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Title/Author

Fountain Society

Wes Craven

Average Review Rating Average Rating 7/10 (3 Reviews)
Book Details

Publisher : Simon & Schuster

Published : 1999

Copyright : Wesismore, Inc 1999

ISBN-10 : HB 0-684-84660-8
ISBN-13 : PB 978-0-684-84660-6

Publisher's Write-Up

A veteran of more than thirty films, Wes Craven has become a household name synonymous with inventive genius, wit, and inspired, shocking, thriller cult classics. Now he brings his wicked talents to bear on the novel of suspense with a spine-chilling tale that will leave readers breathless, a story of breakthrough medical technology run amok, a terrifying government conspiracy, and a life-after-death romance.

At the centre of the novel is a sinister plot to confer immortality on a select, elite group of government scientists - a plot of such cold brutality and evil that it has been kept secret from everybody, even those who might one day benefit from it.

Dr. Peter Jance is a brilliant weapons scientist, dying of cancer just as he nears completion of his greatest invention. Beatrice is his beautiful scientist wife. Dr. Frederick Wolfe is the dark genius who, with Beatrice's help, has discovered the secrets of immortality. Elizabeth and Hans, young lovers, healthy and strong, are the unknowing victims of Wolfe's sinister plans.

Featuring a unique and fascinating love triangle, and combining the elements of a state-of-the-art medical thriller with those of a great suspense caper, Wes Craven's Fountain Society is a book that chills, thrills, and satisfies like his own movies, building to a climax of unspeakable tension and shock.

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Reader Reviews

Why not Submit a Review your own Review for this book?

Review by Chrissi (280201) Rating (7/10)
Review by Victim (280201) Rating (8/10)
Review by Nigel (280201) Rating (7/10)

Review by Chrissi
Rating 7/10
I have to say that when we found this, it was the cover which really caught my eye. It has a hologram on the front which is of a man's head. The second noticeable thing was the name of the author, Wes Craven.
Now, I am sure that most of us are more familiar with the work of Mr. Craven of a more visual nature, so it was worth giving it a try.

The opening of the book is more of a thriller in nature, where the characters are seen in their own surroundings among colleagues and lovers. We meet scientists, a model and a banker. The links between these people do not become obvious until later.

Peter and his wife Beatrice are scientists working on top secret projects, Peter's project is that of a super weapon which will destroy enemies without the inherent dangers of using nuclear weapons. He is 76 years old and his health is failing, to the degree that his weapon will not be finished before he is.

Therein lies the plot of the Fountain Society. This deals really well with the measures that it is possible to take to try to extend a life, and whose lives should be preserved. In this case, it becomes a dilemma after the action has been taken, and Peter feels that it is wrong to allow the Fountain Society Project to continue, mainly because the next steps to be made will have vast repercussions for science and government in the future.

Taking place in Switzerland and America, it is well written and well paced. I did enjoy this, but some of it is tripe science fiction, with cellular memory taking a large role, and, related to this, the possibility that one day clones will be harvested to allow rich or powerful people to live forever. It makes you think about the ethics behind such situations, but Peter is shown to be a nice man, in spite of his penchant for blowing up large numbers of livestock to test his weapons.
Chrissi (28th February 2001)

Review by Victim
Rating 8/10
This story is based on Cloning, and such similar things. For a debut it is brilliant, although if I didn't know who had written it I would have guessed at Dean Koontz. Absolutely -ing Brilliant.

Victim (28th February 2001)

Review by Nigel
Rating 7/10
I must say I was skeptical when I saw this book, flash cover, big name - 'Here we go, famous person after more money'. However, after receiving Victim's recommendation (more verbal than the 'tease' above) I gave it a go.

Well, don't judge a book by its cover, or in this case do. A fast paced thriller with a bit of a message thrown in. I didn't put it down until I'd read it cover to cover. Well written with characters you care about the seemingly unconnected lives meet in a explosion of action.

Although some bits stretch coincidence a little far and the ending is tame it has a lot to recommend it. All in all a very good debut novel from a man who obviously has got a gift with the pen as well as the camera.
Nigel (28th February 2001)

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