Readers who relish fast-paced thrillers with a blend of science, environmental issues, and legal drama will be captivated by Michael Crichton's State of Fear. Fans of The Andromeda Strain and Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code will appreciate the intricate plotting and thought-provoking themes in this gripping novel.

State of Fear by Michael Crichton incites mixed reactions. Positively, readers laud its fast-paced narrative and engaging scientific discourse. Conversely, some criticize its heavy-handed skepticism of climate change, viewing it as didactic. The characters and plot receive mixed reviews, with some finding them compelling and others deeming them flat. Overall, it's a polarizing read.

Michael Crichton’s thriller novel State of Fear dramatizes the debate surrounding global warming through a suspenseful plot involving characters trying to prevent eco-terrorist attacks orchestrated by the Earth Liberation Front, with various confrontations, narrow escapes, and dramatic rescues, all while questioning the accuracy and bias of environmental science and media coverage. Violent encounters, deadly animals, and discussions on conspiracy theories may be distressing to some readers.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Informative / Challenging / Dark

Michael Crichton

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read State of Fear | SuperSummary

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Overview

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State of Fear Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Akamai”

Part 1 (Pages 5-38)

State of Fear Part 1 (Pages 5-38) Summary & Analysis

Part 1 (Pages 39-122)

State of Fear Part 1 (Pages 39-122) Summary & Analysis

Part 1 (Pages 123-178)

State of Fear Part 1 (Pages 123-178) Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Terror”

Part 2 (Pages 181-256)

State of Fear Part 2 (Pages 181-256) Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Angel”-Part 4: “Flash”

Parts 3-4 (Pages 260-303)

State of Fear Parts 3-4 (Pages 260-303) Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Snake”

Part 5 (Pages 307-395)

State of Fear Part 5 (Pages 307-395) Summary & Analysis

Part 5 (Pages 396-432)

State of Fear Part 5 (Pages 396-432) Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Blue”

Part 6 (Pages 435-503)

State of Fear Part 6 (Pages 435-503) Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Resolution”

Part 7 (Pages 507-603)

State of Fear Part 7 (Pages 507-603) Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

State of Fear Character Analysis

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Themes

State of Fear Themes

Symbols & Motifs

State of Fear Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

State of Fear Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

State of Fear Essay Topics

State of Fear

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read State of Fear?

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Book Details