Fragment by Warren Fahyrating: 5 of 5 stars
From the back of the arc:
The time is now. The place is the Trident, a long-range research vessel hired by the reality show sealife. Aboard is a cast of ambitious young scientists. With a director thirsting for drama, tiny Henders Island might be just what the show needs. Until the first scientist sets foot on Henders-and the ultimate test of survival begins.
For this is not a lost world frozen in tmie, an island of mutants, or a lab where science has gone mad: this is Earth as it might have looked after evolving on a separate path for half a billion years. Here scientists will stumble on something more shocking than anything humanity has ever encountered: because among the terrors of Henters Island, one life form defies any scientific theory-and must be saved at any cost.
What if an ecosystem was found that was so different from our current one and what would happen if that ecosystem escapes it's current small island in the middle of the Pacific? That is the question Mr. Fahy's debut novel tackles.
A frightening question and a frightening book to go with it. This book hooked me from the first page and held onto me until the last. Not only is there non-stop action and suspense in this novel, but the characterization is interesting too. From the scientists and the crew on the Trident, to several world-renowned scientists who are brought to the island to help make decisions, you learn about each of them (at least the cast of main characters). I like how Mr. Fahy doesn't just throw the renowned scientists in, but gives you some backstory on them and you start to like (or dislike depending on the character) them and get to know them.
On the back of the book it calls this science-based suspense and that is exactly what it is. I haven't read a novel like this since reading some of Michael Crichton's novels. Science is interspersed throughout and though I work in Marine Science and have some background, most of it was still very new to me, but didn't feel over my head. You don't get lost in the scientific details or feel like skimming over them, they are part of the story and fascinating.
I can't recommend this book enough. It's a different, thrilling, amazing ride and a great way to spend several hours. I could see this as a movie in my head and it would make a great movie.
Thanks to Bantam Dell for sending me this book for review. I will be checking out this author in the future and hope this is a first book that leads to many.
This book releases on June 16th, 2009 (next Tuesday)
Binding: Hardcover
On-sale Date: 6/16/2009
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 384
Also I would like to give away my copy which is an arc. I will open the contest today through next Tuesday June 16th (release day). If you would like to try out this new author, please enter by:
- Commenting on my blog, make sure I have a way to contact you. (+1)
- Become a blog follower or let me know if you are already a follower (+1)
- Tell me any other scientific suspense authors you know of (+1)
- Tweet about this review and giveaway, use @cfulcher in the tweet so I can find it (+1)
- Follow me on Twitter (or let me know if you are a current follower) (+1)
- Blog about this contest and let me know the link (sidebar or post is fine) (+1)
Have a wonderful Thursday afternoon!
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