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Michael Crichton
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The Andromeda Strain Paperback – January 24, 2017

by Michael Crichton (Author)
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 7,354 ratings
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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The novel that redefined the science fiction genre, starring a team of scientists who must uncover what killed the citizens of a sleepy desert town—and stop the deadly contagion before it creates a catastrophe.

"I love anything Michael Crichton writes."—Stephen King

A military space probe, sent to collect extraterrestrial organisms from the upper atmosphere, is knocked out of orbit and falls to Earth. Twelve miles from the crash site, an inexplicable and deadly phenomenon terrorizes the residents of a sleepy desert town in Arizona, leaving only two survivors: an elderly addict and a newborn infant.

The United States government is forced to mobilize Project Wildfire, a top-secret emergency response protocol. Four of the nation’s most elite biophysicists are summoned to a clandestine underground laboratory located five stories beneath the desert and fitted with an automated atomic self-destruction mechanism for cases of irremediable contamination. Under conditions of total news blackout and the utmost urgency, the scientists race to understand and contain the crisis. But the Andromeda Strain proves different from anything they’ve ever seen—and what they don’t know could not only hurt them, but lead to unprecedented worldwide catastrophe.
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  1. Book 1 of 2
    The Andromeda Strain
  2. Print length
    304 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Vintage
  5. Publication date
    January 24, 2017
  6. Dimensions
    5.21 x 0.64 x 7.98 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    1101974494
  8. ISBN-13
    978-1101974490
  9. Lexile measure
    840L
  10. See all details
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Popular Highlights in this book
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  1. A crisis is made by men, who enter into the crisis with their own prejudices, propensities, and predispositions. A crisis is the sum of intuition and blind spots, a blend of facts noted and facts ignored.
    Highlighted by 988 Kindle readers
  2. A crisis is made by men, who enter into the crisis with their own prejudices, propensities, and predispositions. A crisis is the sum of intuition and blind spots, a blend of facts noted and facts ignored.
    Highlighted by 818 Kindle readers
  3. He often argued that human intelligence was more trouble than it was worth. It was more destructive than creative, more confusing than revealing, more discouraging than satisfying, more spiteful than charitable.
    Highlighted by 802 Kindle readers
  4. A characteristic of all crises is their predictability, in retrospect. They seem to have a certain inevitability, they seem predestined. This is not true of all crises, but it is true of sufficiently many to make the most hardened historian cynical and misanthropic.
    Highlighted by 735 Kindle readers
  5. And yet there had never been a biologic crisis. The Andromeda Strain provided the first.
    Highlighted by 420 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Michael Crichton and The Andromeda Strain

“Compulsive reading.... [Crichton] has perfected the fusion of thriller with science fiction.” —Los Angeles Times

“Canonical.” —The Atlantic
 
“A reading windfall—compelling, memorable, superbly executed.... Achieves something important.” —The New York Times

“The master of the high-concept technothriller.... [Crichton] has a knack for plotting at megahertz speed.” —Chicago Sun-Times
 
“The Andromeda Strain invented a new genre, the technothriller....[Crichton] could make most readers lose sleep all night and call in sick the next day.” —San Francisco Chronicle

"I love anything Michael Crichton writes." —Stephen King

About the Author

MICHAEL CRICHTON was a writer, director, and producer, best known as the author of Jurassic Park and the creator of ER. One of the most recognizable names in literature and entertainment, Crichton sold more than 200 million copies of his books, which have been translated into 40 languages and adapted into 15 films.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vintage; Reprint edition (January 24, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1101974494
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1101974490
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 840L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.21 x 0.64 x 7.98 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 7,354 ratings

About the author

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Michael Crichton

Michael Crichton

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MICHAEL CRICHTON the author of the groundbreaking novels Jurassic Park, The Andromeda Strain, The Great Train Robbery, Disclosure, Prey, State of Fear, Sphere, Congo, Next and Micro among many others. His books have sold more than 200 million copies worldwide, have been translated into thirty-eight languages, and have provided the basis for fifteen feature films, most notably Jurassic Park. He directed Westworld, Coma, The Great Train Robbery and Looker, and also created the hit television series ER. Crichton remains the only writer to have a number one book, movie, and TV show in the same year.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
7,354 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and easy to read. They appreciate the science content and premise, which they find plausible. The writing style is well-written and flows smoothly. Readers describe the pacing as fast and timely. However, some feel the content is dated and lacks depth. There are mixed opinions on the plot, with some finding it suspenseful and intriguing, while others feel it ends abruptly.

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Select to learn more
ReadabilityScience contentWriting stylePacingPlotCharacter developmentStyleDated content
191 customers mention "Readability"191 positive0 negative

Customers find the book an enjoyable read with a captivating story that keeps them hooked. It's described as an engaging and fascinating science fiction novel that is accessible for beginners without being overly simplistic.

"...Even knowing the outcome didn’t diminish the excitement. Great read and very thought provoking. I loved the science too." Read more

"...The science and drama in this story were superbly done and kept me interested in reading. I started and finished this book in a 24 hour period...." Read more

"This book was SO GOOD! You actually can’t even tell where the story’s going to go. Crichton is absolutely brilliant with foreshadowing...." Read more

"...It was OK. At this particular time in American History, I have often thought about this novel and wondered why it was not being mentioned more...." Read more

117 customers mention "Science content"93 positive24 negative

Customers find the science content interesting and engaging. They appreciate the premise and subject matter, as well as the author's impressive knowledge base. The book covers biology in an informative manner, and is still relevant today. Readers praise the author's skill with foreshadowing, making the story believable and chilling at times.

"...Great read and very thought provoking. I loved the science too." Read more

"...Crichton is absolutely brilliant with foreshadowing. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. And the audiobook on Audible is great as well!..." Read more

"true story? Sounds like it." Read more

"The Andromeda Strain is a good read. The story is told third person past tense from multiple points of view...." Read more

50 customers mention "Writing style"44 positive6 negative

Customers find the book well-written and easy to read. They appreciate the author's ability to handle complex subjects effectively. The narrative style is described as engaging, though some readers felt the ending was disappointing.

"...This book just didn’t strike a chord with me. The author is a good writer and this piece was solidly worded but it stayed within the realm of..." Read more

"...And a hand written note that I had a great copy of a classic. Highly recommended." Read more

"...The writing is meticulous as it carefully describes the protocols around retrieving the satellite and examining the only two victims still alive—a..." Read more

"The book is very interestingly writen - it is a science fiction story and more or less an scientific report at the same time...." Read more

30 customers mention "Pacing"21 positive9 negative

Customers find the book has a fast pace with a strong storyline. They say it's a quick read that flows well throughout and makes their pulse race.

"...It’s a good story. It’s quick, fast paced and though there is a lot of scientific data thrown at you, it’s fairly easy to comprehend what they are..." Read more

"...many years and shows its age, but still has a tense feel and rapidity of movement...." Read more

"...There are times it bogs down and moves slowly...." Read more

"...Fast-paced and interesting, with teasers of drama and suspense. A short but invigorating read!" Read more

126 customers mention "Plot"82 positive44 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the plot. Some find it suspenseful and interesting, while others feel the ending is rushed and lacking depth. The book has an intense and frightening story with action and anticipation.

"...Now maybe I’ll even watch the movie. It’s a good story...." Read more

"...The story starts out in a fairly interesting manner. There are times it bogs down and moves slowly...." Read more

"...I give a 4 stars because I think it end a little bit abrupt for me. However I recommend." Read more

"Eerie, frightening, suspenseful......and (even though the book is overly 50 years old now), in this day & age of the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic,..." Read more

22 customers mention "Character development"11 positive11 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development. Some found the physician's character well-developed and interesting. Others felt the characters were not as well-developed as they would like, with stereotypical, cheesey characters and zero character connections.

"...I must admit that I appreciated the characters, inner conflicts and the science involved...." Read more

"...On the other hand there is little character development. I really did not care about various characters...." Read more

"...knowledge of science and medicine, coupled with an admirable attention to character traits and character interactions, form a great set-up for the..." Read more

"...Though the characters are not as well developed as I would like I still found the book , very readable...." Read more

10 customers mention "Style"5 positive5 negative

Customers have different views on the book's style. Some find it engaging and realistic, with a real fashion statement. Others find the writing style awkward, grammatically incorrect, and plain. The graphics are also criticized as poor.

"...The pink jumpsuits. A real fashion statement...." Read more

"...It was almost quaint at times, but Creighton is a master story teller and the story carries through...." Read more

"...It presents a realistic portrait of the investigatory process used for both drug introduction and for the understanding of new microbiological..." Read more

"Perhaps a little out of date In tone and style, but still remarkable forward looking given it was written 5 decades ago." Read more

17 customers mention "Dated content"4 positive13 negative

Customers find the book's science and technology outdated. However, they say it's still an exciting read that relies on modern technology that is beyond their understanding.

"...The setting and characterization is a bit clunky and dated, but the plot and the satisfaction and believability of the human elements work just as..." Read more

"Read this in High School right after it came out. The tech is dated, of course, but the premise is entirely plausible...." Read more

"...While potions of this book are somewhat dated, you can think about Ebola and it becomes very real and scary...." Read more

"...Good depiction of probable events and circumstances Intriguing for all ages" Read more

Personal touch.
5 out of 5 stars
Personal touch.
The book arrived wrapped in a plastic bag, then wrapped in paper and sealed in a Shipping envelope. Outside the wrapped paper was a note letting me know if there were any issues that I could either call or send an email directly to Mark. And a hand written note that I had a great copy of a classic. Highly recommended.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • nicole kennelly
    5.0 out of 5 stars sci-fi thriller. or is it?
    Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I’ve read this before. Even knowing the outcome didn’t diminish the excitement. Great read and very thought provoking.
    I loved the science too.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Light C.
    4.0 out of 5 stars fun quick read
    Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I have had this book on my read list for years and finally got around to it. Now maybe I’ll even watch the movie.

    It’s a good story. It’s quick, fast paced and though there is a lot of scientific data thrown at you, it’s fairly easy to comprehend what they are talking about with it.

    I especially enjoyed that this was set in the 60’s. The explanations of the newest scientific methods of the time were being used, though maybe not as thorough as they hoped they’d were. Introductions of medicines, treatments, not to mention what the normal populace considered using, even being told it was detrimental to their health - such as a bottle of aspirin a day and using ‘squeeze’. I’d heard of people using Sterno this way, but it was the first I’d heard of how it was done. Sounds horrible, but it amazes me what people will choose to do, if it works for them, in the short term. I liked how the medical doctor just took this information in stride, even contemplating if it was part of the cure in some way.

    The science and drama in this story were superbly done and kept me interested in reading. I started and finished this book in a 24 hour period. That’s not uncommon for me, but it does mean it was a good read, otherwise it would have taken a day or two longer. I didn’t want to put this down.

    The only issue I had with the writing was minor. The story read as happening currently as it was written just set in the 60’s. Then the author would post foreshadowing comments, such as saying one of the scientists of the project would fail to notice something until so much later. I don’t mind foreshadowing, but I prefer a more subtle approach. If this is supposed to be read as a report after the fact, it doesn’t start that way or through many sections throughout.

    Still a great read and a fun story.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Chariergos
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Freaking Rollercoaster
    Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book was SO GOOD! You actually can’t even tell where the story’s going to go. Crichton is absolutely brilliant with foreshadowing. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. And the audiobook on Audible is great as well! I would definitely say that it’s a more enjoyable experience reading it with the audiobook but that’s just me. 😭
    One person found this helpful
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  • Frank Donnelly
    3.0 out of 5 stars A Good, But Not Great Science Fiction Story, Sometimes Slow Moving
    Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    "The Andromeda Strain" is a decent science fiction story authored in the late 1960s and set in the western United States. The story starts out in a fairly interesting manner. There are times it bogs down and moves slowly. There is a lot of scientific terminology and lengthy descriptions of tests and procedures that may slow things down for a reader not really interested in going too deep "into the weeds" of science. On the other hand a student of biology or medicine might like some of the detail.

    This novel,is of medium length. Generally I do not like reading condensed or abridged versions of novels. This novel is an exception. This novel could be condensed by perhaps one third and most of the story would remain intact for the average person simply seeking an entertaining light reading experience.

    As described above, the novel is of medium length with a good deal of scientific jargon and procedures. On the other hand there is little character development. I really did not care about various characters. Also there were some tangential incidents that were more or less glossed over that could have been more interesting to me than the heavy scientific chapters. That is all a matter of taste and it really comes down to what one is looking for in a novel.

    I liked the novel and am glad that I read it, but except for a few episodes I was not really enthralled by the novel. It was OK. At this particular time in American History, I have often thought about this novel and wondered why it was not being mentioned more. Having now read it, I can see why. It is a pretty good, but not great novel that seems more of a scientific fiction than a science fiction.

    Thank You....
    17 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Mike Elliott
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story and great writing
    Reviewed in Canada on June 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Watched the movie years ago and wanted to read the book. Got it recently and I am loving it!
    Report
  • Marcos
    3.0 out of 5 stars O que dizer do cara que inventou o techno-thriller?
    Reviewed in Brazil on May 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Livro interessante com bons insights técnicos a respeito de bacterias e virus. A leitura é rápida e suave. Embora esperasse mais do livro, devo dizer que para mim valeu a pena a experiência. Recomendo a leitura.
    Report
  • john murphy
    5.0 out of 5 stars great
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    great item
    Report
  • german abogado quiroga
    3.0 out of 5 stars not so good now
    Reviewed in Mexico on December 29, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    long time that i saw the movie for the first time , I was shock, today that i read the book , feels kind of ¨old¨
    Report
  • Cheerioh
    5.0 out of 5 stars très scientifique mais vraiment prenant, un peu désuet dans le style mais toujours efficace
    Reviewed in France on June 29, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    J'ai eu envie pendant le confinement de lire des livres contextuellement significatifs. Alors j'ai lu ce livre qui évoque une contamination par un truc venu de l'espace après une expérience hors de l'atmosphère. Un truc qui a le potentiel de contaminer toute la surface de la planète et qui ne fait pas de cadeau.

    Un soir ou une nuit, deux soldats vont récupérer un satellite tombé dans une petite bourgade. A leur arrivée, tous les habitants ou presque sont morts après avoir tripoté le satellite. Branle-bas de combat, la situation avait été prévue et on retrouve plusieurs scientifiques convoqués fissa dans un complexe militaro-scientifique haut de gamme qui peut faire poum en cas de problème.

    Le roman date des années 70 il me semble et ça se ressent (j'ai retrouvé avec plaisir le genre que j'avais découvert pendant mon enfance en tombant sur un vieux carton) mais le récit reste passionnant. Le texte est chargé, pour ne pas dire surchargé, en données scientifiques. Donc il faut être prêt à ça. Mais sinon il y a de la tension, une montée en pression et c'est très bien écrit.

    Je recommande sans souci. C'est du très bon.
    Report