Shock
by Robin Cook
- First published 1994
- 336 pages
- Spanish
Graduate students Deborah Cochrane and Joanna Meissner see a lucrative opportunity when an exclusive fertility clinic in Boston offers a substantial sum for egg donations. Drawn by the promise of financial relief, they agree to the procedure. However, unsettling rumors about a vanished donor soon spark their unease, prompting them to question the clinic's true intentions.
Driven by curiosity and a growing sense of dread, Deborah and Joanna infiltrate the facility under false identities, hoping to uncover the fate of their donated eggs and the clinic's closely guarded secrets. What they discover is a horrifying conspiracy that pushes the boundaries of medical ethics and puts their lives in immediate peril, revealing the chilling consequences when cutting-edge science is left unchecked.
Driven by curiosity and a growing sense of dread, Deborah and Joanna infiltrate the facility under false identities, hoping to uncover the fate of their donated eggs and the clinic's closely guarded secrets. What they discover is a horrifying conspiracy that pushes the boundaries of medical ethics and puts their lives in immediate peril, revealing the chilling consequences when cutting-edge science is left unchecked.
What readers say
3.44
5.2K ratings across the web 5 in 10 readers loved it, 2 didn't like it
Many reviewers found the book's core premise, involving two college students donating eggs to a suspicious medical facility, to be intriguing and engaging. Despite various criticisms, a significant number of readers described it as a page-turner that kept them wanting to know how the central medical drama would unfold. The author's ability to transform an everyday medical situation into a harrowing experience was often highlighted as a strength, providing a fast-paced and suspenseful read that some found difficult to put down. A few appreciated the author's consistent use of female protagonists in the medical thriller genre.
However, the book received substantial criticism, particularly regarding its execution and conclusion. A recurring complaint was the abrupt and unsatisfying ending, which many felt left the story incomplete and undermined the entire reading experience. Reviewers frequently cited the characters as unbelievable, reckless, and making illogical decisions, despite being portrayed as highly intelligent. The dialogue was often described as stilted, unrealistic, and at times "cringe-worthy." Furthermore, the plot was criticized for being outlandish, far-fetched, and riddled with inconsistencies and sloppy research, especially concerning academic and medical details, as well as the implausibility of certain events like identity fraud. The writing style itself was called amateurish by some, with a tendency to tell rather than show, and a superficial treatment of its complex medical themes.
Ultimately, "Shock" elicits a highly divided response. While some readers were able to overlook its flaws and enjoy the suspenseful medical narrative, many others found it to be a significant disappointment, particularly those familiar with the author's previous works. This book might appeal to readers seeking a quick, undemanding medical thriller with a compelling concept, who are willing to suspend disbelief regarding character actions and plot realism. However, those who value strong character development, logical consistency, meticulous research, and a well-crafted, satisfying resolution are likely to find this offering frustrating and unfulfilling.
However, the book received substantial criticism, particularly regarding its execution and conclusion. A recurring complaint was the abrupt and unsatisfying ending, which many felt left the story incomplete and undermined the entire reading experience. Reviewers frequently cited the characters as unbelievable, reckless, and making illogical decisions, despite being portrayed as highly intelligent. The dialogue was often described as stilted, unrealistic, and at times "cringe-worthy." Furthermore, the plot was criticized for being outlandish, far-fetched, and riddled with inconsistencies and sloppy research, especially concerning academic and medical details, as well as the implausibility of certain events like identity fraud. The writing style itself was called amateurish by some, with a tendency to tell rather than show, and a superficial treatment of its complex medical themes.
Ultimately, "Shock" elicits a highly divided response. While some readers were able to overlook its flaws and enjoy the suspenseful medical narrative, many others found it to be a significant disappointment, particularly those familiar with the author's previous works. This book might appeal to readers seeking a quick, undemanding medical thriller with a compelling concept, who are willing to suspend disbelief regarding character actions and plot realism. However, those who value strong character development, logical consistency, meticulous research, and a well-crafted, satisfying resolution are likely to find this offering frustrating and unfulfilling.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Plaza y Janes, 2006
- ISBN
- 9780307348104
- Language
- Spanish
Original edition Despues de tantos anos-- Originally published in 1994 · Spanish · Grijalbo,1994, Barcelona









