Crichton did it again. After Jurassic Park and Andromeda Strain, who would have thought that he could have delivered so effectively on a book about such a boring topic of nanotechnology? I mean, come on, it’s nanotechnology. But, let me say, this truly is one of the most terrifying, on-the-edge-of-your-seat books I have ever read.

Bestselling author Michael Crichton uses Jack Forman, an unemployed computer programmer, to illustrate a small town in Nevada, which has a huge technology sector, including many computer programming, artificial intelligence and genetic engineering jobs. Forman’s wife, Julia, is the vice president of Xymos, a company that specializes in nanotechnology and artificial intelligence. Julia’s job is to develop a swarm of miniature robots to entera human body and effectively be a camera, broadcasting the body’s activities so that a caretaker or doctor’s job becomes easier if the person is ill. However, the programmers have done their job too well. The swarm is quite literally alive. When Forman is called into Xymos to fix the swarm, he finds that it is evolving at a pace too rapid to comprehend. Accompanied by a team of nanotechnology experts, Forman must find a way to stop the nanobot swarm before it becomes so complex that even he can’t control it. What’s more is that because the nanobots were coded to act like predators, they are hunting prey…humans.

The individuality of this plot sets this book apart from others. The sheer idea of nature striking back at the seemingly unconquerable human race is still, after reading the book, mind boggling. However, Crichton illustrates this concept so well that it doesn’t seem only plausible, but sure to happen if we humans continue in our road toward attempting never-ending dominance over Earth. His point of view is subliminally heard between the lines as he details exactly what would happen in nature was to strike back against its greatest devastator. He describes the true power of evolution, of mutual symbiosis, of balance, and demonstrates how humans broke each and every one of those natural laws…and how it eventually will lead to our downfall. All of this while contributing to the plot and keeping it fast paced and excitable. Also, even though there were many advanced science terms that I couldn’t understand, the book slowed down in many places and used dumbed-down high school terminology so that I could catch up.

Basically, Crichton delivered a message to the readers and made it more than entertaining at the same time. Also, he made this book so interesting, so original, that I will definitely be pondering the theme for a long time, as will every reader. After all, it’s an interesting idea to think about: what if there comes a time when we humans aren’t at the top of the food chain?