It's a bit silly, in a serious sort of way.

Would you consider the audio edition of Sphere to be better than the print version?

No. It's about on a par, but not better. The novel relies on a lot of numbers being represented on the page, especially with regard to Jerry, and this is hard to put across in spoken word. Brick is a good reader, and his laconic style fits the book well.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It was a bit Deus Ex Machina, wrapping up everything rather neatly, but it was also the only ending that would make sense. I've read the book, so it wasn't a surprise, but it would be if you didn't know what was about to happen.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Rather the other way round - scenes with Ted were excruciating. Obviously intended to be so, but he's portrayed as such an irritating and annoying personality it's a wonder he wasn't bundled out the airlock at the first opportunity.

The beginning is much better - setting the scene and the exploration of the chip.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me wonder what I'd do if I had the power. I doubt I'd be any better at control than the characters in the book.

Any additional comments?

It's really quite a silly book. Even for science fiction, it's ridiculous in plot and scenario. Only Chrichton's skill at storytelling - and Brick's spoken word - make it worthwhile. I'll certainly listen to the first half again, but will probably lose interest for the latter part.

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Exciting. Made me want to eat squid for dinner.

Story isn’t quite as terrific or grandiose as it first promises, but this is still a great sci-fi adventure. Fills in lots of gaps from the movie version, much more enjoyable when you can get to know the characters’ thoughts and pasts better in audio/book form. The reader is excellent, not too much “acting”. I couldn’t stop listening until I’d devoured the whole thing in just two sittings.

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its no jurassic park

I adore Michael Crichtonbut would not say this was one of my favourites of his. the book was well read but I found some sections a bit dull. it just didn't capture my imagination as much as expected. obviously still a great piece of literature but not a book I will be eagerly wishing to hear or read again.

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movie was sooo much better like most of his books.

I don't want to say anything else, DON'T MAKE ME!
GGG YGG GGGG GCV HGV

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Sphere

A story with interesting potential, well read but spoiled by the over use of "said" as remarked you other reviewers

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9 people found this helpful

Great

The dumbest characters saying the smartest things, but I enjoyed it regardless. I especially enjoyed the scientific side, along with the theoretical ideas that came with it. Also, Scott Brick is easily my favourite narrator and I loved his work with the “Dune” series, so it was nice to hear his fantastic narration again.

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Skilled storytelling

Slow burn but gripping nonetheless. The characters are a melange of different flawed humans that often acted completely out of character which lacked credibility. Stupid comments (re Medusa) from intelligent geniuses? It was a skilfully crafted story and has stood the test of time. Crichton is a master of science fiction. Worth a read. Much better than the film.

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better than the flim

as is often the case, gives an bit more background to the lead roles, the dialogue can be a little bit repetitive but overall a very enjoyable story and well read.

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Great story.

Excellent narration provided by Scott Brick as usual. Story can be a bit of a slow burn but is interesting and engaging.

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Wonderfuuly Written & Performed!

In short, I found this story to be wonderfully written and performed brilliantly by Scott Brick!
The story is so fascinating with some quite unexpected twists too. I do wish that some aspects of the story was explored more, like the spacecraft for example. Overall, despite the story being a tense and exciting journey, I found the ending so disappointingly lacklustre that its slightly tainted the entire story for me.

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2 people found this helpful