Petition to Eliminate Martin Caiden Indy Books!

[Johan]

Ok first of all...they need to eliminate the Caiden books from the series...its a flight manual! Seriously! These books are so badly written, bad story line and he is Obsessed with Flight Manuals. These books Are NOT worthy to have the name of INDY on them.
Of course I have to keep them to have my complete sereis, but I've read the dozen Indy novels and the 2 by Caiden Must Go! So I am writting a Non-Official Petition Just to say you agree.

-IndyJohan

[QueZTone]

I disagree. Have some respect for the deceased. Also I actually enjoyed his novels.

[Ayrun]

Don't get me wrong.. I hated the books as well, and I agree with you on that.. Well.. up to the part where you said the guy couldn't write..
I believe he can.. but Indy books ain't his thing, in my opinion.
But I wouldn't go that far to eliminate them, though..
I mean.. these books are unfortunately part of the Indy books, but hey… nothing you can do about it. The damage has already been done. ;)

[Indyologist]

I wouldn't want to have them removed, but I do admit that IMHO they are BLOODY AWFUL! I only read them because they include Indy's character, but that's about as far as they go on quality.

They do indeed seem to me to be more of a manual for flight enthusiasts and, as such, made for extremely boring reading for myself. They would be good for someone who's obsessed with aircraft, however. But myself? No thanks.

[Johan]

Comon guy's, its like he wrote a book and edited Indy's name into it. Heck I looked up the background on this guy and guess what??? He really does write flight manuals!

[Indy_Jones88]

Originally posted by Renderking Fisk
VOGEL:
What is in this book? That miserable little Diary of yours! Here's the map. The book is useless, and yet you come all the way back to Berlin to get it. Why? What are you hiding? What does the Diary tell you that it doesn't tell us?!

HENRY:
It tells me that goose-stepping morons like yourself should try reading books instead of burning them.

Just because you don't like a book, doesn't mean they should be erased.

Exactly. I for one, really like planes (Especially from WWII). For someone who likes planes and know what they are talking about when it comes to planes, these two books are a blast to read. I for one enjoyed them.

[Webley]

Sky Pirates was a kickin book yo it read like a Doc. Savage book it had that hole A- team thing going on.

[Johan]

well maybe he should have made an A-Team book. But I'm glad I got out of this post that I wanted to....other peoples feedback!
Anyway, Caiden (may he rest in peace) will obviously not be writing any more, but I continue to skip over those 2 novels when I go through the series.

[Indy_Jones88]

What happened to him? Does any1 know?

[chipuk]

I have read Caiden's books, cant say I like them in particular
not bad not good. But as Ren said you dont have to read them.
The only point is you have to read them so you can find out for yourself if they are bad or good

[Indyologist]

Originally posted by Webley
Sky Pirates was a kickin book yo it read like a Doc. Savage book it had that hole A- team thing going on.

I pitty da foo' who compares Mista Jones to Mista T! Mista Jones is Mista Jones an' Mista T is Mista T, you foo'!! ;)

[Indy_Jones88]

Originally posted by Indyologist
I pitty da foo' who compares Mista Jones to Mista T! Mista Jones is Mista Jones an' Mista T is Mista T, you foo'!! ;)

LOL! Sounds just like Mista T.

[Indyologist]

Originally posted by IndyJohan
Anyway, Caiden (may he rest in peace)

I had no idea he died! Even though I didn't like his Indy novels, I will say that I respect him greatly as a fellow writer for getting published. That, in itself, is a harrowing adventure!

[Shipwreck]

A prolific writer of over 150 scientific and fictional books, Martin Caidin was known as the "Hemingway of the Air," with a passion for living life to the fullest. As an orphan, he dreamed of escaping his life of abuse and drudgery by flying one of those beautiful birds in the sky. When he was 16, he stole an airplane for his first flight and was able to take off and land without putting a scratch on it. The relieved owner was so impressed that he offered to give Caidin flying lessons.

In 1955, Caidin worked secretly with Dr. Wernher von Braun and a small research group at Cape Canaveral to build the nation's first top secret moon rocket. While researching the Soviet space program and the life of Cosmonaut Gherman Stepanovich Titov, Caidin co-authored with Titov the book I Am Eagle. From this association came Caidin's best seller Marooned which was about American astronauts stranded in space and rescued by Soviet cosmonauts. Made into a blockbuster movie and filmed at Cape Canaveral with Caidin directing construction of the space capsule, every detail was so scientifically accurate (a trademark of all of Caidin's works) that it was officially sanctioned by NASA.

At the time the movie was filmed, Russia was totally against any joint manned space missions with the United States. However, when the movie was shown to the Soviet Academy of Science and the cosmonauts, they reversed their decision. According to both Phillip Handler, former president of the American Academy of Science, and official NASA reports, Caidin's movie Marooned was the major factor in the collaborative space effort leading to the Apollo-Soyuz joint U.S./Soviet space mission. To this day all Russian and American spacecraft have "common docking mechanisms" to allow for the possibility of future rescues.

Many of Caidin's books made it to Hollywood, another big success being Final Countdown. His book Cyborg was made into The Six Million Dollar Man as well as The Bionic Woman. Ironically, Cyborg was originally titled Miracle People, a non-fiction work about altering human bodies to allow them to function in space, but publishers wouldn't buy it. Most of Caidin's novels are based on fact, but many are on such sensitive subjects that in order to get them approved by government intelligence he had to include some fiction. Although pressed, he refused to tell which parts were factual. Two such books are The Mendelov Conspiracy (about UFOs) and The Messiah Stone which he said is 90 percent factual.

Caidin was as well known for his technically oriented nonfiction books as he was the big blockbuster novels. Whichever form his books took, one quality stood out -- the Caidin mark of strict scientific accuracy. The National War College, The Air University of the U.S. Air Force, and many other educational, training and special institutions use Caidin books as doctrine and strategy guides, historical references, and textbooks. He served as a nuclear warfare specialist for several states and was active with the Air Commandos and Strike Command in research about paramilitary strike teams.

An author who "lived what he wrote," Caidin spent five weeks with the famous USAF Thunderbirds jet aerobatic team. His book Thunderbirds! has gone through 22 printings and is still acclaimed as a classic documentary on the Air Force's aerial demonstration unit. Awarded the title "Thunderbird 8" by the team, Caidin is the only civilian ever to have lived and fly with them. He also flew as a stunt pilot on such films as The War Lover, The Battle of Britain, & The Longest Day and is famous for his breathtaking performances at leading airshow events.

Other nonfictional works such as Zero! and Samurai! resulted from Caidin's work while assigned to Air Force intelligence in Japan. He worked directly with Jiro Horikoshi (designer of the Zero fighter plane) and Masatake Okumiya (Chief of Japanese Navy intelligence in World War II).

The awards and honors beside Caidin's name are far too numerous to mention. He was a charter member of the Aviation Hall of Fame, founder of the American Astronautical Society, a member of the Missile, Range and Space Pioneers, and a Command Pilot for the following organizations: Confederate Air Force, Valiant Air Command, Warbirds of America, Experimental Aircraft Association, and Canadian Warplane Heritage.

Martin Caidin took on the role of delivering two novels to Lucas about Indiana Jones. During the course, he fell terminally ill. Not being a man to go against his word, he finished what he started.

Martin Caidin died of thyroid cancer March 24th, 1997 after a bitter struggle. He was 69.

Please, think of this when referring to his Indiana Jones books. He worked until the end.

[Indy_Jones88]

Originally posted by Shipwreck

Please, think of this when referring to his Indiana Jones books. He worked until the end.

WOW, I agree completely. That was nicely put shipwreck.

[Johan]

Where did you cut and paste that??
Anyway, many people died thinking the books they were writing would get into the Bible...but they did not put it in out of pity for thier death. I respect Caiden as a writer but I just don't think his Indy books are worthy to be called indy books...he should of stuck to the books he usually writes. I don't think indy's charachter was potrayed very well. I was just fustrated reading them thinking....give up on the airplanes already! Any way...that's my 2 cents

[Indy_Jones88]

"Show a little backbone" Rotla

Give Caiden a break. He died writing Indy books. i doubt you could do much better IndyJohan. Show a little respect for someone who really tried.

Also, not everyone hates his books, I personally liked them.

[Pale Horse]

Originally posted by IndyJohan
Where did you cut and paste that??
Anyway, many people died thinking the books they were writing would get into the Bible...but they did not put it in out of pity for thier death. I respect Caiden as a writer but I just don't think his Indy books are worthy to be called indy books...he should of stuck to the books he usually writes. I don't think indy's charachter was potrayed very well. I was just fustrated reading them thinking....give up on the airplanes already! Any way...that's my 2 cents

There are some members of this board who dedicate themselves to the pursuit of knowledge and the pursuit of their art and on the small occassion that they decide to pass that wisdom and knowledge on to the rest us we should be grateful. Shipwreck as you know him is not some "cut and paste" artist. He is an author himself, and is highly involved in the preservation and education process of film and film making. You would be wise to hear what he has to say.

Your $.02 has been noted. Now, put it somewhere where it will gain some interest, by investing it in the wisdom and council of people who may be more directly involved in the art, as opposed to those who just watch it pass by on a page.

[Lord Excalibur]

I agree, I haven't read Caidin's books but I will give the White Witch a try (only because it's about Excalibur). C'mon these adventures are in the Indy universe too. He died when he wrote the goddamn Indy books so give the man a break will ya. If you don't like them why the hell read them!!!!! :(

[Indy_Jones88]

Originally posted by Pale Horse
There are some members of this board who dedicate themselves to the pursuit of knowledge and the pursuit of their art and on the small occassion that they decide to pass that wisdom and knowledge on to the rest us we should be grateful. Shipwreck as you know him is not some "cut and paste" artist. He is an author himself, and is highly involved in the preservation and education process of film and film making. You would be wise to hear what he has to say.

Your $.02 has been noted. Now, put it somewhere where it will gain some interest, by investing it in the wisdom and council of people who may be more directly involved in the art, as opposed to those who just watch it pass by on a page.

Agreed Whole Heartedly

[Indy_Jones88]

Originally posted by Lord Excalibur
I agree, I haven't read Caidin's books but I will give the White Witch a try (only because it's about Excalibur). C'mon these adventures are in the Indy universe too. He died when he wrote the goddamn Indy books so give the man a break will ya. If you don't like them why the hell read them!!!!! :(

Amen to that :whip: :D

[Indy_Jones88]

Sorry Didnt mean to qoute people twice but those are very good points.

And IndyJohan, Stop whining about these books so much. They arent that bad, and if you dont like them TO BAD. Im sorry if im being a jerk, but I cant stand it when people whine.

"Do You want some cheese with the whine?"

[Canyon]

Although Martin Caidin's Indy books are not my favourites I have nothing but respect for the late author.

Okay, I know that these novels were not the greatest Indy adventures ever written, but saying this, there was something about those books I liked.

They had some great scenes and although they were not your traditional pulp novels or like McCoy's or McGreggor's novels they were still fun to read.

I particularly liked the romantic scenes between Indy and Gail Parker and I quote from a recent article that I wrote, Indy's Relationships With Women Part 3-
"It is now 1930 and Indy meets a lady called Gail Parker and they immediately bond. I feel that their relationship is a very interesting one as these two are very alike and admire and respect each other equally. Gail becomes a good friend of the archaeologist, and during their two adventures, The Sky Pirates and The White Witch they become closer. For anyone who has read these two books by the late Martin Caidin you will notice that the relationship between these two characters change. For instance, there is a part where Gail asks herself the question: Is she falling for Indy? Later on, Indy asks her to dinner on a date and she is momentarily confused by his offer. Some time later as Gail is swept up in wild abandon, she kisses Indy full on the lips which confuses him, and then near the end of the particular adventure she tells him: ’’I love you.” During the second adventure, as Gail is tending to Indy’s injuries, she tells herself not to appear too affectionate towards Indy. Obviously, she likes Indy a great deal, but at the same time, it seems to me as if she is holding back. It would have been very interesting to look into their relationship further, but unfortunately, only two books were written featuring these two characters together."

I also liked the fact that when Caidin wrote about Indy, he wrote about him as the respected archaeology professor and I thought that was great because it felt to me that people in the adventures were giving Indy the respect that he deserved.

Just my thoughts. ;)

[Shipwreck]

Originally posted by IndyJohan
Where did you cut and paste that??

Actually, the majority of that 'rant' did come from a Caidin fan site I found a long time ago - PRIOR to his death - while doing research. The rest is from information gathered from private sources when posed with the right questions ;-)

I wanted to share with you something about the man behind those particular books. I respect that you respect his works. I wasn't trying to curtail your like/dislike for the books. But I thought that too many 'dis' the works of others without understanding the difficulties.

In this case, unlike other authors, he had to face a real enemy while writing the books. Perhaps if you review them again, you will pick up a sense of his pending fate and perhaps hear the last words of a greater fan than I. That is what places his works apart from the others. They were a last will and testament, if you will allow, for those who asked him to create another glimpse into Indy's world.

[Webley]

White Witch is the one that got me hooked on all the Indy books

[monkey]

Wow!

Thanks Shipwreck for that great info on Martin Caidin. I knew that he had achieved a great deal in his life, but I had no idea that it was that extensive!!

And I didn't know that he was actually fighting terminal cancer even as he was writing his two Indy novels.

Writing a novel is difficult enough, but to find inspiration and creativity while staring death in the face is something that is truly amazing.

I have new and greater respect for the man.

When I first became re-interested in Indiana Jones a few years back (2000), I read through the MacGreggor Indy novels, and then I picked up "Sky Pirates". I must admit that I got half way through it and chucked it, which is something that I rarely do with a novel. I just didn't like it. Mainly because I didn't recognize Caidin's version of Indiana Jones. So I skipped his other novel, and then read the McCoy books.

I think now that I may have to go back and give Caidin's two books another shot.

Thanks again Shipwreck for the great info.

[ElodieJones]

I think too that it's different more flight. But I like the books. Their are not so bad.
Just different.

[Johan]

If you guy's would read closely...I said I respect him as a writer. I'm not whining, ALL I WANTED TO DO IS SEE IF THERE ARE OTHERS THAT SHARE MY VIEW OF THE BOOKS. Anyway, I got what I wanted...some controvercy and feedback. Thanks Guys!
I enjoyed getting other peoples views. We need to understand that Indiana Jones means different things to different people, and what Caiden potrayed was not the Indiana Jones I liked! I hope you guys don't all hate me now...its just a discussion.
And hey! May Caiden Rest in Peace...he has made some wonderful contributions to the airline industry in education and art!

[HovitosKing]

Caidin's books must go. They would be better as James Bond stories...

[Indy Benson]

I read his Indy books: they were tough to get through. However, his life sounded interesting. Did he write an autobiography, or did anyone write about his life?

[Aaron H]

No need to eliminate the books, just do what most fans do with stuff they don't like...ignore them.

[Glider]

Hey All,

First let me say that I have never read an Indy Book. Was not even aware there was such a widespread group of followers let alone a forum on the subject. I came across your forum here while doing a search for some rare Martin Caiden books. Apparently little is known about him by your readers. I cannot speak to the quality of his Indy books (did not know about them) and will accept the majority's opinion that they suck.

Having said that Martin Caiden is an icon in the Aviation and Space writing category. If any of you happen to be WWII aviation buffs he is THE MAN in that arena. His book Samurai about Saburo Sakai is the best account of Japanese fighter pilots of all time. His books "Whip" & "The Last Dogfight" are without parallel in WW2 Aviation fiction. You guys being Indy fans, and as such fans of action books, I believe would find the books mentioned above a very worthwhile and exciting read. He wrote over 80 books, most about aviation and space. His book series Cyborg was the basis for the 70's TV series "Six Million Dollar Man". His book Marooned was made into a movie as well and is one of the early Space classics.

All writers have their "off days" and it sounds like he should have stayed away from the Indy series. Check out some of his books though... I heartily believe that you will find them a worthy read.

Oh yeah- he does not write flight manuals... never wrote a single flight manual that I am aware of. Did write plenty of non-fiction Aviation and Space books though... ;)

You guys have me curious now... I will have to check out an Indy Book. Which one should I read first?

[Webley]

The first Indiana Jones book I ever read was Indiana Jones and the White Witch by Martin Caidin it is one of my favorites
But if you are going to read tham all start with Indiana Jones and the Peril at Dephi by Rob MacGregor.

You can go here and take a look at all the Indy books.
http://indianajones.ugo.com/print/books/


unfortunitly you will not find Short Round in any of the book and that sucks becas we all know THAT SHORT ROUND IS COOLER THAN INDY!

[moondrifter]

No way is shortround cooler than indy! Are you kidding? Indy is too high in the rankings to even be entered into the coolest guy contest...

[IndyBuff]

I'll admit that I thought Caiden's books were the two weakest in the series; neverless, I still enjoyed them. The stories were interesting and the characters were great but Caiden just wasn't suited for writing Indy stories.

Still, I think they're good books.:whip:

[tycobb2522]

Like another poster, I stumbled on this site while searching for Caiden books. I just had to let you all know that you, collectively, constitute one of the biggest Geekfests I've ever seen. I think there are more weirdos here than at a Star Trek convention. Do any of you have girlfriends? Do any of you have a tan? May I suggest that you get lives?

[Finn]

This your first day in the Internet?

[Jay R. Zay]

This your first day in the Internet?

true, you should know that we have no girlfriends. ;)

[Gustav]

...or tans.

[tycobb2522]

This your first day in the Internet?

What's the translation for geek in Finnish?

[Johan]

As the creator of this thread I would like to hereby announce that I am 23years old, married with a child on the way. If being an Indy fan makes me a weirdo and a geek...I will be the first to tell you I am both a weirdo and a geek.

[Jay R. Zay]

What's the translation for geek in Finnish?

oh come on pal, give us a rest. you don't have to get this sassy on your first online day, rightyright? don't think this hurts finn as much as it will hurt you when someone reminds you of this little incident in ten years (or whenever you probably may have grown up). :) so cool it.

[tycobb2522]

oh come on pal, give us a rest. you don't have to get this sassy on your first online day, rightyright? don't think this hurts finn as much as it will hurt you when someone reminds you of this little incident in ten years (or whenever you probably may have grown up). :) so cool it.

Sassy? Rightyright? I rest my case...

[Finn]

What's the translation for geek in Finnish? It's either Kaunotar or Nörtti. Make a pick.

[IndyBuff]

If being an Indy fan makes me a weirdo and a geek...I will be the first to tell you I am both a weirdo and a geek.

My thoughts exactly! I'll second that comment.:whip:

[qwerty]

I don't think that you can be geek if your get inspired by Indy's advantures. All of that should make you go on and do something like that, and as far as I am concerned that is as cool as it gets.

[Johan]

I don't think that you can be geek if your get inspired by Indy's advantures. All of that should make you go on and do something like that, and as far as I am concerned that is as cool as it gets.

Your stretching it, I'm a weirdo and a geek.

[annu]

Do any of you have girlfriends?
No, I do not have a girlfriend, but I am a girl. :)
May I suggest that you get lives?
A life? What is it? Oh, I've heard about it a while ago, but for now, I'm happy with my Gentoo...
It's either Kaunotar or Nörtti. Make a pick.
Riippuu ihan siitä, kumpaa sukupuolta edustaa..

[VP]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/IndyVille/welcome_tumma.jpg

Welcome, annu.

[Gustav]

Hey, how come I didn't get a welcome like that?

[Finn]

Either VP was preoccupied, or you're a second class citizen. :whip:

Oh well, welcome anyway.

[annu]

Hey, how come I didn't get a welcome like that?
Some are better than others.. :rolleyes: Or maeby it's about living in Finland, who knows..

[Finn]

Or maeby it's about living in Finland, who knows.. Yeah, it's got to have something to do with the fact that "Gustav" sounds like a Swede. :p

[qwerty]

Is this web forum actualy from Finland?

[VP]

Not exactly.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/IndyVille/welcome_tumma.jpg

Welcome, Gustav.

[Finn]

And by the way people, as the acting moderator of this section, I must note that we're all pretty badly OT.

So back on topic.

[Gustav]

Yeah, back on topic, you slackers. And thanks for the warm welcome. By the way, I am anything but swedish. And Indiana Jones is cool, just to get back on topic.

[VP]

By the way Finn, have you read any other Indy novels 'cept the two that are on HelMet?

[Finn]

What, are you questioning my competence to run this section, kid?

Back to your own areas, now. :whip:

[Benudo]

I just saw the reference in the most recent thread here about Martin Caidin's death. I'm reading my first adult Indy book right now, White Witch. My wife has been making fun of me for it, saying that it's a kid's book. I was starting to think she was right and that maybe all of the Indy books were this weak. But I just read the reviews in the Literature section and it sounds like the general feeling is that the other authors were much better. That's good. I have Seven Veils to read next, and I was hoping it wouldn't be any worse.

To Caidin's credit, I am enjoying reading about the LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin. It's prompted some interesting reading about airships and helps give more context to the airship scene in Last Crusade.

[HovitosKing]

Oh man, don't start off with Martin Caidin's stuff...it's truly horrible. Max McCoy was probably the best, although Rob MacGregor had a few good ones too. Caidin just flat out bombed, rest his soul.

[Moedred]

Every now and then a Caidin admirer finds this thread to call us philistines. But the merger just didn't work. Consider "The National Air and Space Museum Presents Indiana Jones" ...it would go over like the Enola Gay exhibit. Pop culture belongs in the other Smithsonian across the mall.

I'm not for burning Caidin's books, but if we do, can we use the young adult books for kindling?

[Doc Savage]

Max McCoy was probably the best, although Rob MacGregor had a few good ones too.Yeah...McCoy for action and that pulp feel, MacGregor for characterization. I'm gonna start petitioning Mike Mignola to do an Indy story, right after I nipple-twist Lucas into giving him permission.

[HovitosKing]

Yeah...McCoy for action and that pulp feel, MacGregor for characterization.

I agree, Doc

[Johan]

This thread is still around after a few years? Plain and simple...the books suck for an Indy story but make a good read for a flight/airplane manual.

[Viper]

It would be dishonoring his life's work to eliminate them. He loved writing, and he also loved Indiana Jones. If you don't like his books, don't freaking read them.

[Johan]

I love writing music and I love Indiana Jones...Doesn't mean I'm going to write a new composition for Indiana Jones and put it on cd. He's accomplished enough in His life that we can exclude his Indy books from the others. I got nothing against the guy...he just didn't capture Indy in his books. It's like he wrote 2 action storys with LOTS of airplanes in it and decided to name the main Charachter Indiana Jones after they were done.

[Viper]

Maybe it's a writing thing, I love writing and I love Indiana Jones, and I wrote a book in the 3rd grade starring Indiana Jones. I admit, it was like 7 pages long and probably had less than 300 words, but I was in the 3rd grade, and it was the fact that I did write it. Last year I did start to write a much better Indy book, but after about 20 pages I stopped to write my own novel that can be published without George Lucas' permission. I now have almost 10 chapters written, and I'm very poud of the result.
Maybe only a writer can respect another writer's work, so unless you can write an Indy novel (or any novel) better than him, leave him alone.

[Dr.Sartorius]

Give the man some respect. He may not have been the best Indy novelist but that doesn't mean his books are worthless.

[Johan]

Give the man some respect. He may not have been the best Indy novelist but that doesn't mean his books are worthless.

Not all his books are worthless...just his Indy books.

[Viper]

You know, many people actually prefer his books, and if they were eliminated, it would not be very well taken by most people.

I, personally, prefer Rob MacGregor's books. The only thing I don't like about them is that "protective eagle" thing. I think it's interesting, but confusing.

[VP]

many people actually prefer his books
Mention three of those people. :whip:

The eagle appears on both the MacGregor and McCoy books.

http://indyville.fi/kuvat/kirjat/logo.png

[Viper]

Really? I've read two of his books and never heard it....

And I know there were 2 or 3 people on just this site that prefer his.

[VP]

Heard what? I've read two MacGregor's and two McCoy's and have no idea what you're talking about. I thought you meant that eagle with the sword and leaves in the beginning of every chapter, which I posted a pic of.
And I know there were 2 or 3 people on just this site that prefer his.Who?

[Johan]

Really? I've read two of his books and never heard it....

And I know there were 2 or 3 people on just this site that prefer his.

Do these people write textbooks or dictionaries for a living? Then it would make sense.:sleep:

[Viper]

No, in Macgregor's books at least, he tells about an indian giving Indy some type of protective eagle that guides him or whatever. Out of the books I've read, it appears most in the Last Crusade novelisation.

And I don't remember who, but I remember seeing a few times someone saying that he was their favorite author.

[mfisher]

I have read all of the McGregor books.. loved them.. loads of fun.. but I could not make it halfway through Caiden.. zzzzzzzzzzzz skipping ahead to the McCoy books i guess...

[Marcus Jones]

I'm a relatively new Indy fan, and I've only read one book, this being White Witch by Martin Caidin. Personally, I really enjoyed this book, and although the ending was a bit naff, I hardly noticed his talk about aircraft. I haven't read any other books by him, but I though White Witch was really good.

[HovitosKing]

I'm sorry you started the series with Caidin. I really am.

[Canyon]

I know I have posted already, but Shipwreck, that was a beautiful post! :D

"Show a little backbone" Rotla

Give Caiden a break. He died writing Indy books. i doubt you could do much better IndyJohan. Show a little respect for someone who really tried.

Also, not everyone hates his books, I personally liked them.

I agree. I liked the books as well, and I wish that people around here would show a bit more respect when speaking about Mr Caidin. :(

[Johan]

Caiden has done wonderful things to world of flight manuals...for that I give him respect. So...his Indy novels sucked! Nothing against him...just his novels. It's not a disrespect...it's just a review from someone that is an Indyfan. I have higher standards for a novel with the Indy name on it...and Caidens novels don't come close.
Whoever say's I can't do better...well I'm not a flippin writer and I don't attempt to be. I also wouldn't try to do better because I know that anything I do would not be good enough to have the Indy name on it...Caiden unfortunately didn't have the same view.
As for respecting Caiden...like I said...I didn't say he sucked, the novels did. Besides just because someone has died doesn't mean you have to respect them. I don't respect Hitler (not to make a comparison).

By the way....anybody looking to buy 2 Indiana Jones Caiden novels? I got them here waiting for you.

[ReggieSnake]

I'm looking forward to reading them and seeing what I think, I've only read Secret of the Sphinx because that is the only one at my library. I guess I'll have to find the others through B&N or Ebay...

[Violet Indy]

I'm not a fan of Caiden, but White Witch was actually alright. Sky Pirates, I have tried over and over again, to read right to the end and to this day, have not. I would get confused from all his talk of planes, and then I'd get bored and then, I wouldn't have a clue what was going on. I have read other Caiden books, non-Indy and they're great so it's not like I disrespect him or his writings in general. I just don't like Sky Pirates. Btw, I got the whole collection and gained eleven out of twelve through ordering through my local bookstore. The last book I collected ("Peril at Delphi, the very first) was out of print and with the help of a friend, I bought it off eBay for 50c and paid the shipping fee of fourteen bucks, which is what the other books were worth when I ordered through the bookstore. They're pretty easy to get. Especially if an Aussie like me can get them, so can anybody else in the world. Besides, when the movie comes out, no doubt the series will get a re-print and flashy new covers and I'll be sighing with relief coz I'll be able to buy other stuff.

[Blue Jay]

they are going to sell reprints of all some of the books.
I checked on amazon.de and almost all of the macgregor books are listed to be released in may 2008.... :up:

[metalinvader]

I'm in the same boat Violet...I can't even make it past the first three chapters of Sky Pirates..Believe me,I've tried a few times..I kid you not it took me 15 minutes to just get though the first chapter...I kept on thinking to myself,''What the hell did I just read?!"..White Witch wasn't as bad but it was still intolerable.....

[Johnny Nys]

I like the Caidin books the least as well. They take a lot of getting used to. The aircraft stuff ... well, if a writer has a passionate love, it's gonna end up in his writing. Sure, there's a lot more detailed information than when another person had written the story, but that's not that bad in itself. Detail is important to make a story more real.

However, I always have a hard time connection aircraft knowledge with the Indiana Jones character, because Indy can't fly.

In Raiders he depends on his buddy Jock to fly the plane.
In Temple he says he can't fly when the pilots jump out (but "how hard can it be?")
In Crusade he says he CAN fly, but not land, referring to him having briefly flown the plane in Temple.

However, this chronology has always come over as pretty weird to me, since the story of Temple actually predates that of Raiders. But I digress.

Anyway, the Caidin story timelines all predate Temple, so Indy shouldn't have any experience flying a plane. Yet in these books he's actually taking lessons! (Sure, they never get the chance to seriously continue and finish those lessons, but still ...)

Another strange thing is his sudden connection to his "team". Here are a bunch of characters that literally came out of nowhere, though are said to have a history with Indy, only to vanish into thin air once the book is finished.

Also Indy's self assuredness doesn't fit the known profile of "making it up as I go" and changes it into "don't worry, I got it all covered".

Yes, these Caidin books read as if they could just as easily have a different main character.

Of course you never know whether you'll like a book until you've read it. I've read them twice now and I liked them better the second time (which I usually do with almost every book). I recognize Caidin's accomplishments and I certainly wish I had only a fraction of his achievements behind my name, though I'd prefer a different style and genre.

Every book has its faults, since writers and editors are only human as well. When people actually create something, it almost never lives up to the expactations of a reader's or viewer's fantasies. My ideal Indy novel looks far different from what Caidin has written, but I doubt an ideal Indy novel will ever be written.

[Blue Jay]

i just started reading sky pirates.
well i am just at page 30 (slow reader) but i dont find it bad at all.
seems interesting, i wonder how it will go on...

I have to mention that i am fascinated with most of the airplanes from that time period so i thought i give it a read.

on the other hand, i couldnt find myself interested in the white witch. i dont like wicca stuff at all and as long as there is no sarah michele gellar in it, i wont watch or read anything of that topic ;)
She is the only reason i have ever watched buffy, i did not care about witches and stuff...but she is a hottie :p