Douglas Preston is one half of the successful writing duo Preston and Child. In audition to their co-written titles, each author also writes on their own!Preston's latest release is The Kraken Project, the 4th book in his Wyman Ford series. Wyman is a former CIA agent with skills and knowledge that are called into play in unusual circumstances.
Melissa Shepherd is the AI (Artificial Intelligence) programming genius behind "Dorothy" NASA computer probe scheduled to head to one of Saturn's moons. But when a test run goes wrong in the lab, Dorothy thinks for herself - and escapes into the Internet in order to 'live'.
Her knowledge and ability to learn is reaching frightening levels - and she has no intention of 'going back in the box.'
Ford is tasked with finding Melissa, who has gone into hiding. Will the two of them find Dorothy before she wreaks havoc? But others are looking for Dorothy as well - and their motives aren't as noble.
The Kraken Project is a good summer beach read. Suspend disbelief on some of the plot points and just go with it. Preston knows how to come up with a good idea for a story and build in lots of action to keep the story moving along. Ford is a likable protagonist. We get a few glimpses into the personalities of our two lead characters, but for the most part, the book is strictly plot driven. Although, Dorothy has a personality too. I'm not sure I enjoyed Jacob, the young teenage boy added in as Dorothy's companion. I found him too whiny and his dialogue and actions seemed quite wooden and forced. (same for his father) An easy read, but not the best from Preston in my opinion.
Preston could not have predicted at the time he was writing his novel that the computer 'Eugene' would pass the Turing Test, fooling humans into thinking that it too was human. Kinda scary - fiction becoming fact!
If you think this sounds like a book you'd like to read, I have a copy to giveaway thanks to the generous folks at Forge Books. Simply leave a comment (and a contact method) to be entered. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends July 19/14.
I like this author.
ReplyDeleteCABWNANA1@bellsouth.net
This novel would be memorable. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteA most intriguing giveaway which interests me greatly. Many thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI've read three of his brother's books, but I've never read Douglas's books. So I'd like to read this.
ReplyDeletebethvollbach(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
He's one of my favourite authors. I'm looking forward to reading this one.
ReplyDeletecurlypow3@gmail.com
Hi Luanne, I read Preston's The Monster of Florence a few years ago, and found it fascinating. This author has a most eclectic backlist, but it seems to be working for him. Thanks for the chance to win The Kraken Project.
ReplyDeleteOoops - carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx
ReplyDeleteSounds like another really good one!! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletemlawson17 at hotmail dot com
It looks like an interesting and different story.
ReplyDeletemce1011 AT aol DOT com
I haven't read any books by this author, but the story sounds really good. Thanks for this chance to win it.
ReplyDeleteayancey1974(at)gmail(dot)com
I've never read this author, but judging by the body of his work the man clearly has a great mind for devising exciting plots! Please allow me to take advantage of this wonderful giveaway opportunity -- I appreciate it. --K
ReplyDeleteTo contact:
shamy at post dot harvard dot edu
Sounds like a great read!
ReplyDeletemboltuch(at)gmail(dot)com