Overall rating and opinion of "Zona: The Forbidden Land" by Fred G. Baker

Bobo_K · Post by **Bobo_K** » 16 Jul 2020, 08:37

diana lowery wrote: ↑01 Jul 2020, 09:13 I rated this as 3 out of 4. Even though I don't normally like science fiction, the beginning of the book did not have that feel, and I became hooked on the plot. I felt like it became more unbelievable as time went on, however, and I liked it less and less toward the end.

I felt the same on the bit of becoming unbelievable despite the quick hook up to the plot due to the mix of adventure and romance.

Bobo_K · Post by **Bobo_K** » 16 Jul 2020, 08:44

The_Vivian wrote: ↑01 Jul 2020, 16:12 Well the first three chapters were more engaging than the others combined, nonetheless, it was overall an interesting read.

I would say, the first chapters were faster and engaging than the final ones that tended to be sluggish and causing detachment

NellyDee29 · Post by **NellyDee29** » 16 Jul 2020, 09:58

The plot was good, and I loved the way the characters were placed. I would give it a rating of 3 out of 4 because it was a bit slow in the middle.

Bobo_K · Post by **Bobo_K** » 16 Jul 2020, 10:06

Nelson Reviews wrote: ↑01 Jul 2020, 10:33 Zona, The Forbidden Land, is quiet an Adventurous-Masterpiece.

Uncle Randell is missing and presumed dead. Dr Grant Taylor fists his eyes on what he believed to be Uncle Randell's journal; In it, is the possible location to find Uncle Randell. So, Taylor takes off for the search of Uncle Randell, which eventually turned into an awesome adventure. Taylor met Irina; they go off to find land high up in the mountains were large animals live. The read becomes more interesting as Irina and Taylor meets others.

Despite the read being overwhelming, I was put off by the book's sluggish build-up! In other words; the tale is a little wordy. Otherwise, it is an amazing novel. What is your take on this book's duration? Mostly, in the first 3 Chapters.

Wordy is the word. I was actually wondering, had the book been less wordy, it would have been shorter. Just saying. For me, the first three three chapters were quite catchy and got me quickly hooked because the scene was well set and I could not stop imagining how awesome it would be until the sluggishness set in.

Sonja Jacobs · Post by **Sonja Jacobs** » 16 Jul 2020, 10:07

Although I am not really into science fiction, I did enjoy the mystery and suspense combined with adventure. In many areas, the book moved at a slow pace, which made me lose interest. To me, there were also a few areas that were disconnected from the rest of the storyline. Despite my dislikes, I would recommend the book for an adult audience who enjoys science fiction.

mariana90 · Post by **mariana90** » 16 Jul 2020, 11:19

addisonstrickland wrote: ↑14 Jul 2020, 12:42 Classified documents, redacted files, mysterious keys and disappearances, unconfirmed rumors, secret nooks, identifiable Russian landmarks, and scrumptious local cuisine. I loved this initial 25% of the book!

Wolf tracks and body bags, bubbling sulfur swamps, deep volcanic rumblings, geothermal mists, and compasses confused. Mysterious lights, thermal detectors, journal entries, amplified emotions, and airborne pheromones amidst medicinal plant extracts. This next portion of the book traveled to a totally different locale but was still intriguing!

Then came malevolent dire wolves (like some Grimms’ dark fairytale hellhounds) and mammoths and saber-toothed lions. A little more fantasy/sci-fi but entertainingly exotic for sure!

Suddenly the story becomes less about botany, field research, and perimeter checks, and more about libidos, tempers, shared sex partners, and trysts. To me, this portion of the book did nothing to further develop the plot or propel the storyline. Then all the characters seem shocked when mutiny soon follows.

Their insatiably foolish desire to explore a land of unusual lifeforms (and the resultant human death toll) proves why we probably shouldn’t challenge apex predators in a territory they’ve already dominated. Soldiers and scientists then setting live animals on fire and muddling the ferocity of friends vs. foes became a bit too far-fetched to continue to enjoy.

I really enjoyed the writing style, but the story itself seemed to start high and then slide steadily downhill. At least for me. The promiscuity and excessive violence somehow zapped most of the magic away.

From your review, it seems as if the book changed its genre with every passing act, an insufferable flaw.

A book can belong to many genres (in fact, the very good ones usually do), but to change genres midway through the story reveals a reprehensible lack of rewriting.

Unique Ego · Post by **Unique Ego** » 17 Jul 2020, 00:05

I'd usually not read a slow build up book but the interesting storyline makes it worth the time. It's a 4 out of 4 from me.

Chipochashe · Post by **Chipochashe** » 17 Jul 2020, 00:39

Leen282 wrote: ↑01 Jul 2020, 07:50 I gave this book three stars, I found it an entertaining read but at times a bit slow and unbelievable. I would recommend it to others, who are into the sci-fi and fantasy genre. I read that the author is working on a sequel, I would want to read that one as well. It will be nice to learn more about actual life in Zona.

It sounds like the author stretched it. I prefer believable fiction.

Chipochashe · Post by **Chipochashe** » 17 Jul 2020, 00:42

Sonja Jacobs wrote: ↑16 Jul 2020, 10:07 Although I am not really into science fiction, I did enjoy the mystery and suspense combined with adventure. In many areas, the book moved at a slow pace, which made me lose interest. To me, there were also a few areas that were disconnected from the rest of the storyline. Despite my dislikes, I would recommend the book for an adult audience who enjoys science fiction.

Slow and an inconsistent storyline make the book less appealing.

Fatima222 · Post by **Fatima222** » 17 Jul 2020, 05:16

Hello everyone. I am new here and feeling connected after joining this community. Well Zona is a book based on fantasy and sci combo. I like it. Even the content doesn't seem real at many turns, yet it is a good book to read during your quality time.
Hope everyone is fine here. Nice to meet you all.

Samantha Gayle · Post by **Samantha Gayle** » 17 Jul 2020, 20:03

I would give this book a 3 star rating. I think the author did a great job developing the characters and really humanizing them. The beginning felt a little slow for me, as I was excited to get to the sci-fi aspect of the novel. I felt the explanation and description of Zona was just enough for my imagination to have its fun. I thought Grant was a strong, flawed protagonist and I enjoyed his character very much. I think my only complaint with the novel was pacing. I would and have recommended this book to friends. Thank you.

Samantha Gayle · Post by **Samantha Gayle** » 17 Jul 2020, 20:06

Sonja Jacobs wrote: ↑16 Jul 2020, 10:07 Although I am not really into science fiction, I did enjoy the mystery and suspense combined with adventure. In many areas, the book moved at a slow pace, which made me lose interest. To me, there were also a few areas that were disconnected from the rest of the storyline. Despite my dislikes, I would recommend the book for an adult audience who enjoys science fiction.

I absolutely agree with your assessment of the novel. The pace is what got me too! I did enjoy the sci-fi element and wish there wasn’t such a disconnect between the beginning pace of the to reaching Zona.

Juliet+1 · Post by **Juliet+1** » 17 Jul 2020, 23:32

I would rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The premise is clever, and the story starts out well. I don't mind a bit of scene setting at the beginning, so the slow opening didn't bother me. There's some good action too. But the characters never really came to life. They seemed to be the way they were and do the things they did simply to keep the author's plot moving along. None of them were particularly sympathetic or engaging. Overall, Zona was a decent read, but not wonderful.

Porcupineapple15 · Post by **Porcupineapple15** » 18 Jul 2020, 08:33

That’s a very good point! I have not read this book in its entirety yet, but most people seem to be saying that the first few chapters were the most interesting ones. I wonder if the trend is reversed with this novel. Either way, I’d love to give it a try.

Topsey wrote: ↑01 Jul 2020, 16:43
Leen282 wrote: ↑01 Jul 2020, 10:41 Actually I didn't mind at all. I wasn't bothered by the pace at the start of the book, it was setting the scene.
I agree with this. A lot of books use the first few chapters to set the scene so a slow build up is not uncommon.

Porcupineapple15 · Post by **Porcupineapple15** » 18 Jul 2020, 08:38

I love the idea of a little suspense mixed in with a sci-fi novel, and it sounds quite entertaining, but many people have similarly indicated that they were less enthralled with the story as they continued to read. I plan on reading this book in the next few weeks so hopefully I don’t share this experience!

Carennkemdiala wrote: ↑02 Jul 2020, 05:11 When I started reading this book at first, I was impressed and thrilled with the way the book was unfolding, although at the end I almost didn’t want to finish it because I couldn’t feel the thrill I felt from the start. However, I think the book was a good read and it ended quite well after all the engaging suspense in it. I would recommend anyone who loves suspense to read it.