About the Author

Michael Crichton (1942-2008) was the author of the bestselling novels The Terminal Man, The Great Train Robbery, Jurassic Park, Sphere, Disclosure, Prey, State of Fear, Next and Dragon Teeth, among many others. His books have sold more than 200 million copies worldwide, have been translated into forty languages, and have provided the basis for fifteen feature films. He wrote and directed Westworld, The Great Train Robbery, Runaway, Looker, Coma and created the hit television series ER. Crichton remains the only writer to have a number one book, movie, and TV show in the same year.

Daniel H. Wilson is a Cherokee citizen and author of the New York Times bestselling Robopocalypse and its sequel Robogenesis, as well as ten other books. He recently wrote the Earth 2: Society comic book series for DC Comics. Wilson earned a PhD in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University, as well as master's degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. He has published over a dozen scientific papers and holds four patents. Wilson lives in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

Crichton turns to a very controversial subject for his current work: "environmental protection." We are reminded constantly of the need to conserve energy, stop our wasteful ways, consider the effects of our actions on the future, protect the dwindling ecosystem, etc. But how valid are the arguments given in support of these statements? How do we know that the so-called environmental activists are not pursuing their own agendas? In State of Fear, Crichton addresses these issues head on; unfortunately, his concerns are buried in a mess of cardboard characters, chaotic plot lines, and dialog that stretches credulity. There are no "heroes" here, only over-the-top villains: a greedy lawyer, an avaricious environmentalist, a dim-bulb movie star, and a mysterious FBI agent, among others. George Wilson's narration induces sleep early on, with his monotonous delivery, overly theatrical characterizations, and inability to capitalize on the few times when the story really comes alive and begins to resemble classic Crichton. Library patrons will want this because of the author's reputation, but be prepared for some disappointment.-Joseph L. Carlson, Allan Hancock Coll., Lompoc, CA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.