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pfracassi's review against another edition
4.0
I love Michael Crichton. And late 90's MC is the best MC. Even the stuff he "wrote" after he died is worth reading because it explores topics that lead your interest to other things. Sphere, unlike the movie with "We gotta find that monkey" Dustin Hoffman, is one of the more perfect science fiction novels ever. It has all the elements - mystery, navy cruisers, alien monsters, opponent allies, etc.
Hard to believe this book didn't influence The Abyss, because it's pretty damn similar. Anyway, read it on the beach and just TRY not to look a little warily toward the water.
Hard to believe this book didn't influence The Abyss, because it's pretty damn similar. Anyway, read it on the beach and just TRY not to look a little warily toward the water.
dna_heligrace's review against another edition
5.0
Wasn't expecting a philosophical mind-bender, but thoroughly enjoyed it. While my inner thriller junkie was a bit disappointed about the ending, it really was the only logical choice. Definitely left me thinking for long after I finished it.
jenbrucker's review against another edition
4.0
This book opens on an Navy ship, and Michael Crichton describes the feel of the ship, right down to the smell(a smell I know well), the story is typical of his writing and kept me turning the page to find out how the story would end.
The only complaint/warning I have is; don't read this book on an airline flight. I made the mistake of picking up my copy at an airport and reading this on a red-eye flight. Other than that, this book was a GREAT read!!
The only complaint/warning I have is; don't read this book on an airline flight. I made the mistake of picking up my copy at an airport and reading this on a red-eye flight. Other than that, this book was a GREAT read!!
winterbinding's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't realize I'd failed to add my thoughts to this book, but after the fact I have a few things to note:
I wasn't entirely expecting horror when I went in, but was pleasantly surprised when I found it. More in theme, really, and setting, but its that quiet, dark, uncertain horror that I love the most, so I was pretty enthralled the moment I made that realization. The characters are almost unforgivably horrible, which I think really adds to it - and while the sphere remained a mystery and the book ended with a finally moment of "what if?", I was pleased with this one, and would recommend it.
The movie, however... I can't say the same there, especially after reading both. One of those cases where the movie takes the basic ideas of the book and spins off in its own direction, in a manner I didn't really care for.
I wasn't entirely expecting horror when I went in, but was pleasantly surprised when I found it. More in theme, really, and setting, but its that quiet, dark, uncertain horror that I love the most, so I was pretty enthralled the moment I made that realization. The characters are almost unforgivably horrible, which I think really adds to it - and while the sphere remained a mystery and the book ended with a finally moment of "what if?", I was pleased with this one, and would recommend it.
The movie, however... I can't say the same there, especially after reading both. One of those cases where the movie takes the basic ideas of the book and spins off in its own direction, in a manner I didn't really care for.
logickat's review against another edition
4.0
A mysterious object is found deep beneath the ocean, and it appears to be beyond humanity's technological level, thus it is assumed to be an alien ship. A group of scientists, accompanied by some Navy personnel, are sent to live in an undersea habitat for a few days to check it out. They find a spaceship with some confusing clues to its origins. Then they find THE SPHERE. Weird stuff starts happening, and it's on-the-edge-of-your-seat action and suspense. The ending was interesting and of course satisfyingly wondersome.
krbfleming's review against another edition
3.0
I started out really liking this book but I remember being disappointed by the ending. What I liked most was the marine biology science it included, as I was a Marine Biology major in college when I read it. I loved the combination of the science and the suspenseful supernatural aspects. The movie dind't do this novel justice at all.
notyourdaddy's review against another edition
4.0
Science Fiction is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres. Sphere is a thrilling and mind-bending book that is sure to please fans of ocean horror and alien technology.
I think the thing I enjoyed the most about this book was the fact that it felt like you couldn't really trust anything that anybody was seeing. It was unsettling.
I think the thing I enjoyed the most about this book was the fact that it felt like you couldn't really trust anything that anybody was seeing. It was unsettling.
rafaper19's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
castral's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
wamainon's review against another edition
4.0
This book was published almost 30 years ago and I've seen the movie, but I could hardly put the book down. Even though I kind of knew what happened, it was suspenseful and still so good. A sci-fi classic.
Spoiler:
The ending. Did Beth...?
Spoiler:
The ending. Did Beth...?