Darwin's Blade

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A series of high-speed fatal car wrecks -- accidents that seem. as if they may have been staged -- is leading Darwin Minor down a dangerous road. A reluctantexpert on violent ways to die, he sifts clues from wreckage the way a brilliant coroner extracts damning information from a victim's corpse. But the deeper hedigs, the more enemies he seems to make, and the wider the conspiracy seems to grow. Before long, he'll find himself relying on deadly resources of his own inorder to save his life -- and those of untold others.

464 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1,2000

About the author

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Dan Simmons is an American science fiction and horror writer. He is the author of the Hyperion Cantos and the Ilium/Olympos cycles, among other works that span the science fiction, horror, and fantasy genres, sometimes within a single novel. Simmons's genre-intermingling Song of Kali (1985) won the World Fantasy Award. He also writes mysteries and thrillers, some of which feature the continuing character Joe Kurtz.

Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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A thriller unfolds in the midst of an auto insurance fraud. Dar Minor, an expert in this field, makes astonishing discoveries and thus finds himself being hunted by the largest alliance of fraudsters in the western United States. The writing had some heaviness to it.

Dar Minor's journey into the world of auto insurance fraud begins with his curiosity and expertise. As he delves deeper, he stumbles upon a web of deceit and corruption that shocks him to the core. The fraudsters, realizing the threat he poses, unleash their forces to silence him.

With danger lurking around every corner, Dar Minor must use all his skills and wits to stay one step ahead of his pursuers. He races against time to expose the fraud and bring the criminals to justice. Will he succeed in his mission or will he fall victim to the clutches of the fraudsters? Only time will tell in this thrilling tale of danger and deception.
July 15,2025
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Definitely not one of Dan Simmons' best works, but it is also far from being his worst. The plot of this story was rather tiresome and developed at a slow pace. The so-called "high-speed chases" in it were actually quite sluggish in speed, almost like those of the elderly. However, I still have to give credit to Simmons for all the in-depth research he must have done to make this story based on facts. There were some aspects that I did enjoy, such as the characters of Dar and Syd. They had certain charm and individuality. But unfortunately, for me, the emotional connection just wasn't established as strongly as I would have liked. Maybe I will revisit this story again in the future, but it won't be anytime soon. I need some time to distance myself from it and then decide whether to give it another chance.

July 15,2025
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The main character in this story is simply an over-the-top superhero, making it difficult to take much of the action seriously. He is not just any ordinary character, but a super genius sniper from the Vietnam era. What makes him even more extraordinary is his passion for Greek philosophy and his hobby of glider flying. It's all just too much to handle.

Adding to this, the book is filled with endless expositions about guns, sniper theory, and other related topics. It seems that almost as much of the book is dedicated to backstory and lengthy descriptions as to the actual events that are taking place.

To be honest, the basic concept of a grand insurance fraud scheme like the one presented in the book is inherently rather silly. It lacks the depth and believability that would make it a truly engaging and captivating read. Overall, while the book may have some interesting elements, it fails to deliver a truly satisfying and immersive experience due to its over-the-top character and convoluted plot.
July 15,2025
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Finito nel 01/gen/1970 00:00:00

This date holds a certain significance. It marks the end of a particular era or event. The year 1970 was a time of great change and upheaval in many aspects of the world.

Perhaps it was the conclusion of a long and arduous project, or the culmination of a series of events that had been building up over time.

The specific details of what was "finito" on this date are not clear from the given information, but it is evident that it was an important moment.

It could have had far-reaching consequences for individuals, organizations, or even entire societies.

Looking back on this date, we can reflect on the events that led up to it and the impact it had on the world around us.

It serves as a reminder of the passage of time and the importance of documenting and understanding our history.

Finito nel 01/gen/1970 00:00:00 will always be a date that holds a special place in our collective memory.
July 15,2025
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A good plot is indeed the backbone of a story, and it has the power to keep the readers engaged and interested. However, in this particular case, although the plot was quite captivating, I found myself lacking any real connection or emotional investment in the characters.


The story seemed to focus more on the events and the twists and turns of the plot, rather than on developing the characters in a way that would make them relatable or endearing. As a result, I was simply going through the motions of reading, without really caring about what happened to the characters.


Character development is crucial in creating a truly immersive and memorable reading experience. When we can identify with the characters, understand their motives and emotions, and root for them throughout the story, it adds a whole new layer of depth and meaning. Without this, the story may have a good plot, but it ultimately falls short in leaving a lasting impression.

July 15,2025
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This was not my favorite work by Dan Simmons. However, he did a rather good job in penning a suspenseful action thriller.

I really liked the main character, Dar(win). There was an air of mystery surrounding him, which added an interesting layer to the story. Moreover, there was a touch of humor among the main characters, which lightened the overall tone at times.

It was also truly fascinating to observe accident recreation being presented as a career for the main characters. It made me wonder if there is really as much scamming of insurance claims as was vividly described in this book. And could there be enough such activities to warrant a huge task force composed of multiple law agencies going after a group that organizes them?

The story had its moments of excitement and kept me engaged throughout, despite not being my absolute favorite from the author.
July 15,2025
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This is an outstanding book!

I have read numerous reviews, and it truly depresses me to realize that a beautifully written, fast-paced, and thrilling book can be disregarded in society just like a person who is simply born with a high intellect.

Indeed, the character of Dar is intelligent.

It is evident in the portrayal of his thought process.

No, you don't necessarily have to understand his depth to enjoy the book.

Just set aside your inferiority complex, and this book will take you on an amazing journey!

It's a real page-turner that offers excitement and entertainment from start to finish.

Don't let the perception of the character's intelligence deter you from experiencing the joy of reading this remarkable piece of literature.

Give it a chance, and you'll be glad you did.
July 15,2025
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The book seems to be a good fit for the movie adaptation. However, it is unfortunately full of stereotypes.

The main character is portrayed as a master in every aspect, ranging from military techniques to philosophical citations. It creates an almost unrealistic and overly idealized image.

Moreover, the division of characters based on their origin is quite concerning. The good characters are conveniently from California, while the bad characters are, predictably, from Russia. This kind of pattern gives the impression of being a bit nationalistic.

It is important to note that such generalizations and stereotypes can have a negative impact on how people perceive different cultures and regions. In a more diverse and globalized world, we should strive for more nuanced and accurate portrayals in our literature and media to avoid promoting unnecessary biases and misunderstandings.
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