* Copy from Pan Macmillan for review *The Great Zoo of China is bursting with action, and just when you think nothing else could possibly happen, it does. The main character is Dr. CJ Cameron and she visits the zoo with a senior media contingent on behalf of National Geographic magazine.
CJ is a brilliant character and I revelled in her intelligence, common sense and ability to act quickly in deadly situations; definitely a protagonist I could get behind. China is admired for their ability to build vast cities and conceal government secrets, and the great zoo of the title is truly a sight to behold. The writing is extremely visual and my only wish (apart from reading the book) was to be able to watch a movie version.
Of course there isn't one, so I did the next best thing and revisited the movie Jurassic Park just to get a fix of monsters on a grand scale. I'm sure this reference will be a compliment to author Matthew Reilly, given it's one of his favourite books.
The Great Zoo of China is a rollicking ride but it's also a gorgeous hardcover edition with maps and diagrams scattered throughout the pages to keep the reader on track and completely oriented.
I have to say my favourite segments of the novel were CJ's dialogue with Lucky. I won't say any further, but when you read it, you'll know exactly who I'm talking about. I like like Lucky.
My rating = ****
Carpe Librum!
Imprint: Macmillan Australia
Price $39.99
What a fantastic read - like a blockbuster movie. I like like Lucky too.
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff, thanks Jo :-)
ReplyDelete