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Reviews for
SECOND EDEN
From Amazon.com and
elsewhere...
A review from Bookideas.com, May 2005:
Carlton
Austin has crafted a wonderful piece of work in
Second Eden—an action-packed suspense thriller with
a little romance and some elements of science fiction.
Its beautifully designed cover incorporates gorgeous
images depicting scenes within the plot and the book is
available in both hard and soft cover. I recommend the
hard cover, folks. This book is sure to be one that you
keep among your favorite authors on your bookshelves.
Second Eden is destined for a talented director to
take big screen fans on its roller-coaster ride.
Best of friends, Peter (an intelligence agent) and Bo
(an astronaut), have a bond that even Peter’s affair
with Bo’s wife could not break. Bo and some other
scientists perish in a mysterious fire just after
completing an assignment. The government cover-up pushes
Peter to find out what really happened and he becomes
torn between patriotism and humanitarianism. He never
loved a woman until he met Molly but can he trust her?
In fact, he wonders if he can trust anyone at all.
This is definitely an intelligent read; the author
incorporates incredible alien artifacts, mysteries,
murders, government espionage and complex cover-ups, cat
and mouse chase scenes, archeological finds and ancient
societies, deceit and a love story that transcends this
life into the next.
Second Eden certainly has a plot that will make
its readers think deeply about our world. Carlton shows
us the dangers of where our science could lead. His
story teaches that there are repercussions for every
single choice that we make—both as individuals and as a
society. He brings up social issues, like reminding us
of the importance of recognizing the value of women who
choose to be mothers as a career, rather than as a
side project. He even includes enlightening views of
what might happen to a soul when the body can no longer
serve it.
I really cannot say enough about Carlton’s novel. Truly,
I could barely put it down to go to work or prepare
meals! Second Eden will remain on my bookshelf
for years to come and will, no doubt, be read many times
by my family.
Lillian Brummet - Book reviewer, co-author of the book
Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or
her impact on the environment, and author of
Towards Understanding, a book of poetry. For more
information, go online to
http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit
* * *
By Anne Lenehan, author of Story: The Way of Water,
a biography of astronaut Story Musgrave. May 2005
Carlton W. Austin has
created an engrossing tale of intrigue in his thriller,
Second Eden. Although not a big reader of this
type of fiction, I enjoyed the book immensely with its
unexpected plot twists and gripping action adventure.
It is the interaction
between the two lead characters from vastly different
backgrounds and beliefs, and their mutual journey, that
really compels the reader. Caught up in the whirlwind of
a major scientific and political discovery, they are
each confronted with new realities and personal values
as they struggle to protect their future.
Second Eden
deals with many
contemporary issues, such as space exploration, genetic
manipulation of the human species and extra-terrestrial
life. It also encompasses the age-old discussion of
science versus spirituality. Through all of these
things, we are drawn into the complex world of a future
that, somehow, does not seem too far away.
* * *
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!--By Robert
Zimmerman
* * *
Can't say I've read a
book better suited for the big screen in my life. Second
Eden combines adventure, drama and romance beginning in
our Nations Capitol, then moving to the Middle East, and
eventually, out of this world! While reading Austin’s
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
actresses 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
* * *
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. --by
Joan Forman
Questions Second Eden Answers...
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. --By J. G. Trott
* * *
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. --By Heidi from Pennsylvania
* * *
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.--A
reader, Amazon
Questions Second Eden Answers...
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?--Amazon.
* * *
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!--By
Jeff Pardo
Questions Second Eden Answers...
I took the opportunity
to read Second Eden based on a recommendation 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
written book. Hopefully Mr. Austin will help me start my
next summer off with another one of his great
stories.--By Peter Ferris
Buy it
now.
At
Barnes & Noble:
At Amazon:
People who bought this book also bought:
The Da Vinci Code
and Angels and Demons,
by Dan Brown; The Holographic
Universe, by Michael Talbot;
Dark Tower IV, by
Stephen King; 1984,
by George Orwell; State of Fear,
by Michael Crichton, among others. |
