Eruption

By: Michael Crichton, James Patterson

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

The biggest thriller of the year: A history-making eruption is about to destroy the Big Island of Hawaii. But a secret held for decades by the US military is far more terrifying than any volcano.

“The book is a classic summer beach read...Eruption will revive the art of speed-reading...told with a singular voice that is a compelling amalgam of the two writers.”—USA Today

“Eruption is an epic thriller…fast-paced and deeply considered…a cinematic story rooted in science and infused with plenty of heart, tackling big themes like love and loss.”–Time

The master of the techno-blockbuster joins forces with the master of the modern thriller to create the most anticipated mega bestseller in years.

Michael Crichton, creator of Jurassic Park, ER, Twister, and Westworld, had a passion project he’d been pursuing for years, ahead of his untimely passing in 2008. Knowing how special it was, his wife, Sherri Crichton, held back his notes and the partial manuscript until she found the right author to complete it: James Patterson, the world’s most popular storyteller.

“Red-hot storytelling... The action scenes will make readers’ eyes pop as the tension continues to build."–Kirkus, starred review

“Explosive…the summer’s ultimate literary mashup.”—Washington Post

"Takes readers on a thrilling journey."—BBC

"Beachbag-ready."—Boston Globe

“A seismic publishing event…all the elements of a summer blockbuster…it’s a thrill and the pages practically turn themselves.”—Associated Press

“Eruption is this summer’s literary version of a blockbuster action movie.”–Los Angeles Times

"Breakneck and plausible."—Publishers Weekly

©2024 Michael Crichton and James Patterson (P)2024 Little, Brown & Company

Critic reviews

“Eruption is this summer’s literary version of a blockbuster action movie.”—Los Angeles Times

“Pulse-pounding … the heartbreaking climax and satisfying style are what listeners have come to expect from these two masters of the genre.”—AudioFile

“Eruption is so much more than just a great summer read. It combines the impeccable research and scientific knowledge that Crichton consistently infused into everything he wrote with the breakneck suspense of a James Patterson novel… A wild ride that takes no prisoners.”—Bookreporter

Excitement but enjoyment tainted by too many deaths.

Alfred Hitchcock talked about suspense being built by the audience knowing there is a ticking bomb under the table. But the audience also wants a sense of relief when the bomb, at the last moment, does not go off. Eruption shows the reader a whole lot of ticking bombs. The problem is that too many of them go off. I understand wanting to convey reality, but the book became more punishing for me than enjoyable,

The characters are pretty stock characters and the relationships are trite as well. The people seem more like vehicles to convey the story rather than the story serving the characters. I like complex characters, with dimension and unexpected sides to their personalities. Eruption is about a concept. That concept is presented well, building tension with every page, every chapter. Having been to Hawaii and having flown over the areas richly described in this book, I found it easy to envision what was happening and where it was happening.

We have the built-in dread of fire and, of course, of volcanoes. They are endlessly intriguing but you never forget their potential for catastrophe. If you go to Volcanoes National Park and wander away from safe areas, you may find your sneakers melting beneath your feet. The “holy shit” aspect of volcanoes is real. Crichton and Patterson make full use of our natural fear and fascination.

Eruption is a good choice for a summer page-turner in many ways. And I appreciate most of it. But, for me, too many characters die making it hard to care about about anybody because you just know their days are probably numbered. I would have liked the novel much more if the authors had pulled a few punches and had offered more “whew!” moments. A little relief would have made for a more satisfying story.

A once lost Crichton novel

When Michael Crichton was alive he was my absolute favorite author. When I saw this book was being released I was trilled yet hesitant at the same time.

While I would have loved to have had Michael finish this stroy before his death and see how he would have written it, this feels like a Crichton novel at it's core and for that I am thankful.

It checks all the boxes; a fast paced page turner, a well researched topic, and characters you can ride along with.

Overall I think this is a fantastic book.

It’s a real page turner, a memorable story

Fast moving, exciting adventure. Very well researched on volcanos and eruptions—amazing descriptions, almost like being there. Lots of cliffhanger moments with likable main characters. I couldn’t stop listening! Patterson did a great job with Crichton’s plot ideas and copious notes and research. Patterson brought it to life. Thank you! The narrator was wonderful, too. He was easy to understand, skillful with pacing, and talented in conveying the excitement, drama, or emotion of the moment in a pleasant masculine voice. Highly recommend the audio version

Narrator Ruined It For Me

As a disclaimer, I did not finish this audio book. I only made it a few hours in before I tapped out. The storyline was interesting and kept me listening for as long as I did - but the style of the narrator drove me so crazy that I gave up the audio book and plan instead to finish this one in print. All of the characters sounded the same, which made identifying the speaker a bit confusing at times (not to mention boring). More annoying, however, was the weirdly slow and stilted cadence of the narrator's speech. His lack of effort to differentiate between the characters' voices, combined with his odd pauses and slow talking, made the plot feel both underwhelming and overdramatic at the same time, which is really a feat to pull off. I'm looking forward to finishing this book in a print version, but the audio version was a big miss for me.

Disappointing

As a resident of the Big Island and Hilo, Hawaii, I feel that if you are going to reference a real place and real traditions, make sure you so your research and that it is accurate.

Talking about the Merrie Monarch Festival competition being during the daytime and the tahitian drums playing, immediately made me want to stop listening.

Also, if you are going to narrate, take some lessons! He butchered the Hawaiian language and half the time, I had no idea what he was trying to say until I figured out the context. It's not Hanalulu...

I did appreciate the shout out to Hirano Store in Glenwood which was next to my childhood home. Best chili around!

Scott Brick needs to tone it down

I've listened to many audiobooks narrated by Scott Brick, starting with 2666 by Bolano in 2009 which I think he did a good job of narrating. I am now listening to his narration of Eruption and often hear his narration more than the story. He is far too dramatic in his reading. For example, he portrays Mac as constantly angry, disrespectful, and exasperated, with a lot of unrealistic yelling. He needs to tone it down and offer a wider array of emotions!

fun, fast and not one story, but three

the book was well done. Jane's Patterson swears more than Michael Crighton did, so see of you can find where he took over the writing.

Outstanding Action

Outstanding action from the first chapter. So stinking good that I listened to it again to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Great collaboration between two giants.

Good Premise

Great idea from Michael Crichton, and good writing effort from James Patterson and his writing staff / machine. I know I will get something entertaining from Patterson, but I get a little bit tired of the formula he and his crew use. We all love to see our favorite authors release stories posthumously , but sometimes we just need to move on.

Wait for the movie.

characters cliche, narrator too dramatic at all times, and I found the book boring except for the few snippets I learned about volcanoes around the world and Hawaii.