Thomas Page (1) (1942–)

Even though this was a fairly predictable read in terms of how the story played out (though with a few twists that I really enjoyed), Page's talent for description and the fast pace of the book made me glad to have picked it up. I do wish there'd been more depth to characterization, and there's no doubt that this book is a product of the '70s, but on the whole, it was a fun, fast read with some great action a considered portrayal of bigfoot that I really appreciated.

Recommended for classic horror fans, readers who want bigfoot in their stories, and followers of the Paperbacks from Hell series. (Note that the Grady Hendrix intro has some light spoilers, but is worth reading after-the-fact or once you're well into the reading.)… (mehr)

This is a pretty mixed bag, and a person's enjoyment of it will most likely depend on how rabid a sci-fi/killer insect fan they truly are.

This is one of those novels released for the sole purpose of advertising the movie, and indeed, it says so right on the cover. You have to love a book with an unpronouncable mouthful of a title like The Hephaestus Plague, when it features the blurb above the title begging you not to miss the theatrical release of the film version called "BUG".

The intellectual contradiction on the cover pretty much continues through the book as well, as this slim novel contains great sci-fi premises and situations, yet some of the worst characters, dialogue, and pointless transitions you'll ever stumble across in print. This is probably the only instance where I would strongly recommend readers just skip the first chapter entirely to avoid losing hope and abandoning the book right there.

But despite the rocky prose, it is interesting, and the truly painful parts are easy enough to glide over for the good stuff, of which there is plenty. So, if you like sci-fi, killer bugs, or just a quick read to pass the time, and don't mind a bit of the "I could have written this better" blues, then this is the book for you.… (mehr)