ERUPTION

by Michael Crichton & James Patterson

Recently I discovered that one of my favorite authors had left behind an unpublished book. Michael Crichton died suddenly in 2008, and I’ve missed his scientific and historical thrillers. I really looked forward to diving into what would probably be his last book. The problem is that Crichton left behind the idea for the book, and I haven’t been able to determine if he wrote any of the actual book. His widow entrusted James Patterson to write/complete the novel.

Eruption is a present-day novel set in Hawaii where the world’s largest volcano is set to erupt. The main character is the lead volcanologist, John MacGregor, who heads a team of scientists who will guide residents through the natural disaster. Much of the novel involves how these scientists work and how the local politics of Hawaii function. The impending eruption has long been forecasted, and it’s not deemed cataclysmic until MacGregor learns that the US Army has stashed a secret project deep in the side of the volcano. Now the stakes are dire for the entire planet.

The idea is solid and apparently Crichton gathered notes and research for the project for years. The problem is that this book doesn’t read like the fast-paced thrillers Michael Crichton was known for. The first eighty percent of the book is a slow slog watching bureaucrats maneuver for the impending disaster. Things do pick up in the last twenty percent of the book, which is where all the action occurs. It’s a shame the reader must wait that long. Parts of the novel seem ludicrous. The way the different levels of government and agencies work together (or fail to) suggests the writer has little understanding of these entities. The history of the secret project feels implausible at best. When the army shows up, an army General declares martial law which is illegal. The characters themselves aren’t interesting people. There were times when I found the dialogue overstated and grating. There’s a B-rated movie kind of feel to the whole thing. I can’t speak to the validity of the science represented. There are some interesting ideas presented. One review I read by someone claiming to know a lot about earth science/volcanos regards the book as highly flawed.  

Obviously, I wanted a great book and found a mediocre one. Maybe if you’re a Patterson fan, this will be more to your taste. I haven’t read any James Patterson books and don’t feel inclined towards the themes he takes up.   

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