A prime example is "Jurassic Park." The idea that scientists can take DNA from a prehistoric mosquito that once bit a dinosaur, and then extract the genetic material and clone the animal, is not only extraordinary, but it is based on factual science. From this concept the author weaves an intriguing and terrifying tale based on: What if...? What if we could clone dinosaurs, and what if the scientists involved were unscrupulous? Therein lies the premise for the perfect science thriller.
And what if a gorilla could learn human language and pass on that language to its offspring- to kill humans in order to protect a valuable diamond mine? This is the premise of "Congo." And what if space probes brought back a virus that could destroy the human race? As in "The Andromeda Strain." And what if nano-technology went from aiding human medicine to sabotaging it? The idea for "Prey." The chance of science running amok is at the heart of every Crichton bestseller.
Don Mcleese of Book Magazine agrees. "Concept is king for Michael Crichton," he says. "Though Crichton's novels typically show little concern for depth of character or believable dialogue, reading 'Prey' can be as addictive as munching movie popcorn: You can't stop until you've finished the bucket even though you know there's minimal nourishment. As 'Prey' stretches plausibility toward the outer limits - swarms of man-made particles threaten the survival of civilization as we know it - fans will suspend disbelief just to see how it all turns out."
