Rating: 
Summary: I loved it! Even the ending
Review: These reviews seem to be mostly split between people who liked the book up until the ending and gave it one star, and folks who loved the whole thing and gave it 5. Count me in that category. Sure the book comes to a surprise conclusion but that's the fun of it. I will say that Chapter 100, the "dinner party," was the most amazing eight pages of fiction that I have ever read in my life. I can't get that scene out of my mind!
Rating: 
Summary: Great Ending!!
Review: I am unusual in that I thought the ending was the best part of this book. It was more shocking than any of the earlier, grislier chapters.
Rating: 
Summary: STUPID!
Review: Well, my review is in.."Hannibal" is.... * Hilariously implausible * Fatuous...in a disturbing way! * Plotted in suprisingly awkward form! * Ugly...rather than interesting! * A seeming attempt to extend an existing story line "to the limits." (It overshoots the mark...wildly...like a drunken barnstormer.) * A BIG disappointment! Horror has never been so...well, just plain sophmorically inane. So much for expectations. Book buyers: save your money; don't encourage this degrading, despressing bilge. Library patrons: don't worry if your name is far down the waiting list. This one will make your sunny day at the beach seem like a year cleaning loos in an insane asylum. Yuk!
Rating:
Summary: What a trite effort to cash in on a master monster!
Review: After anxiously awaiting the return of Dr. Lecter, I bought "The Book", planned out a rainey Sunday and prepared to read. One third into this mess, I thought something was wrong with me that I this book was so bad.....I then realized when it took over two weeks to finish this potpouri of garbage, that it wasn't me. This is such a cheap shot at what was a super series about a well-crafted demon, that it defies description. Most reviewers didn't like the ending, and true, it was terrible. It did, however, match the nonsensical story line. I am so disappointed! I'd give it 1/2 thumb up and advise all to skip it!
Rating:
Summary: Worse than disappointing.
Review: If you loved the movie "Highlander", and then were disgusted at how the sequel was so bad in so many ways that it almost dragged down its brilliant precursor with it, you'll know what it's like to read this book. Not worth the time nor the money.
Rating: 
Summary: Had Moments - But Disappointing
Review: While I found this piece had the elements to keep my attention, pulling me in and driving me to turn each page, the ending was a major disappointment. Especially in the case of Starling, the conclusion is entirely out of character. It doesn't show a different side of her character, instead the book displays an unbelievable side. However, we've been set up for one more piece in the series. Should Harris decide to write it, I hope the final conclusion is more satisfying than this one.
Rating:
Summary: Open up your mind....at your own risk.
Review: The book is deep, dark, at times disturbing and left me with the sensation of crawling skin and the need to go for a run and take a shower. And then I loved it! The bottom line is that this book is interesting, thought provoking, beautifully written stuff. It is, however, very different form T.H.'s other works.(god forbid) This is not the third chapter in some cliff-hanger series. It is new journey with some old and familiar faces. I think the true message lies well below the surface and requires the reader to leave his or her usual comfort zone to truly appreciate it. Which, in my oppinion, is a good thing. The book is simply a bit dangerous. If that's not your thing you will probably be disappointed. But if your feeling bold give it a shot...you might enjoy the experience. Just take a gander at what it's stirred up on this review page.
Rating:
Summary: Thank you, Mr. Harris
Review: It is so refreshing to read a novel and have no idea how it is going to end. Your critics seem to be more concerned with screenplays and oscars than they are with the story at hand. Hannibal is a dynamic character and you have shown us yet another side of him that we would have never predicted. That, in my opinion, is what Dr. Lecter is all about. -JC
Rating:
Summary: A satisfactory sequel to Silence of the Lambs
Review: A terrific read which completely held my interest for almost the entire book. I found the end, a bit unconvincing but that in no way detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book and it was not illogical as had been stated by other reviewers, but rather a continuation of where Harris left off in SOTL. I would encourage all who haven't read it yet to give it a try, you will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Best served W/O expectations
Review: I -loved- Hannibal. Couldn't put it down and finished it in two days. If you haven't already, you must read this book. Unless of course you are underage, squeamish or are otherwise delicate of stomach, liver and thyroid (Now, if you are that squeamish, well... Move on to whatever it is you allow yourself to read and best of luck in life). For anyone else, this book is/was/will be astounding. It's a clear example of good and engaging writing. I don't believe a better book has been written in years. Hannibal will immediately grab your attention from the begining. The story is unique, the characterization of Lecter is brilliant and the attention to detail is amazing. And while I'm sure many will disagree (Particularly those fond of Detective Starling or Jodie Foster), I found the progression and ending to be entirely logical and satisfying. Granted, this book was imperfect. There were one or two moments when scenes were surreal and somewhat disrupted the flow of the book. So, the book could possibly have been drafted one last time (Near the end, maybe?). However, I'm sure no major revisions were necessary, and would have instead, been counterproductive. For those who were unsatisfied, I believe they are suffering from their own expectations. Since many of us have been waiting 11 years, we've come to expect perfection from Mr. Harris(And are maybe just a little sour about not getting a happyhappyjoyjoy fairy tale ending? :)). My suggestion is, if you're going to read this book, don't think about the movie, or the wait. Just start Hannibal wanting to read a good book and I promise you'll be satisfied many times over.
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