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Eruption
A history-making once-in-a-century volcanic eruption is about to destroy the Big Island of Hawaii. But a decades-old military secret could turn the volcano into something even more terrifying... Now it's up to a handful of brave individuals to save the island - and the entire world.
Two of the bestselling storytellers of all time have created an unforgettable thriller. The master of the techno-blockbuster joins forces with the master of the modern thriller to create the most anticipated mega bestseller in years. Michael Crichton, creator of Jurassic Park, ER, Twister, and Westworld, had a passion project he’d been pursuing for years, ahead of his untimely passing in 2008. Knowing how special it was, his wife, Sherri Crichton, held back his notes and the partial manuscript until she found the right author to complete it: James Patterson, the world’s most popular storyteller. Eruption brings the pace of Patterson to the concept of Crichton: the most anticipated mega-thriller in years.
Two of the bestselling storytellers of all time have created an unforgettable thriller. The master of the techno-blockbuster joins forces with the master of the modern thriller to create the most anticipated mega bestseller in years. Michael Crichton, creator of Jurassic Park, ER, Twister, and Westworld, had a passion project he’d been pursuing for years, ahead of his untimely passing in 2008. Knowing how special it was, his wife, Sherri Crichton, held back his notes and the partial manuscript until she found the right author to complete it: James Patterson, the world’s most popular storyteller. Eruption brings the pace of Patterson to the concept of Crichton: the most anticipated mega-thriller in years.
432 pages, ebook
First published June 3, 2024
About the author
Michael Crichton
177 books18.2k followersMichael Crichton (1942-2008) was one of the most successful novelists of his generation, admired for his meticulous scientific research and fast-paced narrative. He graduated summa cum laude and earned his MD from Harvard Medical School in 1969. His first novel,
Odds On
(1966), was written under the pseudonym John Lange and was followed by seven more Lange novels. He also wrote as Michael Douglas and Jeffery Hudson. His novel
A Case of Need
won the Edgar Award in 1969. Popular throughout the world, he has sold more than 200 million books. His novels have been translated into thirty-eight languages, and thirteen have been made into films.
Michael Crichton died of lymphoma in 2008. He was 66 years old.
Michael Crichton died of lymphoma in 2008. He was 66 years old.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,638 reviews
July 17, 2024
oh my G O D, y’all.
masterful storytelling. heart-pounding.
masterful storytelling. heart-pounding.
May 28, 2024
Death has not appreciably slowed Michael Crichton’s publication schedule. Since he passed away in 2008, several of his manuscripts caught in the amber of time have been zapped to life and set free to stomp around the world alongside “The Andromeda Strain,” “Jurassic Park,” “Congo” and his many other best-selling novels.
Still, one story that Crichton had worked on for 20 years remained dormant on his hard drive. In a recent statement, Crichton’s wife, Sherri, described discovering the unfinished draft: “When I came to the abrupt end, it was the ultimate cliffhanger — though, for the first time, not one that Michael had meticulously planned.”
This fragment might never have seen the rising sun, but when enough money is involved, life finds a way. So now, trailing thunderous clouds of publicity, the summer’s ultimate literary mashup arrives June 3: “Eruption,” a Crichton manuscript completed by James Patterson. As author partnerships go, this is Godzilla’s head grafted onto King Kong’s body. Of course, Hollywood is already buzzing around it, and why not? Together, these two authors — or their brands — have sold an estimated 675 million copies, one for every year since the Neoproterozoic era.
“Eruption” opens with a prologue set in Hawaii at the Hilo Botanical Gardens. Rachel, a park biologist, “just couldn’t believe her eyes”: Three banyan trees have died and turned black. “Rachel had never seen or read about anything like this. . . . This was something else. Something dark, maybe even dangerous.” An old friend tells her, “Don’t panic,” but “she was scared.”
This is an opening sure to leave amateur gardeners on the edge of their Adirondack chairs. The rest of us will have to take it on faith that even greater horrors than a few withered trees lie ahead.
Sure enough, nine years later, when the action picks up again, 36-year-old John “Mac” MacGregor hears a deep rumbling and feels the beach shaking. As director of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Mac understands what that means. “He’d always known this day would come.” Steam is already wafting up from the top of Mauna Loa, the planet’s biggest active volcano, a colossus that rises almost six miles off the ocean floor. “The eruption was only....
To read the rest of this review, go to The Washington Post:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/...
Still, one story that Crichton had worked on for 20 years remained dormant on his hard drive. In a recent statement, Crichton’s wife, Sherri, described discovering the unfinished draft: “When I came to the abrupt end, it was the ultimate cliffhanger — though, for the first time, not one that Michael had meticulously planned.”
This fragment might never have seen the rising sun, but when enough money is involved, life finds a way. So now, trailing thunderous clouds of publicity, the summer’s ultimate literary mashup arrives June 3: “Eruption,” a Crichton manuscript completed by James Patterson. As author partnerships go, this is Godzilla’s head grafted onto King Kong’s body. Of course, Hollywood is already buzzing around it, and why not? Together, these two authors — or their brands — have sold an estimated 675 million copies, one for every year since the Neoproterozoic era.
“Eruption” opens with a prologue set in Hawaii at the Hilo Botanical Gardens. Rachel, a park biologist, “just couldn’t believe her eyes”: Three banyan trees have died and turned black. “Rachel had never seen or read about anything like this. . . . This was something else. Something dark, maybe even dangerous.” An old friend tells her, “Don’t panic,” but “she was scared.”
This is an opening sure to leave amateur gardeners on the edge of their Adirondack chairs. The rest of us will have to take it on faith that even greater horrors than a few withered trees lie ahead.
Sure enough, nine years later, when the action picks up again, 36-year-old John “Mac” MacGregor hears a deep rumbling and feels the beach shaking. As director of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Mac understands what that means. “He’d always known this day would come.” Steam is already wafting up from the top of Mauna Loa, the planet’s biggest active volcano, a colossus that rises almost six miles off the ocean floor. “The eruption was only....
To read the rest of this review, go to The Washington Post:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/...
June 9, 2024
Are you a fan of heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat natural disaster stories? If so, you need to check out this book! It has everything you could want in a volcanic thriller.
Imagine a volcano about to blow, with the power to unleash the worst disaster ever seen. From the moment you start reading, you'll be hooked. The tension builds with every page as the characters face impossible choices and race against time. You'll find yourself rooting for them, hoping they make the right decisions to survive the impending doom.
"Eruption" is a gripping read that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. If you love natural disaster stories, this book is a must-read!
Imagine a volcano about to blow, with the power to unleash the worst disaster ever seen. From the moment you start reading, you'll be hooked. The tension builds with every page as the characters face impossible choices and race against time. You'll find yourself rooting for them, hoping they make the right decisions to survive the impending doom.
"Eruption" is a gripping read that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. If you love natural disaster stories, this book is a must-read!
Read
May 15, 2024It’s disappointing that Crichton’s widow chose James Patterson to finish this book. Makes me nauseous.
August 9, 2024
For many fans of the late Michael Crichton, you might have been just as curious as I was when we heard that his widow, Sherri had released his notes for publication and collaboration with fellow author, James Patterson. Another possible novel from Michael Crichton? Of course, this isn’t the first one after his death. But it is one that apparently remained dormant on his hard drive for 20 years that needed an ending, according to Sherri.
So, why not hand it over to prolific author, Patterson? There is quite the gush acknowledgement by the widow at the end of the book, if interested.
With a story title like “Eruption,” and a book cover with a spouting volcano, I think it is fairly obvious to readers that we have an idea what we are in for from the beginning. What we don’t know is the underpinnings of what it all means. And, that is the tension of what the story wants to deliver to readers.
“The eruption was only days away.”
So, what does this mean exactly?
For the scientist characters working at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, how are they going to “vent the volcano,” warn the public, or what? And for those who have not heard the term, venting a volcano, that seems to suggest that they can safely direct millions of tons of lava wherever they (humans) choose. Wow! Didn’t know we had such power over nature! Did you?
But there is more. There is something that the Army has been doing that this eruption will unleash on to the residents. (No spoilers from me.) Will Mac and his team be able to save the Island in time? Maybe even the world?!
Sometimes I felt like I was reading a movie script. Hmmm…
Crichton was always one dappling in science. And, with Patterson’s thriller mystery voice, was he able to bring the two comfortably together?
Well, it was a bit of a strain, and when the disaster finally hit, it was almost like a relief – you know, like, we were expecting it, so, it finally came! Now we can get on with life.
3.5 stars rounded down for anti-climatic
So, why not hand it over to prolific author, Patterson? There is quite the gush acknowledgement by the widow at the end of the book, if interested.
With a story title like “Eruption,” and a book cover with a spouting volcano, I think it is fairly obvious to readers that we have an idea what we are in for from the beginning. What we don’t know is the underpinnings of what it all means. And, that is the tension of what the story wants to deliver to readers.
“The eruption was only days away.”
So, what does this mean exactly?
For the scientist characters working at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, how are they going to “vent the volcano,” warn the public, or what? And for those who have not heard the term, venting a volcano, that seems to suggest that they can safely direct millions of tons of lava wherever they (humans) choose. Wow! Didn’t know we had such power over nature! Did you?
But there is more. There is something that the Army has been doing that this eruption will unleash on to the residents. (No spoilers from me.) Will Mac and his team be able to save the Island in time? Maybe even the world?!
Sometimes I felt like I was reading a movie script. Hmmm…
Crichton was always one dappling in science. And, with Patterson’s thriller mystery voice, was he able to bring the two comfortably together?
Well, it was a bit of a strain, and when the disaster finally hit, it was almost like a relief – you know, like, we were expecting it, so, it finally came! Now we can get on with life.
3.5 stars rounded down for anti-climatic
August 11, 2024
06/03/24: Sadly, it does not appear that Patterson "finished" the novel, but rewrote it entirely. The style is completely unlike anything Crichton has ever written--it's flat, dull, nondescript, and plodding. I've been a gargantuan fan of MC for many years, and I've read all of his books, some more than once, and I can say with complete conviction... This is not Crichton.
There are references to modern things such as twitter and other social media--things that blossomed years after Crichton took his last breath. And yet, the book was supposedly written in the 80s or 90s? Sure, some references and might need to be updated, but this is quite bad. I knew it would be disastrous, but this is beyond disappointment.
06/27/24: It's been a few weeks since my original review and I'd like to update it. I've read further into the novel and it's gotten better. There are parts which are very clearly written by Patterson, and others (clearly) written by Crichton. There are very distinct stylistic differences (for one, Patterson is very sparse and doesn't use much in the way of scientific terminology, ("I'm the scientist in charge!") and Crichton, quite the opposite--which is what I've always loved about him.) I've upgraded my original rating from one star to two stars. Quite a few people seemed to enjoy my review, so I'll keep updating it as I go to keep it as honest as possible. Thanks for giving me the time of day, folks.
Conclusion: As of 8/1 or so, I've finished the book. It's not terrible as a whole. But it's definitely not classic Crichton. If he did write it, it was something more recent. It's much closer to his later work, like Next, than Jurassic Park. The writing is too simplistic. The scientific exposition that we all know, and love isn't present. And the dialogue isn't even close to something he would have written early on in his career. Maybe he would have published it after Micro. Who knows. But it's safe to say that the ending is total trash, and Patterson should be ashamed for writing such an atrocious conclusion to the 400-page buildup. MC would never do us such an injustice.
There are references to modern things such as twitter and other social media--things that blossomed years after Crichton took his last breath. And yet, the book was supposedly written in the 80s or 90s? Sure, some references and might need to be updated, but this is quite bad. I knew it would be disastrous, but this is beyond disappointment.
06/27/24: It's been a few weeks since my original review and I'd like to update it. I've read further into the novel and it's gotten better. There are parts which are very clearly written by Patterson, and others (clearly) written by Crichton. There are very distinct stylistic differences (for one, Patterson is very sparse and doesn't use much in the way of scientific terminology, ("I'm the scientist in charge!") and Crichton, quite the opposite--which is what I've always loved about him.) I've upgraded my original rating from one star to two stars. Quite a few people seemed to enjoy my review, so I'll keep updating it as I go to keep it as honest as possible. Thanks for giving me the time of day, folks.
Conclusion: As of 8/1 or so, I've finished the book. It's not terrible as a whole. But it's definitely not classic Crichton. If he did write it, it was something more recent. It's much closer to his later work, like Next, than Jurassic Park. The writing is too simplistic. The scientific exposition that we all know, and love isn't present. And the dialogue isn't even close to something he would have written early on in his career. Maybe he would have published it after Micro. Who knows. But it's safe to say that the ending is total trash, and Patterson should be ashamed for writing such an atrocious conclusion to the 400-page buildup. MC would never do us such an injustice.
June 19, 2024
Just when you thought they had found every way to end the world another one is thought up. This one is unique, combining an erupting volcano with military material stored in the tubes of the volcano that will destroy all plant life, thus the end of the world. The outcome …”Lions and tigers and bears, oh my”.
MacGregor, the geologist who heads the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, would like to keep this on the down low to avoid major panic in the population. Unfortunately, the old saying applies, “Three men can keep a secret if the other two are dead”. What would a novel be without the local politicians becoming involved. And what better way to wreak havoc than using the press for their own personal agenda.
This is a decent read but the ending was a bit anticlimactic. It does make you wonder if this scenario is possible. Enjoy the ride my fellow GR readers.
MacGregor, the geologist who heads the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, would like to keep this on the down low to avoid major panic in the population. Unfortunately, the old saying applies, “Three men can keep a secret if the other two are dead”. What would a novel be without the local politicians becoming involved. And what better way to wreak havoc than using the press for their own personal agenda.
This is a decent read but the ending was a bit anticlimactic. It does make you wonder if this scenario is possible. Enjoy the ride my fellow GR readers.
June 6, 2024
Atrocious Writing Made My Brain Hurt
OK, it had a serviceable doomsday threat, a bit of interesting volcano lore and the obligatory cliffhanger ending. For that, one star. But I would have preferred to get the information in a short, nonfiction Cliff notes-like summary. This "page turner" was so badly written it became really irritating and distracting to continue reading. So much horrible writing, so little time, but here goes. The characters weren't cartoonish - that insults cartoons- they were crudely drawn stickmen and stickwomen. What little description of their interior lives the novel attempted was clumsily rendered in painfully tedious cliches. The little token sprinkling of Hawaiian phrases was such a pathetic attempt to add a little local color - utterly gratuitous and insultingly inauthentic. So much sloppy writing. The narrator speaks of rowing (!!!) a traditional outrigger canoe and in the next paragraph uses the term paddling. The characters often speak in the voice of the narrator and the narrator lapses into sounding like characters, even using expletives! The dialogue is platitudinous to the point of being almost hilarious, except that it's so bad it's painful. The "top gun" pilot delivering the key explosive sounds absurdly clinical as he describes the gradual dismemberment of his plane. Yet it still lands! Right. There were so many references to "the end of the world" after a while I was rooting for it to happen so that the book would just mercifully end! I won't spoil the ending for you, assuming that you get that far, but it's something so obvious you're incredulous that the volcanology guru MacGregor didn't anticipate it in Chapter 5. My guess is that this was a contract, pen for hire job for Patterson and the publisher gave him 2 weeks to spew it out. "Masterpiece" my tush! What an abysmal hack job! Chrichton's widow would have done better feeding her deceased husband's notes into a generative AI program. I blew 15 bucks ! I think I'll get into the blockbuster/page turner game. Save your money - don't encourage this kind of crass, commercial hucksterism. Belongs on every "Worst" list there is. What a fraud of a book!
OK, it had a serviceable doomsday threat, a bit of interesting volcano lore and the obligatory cliffhanger ending. For that, one star. But I would have preferred to get the information in a short, nonfiction Cliff notes-like summary. This "page turner" was so badly written it became really irritating and distracting to continue reading. So much horrible writing, so little time, but here goes. The characters weren't cartoonish - that insults cartoons- they were crudely drawn stickmen and stickwomen. What little description of their interior lives the novel attempted was clumsily rendered in painfully tedious cliches. The little token sprinkling of Hawaiian phrases was such a pathetic attempt to add a little local color - utterly gratuitous and insultingly inauthentic. So much sloppy writing. The narrator speaks of rowing (!!!) a traditional outrigger canoe and in the next paragraph uses the term paddling. The characters often speak in the voice of the narrator and the narrator lapses into sounding like characters, even using expletives! The dialogue is platitudinous to the point of being almost hilarious, except that it's so bad it's painful. The "top gun" pilot delivering the key explosive sounds absurdly clinical as he describes the gradual dismemberment of his plane. Yet it still lands! Right. There were so many references to "the end of the world" after a while I was rooting for it to happen so that the book would just mercifully end! I won't spoil the ending for you, assuming that you get that far, but it's something so obvious you're incredulous that the volcanology guru MacGregor didn't anticipate it in Chapter 5. My guess is that this was a contract, pen for hire job for Patterson and the publisher gave him 2 weeks to spew it out. "Masterpiece" my tush! What an abysmal hack job! Chrichton's widow would have done better feeding her deceased husband's notes into a generative AI program. I blew 15 bucks ! I think I'll get into the blockbuster/page turner game. Save your money - don't encourage this kind of crass, commercial hucksterism. Belongs on every "Worst" list there is. What a fraud of a book!
June 24, 2024
So this is how the world is going to end.
It’s April of 2025, and the Hawaiian volcano of Mauna Loa—the largest active volcano in the world—is going to erupt in five days. But John MacGregor, the Chief Vulcanologist of the Hawaiiian Volcano Observatory, has everyone prepared. The lava flow is not expected to move towards the nearby city of Hilo, so there’s no real danger to life or property expected. That is, until the Army shows up and tells MacGregor that, actually, if the lava flows as expected there are reasons why it will lead to the end of all human life on earth, so could he please stop that outcome? No pressure!
Eruption is billed as a collaboration between Michael Crichton and James Patterson. Of course, Mr. Crichton died in 2008, and his widow keeps finding unpublished manuscripts, outlines, etc. to publish posthumously. It definitely has some classic Crichton hallmarks. The early prologue scene that hints at the danger to come. The theme of minor errors multiplying into major problems. Antagonists who aren’t villainous but are selfish and take actions that push a salvageable situation past the breaking point.
Did Mr. Crichton actually believe the story in Eruption was ready for publication? We’ll never really know. But I can say that isn’t very good. First, there was an explanation for the impending catastrophe, but it was built upon a chain of so many unlikely events that it wasn’t very believable. Second, it also was not convincing that attempting to divert a lava flow—which, of course, borders on the impossible—was the only way to stop the impending catastrophe. I thought of a dozen other options that all seemed more reasonable. Finally, when the eruption finally occurs, and the action really ramps up, the resolution depends a surprising amount on the topography around Mauna Loa. That outcome might be realistic, but it was a letdown and would probably work a lot better on a screen than in a book (or in my case, an audiobook). Disappointing. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
July 1, 2024
3.5 stars
This book, about a VERY dangerous volcano, is a collaboration between Michael Crichton and James Patterson. In the backstory, Michael's wife Sherri explains that Michael was interested in volcanoes, and had begun a book, whose working title was 'The Black Zone', before he died. Sherri found the partial manuscript in Michael's archives, and felt the book should be completed. Sherri considered various collaborators, and when she met James Patterson, she knew she'd found the right guy. The result is 'Eruption.'
*****
As the story opens, the Mauna Loa volcano - one of the five volcanoes that form the Island of Hawaii - is heating up, causing earth tremors, and getting ready to erupt.
Volcanologist Dr. John MacGregor (Mac), head of the Hawaiian Volcano Institute, determines the volcano will explode in about five days.
A volcano eruption is dangerous enough, but Mauna Loa is especially treacherous. Mac learns this when he's summoned to a meeting with some military brass, one of whom is Colonel James Briggs.
Briggs takes Mac to a huge lava tube (like a cave) in Mauna Loa, which is filled with storage receptacles containing radioactive herbicides.
The herbicides are SO souped up they can kill an entire tree in minutes. The bottom line is this: Should the herbicides get into the environment, they'll enter the atmosphere, contaminate the whole world, kill all the plants....and everyone will die. So, if the lava from Mauna Loa's eruption reaches the lava tube, it's all over.
One might ask, why did the military leave these SUPER dangerous storage receptacles in Mauna Loa? The answer is the army couldn't get funding from Congress to move the containers, and couldn't make a public fuss because the receptacles were filled with classified hush-hush pesticides.
For the rest of the book, Mac - along with his crew and the army - maneuver to divert Mauna Loa's red hot lava so it doesn't reach the receptacles. This involves things like blowing holes in the volcano; building walls; building dykes; and so on. All this must be done in five days, and in secret, so the public doesn't panic.
Of course the secret does leak, and a pair of volcano chasers and a narcissistic billionaire businessman descend on Hawaii. This trio thinks THEY should direct the 'rescue operation', and things get complicated and dangerous.
There are some striking scenarios, like people taking helicopters into Mauna Loa (before it erupts) so they can get pictures. The heat and ashes compromise the helicopter's rotors.....and you'll have to read the book to find out what happens next.
Of course there's plenty of death and destruction in the book....can you imagine falling into a lava flow?
The book is formulaic, but it's exciting, with engaging (if somewhat two-dimensional) characters. A movie is in the works already, which will probably be a popular action thriller.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
June 16, 2024
Michael Crichton died in 2008 and yet there is another book with his name on it this year 2024. The story is that Crichton was reseaching a story involving a vulcano eruption on Hawaii. Then hé never got to finish it due to mortal issues. And now his widow met Patterson and decided to ask him to finish the work of her husband. Patterson is not direct my favorite author but hé and his writing factory generally hit their mark. This time it is supposed to be the man himself at work in this book. And too be honest the man does a lot for literacy in the US.
Anyhow here is the story: there is a major vulcanic eruption expected on the big Island of Hawaii. Which in itself would be disaster enough however the Island has another secret in a military base which would make the eruption a far larger disaster.
Enter the hero, the military, the token islanders, the press who just want the truth to be out there, the glory Hunter and the mad billionaire and you got the cast of a great thriller and with the short chapters Patterson-style the book is a splendid tale of high adventure.
And yet it is no 5 star book for me, the end left me a little dissatisfied, but that is perhaps me. Mayby the book bypassed the common man fixing itself on the bigger than life leading characters.
Enjoyable nonetheless for anybody wanting some great holiday literature enjoying the beach. Preferable not near a vulcano so Catania in Italia is out.
Sometimes autocorrect messes up reviews and I have to manual correct them, apologies.
Anyhow here is the story: there is a major vulcanic eruption expected on the big Island of Hawaii. Which in itself would be disaster enough however the Island has another secret in a military base which would make the eruption a far larger disaster.
Enter the hero, the military, the token islanders, the press who just want the truth to be out there, the glory Hunter and the mad billionaire and you got the cast of a great thriller and with the short chapters Patterson-style the book is a splendid tale of high adventure.
And yet it is no 5 star book for me, the end left me a little dissatisfied, but that is perhaps me. Mayby the book bypassed the common man fixing itself on the bigger than life leading characters.
Enjoyable nonetheless for anybody wanting some great holiday literature enjoying the beach. Preferable not near a vulcano so Catania in Italia is out.
Sometimes autocorrect messes up reviews and I have to manual correct them, apologies.
June 5, 2024
As a die-hard Crichton fan, this book was not it. I could barely finish it.
I do think its partly the choice of author they chose to finish the manuscript. While I haven't read maximum ride or any of his other works, Patterson's style is clearly so distinct from Crichton that it stands out blatantly. Either that, or maybe Crichton had it in drafts for a reason.
I do think this concept could have done better in different hands. Micro did so well, so has the wheel of time books towards the end. Posthumous publications do not have to be this bad. But you really need to work hard on finding someone who works well with the concept and writing that Crichton was known for.
Sadly, this book fails and feels like an amateur prose experiment.
I do think its partly the choice of author they chose to finish the manuscript. While I haven't read maximum ride or any of his other works, Patterson's style is clearly so distinct from Crichton that it stands out blatantly. Either that, or maybe Crichton had it in drafts for a reason.
I do think this concept could have done better in different hands. Micro did so well, so has the wheel of time books towards the end. Posthumous publications do not have to be this bad. But you really need to work hard on finding someone who works well with the concept and writing that Crichton was known for.
Sadly, this book fails and feels like an amateur prose experiment.
June 10, 2024
This book is so bad it's almost good again. 😂
Maybe that's why so many people are rating it so high?
I love Crichton. I've been reading his books since I was 12. I also love survival stories and natural disasters and end-of-the-world situations. Something went awry with this one though...the writing was the real disaster.
The characters were laughable caricatures. I cared about nary a one. I cheered with every death. I almost laughed with glee when children died.
The dialogue and writing were repetitive and cliche and super predictable and just...BAD. Bad Bad Bad. Very much NOT GOOD.
So what happened here?
I mean...I do have kind of an idea. And it rhymes with Lames Tatterson.
All copies should be dumped into Mauna Loa with apologies post haste.
Maybe that's why so many people are rating it so high?
I love Crichton. I've been reading his books since I was 12. I also love survival stories and natural disasters and end-of-the-world situations. Something went awry with this one though...the writing was the real disaster.
The characters were laughable caricatures. I cared about nary a one. I cheered with every death. I almost laughed with glee when children died.
The dialogue and writing were repetitive and cliche and super predictable and just...BAD. Bad Bad Bad. Very much NOT GOOD.
So what happened here?
I mean...I do have kind of an idea. And it rhymes with Lames Tatterson.
All copies should be dumped into Mauna Loa with apologies post haste.
June 6, 2024
Why did I spend $15.99 on this? Library. Get it from the library.
June 7, 2024
James Patterson finishing off a manuscript started by Michael Crichton, who doesn’t want to read that. Yes, I am a big James Patterson fan and will read anything he writes but this was just another level. I am seeing a movie in the future with this one, it would be amazing.
Hawaii, a place that so have always wanted to visit… maybe not so much after reading this 😅 Scientists have been monitoring the volcanos and the big one is coming, the biggest one. There is no stopping it, but there is a lot they can do to try to minimise the damage and casualties. Things become even worse when a long held government secret is uncovered and it is all hands on deck. The army, the experts, anybody who knows anything about volcanos is called in.
This is one intense thriller. Do not pick it up and expect to read just a few chapters. It will suck you in. It was scary and emotional. I cannot imagine being in the path of an eruption or being responsible for trying to save people.
Absolutely fantastic as I knew it would be. Thank you so much Penguin Books Australia for my advanced copy to read. An absolute pleasure to read. Published on June 4th.
Hawaii, a place that so have always wanted to visit… maybe not so much after reading this 😅 Scientists have been monitoring the volcanos and the big one is coming, the biggest one. There is no stopping it, but there is a lot they can do to try to minimise the damage and casualties. Things become even worse when a long held government secret is uncovered and it is all hands on deck. The army, the experts, anybody who knows anything about volcanos is called in.
This is one intense thriller. Do not pick it up and expect to read just a few chapters. It will suck you in. It was scary and emotional. I cannot imagine being in the path of an eruption or being responsible for trying to save people.
Absolutely fantastic as I knew it would be. Thank you so much Penguin Books Australia for my advanced copy to read. An absolute pleasure to read. Published on June 4th.
August 27, 2024
I have read Crichton and really enjoy him. I have read Patterson and just love his writing style of fast paced short chapters which just allows you to read way more than you normally would. I commend Patterson for taking on the challenge of writing a Chricton book. If you don't already know Chricton has passed away some time ago but his widow Sherri knew that he loved the manuscript he was working on for this book now titled Eruption. She approached Patterson with the idea of finishing this project and he agreed. I have read more Patterson books co authored with my favourite author JD Barker then his stand alones and always laugh that in their bio's JD draws a mere few lines while Patterson gets paragraph after paragraph but I grasp why. Kudo's here to Patterson for having Chricton be the front runner. Class!!
So a lot of Chricton fans are really hating on this book. Again two different talent levels, two different styles. Patterson admits to keeping things simple and just telling a story and I think the proof is in the pudding that he does so very well.
This story fascinated me and the science is kept simple but man did I ever learn a lot about volcanoes. The story centres on the Hawaiian volcano Mauna Loa and the fact that it is going to erupt in a huge way. Complicating matters is the fact that stored in the volcano are cannister upon canister of a herbicide that are encased in glass canisters and are almost breaking on their own. Complicating matters is the fact that should their contents leak out and get into the atmosphere what they contain will destroy the world as we know it. It will be extinction. An example of a small leak years earlier sets the stage for the scariness of it all in the prologue.
So in the heart of the story I have issue with this premise. Patterson tries to explain how we got to this point and basically states that doing the right way to dispose of this herbicide was just too costly for the US government so they chose to bury it in a Volcano? Like really? I mean I always give fiction a fair amount of leeway but storing the canisters in a volcano for safe keeping????
So the story all ties in with containing the eruption and directing the lava flow so as to save the townspeople. The extinction threat is kind of secondary and that made the read a good one. The extinction threat is not front and centre nor should it be. Apparently trying to control an eruption is a real tactic in battling volcanoes, using bombs, explosives, trenches and whatever means necessary to try and direct lava flows based on the basis of scientific prediction.
Again I just learned so much about volcanoes while reading this stuff. Did you know that you will not generally drown in lava and that due to its density you simply burn alive while riding down it like a water slide? The gases are discussed and explained as well and there was just so much covered in a straightforward and easy way.
So overall I had a lot of fun while reading this and the subject matter, mainly volcanoes, was just so new to me and in this content so well explained. It really is a pretty good story and a lot like a good thrill adventure story. The characters are a collection of different personalities that really work well together. I thought overall the book was pretty entertaining and a lot of fun. An easy four stars imo and highly recommended!!
So a lot of Chricton fans are really hating on this book. Again two different talent levels, two different styles. Patterson admits to keeping things simple and just telling a story and I think the proof is in the pudding that he does so very well.
This story fascinated me and the science is kept simple but man did I ever learn a lot about volcanoes. The story centres on the Hawaiian volcano Mauna Loa and the fact that it is going to erupt in a huge way. Complicating matters is the fact that stored in the volcano are cannister upon canister of a herbicide that are encased in glass canisters and are almost breaking on their own. Complicating matters is the fact that should their contents leak out and get into the atmosphere what they contain will destroy the world as we know it. It will be extinction. An example of a small leak years earlier sets the stage for the scariness of it all in the prologue.
So in the heart of the story I have issue with this premise. Patterson tries to explain how we got to this point and basically states that doing the right way to dispose of this herbicide was just too costly for the US government so they chose to bury it in a Volcano? Like really? I mean I always give fiction a fair amount of leeway but storing the canisters in a volcano for safe keeping????
So the story all ties in with containing the eruption and directing the lava flow so as to save the townspeople. The extinction threat is kind of secondary and that made the read a good one. The extinction threat is not front and centre nor should it be. Apparently trying to control an eruption is a real tactic in battling volcanoes, using bombs, explosives, trenches and whatever means necessary to try and direct lava flows based on the basis of scientific prediction.
Again I just learned so much about volcanoes while reading this stuff. Did you know that you will not generally drown in lava and that due to its density you simply burn alive while riding down it like a water slide? The gases are discussed and explained as well and there was just so much covered in a straightforward and easy way.
So overall I had a lot of fun while reading this and the subject matter, mainly volcanoes, was just so new to me and in this content so well explained. It really is a pretty good story and a lot like a good thrill adventure story. The characters are a collection of different personalities that really work well together. I thought overall the book was pretty entertaining and a lot of fun. An easy four stars imo and highly recommended!!
June 14, 2024
A very disappointing effort based on notes for a never completed manuscript by Michael Crichton and eventually written by the James Patterson writing factory. The book is obviously written to be a movie--full of heroes and villains and lots of action. However, the characters are not realistic and the plot is ridiculous. It reminded me of a lot of comic books I read as a kid. Two stars instead of one only because it is an edge of your seat story that one has to finish, kind of like eating a whole box of Twinkies. You know it's junk and not good for you, but....
June 9, 2024
It's been years since I read a Michael Crichton book. I read an interview by his wife explaining how this manuscript came to be finished by James Patterson years after his death and was intrigued. I spent a week on the Big Island of Hawaii and hiked Manua Loa and Kilauea and remembered thinking that the power and majesty of nature was just awesome.
I was riveted from page one and had a few sleepless nights due both to the wanting to know what happens and the scare factor of wondering how much of it is real. I do have to admit that I got lost in some of the technical aspects, but I understood enough to be truly terrified.
Manua Loa is making noise like a giant coming out of a decades long sleep. It has been years since Manua Loa last blew and this one is going to be spectacular. That would cause the public some concern, but the experts say the lava flow will be in a desolate area between Manua Loa and Manua Kea, so no harm, no foul, just another beautiful day in paradise. Except the Army has a secret that could wipe out every living thing if the lava flows where expected. The clock is ticking, and you can bet that the team are going to pull off this death-defying mission and save the world - with a lot of tortuous twists and turns, of course. Can you say: "Block Buster Movie Coming Soon"?
I was riveted from page one and had a few sleepless nights due both to the wanting to know what happens and the scare factor of wondering how much of it is real. I do have to admit that I got lost in some of the technical aspects, but I understood enough to be truly terrified.
Manua Loa is making noise like a giant coming out of a decades long sleep. It has been years since Manua Loa last blew and this one is going to be spectacular. That would cause the public some concern, but the experts say the lava flow will be in a desolate area between Manua Loa and Manua Kea, so no harm, no foul, just another beautiful day in paradise. Except the Army has a secret that could wipe out every living thing if the lava flows where expected. The clock is ticking, and you can bet that the team are going to pull off this death-defying mission and save the world - with a lot of tortuous twists and turns, of course. Can you say: "Block Buster Movie Coming Soon"?
August 24, 2024
Reading this during a business trip was a special kind of funny because there is something to be said about reading a disaster movie book while flying and examining a mine / plant site. *lol*
I loved Michael Crichton and the way he made actual science work in favor of advancing and/or grounding an action-laden story. So I really grieved when I heard about his untimely death. Naturally, when you love an author and many years later someone claims a manuscript was found and another author is brought in to "finish" it, you get protective. At least I do. In addition, while I haven't read any James Patterson myself yet, I hear a lot of chatter about him (there are even jokes about him in movies for crying out loud) and most of it wasn't too positive.
Since this is about a volcano, I couldn't resist though. As it turns out, I didn't regret giving this a chance.
Everybody knows about Hawai'i's volcanoes. Hence, everybody thinks they also know what the volcanoes are all about; they think they know how unlikely an eruption of at least one of them is; they think they know how to control the lava flows ... But and assumptions can kill.
And then there is a certain Army facility on the big island which is harboring one hell of a dark secret that, if the lava reaches it, can mean the end of humanity and even all life on Earth.
What might sound a little over-the-top makes perfect sense the way Crichton lay it out (according to his widow's statement at the end, he had all the facts and interviews with scientists and plot outline, just not the finished novel yet). There were a few elements I did not care for, such as . However, I liked all the characters (loved to hate many of them), I DEFINITELY loved the setting and plot and I don't have too many complaints about the writing (the pacing was excellent even).
So yes, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone liking disaster stories and fans of Crichton's should not be disappointed either as it had the right "feel" to it IMO.
I loved Michael Crichton and the way he made actual science work in favor of advancing and/or grounding an action-laden story. So I really grieved when I heard about his untimely death. Naturally, when you love an author and many years later someone claims a manuscript was found and another author is brought in to "finish" it, you get protective. At least I do. In addition, while I haven't read any James Patterson myself yet, I hear a lot of chatter about him (there are even jokes about him in movies for crying out loud) and most of it wasn't too positive.
Since this is about a volcano, I couldn't resist though. As it turns out, I didn't regret giving this a chance.
Everybody knows about Hawai'i's volcanoes. Hence, everybody thinks they also know what the volcanoes are all about; they think they know how unlikely an eruption of at least one of them is; they think they know how to control the lava flows ... But and assumptions can kill.
And then there is a certain Army facility on the big island which is harboring one hell of a dark secret that, if the lava reaches it, can mean the end of humanity and even all life on Earth.
What might sound a little over-the-top makes perfect sense the way Crichton lay it out (according to his widow's statement at the end, he had all the facts and interviews with scientists and plot outline, just not the finished novel yet). There were a few elements I did not care for, such as . However, I liked all the characters (loved to hate many of them), I DEFINITELY loved the setting and plot and I don't have too many complaints about the writing (the pacing was excellent even).
So yes, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone liking disaster stories and fans of Crichton's should not be disappointed either as it had the right "feel" to it IMO.
July 30, 2024
3.5 STARS FOR THIS STORY & 0.5 STAR FOR MY FANBOY MOMENT
I have been a great fan of Crichton and equally one of Patterson's Alex Cross novels.
For me this was probably the collaboration of the year. On one side the late Crichton whose books were readily converted into Box-office blockbusters and on the other side James Patterson, probably the greatest living author whose books rule at the bestsellers list.
The collaboration had to be something special with James working on Crichton's found manuscript nearly a decade and a half after the masters demise.
It is and it isn't.
The story is a perfect script for a big budget disaster movie but doesn't translate itself well as a 400+ page novel. The topic of a destructive volcano is acceptable and the combination of having a disaster in the making biological waste kept near the volcano which makes this a category 5 disaster in the making is what kept me interested in the story. The story is taut and keeps ticking all the right boxes. The set-pieces are too convenient and the characters are too much of black and white, there are virtually no greys no surprises, no swaying form the straight path and is well balanced enough to provide everyone with their respective come-uppance.
What I loved in this story was the continuous action which doesn't allow the reader anything more than a bathroom break and the way the counter plan is put to action.
The story probably needed someone a little newer and younger than Patterson who could have kept Crichton's style intact. These are two very different kind of writers which becomes apparent in the story. Fans of Crichton may not be comfortable with the way this story has progressed although taking nothing away from Patterson, this is a compulsively readable story.
Mixed bag for me.
I have been a great fan of Crichton and equally one of Patterson's Alex Cross novels.
For me this was probably the collaboration of the year. On one side the late Crichton whose books were readily converted into Box-office blockbusters and on the other side James Patterson, probably the greatest living author whose books rule at the bestsellers list.
The collaboration had to be something special with James working on Crichton's found manuscript nearly a decade and a half after the masters demise.
It is and it isn't.
The story is a perfect script for a big budget disaster movie but doesn't translate itself well as a 400+ page novel. The topic of a destructive volcano is acceptable and the combination of having a disaster in the making biological waste kept near the volcano which makes this a category 5 disaster in the making is what kept me interested in the story. The story is taut and keeps ticking all the right boxes. The set-pieces are too convenient and the characters are too much of black and white, there are virtually no greys no surprises, no swaying form the straight path and is well balanced enough to provide everyone with their respective come-uppance.
What I loved in this story was the continuous action which doesn't allow the reader anything more than a bathroom break and the way the counter plan is put to action.
The story probably needed someone a little newer and younger than Patterson who could have kept Crichton's style intact. These are two very different kind of writers which becomes apparent in the story. Fans of Crichton may not be comfortable with the way this story has progressed although taking nothing away from Patterson, this is a compulsively readable story.
Mixed bag for me.
June 9, 2024
3.25 stars
I think I would have enjoyed this much more as a movie. I loved the action and tension, but to really love a book I need a greater feel of the characters.
I think I would have enjoyed this much more as a movie. I loved the action and tension, but to really love a book I need a greater feel of the characters.
June 19, 2024
“Eruption” is not the typical James Patterson novel. Neither is it his normal example of teaming up with another author. We are talking about co-authoring a book that Michael Chrichton researched for 10 years or more, worked on but did not complete before his death, and reflected his personal passion for volcanos.
There is nothing, absolutely nothing, casual about this pairing in any way. It is one of the biggest publishing events of the year, if not the biggest. And like millions of readers around the world, I couldn’t help but be filled with anticipation of getting my hands on a copy. Now, after finishing it, have more good news than bad to share.
“Eruption” is a story that that introduces two terrifying events, that if combined, would mean ultimate disaster. The first is a volcano – Mauna Loa - ready to blow that could destroy Hawaii’s big island and its inhabitants. The second is even worse. The United States military has a secret. A big secret. They have been storing radioactive waste near Mauna Loa that includes herbicides, if let loose, would mean the end of mankind.
John MacGregor, a geologist heading the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, and his team of scientists, have been tracking Mauna Loa and its expected eruption. What he doesn’t know is the military’s well-kept secret. That is until they discover that it’s too late to move the deadly canisters, and by the time John’s brought in on a need-to-know basis, there is only days to plan and execute a diversion plan to keep the lave away from the location of the toxic stockpile.
The big problem in trying to change the lava’s direction is that the alternative is the city of Hilo and its citizens…
Then to make matters even worse, two of the canisters are beginning to crack…
And the ultimate countdown to the biggest world-wide even is underway…
This turned out to be a surprising and unexpected positive reading experience that really caught me off guard. A few immediate descriptions come to mind. Explosive. A fast-paced thrill ride. Heart-pounding. Jaw-dropping. A page turner. A classic summer read. For me, all of these over-used cliches are actually appropriate and spot on. This read more like a high octane, big budget, disaster movie script rather than a novel. It was a thrill ride from beginning to end, rarely leaving any moments to breathe throughout.
I was really surprised by how well the writing combination of Chrichton and Patterson merged together to deliver such a fluid and smooth story. The cast was more than the usual one-dimensional Patterson characters that I am used too and even empathetic. The bad guys were really easy to hate and caused lots of trouble for the good guys. There was a billionaire that just couldn’t take no for an answer and absolutely added a lot of conflict. The multiple storylines were not overwhelming and connected well, creating a tight overall set of arcs that kept everything focused on the bigger picture. I am often critical of Patterson’s writing style at times, but I have to say that the structure of this novel was solid. Honestly, it was one of his best in my opinion. Probably because it was from Chrichton’s outline and notes.
Although it feels like Patterson likely wrote most of the story, I definitely felt Crichton’s involvement in several important ways. His research and the science behind the volcanic activity, as well as the military radioactive waste, was great in conception and development. I loved hearing the scientific history of volcanos, how they behave, and the impact from their eruptions. Patterson and Chrichton sprinkled those learning lessons throughout the book in ways that enhanced the reading experience, but never overwhelmed the reader too much. There was definitely a lot of science involved in this one, just like most of Chrichton’s previous novels, and his passion for them permeated throughout the book.
For me, Chrichton’s groundwork and laying of the foundation which set-up Patterson’s role as closer was the secret sauce to this one, making one of the rare times when a super-hyped book, movie, or television show actually delivers a winner. I am absolutely shocked about how smooth of a read this book was. It was a page turner for me all the way through. In an interview, Patterson said that he challenged the readers to guess where Crichton ended, and Patterson took over. Honesty requires that I cannot begin to guess that point. Patterson – you win on that one, which for me supports why this one turned out to be special.
Overall, I cannot believe how well Patterson did in finishing this unfinished manuscript by Chrichton. Even more so, doing it in such a cohesive and fluid manner, in which they came together in ONE UNIFIED VOICE to deliver such a tight-knit and well-delivered thriller is almost unbelievable. To me, it is a creative win on most levels…
But not quite all levels. For me there was a lot of tense and dramatic development throughout this book that was going to make delivering a topnotch climax tough. For me, I am still processing the ending. Although it delivered well on some levels, I couldn’t help but feel a bit let down in some ways. I don’t want to spoil anybody’s reads so I will only say that I thought after such a strong buildup, it felt like the big climax was shorter than I expected. It could have had more, and I am still unsure whether I am satisfied by the nature-oriented twist at the end. And let me add this obvious duh comment – if you go on a helicopter to investigate an active volcano and almost get killed, don’t be stupid enough to go back in another helicopter to look at it again. Seriously….
Patterson also mentioned in interviews that they are now working on the movie (trying to model and capture the magic of Chrichton’s own “Jurassic Park”), which I am expecting will deliver an even more immersive experience than the book did. Personally, I think this story is more oriented for the big screen with all of the amazing and advanced special effects available in today’s world. And it is really a visual story more than an imaginative one.
I am surprisingly giving this one 4 out of 5-stars. If the ending had been stronger, I would have given another half-star. I never thought that a posthumous Michael Chrichton would turn out to be one of the best writing partners that Patterson’s ever had, although I think that says more about Chrichton than Patterson.
Anyway, I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it…
There is nothing, absolutely nothing, casual about this pairing in any way. It is one of the biggest publishing events of the year, if not the biggest. And like millions of readers around the world, I couldn’t help but be filled with anticipation of getting my hands on a copy. Now, after finishing it, have more good news than bad to share.
“Eruption” is a story that that introduces two terrifying events, that if combined, would mean ultimate disaster. The first is a volcano – Mauna Loa - ready to blow that could destroy Hawaii’s big island and its inhabitants. The second is even worse. The United States military has a secret. A big secret. They have been storing radioactive waste near Mauna Loa that includes herbicides, if let loose, would mean the end of mankind.
John MacGregor, a geologist heading the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, and his team of scientists, have been tracking Mauna Loa and its expected eruption. What he doesn’t know is the military’s well-kept secret. That is until they discover that it’s too late to move the deadly canisters, and by the time John’s brought in on a need-to-know basis, there is only days to plan and execute a diversion plan to keep the lave away from the location of the toxic stockpile.
The big problem in trying to change the lava’s direction is that the alternative is the city of Hilo and its citizens…
Then to make matters even worse, two of the canisters are beginning to crack…
And the ultimate countdown to the biggest world-wide even is underway…
This turned out to be a surprising and unexpected positive reading experience that really caught me off guard. A few immediate descriptions come to mind. Explosive. A fast-paced thrill ride. Heart-pounding. Jaw-dropping. A page turner. A classic summer read. For me, all of these over-used cliches are actually appropriate and spot on. This read more like a high octane, big budget, disaster movie script rather than a novel. It was a thrill ride from beginning to end, rarely leaving any moments to breathe throughout.
I was really surprised by how well the writing combination of Chrichton and Patterson merged together to deliver such a fluid and smooth story. The cast was more than the usual one-dimensional Patterson characters that I am used too and even empathetic. The bad guys were really easy to hate and caused lots of trouble for the good guys. There was a billionaire that just couldn’t take no for an answer and absolutely added a lot of conflict. The multiple storylines were not overwhelming and connected well, creating a tight overall set of arcs that kept everything focused on the bigger picture. I am often critical of Patterson’s writing style at times, but I have to say that the structure of this novel was solid. Honestly, it was one of his best in my opinion. Probably because it was from Chrichton’s outline and notes.
Although it feels like Patterson likely wrote most of the story, I definitely felt Crichton’s involvement in several important ways. His research and the science behind the volcanic activity, as well as the military radioactive waste, was great in conception and development. I loved hearing the scientific history of volcanos, how they behave, and the impact from their eruptions. Patterson and Chrichton sprinkled those learning lessons throughout the book in ways that enhanced the reading experience, but never overwhelmed the reader too much. There was definitely a lot of science involved in this one, just like most of Chrichton’s previous novels, and his passion for them permeated throughout the book.
For me, Chrichton’s groundwork and laying of the foundation which set-up Patterson’s role as closer was the secret sauce to this one, making one of the rare times when a super-hyped book, movie, or television show actually delivers a winner. I am absolutely shocked about how smooth of a read this book was. It was a page turner for me all the way through. In an interview, Patterson said that he challenged the readers to guess where Crichton ended, and Patterson took over. Honesty requires that I cannot begin to guess that point. Patterson – you win on that one, which for me supports why this one turned out to be special.
Overall, I cannot believe how well Patterson did in finishing this unfinished manuscript by Chrichton. Even more so, doing it in such a cohesive and fluid manner, in which they came together in ONE UNIFIED VOICE to deliver such a tight-knit and well-delivered thriller is almost unbelievable. To me, it is a creative win on most levels…
But not quite all levels. For me there was a lot of tense and dramatic development throughout this book that was going to make delivering a topnotch climax tough. For me, I am still processing the ending. Although it delivered well on some levels, I couldn’t help but feel a bit let down in some ways. I don’t want to spoil anybody’s reads so I will only say that I thought after such a strong buildup, it felt like the big climax was shorter than I expected. It could have had more, and I am still unsure whether I am satisfied by the nature-oriented twist at the end. And let me add this obvious duh comment – if you go on a helicopter to investigate an active volcano and almost get killed, don’t be stupid enough to go back in another helicopter to look at it again. Seriously….
Patterson also mentioned in interviews that they are now working on the movie (trying to model and capture the magic of Chrichton’s own “Jurassic Park”), which I am expecting will deliver an even more immersive experience than the book did. Personally, I think this story is more oriented for the big screen with all of the amazing and advanced special effects available in today’s world. And it is really a visual story more than an imaginative one.
I am surprisingly giving this one 4 out of 5-stars. If the ending had been stronger, I would have given another half-star. I never thought that a posthumous Michael Chrichton would turn out to be one of the best writing partners that Patterson’s ever had, although I think that says more about Chrichton than Patterson.
Anyway, I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it…
June 3, 2024
First of all, there needs to be a rating higher than five stars because this one definitely gets ten! It is a powerfully written story that is impeccably researched that is as mesmerizing as it is scary. It could give me nightmares but I must say that it is definitely memorable. The scenario of a huge volcanic eruption in Hawaii along with a secret that the army has hidden there is the stuff of horror films that kept me on the edge of my seat and reading until my eyes were too tired to read more. The characters are likable and relatable, except for a few who were downright nasty and narcissistic but they did add to the storyline. The plot’s pace was as fast as the lava flowing down the sides of the mountain and as breathtaking as a runaway train headed for your house. I gasped with dismay, cried with sadness and chuckled with the humor that was sparse but still present. The style of James Patterson is evident as is the research of Michael Crichton. I enjoyed every minute I spent with this book, envisioning a disaster movie playing in my head as I read. What a thrill ride this book is! I was sad to see it end but content with the conclusion, even though there were a lot of sad things that happened. This book is so realistic that the rumble of thunder had me jump in my seat, thinking that a volcano must be erupting, even though we don’t have one anywhere near us. I loved the book, the story and the details that captivated and fascinated me. Fans of Crichton need to get this book immediately and see the master come to life again under the talented hand of James Patterson!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachette Book Group. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachette Book Group. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
June 11, 2024
It's all Patterson, no Crichton, and that's why it sucks. Adding Crichton's name to this volcano of cliches and one-dimensional characters is like pouring an Appleton Estate 50-Year into a Pillsbury Traditional Yellow cake mix and calling it a gourmet rum cake (where, of course, Crichton is the once-in-a-lifetime deliciousness of Appleton Estate and James Patterson is the better-thrown-directly-into-the-toilet shitty box cake mix that has absorbed the taste of cardboard and failure).
July 9, 2024
Whoa 😮 what a ride throughout this book 📚
June 24, 2024
Once again, a Crichton book has erupted through the rest of the tired tomes on the bestseller list. This page turner has the science to intrigue the reader, the storyline to captivate us, and the adventure to assure that it will be a blockbuster movie. Thank you Mr. Patterson for giving Crichton fans one last treasure.
June 8, 2024
What a weak ending.
I know Patterson finished this book for Crichton but this really didn’t feel like a Crichton book. But it was fun to visit something with Crichtons name on it.
Maybe I expected too much.
I know Patterson finished this book for Crichton but this really didn’t feel like a Crichton book. But it was fun to visit something with Crichtons name on it.
Maybe I expected too much.
June 10, 2024
Yikes
Really badly written, Michael Crichton would be rolling in his grave. Someone needs to explain how his name was even pasted to this truly awful thing. Do not waste your money on this disaster of a book
Really badly written, Michael Crichton would be rolling in his grave. Someone needs to explain how his name was even pasted to this truly awful thing. Do not waste your money on this disaster of a book
June 4, 2024
excruciating
June 6, 2024
Struggled to finish. Shallow writing, cliched to the hilt. A quick scan of reviews tells me I’m in the minority for sure. Not a fan. Maybe will work better as a movie?
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