Rating: 
Summary: Braver New World
Review: Add my voice to the chorus of praise for Braver's compelling contribution to the classic literature of negative utopia. The spirit of Huxley's soma is brought into the modern, imagistic age with a drug that amplifies our experience of the terrors of aging rather than merely deadening those fears. This is truly a "Braver" treatment of the genre, with its frighteningly accurate portrayal of the psychological repurcussions of miracle cures not only upon the individual but upon society at large. It really made me think about the fashion/cosmetics/fitness craze that promises all of us perpetual youth. (For a hefty fee, naturally.) In the Braver New World, however, this fantasy become very real; and, to continue the point, disastrous for all of us. It made me want to cancel my gym membership. Best of all, Braver writes like a seasoned and confident pro who's not only done his research but loves to share what he knows. Too many "novels of ideas" emphasize exposition (of character, scenery, etc.) over plot and dialogue. The talented Braver teaches us that these qualities need not be mutually exclusive. (Colonel Apocalypse will creep out the strongest of stomachs.) It's a page-turner, surely, but a brain-tease as well. So turn and learn while copies are still available. And don't forget the sunscreen if you're reading at the beach, lest you look old before your time. P.S. Hey Gary, got some? (No, not milk ...)
Rating:
Summary: Elixir
Review: Wow! I found Elixir a very thought-provoking book. Being relatively young, I hadn't spent much time pondering the issue of extending my youth forever. Elixir changed that, however, opening my mind to the seductiveness, the moral consequences, and the frightening repercussions of a "miracle" drug that so many people would like to possess. Gary Braver has crafted a breathless read with tight, vivid prose. I found it perfect summer reading; had I read it in the winter, I'm sure I would have felt it perfect for that season, too. Well-researched and--as I mentioned--thought-provoking, I believe this book will appeal to many kinds of readers, not just thriller aficionados. Kudos to Gary Braver!
Rating: 
Summary: Not as great as it could have been
Review: The whole deal with Gary Braver being the new thrill writer of the millenium contridicts my thoughts almost entirely. He may be the Crichton for the people who don't care to learn anything when they read, and who don't care to think about what science has to do with what they are reading, but Braver cannot compare with the detail, the realness, and most of all the research that Crichton puts into all of his books. Sure the book had it's moments, such as when when Elixer was used on Wendy/Laura's niece, or when their identities were almost found out, but there really wasn't that much magic.I highly suggest that if you are interested in biotech thrillers check out Michael Crichton. He will gieve you a lot more with satisfaction that lasts.
Rating:
Summary: amazing book
Review: Just finished a WONDERFUL book by an author named Gary Braver. It wascalled _Elixer_. Chris Bacon, a pharmicutical scientist has gone aresearch journey to New Guinea. While there he stmbles upon a flower that can prolong life. The question then becomes would you take it? What an intense thought provoking book this was. ABSOLUTELY could NOT put it down. What can be imagined, need never be forgotten
-- Clive Barker
Rating: 
Summary: It made me gasp out loud...
Review: This was my first biological thriller. Even though I don't know a lot about biology, Braver made the technology accessible and believable. Braver grabs--and keeps--your interest in this book. His writing introduced me to a whole new genre!
Rating:
Summary: 4 1/2 star
Review: An outstanding biotech thriller. One that will really get you thinking about eternal youth. Fast paced and a quick read makes me recommend this highly. Go get it...
Rating:
Summary: Want to live forever?
Review: If you could prolong your life indefinitely would you? The idea of a fountain of youth has intrigued human beings for centuries. Being able to live longer, better lives is an enticing idea that we've all considered. Hell, 90% of the "health & beauty" market is based on the desire to stay young. So what if there actually was something we could take. What would happen to us and to our world? Elixir is quite the page turning thriller. I loved never knowing what was going to happen next. I'm not going to give anything away but here's the basic idea. Dr. Christopher Bacon (great name!) is a medicinal chemist working for Darby Pharmaceuticals, "a Boston laboratory pioneering the synthesis of folk medicines". They send him off to the jungles of New Guinea in search of plant steroids which could be used to create the world's first male birth-control pill - thus sending their stock price through the roof. Deep in the jungle, an old school friend introduces him to Tabukari, a flower with incredible anti-aging properties. Chris then brings the flower back to the lab in the States to attempt to create a synthetic variety. Things unfold from there. The premise brings up a lot of questions. Should we live forever? If there were such a drug - who would get to take it? How much would it cost? What would happen to the population? What if you took the drug but your children didn't? All these questions are explored throughout the book. Another really interesting facet of the story is the drug/pharmaceutical industry. Does our desire (or need) for drugs put us in a dangerous position? Is enough time being given towards ensuring that there are no side effects or is money the true bottom line? As Chris is working on different projects and researching aging there is a lot of scientific jargon used but it never seemed to get in the way. (Braver's past life as a physicist explains his "vast knowledge of DNA and the mechanisms of aging".) Everything is explained in a very conversational manner that allows us to have the information we need without completely confusing us. Put it this way, I dropped out of Chemistry in the tenth grade and I understood what he was talking about. Elixir is wonderfully written. Most of the characters are beautifully realized and are intrinsically real. The relationship between Chris and his wife, Wendy, is a wonderful example. They are both complex individuals with deeply rooted needs and desires, all of which Braver allows us to be privy to. As time passes and the story changes, so do their relationship and their needs. My only problem was with the bad guys. I felt like I was expected to hate one of the bad guys just because he was a drug dealer (great irony) and the other baddie was pathetic and I wasn't entirely convinced he was capable of murder. I like my bad guys to be really BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD and these ones were just kinda bad. Even though this book was just released, Ridley Scott Productions (Gladiator, Blade Runner, Alien) has already optioned it! I think it'll make a great film. Lots of drama; lots of suspense. This is a great thriller. I had trouble putting it down and stayed up until the wee hours of the morn in order to finish it. Gary Braver is a great new voice in the thriller market (especially if you're tired of the Grisham legal drama and the Clancy spy novel) and if you're looking for an exciting, fun read try picking up Elixir. I can't wait for Braver's next book - I hope he doesn't wait too long to write it - none of us are getting any younger! Review Originally Posted online.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book-Read It!
Review: Elixir is the story of a chemist who comes up with the potion for immortality. And the story of those who would do anything to possess this "Elixir". Very believeable storyline. I kept waiting for it to "get stupid" or unreal. Never did. A very fast read, great vacation book. Heck, great anytime reading. Read this book!
Rating:
Summary: AWESOME!
Review: This was really a great book! It reads just like a Robin Cook thriller. I was pleasantly surprised at how good Mr. Braver writes. The plot was intriguing. Definately a page turner!
Rating:
Summary: fast paced and makes you think - rare combo
Review: Elixir is that rare book that is very well written and thrilled-paced, with a theme ripped from the headlines and characters who you actually care about, want to know more about and whose rendering remind you of the best of modern thriller fiction. This is an extremely good read.
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