Malice Box

by Martin Langfield

Book Overview

The responsibility of hunting down and destroying this weapon, this Malice Box, lies with Robert. The weapon is primed to explode in seven days and Robert must undergo a spiritual and physical... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0141025069
• ISBN13: 9780141025063
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Penguin UK
• Length: 356 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.

Customer Reviews

An education about Manhattan

I had recently returned from my second visit to New York when I found this book. It was fascinating to trace the story by remembering the landmarks that we had seen during our visits. I had said that I wouldn't need to go back as I had seen as much as I needed to see but now that I have read the book I can't wait to return and find all the places referred to in the book, some of which we did not visit. It would be a great book for anyone to read before a trip to this exciting city. As far as the story goes, no one could deny that it is far fetched but it does make us look at our lives and see how we have all been subjected to trials, although thank God not as terrifying as those of Robert. It perhaps makes it easier for us to accept that the trials were a necessary part of the formation of our character and that by using the experiences wisely, good and bad, they will hopefully make us a better person. I do agree with another reviewer that the first two thirds of the book was easier to follow and that from 'The Body of Light' onwards it is, in parts, confusing. However, it is an interesting, mind opening and thought provoking book. Thank you Martin.

Good

One of those books where it took me a while to get into. One I put almost away. Then it captured me. It's an interesting story and neatly written. To me personally a wee bit too much city Info about New York / Manhattan. A lot of details about streets, corners and such. I don't regret buying and reading it though. It would get a 8/10 from me.

Fun, If Not Perfect

I was surprised by how much I liked this book because it really isn't the kind of thing to which I'm usually drawn. In general, this sort of psychic/spiritual quest story doesn't really appeal to me. In fact, if I'm being honest, the only reason I started reading it is because it is set so closely in Manhattan and, having lived on the island for about six years now, I am interested in reading about it--it's history, legends and mysteries. In any case, that got me going; however, the excellence of the writing is what kept me going. The characters here are quite well-drawn and interesting--Robert, our hero; his wife, Katherine; Adam; Terri; Horace, the Watchman; and Tariq, the maker of the Ma'rifat--the Malice Box--are all memorable. The weaving of Tariq's story into the story of the others is particularly subtle and well done. As for the plot, the first two-thirds of the book play very well. I ripped through these pages quickly and enjoyed them immensely. The moving between different times worked, sustained mainly by the precision with which Langfield takes us through the days in 2004, using events of the time to ground his supernatural story in realism. The last third of book were a bit harder going for me. Things became less grounded and it was more difficult for me to suspend my disbelief. Still, overall, this is an enjoyable book and well worth the read.

Excellent! A thrilling and engaging read

While many people may critique Langfield for jumping on the "DaVinci bandwagon," it is clear from the depth and the sheer amount of research in this book that he had already begun the creative process long before the DaVinci phenomenon. It is a thrilling read and the way Langfield weaves the mystical elements of "the malice box" within the cityscape of New York is incredible--it will make one wish there was a walking tour of New York based off this book. A gripping adventure complete with a rich cast of characters that the London Times was right to compare to "Brideshead Revisted." I can only hope there will be a sequel!

Engaging and thought-provoking

A supernatural thriller that transcends the genre, "The Malice Box" combines compelling drama with well-rounded & likeable characters and thought-provoking discussions. There's also a superb feeling for setting (Manhattan, NYC and Cambridge, England) and the dialogue is often witty. Langfield spins a journey of discovery that operates on several levels: a murder-mystery tale; a series of intellectual puzzles; the protagonist's quest for truth about his friend, his wife and himself; and a growing realization that recent historical events, such as 9/11, have a significance beyond the headlines. All interwoven within a well-paced, forces-of-light-and-darkness narrative. A good read.