent in it.
"Quake" actually surprised me. It was better than I could have guessed based on its cheap cover and unknown author. There was virtually no set-up or lengthy, drawn out explanation (which I like). Instead, the quake happens almost instantly and for the next 335 pages or so, it's a book that never really slows down. Douglas does a decent job at keeping the pace steady and never letting the story get too far out of control. There's even a few (unrealistic) twists and turns thrown in for good measure.
I just wish that Douglas wouldn't have tried to make this book 3 different things at once. On one hand it's a disaster novel. On another it's a thriller dealing with terrorism. Somewhere along the lines we get subjected to a political stance as well. All of those things are totally fine, don't get mw wrong, but it's really hard to try and cram all of those things into a short novel like this one. Plus, it makes for a highly unlikely and contrived plot. Not that there's anything wrong with that (hell, isn't the entire genre of horror that way?), but here, I wish the author would have picked just one area to focus on.
It seems to me that ever since Dorchester went out of business a few years back, there hasn't been a real good independent publisher to pick up the slack. Now, however, it looks like Kennsington (and their Pinnacle imprint) are the new go-to guys. I've already seen ex-Leisure authors on this company's roster. I say all that because, like that defunct company, I've found a few, nice little surprising reads (and authors) with Kennsington. And Douglas is no different. "Quake" is an enjoyable, quick read, that, should you just want to escape from the world for a few days, is worth the time spent in it.
September 7, 2014
QUAKE by Jack Douglas is the kind of book that makes you wonder why no one else had thought of it before. What more frightening scenario can you have than an epic earthquake strikeing the USA’s largest city. Of course, ramp that up with the attendant shaking of the nearby nuclear power plant and you have a real thriller.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Dykstra is giving his opening statement against a conspirator who is on trial for his part in the September 11 attacks. Nick is not only doing his job but also trying to extract a measure of revenge from the man who killed Nick’s wife, and his daughter Lauren’s mother, as she worked in one of the towers.
But when the courthouse shakes and rumbles and falls down around them, all bets are off and it is survival of the fittest. Nick manages to make it out of the rubble only to find the city he knew has crashed to the ground around him. His only thought now it to make it up to Columbia University in the hope of finding his daughter who was doing a campus visit. The quake has not spared the university.
Meanwhile FBI Agent Hector Mendoza is trying to get to his nurse wife at the hospital she is working at, up in the direction of Columbia. It is a struggle for the pair to reach their destinations and roadblocks to their success abound.
The terrorist has survived, naturally, and thinks this is the will of Allah, to both knock down the city he loathes and to allow him this freedom to extract his own revenge against the man who dared to prosecute him.
Meanwhile, a short distance upriver, the Indian Point nuclear power facility has been compromised. The spent fuel rods are in danger of igniting, sending massive plumes of radioactive contaminants into the air for a hundred mile radius, and threatening the city with yet another peril.
Mr. Douglas weaves these threads into a taut tapestry of thrills that will have the reader anxiously devouring just one more page, well maybe another, on their way to an all night reading session.
This was a Goodreads winner.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Dykstra is giving his opening statement against a conspirator who is on trial for his part in the September 11 attacks. Nick is not only doing his job but also trying to extract a measure of revenge from the man who killed Nick’s wife, and his daughter Lauren’s mother, as she worked in one of the towers.
But when the courthouse shakes and rumbles and falls down around them, all bets are off and it is survival of the fittest. Nick manages to make it out of the rubble only to find the city he knew has crashed to the ground around him. His only thought now it to make it up to Columbia University in the hope of finding his daughter who was doing a campus visit. The quake has not spared the university.
Meanwhile FBI Agent Hector Mendoza is trying to get to his nurse wife at the hospital she is working at, up in the direction of Columbia. It is a struggle for the pair to reach their destinations and roadblocks to their success abound.
The terrorist has survived, naturally, and thinks this is the will of Allah, to both knock down the city he loathes and to allow him this freedom to extract his own revenge against the man who dared to prosecute him.
Meanwhile, a short distance upriver, the Indian Point nuclear power facility has been compromised. The spent fuel rods are in danger of igniting, sending massive plumes of radioactive contaminants into the air for a hundred mile radius, and threatening the city with yet another peril.
Mr. Douglas weaves these threads into a taut tapestry of thrills that will have the reader anxiously devouring just one more page, well maybe another, on their way to an all night reading session.
This was a Goodreads winner.
September 5, 2014
This is a solid 3.5 star book, I ended up rounding off to three. It's a good book I just don't see myself rereading it. I received a copy of the book through goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
"The Quake" takes place over a twenty four hour time period in Manhattan and north at nearby Indian Point power plant. The trial of terrorist Feroz Saeed Alivi in U.S. Federal Court was beginning. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Dykstra was in front of the jury when the tremors began. The earthquake (although no one in the courtroom knew it was a quake) was 9.0. Escaping from the courtroom and then the building was near impossible. There was never a doubt in Nick's mind he would get out, he had to find his daughter, Lauren. She was on a tour of Columbia University, considering the college for the coming fall. After his wife perished in the Twin Towers on 9/11, his daughter and his work became Nick's world. She needed him just as much. He would find her. Meanwhile, Special Agent Francisco (Frank) Mendoza is at the courthouse to appear as a witness and finds himself trapped in the rubble instead. Nick found him, well his waving arm, and managed to extract him. Mendoza decided to head north with Nick. His wife was a nurse on duty at St. Luke's-Roosevelt. St Luke's-Roosevelt was on the way to Columbia. So the men walked into total devastation, unclear how they'd do it, intent on getting to the ones they loved.
I liked this book. The events and the destruction are uncomfortably believable though somewhat improbable for New York City. Gruesome depictions are minimal. The dust palpable, the rubble inconceivable, the not knowing terrifying, the absolute loss of normalcy paralyzing - the book itself may not be this strong but it has the ability to connect with those feelings buried inside everyone. I did find certain things unnecessarily repetitive and began to interrupt the story flow or just break the pace for me. But that's just me. Read it for yourself - you may never notice.
"The Quake" takes place over a twenty four hour time period in Manhattan and north at nearby Indian Point power plant. The trial of terrorist Feroz Saeed Alivi in U.S. Federal Court was beginning. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Dykstra was in front of the jury when the tremors began. The earthquake (although no one in the courtroom knew it was a quake) was 9.0. Escaping from the courtroom and then the building was near impossible. There was never a doubt in Nick's mind he would get out, he had to find his daughter, Lauren. She was on a tour of Columbia University, considering the college for the coming fall. After his wife perished in the Twin Towers on 9/11, his daughter and his work became Nick's world. She needed him just as much. He would find her. Meanwhile, Special Agent Francisco (Frank) Mendoza is at the courthouse to appear as a witness and finds himself trapped in the rubble instead. Nick found him, well his waving arm, and managed to extract him. Mendoza decided to head north with Nick. His wife was a nurse on duty at St. Luke's-Roosevelt. St Luke's-Roosevelt was on the way to Columbia. So the men walked into total devastation, unclear how they'd do it, intent on getting to the ones they loved.
I liked this book. The events and the destruction are uncomfortably believable though somewhat improbable for New York City. Gruesome depictions are minimal. The dust palpable, the rubble inconceivable, the not knowing terrifying, the absolute loss of normalcy paralyzing - the book itself may not be this strong but it has the ability to connect with those feelings buried inside everyone. I did find certain things unnecessarily repetitive and began to interrupt the story flow or just break the pace for me. But that's just me. Read it for yourself - you may never notice.
November 20, 2014
Not too much to say. I was not crazy about this book. The writing was pretty dull. A huge earth quake destroys NYC and the story only deals with a few people. This could have been HUGE, could have involved tons more characters and development. At the end one of the main characters was worrying about getting a cell phone back to a person (or their family in case this character died) who he borrowed it from. Really? Millions of people dead, the entire city destroyed and all that damage and you think anyone is going to care about a cell-phone?
January 15, 2015
This is the most suspenseful book I have ever read-a true nail biter. There are several things going on in the book. First, a 9.0 earthquake in New York with many aftershocks, then a nuclear plant with damage, and terrorists. This book is now one of my favorite books & I highly recommend it to those that don't mind sitting on the edge through the entire book.
December 24, 2014
*Goodreads First Reads advanced copy*
I would rate Quake by Jack Douglas 3 and 1/2 stars.
The story was a quick read and kept up the excitement most of the way through. However, there were a few things about the story that grated my nerves.
First, I found it annoying when the author continuously referred to the main character as Assistant United States Attorney Nick Dykstra or AUSA Nick Dykstra. To me it was overkill. I got to the point where I said to myself "I understand what his job is. Stop beating me over the head with it."
Secondly there were several scenes in the book that felt like generic plot devices used in action/thrillers; especially in those that become movies. First was the scene where the assumed dead person grabs the main character, thereby scaring them half to death.
The second was when a pack of dogs attacked two secondary characters in Central Park. I could not envision dogs (one assumes at least some where pets since they had collars on) turning that feral within 12 hours of the earthquake. To me it felt too soon.
The third time was when a random person attacked the main character, forcing him to shoot him multiple times. The last two seemed more like devices used simply to make the characters waste ammunition rather than to extend the story.
Overall I still enjoyed Quake and would recommend it to those looking for a quick summer read with very few surprises.
I would rate Quake by Jack Douglas 3 and 1/2 stars.
The story was a quick read and kept up the excitement most of the way through. However, there were a few things about the story that grated my nerves.
First, I found it annoying when the author continuously referred to the main character as Assistant United States Attorney Nick Dykstra or AUSA Nick Dykstra. To me it was overkill. I got to the point where I said to myself "I understand what his job is. Stop beating me over the head with it."
Secondly there were several scenes in the book that felt like generic plot devices used in action/thrillers; especially in those that become movies. First was the scene where the assumed dead person grabs the main character, thereby scaring them half to death.
The second was when a pack of dogs attacked two secondary characters in Central Park. I could not envision dogs (one assumes at least some where pets since they had collars on) turning that feral within 12 hours of the earthquake. To me it felt too soon.
The third time was when a random person attacked the main character, forcing him to shoot him multiple times. The last two seemed more like devices used simply to make the characters waste ammunition rather than to extend the story.
Overall I still enjoyed Quake and would recommend it to those looking for a quick summer read with very few surprises.
September 6, 2014
Following a massive earthquake in Manhattan, this story covers what happens in the following day, as one man races to find his daughter, another his wife, while a terrorist is set free to get revenge, and another group of men work to save the city from a possible nuclear meltdown. While I felt that some parts dragged, other times the action was too quick and things were resolved so quickly, it felt as though there should have been more. All in all, though, it was an interesting read, and a good disaster novel.
July 26, 2014
The first ebook installment is out. Nonstop action and a great beginning.
OK, now I finished reading it. At one point I regretted not waiting to read the whole book in one go because I was left hanging badly a few times.
My only complaint with this excellent thriller is that, once again, a writer wrecked havoc on New York city. Please, guys, can you pick some other town once in a while?
OK, now I finished reading it. At one point I regretted not waiting to read the whole book in one go because I was left hanging badly a few times.
My only complaint with this excellent thriller is that, once again, a writer wrecked havoc on New York city. Please, guys, can you pick some other town once in a while?
September 23, 2014
Audiobook Review: Quake by Jack Douglas ABR's full Quake audiobook review can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
March 4, 2020
If this were a sy-fy channel movie I'd watch it because it would be good! I bet they could get some real good actors for it too!
May 31, 2020
Was a good book. Many twists and turns. Lots of suspense. Would definitely recommend this book.
May 9, 2017
I don't know what I was expecting for a dollar my mom bought this for me at the Dollar Tree I thought it would be interesting since it was a disaster novel and I love disaster novels but this one was just terrible I would have loved the story with more survivors instead of only a couple and the endless flashbacks to their past just to fill time the unrealistic evets of some things like the terrorists surviving and somehow finding the daughter which made no complete sense at all I just wish it could have been better but I guess for a dollar I got my money's worth
May 13, 2025
I enjoyed this book for the most part, the only thing that kind of turns me off about this type of writing is when the author drones on about location. As in they went down some avenue past this street and that street heading for the main square. I don't care. I've never been there and most likely never will. Just let me know they went to main square and what happened when they got there. However thankfully there was not a lot of that. Other than that, come on Nick it was there all along and I can't be the only one that saw it.
July 16, 2019
A natural disaster, a nuclear meltdown and a terrorist running around NYC? Sounds like an 80’s action movie...but like a bad one, where the storyline does stupid stuff, like leaving a grenade next to someone’s head, or not telling the guys coming to save your butt that there are terrorists trying to cause a meltdown. Too much introspection that added nothing to the story and bland characters that left the reader not caring what happened to them.
November 13, 2020
This book had the potential to be really good. It had three concurrent story lines. The terrorist storyline seemed contrived and was frankly boring. I think more development should've gone to the other two storylines. I have read MANY disaster and post apocalyptic books. This one wasn't so bad I stopped reading it, but it wasn't one I would read again. I do find myself skipping part of the storyline about the terrorist.
June 9, 2024
If you enjoy stories of picking up the pieces after disasters, this book is for you! At times a little gruesome and long-winded, the story follows three main characters through the aftermath of a 9.0 earthquake. U.S. Attorney trying to find his daughter, nuclear power plant worker with no knowledge of the inner workings of the building trying to ward off an explosion, FBI agent searching for his wife and helping others along the way with action, adventure and intense moments.
February 26, 2024
Quick and engaging character development. Appropriately conveyed emotional connections made to the NYC landscape in the years after the events of September 2001.
A bit of improbable physical actions taking place, however, readily added to the story. Seeing what happens next will be intriguing.
A bit of improbable physical actions taking place, however, readily added to the story. Seeing what happens next will be intriguing.
January 7, 2019
Such a good premise and such a rushed lame ending. Just like a typical action movie.
January 18, 2021
Don't waste your time with this one.
December 8, 2021
I love disaster movies, so I was looking forward to reading one. Unfortunately, while the concept was a good one, the execution fell short in my opinion.
October 17, 2014
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads contest.
This would be a strong 3 1/2 star book.
It was "holiday reading" in style. The type of book one reads when traveling. Nothing majorly thought provoking yet the story moves well to pass the time.
It is a bit like a big, blockbuster, popcorn, movie. It has a lot of action, incredibly huge action sequences that are decently written, suspense, lots of characters fighting against huge odds, and the story flows well from action to action. It is the type of story you do not think too much about when it comes to realism or else you will not be happy with the book/plot. You just pick it up for fun, enjoy the crazy story within the covers, and then move on to the next book.
I had fun reading the book but could see why many people would not like it. You have to be a fan of huge explosion filled movies to really enjoy this type of book. Just be wanting to pass the time reading something fun and not worry about if things would really work out the way they do in the book. I had fun reading it and am sure other people will as well.
This would be a strong 3 1/2 star book.
It was "holiday reading" in style. The type of book one reads when traveling. Nothing majorly thought provoking yet the story moves well to pass the time.
It is a bit like a big, blockbuster, popcorn, movie. It has a lot of action, incredibly huge action sequences that are decently written, suspense, lots of characters fighting against huge odds, and the story flows well from action to action. It is the type of story you do not think too much about when it comes to realism or else you will not be happy with the book/plot. You just pick it up for fun, enjoy the crazy story within the covers, and then move on to the next book.
I had fun reading the book but could see why many people would not like it. You have to be a fan of huge explosion filled movies to really enjoy this type of book. Just be wanting to pass the time reading something fun and not worry about if things would really work out the way they do in the book. I had fun reading it and am sure other people will as well.
September 20, 2014
Audiobook Review
In NYC, one of the key orchestrators of the 9/11 attacks is on trial in an American court. Attorney Nick Dykstra is the lead prosecutor, something that he's compelled to do to avenge the death of his wife in the WTC attacks. While Nick is giving his opening statement, a massive earthquake destroys much of Manhattan. Finding abject devastation, Nick is driven to get to Columbia University to find his daughter Lauren. However, the Al Qaeda terrorist has also lived, and he's got a bead on Nick -- and Lauren. A parallel story develops at the Indian Point Nuclear Facility, which is desperately trying to avoid meltdown from quake damage.
With the makings of a great disaster film, Douglas actually tells a fairly interesting and compelling story. The writing is excellent; the issue is that the subject matter -- an earthquake, a terrorist on the loose, and the meltdown of a nuclear plant -- have all been portrayed again and again. I give kudos to the author for surpassing the cliche storyline with solid, inventive writing.
In NYC, one of the key orchestrators of the 9/11 attacks is on trial in an American court. Attorney Nick Dykstra is the lead prosecutor, something that he's compelled to do to avenge the death of his wife in the WTC attacks. While Nick is giving his opening statement, a massive earthquake destroys much of Manhattan. Finding abject devastation, Nick is driven to get to Columbia University to find his daughter Lauren. However, the Al Qaeda terrorist has also lived, and he's got a bead on Nick -- and Lauren. A parallel story develops at the Indian Point Nuclear Facility, which is desperately trying to avoid meltdown from quake damage.
With the makings of a great disaster film, Douglas actually tells a fairly interesting and compelling story. The writing is excellent; the issue is that the subject matter -- an earthquake, a terrorist on the loose, and the meltdown of a nuclear plant -- have all been portrayed again and again. I give kudos to the author for surpassing the cliche storyline with solid, inventive writing.
December 20, 2014
Everything that happens in the 'Big Apple' happens big. Just as the federal government is opening the trial of a 9/11 terrorist, a massive earthquake strikes. Death and destruction strikes hard across the city.
Lead prosecutor Nick Dykstra escapes the collapsed courthouse to trek across the city to find his daughter. Since the death of his wife in the collapse of the towers on 9/11, his daughter is his world.
FBI Agent Frank Mendoza is pulled to safety by Nick Dykstra, a man he owns a long overdue explanation to. Finding the world around them utterly destroyed, Frank prays his wife is safe in the hospital she works in.
Jasper Howard faces the possibility of a nuclear meltdown at the Indian Point Nuclear Center. What the earthquake has not destroyed, terrorists out to finalize the destruction of New York attempt to blow up.
A really thrilling story.
Lead prosecutor Nick Dykstra escapes the collapsed courthouse to trek across the city to find his daughter. Since the death of his wife in the collapse of the towers on 9/11, his daughter is his world.
FBI Agent Frank Mendoza is pulled to safety by Nick Dykstra, a man he owns a long overdue explanation to. Finding the world around them utterly destroyed, Frank prays his wife is safe in the hospital she works in.
Jasper Howard faces the possibility of a nuclear meltdown at the Indian Point Nuclear Center. What the earthquake has not destroyed, terrorists out to finalize the destruction of New York attempt to blow up.
A really thrilling story.
August 9, 2016
The action of the subplots was great and the characters were good,but the descriptions of some of the aftermath- like the very detailed aspects of how the nuclear plant worked ,dragged a little. There were twists and turns that kept me turning the pages,until it dragged on again! I didn't care for the topic where the dogs turned ferocious,it didn't seem real. In most disaster aftermaths, dogs are found roaming and friendly and looking for their owners. I've read of some very courageous dogs staying with their owners through a disaster, and helping them out. All in all this was a good book, and I enjoyed reading it.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First reads, I won it through the Giveaway.
August 2, 2015
interesting for a while
But it just went on for too long. Some things were so improbable it was more like a fantasy, such as Mendoza showing up just in the nick of time -- getting from Manhattan to Indian Point with no problem. And why did it take so long to walk up to 116th St. even amidst all the rubble especially going via subway tunnels that miraculously had not collapsed? It would've been good to have a wrap up of what exactly happened, how broad an area was affected, what happened afterward, especially to the main characters. The story reminds me of that Gary Larson cartoon of the crisis clinic being swept away by a flood while it is also on fire.
But it just went on for too long. Some things were so improbable it was more like a fantasy, such as Mendoza showing up just in the nick of time -- getting from Manhattan to Indian Point with no problem. And why did it take so long to walk up to 116th St. even amidst all the rubble especially going via subway tunnels that miraculously had not collapsed? It would've been good to have a wrap up of what exactly happened, how broad an area was affected, what happened afterward, especially to the main characters. The story reminds me of that Gary Larson cartoon of the crisis clinic being swept away by a flood while it is also on fire.
August 25, 2014
"Goodreads first-reads" give-away winner"
This was just an "ok" read for me. It wasn't as exciting or thrilling as I had hoped for or expected, but I did enjoy the character development (I really felt for Nick, the main character, and his relationship with his daughter Laura). It felt a bit dis-jointed, jumping back and forth between several sub-plots. And although I know it's fiction, it was also a bit hard to suspend my belief in a few spots. Overall, just an average read. I would give the author another chance though.
This was just an "ok" read for me. It wasn't as exciting or thrilling as I had hoped for or expected, but I did enjoy the character development (I really felt for Nick, the main character, and his relationship with his daughter Laura). It felt a bit dis-jointed, jumping back and forth between several sub-plots. And although I know it's fiction, it was also a bit hard to suspend my belief in a few spots. Overall, just an average read. I would give the author another chance though.
November 25, 2014
Good, entertaining, quick read.
Found that much of the story was "predictable", but that is okay sometimes.
It got me through some time I wanted to be reading, but didn't have the energy to spend a big focus on thinking about what I was reading. Know what I mean?
Lots of books are that way. Entertainment. Not "great literature". Not "educational". Not teaching a lesson or anything deep. Just entertaining.
Although maybe I read too much that is just entertaining.
I better think about that.
Found that much of the story was "predictable", but that is okay sometimes.
It got me through some time I wanted to be reading, but didn't have the energy to spend a big focus on thinking about what I was reading. Know what I mean?
Lots of books are that way. Entertainment. Not "great literature". Not "educational". Not teaching a lesson or anything deep. Just entertaining.
Although maybe I read too much that is just entertaining.
I better think about that.
August 11, 2016
I gave up after about 10 chapters.
Answer me this? The drama and suspense of surviving a natural disaster along with finding the rest of your loved ones are pretty good for holding interest in this type story. So, why do they always insist on putting in a psychotoc killer, serial killer,terrorist with a grudge or an escaped sadistic criminal from a jail? Really. That is so irritating because it is so predictable.
I just found to much happening and to many side stories to keep my interest.
Disappointed because I was so looking forward to a good disaster read.
Answer me this? The drama and suspense of surviving a natural disaster along with finding the rest of your loved ones are pretty good for holding interest in this type story. So, why do they always insist on putting in a psychotoc killer, serial killer,terrorist with a grudge or an escaped sadistic criminal from a jail? Really. That is so irritating because it is so predictable.
I just found to much happening and to many side stories to keep my interest.
Disappointed because I was so looking forward to a good disaster read.
August 30, 2014
Action,action,action
Very enjoyable. Gets off to a slow and somewhat uneven start,but improves as the story progresses. Huge earthquake and aftershocks destroy NYC, leaving the population decimated. Terrorists, a damaged nuclear power plant, and a personal vendetta will keep you reading. The characters are not really a as well developed as they could have been, but the focus is the action and there is a lot of that.
Very enjoyable. Gets off to a slow and somewhat uneven start,but improves as the story progresses. Huge earthquake and aftershocks destroy NYC, leaving the population decimated. Terrorists, a damaged nuclear power plant, and a personal vendetta will keep you reading. The characters are not really a as well developed as they could have been, but the focus is the action and there is a lot of that.
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