Nano

By: Robin Cook

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 12 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

After a tumultuous year in which her mentor is murdered and her estranged father comes back into her life, Pia Grazdani, the embattled medical student from Death Benefit, decides to take a year off from her medical studies and escape New York City. Intrigued by the promise of the burgeoning field of medical technology and the chance to clear her head, Pia takes a job at Nano, LLC, a lavishly funded, security-conscious nanotechnology insititute in the picturesque foothills of the Rockies. Nano, LLC is ahead of the curve in the competitive world of molecular manufacturing, including the construction of microbivores, tiny nano-robots with the ability to gobble up viruses and bacteria.

But the corporate campus is a place of secrets. She's warned by her boss not to investigate the other work being done at the gigantic facility, nor to ask questions about the source of the seemingly endless capital that funds the institute's research. And when Pia encounters a fellow employee on a corporate jogging path, suffering the effects of a seizure, she soon realizes she may have literally stumbled upon Nano LLC's human guinea pigs. Is the tech giant on the cusp of one of the biggest medical discoveries of the 21st century - a treatment option for millions - or have they already sold out to the highest bidder?

©2012 Robin Cook (P)2012 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Excellent…a perfect protagonist for a thriller - gutsy, tenacious, expert in the martial arts and willing to take risks to get to the bottom of a mystery. Nano is one of Cook’s best.” (Associated Press)

“The scientific details are fascinating.” (Booklist)

didn't Like the ending

long story to get to the really quick ending that didn't fit. disappointed in that

Typically Cook = GOOD!

I think this may be one of my favourite Robin Cook Books, although I can’t be entirely sure because I honestly don’t know which ones I may have read in the 90s!

The intrigue in this one kept me enthralled throughout the story – it was a great mystery! If there are too many characters or story lines in a novel, I find it hard to follow because my mind wanders a lot. I need a story that sticks to the point and this one does.

I’m looking forward to the next book starring the same protagonists “Cell” however I don’t think I’ll bother with the preceding one “Death Benefit”. There was so much exposition in this book that now I feel as though I’ve already read it! (Had I actually read it I would have appreciated the reminders, but now I feel like it’s pointless.)

Overall: a fun ride!

Be warned! This book ends in a cliff hanger!

I pretty much enjoyed this story but was quite disappointed when it ended with many loose ends and no conclusion. As a stand alone story it wobbles badly.

What Happened To Pia?

I’m not going to spoil the ending, but where is Pia? The ending left us all hanging!!! George, of course, did a beautiful job with the narration! Yay George!

Nano A command performance

As are most of Robin Cooks Books, Nano was riveting and kept me wanting more. The end was a little abrupt, however and left me wondering about the fates of the main characters.

Where is the next book?

This reads and ends like there was intent for a third book that never got written.. so ummm ya .. just ends abruptly ..

Nano Near Bottom for Robin Cook

What would have made Nano better?

A female narrator for a story with a strong female protagonist.

Has Nano turned you off from other books in this genre?

No! Not even Robin Cook books.

What didn’t you like about George Guidall’s performance?

He wasn't female. For me, a female narrator works better for a strong female lead.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Nano?

As Robin Cook's editor I'd say: This story is too much like Coma. The first half is very good. The second half is pretty much "Are the bad guys going to get her?" "Like Alien!"

Too Bad, I really like Robin Cook, but this....

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

those who are having trouble sleeping

Has Nano turned you off from other books in this genre?

no

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Nano?

all

Any additional comments?

Don't get me wrong, I really like Robin Cook, but I can't imagin how this got published (I know $$$). The theme was intended to be exciting, fast paced and all that, but it really fell flat. I feel that the actual story could have been told in about 30 minutes without all the fluff knitted in the mix. I will continue reading Cook, but I think before I waste any credits, I will wait for some reader reviews to come in.
The story starts out slow and boring, so I kept "reading", waiting for all the action and suspence to grab me and put me in the mix as only a fine author like Cook can do. Unfortunately, it just never happened.
Bottom line, unless you have a heart condition and can not take a lot of excitement, or maybe you have a hard time getting to sleep at nights, you could spend your hard earned credits on bigger and better reads.

don't bother

What disappointed you about Nano?

the narration...the story..the beginning was so boring...

Has Nano turned you off from other books in this genre?

no

What didn’t you like about George Guidall’s performance?

he just isn't easy to listen to

What character would you cut from Nano?

n/a

Any additional comments?

I only got into about 4 chapters..not worth it..was a struggle to listen that far

not worth a credit

Would you try another book from Robin Cook and/or George Guidall?

Maybe but I would be wary. I tried to like this book. I listen to app. 15 books a month and this would not make the top 100.

Has Nano turned you off from other books in this genre?

no

What aspect of George Guidall’s performance would you have changed?

nice voice

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

disappointment

Any additional comments?

I expected a better book given the reviews.