The Artifact

by Patrick Astre

Brookhaven National Laboratory sprawls in the serene natural surroundings of Eastern Long Island, New York. Deep within a heavily guarded compound on the grounds of the Laboratory, a forbidding compound houses the nation's most protected secret: An active alien Artifact. Estimated at several millions of years of age, impervious to all efforts of modern science to penetrate its secrets, the Artifact taunts researchers with bursts of mysterious radiation that may be efforts at communication. Now the two top researchers have conducted unauthorized experiments using new technology, and something has awakened inside, something as old as time, wielding incalculable power and an agenda that would spell doom for humanity. As horrifying mutations and destruction descends on Long Island, it is only a mere portend of the true horror yet to come. While America's military struggles against an impossible power, only a 12-year-old crippled computer hacker and an aging police detective hold the key to the Artifact. But first they must overcome disbelieving authorities in a desperate race against time, with the very survival of humanity in the balance.

Genres: Audiobook, Science Fiction

Audio CD

First published March 21, 2005

Reviews

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brookhaven National Laboratory is the most secure lab in the country. It secretly houses an alien artifact thought to be millions of years old. Researchers have been doing unauthorized experiments involving the artifact and humans, unleashing an incredible power that could spell the doom of humanity. Exciting and suspenseful, a good read.

[Paul Creedon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted it to be better, I wanted it to explain why only those who were sick before exposure were affected, I wanted it to add some depth to its characters, I wanted it to not treat disability as inspiration porn, I wanted it to be not so predictable - unfortunately wanting didn't make it happen

[Norah S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one would make a good movie.

[Sandy Wyman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable but a fast read.

[Laura Floyd · Rating 1 out of 5]

Possibly the most predictable book I've ever read. As my husband said (we listened to it on a car trip): this is the first book I've read where I actually know what the character is going to do and say as soon as they are introduced. Every character was a caricature, the plot was perfectly predictable, and the only question I have left is: did the "artifact-phone-home" light zap into deep space mean there's going to be a sequel? Yikes!

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is probably one of the worst books I ever listened to. Neither the book, nor the performance, was worth the time.

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

Best played when trapped in a car between Virginia and New Jersey with your only option being jumping off the Delaware Memorial Bridge.

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, a little different take on the alien invaders taking over the world.

[Leo Guidry · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. Not one that I will remember a year later.

[Chuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it as a light read but it wasn't great. Some things occurred in the plot that were never explained or linked up, which is always annoying.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great premise, good for sci fi and conspiracy genre readers.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kept thinking what a great movie this would make. Yes, it's predictable, but it reflects typical human behavior.