Reviews

Prey by Michael Crichton

julietlxo's review against another edition

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4.0

“We think we know what we are doing. We have always thought so. We never seem to acknowledge that we have been wrong in the past, and so might be wrong in the future. Instead, each generation writes off earlier errors as the result of bad thinking by less able minds—and then confidently embarks on fresh errors of its own.”
― Michael Crichton, Prey

This book was terrifyingly awesome. Published in 2002, being speculative science fiction... but can we really say speculative now in 2023? It's crazy scary how likely the plot of Prey can become reality.

books_venture's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I just finished Prey by Michael Crichton and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is only the second Crichton book I’ve read. The other was his latest posthumous release, Eruption, and I definitely enjoyed this one alot more. 

This novel is all about AI and how it can so easily get out of hand due to the naivety or stupidity of human beings. 

The main protagonist, Jack, is an out of work computer programmer and stay at home Dad with three kids. And I immediately resonated with him as he struggles to balance the demands of daily parenting. 

Jack’s wife works of a nano-robotics company called Xymos who are intent on developing new imaging technology with the aid of artificial intelligent nano-robots which can be injected in the human body. 

Needless to say, the shit soon hits the fan for all concerned. 

This story kind of reminded me of the Elizabeth Homes story from a couple of years back except with a lot more at stake. 

Even though this novel is over twenty years old, I feel it is even more prescient now that it was then. Thanks to @nick_jones_reads_books and @matt.the.guy whose accounts inspired me to read this.

follen's review against another edition

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4.0

Come al solito Michael Crichton è capace di avvolgere il lettore all'interno dell'atmosfera del suo racconto, rendendolo partecipe della vicenda. Il romanzo è scritto egregiamente e appassiona fin da subito (anche se all'inizio la narrazione è più lenta, ma ciò non guasta!) e si arriva al finale senza nemmeno accorgersene. Attribuisco 4 stelle e non 5 solo perché l'argomento della vicenda è davvero troppo "fantascientifico" (è ovvio direte voi no? Dopotutto è un libro sci-fi).
Il problema principale del susseguirsi degli eventi e del "personaggio principale" (no spoiler) del racconto è il fatto che le spiegazioni per il suo comportamento sono davvero troppo blande, e non convincono fino in fondo del suo funzionamento.

bleepbloop's review against another edition

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4.0

I think this was abridged but it was fun

findingtimeforreading's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

callies's review against another edition

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adventurous tense fast-paced

4.0

takeahike's review against another edition

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Read too long ago to rate.

avidbooknerd2028's review against another edition

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4.0

Another Michael Crichton that I loved!

This one took me a while to get through as I have hit a reading slump. Though the story itself was exactly what I wanted from one of his books.

I love the science that he puts into his novels. It's always so well researched and very close to reality in today's world. This makes his books Sci-Fi Thrillers in my opinion.

The characters in here weren't as fleshed out as I would've liked, however, they were still good characters. We had morally grey characters which definitely helped the plot immensely.

The main plot of this novel was so intriguing and had me on the edge of my seat. The plot twists I did not see coming, it was very unique. There was sometimes a bit too much going on which made things confusing. In the end though when everything was brought to light I understand why he wrote it the way he did.

I loved the conclusion and how our MC handled the situation. He didn't falter and kept strong through the whole novel. He followed his instincts even when others were telling him he was paranoid.

All in all this was an amazing story filled with plot twists, thriller elements, and tons of science. I definitely can't wait to read more of his novels!

mystikbunny's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

creedmk's review against another edition

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5.0

Michael Chricton never disappoints.  Both my 18 year olds and I read this on a trip across Europe and none of us could put it down.  The science seems well done, and plausible.  It's captivating and a little scary, and a very quick read.