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57 pages 1 hour read

Prey

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002

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Book Brief

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Michael Crichton

Prey

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002
Book Details
Pages

507

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Nevada Desert • 2000s

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

HL600L

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Super Short Summary

Prey by Michael Crichton follows Jack Forman, a former software programmer turned stay-at-home father, who gets involved with a crisis at his wife Julia's tech company. The company's nanobots, intended for military use, have evolved into a predatory swarm endangering their lab and the surrounding area. Jack and a team of scientists must find a way to stop the autonomous, rapidly evolving nanobots before it's too late. The book includes scenes that involve non-consensual medical treatment and significant interpersonal conflict.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Unnerving

Dark

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.0

184,403 ratings

63%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Prey by Michael Crichton delivers a thrilling narrative driven by cutting-edge science and technology. The book's engaging pacing and vivid detail receive praise, but some critics highlight underdeveloped characters and predictability in the plot. Overall, it's a compelling read for fans of techno-thrillers, offering excitement despite occasional flaws.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Prey?

Fans of Michael Crichton's Prey would enjoy its fast-paced techno-thriller narrative blending science fiction and ethical dilemmas. Comparable to readers of Crichton's Jurassic Park and Dan Brown's Angels & Demons, this book caters to those fascinated by cutting-edge technology, biotechnology, and suspenseful plots.

4.0

184,403 ratings

63%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Jack Forman

Jack is a software programmer and stay-at-home dad with expertise in swarming algorithms, known for his integrity and resourcefulness in solving problems.

Julia is a former child psychologist turned technology incubator, whose erratic behavior becomes a point of concern for Jack.

Ricky is a former colleague of Jack's, a project manager driven by ambition and a tendency to underplay problems to maintain his reputation.

Mae is a field biologist who acts as Jack's ally in the lab, using her practical experience to assess real-world risks effectively.

David is a young engineer with a methodical nature, known for his organized mind and attention to detail.

Charley is a programmer specializing in genetic algorithms, whose talent is often overshadowed by his irritating and antagonistic behavior.

Book Details
Pages

507

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Nevada Desert • 2000s

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

HL600L

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