This was a difficult book to rate, but I decided to go purely on
entertainment factor, which is why I gave a high number of stars.
This book wasn't particularly deep or well-written but I did enjoy
reading it - not, however, for the reasons intended.
I'm a geologist and have worked in diamond exploration (which is
why I nabbed the book from the sale bin), and for the portion of
the book in Africa I had severe difficulties concentrating on the
plot... because the wildly incorrect geology and techniques were
absolutely hilarious! I'm sorry to say that Buick's research was
either woefully cursory or his consultant was lying about passing
his degree. While the ghost of the correct concept was there, the
details belied someone who either totally got the wrong end of the
stick or just plain made stuff up. I am completely willing to go
for "suspension of disbelief" in fiction but when an author inserts
information that ultimately isn't crucial to the plot and is
clearly attempting to show off some basic scientific knowledge...
he should at least get it right! (Dan Brown, I am lookin' at you,
too.)
From what I recall, the plot was predictable but enjoyable, and the
characters were a bit clichéed but didn't grate. This book provided
many a giggle for myself and a handful of my geo friends. I suspect
that if you didn't have the added entertainment of the factual
inaccuracies, this book might be a little lacklustre.
Highlight of the entire book: Sam packing up her portable laser
ablation ICP-MS into her bag and carting it around the Congo. A
state-of-the-art LA ICP-MS is the size of a camper van and would
hardly be liftable by helicopter. Awesome mental images! :D