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Sphere cover art

Sphere

Written by: Michael Crichton
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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Publisher's Summary

“Ingenious and beguiling.” - Time

“Crichton keeps us guessing at every turn in his best work since The Andromeda Strain.” - Los Angeles Times

Sphere may be Crichton’s best novel, but even if it ranked only second or third, it would be a must for suspense fans.” - Miami Herald

A classic thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Crichton, Sphere is a bravura demonstration of what he does better than anyone: riveting storytelling that combines frighteningly plausible, cutting-edge science and technology with pulse-pounding action and serious chills. The gripping story of a group of American scientists sent to the ocean floor to investigate an alien ship, only to confront a terrifying discovery that defies imagination, Sphere is Crichton prime - truly masterful fiction from the ingenious mind that brought us Prey, State of Fear, and Jurassic Park.

Sphere was made into a film directed by Barry Levinson, which starred Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone, and Samuel L. Jackson.

©1987 by CrichtonSun LLC. (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

What the critics say

"A page-turner with oomph.... Crichton's writing is cinematic, with powerful visual images and nonstop action." --Newsweek

What listeners say about Sphere

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

My New Life Long Nemesis

After reaching its ending, this book became and forever shall be remembered as my foil and my nemesis. The mystery’s reveal is abysmally disappointing and it’s conclusion the greatest enemy to my happiness. Do not waste your time. Go read Jurassic Park.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great SciFi Suspense

This is one of Crichton's better thrillers. It has the signature combination of Science and Action his writing is known for - without the overly technical components of the story that this author frequently allows to overwhelm his narrative. The plot follows a team of scientists rushed to the South Pacific to investigate an anomalous object found on the sea floor by a crew laying trans-Pacific cable. Using this plot device, Crichton weaves a surprisingly involved tale looking.. ultimately.. at personality conflicts - human and otherwise. It shifts from a typical science fiction story with action elements into a psychological battle of wits and a metaphysical exploration that is fascinating. The setting is unique (2000 ft under the surface), the descriptions are vivid, and the twists and turns are engrossing. The most noticeable flaw in the writing is how unlikable the characters are. First, these robotically flawed characters make for unrealistic dialogue (I found myself wondering at times if Crichton's characters - purportedly world-class scientists - were even rational.. healthy human beings don't behave that way). Second, populating the scenario with a bunch of self-serving jerks and egomaniacs diminishes somewhat the tension Crichton is so obviously striving for - I found myself not caring what happens to them.

Scott Brick turns in a great performance in this one. Anyone who has listened to Brick before knows he can come across as smarmy with his almost arrogant drawl. In this case, his tone fits the characters perfectly - an excellent choice.

I never saw the film treatment of this story, but need to check it out. This is an excellent presentation of a Four-Star story. I wonder what a good Screenplay and Director could do with it..

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Always loved this book.

This is one of those books you really need to read before seeing the movie. It is far more gripping when you can get a glimpse inside the protagonist's, a phycologist, head. It is one giant underwater science fiction mystery. The very first time I have read this book, I had finished around the last 80% in one night because I simply could not put it down. The next day at work, I was very tired, but it was worth it.

In audible form, it is just as good. The narrator does a great job in his performance. If you like Michael Crichton, this one is up there with Jurassic Park and Prey. (Speaking of Prey, why is it not available in Canada in eBook or Audible? Very frustrating.)

I can not recommend this title strongly enough. Please read/hear it, don't watch the movie or see the movie trailer before. The less you know going in, the better. Enjoy.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

good book

movies don't do micheal crighton any favors. I love how in depth his research goes.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Wow.

Gripping story. Excellent narration.

Only issue I had was all the 'said' as in 'he said' and 'she said' so many times repetitively. There are many other words in the English language that would have worked much better than a dozen said's per conversation.

Overall, well worth the credit or price.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good story, fun ending

Good narration performance, subtle but distinct characters. Super fun story with a great twist at the end.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good narration

It could’ve been half as long and very interesting. I found it, dragged out, going over the same subjects over and over again. Is

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Better than the movie

Was always a huge fan of the movie, but this was even better.

Great narration as well.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic!

I loved every bit of this book! Not a huge sci-fi fan but this kept me captivated. I truly couldn’t put it down at all. Loved it so much! Would highly recommend to anyone in search of a good paranormal/ sci-fi book. The writing style is well done and intellectual as well. Hard to get into a good story when the writing is mediocre. But this- hands down one of my favourite books this year 🤗

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

boring

boring. was relieved when I got to the end so I can start something else.

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