Rating: 
Summary: Good Sci-Fi concept, but a biased social commentary
Review: I enjoyed the science fiction concept of The Trigger, as well as the sequence of scientific events portrayed in the story. However, the social issues were too noticeably skewed towards a liberal disarmament sentiment. I believe the authors intended to provide two objective sides of a complex issue, but because one side was not provided equivalent character strength, the story plays out unevenly. The characters written to be liked were staunch supporters of gun control and were presented as having the highest moral character. The balancing characters with an opposing view were too conveniently portrayed as extremists or simply misguided, and never wielded any equivalent political or scientific power. The story would have been much more involving if the reader was given more of a chance to decide which side of the issue they were on with strong and likeable characters on both sides. The bottom line is if you are from neutral to strongly in favor of global and personal disarmament you will vary from liking to loving this book. Conversely, if you hold a strong belief in your personal right to self defense you might have a hard time finishing the book. And if you happen to be a gun owner, you may be down right offended at times.
Rating: 
Summary: Social Commentary Masquerading as Fiction
Review: I had an opportunity to read this book and was eager to do so. Arthur C. Clarke is one of my favorite Sci-Fi authors, and I have enjoyed many of his works. Sadly, I could not finish this book because in 75 pages it was clear this was a myopic, politically-correct and fantastical vision of the way the world "ought to be." The "science" is theoretical junk, based on good wishes not scientific theory. The idea that peace would break out if all guns and explosives were rendered useless is the most hilarious, yet sad, idea that is repeatedly expressed by the authors. I look back on history and recall the millions who were slaughtered or enslaved by nations that possessed only the sword and the spear and laugh at the idea that removing weapons will change man's aggressive and dominating tendencies. Don't buy this book and contribute to ludicracy. Invest in your civil rights by reading the Constitution and the Federalist Papers (available here at Amazon, I'm sure)!
Rating: 
Summary: Highly recommended
Review: I throughly, totally enjoyed this book. Well-researched, suspenseful to the end. And, in true Clarke fashion, so real that you can imagine the events in it playing out over the next 40 years exactly as described. Very American though; an understanding of American culture would benefit the reader greatly (this is likely mostly Kube-McDowell's influence).
Rating:
Summary: Timely and believable
Review: I was glued to this book. It is suspenseful; warm and human; philosophicaly challenging and very timely. Above all, it was so believable that I began to think its premise was true. As the Y2K hype climaxed, it was uplifting to believe that the violence humans do to one another with guns and weapons was no longer possible. This book made me believe, really believe, it could be true. I recommend this book to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: Imaginative, Discriptive, Not for the NRA of Heart
Review: I'll keep this short and simple. This novel was well written, timely, and raised questions without answers on both sides of the gun control equasion. I find it disheartening that a few critiques are obviously from NRA members who have neither the mental capacity nor the literacy to properly read the 2nd Amendment which DOES NOT guarantee the right to bear arms. It does say that to insure a well regulated militia "the right to bear arms shall not be infringed." Please take the time and effort to read the book before passing judgement. AMAZING tale, made me think!
Rating:
Summary: Turnabout is fair play
Review: I'm going to start out by saying "Whoa." When the worst thing I can say about The Trigger is that the characters use bigger words in emergencies than I'd be able to think of, I have the makings of a classic in my hands. On cursory examination, The Trigger is the story of an exciting and dangerous technological revolution. It is also the story of the the people who get caught in the limelight -- and the crossfire -- and whose lives are forever changed. These parts combine to form a page-turner of epic proportions. Clarke's "What if?" version of the universe is not only intrugiung and frightening, but shows us how blissbul ignorance really is, and how understanding is not always what one wants. Kube-McDowell creates, in page after page, real human characters with intellectual needs, primal instincts, emotional conflicts, and desperate actions. The Trigger is believable and powerful, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure focused more on people than on machines.
Rating:
Summary: For the politicos or lawyers...not for the sci-fi fan
Review: I'm in agreement with some of the other readers...spends way too much time describing politics and not enough with the technology. In addition, in trying to describe the sociological effects of this "trigger" device (which is used to explode munitions containing nitrates) the author seems to overlook the fact that humans have been killing each other with edged weapons for thousands of years. This kind of lapse makes the story rather laughable as this component is not offered to display effects the trigger has on societies. In addition, it is offensive to see the gun lobby portrayed the way it is in this book. This book is clearly anti-gun and anti-American in the way it portrays our government and our established laws. Mr. Clarke, quit lending your name to works that don't deserve it!
Rating:
Summary: Badly written and retarded
Review: I've bought this book because of the Arthur Clarke's name on it. However judging from reading it, Mr. Clarke could have provided only the general plot. I will never believe that he could do such a horrible writing. The book is long and extremely slow-paced. The characters in it are badly retarded: all their actions are predictable 100 pages ahead yet they struggle hard during these 100 pages to come to obvious conclusions. The "science" in this book is completely phony. The book is so stupid and boring that I was not able to finish it. (By the way, do you know that the firearms with liquid (gasoline-like) propellant already exist and are considered the guns of the future ? This makes the described social effects of the main invention in this book, to put it mildly, unconvincing.)
Rating:
Summary: Superb !!
Review: If you're looking for Clarke-style sci-fi because Clarke's name is on it, you'll be disappointed. If you're a hardcore physics buff, you'll probably be disappointed as well (the science part of things in this book is quite wishy-washy). However, this book is as superb a social commentary as you'll read, and a thought-provoking piece on the nature of science and scientific discovery, although considerably less so than the social aspect. The basic premise is that a group of scientists accidentally discovers a way to disable all conventional explosives. Even though the gun lobby has been portrayed fairly negatively and the gun debate is a little lopsided as a result, people with an open mind and any intelligence whatsoever should be able to appreciate the brilliance of the way in which the debate has been presented and to see both sides of the coin equally well. It is a mind-expanding discussion indeed. Of course, because of the strongly political nature of the debate, your reaction to the book might vary from disgust to ecstasy, but it is nevertheless a great book. The ending is classic Clarke: brilliant and open-ended. And again very mind-expanding.
Rating: 
Summary: Are science and disarmament obvious choices?
Review: Master author Arthur C. Clarke and Michael Kube-McDowell have joined forces and conceived a novel set in the not too distant future. Scientists have discovered the ultimate anti-weapon and mankind can finally hope for a pacifist future. Surely that is the best thing to happen to mankind, isn't it? Not so fast Colonel. The Trigger explores and chronicles a fictional 'what if' scenario where the right wing US gun lobby, the military, think tanks, politicians and corporations jockey for position determined to affect the outcome of a new and emerging paradigm.
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