Prey

By: Michael Crichton

Narrated by: George Wilson

Length: 12 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

In the Nevada desert, an experiment has gone horribly wrong. A cloud of nanoparticles (micro-robots) has escaped from the laboratory. This cloud is self-sustaining and self-reproducing. It is intelligent and learns from experience. For all practical purposes, it is alive.

It has been programmed as a predator. It is evolving swiftly, becoming more deadly with each passing hour.

Every attempt to destroy it has failed.

And we are the prey.

As fresh as today's headlines, Michael Crichton's most compelling novel yet tells the story of a mechanical plague and the desperate efforts of a handful of scientists to stop it. Drawing on up-to-the-minute scientific fact, Prey takes us into the emerging realms of nanotechnology and artificial distributed intelligence in a story of breathtaking suspense.

Prey is a novel you can't pause.

Because time is running out.

©2002 Michael Crichton (P)2002 HarperCollinsPublishers, Inc.; 16 9; 2002 Recorded Books, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Crichton is the master of the sci-tech thriller, and nowhere is that more evident than in his latest page-turner, a scary, wild ride that is, without a doubt, his best in years." (Booklist)

"From the opening pages of Crichton's electrifying new thriller...readers will know they are in the hands of a master storyteller." (Publishers Weekly)

Terrifying

As a rule, I'm not a big Crichton fan. This book changed my mind. Well written. Well researched. Terrific plot of a terrifying possibility. The icing on the Crichton cake? The book's narrator. Why can't every book have such a perfect reader?

A novel you CAN put down.

As a fan of this genre, I have read other of Crichton's books (Timeline, The Andromeda Strain, Jurrasic Park, Sphere, Congo, etc.) but liked this one the least of all of his books. While I liked the book, I found myself anxious to get through it and move on to my next audiobook.

Meh

Started dragging pretty early. There's something about a story about a villain who can be defeated by a swift breeze that rubs me the wrong way. It's no Jurassic Park, that's for sure.

Excellent narration and gripping storyline

A great twist on nano technology, evolution theory and programming that makes this a great read for the open minded thinker. A balance of mystery, cognitive intelligence and characters kept me listening.

Very Interesting, Really liked it.

Would you listen to Prey again? Why?

Yeah, it was intriguing to listen to. Edge of your seat type of deal.

What did you like best about this story?

The intrigue oaf what exactly was going on, and how they were going to resolve what was going on. As usual, Crichton does a masterful job of incorporating real life science and biology into Prey.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It's a bit dense at times, so a break may be needed.

A Comparative Review

The only downside to the book was that I DID feel like smacking the guy in the head a couple of times, but hey, ITS A BOOK FOR GODS SAKE! Anyway, This book is definately better than the average Crichton yarn. Way better than Timeline or Sphere, or even Eaters of the Dead (13th Warrior). Needless to say, I really liked this book. Loved it even. I will definately read it again soon. So do yourself (and your ears and eyes) a favor and READ THIS BOOK!!!

Good Story

Usually I am a King fan and thought I would give this book a shot and was not disappointed. Good narration and story.

Bland Narration.

Bland Narration, bad characters. This book moves at a snails pace over the course of about 48 hours. The characters are cardboard cutouts, and their interactions are slow, dull, and lifeless as the narrator adds nothing. The action lacks tension and the books is a slog.

Excellent scientific fiction!

Excellent story for those who are looking for some science in their fiction.

Bridges between real science and science fiction.

Better than The Andromeda Strain!

"Prey" is Michael Crichton's science fiction novel in which he uses an Army research project into nanotechnology and drone swarms being advanced and weaponized to warn readers against applications of these technologies getting out of control. This was first published in the early 2000's, but its elements about gender roles in the workplace, stay at home Dad expectations, the Department of Defense's interest in these technologies, and public perception of drone applications are all still very much relevant to today.

This was pretty good! The pacing and suspense build up was quite good in most places, and the voice of the main character was solid. I liked his portrayal as an unemployed stay-at-home Dad, as well as the development of his relationship with his wife. Some characters were cliche and stupid though, and some places were a little slower than I would have liked. This could make a cool movie; based on a quick Google Search, I think 21st Century Fox has the rights but hasn't done anything with it yet?

I admit to Michael Crichton fans that I have not read all of his books yet, so I cannot compare everything. However, overall I would say I enjoyed "Prey" BETTER than:
- "Congo" by Michael Crichton
- "The Andromeda Strain" by Michael Crichton

And to expand on the above, I would say that "Prey" is WORSE than:
- "Jurassic Park" by Michael Crichton
- "The Lost World" by Michael Crichton
- "Dragon Teeth" by Michael Crichton

Take these list comparisons as you will, but that's my two cents. I recommend this sci fi novel to all those interested in contemporary science fiction, American science fiction, Department of Defense research, Army research laboratories, nanotechnology, predator-prey coevolution, hive mind concepts, doppelganger suspense, and drone swarm applications.