Book Review: Nano

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Nano     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
John Robert Marlow
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Science Fiction   Techno Thriller   Nano-Tech
Forge, Feb 2004, $25.95, 381 pp.

During a press conference an assassin kills multibillionaire Mitchell Swain just prior to his announcing some incredible technological-scientific breakthrough that allegedly would change humanity forever. Technology reporter Jennifer Rayne saw the murder first hand. She decides to investigate the murder and learn what Mitchell was about to reveal.

Jennifer’s inquiries take her to a weird recluse, scientific inventor John Marrek, who quietly received funding for his projects from the dead Mitchell. However, others including the government follow the same clues that led Jennifer to John. These groups want the journalist dead and the recluse captured or dead, but his work stolen. However, John uses his invention, a self-replicating nanotechnologically based machine that destroys his foes on the molecular level. As John and Jennifer flee, the government follows because they want to use his invention as the ultimate weapon while he wants to help mankind.

Though the tale may seem to pre-Governor Schwarzenegger, fans will be hooked by this action-packed thriller that never slows down until the final confrontation. The characters except perhaps John are two dimensional, but no one will care as the story line is the key to this exciting tale. Surprisingly, within all the killings, John Robert Marlow provides an undercoating cautionary reminder (emphasized in an afterwards) on the pros and cons of nanotechnology. NANO just takes the reader on one heck of a fast-paced ride.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner