Singularity

Bill DeSmedt does an excellent job writing a book that is at the same time fun to read, and intellectually stimulating. The character development is rich, and the story line is fast paced and exciting. This book is definitely worth the money. It will leave you satisfied, but looking forward to the authors next book!

If this novel were written by Greg Bear, I'd say it was a superior novel and one of his better works. Considering it's the first novel written by a former consultant, it is truly amazing. Probably the best first novel I've ever read. Singularity has an interesting and, I think, unique premise - the Tunguka Event in Siberia was not a conventional asteriod or comet impact, but actually a mini black hole that threatens to destroy the earth. Great start, but what do you do with it? DeSmedt crafts a great story to support the premise, and wraps some great writing around the bones of the plot. If you liked Dan Simmons' writing in the Hyperion series, you'll like this. It has a fun, easy-to-read straightforward narrative, interesting characters, a great sense of the local culture (in this case, post-Soviet Russia), and just the right amount of sly humor and not-so-sly sex sprinkled in. And some scenes that are so good visually that you find yourself wishing you could buy the film rights! As a side note, this is the only sci-fi novel I've ever read that references my favorite theory of "life, the universe, and everything" - Smolin's theory of how our universe evolved to its current optimal design as a result of Darwinian processes of mutation and selection.

Start with a cataclysmic planetary collision, add one part hard science, one part espionage, a dash of shamanism, and shake mixture vigorously until it explodes. Bill DeSmedt's `Singularity' moves at the speed of light, careening from science to adventure and back again without ever quite losing control. His characters are interesting and three-dimensional, his writing is crisp, and his storytelling is captivating. This man was born to write cutting-edge Science Fiction. Now all I have to do is wait for his next book. Jeff Edwards, author of `Torpedo: A Surface Warfare Thriller'

No doubt about it, Singularity is a great read. The book has it all: lightning-fast pace, believable characters, easy-to-read style, mystery, intrigue, clever plot twists and adventure. The basic plot of the book revolves around a black hole that crashes into the earth. While this may make the book sound like science fiction, it actually reads more like the Da Vinci Code (though I think the writing in Singularity is better). It's one of those books I just didn't want to put down because I wanted to see what would happen next. The characters in the book were quite believable and quite diverse. From the consultant (when was the last time you saw a consultant as the hero?) to the Russian billionaire, their words and actions made sense and had a purpose besides just moving the story along. I also appreciated that I didn't see any distracting errors in the facts in the book. I even learned a few things about black holes (painlessly I might add). My summary: well written, engaging, thought provoking, enjoyable. Glad I read it.

I had no idea what to expect from Singularity written by new author Bill DeSmedt. After reading the blurbs from the likes of Kevin Anderson (Dune: Battle of Corrin) and Greg Bear (Darwin's Radio), I had to give it a try. What a great ride! The novel is gripping from the very beginning. It has spies, killers, not-so-altruistic scientists, and consultants ... yes, consultants - but these are not the same ones that read your watch and tell you what the time is. The characters are smart, witty and engaging. I found myself wishing my plane ride was longer so I could continue reading! There are various storylines cleverly weaved together. I kept wishing I could read faster so I could find out what is happening to protagonists Jonathan Knox and Marianna Bonaventure. The unexpected twists and suspense reminds you of The DaVinci Code - but Singularity is so much better. The story is just so solid, witty and smart. As for the writing, Singularity is beautifully written - similar to CRYPTONOMICON or even My Life as a Geisha or The Grapes of Wrath - you are transported into the characters lives and into exotic locations. The writing is witty and delicious. It is also a smart read - the author weaves the story around a mysterious microscopic black whole. You unwittingly learn more physics than you expect. He brings in science more artfully than Michael Crichton. In addition to the great story and writing, the characters are clever and interesting. There is a strong female protagonist that is smart, can take care of herself (a la Alias) and knows how to wear Gucci. The male character - now there is a real man! The one negative is that the book had to end. I can't wait until the sequel comes out.