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I've liked Preston and his co-writer since their first book, RELIC. That was a terrific science fiction thriller with a unique theme and voice. Though they do not always work together, I tend to buy their books in hardback. I'm really not sure why because the work post-RELIC has never been particularly good, but, hey, I enjoy it. Preston is a great story-teller and if his writing skills need work, well, no one's perfect. THE CODEX is yet another of his archeological thrillers with a predictable plot. The characters are standards and present few surprises. Motivation is vague, and, in the finale Justice (capital intended) is administered with Boy Scout glee. But I enjoyed the ride. The setting, mostly the Amazon and environs, came to life and was well presented. I found a few unexpected scenes and a couple of unannounced plot twists that kept me guessing on details, though the main thread wandered along to a tidy conclusion. Minor threads and characters cropped up now and then in a manner designed to bulk up the novel, but with little impact on the story. I fault the editing for many things. Clumsy is the most generous word I'd use -- this is a draft manuscript and not a finished work. Rewritten, THE CODEX would stand a chance of measuring up to RELIC. This is not a great book. Doesn't matter. I enjoyed it. Don't buy it in hardback, though renting it from the library might be worthwhile. The mass paper will probably be too expensive for the quality of read you'll get, so wait for the used book store if you're strapped for cash. But it's fun, and if that's what you're looking for, you won't be disappointed.
Reviewed by Sharon Brondos, February 2004
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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