The Cobra Event

Rating:
Summary: To Close For Comfort!!!
Review: Coming from a military family, the images and all to real probabilities in Cobra Event gave me chills. Many times I helped my parents test their masks and seals on their uniforms. I have literally thrown this book toward friends and family as a must read. I read this book in a solid 12 hrs sitting! The Hot Zone was great, this was better! I'm glad to hear it will be a movie, but I don't think I'll see it. Hollywood these days seem to take the spark of a book and crush it between love scenes and action and I like the story just the way it is. Keep up the SUPER work!

Rating:
Summary: The Hot "Hot Zone" Author Serves Up a Cold Novel
Review: Preston's "The Hot Zone" was one of the great un-put-downable non-fiction books of the decade. He virtually single-handedly pushed the Ebola virus into the global consciousness. Thus, I am sad to report that his eagerly awaited novel about a bioterrorist afoot in New York City is a turkey. Preston has clearly done his research -- and then some. He goes to such great lengths to prove the obvious plausibility of his novel that he stuffs his bird with too many facts about bio-research. And he's got so many practically faceless bureaucrats running around trying to solve the bioterrorist threat that it's impossible to keep the players straight. And we don't even care. Preston has done a woeful job fleshing out his characters; he spends more energy devoted to the flesh-eating habits of the infected victims. The "Hot Zone" clearly made Preston a hot author. But "The Cobra Event" has left me cold. Nonetheless, he's a writer with something to say, and I've still got the bug to listen to him.

Rating:
Summary: Remarkable...!!!
Review: Mr. Preston is absolutely the best at using factual information and creating a fictitious story that is at the same time not only possible and unbelievable, but shockingly believable. I am anxiously awaiting your next work. I understand that a lengthy period of time will result before your next book due to the investigative nature you use to produce such great works. I will gladly wait it out!

Rating:
Summary: Good book. Preston knows his stuff.
Review: In light of the probability that Iraq has been developing biological weapons, this book is a very timely and fascinating read. If nothing else, this book serves to raise public awareness of the possibility of bioterrorism. The book has a few literary weaknesses, but since Preston is a first-time novelist and a stellar non-fiction author, these flaws can be forgiven. But as much as I enjoyed this book, I found The Hot Zone far more gripping. Truth is stranger (and often more compelling) than fiction.

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Summary: irony of story, and today's events with larry wayne harris
Review: excellent "what if" story. will probably be the focus of some media attention after today's arrest of larry wayne harris. he has a similar background as the "bad guy" in cobra, and his plans were to be similar as well... great follow up to hot zone....

Rating:
Summary: A worthwhile read and a coming can't-miss movie.
Review: I love the research that goes into Preston's work. I had read The Hot Zone and knew that the next book would also be a best-seller. For those readers that are critical of the fictional parts of the book (what Hollywood will center on), I say if it causes more of the theater-going public to become aware of the REAL threat of biological weaponry, than so be it! Thanks for the opportunity to share my view.

Rating:
Summary: I was disappointed
Review: The very end was exciting but it reminded me of others that include chases in the underground of New York. I liked the science but the characters were shallow. I got the impression I was supposed to be shocked by the horror of it all. I guess I was but it felt contrived. Overall it was interesting enough if you enjoy the genre.

Rating:
Summary: engrossing
Review: Read this book in three sittings which is the best indicator of its engrossing nature. The graphic scenes, while sometimes sickening, were almost necessary to fully bring out the threat posed by biological weapons. Perhaps the most terrifying scene to me was the one in which Hopkins was wedged into the tunnel near the end of the book. To find yourself in such a situation would be truly horrifying. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the book from start to finish.

Rating:
Summary: Great Story, Lousy Reader!
Review: This is a gripping story and I am glad I chose it. However, I regret choosing the audio version since the reader, Blair Underwood, is so poor. He often rushes, and the rhythm and emphases he uses in his "narrator" vocal persona is unnatural to the point of being ridiculous.@He sounds more like a parent reading to a small child than a professional performer. I'm certainly overstating my case, but I am truly disappointed that such a fine story didn't get a more talented reading.

Rating:
Summary: Good first half, but the players just seemed to get tired.
Review: I gave this book an eight, and now I'm thinking that could've been a little unfair. I LOVED the nonfiction parts (I could've read an entire book over what kind of weapons Iraq really has the Mr. Preston writes). The actual story line is extremely interesting-- up until a point. Sorry, Mr. Preston, but you don't have to end a thriller with a big chase scene and showdown. I would have been happy with Archimedes being caught in his apartment or shortly after he "escaped." Everything else was letter perfect, although I must admit that it took me several days JUST to get through that autopsy near the beginning. (in fact, I actually read another book in the middle of it to get my mind off of it) If there is one message I have for the author, it is... PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE keep writing-- but make it SMART writing. Facts with fiction is good, very good. This book is very readable, just be watchful of graphic realism.