Rating: 
Summary: The Most Thought-Provoking Book of the Decade
Review: "Conquest of Paradise" is a thriller that transcends the apocalyptic fiction genre by creating a world all too real for its reader. Following September 11th, the world unites to fight international terrorism, and Europe, concerned with American unilateralism and the security of its borders, integrates into a global superpower. Universally trusted, Raphael Vicente is appointed to be United Europe's first president. On his first day in office, he learns of the existence of a modern day Manhattan Project and an international race to create a weapon of unimaginable power - a self-replicating assembler. Able to construct any object to atomic precision, assemblers - and the nanomachines they construct - provide the only sure defense against weapons of mass destruction.When a massive and well-coordinated terrorist strike decimates America and threatens to end modern civilization, Vicente uses its awesome power to create an overwhelming military force (literally overnight!) and closes in on the realization of his grand utopian vision - a world devoid of war, disease, poverty, and suffering. One of the most enthralling books I've ever read, this novel is impossible to put down. Throughout the book, select verses from end times prophecies in the Bible are interspersed with alarming relevance. From the first horseman of the apocalypse "riding out on a white horse to conquer many nations" to the Book of Revelation's assertion that one man will have "power over people of every nation and language and tribe", "Conquest of Paradise" creates a doomsday scenario that will concern even the most skeptical critics. At the book's conclusion, the author points out that "just as December 7th catapulted the world into the Nuclear Age, September 11th will plunge it into the Nanotechnic Age". Let's just hope "the assembler breakthrough" is the only event from "Conquest of Paradise" to move off the pages of fiction and into reality. For if its vision proves correct, the world is in for a rude awakening. Five stars, and a book no one can afford to miss.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: A great read thrilling to the very last page. If you like Left Behind then you will like this. Hope to see a follow up.
Rating:
Summary: A lot better than ¿PREY¿
Review: After reading Michael Crichton's latest thriller "Prey," I found myself craving more in the "nanothriller" category. "Conquest of Paradise" was one of the few books deserving of that label, and undoubtedly it is the best. I usually enjoy Crichton novels - and "Prey" was no exception - but the story seemed rushed and the plot quite unrealistic in its approach. Where "Prey" fails, "Conquest of Paradise" succeeds. Instead of the cliched and overused "runaway technology concept" omnipresent in techno-thrillers, this novel makes no indictments of the technology itself, but rather those who utilize its power. The author vividly illustrates the world-shattering implications of a device that can manipulate matter, and raises many important questions while simultaneously entertaining his reader. And although I am not a Christian, the biblical references are pertinent enough to heighten my concern. Quite simply put - this is the nanotechnology novel Michael Crichton should have wrote, but didn't. Buy it.
Rating: 
Summary: "And there will be no escape."
Review: After reading most of the Left Behind books and several other end times books I found this entry into the genre to be the most refreshing. Enter the NanoTech Age where Jews, Christians, Muslims and Hindus cannot live in peace, a world where China, the United States and a United Europe(does it begin with currency?) are all vying for world dominance, where SPIDERS and LOCUSTS are the weapons of control, where the H.O.L.E. could be an environmentalists dream machine, where there is a humane shield and Operation Infinite Justice is rooting out the bad guys. Sound familiar? Some parts are so close to reality that it is hardly fiction. First time author Britt Gillette has created a very engrossing storyline that is bound to captivate audiences with superb mini-plots happening on an international level. Travel the globe to witness events in Tiananmen Square, the jungles of Guatamala, visit King Solomons Temple as never seen before, and witness the transformation of the world as we know it. The book is hauntingly reflective of current events especially in the ever troublesome Middle East. Reading this book during the height of the Iraq War was a bit of a distraction as it made the lines between fiction and reality even more blurred. Considering the War on Terror will continue for a long time the events in the book are bound to continue to strike a parallel with current events in the future as it did now. There are plenty of reviews here that give a synopsis of the book so seek and you shall find. For what it is worth, my opinion is that the ideas put forth are extremely thought provoking and intellectually engaging. It is not neccessary to know about nanotechnology but it helps to at least have a clue. If you are unaware of this on the horizon technology than the book will stimulate you to learn about this potentially world changing technology. This book is a suspenseful, high intrigue thriller with a science fiction touch that is put to the backdrop of the end times. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and the character devlopment. The science matter was presented in such a way so as not to bog down the audience in "hard science." Rather the assembler breakthrough revealed a frightening scenario that entertained and created a mood for the story to become a real page burner. Although not overtly preachy there are passages from the Bible to start every chapter that coincide with the story. This book is a terrific blend of fact and fiction that could be transformed into a good movie with the proper adaptation. If you like end times books based on prophesy than you will love this book with it's unique twist. The book is both scary and joyfull in it's message that reflects the best and worst in humanity. Britt Gillette has created a wonderfull book that is food for thought in these troubled times. Many of the scenarios presented are developing or happening now. Definitely recommended good reading now before fiction becomes reality.
Rating: 
Summary: Didn't click for me...
Review: Although I agree that this is a fairly quick read, I found it difficult to like, whether looking at it as a techno or political thriller, technical exposition on nanotechnology, or Revelations allegory. To get an idea of where I'm coming from, I tend towards books (when reading for fun) from authors that are relatively "well researched"* such as Michael Crichton, Tom Clancy, Umberto Eco, or (a little ashamed to admit :) Dan Brown. And to be quite frank, I found "Conquest of Paradise" to be, well, quite pedestrian -- there was simply not enough details, technical or otherwise, to make sense of the characters and their motivations, the various plot twists, and, most of all, the nanotechnology that is used as a plot device. For example, there is a character in the book who serves as a leader of several of the Latin American Contra movements. It is straining (at best) when this character becomes an ardent opponent to Isamic terrorists without so much of an explaination except that he "fights for freedom and liberty." That is a nice sound-bite from our world leaders when they talk on CNN, but even those with cursory knowledge of the contra movements would think that this character would have at least somewhat of an understanding behind the motivations of "modern day" terrorists. To leave out even a discussion of the subject leaves leaves me thinking that either this character doesn't even express his true motivations on pages the author writes, or that the author hasn't done anything more than cursory research on the current fundamentalist movements and their roots. In addition, given that we are observing the harrowing events in the book from the perspective of the leaders at the highest levels of world government, the lack of technical detail in the procedural processes that occur, the locations in the novel, and the outright colloquial nature of the characters' conversations and speeches (even the ones that are supposed to be "awe inspiring") makes it all very hard to take seriously. It feels like a B-grade "TV-movie" depiction of the people and processes in the government. This would have played out much better if it was told from the perspective of, say, an ordinary person living in such times; lack of details and technicalities then would be understandable. Further, perhaps due to the fact that I am a scientist (though not in this field), the cursory treatment of nanotechnology, especially given its central role to the plot (and its use as analogy to events in Revelations), really makes it difficult for me to suspend disbelief at all. If it was some purely science fiction technology, then that would be one thing, but Gillette is trying to pass off these scenarios as realistically plausible, and anyone with a rudamentary eduction in high school physics (i.e. conservation of energy, momentum, etc.) should find the events in the book very, very difficult to believe even *with* an accompanying technical explanation. But even that is lacking. The "scientists" and engineers in the book use vague non-techical terms like "active shield" which may suffice for those without technical background, but even if you have only read the popular literature on the subject (such as Drexler's Engines of Creation and Levy's Artificial Life, both excellent, accessible tomes), the fact that everyone in the book talks about nanotech the way only a lay politician would is disturbing. Nonetheless, I must admit that even despite Crichton's amazingly well thoughtout lay-explainations in Prey, I still found events in Prey to be a bit unbelievable. Finally, I had a couple of nitpicks: First, although all authors have their political persuasions, there seem to be several scenes littered throughout this book with no point other than to express a political opinion (for example, there is a scene involving the International Criminal Court which I can't fit in the plot at all, a NAFTA conversation involving a not-so-subtle poke at a particular American president, and a completely extreneous scene involving a particular diamond company). Second, although many reviewers disliked the opening 100 page exposition, I found this section to be the high point of the book -- although nothing really "happens," the characters do develop and the smaller scale of the events allow us to appreciate them much more than the later 200 pages, where they are essentially black-and-white protagonists with unchanging, singular goals acting at the mercy of the larger-than-life plotline. Third, I think part of the "muddled" feeling other reviewers got is from the interspersed "cut scenes" that introduce characters which never (or rarely) show up ever again. Fourth, though this might be an intentional lapse used to essentuate particular characters, the discussions of different religions and cultures is a very, very underdeveloped and is a simplified view of the world that is representative of almost no modern government leaders (even those who the media paint in such ways) -- these people went to school, they deal with multitudes of faiths and backgrounds on a day-to-day basis; they know that there is much more to the world than Christians, Muslims, Jews, and Hindus. But then this is just a 300-page novel, so perhaps that can be excused. And finally, I don't understand why Gillette makes up names for characters that are clearly direct analogs of figures in real life. Maybe it is polite, but when their details match those of the people we know so directly, it is a bit weird (makes you snicker a bit :). It is certainly not a terrible read, though not one I can recommend either. * By "well researched" I do not mean 100% (or even near 100%) technical accuracy; just enough emersive details in order to suspend disbelief in the lay (but educated) reader.
Rating:
Summary: Most original book in years
Review: Although not without its flaws, "Conquest of Paradise" lives up to its billing as an 'end-times nano-thriller'. This is one of those rare books that will transform the way you look at the world. For days after reading it, all I've thought about is molecular nanotechnology. The book paints a vivid scenario of the emergence of this real-life technology, a technology powerful enough to conquer the world for the one who controls it. And instead of placing it in the hands of an evil figure, the author puts a humanitarian personality at the helm, creating an intriguing series of plot twists. If you like political thrillers, or Tom Clancy, you'll love "Conquest of Paradise".
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: An exceptional and brilliant novel about the conflict of humanity and the dangers of nanotechnology. 'Conquest Of Paradise' follows the exploits of a post-September 11 world wrought with peril. Based on the Bible and specific prophecy from the end time and book of revelation, the plot takes on added meaning, making the reader believe that the events could actually occur. Along the way, one man tries with all his will to create a paradise on earth. The central theme presents a significant question: Can man reach perfection from his own effort? The answer is one we all know, yet it never stops us from trying. A must read book.
Rating:
Summary: Not With A Bang, But With Nanotechnology
Review: Apocalyptic literature always fascinates me. The rich congeries of differing scenarios makes reading nearly any entry in this voluminous genre immensely entertaining. Some writers choose to write from a fundamentalist Christian view, using the Book of Revelations as a checklist of doom and gloom. Others infect the world with killer viruses, nasty alien invaders, or earth-shattering natural disasters. A few stories incorporate several of these themes into a depressing account of our ultimate demise. Britt Gillette's "Conquest of Paradise" falls firmly in the latter category, a story that fuses Christianity with science. In this author's nightmare scenario, the bogey of molecular nanotechnology skillfully welded with biblical prophecy produces a frightening scenario of death and destruction. Throughout this 300-page book, Gillette manages to juggle numerous characters and storylines with great élan. The opening chapters of the book introduce us to characters that will play significant roles throughout the story. There is Garrison Nance, a young man from Atlanta heading to Chiapas, Mexico to work for a Christian mission. Nance meets Poyner and Raphael Vicente during his stay there, where the three become involved in a peasant revolution against the Mexican government. As the book progresses, Islamic terrorists, a sinister Frenchman, a dangerous Chinese agent, and other characters big and small emerge to play their part in the unfolding dilemma. From these lengthy introductory chapters, in which Gillette reveals much about Raphael's background, each chapter jumps ahead in time. Raphael becomes a significant figure on the world stage, first as a champion of the third world poor, then as a Nobel Prize winner, to his eventual assumption of the presidency of United Europe. Raphael's sole goal in life is to instill democracy and human rights throughout the world, and he will do anything within his power to realize that actuality. But in the course of trying to be the world's champion, he runs the risk of plunging the globe into eternal chaos. The 400-pound gorilla in this story is the assembler breakthrough, a development that threatens to change the world as we know it forever. What assemblers are and their potential to restructure the world is best left unrevealed here. It is sufficient to say that this technology, as elucidated in Gillette's book, is both awesome and fearsome. In an author's note at the end of the book, Gillette explains that molecular nanotechnology (MNT) is real and imminent; he believes that by the end of this decade MNT will arrive whether we want it or not. The author wrote this book to expose the inherent dangers of this new technology, a technology that offers a promise of nearly infinite good, but also a danger beyond reckoning if it falls into the wrong hands. Gillette lists several website addresses for those who wish to discover further information about this potentially dangerous technological development. What spooked me the most about this book was reading it during the countdown to the invasion of Iraq. Gillette made sure to keep his story up to date, so references to Saddam Hussein, the terrorist attacks of September 11th, and the threat of radical Islamic terrorism added a significant dimension of immediacy to the story. I think the overarching theme Gillette is searching for here was best expressed by Benjamin Franklin, who once wrote, "Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." In order to make the world "safe" for Raphael's democratic dream, everyone must eventually give up his or her liberty. Raphael's quest against Islamic fanaticism leads to a dangerous fanaticism about democracy. In other words, absolutes, whatever their stripe, will always resort to totalitarianism in order to succeed. "Conquest of Paradise," whether its message of out of control technology is true or not, should find a place on the shelf of anyone interested in the apocalypse genre. The first third of the book moves slowly, but by the time you pass page 100, the story starts to zoom. Books like this one justify the "publish it yourself" industry.
Rating:
Summary: An early glimpse of the potential pitfalls of nanotech
Review: As a book that puts molecular nanotechnology at the center of its plot, Conquest of Paradise is not without its flaws. Questions can be raised concerning the speed with which the self-replicating assemblers operate as well as other subtle points. But as overall science fiction, the novel is second to none in those that deal with the assembler breakthrough. As religious fiction dealing with the prophetic events of the book of revelation, few books can surpass its detailed adherence to scripture. Although Left Behind sticks closely to scripture, it takes each prophecy literally, resulting in a plot that oftentimes is outlandish and unbelievable. The entertainment value of this novel is evident in its ability to blur the distinction between reality and fiction, creating a true edge-of-your seat thriller. Those who are willing to patiently wait for the story to develop and overlook some of the technical inconsistencies in the descriptions of nanotechnology will be pleasantly surprised. Conquest of Paradise is a gem of a story.
Rating:
Summary: Breathtaking!
Review: As a fan of the Left Behind books and apocalyptic literature in general, I agree with several other reviewers that Conquest of Paradise is one of the better books available. The story seems so realistic especially when compared to Left Behind, and Raphael Vicente frighteningly resembles George W. Bush in both his actions and his speeches. (And no, I don't think Bush is the Antichrist!) Rather, I think this serves to purvey just how closely the plot and themes of this book parallel the real world. I had never heard of molecular assemblers and nanotechnology before but I will now be telling my friends about it. That's for sure! If you want to learn something new and be entertained, this book is for you.
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