francwoods's review against another edition
3.0
Really a solid 3.5 stars for "Utopia Experiment" and I'll probably check out other books by the author. That said, since I did the audio version of this book, I may have missed something in the plot line that would be easier to go back and check using a paper copy.
The premise, enhanced abilities via what I call souped up Google glasses with direct input to your brain, seemed almost too real as the technology doesn't seem that far off. Fun book.
The premise, enhanced abilities via what I call souped up Google glasses with direct input to your brain, seemed almost too real as the technology doesn't seem that far off. Fun book.
jaxboiler's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun book that I listened to while driving north for Xmas. Moved nicely and with lots of nice action.
jmcguoirk's review against another edition
4.0
Entertaining, especially for the techno savvy. TY KM.
wallymountz's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent plot line set in the future (or is it really in the present??). Great action sequences and a good ending. Would recommend.
reader44ever's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. The first half was likable but a bit hard to follow due to all the point-of-view changes and a somewhat difficult-to-track passage of time. But the second half really took off and had some very enjoyable "wow" moments. :)
I considered not reading this book since it's part of a series and I haven't read any of the preceding books, but since it's my August sci-fi book club selection at my library, I decided to give it a chance. And I'm very glad I did!
There seemed to be a few references to events from the previous books, but not having read those books turned out to not be a problem. On the contrary, this story makes me want to read the rest of the Covert-One series. More books for my TBR shelf, what a shock! ;)
I really liked the characters in this story. Colonel Jon Smith and CIA Agent Randi Russell were wonderful. Randi especially was fun: I really loved her spunk (or should I say her piss and vinegar, lol!). And Marty Zellerbach was really great, too. He had a couple literally laugh-out-loud lines in the dialogue. :)
The plot to the book - the Merge and what Christian Dresnor planned to use it for - was quite chilling. The premise behind the technology was quite intriguing. I wonder if scientists are trying to create such a thing now? I sort of hope not, since I'm having trouble thinking of a way to make it work without any adverse effects. It seems to me that such a thing would have a high chance of abuse.
For a fiction story, though, it was wonderful. The story was really suspenseful, especially once I got past the first half.
I'm very interested in reading the rest of this series, and I very much hope to see more of Jon, Randi, Klein, and Marty. :)
I considered not reading this book since it's part of a series and I haven't read any of the preceding books, but since it's my August sci-fi book club selection at my library, I decided to give it a chance. And I'm very glad I did!
There seemed to be a few references to events from the previous books, but not having read those books turned out to not be a problem. On the contrary, this story makes me want to read the rest of the Covert-One series. More books for my TBR shelf, what a shock! ;)
I really liked the characters in this story. Colonel Jon Smith and CIA Agent Randi Russell were wonderful. Randi especially was fun: I really loved her spunk (or should I say her piss and vinegar, lol!). And Marty Zellerbach was really great, too. He had a couple literally laugh-out-loud lines in the dialogue. :)
The plot to the book - the Merge and what Christian Dresnor planned to use it for - was quite chilling. The premise behind the technology was quite intriguing. I wonder if scientists are trying to create such a thing now? I sort of hope not, since I'm having trouble thinking of a way to make it work without any adverse effects. It seems to me that such a thing would have a high chance of abuse.
For a fiction story, though, it was wonderful. The story was really suspenseful, especially once I got past the first half.
I'm very interested in reading the rest of this series, and I very much hope to see more of Jon, Randi, Klein, and Marty. :)
canada_matt's review against another edition
4.0
What if something emerged that made the smartphone, with all its apps, an obsolete piece of plastic? Could the body, more specifically the mind and eyes, become a living and breathing battery to run this ‘live-in app’ and lets people make connections with others based on numerous key criteria, all shown as an aura around the bodies in front of them? Mills presents this in his latest installment of the Robert Ludlum Covert-One series. Filled with strong and ongoing characters, a great plot, and thoroughly intriguing medical and scientific possibilities, Mills presents an exciting case and leaves the reader to wonder. As things heat up and this technology (the MERGE) turns out to be more than anyone bargained for, lives are in the balance and the world could be in jeopardy, if our dashing hero cannot save the day. *cue timpani drums*
Mills uses the book as an excellent way not only to inform the reader of the possibilities when it comes to technology, but also its dangers, should it fall into the wrong hands. While many have said that cell phones and smartphones will soon become a part of the person, this novel pushes the envelope ever further. Not overly technical, Mills keeps the reader hooked and funnels information (and surely opinions) into the story from all angles. Well worth it, especially for Covert-One admirerers.
Great job Mr. Mills. If only you could help resurrect the dying (dead) Bourne series!
Mills uses the book as an excellent way not only to inform the reader of the possibilities when it comes to technology, but also its dangers, should it fall into the wrong hands. While many have said that cell phones and smartphones will soon become a part of the person, this novel pushes the envelope ever further. Not overly technical, Mills keeps the reader hooked and funnels information (and surely opinions) into the story from all angles. Well worth it, especially for Covert-One admirerers.
Great job Mr. Mills. If only you could help resurrect the dying (dead) Bourne series!
More...