This installment takes our hero to the underground world of Manhattan. ( )

As Thrillers go, I have to say this was above average, as there were fewer of the 'plot errors for the sake of higher action and drama' than your average thriller. That is, until we get to the combat scenes near the end. Maybe passable for someone who has not seen combat, but any veteran could tell you they're ridiculous.

As SF goes, which this story could qualify as, it's a fair story, though somewhat weak on the science and thus on the plot.
One example: the new virus supossedly causes those infected to have a violent reaction to vitamin D. Aside from that these folks also display massive skeletal changes (which aren't possible without vitamin D, which binds calcium), that wouldn't turn vitamin D into a virulent acid that would melt someone into smoking goo when you squirt it on their skin!
Then there's a bunch of amateurs (with explosives that is) successfully placing demo charges in NY tunnels sufficient to block tens of millions of gallons of floodwaters from outflows to the Hudson. Ever seen massive amounts of water in motion? I live near a power generation dam, and have seen many outflows float and move stones and chunks of broken concrete the size of a large man. Unless you collapse a huge section of tunnels, INCLUDING all the stuff above them (such as the city buildings) you're not going to succeed in blocking a big surge like they have planned. ( )

Not nearly as good as Relic but not bad enough to turn me off of Preston & Child. ( )

http://pro-libertate.net/node/8 ( )

Overall, a reasonable read that is a bit overlong. I was entertained, for the most part. I did not love the first novel, so I was never going to love its sequel. However, now I can read onward in the series, which I intend to do at some point.

Most readers will be satisfied by this novel because while there is nothing to cheer for or be exhilarated about, it has no ruinous flaws that tank the novel. At the end, the reader will have had a decent read, but will likely be worn out from caring about the characters and tired of the endless plot. ( )