Rating: 
Summary: Fantastic Science Fiction Novel!!!
Review: The last book I read by Robert J. Sawyer was "Calculating God", which I think was a phenomenal book. Hoping for another book on the same level, I got "End of an Era". It's quite uncommon that an author writes two superb novels in a row - however, this time Robert J. Sawyer absolutely did it! "End of an Era" was a fantastic, fabulous story and I enjoyed every minute I spent reading it. It contains everything a good science fiction story should have: a great idea, great writing, face pace, hard science, and themes which remain with you long after you finish the book. And believe me, you won't forget this book for a while.
As for the plot: Brandon Thackery, a Canadian Paleontologist (sounds familiar? his previous protagonist from "Calculating God" was also a Canadian Paleontologist) is being offered the chance of a life time: go back in time 65 million years, and actually witness the dinosaurs - and hopefully, see what killed them. Along with Brandon comes his best friend/nemesis (he stole Brandon's wife) Miles "Klicks" Jordan. Once they arrive to the past, they are surprised to find a few unexpected things.. First, Earth's gravity is about a 1/3 of what it should be. Second, there is a second moon to the Earth. Third, and most surprising, the earth is populated by enigmatic aliens, which apparently can control the dinosaurs. I am sure you're already intrigued, and trust me, this book promises AND delivers!
In my opinion, this book would literally appeal to everyone: for those who like action and adventure, as well as those who love serious themes. The book continues the ideas started in "Calculating God", although is a bit lighter and less serious. To summarize: terrific book - can't wait for the next Robert J. Sawyer book who has already become one of my favorite authors.
Rating: 
Summary: End of an Era Indeed
Review: This book has an intriguing idea for an alternate history of the earth. And, true to Sawyer's roots, it takes place in Canada and mentions real Canadian locations and institutions, such as the Royal Tyrrell Museum of dinosaurs in the badlands of Drumheller, Alberta. Two scientists go back 65 million years to the extinction of the dinosaurs, to try to verify the cause. The expedition is launched from the Royal Tyrrell Museum Field Station at Dinosaur Provincial Park in an under-equipped time capsule. What they find is much more than just dinosaurs. They find an alien life-form from Mars using the dinosaurs as vehicles. The two scientists disagree on whether to bring the aliens forward in time to save them from the drying-out of Mars. There's another twist to the tale: this is about alternate histories, after all... As usual, Sawyer's prose is no more than workmanlike, but he keeps us intriqued with a flow of new ideas, cutting between his alternate histories, and enough personal conflict and feeling to get us involved with his main character.
Rating:
Summary: How does he do it?
Review: This book was ingenius, easily outdoing any of Robert J. Sawyer's Quintaglio books (although not the trilogy as a whole). I was left in awe of the author's continuous demonstration of originality and imagination. The book is short but definitely very absorbing; if you love dinosaurs, time travel, or science-fiction in general, read it! (Also if you want to know what really happened to the dinosaurs, earth's second moon, why time travel is impossible in our universe, and where the future of the glass and steel industries lie.)
Rating: 
Summary: This is one fun, exciting, mind-blowing adventure...
Review: This is the first and only Robert J. Sawyer book I've read, but I am currently in pursuit of the rest of his books. The story of -End of an Era- was fast moving, and a very nice change of pace from a more serious, deep novel. One of my favorite things about Sawyer is that he has what I would call an economical style. The few characters were fully drawn, the various plot twists well planned out, and the ending, which is WILD!, well written and tight. All in 222 pages! Find this book!
Rating:
Summary: End of an Era Indeed
Review: This is the first of Sawyer's books that I did not enjoy. I thought the combination of dinosaurs and time-travel would be a winning combination. That's what I get for thinking. The plot was boring and a bit far-fetched for my tastes. There's a certain level of believability that I like and this one didn't fall within the parameters. The characters were dull or irritating. The dino encounters were lackluster. The plot was, to me, a bit silly. The sub-plots, even sillier. I would be more specific but it would require me to give away plot points in the book. I may be critical but I don't wish to ruin anyone elses read. They may find the book delightful. I did not.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible edibles
Review: This one really got me thinking. Dinosaurs infected with intelligent viruses? Like Dinotopia meets The Body Snatchers. Time travel. This one's got just about every sci-fi gimmick imaginable. A very intriguing read, but don't expect it to be very believable. Compare another recent dinosaur saga, Dinosuar Wars, and you get a very different take on what happened at the end of the Dinosaur Era. I think I enjoyed Dinosaur Wars better for its believable return of the creatures, and the fact that they weren't occupied, as in End of an Era, by intelligent viruses that controlled their activities. It's safe to say this book is far fetched. But it's fun.
Rating:
Summary: How do I love thee, let me count the ways.
Review: Very interesting book for a number of reasons: 1. Rather like a short story in feeling, or perhaps 'novella' is
a better name for it since it is 222 pages long
2. Light style, humorous, but fundamentally serious in that the
consequences of the decisions that the main character was
forced to make were far-reaching and cataclysmic in nature;
the motivations of the main character are crystal clear and
perfectly logical
3. The whole way through it was surprising and entertaining, and
thought-provoking also (don't expect its extinction theory to
be the answer to that particular question, though)-- and
despite that fact that the reader knows that the dinosaurs
are going to go extinct, the ending is unexpected
4. Excellent story telling, good pacing, good vocabulary, good
humor, real feelings, real reactions to relationships (And as a side note, if you haven't read 'Kirinyaga' by Mike Resnick, do. It is amazing.)
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: While not as good as some of Sawyer's other work (e.g., Far-Seer, Starplex, and Factoring Humanity), it is a good book. The action is constant, the science just enough to make the story interesting, and an overall quick read. Great beach or vacation material. Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A surprising cartoon
Review: With this one, Sawyer bends the rules a little more. The basis of this novel are less... convincing than what Sawyer usually offers. However, it also is lighter. It is a book which should have presented more hard data about dinosaurs, but then, I would not have recommended it for my kids, which I feel like doing now.
Rating:
Summary: Extinction, anyone?
Review: Wow. This one stretched my mind quite a bit. Maybe a little too far, but it was a good read nonetheless. I loved the dinosaurs, but had trouble with the time-travel stuff. I prefer dino novels that get you there by some more credible means, such as Crichton's Jurassic Park or Hopp's Dinosaur Wars. I got a kick out of Sawyer's take on the big extinction event, fun if not too likely, though again, Hopp's chilling discussion of the real one - the asteroid impact, is the best I've read to date.
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