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Sphere

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Sphere

By: Michael Crichton
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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About this listen

“Ingenious and beguiling.” - Time

“Crichton keeps us guessing at every turn in his best work since The Andromeda Strain.” - Los Angeles Times

“Sphere may be Crichton’s best novel, but even if it ranked only second or third, it would be a must for suspense fans.” - Miami Herald

A classic thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Crichton, Sphere is a bravura demonstration of what he does better than anyone: riveting storytelling that combines frighteningly plausible, cutting-edge science and technology with pulse-pounding action and serious chills. The gripping story of a group of American scientists sent to the ocean floor to investigate an alien ship, only to confront a terrifying discovery that defies imagination, Sphere is Crichton prime - truly masterful fiction from the ingenious mind that brought us Prey, State of Fear, and Jurassic Park.

Sphere was made into a film directed by Barry Levinson, which starred Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone, and Samuel L. Jackson.

©1987 by CrichtonSun LLC. (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved. Adventure Fantasy Hard Science Fiction Science Fiction Technothrillers Thriller & Suspense Exciting

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Critic reviews

"A page-turner with oomph.... Crichton's writing is cinematic, with powerful visual images and nonstop action." --Newsweek
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good twists throughout the book. I love this authors books. every read plays on interesting facts well explained combined with the made up.

A good liten

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I adore Michael Crichtonbut would not say this was one of my favourites of his. the book was well read but I found some sections a bit dull. it just didn't capture my imagination as much as expected. obviously still a great piece of literature but not a book I will be eagerly wishing to hear or read again.

its no jurassic park

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Would you consider the audio edition of Sphere to be better than the print version?

No. It's about on a par, but not better. The novel relies on a lot of numbers being represented on the page, especially with regard to Jerry, and this is hard to put across in spoken word. Brick is a good reader, and his laconic style fits the book well.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It was a bit Deus Ex Machina, wrapping up everything rather neatly, but it was also the only ending that would make sense. I've read the book, so it wasn't a surprise, but it would be if you didn't know what was about to happen.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Rather the other way round - scenes with Ted were excruciating. Obviously intended to be so, but he's portrayed as such an irritating and annoying personality it's a wonder he wasn't bundled out the airlock at the first opportunity.

The beginning is much better - setting the scene and the exploration of the chip.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me wonder what I'd do if I had the power. I doubt I'd be any better at control than the characters in the book.

Any additional comments?

It's really quite a silly book. Even for science fiction, it's ridiculous in plot and scenario. Only Chrichton's skill at storytelling - and Brick's spoken word - make it worthwhile. I'll certainly listen to the first half again, but will probably lose interest for the latter part.

It's a bit silly, in a serious sort of way.

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Story isn’t quite as terrific or grandiose as it first promises, but this is still a great sci-fi adventure. Fills in lots of gaps from the movie version, much more enjoyable when you can get to know the characters’ thoughts and pasts better in audio/book form. The reader is excellent, not too much “acting”. I couldn’t stop listening until I’d devoured the whole thing in just two sittings.

Exciting. Made me want to eat squid for dinner.

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Good book. The beginning is a bit slow, but keep at it. This book is for deep water tension book lovers.

Fabulous

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as is often the case, gives an bit more background to the lead roles, the dialogue can be a little bit repetitive but overall a very enjoyable story and well read.

better than the flim

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Excellent narration provided by Scott Brick as usual. Story can be a bit of a slow burn but is interesting and engaging.

Great story.

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Excellent narration, interesting storyline, but ultimately too padded out. Not his best novel. Not much more to say.

Gripping but a bit long winded

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A story with interesting potential, well read but spoiled by the over use of "said" as remarked you other reviewers

Sphere

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The dumbest characters saying the smartest things, but I enjoyed it regardless. I especially enjoyed the scientific side, along with the theoretical ideas that came with it. Also, Scott Brick is easily my favourite narrator and I loved his work with the “Dune” series, so it was nice to hear his fantastic narration again.

Great

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