Lucifer's Hammer by Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle
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Book Reviews of Lucifer's Hammer
Book Review: Wonderful, the best of its kind
Summary: 5 Stars
There are many end of the world books, often using a well-aimed comet or asteroid to do the job (even authors such as Dennis Wheatley have written books of this genre). This is by far the best of the offerings that I have encountered. It has authentic detail and a very realistic scenario for the use of the technology then available (alte '70s or very early '80s). The characters are believable, the plot plausible and the novel really stands the test of time. What I like is the development and the realism... this is what an impact would really be like. Perhaps it should be required reading for some world leaders before it's too late.
The most curious aspect of all is the way that reality caught up with the book. The discovery of Comet Hamner-Brown bears some astonishing similarities with the discovery (and discoverers) of Comet Hale-Bopp - a fact which amuses Alan Hale and Tom Bopp!
Book Review: Better than either movie
Summary: 5 Stars
The big Hollywood movies based on objects hitting the Earth are not nearly as well thought out as this book. LH gives good treatment to the thought processes of people both before and after the impact, and gives a realistic depiction of what people would probably do in the days following this disaster. LH does hard science and soft science equally well and ties all the storylines together at the end in a tidy fashion. I have been aware of this book for years, but did not buy it because movie treatment of this topic had been so weak. I finally picked the book up after Amazon adjusted my recommendations based on my purchase of "I am Legend," another book better than any movie using it as a base. I give LH the maximum rating because it doesn't pull punches when it comes to the tough choices people would have to make in the scenarios set forth.Book Review: This is better than King (the Stand) & McGammon (Swan)
Summary: 5 Stars
Lucifer's Hammer has been compared to "The Stand" and I compare it somewhat with Robert McGammon's "Swan". I say "somewhat" as Lucifer's Hammer hasn't the Bibical conotations as the "The Stand" and "Swan". The beginning is a little slow, but good things should be taken from the start and slowly build up to the pre-splash down. The "Stronghold" is a possibility. While on vacation a few years ago we detoured through the mountains and flats of California near Portersville-great! My wife and I have read -Hammer at least six times and it gets better every time. The life situations that are presented are real-Armies of refugees, Scout camp, helping and fighting, even the mailman was as real as you are. On par with "Earth Abides" if not surpassing that great story.Book Review: Great Story
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read this book several times and seem to get something more out of it each reading. Though fictional, it gives an accurate and chilling rendition of what could (and someday may) actually happen, in the event our planet is struct by some large comet or asteroid.
For to be accurate, one would need to consider every conceivable type of disaster ... firestorms, floods, tidal waves, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, tornados, etc.
Perhaps an eventual ice age.
And, of course, the loss of the many common household items we take for granted, with the demise of sophisticated manufacturing.
It may be impractical to attempt capturing the story in a movie version. Too much would need to be cut.
However, it has great potential for a TV series.
Book Review: Great Book!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Just finished reading Lucifer's Hammer and was pretty impressed. I have read The Stand & Swan Song a couple of times each and this was a nice departure from the mystical/magical aspect of those two books. There were some slow spots, but never more than a page or two. The comment about constantly having to check the character guide in the front of the book was spot on! But, most books require me to go back and reread a section to figure out the character, but with the guide, I could easily reference the character and figure out who they were just by their description. That really showed to me just how much the authors developed each character! It took me about 3 weeks to finish the book (slow bedtime reader). Now, I just need to find some more post-apocalyptic books of this caliber. Highly recommend!!!