This started out very well - interesting concept and likable characters. But, it became predictable and there was very little character development. I would recommend this as a beach book. I thought the writing was fairly good, so there is hope for Mr. Kiernan. Needs to work on having his characters grow. ( )

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I was a little unsure at the start as there was a lot of description of to the science in the book, which can sometimes be off-putting, but it flowed well and wasn't overpowering. All the characters were well developed, if not a little stereotypical at times, but I enjoyed following them and I liked the alternating viewpoints.

I liked Jeremiah's character, particularly how he was so curious and fearless about the world, but I thought the romantic aspect of the story was a bit unnecessary. Another minor point about the book was how Jeremiah was referred to as Frankenstein, which irritated me a little.

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An enthusiastic five stars!! Fascinating, touching, heart-wrenching, deep story on so many levels; not merely a science novel or a business novel but a love story and so much more. ( )

Great science fiction, with a bit of a love story as well. I enjoyed it a lot, and the science was well thought out and realistic. ( )

The book is brilliantly written. Part sci-fi, part historical fiction, part literary fiction, all pieces put together make a delightful and entrancing read. Told from four different perspectives; the journalist covering the story, the scientist who discovered the body in the ice, the egotistical genius at the head of the project and the reanimated man himself, Jeremiah Rice, this novel explores the very human side of science and those involved in its study. At first I thought this would be a Science Thriller a la Michael Crichton, but it morphs into a heartbreaking literary novel that explores ethics and love, not to mention the meaning of life.

The voice of Jeremiah Rice is written with such a fine hand, giving the character the formality and substance that make him so believable as a man that has come from the early 20th century. His insight into modern day life is powerful without being preachy. Although the ending is foreshadowed at the beginning of the novel, the path that takes you to that end is one that is filled with beautiful, thought-provoking style that keeps you turning the pages to the inevitable ending. (Naturally, my favorite character is Jeremiah. His character is consistent throughout the novel. He's the kind of man you'd want to meet. Maybe even keep. And that's all I'll say on that matter.)

Kate Philo works for a crazed egocentric (Erastus Carthage) convinced he has discovered the secret of re-animation. Turns out he has, but keeping those he's re-animated alive is another problem. Erastus Carthage's point of view is simply hilarious. You know him. He's the Donald Trump of science. He makes money with money. He's short on social graces but very powerful. He fires on a whim. 'Nuff said.
Then what? Protesters abound, Carthage's greed drives his decisions, and the politics of science are laid bare. As Kate helps Judge Rice re-enter life a century after his death, she falls a little in love, of course, but this is really about perceptions as well--how he sees us, we see ourselves, and mainly how we view this miracle. As provocative and compelling as Flowers for Algernon, this novel is made for audio, with 4 great narrators inhabiting their roles and raising the questions Kiernan chooses not to answer.

The only thing keeping this novel from being a 5-star-stunner is the ending, or lack there-of. But Still.....!! 'Sigh.....!' ( )