Portent (Portent - James Herbert)

Member Name: mickm9

Product:	Portent - James Herbert
Date:	04/02/01 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Interesting angle for a horror story

Disadvantages: Not as scary as his normal work

This is a bit of a strange one, it's not the normal scary stuff that we associate with James Herbert but is more of an apocalyptic type book, there is some gory scenes in it which Herbert graphically describes but overall the book is more of a "thinking mans" view of what could happen if the environmentalists warning are not heeded, albiet with a touch of supernatural thrown in.

The story centres around James Rivers quest to discover why unusual "natural" disasters are happening. These disasters seem to be preluded by a bright ball of light.

There is plenty of "natural" disaster type action, from volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, tornados, tidal waves, forest fires and hailstorms as big as tennis balls.

Rivers search ends up with him "finding" a pair of gypsy orphan who have been adopted by 'Diane'. Her father, 'Hugo Poggs' believes that Mother Nature is finally taking her revenge on mankind for not looking
after the worlds atmosphere.

I wont spoil it for you by telling you why the twins are so important to the story but suffice to say Rivers is soon involved in a classic "good v evil" confrontation.

I eventually finished the book (it wasnt exactly one I couldnt let go of) and ended up not 100% sure as to whether I actually enjoyed it or not. I do know though that it isn't what I would call a classic James Herbert but as always there are always those that proclaim it as his best.

The best I could say to you would be if you are a James Herbert fan read it because it does show a different side to his writing, if however it's the first Herbert book you read you will walk away wondering what all the fuss is about this guys "horror" writing.

Summary: