This was a solid read but definitely not as good as the first book. I liked the “good guy” characters overall better in this book, and I especially loved Sara Harding!! The plot line of the Biosyn “bad guys” coming to the island was also interesting and had a satisfying ending. I didn’t like how philosophical/lectury this book was; it was even worse than the last book, with less direction/purpose in the musings.l for the overall plot. The sense of dread/foreboding was not there either for much of the book, though there were some thrilling moments. The mysteries behind the dinosaurs on this other island were all linked together but the answers to the behavioral questions presented were not very satisfying because they were superficial. This felt like it was written to please the screenwriters and not because Crichton felt inspired.

A very suitable sequel to the Jurassic Park novel. While Crichton wrote this book primarily due to the first film's success, it holds up pretty well on its own. The ending felt slightly rushed and/or lackluster compared to the first book, but that might just be me. Other than that, a great read. 

-.25 Malcolm rambles. It can be boring. It was the same way in the first book. Malcolm would ramble on for pages. 
This book is not for people without a high school education. A real 21st-century education. You should have at least taken high school biology or physics to understand what's in this book. 

Grade-A sci fi thriller that nearly completely stands the test of time. Recently having rewatched the movie, the book is better--more believable and no "pause for dramatic one-liner" moments. (But the movie is still fun.) 

Bad guys get their just desserts. Women characters are strong and smart and can be just as badass as the men. Plus all the chaos theory stuff makes it philosophical in a way, which is a neat touch. 

There are a couple of scenes where characters do or say something that doesn't fit particularly well with who they are, and some mildly unbelievable physical feats, but nothing that made me want to stop reading. 

The first Jurassic Park was great as a novel and even better as a movie. The Lost World was mediocre as a movie but pretty good as a novel.

Same flaws as the first book, but same draw too. Overall I enjoyed it, even more than the first I think.