RATING  **

Prey is a 364 page hard science fiction hardcover book by Michael Crichton published in 2002.

A really good hard science fiction novel illustrating the potential danger of nanotechnology would be a welcome addition.  Prey is not that novel.

Here’s the plot: Somewhere in the Nevada desert, a hi-tech corporation has been experimenting with nanotechnology swarms.  Of course, the little critters get loose and begin evolving into fierce predators.  Jack Foreman, an expert in designing computer programs that mimic the behavior of swarming animals, is called in to deal with the swarm.  Jack’s wife is a Vice-President at the firm, but she hasn’t clued Jack into the big picture.

I won’t give it away, but the swarm evolves so rapidly – and unbelievably – it’s difficult to sustain belief in the storyline.  Actually, it’s impossible.  Adding to the disappointment are B-movie characters that blur into the background, their tracks sinking out of sight in the sand of a sluggish plot.