Katastrophe

Trying to find a good book for me to read is always a challenge. Walking through the bookstore one day, I noticed the large swastika on the cover of Randall's book. Intrigued, I picked it up and bought it. BEST INVESTMENT EVER! I tell ya, I couldn't put this book down. Once I was finished with it I kept going back to read more of it only to find that I had already finished the whole book. I'm hoping for more books like this from Randall Boyll. I know to look for his name in the bookstores from now on. I was on the edge of my seat during most of this book and enjoyed it immensely. I highly recommend it to anybody who is looking for something a little different.

Stephen King gave Randall Boyll a quote of all quotes listed on the cover. I fully agree with King, Randall Boyll is definately one the greatest undiscovered writers of our time. Katastrophe demostrates the insanity the media has over one mans life. To incorporate a reincarnated Hitler, societies reaction to his presence again, and a college professor who struggles for his life back, is an ingenious action packed thriller. I couldn't put this great read down until the last page was finished. I recommend this novel to everyone.

Halfway through this rather lengthy novel, I found myself wondering why I was reading it. At that point, however, I found it impossible just to stop reading it! Good thing I didn't! This is an unusual book in its plotting, pacing, and the complexity of its characters. The whole premise of a "reincarnated Hitler" is far-fetched, indeed, but Boyll handles it with finesse and you as the reader know that there is something deeper than this hypnosis-induced confession. The book is populated with some very likeable and dislikable characters. Hank and Rebecca Thorwald are interesting victims, in that they try to react in ways that would get them out of their predicament. Rebecca is particularly resourceful, determined, and a strong female character. Karl Von Wessenheim, Ronno Ulgard, and his mother are villains of the most unusual sort. There are times when you actually root for Karl and Ronno; but the mother is reminiscent of the Angela Lansbury character in "The Manchurian Candidate"---what a witch! (Substitute a b for the w in this one!). A strong supporting characters is Dutch, a retired cop who helps Rebecca out. And of course we can't forget Alan Weston, the epitome of the t.v. tabloid host. A bitter, caustic, and lonely man, Alan emerges as a very focal character in the book. It's scary to think that Adolf Hitler could still have such an influence on any society, and that Americans would react in such a violent way. However, in reading the papers recently, I can see where something like this could unfold easily. But read this book, and enjoy it's excellence. The semi-climax on the train is breathtaking; the final scene with von Wellenheim is priceless. Look for more expert stuff from Mr. Boyll!Michael Butts

This is an excellent read. I usually read only good stories because I spend a lot of time "prepping" my reading. I read reviews, the dust jacket, talk to ople, etc. This was a rare impulsive buy - it looked good from the jacket, I was traveling, I needed something to read, etc. Well, I must tell you this was a good choice. the characters are three dimensional, the plot is just twisted enough to be interesting, the story itself just unbelievable enough to be considered. It is a fast read, but don't skip over too many paragraphs thining you a getting ahead - you will miss something. Buy it, read it, lend it to your best friend. Do it now.

I will start this review with a confession... . I have not YET finished this book. Ahhhh, I feel better now. Saying that, I must tell you (the reader of this review) that I felt compelled to write a review even though I haven't finished this book. It is that good! The writing is exquisite and the storyline is relentlessly paced. I find myself wanting to call work and telling them I'm sick just to read more and more of this book, but since I work in a bookstore, I just read at work (only on breaks and lunches of course). I plan of finishing this book before this review gets posted, so feel free to email me and I'll tell you if the ending is as good as the rest of the book (which I'm guessing it will be). If you are like me and love to read a good thriller, then do yourself a favor and read this book.