What do you think?
Rate this book
Crystal #2
Crystal Conquest
Aliens fire the first shots in their invasion of Earth, and that’s when Criss realizes he’s outmatched. He spent years preparing for this moment, working with his human leadership to develop weapons and refine strategies. Created with the thinking and reasoning ability of a thousand people, Criss never expected the invaders to arrive with an artificial intelligence that dwarfed his capabilities, nor did he expect to be the target of their vengeance. When he squares off against the alien goliath to protect the world, defeat is certain. Or is it? Together with Sid, Cheryl, and Juice—a covert operative, Fleet officer, and crystal scientist—Criss struggles to defeat the aggressors and save civilization from annihilation. But can he outsmart the alien intelligence in a titanic battle of wits? And can he do so before Earth lies in ruins?
- GenresScience Fiction
396 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2014
65 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Doug J. Cooper
11 books469 followersWhen he is not writing science fiction novels, Doug fills his day working as a professor emeritus of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at UConn, and as founder and director of Control Station, Inc. His passions include telling inventive tales, mentoring driven individuals, and everything sci-tech. He lives in Connecticut with his darling wife and with pictures of his son, who is off somewhere in the world creating adventures of his own.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 14, 2018
It is happening, Earth is being invaded and Criss is about to discover that all of the work he has done to help protect the world may fall short. He never planned for an artificial intelligence more powerful than himself. Is the Earth doomed or can Criss and his human leaders outsmart a creation far superior to him in every way?
Who knew I would think of Criss as more than a machine? Doug J. Cooper’s CRYSTAL CONQUEST is ratcheting up the tension, the action and putting Criss right in the crosshairs of the greatest foe he has ever faced and I was terrified for him!
This is hair-raising, nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat reading from start to finish! Doug J. Cooper has created a world of science fiction that comes to life with powerful characters, action and masterful writing from the author.
Science fiction that is easy to read, easy to fall into and easy to believe, man versus machines versus aliens…it brings out the adventurer in all of us!
Series: Crystal Series - Book 2
Publication Date: November 12, 2014
Publisher: Doug J. Cooper
Genre: Scifi
Print Length: 398 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Who knew I would think of Criss as more than a machine? Doug J. Cooper’s CRYSTAL CONQUEST is ratcheting up the tension, the action and putting Criss right in the crosshairs of the greatest foe he has ever faced and I was terrified for him!
This is hair-raising, nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat reading from start to finish! Doug J. Cooper has created a world of science fiction that comes to life with powerful characters, action and masterful writing from the author.
Science fiction that is easy to read, easy to fall into and easy to believe, man versus machines versus aliens…it brings out the adventurer in all of us!
Series: Crystal Series - Book 2
Publication Date: November 12, 2014
Publisher: Doug J. Cooper
Genre: Scifi
Print Length: 398 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 14, 2017
Criss becomes more 'human' out of necessity and a very interested party joins him and the leadership group as the aliens return with a significant advantage. Good sequel to Deception.
June 8, 2015
I read the first book of this series, Crystal Deception, not long ago, and I truly enjoyed it. It was only natural, then, to read the next book, Crystal Conquest. As with the first book, I truly enjoyed this one, too!
Synopsis (from the author): Aliens fire the first shots in their invasion of Earth, and that’s when Criss realizes he’s outmatched. He spent years preparing for this moment, working with his human leadership to develop weapons and refine strategies. Created with the thinking and reasoning ability of a thousand people, Criss never expected the invaders to arrive with an artificial intelligence that dwarfed his capabilities, nor did he expect to be the target of their vengeance. When he squares off against the alien goliath to protect the world, defeat is certain. Or is it? Together with Sid, Cheryl, and Juice—a covert operative, Fleet officer, and crystal scientist—Criss struggles to defeat the aggressors and save civilization from annihilation. But can he outsmart the alien intelligence in a titanic battle of wits? And can he do so before Earth lies in ruins?
What I liked: The story picks up a couple of years after the first books ends and the now familiar and likeable characters have carried on with their lives. With the help of Criss, the AI crystal, the other three main characters are preparing defenses for Earth in the event the Kardish return. This sets the stage for a nice tale of intrigue, action, a touch of romance and heartbreak, and the introduction of the new character Lenny. I liked the interplay between the characters and the growth of Criss as an AI entity that seems more and more human.
What I didn’t like: Lenny’s character was a bit stereotypical. He was the nerdy, brilliant college kid, who had a bit of a voyeur in him. However, in fairness, his character did evolve throughout the story. Other than that, not much for me to dislike.
Overall impression: Crystal Conquest was a good sci-fi read. I liked the characters, liked the plot, and enjoyed the story. I would recommend it to any sci-fi fan! Well done Doug Cooper!
My rating: 5 Stars
Synopsis (from the author): Aliens fire the first shots in their invasion of Earth, and that’s when Criss realizes he’s outmatched. He spent years preparing for this moment, working with his human leadership to develop weapons and refine strategies. Created with the thinking and reasoning ability of a thousand people, Criss never expected the invaders to arrive with an artificial intelligence that dwarfed his capabilities, nor did he expect to be the target of their vengeance. When he squares off against the alien goliath to protect the world, defeat is certain. Or is it? Together with Sid, Cheryl, and Juice—a covert operative, Fleet officer, and crystal scientist—Criss struggles to defeat the aggressors and save civilization from annihilation. But can he outsmart the alien intelligence in a titanic battle of wits? And can he do so before Earth lies in ruins?
What I liked: The story picks up a couple of years after the first books ends and the now familiar and likeable characters have carried on with their lives. With the help of Criss, the AI crystal, the other three main characters are preparing defenses for Earth in the event the Kardish return. This sets the stage for a nice tale of intrigue, action, a touch of romance and heartbreak, and the introduction of the new character Lenny. I liked the interplay between the characters and the growth of Criss as an AI entity that seems more and more human.
What I didn’t like: Lenny’s character was a bit stereotypical. He was the nerdy, brilliant college kid, who had a bit of a voyeur in him. However, in fairness, his character did evolve throughout the story. Other than that, not much for me to dislike.
Overall impression: Crystal Conquest was a good sci-fi read. I liked the characters, liked the plot, and enjoyed the story. I would recommend it to any sci-fi fan! Well done Doug Cooper!
My rating: 5 Stars
May 2, 2016
In the second book of the Crystal series, the story continues as it has been a few years after the Kardish invasion has been defeated. However, our heroes, undercover agent Sid, Captain Cheryl, and Dr. “Juice” Tallette realize that the Kardish will return to Earth to avenge the defeat. CRISS, the super artificial intelligence crystal, has been safely hidden in a protected location, while word has been spread that CRISS did not survive the first invasion. In his hidden location, CRISS is able to connect to the web and gather potential signs of danger, while guiding his hero friends in helping earth set up a defensive structure on the moon and the outer asteroid belt in preparation of the Kardish return. Yet, it appears they will not be ready in time as a cloaked Kardish ship approaches the solar system powered by an artificial intelligence crystal that is faster and smarter than CRISS. Meanwhile, on Earth, a geeky science whiz has uncovered trace evidence on the web that CRISS is still alive and decides to track CRISS down and turn him into a personal slave. Can Earth be saved? Following the same James Bond-style humor and adventure within the Star Wars/Star Trek sci-fi fantasy path of Crystal Deception, this story easily maintains the level of quality for fans of this genre as its predecessor. However, this is book two, so readers who decide to delve into the book without reading Crystal Deception, will find themselves lost for a bit.
January 24, 2015
Another suspenseful ride into the future!
After reading Crystal deception I couldn't wait to get my hands on Crystal Conquest. I was enthralled throughout the whole book. I hated putting it down when I had to deal with the realities of life. I recommend reading the series if you seek a Syfi adventure that will keep you in suspense and feeling like you are along for the ride!
After reading Crystal deception I couldn't wait to get my hands on Crystal Conquest. I was enthralled throughout the whole book. I hated putting it down when I had to deal with the realities of life. I recommend reading the series if you seek a Syfi adventure that will keep you in suspense and feeling like you are along for the ride!
December 12, 2019
Second book in series
I enjoyed this book as much as the first. The way advanced technology was woven into the storyline is superb. A nice read for all scifi fans. The only thing I didn't like was the fact that the Kardish king was left out of the goings on near the end. He should have been awake and verbal for much of that time. Five stars!
I enjoyed this book as much as the first. The way advanced technology was woven into the storyline is superb. A nice read for all scifi fans. The only thing I didn't like was the fact that the Kardish king was left out of the goings on near the end. He should have been awake and verbal for much of that time. Five stars!
February 28, 2020
This author does a good job carrying both the plot, the characters and the scenes. I enjoyed the interaction between the humans and the AI, which is a central character, and the conflict with the aliens. Text is flawless as far as typos and reads well. It kept me turning the pages. I am going to be getting book 3 soon. Scifi fans will like this one.
April 8, 2018
More Good Stuff!
A very likeable Artificial Intelligence as well as a very funny young naughty genius. It will be fun to see what comes next.
A very likeable Artificial Intelligence as well as a very funny young naughty genius. It will be fun to see what comes next.
June 21, 2019
A good second book
A pretty good sequel. A new character was introduced and developed. There was an exciting intense danger sequence that lasted for a good part of the book.
A pretty good sequel. A new character was introduced and developed. There was an exciting intense danger sequence that lasted for a good part of the book.
October 17, 2019
I started to read but just couldn't get into it. It's more about intrigue and backstabbing and less about AI and space contact.
July 16, 2024
I enjoyed this as much as the first book. Liked the addition of Lenny and the synbod.
December 23, 2017
Like the characters
I was surprised that no attempt was made to cover at least some of the plot holes in this book. The aliens that I found relatable are the crystals, since the Kardish are very cartoonish. The story was doable as long as it didn't morph into an adventure story against not so well thought out villains who are bumbling idiots.
Some sweet elements don't override big gaps and unbelievable interactions unless you're doing the "Princess bride". Shame really, because now I can't see what kind of story this is supposed to be.
I was surprised that no attempt was made to cover at least some of the plot holes in this book. The aliens that I found relatable are the crystals, since the Kardish are very cartoonish. The story was doable as long as it didn't morph into an adventure story against not so well thought out villains who are bumbling idiots.
Some sweet elements don't override big gaps and unbelievable interactions unless you're doing the "Princess bride". Shame really, because now I can't see what kind of story this is supposed to be.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews