The Lost World: Jurassic Park Mini Storybook

by Michael Crichton

Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction, Thriller, Adventure, Novels, Horror, Speculative Fiction

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1997

About the author

John Michael Crichton was an American author, screenwriter, and filmmaker whose prolific career left an indelible mark on popular culture and speculative fiction. Raised on Long Island, he displayed a precocious talent for writing, publishing an article in The New York Times at sixteen. Initially enrolling at Harvard as an English major, he switched to biological anthropology after discovering a preference for scientific study over literature. He graduated summa cum laude and received a fellowship to lecture in anthropology at Cambridge. Later attending Harvard Medical School, he earned his MD but chose not to practice, dedicating himself to writing instead. His medical background profoundly influenced his novels, providing authentic scientific and technical underpinnings that became a hallmark of his work. Crichton began writing under pseudonyms, producing suspenseful thrillers as John Lange, including Odds On, Scratch One, and Easy Go, and as Jeffrey Hudson with A Case of Need, earning him an Edgar Award. His first major success under his own name, The Andromeda Strain, established his signature blend of scientific authenticity, tension, and exploration of technological hazards, leading to its film adaptation. Over his career, he wrote 25 novels, including The Terminal Man, The Great Train Robbery, Congo, Sphere, Jurassic Park, Rising Sun, Disclosure, The Lost World, Airframe, Timeline, Prey, State of Fear, and Next, several adapted into major films, with four additional works published posthumously. Crichton also made significant contributions to film and television. He wrote and directed Westworld, pioneering the use of 2D computer-generated imagery, and later directed Coma, The First Great Train Robbery, Looker, and Runaway. He created the influential medical drama ER, which he executive produced and developed with Steven Spielberg, achieving critical and commercial success. Many of his novels, most famously Jurassic Park and its sequel The Lost World, became cultural phenomena, combining imaginative adventure with grounded scientific speculation, often exploring humanity’s overreach in genetics, biotechnology, and complex systems. His literary style was notable for integrating meticulous scientific detail, suspense, and moral cautionary themes. His works frequently addressed the failure of complex systems—biological, technological, or organizational—demonstrating the unpredictable consequences of human hubris. Employing techniques such as first-person narratives, false documents, fictionalized scientific reports, and assembling expert teams to tackle crises, Crichton created immersive stories appealing to both popular and scholarly audiences. His exploration of genetics, paleontology, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence revealed both fascination and caution about humanity’s technological ambitions, while his early non-fiction, such as Five Patients and Electronic Life, reflected his scientific insight and forward-thinking approach to computers and programming. Standing 6 feet 9 inches tall, Crichton experienced social isolation in adolescence and later pursued meditation and consultations with psychics, cultivating a lifelong interest in human consciousness and alternative experiences. A workaholic, he approached writing with disciplined ritualistic methodology, often retreating entirely to complete a novel in six or seven weeks. He was married five times, fathered two children, and maintained a wide-ranging collection of 20th-century American art. Crichton engaged in political and scientific discourse, particularly regarding global warming, where he was an outspoken skeptic and testified before the U.S. Senate. He contributed significantly to the discussion of intellectual property, technology, and environmental policy, coining concepts such as the Gell-Mann amnesia effect. Throughout his life, he received numerous awards, including Edgar Awards, a Peabody Award for ER, an Aca

Reviews

[Kelly Mander · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars = I liked it, and that's all I can really say about it. Similar to other Goodreaders I don't really know why they brought Malcolm back. He wasn't a particular interesting character in JP but once he's here in the story you think "Meh, okay whatever." but I do think if you're going to bring a decent character back why not John Hammond who we all love to hate for his unending petulance. Anyway, I enjoyed this book and it's a very quick read. I like the discussion about the behaviour of the animals and the action scenes are exciting. As a whole idea for a sequel it seems a bit forced. I don't care how much you love lions, you wouldn't go off to Africa without telling anyone armed only with a backpack. And this is dinosaurs, people - BIG, F*** OFF DINOSAURS THAT WILL EAT YOU. But, as always you suspend reality for a dose of excitement, and that's where this book delivers.

[Aisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Um. Ian Malcolm died in the previous novel. He didn't make it off the island, and then Isla Nebula was bombed to bits, to obliterate them dinos.

How'd he make a reappearance here?

On the plus side, it didn't have the REALLY annoying little girl who was there in Jurassic Park.

[Christina Crenshaw · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ian Malcolm died in the first book. Fail.

[Ajit Koti]

You

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Crichton is nothing if not thorough; I can definitely say that much. He clearly did quite a bit of research into this book, and it’s refreshing to find a book that actually portrays dinosaurs as animals instead of monsters or cartoons. They are, however, highly inaccurate based on our current knowledge of dinosaurs (raptors had feathers, tyrannosaurs were social, etc., etc.), but it was accurate when it was published. However, the humans in the book leave much to be desired. Like virtually all of Crichton’s works, there is a definitely, clearly defined good vs. evil dynamic (although there is an exception in the character of King, who’s basically a morally sound villain). This, sadly, makes the book somewhat predictable; good guys escape, bad guys get eaten. However, if one is willing to overlook this, the book is quite enjoyable. The actions sequences are great, and the book’s ending is satisfying.

[Thomas McBryde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something has survived! A new adventure in this exciting sequel to Jurassic Park. Survivor of the first incident Ian Malcom must come face to face with his fears as it is revealed that the InGen corp. has a second site where the dinosaurs were being created. Reluctant but finally seeing no choice but to go Malcom once again faces ferocious predators bent on having him for lunch. Rival companies, hungry dinosaurs, and an island fraught with danger makes for a quick read. Again using pseudo science, Crichton grasps the readers early on in this exciting sequel.

While not as good as part 1, this book still holds its own and I believe anyone who likes sci-fi will enjoy this book as well. The tropical setting is described well and of course having a few pages about dinosaurs eating people is always fun. New secrets of the InGen corp are discovered and the reader gets more insight into the character of Ian Malcolm.

[Erik Malvick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm guessing many people might skip this book because of the movie of the same name. Well, don't skip it on that reason alone. The book was only loosely related to the movie. The story here was a bit deeper and perhaps a little less action-movie-friendly, so the movie altered things, even including scenes from the original Jurassic Park book that had been not included in Jurassic Park the movie.

The Lost World book is actually quite good partially because it slows the pace down a bit giving the reader more time to appreciate the book and what is going on behind it. The science, while still a bit far-fetched (but not necessarily impossible), makes the book interesting and keeps things engaging.

If you enjoyed Jurassic Park, I definitely don't think you should pass this one up. It isn't as good of a book, but it's still a fun read.

[Alyson Brooke]

This is not so much review as commentary. An open question that I have. I just finished Jurassic Park and have started the sequel but I'm not far into it yet. I know the premise of this book is that people are doing experiments to resurrect dinosaurs. What I don't understand is in the first book, toward the end, it talks about how the raptors are lining up in an attempt to migrate. This after it was shown that several raptors got on the ship meant for the mainland. My question is: wouldn't that be a more plausible scenario for a sequel? Many dinosaur species migrated to the next island over? I thought after the book talked about that that it was obviously crichton's build-up to a sequel, but then he went in a much less feasible direction.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compared to the first book, it is just as thorough with the research. There was an attempt at a super villain type character but it just fell flat. Highly entertaining don't get me wrong but he pushes more of his scientific views into the book. The portrayal of the creatures, as in the first book, were accurate for the time, which I give him much credit for. But the characters, even Ian Malcolm whom I adored in the first book is just kind of a soft, whiny philosopher where as in the first book I felt like his opinions and statements had more merit. I did enjoy it. The movie adaption was NOTHING like the book but entertaining nonetheless. More dynamic character would have made for a better read.

[Swords & Spectres · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I may well have enjoyed reading this more than I did Jurassic Park. It has pretty much the same set of characters (different people in some cases, but identical character roles to fill).

The action is well written and the suspense is equally so. It literally keeps you turning the page and cursing anyone or anything that tears you away from reading. The pace is a little quicker than Jurassic Park and, much like the original, it has some incredibly memorable scenes that will stay with the reader for years to come.

Everyone's favourite dinosaurs such as Raptors and T-rex's make returns, as well as some new arrivals to the series. All in all a very good read.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, first of all, I only read Jurassic Park because I was between books, overdue fines, and my kid put it on my bedside table with an emphatic, "Read this, Mom." I admit it: I found this to be a totally riveting read. Obviously much better than the movie because Laura Dern's butt wasn't in my face to ruin it.

[Dan Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

a lot of the time I'm a bit nervous to read a book that was made into a movie. lost world being one of my favourites. now that I have gone back to read the book I have a hard time watching the movie. the book was FAR BETTER. in fact the movie was only slightly based on the book. the book in much deeper and richer. the dinosaurs are consider more like animals than monster. a brilliant read.

[Tbplayer22 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. If you've seen the movie don't worry that you already know what's going to happen because your not. The movie was one of the worst movie's I had ever seen. The book ranks up there as one of the best I've ever read. Yes it's that good. Well from what I remember. haha.

[Agung Ismantriono · Rating 2 out of 5]

novel pertama kalo gak salah...

baca gara2 lagi ada filmnya di bioskop terus kk gw beli, egh malah gw yang baca!

gw sampe sekarang lupa ceritanya gimana, ada kejar2an sama trex gitu deh kalo gak salah :p

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one dragged a little more than the first, there were large chunks of unnecessary scenes that could have been clipped out. Another great read that will make you think about our species and our attitudes to things. Read this then go watch the movie as I really want to compare the two now!

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it, but it wasn't as good as the first one. I wonder if the difference is that I read the first one and this one I listened to, but not sure. My rating is probably also influenced by having seen the movies several times. Overall, good book, but not great.

[Joy Jakubaitis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still didn't quite buy how our hero Malcolm was there, however saying that... loved the heroine who didn't need to be rescued constantly, and even had to save the boys. :-) And of course.... MORE DINOSAURS!!

[Stirling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good middle school read. I reccomend it if you like paleontology and action adventure.New York times call it thrilling. But it truly to my perspective is not horror at all. Fun to read but will they make it off the island alive find out in Jurrasic Park the lost world.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

forget the movie - its better than the first book (and that book was better than the original movie!).

[Colin Egan]

Awesome book, adds science, math, and action into one amazing bundle. Skip the movie, read the book.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very entertaining and creative book! I'd probably give it a 3.5!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Jurassic Park series is actually really fun to read- Crichton has a was of imagining how things can be!

[Gracey valladares]

i just added it cuz im bored like duh

[DeAnn Stopper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I could not put it down! 100 times better than the movie!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING! Just as good as the first, I loved how he could still do as much with same concept.

[Noe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great novel. A little boring in the beginning, but gets more scary and grotesque. Such an awesome book. I love the second one to.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a good read. Nothing like the film though

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good sequel. The novel is fun and fast yet it seems to miss the grandeur that it's predecessor had.

[Bryan Hadro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently re-read this book in one weekend, still one of my all time favorites. Why couldn't the movie have been this good?

[Michael Hyneman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good sequel just hate the revision of some of the events from the first book.