Ruth B. (spartacusaby) -
Helpful Score: 6
Wow: if you enjoyed "Jurassic Park," you will love this novel. The premise is that evolution took a very different path on an isolated and unexplored island in the South Pacific. The indigenous species are a weird combination of insect, spider, crustacean, and the animals we know. Every species is predatory, even the ones that look like plants. When the cast and crew of a reality show arrive to film on the island, they find a great deal more than they bargained for.
I picked this up expecting a fun vacation read, but found it cutting into my vacation plans; I simply couldn't put it down. It's a fast-paced, heart-stopping ride, and the sketches of island life forms reveal an author with a truly warped imagination.
I picked this up expecting a fun vacation read, but found it cutting into my vacation plans; I simply couldn't put it down. It's a fast-paced, heart-stopping ride, and the sketches of island life forms reveal an author with a truly warped imagination.
Amanda F. (Scooby2) -
Helpful Score: 2
This book was a nice quick read about an island and some never before seen critters. It reminded me a lot of Jurassic Park (liked Jurassic Park better). I also enjoyed the drawings that were scattered throughout the book. I liked reading the book, but I am glad I checked it out at the local library. Wouldn't have bought this one. This book is a one time read for me. :)
Bowden P. (Trey) -
Helpful Score: 1
This is interesting. The premise of the book is that a reality TV science show called SeaLife discovers a remnant ecology that is very different from ours. And very deadly.
Now, the author's love of science shows through, from his crafting of the ecology and critters, to at least one of the scientists and his depiction of Wood's Hole. He also bangs on scientists with axes to grind. But, I almost didn't read it because the introductory characters in the reality show made me want to shoot them. I mean a horrible case of "I don't care what happens to these characters." Fortunately, most of them get eaten (the stereotypical nerd survives though). Unfortunately, the producer survives.
From there it drops into modern pulp with the US Navy blockading the island, a NASA lab and a dedicated exploration of the island showing off tech toys. The pay off is interesting, and ultimately, very rational. Something I have a hard time buying given the potential politics.
All in all, its fun pulp. Wait for it in paperback, or trade for it here.
Now, the author's love of science shows through, from his crafting of the ecology and critters, to at least one of the scientists and his depiction of Wood's Hole. He also bangs on scientists with axes to grind. But, I almost didn't read it because the introductory characters in the reality show made me want to shoot them. I mean a horrible case of "I don't care what happens to these characters." Fortunately, most of them get eaten (the stereotypical nerd survives though). Unfortunately, the producer survives.
From there it drops into modern pulp with the US Navy blockading the island, a NASA lab and a dedicated exploration of the island showing off tech toys. The pay off is interesting, and ultimately, very rational. Something I have a hard time buying given the potential politics.
All in all, its fun pulp. Wait for it in paperback, or trade for it here.
Glenda H. (pconnerg) reviewed Fragment (Nell Duckworth & Geoffrey Binswanger, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I originally bought this in paperback at the Dollar Tree. It looked interesting. I always have a stack to read so I let several people read it before I finally got around to it. Everyone loved it. When I finally read it I just couldn't put it down. It was incredible. I can't wait for the sequel and I hope the talks of a movie come true. I just had to have it in hardback for my library.
Sherry R. (Saffron) reviewed Fragment (Nell Duckworth & Geoffrey Binswanger, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lots of action and it didn't even get boring when the scientific jargon took up a lot of space. Fans of James Rollins or Michael Crichton would not be disappointed.
Linda M. (lindamac) reviewed Fragment (Nell Duckworth & Geoffrey Binswanger, Bk 1) on + 32 more book reviews
If you liked Jurassic Park, you will like this book. It was full of adventure, suspense, and humor. I didn't want to put this book down, it kept me on the edge of my seat. Can't wait for the sequel!
Bryan L. (bjlowe) -
At first "Fragment" may seem like another jaded remake of "Jurassic Park". The first fifty pages almost left me in a comatose stupor. But Don't Stop Reading! Warren Fahy's first novel will leave you staring at the wall and thinking "WOW"! This is one of the most original books I have read in a long time. "Fragment" is an initiation into a truly radical alternative ecosystem where predators are prey and prey are predators and reproduction is a unstoppable flood of new members. Although a few parts read somewhat like a text book, the characters are well rounded and the story is a brush with the totally unheard-of. The action is pulse-pounding. The illustrations are excellent. Additionally, several eco-ethical questions are raised which will make you think about "what ifs". Mr. Fahy demonstrates an imagination that I believe will result in lots of really butt kicking books in days to come. I am looking forward to the promised sequel.
Pete G. (ragman) reviewed Fragment (Nell Duckworth & Geoffrey Binswanger, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Fragment by Warren Fahy is a real wild ride. From the first of the story all the way through the book it will keep you biting your nails with the non stop action. Hard to put down after you get started. The creatures on Henders Island are nothing like anybody has ever seen and all of them are deadly. Fahy creates some great reading with a story that you can believe and enough science to make it believable. As the back cover says:"Read it with the nightlight on"
Sleepy26177 reviewed Fragment (Nell Duckworth & Geoffrey Binswanger, Bk 1) on + 218 more book reviews
The research vessel Trident receives an emergency transmission from a 30-foot sailboat leading them to a remote island that hasn't been touched by humans before: Henders Island, where plants and animals together developed unaffected by human traces or today's flora and fauna.
Upon entering the island a team of scientists and cameramen suffers terrible losses during a live feed to national TV, leaving only two lone survivors: Botanist Nell Duckworth and cameraman Zero Monroe.
The area around the island is quarantined for further investigations and research and Nell is put in charge of the on-site observation team abroad of a mobile lab. But soon the astonished scientists discover that the island eco-system works as vicious as it can be with never before seen lifeforms not only attacking other lifeforms but also capable of finding their ways through metals and acrylics.
Unfortunately things get out of hands when the government recognizes how much of a threat the island inhabitants can get if it ever gets to the mainland.
-
Fragment has this jurassic park feeling times four, spiked with difficult to comprehend creations of animals and plants. Luckily it also offers drawings of the animals at the same time which I thought is a wonderful addition to the book.
At times it gets a bit out of hands with unnecessary dialog between scientists that don't talk about the novels topic itself but luckily the reader stays undisturbed engulfed with the island terror after those two very distracting off-topics are done.
In hindsight of the prologue and its sense the book offers a very disturbing sight on what can happen and what has been happening for a long time to eco-systems if interrupted and that the chance of an ultimate extinction of the world we know today isn't as far fetched as one might think.
I believe this is a great effort by a new author one might keep an eye on.
Upon entering the island a team of scientists and cameramen suffers terrible losses during a live feed to national TV, leaving only two lone survivors: Botanist Nell Duckworth and cameraman Zero Monroe.
The area around the island is quarantined for further investigations and research and Nell is put in charge of the on-site observation team abroad of a mobile lab. But soon the astonished scientists discover that the island eco-system works as vicious as it can be with never before seen lifeforms not only attacking other lifeforms but also capable of finding their ways through metals and acrylics.
Unfortunately things get out of hands when the government recognizes how much of a threat the island inhabitants can get if it ever gets to the mainland.
-
Fragment has this jurassic park feeling times four, spiked with difficult to comprehend creations of animals and plants. Luckily it also offers drawings of the animals at the same time which I thought is a wonderful addition to the book.
At times it gets a bit out of hands with unnecessary dialog between scientists that don't talk about the novels topic itself but luckily the reader stays undisturbed engulfed with the island terror after those two very distracting off-topics are done.
In hindsight of the prologue and its sense the book offers a very disturbing sight on what can happen and what has been happening for a long time to eco-systems if interrupted and that the chance of an ultimate extinction of the world we know today isn't as far fetched as one might think.
I believe this is a great effort by a new author one might keep an eye on.
Barbara L. (Barbllm) reviewed Fragment (Nell Duckworth & Geoffrey Binswanger, Bk 1) on + 241 more book reviews
Fahy's novel explores the concepts of sexual reproduction and evolution in this entertaining thrill ride of a novel which finds a reality television show and crew finding a supposedly deserted island. However, the island is teeming with predators that have evolved into bizarre lifeforms. The crew is decimated and soon the government is involved, with some wanting to nuke the site from orbit (it's the only way to be sure) and some wanting to study the animals (? creatures) for scientific posterity.
Susan V. (nrlymrtl) reviewed Fragment (Nell Duckworth & Geoffrey Binswanger, Bk 1) on + 297 more book reviews
If you have a bend towards biology and odd life forms, this book was an action feast of what isolated evolution might produce over a few million years. I absolutely loved the flora and fauna the author came up with. The deadly and weird collided with pincers and shells and toxins on Henders Ilse. Watching the fragile humans discover this niche of life, and fall prey to it, was immensely entertaining.
The sub plot of the reality TV show threading through the story was also interesting. You have folks who are merely interesting in ratings and staying employed in the entertainment business. These folks often collided with the scientists, leading to various publicity stunts that didnt end as planned *cue evil laughter from this reader*.
While a little odd, Warren Fahy brought in some characters later in the book, such as the dueling scientists Jeffery Benswanger (careful & precise) and Thatcher Redman (loose & seeking sound bites). Each of these men has a different take on what little has been broadcast by Sea Life concerning Henders Ilse and both are in for surprises. I enjoyed the conflict between these two, which added to the overall tension.
While I found Nell a strong, thoughtful, intelligent main female character, I also found her too nice. Yes, thats right: too nice. She didnt have a negative thought in her head. All the other characters found her nice too. This tended to make her a bit one dimensional. Never once was I concerned she wouldnt make it out alive because she was the only lead female and because she was simply too nice to kill off.
Towards the end, there was a twist that I wasnt expecting. It was excellent and definitely upped the stakes for our heroes. There was one little aspect that I found unbelievable concerning the weakness of the island critters, but I was easily able to tell my logic center to shut and enjoy the ride.
This book is full of fascinating factoids, most of them concerning marine life. There was a little jaunt into a lab that was collecting blood from horseshoe crabs for medical research. There was also plenty of theoretical discussion about marine evolution. Yes, this book not only satisfied my Action Junkie, but also my Science Nerd.
The sub plot of the reality TV show threading through the story was also interesting. You have folks who are merely interesting in ratings and staying employed in the entertainment business. These folks often collided with the scientists, leading to various publicity stunts that didnt end as planned *cue evil laughter from this reader*.
While a little odd, Warren Fahy brought in some characters later in the book, such as the dueling scientists Jeffery Benswanger (careful & precise) and Thatcher Redman (loose & seeking sound bites). Each of these men has a different take on what little has been broadcast by Sea Life concerning Henders Ilse and both are in for surprises. I enjoyed the conflict between these two, which added to the overall tension.
While I found Nell a strong, thoughtful, intelligent main female character, I also found her too nice. Yes, thats right: too nice. She didnt have a negative thought in her head. All the other characters found her nice too. This tended to make her a bit one dimensional. Never once was I concerned she wouldnt make it out alive because she was the only lead female and because she was simply too nice to kill off.
Towards the end, there was a twist that I wasnt expecting. It was excellent and definitely upped the stakes for our heroes. There was one little aspect that I found unbelievable concerning the weakness of the island critters, but I was easily able to tell my logic center to shut and enjoy the ride.
This book is full of fascinating factoids, most of them concerning marine life. There was a little jaunt into a lab that was collecting blood from horseshoe crabs for medical research. There was also plenty of theoretical discussion about marine evolution. Yes, this book not only satisfied my Action Junkie, but also my Science Nerd.
Gerhard O. (nccorthu) reviewed Fragment (Nell Duckworth & Geoffrey Binswanger, Bk 1) on + 569 more book reviews
A great Scifi adventure story. Sure is different and well written.
All I can say is wow! Okay, actually I can say a lot more... I just finished "Fragment" and I enjoyed it so much that I removed it from my bookshelf because I know I'll be reading it again and again. As another reviewer said, some of the character development was a bit uneven, but the story line is so gripping... I'll definitely be checking out any further work by Mr. Fahy and I sure hope he lives up to this book. Also, I so wanted the book to continue on or there to be a sequel... can't say it enough, such a good book!
Impossible to enjoy, as too much of the "science" is ridiculous, impractical and would leave Darwin and Michael Crichton spinning in their graves. And there is a ton of it. Beasts, insects and plants that would never evolve or survive for ten minutes populate nearly every page of this
poor excuse for a Sci-Fi thriller.
Crichton fans will cringe as they turn the page, for fear of what nonsensical chimera will show up next. Suspension of disbelief becomes more and more difficult to maintain after each chapter.
What kills me is, this could have been a great story. I LOVE the idea. But Fahy killed my expectations off pretty early on, and my disappointment grew until I finally couldn't read on.
5 stars for the idea.
1.5 stars for the execution -- and I'm using both meanings of the word.
poor excuse for a Sci-Fi thriller.
Crichton fans will cringe as they turn the page, for fear of what nonsensical chimera will show up next. Suspension of disbelief becomes more and more difficult to maintain after each chapter.
What kills me is, this could have been a great story. I LOVE the idea. But Fahy killed my expectations off pretty early on, and my disappointment grew until I finally couldn't read on.
5 stars for the idea.
1.5 stars for the execution -- and I'm using both meanings of the word.
Amanda M. (tapcat16) reviewed Fragment (Nell Duckworth & Geoffrey Binswanger, Bk 1) on + 150 more book reviews
Fahy writes of an isolated island that evolves separately from the rest of earth in a scifi thriller manner similar to that of the late Michael Crichton. His scifi is strong and rooted in reality while his plotline of a floating reality show stumbling upon the island is firmly connected with current realities. His characterization could be a bit stronger and his plot more evenly paced, but this is a good offering for a first novel, and I am anticipating his future endeavors. Recommended to fans of Crichtonesque scifi.
Check out my full review.
Check out my full review.
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
This is Warren Fahy's debut novel and it is fantastic! It's kind of a cross between Jurassic Park - you know where eminent scientists go to the island and find prehistoric animals that try to kill them - and Aliens where viscously bizarre creatures kill them left and right. Well this book follows a reality TV show called SeaLife which is currently on a 12 month round-the-world odyssey to investigate unknown islands and people and animals. Thankfully the TV show part of this is in the background and other than the overly dramatic director, you'd hardly know it was a TV show. They follow a distress signal to an island so small it's not even on a map. It turns out that this island is beyond prehistoric and has existed since time began. All the creatures are unbelievably violent and the lives of the scientists as well as the crew are immediately in terrible danger. Remember, everything they encounter is broadcast on live television and once the footage of the first deadly encounter is sent, the US government converges on the island with a media blackout and the US Navy. Once a few eminent scientists reach the island (at the President's request), the action really heats up.
The story is so horrifying, creepy, dangerous, bizarre and almost ghoulish that it's hard to put down. With all things like this, there are good scientists and the assholes. I just had to know when (and how) the assholes were going down and how the good guys prevailed. In the beginning of the book, there are some rather technical scientific discussions that were totally over my head but I got enough of it to understand the ramifications of this disaster. Regardless of this tedious stuff, this is a serious page-turner.
The story is so horrifying, creepy, dangerous, bizarre and almost ghoulish that it's hard to put down. With all things like this, there are good scientists and the assholes. I just had to know when (and how) the assholes were going down and how the good guys prevailed. In the beginning of the book, there are some rather technical scientific discussions that were totally over my head but I got enough of it to understand the ramifications of this disaster. Regardless of this tedious stuff, this is a serious page-turner.
