The average user rating for this Book is 6.6 out of 10 (based on 105 Votes).
Duane M gave it a9: I loved the story, and appreciated how he points out that research usually comes to the conclusion that the funding organization supports. He also shows how media has failed the public is just reading various press releases and not analyzing it as in the past before budget cuts in news organizations.
Donald C gave it a9: A very well put together story, and informative to boot. Highly recommend!
Bill P gave it a10: I really enjoyed this book. It was refreshing to see a different point of view on global warming. Change is constant and we can't control the weather. I do not think it is bad as people want us to believe, but the media loves to scare people.
Susan B gave it a10: I think it is a timely tome.
Former Fan gave it a0: I've read voraciously since I was 5, I'm now 53, and this was possibly the worst book I've come across in my life. The characters were hollow and clueless, even the ones with PhDs and JDs, and the dialogue stark and insipid. Critchen takes a long shot at environmentalism, but comes off sounding like an industry paid mouthpiece. You can massage all the data you want, but any thinking person who reads this book has to ask: How much did Dow Chemical/Monsanto pay him? He would have us believe that breast emplants are A-okay, benzene is fine to injest, DDT is a good thing, and we are all as paranoid as he is. I used to like some of Critchton's early work, before he became a media millionaire, but not one more dollar from me. Wonder what size house he lives in?
Rod N gave it a10: What a powerful way that Crichton delivered his message. I'm not surprised that so many critics in the media gave a low score being that global warming is a sort of liberal sacred cow, and our media is mostly liberal. I did a search here for 'eugenics' and saw no one responded with regard to Crichton's Appendix on Eugenics. If Crichton were around in the 1930s and had written a condemning novel on eugenics back then when it was vogue, parallel to what he did now on global warming, the same lock-step icons of the eugenics pseudo-science would have similarly whined. I read somewhere about something called Iron Mountain. Like Crichton's fictious professor who said that the end of the Cold War required that we have a new 'enemy', aparently there were some elite who were already conjuring something like this in the 60s. I don't see Crichton as a far-right type (his breakout novel was pro-abortion 7 years before Roe v Wade). Also, the so-called far right would first peg the whole purpose of the global warming myth that it be a mechanism to help bring about a one-world-government, I don't know if Crichton has the balls to go there - but certainly he has balls. Keep up the outstanding work Michael Crichton! By the way, I was turning pages and reading so intently I didn't notice the 'thin' 'cardboard' characters - and of course the science was perposterous - it's FICTION!
crichton fan gave it a10: Wow! I have to say, this is one of Crichton's best books ever! I was gripping the book so hard that the pages almost stuck together.
tirupan m gave it a9: very good book
Nancy S gave it a10: I liked this book. However, it stumbled between the fictional story the author was trying to portrait to support his well documented, non-fiction topics of politics, global warming, and governmental societal controls. I found it really thought provoking and a real mind opener. It's nice to read an entertaining story and learn facts (as documented) at the same time.
Greg A gave it a5: An informative book, yes. But a slow and dragged on book on the whole. i would have expected better of Chrichton. The idea was good, but characters were thin, and the plot was wholly boring
Michael R gave it an8: While certainly not his best, State of Fear is entertaining and fast paced. It may be hard for some to look past the politics of this book, while Crichton is effective at displayin an oft ignored viewpoint on global warming. It is a book that deserves a good look at.
John L gave it a2: While the beginning seemed to be pure Crichton, it soon drags off. As the plot goes along, things happen slower and slower and slower. While the science involved was good, the way Crichton sets it up becomes very annoying. It usually involves a conversation between a well informed person and an often idiotic enviromentalist. While I agree with some of his views, such as the fact that a real cause does not need publicity stunts, some of Crichton's views are just purely nonsensical. For example, his potrayal of enviromentalist groups is laughable. As for the writing, it is quite bad. As I mentioned before, the beginning is superb. This is not surprising, as Crichton is a master at suspense. However, he should stay in the realm of suspense and never write thrillers or scientific papers, much less both. He is terrible at scientific papers and his attempt at a thriller was even more deplorable. In conclusion, read this book only if you really want to read what is essentially a large lecture on the faults of enviromentalists and the nonexistence of Global Warming. Crichton insists that Global Warming is not happening and uses a large amount of scientific data to back this. However, if you read his writing, he depends mostly on making enviromentalists look stupid in order to convice readers of his views. I, for one, am a firm believer in Global Warming. While Crichton's studies are very interesting, I believe that something has changed to cause the hurricanes we experienced in 2005, and we must act. As some random ancient philospher once said, "If not me, who? If not now, when?" Thank you for reading my mad rant.
Sidd N gave it a2: Crichton's extensive reaearch is to appreciated,but the plot is mundane to say the least,and the characters are simply lifeless.A punishment for a Crichton fan.Its Crichton at his worst.
meg k gave it a1: This book is just plain awful. Thinly disguised as a thriller, behind the veil is a long, painful lecture supporting Crichton's views about global warming (or the lack thereof). The everyman hero, Peter Evans, is presented as a stooge for the environmentalists, oddly incapable of making an effective argument despite his pedigree as an environmentalist's lawyer. I might enjoy Crichton's injection of opinion and scientific argument if it weren't delivered in such an overwhelmingly condescending and preach-y form, and presented something from both sides of the argument. In the end, I just find it hard to believe that a group of environmentalists would set up major environmental disasters involving the deaths of hundreds or thousands of people to get people interested in environmental causes. Come on, Mr. Crichton, give us some credit here.
JT gave it a2: Put me down for someone who does not give up on a book, or I would have given up on this drivel half way through. Pontification aside, I cannot comprehend how someone as educated as MC could write so poorly. In describing the action, it was one sentence after another prefaced with 'there is' or 'there are' -- not an intellegent writing approach. As other reviewers have mentioned, the characters were hollow, the action sequences read like a cartoon, the dialog unimaginative and cliche. After the protagonists survived one unbelievable adventure after another, MC moved on abruptly, without even reflecting on what just transpired. I am not even going to get into any inaccuracies or flawed science, as global warming is still just a theory. However, MC used this book as a platform for his views on the subject, and through his characters, struck a rather condescending tone. A bad book to be sure. What a disappointment...
G Cat gave it a10: A good read that can also make you think (if you want to). The main characters in this book are Global Warming and Fear, and the plot is discovering who these characters are as we interact with them (I've met some of the supporting cast in real life). There are, of course, the action / adventure must haves for which the reader must suspend logic and simply be entertained.
Tony N gave it a10: great work. The enviros protrayed are very much like that in real life.
Johann O gave it an8: The only connection missing in the book is what the final objective of the PLM is: complete destruction of all aspectss of a free market economy and the implementation of totalitarian global control of evey aspect of every individual's life (with full exception for the vetted elitists) by the social-fascists and neo-Marxists. Let the truth shine.
Anthony C gave it a1: I am a huge Michael Crichton fan, but this book was just terrible. Althoguh some ofthe points he makes during the book are interesting, the plot is preposterous and boring. Sadly, I consider this to be the worst book I have ever read in my life. I had fifty pages to go and I was seriously considering not finishing it.
Aris K gave it a0: This was painfully the worst book i've ever read. This is one of the few times i resent my mother for teaching me to always finish what i start. The characters were hollow (i couldn't care foir any one of them, especially Mr-Know-It-All Kenner), the dialogue was brutal, the plot was nonsensical. I can get past the Crichton's politics and his views of environm,entalists. I can even get past his term paper-like diatribes thinly veiled as dialogue. But where is the story? Can the story make a little sense? Why would an agent on a mission to stop eco-terrorists want civilians to tag along? Wouldn't he be better off bringing some fellow agents to help him out instread of a lawyer and his secretary? Fine he may not care for their lives, but what about his own? Aren't civilians on a mission to stop eco-terrorists a liability to one's own probability of survival? Get off your soap box Crichton. If you are going to lecture me, can you at least throw in a decent story and entertain me while i am being enlightened?
Andrew B gave it a1: This book is aweful. As entertainment, State of Fear is an utter failure. The characters are two dimensional, the storyline is predictable, there isn't any sub-plot to speak of, and the dialogue is stiff and awkward. As a scientific treatise, or an attempt at one, this book is even worse. It is full of holes in logic and reasoning, bad information, and cherrypicked evidence which reveal that Mr. Crichton does not understand climate science. The method he uses to "debunk" global warming theory is to set up straw man after straw man for the hero of his story to slay. The proponents of global warming theory are invariably complete idiots who make claims that no serious climatologist, nor even and person with an environmental science 101 background, would make. Crichton's arrogant heavyhandedness coupled with the errors he makes, packaged up in this double-spaced sleeping pill render this book an overpriced spare table leg at best.
melissa me gave it a6: Not a bad book. Compelling. MC sure does pontificate a lot, though.... Easy read.
Andrew H gave it a10: i realize this book may seriously insult views held by a wide variety of readers, nevertheless this book is very well written and will keep anyone up late at night to know what happens next. When i began reading this book i had no doubt that global warming was an accurate theory that was a large threat to the environment, even with these beliefs i approached the story with an open mind and thoroughly enjoyed the story as anyone with an open mind or anyone not working for the new york times would.
Billy V gave it a9: A bit far-fetched as to plot details but extremely thoughtful in its response to the hysteria surrounding so-called "global warming". It is hubristic and extrordinarily over-reaching to assume that man the animal can so influence global climate. Accurate measurements for a sufficiently long enough period of time to make meaningful scientific evaluation of "data" regarding global warming all but impossible. The "evidence" is inconclusive at the very best. As regards the book, Mr Crichton's research is unrivalled in popular cluture and this work stands the scrutiny of direct research well. The book itself will interest those who favor endorsement of global warming as fact as they may even turn the pages faster than the realists who care to examine the data on a meta-analysis or even in a common sense manner. I predict teh most energetic reviews of this book will be the most "damning". Global Warming is more a myth than even a theory. Get back to us in 10,000 years with useful data to analize all you hysterics. In the meantime, this is a great read.
Don V gave it a10: I live in the UK and before Xmas 2004 had never heard of a tsunami (and I don't believe I am any different to anyoen else in the the UK. Of course those horrific events on Xmas 2004 changed all that. And then I read MC's book written before Xmas 2004... Well draw your own conclusion. We live in a conspiracy fuelled world from JFK to 9/11 and this is the latest addition. Someone above said it was a jinx....hmmmm
[Anonymous] gave it a5: This book has caused me to question some of Crichton's previous work as being biased and neo-con slanted. What a shame.
Anonymous gave it an8: Have read all of Michael Crichtons books. This is a very good book that emphasizes the importance of not believing everything the media throws at you. For a fiction novel, I felt that there was too much lecturing going on, which made for some tedious reading. So, I give it a 8.
Vincent F gave it a10: Living in southwest Florida, I witness, daily, tactics of fanatical environmentalists that contribute to the "State of Fear". While a bit much iin terms of literary license, the concept is right on.
Daniel G gave it a3: Hmm, would have been far more interesting without the tenuous research and smarmy pseudoscientists. Seems to be a bit of a cash-in, given the popularity of the Da Vinci Code and politically charged non-fiction.
Dirk P gave it a10: Once again, Michael Crichton writes a book that keeps me up late at night. So much for going to bed early on a work night... Great story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Excellent use of scientific fact. Extremist environmentalists will be angry with this one. The truth can hurt.
Gary B gave it a10: Real Data, Fictional story. I loved this book, and have recommended it to others. The plot flies along and the author does an excellent job of pulling several plot lines into one big ending.
Jaime gave it a1: I gave this book a 1 rather than a zero for several reasons. Despite MC's hypocritical attempt to "debunk" the issues around global warming, he did keep my attention. I also agree with the theory that all too often fear is used to keep control. I wish he would have chosen a different topic to. I agree that we should not believe everything we are told (especially by the media) and I think that is a good message for readers. Do your own homework! Unfortunately the bad things about this book far outweigh the good things. Hypocrisy is prevalent throughout this book. He talks about the science behind global warming being bad and biased but never explains how the science he uses to support his views is not bad or biased. Also I thought it was interesting how one of his characters made a comment (Kenner, I believe) about how political terrorism and the post-9/11 era of America is a real reason for fear. I would like to see how much research he did on that. The whole book just seems hypocritical to me. Not to mentioned the horrible writing, plot, undeveloped characters, etc. This is the first and last book that I will read by MC. From what I hear his previous books were better and it sounds to me that he sold out on this one. But that's just what I hear.
Nate C gave it a10: Interested statistics regarding Global Warming.
Chris S gave it a10: This is really a great fiction book that brings attention to serious issues of disimformation. A truly enjoyable book.
Alla D gave it a3: I am not buying his books anymore. This book is just poisonous.
Chad D gave it an8: very entertaining, but footnotes don't belong in a novel
nathen b gave it a10: WOW
Jack K gave it a2: This novel is choppy and disjoiinted, and, from a scientific standpoint, misleading and inaccurate.
k keller gave it a4: The only thing right about this book is its category - fiction! I can't tell you how I shiver in fear of the eco-terrorists. Let's all forget that Bin Laden guy, watch out for the killer tree huggers.
William P gave it a9: It is good to see someone associated with the "Hollywood mafia" take on their do-gooders. In a the thinly veiled reference to Martin Sheen, Crichton captures the essence of the liberals unwillingness to constrain their rhetoric by sticking to facts. Bravo, Crichton
skyler h gave it a9: i loved this book, of course for the thrilling story Mr. Chrichton told with use of amazing characters. but also because of the strong philisophical message he sends to readers at the end. realy thought inducing.
BJ Coleman gave it an8: OK - so the story is a little far-fetched. Characters were all a little static. Lots and lots of science - with footnotes to really pound MC's viewpoints into your head. With those flaws I would like to say great job overall. After hearing Gore tell everyone to go see the Day After Tomorrow this is truly a breath of fresh air. I don't know if MC's science is 100% correct - however, I am convinced that he raises some very significant issues. Just like the lawyer Evans, most folks assume that Global Warming is a fact of life. If anything this fictional book should at least get people talking and thinking about the issue. Agree or disagree with his findings - either way the topic is important.
josh t gave it a10: this is an awesome book for the teenage generation. thanks.
Gwen gave it a6: I enjoyed the book...it was a fast read, despite the 600+ pages. The plot's pretty far-fetched, and the characters are sometimes both annoying and stereotypical, but Critchton is capable of re-establishing your interest just at the moment you've decided you've had enough of the political rhetoric. Main point...since reading it, I've spent some time reviewing the scientific evidence for global warming and am discovering much of what we accept at face value from the media is based on some pretty questionable "scientific" conclusions. Any book that can engage you enough to seek out the "hard science" behind it has to be considered pretty darn engaging.
David C gave it a10: The true story of the politicization of science is told compelling.
David P gave it a1: Really bad science And bad writing. Preposterious idea that enviromentalists would set off disasterous tsunamis in order to get people's attention in itself proves Crichton's amatuer science is wrong.. that he says humanity can't be the cause of "global warming" as it's not possible.....according to his 'cherry picked' authorities, yet he conflates a novel that says a rich environmentalist and his evil environmental friends could do it for only less than 20 million dollars.. (timed just right for a real natural disaster again proving Crichten wrong.... ). In essence It's arrogant Crighton's political "Mein Kampf" blaming environmentalism for societie's ills. Not a novel at all... as it's a political treatise (more in line with Cato Institute's long term crusade against Social Security and the Environmentalist movement) Jeesh, in this age of rightwing triumphalism, Crighton's set off another Hatefilled CharacterAssasination like his prior novel "Rising Sun" which accused the Japanese of taking over the world... and which was proven wrong by history....the Japanese barely kept their own economy afloat in the insuing 15years since. Again, Crighton's woefully wrong and his cardboard characters are only a shadowy image of anyone human... any more than his silly Dinosaurs could be grown by a few mad scientists. Bad Science, Bad Writing and his usual defense of a corrupt status quo... (like our over paid health care professionals...like Crighton himself a nonpractising MD from arrogant Harvard no less..) byw....Footnotes only quote far right 'scientists' affiliated with creationism and the Cato Institute.
Jonathan P gave it a3: The author did impressive research, but in his zeal to accomplish a mission, he didn't pay enough attention to the story. I never really got who the academic good guy commando was working for. He appeared to have some sort of law enforcement credentials, but instead of calling in the FBI, or Interpol, or the US Marines, or somebody else with some firepower, he uses a rich guy's private plane, a novice suburban lawyer, and a couple of secretary-type women (except one was a lawyer but acted like a secretary) to fly around the world like the Impossible Missions Force to brave great dangers, with no back-up, while having to convince his team on the way with journal references that they were risking their lives in a good cause. The conversations sound like college lectures. We're not even sure if the hero gets the girl at the end. Or which girl. Though I guess it doesn't mattter, since the two girls seemed to be the same except for their hair color. Maybe they were secretly twins. In sum: the credibility score is about zero. The research is impressive, it's refreshing to see someone take on an apparently taboo subject, and it's an interesting and accessible way to present a science controversy to the lay public (and this is why my rating isn't zero), but it's a NOVEL. The story has to be believable or it doesn't work. High potential, ultimately a big disappointment.
Kollen J gave it a10: I find it comparable to the bestseller Da Vince Coide in a number of ways. While the plots, especially the ending, may slightly disappoint, both books as a whole are rip-roaring entertainment. Also, both authors include a great amount of information relevant to real life. I was especially impressed by the huge bibliography Crichton included to support his claims in the book. You dont see many authors, even non-fiction types, showing that kind of in-depth analysis in their writings. Overall, I'd have to say one of Crichton's best works to date that, while it pains me to write this, made learning fun.
R E L gave it a9: Superb! Having read all MC's novels, I rank State of Fear near the top of the list, just below Andromeda Strain and Jurassic Park. It is a fun thriller that is engaging from the very first page. From reading the comments from MANY (not all) who ranked SOF so low, I must conclude they are left-wingers seemingly unable to tolerate any point-of-view other than their own. Lighten up, it is only a work of fiction!
Dan B gave it a4: It's crap writing, real low-grade pulp fiction - which is a shame cos he used to be better - but the science that he points to in it is interesting, especially as it flies in the face of environmentalist generalities, basically saying global warming is not occuring and as a theory it is founded on junk science. Whether the evidence he shows towards this end is data that is specifically cherry-picked to skew to his belief, or just forthright analysis of scientific findings, I have no way of knowing. But regardless it's not very well written: it's got cannibals and killer octopuses, and not in any Bond film tonge-in-cheek manner either. It's all serious. Just an example of how lazy his characterizations are: in the opening pages of the book he describes an Asian woman as dark and exotic. Exotic!? To who? It's fine that it's a hot character that has sharp features and dark skin, nothing wrong with that, but to describe her solely as: asian, exotic, end of description? That's lame. I'm white and a guy and I think it's lame. Maybe he should stick to dinosaurs.
Earl D gave it a9: An excellent book that is well documented. He expresses clearly what I could not: "Political consensus replacing real science" which is becoming all too common from asbestos to second-hand tobacco smoke to global warming. God save us! Earl Damewood, Ph.D. Engineering
Peter M gave it an8: State of Fear was a great, novel that, like Crichton's other books, gives the reader a bonus; insight into a field with which they would not normally be involved. Just like Airframe, Timeline and Jurassic Park Crichton brings you along in a story that is not only thrilling and entertaining but also enlightening. I love learning something while I am reading a novel and unlike Dan Brown's sloppy research on the DaVinci Code it has the ring of truth to it. I would have rated it higher, but the escapes were a little too incredible and the characters (especially the women) were a little like action heroes. I would have liked more normal people, but it was still fun to read and it made me question my firm belief in global warming enough to look further.
Marc S gave it a2: Even if Crichton's summation of global warming is accurate, his presentation is still smug and condescending. After reading the first 400 pages (then giving the book away) I wondered how I could have enjoyed his early stuff so much. Sorry, MC but I won't be buying the next one.
A Z gave it a1: terrible, terrible book. the second worst I've ever read (worst ever was called "the miracle strain". don't read it) so that's why it doesn't get a zero. is this the same crichton that wrtoe some of the other books? boring, illogic, repetitive, patronizing, ludicrous. A disservice to anybody who would like to see a decent discussion about global warming. have I mentioned terrible?
L C gave it a1: it has some (very few) moments, but it's easily the worst of his books i've read. non-believable, repetitive characters live non-believable, implausible situations stemming from a non-believable ludicrous master plot. all drowned with one-sided, tedious preachings. plus, what a jinxer with all that murderous tsunami part. how can anybody give it a passing grade (lat alone ten) is beyond me. truly terrible book
R J gave it a2: Let's see: paper-thin characterization, predictable plot line, heavy-handed speechifying and pontificating, ridiculous situations (why would environmentalists intentionally try to trigger environmental disasters?), and an obvious agenda on the part of the writer. I didn't give it a "1" because there were no spelling errors, and at least it gave me a few laughs.
Ken G gave it a10: factual (I checked) and exciting-- a great read!
V. Z. gave it a7: This book does one think very, very well. Provoke. When you are being confronted with more facts about the issue of global warming that you have ever benn confronted with before, and the outcome is that global warming theories are highly questionable, you have a choice: Put the book off as crap because it doesn't say what you want to hear, accept the facts, or try to learn more, which is what I wish to do. At least to look behind the wall of public media. The way Crichton presents his data, and the nice idea of creating a conspiracy concept which would usually fit to big corporations and governments and apply it to environmentalists, gives State of Fear a higher score. When it comes to writing and storytelling though, the book is entertaining, but lacking. Too formulaic, too unimaginative. Crichton used to be better.
Joseph B gave it a10: I seldom read fiction, but this book was a delightful surprise. The action was fast-paced and the characters were fun to watch as their uninformed believes were confronted by facts. I was especially impressed by the critique of global warming and other environmental "crises of the month." Crichton's science is real, even if it appears in a novel. State of Fear could be a milestone in the demise of radical environmentalism. Many of us who have been environmentalists for decades think it's about time.
Paul L gave it a9: Since being in the environmental field for 30 years, much of what Crichton writes seems right on.
Walter G gave it an8: Only Crichton could make this subject into an interesting adventure story. At first the book doesn't seem to be going anywhere, and one does tend wonder 'Global warming, Really?' but it then it builds unexpectedly into a first grade thriller reminiscent of his best works, far more interesting then Timeline or Prey. Though, now I feel the need to do some research
Billy gave it a9: Thrilling and entertaining. The research that Crichton puts into his writing is clearly evident. Not as fun as Timeline, but overall worth buying.
Ted M gave it an8: My interest in global warming was renewed last summer when it became an item on the political agendas of the presidential candidates. I quickly found an excellent website, that of Richard A Muller, Univ. of Calif. at Berkeley which has a series of graphs showing the earth's temperature in a sequence of graves covering one centurn, three millenia, 12,000 years, 100,000 years, 500,000 years, and 2.5 million years. I found it very vauable in gaining a perspective on the political explosive issue of global warming. Crichton presents a much more localized perspective on the problem. I found that his graphs were interesting, but not weightly convincing. However, I believe he is just using global warming to illustrate the problem of what he calls "consensus science", where science is directed by political considerations, not vice versa. He gives many examples in the book of areas in which politics drowns out the weak scientific content. This is becoming more and more of a problem. As far as the book being a fictional thriller, the predicaments are a little too far-fetched for my taste. Jim Brown (Angels and Demons, DaVinci Code) does much better.
AJ C gave it a0: Having studied atmospheric physics at the graduate level, I have some idea about the science of climate change. Put simply, this book is filled with howlingly funny, just plain awful "facts" and conclusions. It is really astonishing that professional book reviewers are praising the this book for being informative.
mona l gave it a9: brainy techno-thriller - finally crichton is getting back to his jurassic park -just enuf fiction/fact mixture. loved it.
dan l gave it a10: absolutely incredible book, completely turned my beliefs upside down
Nirav D gave it a7: I think Crichton developed a heck of a non-fiction book and realized that it would never sell. So, he weaved in flat characters and a pathetic story that has too many gaps to really enjoy. If you read it as a non-fiction book, you'll find it fascinating. If you read it as an entertaining fiction novel, you'll find yourself wondering when the book will finally get to the ending that you already know is coming.
Pat G gave it a5: I found this book rather tedious and much too long. Rather disappointing.
Kevin S gave it a4: I've read all of Crichton's books, and this is a dissapointing addition to his library of (mostly) entertaining novels. The story spastically jumps from disconnected scene to disconnected scene as a contrived vehicle for an overburdened conspiracy argument. And when the storyline leads you onto the private jet -- take out your highlighter pen! It's professor Crichton time! Crichton has managed one amzing lterary feat: to channel the experience of sitting through a badly-directed action movie in a book. The plot is plagued by implausable plotlines, unrealistic sequences and timelines, and wafer-thin characters that lack character. One tires of the characters repeatedly "turning to the camera" -- a'la Woody Allen or Hitchcock -- to preach or deilver a four page lecture on siesmology or climatology, completely out of the flow of the book --as much as it is. No one actually talks like a Crichton character, and even when they're not preaching or blatantly goading the plotline forward, the dialogue is lifeless and bland. Anyway, now I'm just ranting. If his objective was to make me think a bit about global warming, then he succeeded -- and he made some interesting points. However, my objective was to be entertained by a thought-proviking book, and I felt a bit shortchanged. ...As I did by Prey, another novel that read as flat as the movie screen it was obviously written for. Not a good trend for the last two books! Michael - work on rehumanizing your dialogue and focus on the story and the characters that tell it! We're not stupid! We can follow a lot of the science and the turning of the plot without bright, jumbo roadsigns!
Jim M gave it a6: While MC always does his homework, this subject is a bit boring. The story is simply there to get out his view, and that view is something a lot of people, rightly, disagree with.
Cliff R gave it a9: A most entertaining way to learn the truth about "global warming".
Terry M gave it a7: Thought provoking. Makes me want to find out more about Crichton's side of the story.
Tim K gave it a10: Exciting book which performs the valuable service of authoritatively debunking the myth of global warming.
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