Domain

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Summary: cool sci-fi based on real archaeological findings
Review: I have long been a fan of the collaborated works of Graham Hancock and Robert Bauval on their discoveries and findings at Giza, Chichen Itza, the Nazca lines, Angkor Wat, etc. They make connections between man's past and future using various ancient landmarks as their "texts" to read our history -- perhaps possibly even our connection to other worlds, other peoples. Because of this interest I was intrigued by Domain's book jacket copy and commenced reading. I couldn't stop. I didn't put it down until I finished (in the wee hours of the morning). Alten is right on the money with his research, and I agree with one of the previous reviewers -- this IS A MOVIE. (I hope the publishers sell the film rights quick before someone laps it up.) It's great entertainment but it's also a little scary. Are the Mayans right about man's future? Are there those few out there who know the truth but are met with skepticism, dismay and fear? As they say, the truth is out there, and Domain takes a look at our future with a solid base of both archaeological research and a penchant for ingenious science fiction. More!

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Summary: Captivating and entertaining
Review: I have read all three of Steve Alten's novels and this is by far the best. It is a wonderful mix of storyline, character build up, technology and realistic entertwining of the supernatural. Steve Alten clearly reveals the extensive research he did in geography, history and psychiatry. I found it very difficult to put down. I am looking forward to the next two books of the trilogy. I have always been an avid reader of Ludlum, King and Clancy....I now have a new favorite author.

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Summary: Alten keeps getting better and better
Review: To sum up this book in one word, WOW! For those of you not familiar with Mr.Alten's work, It all started with MEG, a novel about one of the largest predators to ever exist in the seas, Megalodon. He followed that up with the sequel, The Trench. Both of those novels were gripping, and kept you glued until you finished. With his new novel, he brings us a new terror, the end of mankind, all revolving around an ancient prophecy. This book was amazing. The plotting was fast paced, the characters defined, the history so very well researched. Alten's ability to mesh fact with fiction is quite impressive. It left me scratching my head on several occasions, trying to discern what was fact and what was fiction. If you've read his earlier works, you're sure to enjoy this one, if not, go out and buy all three books. I'm sure you won't be dissapointed

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Summary: Too far out
Review: I read his last two books because I like giant dinosaur sharks, but this book has nothing cool like that. Mostly religous mumbo jumbo and aliens. Hard to get into the story and kinda weird. If anything two much stuff in it. Alten's beached himself for good with this one. buy buy.

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Summary: Steve Alten's Best Yet!
Review: This has to be one of the best stories I've ever read, and I've read a lot. The storyline is complex and convoluted, filled with plot twists. You're never sure how things are going to turn out. The characters are extremely realistic. You really feel like you are right there, experiencing everything that they feel. At times, I found myself even sympathizing with the villians, one of the sure signs of a great author. Domain has everything. Horror, action, spies and conspiracies. By the time you reach the final page, you'll be so wrapped up in the world Mr. Alten has created, that you will wish it was a thousand pages long. Fortunately, two sequals are in the works. Domain is a rare treat no one should miss!

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Summary: steve does it again
Review: when i first read MEG, back in 98' ,i thought"damn hes a good author" immedeatly following THE TRENCH i thought "damn, hes a really good author". but after DOMAIN i said "steve alten is a genius, an edge of your seat thriller with page turning excitment, the twist and turns ,dramatic scenes" i couldnt put it down, i rushed through my work at school so i could find out what was with micks mom. i nearly knocked my friend down the stairs when it was delivered by ups. steve is a number 1 for me, hes inspired me to write a few books of my own. also, by talking with him everyday, you get to know him and his personallity. DOMAIN is a must read, it has all the great writings, equal too and passing , stephen king, dean koontz and micheal chriton. i guarantee youll love DOMAIN.

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Summary: A real winner
Review: Over three decades, archeologist Julius Gabriel investigated the theory that the Mayan calendar foretold the Apocalypse and ancient edifices were a global puzzle with the solution to saving the world. His peers laugh at Julius, thinking the so-called scientist is a paranoid lunatic for seeking ties between Stonehenge, the Giza Pyramid, and other similar sites.

After Julius dies, his son Michael is taken away for attacking a former colleague now Secretary of State, Pierre Borgia. Under psychological observation, Michael persuades Dominque Vazquez that he is not only sane, but that the doomsday clock is ticking down its final days. Together, they forge a team trying to heave a Hail Mary pass that will thwart the evil alien conspiracy to destroy mankind even while government officials want them locked away or better yet dead.

DOMAIN is surprisingly an exciting, well-written science fiction-fantasy that works because the key characters seem genuine and the magical elements appear real. The story line entrenches the Biblical apocalypse predictions with Mayan myths into quite an action tale. Fans of SF, Fantasy, and end of the world novels will want to read Steve Allen's latest book that is the opening gamut of hopefully a powerful series reminiscent of the Invaders with an ancient mythos lending strong support.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Incredible Read
Review: In a departure from his first two shark thrillers, Steve Alten explores the implications and mystery behind the Mayan Doomsday Prophecy. A massive amount of research went into creating the ingenious plot, and it shows on every pulse-pounding page. Alten's characters are fascinating, and his ability to blend conscious thought into character dialogue adds even more realism to this intensely exciting thrill. For me, reading a Steve Alten book requires no suspension of disbelief at all, as he puts so much forethought into the research that his stories are completely believeable; an element that makes Domain an incredible and intelligent read from start to finish.

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Summary: The beginning of a new world
Review: With Domain, Steve has once again improved his style. THose who have read Meg and The Trench will know what I mean. The difference between his ability in those books is amazing, and this story is even exponentially greater. This is truly a page turner. I could not put it down until I had to go to work. The combination of fact and fiction was amazing. In some parts I could not tell where reality ended and fiction began! I would definitely recommen this to anyone and everyone who is looking for a great book. The ideas he had in this story were pure genious, and when you learn more about whats going on, you will be totally blown away. And the secret revealed beneath the Kukulcan pyramid makes you realize just how important it is to pay attention to everything in the story. When you read this, be sure to imagine just what you will be doing on December 21, 2012...for it may be your last day!

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Summary: Possibly the MOST researched novel I have ever read...
Review: My association with Steve Alten's books started a few years ago when I grabbed a copy of 'Meg'. His sequel ('The Trench')was even BETTER...but these were novels of underwater terror involving a prehistoric megolodon (just imagine a fierce shark the size of the largest whale and you get the idea...)--b-u-u-t the BIGGEST and BEST surprise was that 'Domain' was a complete and amazing departure from his first two novels. I can't remember if I have EVER read a book that contained nearly as much detailed research as I found within the pages of 'Domain'. The amount of work Mr. Alten put into this story was absolutely staggering.

The story starts off with the speed of a runaway meteorite (literally) and just picks up from there. What exactly hit the earth 65 million years ago and decimated the dinosaurs...if it WASN'T a meteor as the scientists claim, what WAS IT??? Steve Alten attempts to answer this in a most creative way. To me 'Domain' is very much like a modern-day Indiana Jones meets the X-Files. Have you ever heard about the ancient Mayan prophecy of doom that predicts the end of humanity on December 21st in the year 2012? This part of the story is actually based on fact. Yes, the Mayan's DID predict this...will it actually happen? That is another story--but what if it were TRUE? That is the adventure you will find here. From Stonehenge to the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Temple of Kulkukan in the Yucatan to the Nazca Plains in South America, 'Domain' heads in a dozen directions at once--but don't worry, Mr. Alten is in COMPLETE control of what is happening, and at no point do you feel he has lost direction--even IF you have absolutely NO idea where he plans to take you. Inter-mixing Mayan facts with the Myth's of half-a-dozen cultures--with a plot that is as creative as it is entertaining, 'Domain' succeeds on ALL levels. It really IS facinating to be entertained as well as educated at the same time. Just exactly how DID the Egyptians build such incredible structures even though engineers readily admit that the Great Pyramid of Giza would be impossible to construct using the modern mechanics available to us TODAY...how did the Maya build their amazing pyramids without even mastering the wheel? These are all questions that even the most educated historian cannot answer with any certainty--however if you have a good imagination, you can come up with an explanation worthy of a bestseller. I cannot recommend 'Domain' highly enough.

On a side note, I interviewed Steve Alten recently about 'Domain' and not only is he talented, he's a really nice guy who very much appreciates feedback, and rewards his readers in unique ways. Easilyone of the most down-right entertaining novels I have read in a long time. 'Domain' deserves to be a HUGE success for Mr. Alten. Pick this one up and read it before someone makes it into a movie (it'd make a GREAT one, too).