Rating: 
Summary: Almost out of the ball park
Review: The pace of "The Experiment" is equal to that of a perfect ballgame and John Darnton nearly hits this ball out of the park with few small exceptions.Skyler, Jude and Tizzie are each fascinating people and we are given adequate information about each; however, late in the book there is no substantiation given for the shift in personal relationships. It is as if the author had meant to give us reasons these choices were made - but forgot to write those paragraphs. Darnton stayed true to the basic scientific principles laid down as basis for the experiment (conspiracy) and his timeline was consistent with one single exception. It concerns a set of triplets and where they originated -- and more importantly how and when. Psychotic behavior isn't something that can be diagnosed in a fetus and certainly not in an egg. I'd recommend this book -- as long as the reader can overlook 1 lack of background and 1 obvious gaff.
Rating: 
Summary: A Dud
Review: An awkward thriller with no suspense. I suppose every journalist has a novel in him, which is an excellent place for it.
Rating: 
Summary: An interesting Premise
Review: The story was well written, matching the quality of "Neanderthal". The overall premise was interesting, but failed to support the story to the end. However, there was plenty of excitement and tension to keep me turning the pages. It's just that the amount of effort required to keep the experiment going to reach the ends (which was meant to justify this particular means)overreached what would logically be practical. I also realize that trying to rationalize thriller plots based on reality is a futile and ultimately lessens the reading experience, so I'll stop here. Suffice it to say that my wife read the book and thought it would make a good movie, so there is a certain appeal to this story.
Rating:
Summary: The Experiment is Incredible!
Review: This was the first book I've read by John Darnton, and I am pleased to say that he has sailed straight to the top of my "favorite authors" list with this novel alone. Darnton is a brilliant writer... this plot of "The Experiment" is full of turns and twists and is very hard to put down. "The Experiment" is a medical thriller about a cloning experiment and is truly terrifying to read... the story isn't a far shot from reality at all. The story opens your eyes to some of the ethical and moral dilemmas that we face as technology continues to develop and shape our lives, and really makes you think about the repercussions of "playing God." Darnton has also interwoven a beautiful story of family/friendship/love into the novel, and springs several surprises on the reader at the end of the story that tug at the heartstrings. If you like Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Robin Cook, and Michael Crichton, you'll love John Darnton. "The Experiment" is all the convincing you'll need!
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: Yet another disappointing tale of a bio-tech company catering to the wealthy by cloning replacement parts. Throw in a little bit of the impossible -- the technology existing for decades, and clones grown on an island off the US coast -- and you get this book. I do agree with the other review -- PLEASE finish a book before reviewing it!!!
Rating:
Summary: Human clones; yes/no
Review: Another science-gone-mad book describes The Experiment. Skyler after living his entire life on an island escapes when his forbidden lover is killed. He makes his way to the city and finds a journalist who looks exactly like him. The plot is far fetched, but gives ample room for thought regarding the acceptability of cloning. As the story line moves along almost everyone in the book develops a look alike and as it moves to a climax, it becomes obvious that clones are being developed for spare parts.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent
Review: This was my first John Darnton book. Yes, it's over 500 pages, but every page is crammed with action and detail. Not too detailed, though. Darnton tells you just what you need to know. You know how they say that everyone in the world has a double?....well, this book gives this phrase a whole new meaning. It makes you really wonder....can this be happening now? Is it going to happen in the future? If you want to know what I'm talking about, you're going to have to buy this. Strongly recommended....but, be warned.....once you begin the reading....you can't stop...it's that good....
Rating:
Summary: Good Book!
Review: I enjoyed this book! The science was presented in a nice way (dinner conversations among scientists) and the plot was interesting. If you are thoughtful about what might happen when large numbers of bright and wealthy people become convinced that biological immortality (or at least a very long life) is possible through genetic manipulation, then this book is fun to read and quite instructive. Some reviewers of this book have commented that the author's, John Darnton's, view of humanity is dark. These people are naive. My guess is that somewhere in the world right now, something like "The Experiement" is taking place. We won't know until we discover that someone like Saddam Hussein just doesn't seem to be getting any older. Hummmmmm.
Rating:
Summary: Good ideas, flawed execution
Review: This book starts out as a non-stop page-turner and then starts fizzling. It has a fascinating premise and begins with a fast-moving, interesting plot and characters you'll care about. However, it gets bogged down in almost endless coincidences and sub-plots, and has a curious quality of being predictable despite the bizarre nature of the Experiment itself. It's still good escape reading, but I kept finding it put-downable after the mid-point, and wound up just wanting it to be over. Darnton's a good writer with good ideas who just happens to need an editor.
Rating:
Summary: Good biological thriller
Review: Skyler lived his whole life on a secluded island as one of dozens of test subjects in a ground-breaking experiment being conducted by The Lab. The Lab, where Skyler has called home for 25 years will soon become a frightening memory after he makes a gruesome discovery; the mutilated body of another "subject". Skyler flees the island and ends up in New York where he comes face to face with himself. Jude is a reporter for a local tabloid and becomes engrossed in his newest subject, a younger yet identical version of himself. Along with Tizzie, a medical researcher in biology and identical twins, the three set out on the long path to discover what the meaning is behind The Lab, the "Orderlies" who follow them around, and why there is suddenly a rash of similar murders. Darnton did an excellent job in his research for this state-of-the-art thriller. If you enjoy biological thrillers, The Experiment is the book for you. I love this kind of novel, but I thought Darnton got a little too detailed at times when discussing the biological aspects of the story. When the technical descriptions went on too long, I found myself skimming right over them. It seemed this information got a little technical for the lay person who is just looking for a good suspense story. Darnton presents a great story-line and "The Experiment" kept me up late at night reading. The characters develop well, especially Skyler, who becomes a personal friend. There is suspense, action, murder, and of course, biology to keep you interested until the very end.
| 
