Customer Reviews: Read 12 more reviews...
 Well written. August 25, 2008
This novelization is about as fun as the movie. There are a few things not in the movie (possibly deleted scenes or the author's own additions) that make this a good, easy read.
 The Crystal Skull-Paranormal Science July 27, 2008
Maui H.S. Coming during a time when I decided to enjoy lighter read books; I couldn't be happier. Indy is drawn into a search for the resting place of the thirteen crystal skulls associated with the ancient Mayans.
Indiana meets up with former associates, but at last with my favorite Indiana Jones character, Marion Ravenhead. I had loved her since the first movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark. After that movie I had hoped Indiana hooked up with her. I loved all Indiana movies, but was always disappointed that a new female figure appeared for love trysts. Yes they were only trysts. I was thrilled that Indiana finally hooked up with my favorite.
The story is never ending action. This story is more never ending action that the other three. I love the Communist bad guys now that the Nazi bad guys are gone. The treks across the jungle are definitely `I cannot put down.'
This book is a typical Indiana Jones action adventure. The twist at the end thrilled me the most. We aren't talking God or other world aliens. We are talking scientific reality. What am I saying? Read the Book! You will love it.
Fun-loving adventurue July 12, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Indiana Jones returns in his latest thriller where Russians, archaeology, and his own past collide....
Colonel Doctor Irina Spalko wants to gain knowledge, all the knowledge out there. In fact, she specializes in psychic research so it is no surprise she wants her hands on a relic thought to offer exactly that: knowledge. Indiana was part of the original team that located the relic, now located in that hidden warehouse in Nevada, but Spalko is determined to do whatever it takes to obtain it. Even if it means threatening Indiana with the very past he thought he'd lost....
Oh, what a joy to read! The movie was great, as one would expect of any Indiana Jones movie, but the book adds a much needed touch of details. Some of the hints and archaeological ties that make this story truly remarkable are found in Rollins' book. Generally, movie-tie in books to me are superficial, not adding a lot of depth but in this case James Rollins actually enhances the movie.
James Rollins is an author I buy in hardcover no matter what. I was a bit worried about how he'd handle Indiana Jones, but I shouldn't have worried. He did a superb job! The action, the tone, heck the very language used came across so clearly as Indiana Jones. This is a must read for Indiana Jones fans and a very enjoyable read. If you want a good, fun-loving adventure, then look no further than INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL.
COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES
GREAT adaptation of the film June 26, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I was unbelievably excited when I heard that the 4th Indy movie was going to happen--this time for sure...but like many, I was a bit worried due to what the Star Wars prequels turned out to be like, that somehow, someway George Lucas would manage to screw this one up, too. I am happy to say that Crystal Skull is in every way a fantastic yarn every bit in the vein of the original trilogy.
I was equally excited when I found out (from James Rollins himself) that he had been tapped to novelize the screenplay. James is if nothing else an accomplished author who you can tell simply LOVES adventure tales and Indiana Jones in particular--reading any number of his books will tell you that. He even has a VERY Indiana Jones-like character in 'Sandstorm' named Omaha Dunn, which sounds a bit like Indy, don't ya think? Call it James' way of a tribute to one of the big screen's greatest action heroes. I seriously doubt when James wrote 'Sandstorm' that this opportunity to write an Indiana Jones novel would EVER come to pass, and yet it did and we are all fortunate as a result.
There are roughly 4-5 additional scenes in the novel that were not in the movie, and a couple major scenes are in the opening chapters of the book. James gives us the background for HOW Indy and his partner end up in the hands of Soviet agents at Area 51. I like the entire tie-in with Area 51 to be honest...it seems to fit in perfectly with the whole Indiana Jones history quite well, and of course Rollin's rides this wave as far as it'll take him and us, and lucky for us we go FAR.
While I missed Henry Jones Senior, Marcus Brody and of course his intrepid sidekick from Raiders and Crusade, Sallah played by John Rhys-Davies, I DID like the addition of Mutt, the character played by Shia LeBeouf, and I won't spoil anything by telling you who he is--read or see the movie to find out for yourself. The action, whether it be outlandish or believable, in the hands of Rollins' capable hands, always played out a little easier to swallow than on the big screen, and I don't know exactly why...but it WORKED.
With that said, I MUST admit that while 98% of the book and movie were absolutely WONDERFUL, the last part--and for those who have read the book and seen the movie, you know what I'm talking about--well it was a bit OUT there, even for me...and to give you an idea, I am quite a sci-fi fan. I felt that ultimately the whole idea of aliens would have been better served if the story had seen less of that rather than more. Keep the mystery going--but I certainly don't fault James Rollins for how Lucas wrote the story and how he HAD to write the novel in concert with the movie. On the contrary, I feel that given what he had to work with, I really enjoyed how it was written.
In a nutshell the best word to describe how I felt about reading this book and seeing the movie was this: FUN. And isn't that all we really want out of an action/adventure tale in the first place? Kudo's to James for yet another great example of his talented ability to write.
fast action packed fast read book June 22, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
James Rollins has done it again, this book is better than the movie. From the first page you cant put it down, then you are sorry when it is finished. Characters are well developed and you feel as if you are along side Indiana Jones all the way. Great surprises all through the book.
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