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The Venus Conspiracy
The Venus Conspiracy [Paperback] Cordy, Michael
489 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
18 people are currently reading
909 people want to read
About the author
Michael Cordy
30 books119 followersMichael Cordy's first novel, The Miracle Strain, about the search for the DNA of Christ, was published in over twenty five languages and forty countries. It reached the top five in the Sunday Times Bestseller List and became a bestseller around the world.
Disney bought the film rights for $1.6 million.
Another five novels followed: Crime Zero, Lucifer, True, The Source and the latest THE COLOUR OF DEATH. All have been published in the UK by Bantam Press and Corgi, and translated into several languages.
Warner Bros optioned the film rights to The Source and Michael recently optioned Crime Zero to the producers of Lord Of The Rings and The Golden Compass, agreeing to write the screenplay.
Due to the ‘high concept’ nature of Michael Cordy’s novels the Press have called him “Britain’s answer to Michael Crichton.” Some of his early books have also been compared to Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code - although they were bestsellers many years before that novel was written.
The Miracle Strain was republished as The Messiah Code in many countries and some of the other novels have since been republished with new titles too.
Michael Cordy is British but was born in Ghana and spent much of his childhood in West and East Africa, India and Cyprus. He was educated in England at Kings School Canterbury and the universities of Leicester and Durham.
After ten years in marketing and advertising, his wife, Jenny backed his decision to give up a lucrative career and follow his dream of becoming a writer - so long as he finished his first novel in one year. It took him two. (He claims to have written all the necessary words in the allotted twelve months - just not in the right order)
Disney bought the film rights for $1.6 million.
Another five novels followed: Crime Zero, Lucifer, True, The Source and the latest THE COLOUR OF DEATH. All have been published in the UK by Bantam Press and Corgi, and translated into several languages.
Warner Bros optioned the film rights to The Source and Michael recently optioned Crime Zero to the producers of Lord Of The Rings and The Golden Compass, agreeing to write the screenplay.
Due to the ‘high concept’ nature of Michael Cordy’s novels the Press have called him “Britain’s answer to Michael Crichton.” Some of his early books have also been compared to Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code - although they were bestsellers many years before that novel was written.
The Miracle Strain was republished as The Messiah Code in many countries and some of the other novels have since been republished with new titles too.
Michael Cordy is British but was born in Ghana and spent much of his childhood in West and East Africa, India and Cyprus. He was educated in England at Kings School Canterbury and the universities of Leicester and Durham.
After ten years in marketing and advertising, his wife, Jenny backed his decision to give up a lucrative career and follow his dream of becoming a writer - so long as he finished his first novel in one year. It took him two. (He claims to have written all the necessary words in the allotted twelve months - just not in the right order)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 19, 2011
I enjoyed this book much more than the rather corny premise suggested. A Professor, named, appropriately, Bacci (kisses in Italian) creates a love potion. Not your ordinary fairytale kind either, but the kind that causes complex and permanent chemical and emotional changes in those who consume it. It's potential and danger is quickly acknowledged. Of course, while the intention behind the invention is benign, when a villain steals the formula and sets in motion a plan that will effect the world, the race is on to prevent its release.
As I said, the very idea sounds preposterous, if not silly; but don't let that stop you reading it- especially if you like fast-paced and well-written and plotted thrillers that span the globe. As the genre requires, there's the handsome and noble hero, the femme fatale and the cast of creepy crooks. That the media are drawn into the arch villain's ultimate plan as unwitting pawns is a nice touch.
If you like Steve Berry, then you should enjoy this. I did and I will certainly be seeking out Cordy for some more wonderful escapism. Very good brain candy!
As I said, the very idea sounds preposterous, if not silly; but don't let that stop you reading it- especially if you like fast-paced and well-written and plotted thrillers that span the globe. As the genre requires, there's the handsome and noble hero, the femme fatale and the cast of creepy crooks. That the media are drawn into the arch villain's ultimate plan as unwitting pawns is a nice touch.
If you like Steve Berry, then you should enjoy this. I did and I will certainly be seeking out Cordy for some more wonderful escapism. Very good brain candy!
February 3, 2014
I think Michael Cordy is a little bit underrated. As his novels almost in some points is equavalent to Dan Brown's. The Messiah Code lead me into reading this book. That one was an awesome read. But, this one is rather a light one, not to be taken too seriously.
As I am personal fan of thrillers which refer to different Biological terms, Genetics and Biotechnilogy, i liked the plot of this book that a drug that makes u fall in love. And there were scientific explainations of love, what happens when someone falls for soneone. It was charming how he used it as a tool of vengeance mixing love, science and fiction.
The charecter and story build up in this one good, first pacing. But at certain stages it was boring and if anyone skips through some pages it wont bother them to understand whats going on. The antagonist was a bit comical indeed, like from a cinema where a man trying to conquer the world and this tym he uses nature identical love to achieve it. The main two protagonist Max and Issabale were enjoyable too. :)
Anyone looking for a light thiller can go through the book.
As I am personal fan of thrillers which refer to different Biological terms, Genetics and Biotechnilogy, i liked the plot of this book that a drug that makes u fall in love. And there were scientific explainations of love, what happens when someone falls for soneone. It was charming how he used it as a tool of vengeance mixing love, science and fiction.
The charecter and story build up in this one good, first pacing. But at certain stages it was boring and if anyone skips through some pages it wont bother them to understand whats going on. The antagonist was a bit comical indeed, like from a cinema where a man trying to conquer the world and this tym he uses nature identical love to achieve it. The main two protagonist Max and Issabale were enjoyable too. :)
Anyone looking for a light thiller can go through the book.
August 30, 2018
This was one of those books that you know nothing about, and pick up solely because it's cheap and seems somewhat interesting.
I tend to research books before buying them, but when I saw this at a used book sale for about $4 I thought I couldn't go wrong.
...and I was right. I'm so glad I read this book. It's different to what I tend to read, and the book had me thinking about it and the characters pretty constantly during my day.
For never having heard of Michael Cordy before, this was really decent. And based on quickly looking at his other works, I might keep an eye out for his name. If his other books have an interesting premise such as this one, I'd be eager to give them a go too.
I tend to research books before buying them, but when I saw this at a used book sale for about $4 I thought I couldn't go wrong.
...and I was right. I'm so glad I read this book. It's different to what I tend to read, and the book had me thinking about it and the characters pretty constantly during my day.
For never having heard of Michael Cordy before, this was really decent. And based on quickly looking at his other works, I might keep an eye out for his name. If his other books have an interesting premise such as this one, I'd be eager to give them a go too.
August 12, 2022
Reasonably paced book with a good mix of science and story, but not one of his best. Characters a little too one dimensional and a hint predictable.
May 25, 2013
of the books I have read, I can say that this story indeed had left a great impression in my mind.
it still lingers after 4 years and somehow upon seeing the book cover, somehow I can still recall what I have read.
the storyline was awesome, particularly using science to explain on the theory of falling in love which is rather one of the world's mystery- particulary for me.
the story was well paced and kept in suspense, somehow when the protagonist finally win the war, somehow one will feel "yah, right!!!" rather than "well.... what's new? & yada yada "..... for that, kuddos to the michael cordy :)
can't wait to read more books from him :)
it still lingers after 4 years and somehow upon seeing the book cover, somehow I can still recall what I have read.
the storyline was awesome, particularly using science to explain on the theory of falling in love which is rather one of the world's mystery- particulary for me.
the story was well paced and kept in suspense, somehow when the protagonist finally win the war, somehow one will feel "yah, right!!!" rather than "well.... what's new? & yada yada "..... for that, kuddos to the michael cordy :)
can't wait to read more books from him :)
April 22, 2013
When I started reading this book I was hoping the book was more than the bad plotline decribed in the blurb, but now that I finished reading I wish I never bothered reading it in the first place. Talk about an unrealistic, over the top, unbelievable storyline! I also didn't really enjoy the way it was written- it bored me and I found myself skipping pages a lot. Don't read it, it's not worth your time.
April 10, 2018
This is my second book of Cordy's that I've read and I've noticed a few recurring cliches. The main male protagonist who has been through something traumatising and as a result is emotionally closed off, the female love interest who changes him and the evil father figure. Also, the scene where Max saves Isabell from a life or death situation and that supposedly being the moment where he started to feel something for her was a very "damsel in distress" type scene and that also stood out as in unimaginative. I don't know, I just think that's something to think about.
I think both of the book premises are great but there is something off putting about this one. It wasn't quite as captivating and I got pissed off at the "love changing him for the better" cliche. I thought the actual scientific part of this story was very well thought out researched. But the characters could have been better thought out. They were kinda 2 dimensional and I didn't really feel a connection with any of them.
I think both of the book premises are great but there is something off putting about this one. It wasn't quite as captivating and I got pissed off at the "love changing him for the better" cliche. I thought the actual scientific part of this story was very well thought out researched. But the characters could have been better thought out. They were kinda 2 dimensional and I didn't really feel a connection with any of them.
December 7, 2022
I like how Cordy takes a look at new or potential technologies and how they could be misused for nefarious purposes. This one is about love and how biological processes could be altered to cause it artificially. While some of his other books were - at least in theory and with several large grains of salt - possible, this one is really not. However, he did a nice job of exploring what could happen if it was possible and how quickly people would think to capitalize.
The writing overall is good but a lot of the action scenes are questionable and, as others have mentioned, character development is somewhat lacking. I found the ending disappointing and the whole dream sequence at the end and then the final scene just didn't hold up. Also, the changes in the character of one of the pain protagonists just didn't really add up. But overall an interesting read about the potential uses and misuses of biotechnology.
The writing overall is good but a lot of the action scenes are questionable and, as others have mentioned, character development is somewhat lacking. I found the ending disappointing and the whole dream sequence at the end and then the final scene just didn't hold up. Also, the changes in the character of one of the pain protagonists just didn't really add up. But overall an interesting read about the potential uses and misuses of biotechnology.
November 19, 2022
Por dios, cómo podría explicarlo en palabras simples, fue ¡Perfecto! La verdad es que solo lo compre porque la portada me llamo la atención pero definitivamente ha sido, de las mejores lecturas de este año.
Me aterra el solo pensar que podría haber una droga como el Nil 72 o Ilium y Venus, y que alguien la pudiera usar en contra de la humanidad.
Por otra parte Max e Isabella me han encantado por completo son mi pareja favorita.
En cuanto a Helmut, es uno de los mejores villanos debo reconocerlo.
En fin sin nada más que decir, creo que todos deberían leer este libro por lo menos una vez en la vida, no se arrepentirán.
Me aterra el solo pensar que podría haber una droga como el Nil 72 o Ilium y Venus, y que alguien la pudiera usar en contra de la humanidad.
Por otra parte Max e Isabella me han encantado por completo son mi pareja favorita.
En cuanto a Helmut, es uno de los mejores villanos debo reconocerlo.
En fin sin nada más que decir, creo que todos deberían leer este libro por lo menos una vez en la vida, no se arrepentirán.
June 17, 2017
It's weak sci-fi, it's not particularly taut action, there's not much meaningful character development and the plot is rather far fetched. With those points aside, Cordy has created a quick, easy to read future-tech thriller which pulls reader from cover to cover. There's a maniacal madman, a ruthless killer with a buried past, a beautiful and innocent woman caught in the plot and a spectacular showdown in a remote locale - it's pulp adventure writing at maximum throttle. Slip you brain in to neutral and read it.
May 10, 2025
Idén är intressant, vilket gör att betyget lutar mer åt 4 på sätt och vis. Men vissa delar i början är lite onödigt tekniska och mot slutet känns det mer som ett manus till en Hollywood actionfilm. Skulle nog i och för sig se filmen, för tror vissa scener gör sig bättre på vitaduken än i skrift.
February 25, 2018
Although the idea of the plot is preposterous. But the writing is good. The way the book has progressed will keep you glue to it.
April 27, 2019
I think this would be a really fun sci-fi movie. It's really intense. Oh max.
May 26, 2019
Nowhere near as good as his other scientific thrillers
September 16, 2019
Another brilliant story-line from Michael Cordy.
Very enjoyable
Very enjoyable
February 2, 2022
Another great read
Another fabulous novel by Michael Cordy, I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read more of his novels and get immersed in the adventure.
Another fabulous novel by Michael Cordy, I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read more of his novels and get immersed in the adventure.
February 23, 2024
good story. ending was not great.
July 30, 2025
A very intriguing story about a love potion that can make anyone fall in love with any selected target. A well-structured plot with interesting characters and very readable writing. Recommended.
January 3, 2015
When I read the back cover of this book I was not sure that I would like "The Venus Conspracy". However, my husband and I were on holiday and I had finished the other two books I had taken with me. So there I was, hundreds of miles from home in the Al Garve in Portugal staying at Clube Humbria. The resort is reviewed at https://hotelandrestaurantreviews.wor.... I have a book by an author I have never heard of and a book I don’t think I will like! However, I did enjoy the book and far more than the premise suggested.
I have since discovered that Michael Cordy is a British writer who was born in Ghana and spent much of his childhood in Africa, India and Cyprus. He was educated in England at The King’s School in Canterbury and the universities of Leicester and Durham. He worked first in marketing and advertising, but later he gave up that career to write novels.
The story is about a Professor, named, appropriately, Bacci, which means kisses in Italian. He creates a love potion. It causes complex sometimes temporary, sometimes permanent emotional changes in the people who take it. The potion is powerful and dangerous. The professor’s intentions behind the invention are benign but, when a villain steals the formula, he sets in motion a plan that will effect the world. The race to prevent the evil use of the potion is on.
The idea sounds preposterous; but the story is tightly written and the action fast-paced. The story spans the globe. As the genre requires, the hero is handsome and noble, the heroine an intelligent, beautiful femme fatale. There is also a cast of wicked villains.
Professor Bacci thinks a drug that makes people fall madly in love cannot be a bad thing. He unlocks the biochemical key to falling in love, and develops a drug capable of creating emotions indistinguishable from the real thing. He is determined that the world should benefit from his discovery. However, when Bacci seeks funding and business advice, he turns to a private Swiss bank, owned by the secretive Kappel family. Unknown to the professor, Helmut Kappel, the leader of the banking family, sees love as a sickness. He has a plan for abusing the drug’s power. It is a cynical plot of breathtaking arrogance far removed from Bacci’s naive dream of spreading love around the world.
“The Venus Conspiracy” is an idea that could be ripped from the broadsheet headlines. It is Michael Cordy’s story of a compelling future where even human emotions can be bought and where true love can be faked. I did enjoy this book very much and I will definitely be seeking out Cordy for some more wonderful fast paced stories.
I have since discovered that Michael Cordy is a British writer who was born in Ghana and spent much of his childhood in Africa, India and Cyprus. He was educated in England at The King’s School in Canterbury and the universities of Leicester and Durham. He worked first in marketing and advertising, but later he gave up that career to write novels.
The story is about a Professor, named, appropriately, Bacci, which means kisses in Italian. He creates a love potion. It causes complex sometimes temporary, sometimes permanent emotional changes in the people who take it. The potion is powerful and dangerous. The professor’s intentions behind the invention are benign but, when a villain steals the formula, he sets in motion a plan that will effect the world. The race to prevent the evil use of the potion is on.
The idea sounds preposterous; but the story is tightly written and the action fast-paced. The story spans the globe. As the genre requires, the hero is handsome and noble, the heroine an intelligent, beautiful femme fatale. There is also a cast of wicked villains.
Professor Bacci thinks a drug that makes people fall madly in love cannot be a bad thing. He unlocks the biochemical key to falling in love, and develops a drug capable of creating emotions indistinguishable from the real thing. He is determined that the world should benefit from his discovery. However, when Bacci seeks funding and business advice, he turns to a private Swiss bank, owned by the secretive Kappel family. Unknown to the professor, Helmut Kappel, the leader of the banking family, sees love as a sickness. He has a plan for abusing the drug’s power. It is a cynical plot of breathtaking arrogance far removed from Bacci’s naive dream of spreading love around the world.
“The Venus Conspiracy” is an idea that could be ripped from the broadsheet headlines. It is Michael Cordy’s story of a compelling future where even human emotions can be bought and where true love can be faked. I did enjoy this book very much and I will definitely be seeking out Cordy for some more wonderful fast paced stories.
January 7, 2016
Ein italienischer Wissenschaftler entwickelt eine Substanz, die in der Lage ist, unsterbliche Liebe auszulösen. Er sieht das Mittel als Möglichkeit, die Welt in ein Paradies zu verwandeln, braucht aber Geld für die Vermarktung. Der Bankier, an den er sich wendet, hat allerdings völlig andere Ideen über die Benutzung des Serums.
Ein sehr spannender Wissenschaftsthriller. Die Geschichte ist gut erzählt, und obwohl man einen Teil der Pläne des Bösewichts recht schnell durchschaut (der Autor unternimmt auch nicht wirklich den Versuch, das zu verbergen, sondern spielt lieber mit den Konsequenzen), wird man am Ende doch noch mal überrascht, als sich herausstellt, daß der Plan des lieben Herrn Kappel noch um einiges über das hinausgeht, was man bis dahin geahnt hat.
Die Spannung bleibt bis zum Schluß enthalten, und auch die wissenschaftliche Seite erscheint zumindest für einen Laien recht schlüssig. Es gibt keine groben "das kann es so gar nicht geben"-Effekte. Lesens- und empfehlenswert.
Ein sehr spannender Wissenschaftsthriller. Die Geschichte ist gut erzählt, und obwohl man einen Teil der Pläne des Bösewichts recht schnell durchschaut (der Autor unternimmt auch nicht wirklich den Versuch, das zu verbergen, sondern spielt lieber mit den Konsequenzen), wird man am Ende doch noch mal überrascht, als sich herausstellt, daß der Plan des lieben Herrn Kappel noch um einiges über das hinausgeht, was man bis dahin geahnt hat.
Die Spannung bleibt bis zum Schluß enthalten, und auch die wissenschaftliche Seite erscheint zumindest für einen Laien recht schlüssig. Es gibt keine groben "das kann es so gar nicht geben"-Effekte. Lesens- und empfehlenswert.
February 28, 2011
A scientist discovers a drug that makes people fall in love, a pretty scary thought. When a ruthless businessman hears of it, he sees its potential to further his megalomaniac ambitions. Of course, there is a fly in the ointment when someone discovers what he's up to as his plans unfold. The subject matter made a change from the usual thrillers, I found it enjoyable without being outstanding.
July 28, 2013
I thought the novel was very well written and has an interesting story that flows quite quickly. Characters were well developed, although I did think the main villain seemed very comic book or Bond villain-esque. Quite a light read and not to be taken too seriously.
February 23, 2015
I nearly didn't finish reading this book, put it down a few times because the content was obscene. The idea that a drug could cause 'love'. More like slavery. The villain -Helmet-was diabolical and so evil it made me feel sick. Thank God this is fiction.
January 5, 2016
Although the story seems rather slow at first (I do not like the long preamble), then it finally takes hold and transports the reader to the end. Not completely satisfied with this book, but definitely a nice one to read. Not really bad as my first impact with science finction.
September 27, 2009
Entertaining thriller that improved as it went along. It was quite gripping in places. I enjoyed it!
December 2, 2010
quiet enjoyed this book did not think I would but was a good read I like the idea of the bad guy turning good and his father what an evil b...ard
May 16, 2011
this is a brilliant story book. it is packed with great characters and plot. and also, it talks a lot of biology.
October 16, 2011
Loved that book. It got me hooked right from the start. Great characters, it's total science fiction yet made believable. Come to think of it, it is kind of scary... Brilliant.
February 2, 2012
Great read
March 13, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this and would have no hesitation in recommending any Michael Cordy novel - haven't come across a duff one so far.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews