A massive ecological nightmare--a worldwide insect die-off--permits microscopic dust mites to reproduce exponentially, and turn carnivorous. Now it...
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reviews
May 19, 2009
Michael
rated it: 
Scientist and marine archaeologist Dr Charles Pellegrino turns his hand to this thought provoking eco-horror story. At time it might seem that the author gets bogged down in scientific explanation but to many this will only serve to back up the chilling spiral of events with a plausible reason for the reader to think: Oh, but this could happen... couldn't it?
The insects are disappearing and the ecological repercussions are devastating. A group of scientists provide some of the focus of the More...
The insects are disappearing and the ecological repercussions are devastating. A group of scientists provide some of the focus of the More...
Jul 29, 2011
This book is absolutely amazing. Charles Pellegrino takes disparate but insanely interesting scientific facts on such diverse topics as DNA sequencing, evolution, ants, nuclear weapons, politics, human nature, vampire bats, species extinction, comets, and interstellar exploration and turns it into a compelling novel, where the science doesn't overwhelm the plot or character development.
This is a must-read for anybody interested in what may happen to our planet if we don't put all of our resourc More...
This is a must-read for anybody interested in what may happen to our planet if we don't put all of our resourc More...
Aug 19, 2010
Yael
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The change began silently, imperceptibly, relentlessly. A cascade of destruction begins, a column of ecological dominos stretching to every corner of the globe toppled by one careless push. Before anyone realizes it, the biosphere has utterly transformed itself -- and the world as we know it is gone.
Paleobiologist Richard Sinclair is one of the first to suspect that Gaia has begun to wage total war on humanity. What initially seem to be random, unrelated events are in fact violent More...
Paleobiologist Richard Sinclair is one of the first to suspect that Gaia has begun to wage total war on humanity. What initially seem to be random, unrelated events are in fact violent More...
Jan 13, 2010
Todd
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“Dust” is an apocalyptic science fiction novel brought on by the disappearance of … bugs! Small creatures that we ignore or consider annoying most of the time yet are responsible for the functioning ecosystem on which our lives depend.
A scientist himself, Pellegrino infuses the book with more science than most science fiction novels contain which adds authenticity to the text. He is also very adept with his description of the decline into chaos that occurs with the collapse of civil More...
A scientist himself, Pellegrino infuses the book with more science than most science fiction novels contain which adds authenticity to the text. He is also very adept with his description of the decline into chaos that occurs with the collapse of civil More...
May 28, 2011
Jonathan
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It’s been years since I read this but it is still timely. It is what I consider to be an important book. Like Crichton, Pellegrino uses real science to make you think. Be prepared to be horrified as Pelligrino confronts you with the prospects of a terrifying and very plausible “what if.”
Jan 14, 2009
Donna
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One of the most fascinating books I have ever read. It is about our ecology and how the loss of something like a type of bat can affect the whole system. It is a fiction about the end of the world due to our ecological system being destroyed by us. Highly recommend to everyone.
Aug 14, 2011
Tricia
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I'm not a scientist, so I don't know how realistic this book is. However, it definitely made me think about the delicate balance that our ecosystem exists in. I found it very well-written and interesting, a good story as well as an important warning.
Jan 31, 2011
Osho
rated it: 
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Sep 19, 2011
Kelly
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massive bug extinction points to impending collapse of eco-systems world-wide. there is also an awfully extensive discussion of mounds of bat guano. and finally, a dirigible, that in the end, might save the day. such a movie.
Jan 19, 2012
Ruth
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This one is a great story of what could happen if we continue to abuse our planet. I tell everybody I know to read it, and have given it out to several people to make sure they do.
Jan 07, 2012
Timothy
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One of my favorite books, worthy of a re-read one of these days. While the plot has nothing in common with S. King's 'The Stand', the book reads VERY similar. And better.
Nov 27, 2011
Rick
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Genuinely creepy, and even scarier because you can't tell where the science fact ends and the science fiction begins ... Pellegrino is an interesting writer ...
Jul 02, 2009
Jason
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Imaginative yet sound in its science. Weaved a few story lines into an apocalypse scenario that were all quite fun. Definitely gives you an appreciation for Entomologist's and their research.
Jan 04, 2010
Not sure I will finish this book - it is really dense and I am not feeling a connection to the characters.
Aug 19, 2009
Nancy
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Science fiction story about a plague caused by an imbalance in the ecology system. Very frightening.
Oct 26, 2011
Krysta
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I read this when I was maybe 12 years old. Totally freaked me out - but I finished it anyway.
Apr 07, 2010
Kariss
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A great read... "in a mote of dust lies the end of the world"
it is the little things ...
it is the little things ...
May 31, 2008
Kate
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I like books about the end of the world, and this one was no exception. It seemed more like the lack of insects caused major ecological havoc than the strange carnivorous dust... The theory that every so often insects will completely die out, which will then affect the life that eats insects as well as plants that depend on them for pollination, leading to the deaths of animals that eat plants or small insect-eating mammals and in this chain result in mass extinction a la the dinosours, really
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Apr 04, 2008
Tina
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A grim, realistic what-if. It was nonetheless interesting and had no problem keeping my attention. It's one of those books that will stick with me and draw me into thought for a long time to come.
The author is an expert in the field, so that makes the realism even more authentic.
The author is an expert in the field, so that makes the realism even more authentic.
Sep 28, 2008
Paul
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Pretty grim and kind of scary. I liked the part where they talked about the rise in value on commodities market followed by the lower of property values that happens just before the collapse of civilization as we know it.
Jun 02, 2010
Jackie
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This was an excellent book. I have a new found appreciation of insects, once the implications of losing them became clear. Dust held my attention all the way through.
Aug 11, 2008
Deanna
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Charles Pellegrino is a blowhard, but a blowhard who writes a rollicking apocalypse story. Excellent reading for when I just want everyone to die.
Feb 01, 2012
Jan 31, 2012
Jan 31, 2012
