Second Eden

Rating:
Summary: Second Eden
Review: >>It is said that what makes a great story is mystery, suspense and surprise. Well, Second Eden has all three-in spades.

At heart, this book is a thriller in the tradition of Michael Crichton, filled with interesting scientific ideas and conjectures but also loaded with action. Because it involves the search for life on Mars, Israeli-Palestinian conflicts and the ultimate act of terrorism, it is also quite timely. It could be the final scenario in the war on terror-but God, I hope not!

As a sort of counter-weight to the concrete actions in the here-and-now are implications for all world religions. In this respect, I'm sure the author will ruffle a lot of feathers. But let's admit a truth that becomes more obvious with every headline we read: religion is at the root of many-if not most--of mankind's conflicts. Beliefs are just that-beliefs! Not the hard, evidence-based scientific laws that have given us airplanes, TV and cell phones. And if you're honest, when it comes to beliefs, as long as they are not destructive like Islam, is one any better than another? What the book says about this seems to me to be an attempt at religious reconciliation. In any event, you can take this or leave it. The story as sci-fi thriller remains intact.

So, depending on how you view your own spiritual nature, I'd say this is either the greatest beach book ever or a new Celestine Prophecy or both; it depends on what you bring to the book. I thought it was a great!<<

Rating:
Summary: Great book,Must read!!!
Review: >>It is said that what makes a great story is mystery, suspense and surprise. Well, Second Eden has all three-in spades.

At heart, this book is a thriller in the tradition of Michael Crichton, filled with interesting scientific ideas and conjectures but also loaded with action. Because it involves the search for life on Mars, Israeli-Palestinian conflicts and the ultimate act of terrorism, it is also quite timely. It could be the final scenario in the war on terror-but God, I hope not!

As a sort of counter-weight to the concrete actions in the here-and-now are implications for all world religions. In this respect, I'm sure the author will ruffle a lot of feathers. But let's admit a truth that becomes more obvious with every headline we read: religion is at the root of many-if not most--of mankind's conflicts. Beliefs are just that-beliefs! Not the hard, evidence-based scientific laws that have given us airplanes, TV and cell phones. And if you're honest, when it comes to beliefs, as long as they are not destructive like Islam, is one any better than another? What the book says about this seems to me to be an attempt at religious reconciliation. In any event, you can take this or leave it. The story as sci-fi thriller remains intact.

So, depending on how you view your own spiritual nature, I'd say this is either the greatest beach book ever or a new Celestine Prophecy or both; it depends on what you bring to the book. I thought it was a great!<<

Rating:
Summary: Read like a movie!
Review: As I read, I reached for my popcorn -- the intrigue and action are there to make a great movie! Masterful writing makes for great reading.

Rating:
Summary: "out of THIS world"
Review: Can't say I've read a book better suited for the big screen in my life. Second Eden combines adenture, drama and romance beginning in our Nations Capitol, then moving to the middle east, and eventually, out of this world!

While reading Austins book, I couldn't help but thinking of screen stars that would best portray his characters. Maybe because I'm in my mid fifties, Harrison Ford and Jamie Lee Curtis
came to mind, but there were visions of supporting actors and actress's as well. I guess that will have to be left to your imagination. Hope to see this on the Big Screen someday. Enjoy!

by, DaVinciCodeBreaker

Rating:
Summary: Higher Fiction
Review: Forget Tralfamador. Who needs 42? Carl Austin's Second Eden weaves a fast-moving, illuminating, and thoroughly engaging cosmic gestalt through personal crusades of genomic science, planetary exploration, the charting of mankind's destiny, and the fate of our immortal souls. His writing is sociologically savvy, politically astute, scientifically accurate, and
epistemologically engaging. This is science fiction, rising to higher ground!

Rating:
Summary: SECOND EDEN
Review: I found the book :"Second Eden", written by a Mr. Carlton Austin, to have the makings of a first class bio-gene cult action thriller, mind bender, and a science fiction novel worthy of reading at least three times. From the moment I started reading this novel, I could not stop, except to get more popcorn and diet root beer. I am truly glad that not many books can match this one for "out of body" and space action, suspense, murder, revenge, and true love/suspense because I cannot afford to gain the weight sitting around reading all day and night. The book is easy to read and provokes a lot of thinking and guessing as to where the author is going to take us on the next page. I am usually pretty good at figuring out most plots, ad hoc, but not so with this book. Mr. Austins zigs when I thought he would zag, he banks a high "g" turn when I think he is going down in a power dive. Good golly, it was as though he was intentionally misleading me by continuously reading my thoughts regarding where he was going next. No filthy language, and no nonsense...I suspect Mr. Austin will get a call from Mr. Spielberg and then the book will be squeezed into a mediocre action film. This book gets a five star rating and a huge thumbs up.
William W. Banks Jr. - The Oxford Research Institute


Rating:
Summary: Just maybe the BEST Sci/Fi thriller of all ...
Review: I have little time to read for entertainment but given an irresistible recommendation I reluctantly started to read 'Second Eden'. I thought I would read a few pages here and there and in time, eventually finish it. However once begun, I found myself putting it down of necessity - but unwillingly - and then looking forward to picking it up again. Even thinking about it during a busy day.

I love a good mystery, a suspense/thriller or romance and especially a good Sci/Fi, but never imagined the enjoyment of finding them all in one place. This is a very complex yet easy to follow story that is sure to appeal to a very wide audience that will not be disappointed.

As I read one particularly exciting scene early on in the book I suddenly realized that I wasn't watching a movie but I had almost felt as though I were. The description of the scene was so vivid, so realistic that it was like being there, seeing the action with your own eyes - and then it struck me, "this would make a great movie!". And this was not just one of 2 or 3 such scenes but one of many through the book.

Hopefully the motion picture industry won't miss their opportunity to make this book into what could be one of the greatest Sci/Fi thrillers of all time.

Oh, did I say I liked the book?

Rating:
Summary: Out of this world
Review: I took the opportunity to read Second Eden based on a recomendation from a friend. I started on July 4 weekend and finished before the weekend was over. I could not put this book down. I was almost sorry the story ended but it was a great way to start my summer.

I love science fiction and this story has so many interesting elements to it. This fast paced thriller takes you all over the world and there are twists and turns everywhere.

This is a very well writen book. Hopefully Mr. Austin will help me start my next summer off with another one of his great stories.

Rating:
Summary: A real page turner
Review: Not many books grab me from the first sentence, but this one did. I knew right away this would be delicious and it was. I found myself rushing home to continue reading. This book shows that the author has a wealth of knowledge in many areas. It reminded me of the DaVinci Code in some ways. Except for the sadistic snake scenes, it was all very exciting. It would make a great movie. I recommend it highly.

Rating:
Summary: Action and suspense from a promising new author
Review: Second Eden is a genuinely good read. Despite it being only his first book, Austin has written a polished story worthy of veteran novelists that successfully combines the action and adventure elements of Clive Cussler with the mystery and suspense of Dan Brown.