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lynguy1's review against another edition
4.0
THE ANDROMEDA EVOLUTION by Daniel H. Wilson is a science fiction / techno-thriller novel and a sequel to Michael Crichton’s THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN. It can be read as a standalone novel, but it would be beneficial to read Crichton’s novel first.
Wilson continues Crichton’s story after approximately 50 years of waiting. Research has continued on the strain and the world thought it was now safe. The watchdog group, Project Eternal Vigilance is on the verge on being shut down when a large formation appears in the Amazon jungle on the equator showing similarities to the original strains of Andromeda. A team of scientists (Project Wildfire) are deployed to the jungle to investigate and determine how to stop it. However the microbe is evolving and time is of the essence.
This is a well-written novel and carries on Crichton’s legacy and builds on his original story line. I was thoroughly engaged and entertained. The novel is written as a post-incident report. The main characters are well defined with a variety of personalities and traits that came across as very realistic and in the case of one character, highly imaginative.
It took me about 7% of the book to get totally committed to the story, but once I was there, I devoured the book. There are also some technical explanations and diagrams. Don’t let that throw you. They make sense.
Overall, the novel was thought-provoking and entertaining. If you enjoy Michael Crichton novels or science fiction, I recommend you try this. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Many thanks to HarperCollins Publishers and Daniel H. Wilson for a digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Wilson continues Crichton’s story after approximately 50 years of waiting. Research has continued on the strain and the world thought it was now safe. The watchdog group, Project Eternal Vigilance is on the verge on being shut down when a large formation appears in the Amazon jungle on the equator showing similarities to the original strains of Andromeda. A team of scientists (Project Wildfire) are deployed to the jungle to investigate and determine how to stop it. However the microbe is evolving and time is of the essence.
This is a well-written novel and carries on Crichton’s legacy and builds on his original story line. I was thoroughly engaged and entertained. The novel is written as a post-incident report. The main characters are well defined with a variety of personalities and traits that came across as very realistic and in the case of one character, highly imaginative.
It took me about 7% of the book to get totally committed to the story, but once I was there, I devoured the book. There are also some technical explanations and diagrams. Don’t let that throw you. They make sense.
Overall, the novel was thought-provoking and entertaining. If you enjoy Michael Crichton novels or science fiction, I recommend you try this. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Many thanks to HarperCollins Publishers and Daniel H. Wilson for a digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
browneyes112890's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
libellum_aphrodite's review against another edition
2.0
How many hackneyed sci-fi tropes can we attempt to pack into one plot? While the first book was clever and quasi-realistic, this one felt like a joke of outlandish plot points, forced internationalism, and overstated political posturing. To top it off, the newly revealed mechanism and purpose of Andromeda feels like a blatant rip-off of the protomolecule from The Expanse. I suspect Crichton's widow commissioned this to capitalize on his authorial reputation and keep some cash flows flush (see "Development" here https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Andromeda_Evolution).
ramsfan1963's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Interesting sequel to the original novel by Crichton. I don't think it's as good as the first book, which felt like a documentary, and this one felt like a found footage film, but it's still entertaining. The ending does get a bit far fetched but still within the realm of science.
msreadsoften's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
lazydoc98's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ccollard58's review against another edition
4.0
fun to further explore what might be the origin of the andromeda lifeform. i found the science interesting and the plot was good overall. most of the characters are engaging and there was a fun surprise near the end. the motivations of one of the main characters confused me thought. i guess that was necessary to heighten the suspense and conflict but i just didn't buy it.
hivequeen's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really good sequel! I think there's always risk when a different author continues a story but I am not surprised Wilson did a good job. I think his writing style and Crichton's fit really well. I can pretty much guarantee that the robots were all Wilson and that Crichton probably wouldn't have included something like that. But considering robot stories are why I love Wilson's books, I am not going to say I'm unhappy about that. And I always love a good space elevator!! Definitely worth a read for people who liked the Andromeda Strain!
jane_kelsey's review against another edition
4.0
Really good sequel and it genuinely felt like it was written by Michael Crichton. I really enjoyed the story and for such matters I have no issues in suspending my disbelief, although the first half of the novel was my favourite bit! It reminded me a bit of Annihalation, and that being one of my faves books and movie... well, it hit the spot.