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Book Review of State of Fear

State of Fear
State of Fear
Author: Michael Crichton
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
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From Bookmarks Magazine: "State of Fear, Crichtons 14th novel is polarizing to say the least. Crichtons obvious political intent rubbed several critics the wrong way; some felt that he sacrificed story and character to make his points. These points, however, resonated with others, who found the thriller form an effective way to pose questions about the politicization of post-Cold War science to a large audience. Most agree that Crichton is neither stylish nor subtle, but few dispute his ability to whip up suspense. Fans of his earlier work will likely enjoy this effort, if theyre not turned off by his politics." Copyright © 2004 Phillips & Nelson Media, Inc.


From Booklist: "Crichton's novels often tackle cutting-edge technology and its implementation, but his latest addresses an issue that's been around for a bit longer: global warming. Millionaire George Morton is about to donate $10 million to the National Environmental Research Fund (NERF) when he suddenly decides against it. His lawyer, Peter Evans, is as surprised as anyone and is drawn into a web of intrigue after Morton's car careens off the road and Morton is presumed dead. Just before his "death," Morton was in contact with Dr. John Kenner, a researcher at the Center for Risk Analysis, who opposes NERF's agenda and presents Evans with some startling evidence about global warming. With Evans and Morton's assistant, Sarah, in tow, Kenner travels to Antarctica, where he learns that a group of environmental extremists are planning several attacks of environmental terror to convince the world of impending ecological disaster. The thrills in Crichton's latest are interspersed with fascinating but occasionally dense ecological facts and data, but he backs his assertions about the unpredictability of climate change with copious research and footnotes. Perhaps his most serious and important book yet." Kristine Huntley
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