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emheld's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars for being a standout gripping medical/technothriller. Maybe 4 for the writing (a little loose in the last few chapters).
You've read what it's about - a fungal infection that threatens governments, society and our notion of civilization. I'd put it squarely in the "Crichton" category, though it's less science run amok and more biology on a tear.
Still, it's a Crichton, and we could use a lot more as well written as this is. Walton should be proud of his accomplishment.
Highly recommended!
You've read what it's about - a fungal infection that threatens governments, society and our notion of civilization. I'd put it squarely in the "Crichton" category, though it's less science run amok and more biology on a tear.
Still, it's a Crichton, and we could use a lot more as well written as this is. Walton should be proud of his accomplishment.
Highly recommended!
kaiferre's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
lilin's review against another edition
4.0
I had to finish this book. It was enthralling. Almost like something was compelling me to do so. If you want a scientific, action packed read you should pick it up.
bkwrm1317's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
SF thriller by David Walton, an engineering contractor for Lockheed Martin (hence why our main character works for the NSA and isn’t self-critical, I suppose).
Disappointed that the acknowledgement doesn’t manage to even mention the linguistic anthropologists whose work is undoubtedly a major source of research for this novel like Daniel Everett, I’d guess, among others.
Our protagonist, Niel, has just secured a job at the NSA, following in his father’s footsteps, when his older brother Paul nearly dies at the hands of a paramilitary group in the Brazilian Amazon. Paul, a mycologist, escapes by walking through the jungle, and discovers a bioluminescent species of fungi on the way.
A fascinating reflection on language-as-code, and what a species might do to help itself survive.
A near perfect novel for me in the beginning 2/3, regardless of my initial complaints here, but the ending was lackluster for me and stepped too far away from the brainy code breaking of the plot line that got us there.
Disappointed that the acknowledgement doesn’t manage to even mention the linguistic anthropologists whose work is undoubtedly a major source of research for this novel like Daniel Everett, I’d guess, among others.
Our protagonist, Niel, has just secured a job at the NSA, following in his father’s footsteps, when his older brother Paul nearly dies at the hands of a paramilitary group in the Brazilian Amazon. Paul, a mycologist, escapes by walking through the jungle, and discovers a bioluminescent species of fungi on the way.
A fascinating reflection on language-as-code, and what a species might do to help itself survive.
A near perfect novel for me in the beginning 2/3, regardless of my initial complaints here, but the ending was lackluster for me and stepped too far away from the brainy code breaking of the plot line that got us there.
mdunnbass's review against another edition
5.0
A story about a zombie-fungus taking over people the way Cordyceps takes over ants (although perhaps puppetmaster-fungus is more accurate), and makes them act in the best interest of the fungus. The NSA, assassinations, biowarfare, eco-terrorism, revolutions, office politics, and a touching family drama all wrapped up in a can't-put-it-down package.
I ordered this one online, and when it arrived, my daughter took it and devoured it before I could grab it first. She loved it. Then I read it. I inhaled the first 200 pages in one sitting, and only stopped because I had to get up early the next morning. It didn't take me long to finish the whole thing.
I loved this book. What I thought was going to be the climax wound up coming at about the halfway mark, and a whole lot more that I wasn't expecting happened after. I love being surprised by a book, and it not going where I expect it will.
It's a compelling read - a page-turner. 5 stars, highly recommended.
I ordered this one online, and when it arrived, my daughter took it and devoured it before I could grab it first. She loved it. Then I read it. I inhaled the first 200 pages in one sitting, and only stopped because I had to get up early the next morning. It didn't take me long to finish the whole thing.
I loved this book. What I thought was going to be the climax wound up coming at about the halfway mark, and a whole lot more that I wasn't expecting happened after. I love being surprised by a book, and it not going where I expect it will.
It's a compelling read - a page-turner. 5 stars, highly recommended.
canadajanes's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the idea for the story and once the action picked up I was able to lose myself in it. Unfortunately the writing is juvenile/stilted and the main character is extremely unlikable.
c3j's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
oisincleere's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
thompsonisreading's review against another edition
4.0
I borrowed this one from the library several times before actually buckling down and reading it, so clearly I'm drawn to the premise. It was an interesting idea, but I felt a little lost in the science sometimes, and I was not satisfied with the ending.
elliem23's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0