Rating: 
Summary: Not Benford's Best, But Definitely A Cut Above
Review: From the outset, it's clear that this is Benford in techno-thriller mode, a la "Artifact" and his "Sterling Blake" novel "Chiller". Still, even when he's not writing up to the breathtaking level of the Galactic Center series, Benford always has something interesting to say. I can't think of another current author who better bridges C.P. Snow's dichotomy of science and literature. And although you can always rely on him for Big Science and neat ideas, he puts his characters first. I was sorry to say goodbye to Alicia and Max when "Cosm" ended.
Rating:
Summary: Great view of how scientists work and a great read
Review: Cosm is the first book I have read which combines hard science fiction, great reading, and a real sense of how a scientist actually lives and works in the academic world. As a fellow professor, I was constantly struck by the accuracy of Prof. Benfords insights. He also ventures into areas of philosophy and religion where few scientists and science fiction writers have dared to go. All together at thoroughly wonderful book.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't judge Benford by this book!
Review: My husband and I are both SF fans who normally read everything Benford writes. We eagerly purchased Cosm (in hardcover!) and were sorely disappointed. The "cosm" didn't intrigue me, and it took much too long to get into any meaningful discussion of what it might really be, while the main character dithered and agonized. Benford's normally interesting glimpses into how scientists really function dragged. Although there were some potentially interesting multi-ethnic characters, none of them came alive; maybe Benford felt uncomfortable putting himself into the skins of African-American women and Asian men. The story changed tone and character about two-thirds of the way through the book and became a rather silly suspense story/love story. This book is what Timescape could have been if Timescape hadn't been great! Hollywood can only improve on it!
Rating:
Summary: hard sf at its best
Review: I just heard Dr. Alan Guth (The Inflationary Universe) give a talk here at Cornell, and Benford's novel is an excellent account of the phenomena. I am a scientist and someone who grew up in So. Cal., so the novel hits close to home, and I even laughed out loud at Benford's accurate and funny insights into Orange County pop culture idiosyncrasies. But most important is his portrayal of real science. Continuing the tradition of his masterpiece 'Timescape,' Benford treats science fiction as "fiction about science" and succeeds marvelously. The novel's exciting second half brought up many "what if" questions, a treat for serious SF readers.
Rating:
Summary: please do better
Review: yawn... oo, oo, I'm a real scientist! I can write about the trivial, uninteresting politics and details that make up the mundane lives real life scientists 90% of the time. Oh yes, it may be all very real, but it all very dull as well. Even the main subject matter which was potentially so interesting couldn't drag this book out of a quagmire of boring, predictable ho-hum. sorry, i gave up about half way though.
Rating: 
Summary: Thanks! And some news...
Review: I appreciate reader remarks, even the guy from Manhattan who hadn't actually read the book.The attached interview is from a month ago. Since then COSM has indeed been optioned by Jan De Bont, who made TWISTER and SPEED, with 20th Century Fox, in a very pleasant deal. They're the ones who said it would have to be a 80 megabuck movie, so perhaps in 3-4 years we'll see a glossy flick...Personally, I see now the abyss between film and novels even plainer; each has its role. I'll continue writing about science-as-she-is-done, much as in TIMESCAPE and ARTIFACT (to be out in a new edition this summer). Though I am the scientific consultant on the COSM film, will try not to get too involved with H'wood.Meanwhile, I do appreciate the remarks. As one who seldom sees my readers, it's quite useful to see the reflections of those who truly care about books.Gregory Benford
Rating:
Summary: a fast-paced exciting science thriller
Review: 'Cosm' is a true science thriller, a tale of recognizable scientists grappling with an intriguing astrophysical puzzle. I am not a physicist, but the science in the book seems clearly described and not overwhelming. The characters are believably human, therefore flawed. They make mistakes and are well-drawn enough to have definite personalities and even annoying habits. Without sacrificing interest or characters, Benford lets the science drive the plot. The result is a witty novel that moves well and involves the reader through to the end.
Rating: 
Summary: Bad bad bad
Review: I bought this book because the plot idea sounded great. It still does to me, and I wish someone would write a good book about it. Cosm is condescendingly simple, especially about science (molecules! wow!) and people (dialog and characters). When I tossed the book aside after a couple of pages (chosen at random throughout the book) my wife, who reads John Grisham, looked at the first page, chuckled at the wooden cliches, and also tossed it aside. I don't read much fiction, but I did just finish Babbitt, by Sinclair Lewis, and that is some mighty fine writing, and nothing cosmic happens at all. Don't waste your money on Cosm; Benford is capitalizing on the current cosmology craze, and it's not even good sci-fi. Insulting.
Rating: 
Summary: Good story, good characters, great science!
Review: Set at Brookhaven and UC Irvine only a few years from now, this story manages to capture the excitement of scientific discovery and the wonder of modern cosmology, while presenting a good story with interesting characters. Comparable to some of the best by Forward or Baxter. Sorry, no space battles or scary aliens, but top-notch, completely accurate, and believable science.
Rating:
Summary: An intellectual masterpiece! A movie, waiting to happen!
Review: Benford closes the loop of time. From the creation of our universe and all the questions that abide therein, to the creation of... COSM. COSM is hard yet humanistic science (is it fiction?) with spectacular set pieces and the largest ticking clock ever imagined. Benford's SHIVA DESCENDING was the first of the great asteroid stories, now Hollywood film fodder. COSM is destined to blow out the ranks of today's intelligent science fiction filmmaking, i.e CONTACT. A professor of physics, Benford manages to keep all readers happy in this one, from me (the general audience) to his Quantum contemporaries. No doubt COSM will take it's place in bookstore windows and Book Of The Month Club, front cover. I urge you to get a copy and take the ride.
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