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Sphere

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Sphere

By: Michael Crichton
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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About this listen

“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.
Adventure Fantasy Hard Science Fiction Technothrillers Exciting
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Critic reviews

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

What listeners say about Sphere

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

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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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

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

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Annoying Characters

I’m not sure I’ve ever met any scientists that are such bad decision makers and needy people. Delivery was overly dramatised to the point I was just irritated.

The story itself was ok and a decent concept, but could have been done without all the characters being idiots.

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