Picoverse

Book Description

Picoverse: a universe one million-millionth of our own, created by deliberately ripping apart the fabric of space-time.

A big-bang of an adventure, Robert Metzger's Picoverse boldly embraces the grand traditions of the genre, while exploding beyond the limits of knowledge, beyond the edges of the imagination, and beyond the boundaries of the universe as we know it.

"Probably the most daring SF novel since Ringworld...mind-boggling." (F. Paul Wilson, author of All the Rage)

"Bob Metzger knows his science. He proves it in Picoverse, a complex and intriguing story that ranges widely through time and space." (Charles Sheffield, author of The Spheres of Heaven)

"Metzger has captured the essence of that good old time religion SF fans have worshiped since the genre began: a rousing hard SF tale with a true Sense of Wonder...This one is a winner." (David A. Truesdale, Editor, SFWA Bulletin)

"A 21st century leap from the physics lab into the multiverse that only Gregory Benford, Philip José Farmer, and A.E. Van Vogt could have written-if they had ever collaborated." (Tom Easton, Reviewer, Analog)

Download Description

A big-bang of an adventure, Robert A. Metzger's Picoverse boldly embraces the grand traditions of the genre, while exploding beyond the limits of scientific knowledge, beyond the edges of imagination, and beyond the boundaries of the universe as we know it. When funding is cut for Sonomak-the fusion power project that she and her ex-husband are working on-Dr. Katie McGuire faces an uncertain future. Until the real potential of Sonomak is unwittingly revealed. In steps the mysterious Alexandra Mitchell. Armed with unlimited resources, Mitchell commandeers the Sonomak project for her own use. With her team now assembled, including Katie, her ex-husband, and physicist Jack Preston, Mitchell reveals her true goal: to use Sonomak to create a brand new universe, a Picoverse one million-millionth of our own. Now, all systems are go on an experiment to deliberately rip apart the fabric of space-time.

Customer Reviews:

Wild Speculations with 1-D characters.......2006-08-11

This book was immensely successful in two ways -- the constant shifting and expanding exposition of the science fiction picoverses was huge in success. Without a doubt, the sci-fi aspect was a fast-paced mental rollercoaster, a crowning achievement in the genre. As an extension or buddy, the setting descriptions were wonderful, easily taking the reader through multiple alternative worlds and settings, evoking alienness, familiarity, and awe.

Then there's the bad parts, the characters and plotting. We never get a main character, with the perspective switching (often in mid-scene) between several cut-out cardboard possibilities. The concerned mother, the egotistical scientist *more than one*, the child prodigy, the old-fashioned engineer, and the evil alien witch. These are cookie-cutter builds, and one occassionally turns into another. Metzger treats characters as a disposable element and totally fails at the romance aspects. This would be ok, but bad characters and bad plotting manage to bring the book down. For example, the concerned mother pulses into egotistical scientist like a bizzare wave function ('my Anthony'), never reflecting a logical chain.

As fun a ride as the speculative sci-fi is, towards the end of the book, the author throws down too much. Ethical behavior contrasts badly with described settings and events. Metzger makes a big deal about character ethical crises later, yet never explores such ethics with any depth. While an interesting twist, the ending was abrupt and tried integrating the prior (terrible) romantic overtones.

Three stars: +pace, +sci-fi, +settings, -characters, -plot.

Ye Gods!.......2006-08-08

This was one of those books that kept me going long enough to become vested in reading to the end even though I was desperate to put the book down.

Initially, I was able to overlook some very weak storytelling and characterizations because the premise was intriguing. But as the story went on the main characters seemed to alternate between having God-like powers to being helpless kittens then totally changing into some kind of super Neanderthal...I was unsure who I was really following. And towards the end, as the characters jumped from one incomprehensible locale to another, I got the feeling that the author was simply trying to meet a deadline.

And, as another reviewer stated, some of the "main" characters were incredibly annoying. Katie's "he's just a boy" mantra was enough to make me grind my teeth to powder. Jack's alternating obliviousness to his situation was equally frustrating. And I never figured out how it was that Anthony was somehow so central to everything that was going on.

I was relieved to finish the book and the weak and unsatisfying ending was not in the least surprising.

Picoverse seemed very random.......2005-10-15

This book had a great premise, and I picked it off the shelf ready to read something by someone new. I may not pick up Metzger again.

It started off fine, but quickly began taking twists and turns that I couldn't believe were planned. I felt like the author just started typing to see where it would take him. He got three quarters of the way through the book and figured out he needed to wrap it up, and tried feebly to tie all the pieces together.

Here's an overview: Your main cast of characters have developed a technology that can create smaller universes. Two of them were formerly married and have a child that is autistic. Two others are pretty meaningless tech types. A fifth is a government person, and the final primary character is a being from the universe that created ours. Her mission, originally, was to prevent us from doing the same thing. But then she got it in her head that she wanted to break away from her bosses and encouraged the project.

Well, she, and the team succeeds. And then the book, which was already getting thin, went straight downhill. Those twists and turns I mentioned came fast and furious. I couldn't not finish it, because I'm like that. I will say that one cool and interesting idea comes out of this disaster of a book. It involves the extinction of the dinosaurs, and I won't say what it is in the event that one of you readers wants to take a chance on this book.

The plot was thin, the ending was hasty and yet somehow still dragged on forever, and the characters/dialogue was terrible. I have to give it some star rating, but I'm okay with the one star for the dinosaur bit.

What a Blast! Like Bear in his prime........2005-05-21

As you will have noted by the bimodal distribution of other reviews, you will either love or hate this book. Personally, I loved it. The pace and scope of the book are exhilarating -- the book starts fast with plenty of hard sci fi, and from there it accelerates and expands with a vengance. I'll offer a simple test: If you enjoyed books like Blood Music or Eon (i.e., books where you think you know where the story is going, only to discover that the story spins wildly beyond what you imagined), then I believe you'll like Picoverse. I am sympathetic to those who have given poor ratings to this book: You must suspend disbelief and be willing to enjoy the ride with a book like this. A lot of key plot developments are simply popped on the reader, without warning, which can be frustrating to those looking for consistent and structured plot development. And the ending relies too heavily on the deux ex machina (although much, much less so than some sci fi, such as Peter Hamilton's Night's Dawn series). Having said that, I personally enjoyed this book very much. It was a romp of a read, blending the wild action and plot lines of vintage sci fi serials (in fact, at times, it reminded me of old Flash Gordon reels, with the characters fighting their way through ever wilder and more impossible situations) with the best of modern hard sci fi. If you're looking for a fun, wild book for a long flight or a rainy weekend, pick up this novel and let yourself go with the story.

INCREDIBLE SCIENTIFIC ADVENTURE.......2004-09-18

PICOVERSE IS A NOVEL THAT STARTS OUT WITH AGOOD PREMISE AND GRABS YOU AND NEVER LETS GO. THE IDEA OF PARALLEL UNIVERSE IS SO WELL EXPLORED AND THE DEPTH OF THE CHARACTERS MAKE YOU FELL FOR THEM. THE LAST ONE HUDRED PAGES CARRIES YOU TO AN AMAZING CLIMAX THAT WRAPS UP EVERYTHING IN A INCREDIBLE AND EXITING WAY. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK

Average customer rating:

Picoverse
Robert A. Metzger
Manufacturer: Ace Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MBZEJE

Average customer rating:

Picoverse
Robert A. Metzger
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000SSWJZS

Amazon.com

Even well-versed Biblical scholars might be perplexed if asked about Jabez, a little-known man listed in 1 Chronicles, chapter 4. Yet his simple petition is the cornerstone of The Prayer of Jabez and has become a call to live a more "blessed life" for countless readers.

The prayer is a simple one: "And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, 'Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.' So God granted him what he requested."

In an era where many Christians shy away from anything that smacks of "name it and claim it," author Bruce Wilkinson alleviates misgivings by putting the prayer into perspective. Wilkinson, founder and president of Walk thru the Bible Ministries and a popular speaker for Promise Keepers, writes in a persuasive, conversational style that will woo even the most cynical reader. He has used the Jabez prayer for more than 30 years, and testifies enthusiastically to the changes it has wrought in his own life. Wilkinson challenges readers to recite the Jabez prayer every morning and keep a record of the changes that occur. The power, he emphasizes, is not in the prayer itself, but "rather, the power is in what you believe will happen as a result of the prayer, and the action you take." Wilkinson makes a convincing case. --Cindy Crosby

Book Description

Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, president of Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, takes readers to 1 Chronicles 4:10 to discover how they can release God's miraculous power and experience the blessings God longs to give each of us. The life of Jabez, one of the Bible's most overlooked heroes of the faith, bursts from unbroken pages of genealogies in an audacious, four-part prayer that brings him an extraordinary measure of divine favor, anointing, and protection. Readers who commit to offering the same prayer on a regular basis will find themselves extravagantly blessed by God, and agents of His miraculous power, in everyday life.

Do you want to be extravagantly blessed by God?

Are you ready to reach for the extraordinary? To ask God for the abundant blessings He longs to give you? Join Bruce Wilkinson to discover how the remarkable prayer of a little-known Bible hero can release God’s favor, power, and protection. You’ll see how one daily prayer can help you leave the past behind -- and break through to the life you were meant to live.

Customer Reviews:

I tried but didnt get it ..........2007-06-15

I promised myself I'd read this for a dear friend who asked me when he was passing away. I kept my promise, almost. I read 75% of it but never really got the prayer deal other than bless me and bless me some more. Sorry folks but I dont see what the hoopla is about?

Fantastic.......2007-06-09

This is a marvelous gem of a book with the potential to change the world

What did it accomplish?.......2007-04-29

I was just talking with my men's Bible study group about this very book. I remember when it swept through the church like wild fire. We recited it at my church every week. What exactly was the lasting legacy of this book? Nothing...nothing at all except it sold quite a few books and calenders. Actually, it might have indeed left a legacy...Bless me God, bless me...give me more and bless me indeed...ME
ME...ME...The prosperity preachers abounding today say similar things.

Little Book---Big Message.......2007-03-15

I was a little taken aback when I read some of the negative reviews on this book. It inspired me and I keep a copy of it in my car so I can have it's message and 'the prayer' handy. Christians, just like anyone, sometimes feel burnout or frustration. For me, this was the bellows that blew on my heart to rekindle the flames of belief.

Look for a book with more depth.......2007-01-12

This book was given to my wife as a Christmas present by the youth coordinator at our church. It's a very short book - only 92 pages - that can be read in just a short time. It is a light and easy read for a long afternoon.

Bruce Wilkinson takes the prayer said by Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:10 and explains how praying this prayer can greatly change things in your life and bring blessings to yourself. Some may find the prayer to be a bit selfish, but if the blessings you receive are used in the right way it can surely be used to God's advantage.

The book is an easy and light read and there are plenty of good points about prayer. I like Jabez's prayer and it is one that I may apply in my personal prayer life. But the book failed to really spark anything in my soul. Maybe if I apply the prayer long enough this opinion may change, but for now, I've certainly read other books which have lit my soul on fire and really push me to make a difference in myself for the glory of God. I'm also a bit weary of Wilkinson's translations of what the prayer really means. There are no supporting facts to back up Wilkinson's claims of Jabez's meaning of the prayer. I would recommend this book maybe to a new believer just to give them a jump start with prayer (the book does encourage you to pray every day). But for someone who is looking for more depth in their prayer life, I'd suggest other books on the subject.

The Prayer of Jabez Devotional: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life

Average customer rating:

Pre-cursor to "The Secret"! Not a compliment!
An Eyeopener
insightful and helpful
PARADIGM SHIFT FOR CHRISTIANS
A short, but life changing message.

The Prayer of Jabez Devotional: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life
Bruce Wilkinson
Manufacturer: Multnomah
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Prayer | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Devotionals | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1576738442
Release Date: 2001-05-04

Book Description

Those familiar with Bruce Wilkinson's breakthrough teaching on I Chronicles 4:10 know -- offering the prayer of Jabez leads to the truly blessed life! Now you're ready to make that experience a life-long daily one. In The Prayer of Jabez Devotional the founder of Walk Thru the Bible Ministries takes you even further in a personal encounter with God's extravagant best for you. Daily readings, inspiring quotes, practical suggestions, and problem-solving will enrich your resolve to take more territory for God. This guided mentoring experience is a personal, thirty-one day spiritual resource to use with or without previous Prayer of Jabez publications.

Customer Reviews:

Pre-cursor to "The Secret"! Not a compliment!.......2007-06-21

I have nothing against game shows, some are fun. But this book makes God out to be a celestial Monty Hall, ready to give out favors if we can only pull the correct trinket out of our spiritual wallet or handbag. I can't think of a single religion that is as self-centered as the author's take on Christianity.Isn't religion about gaining understanding and developing a relationship with God? This book makes God out to be a sugar daddy! Read a bit of "Psalms" every morning instead of misguided efforts like this one.

An Eyeopener.......2004-08-31

A friend of mine recommended this book and I could say that it is an instant eye opener of how we should pray to God. Jabez's prayer is a simple yet powerful one. I've tried it ever since I read the book, and it has worked for me. Miracles really happen through prayer.

insightful and helpful.......2004-02-08

There is much to be learned from this wonderful 31 day devotional, not only in what it teaches, but in the questions it asks one to think about, and seek the answer within.
It is a helpful companion piece to Dr. Wilkinson's "The Prayer of Jabez", his first book in "The BreakThrough Series" ("Little Books/Big Change").
The format is excellent, dividing the month into weeks, each week focusing on a part of the Jabez prayer:
# 1, "O Lord, Bless Me Indeed !"; # 2, "O Lord, Enlarge My Borders !"; # 3, "O Lord, Put Your Hand upon Me !", and # 4, "O Lord, Keep Me from Evil !".
For each day there are 3 pages which include Dr. Wilkinson's insightful piece, 2-3 marvelous quotes from other sources that apply to the theme of the day, and a question for one to dig deep into one's motives and activities, and use as a springboard for the journaling one does afterwards.

The prayer of Jabez, from 1 Chronicles 4:10, is life changing, similar in so many ways to The Lord's Prayer ((Matt. 6:9-13), and the full understanding of it seems to only come when one is ready for it, and prepared to serve the Lord in a larger capacity. Many misunderstand it, thinking the blessings asked for are for one's own gratification, but this is not the case. The lesson of Jabez is in doing more for the Lord, as stated on pg. 54, "God wants you to urgently desire a larger life with more opportunities to serve Him".
A well constructed and aesthetically pleasing little book, with light peachy-beige marbleized pages and dark brown easy-to-read print, reading this every morning for a month is time put to good use. For a powerful 365 day devotional, I highly recommend Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest".

PARADIGM SHIFT FOR CHRISTIANS.......2002-06-18

The Prayer of Jabez Devotional is even more powerful than the original introductory book. Using practical and reachable illustrations the author(s) brings accross an all important truth: "God wants to bless us indeed, in spite of ourselves, notwithstanding what we may do or who we really are." It takes the simple act of asking, beleiving that He will, and allowing Him to use us to accomplish and attain the unimaginable. Sounds pretty simple, but we have failed to get it for so many years.

This devotional not only enlightens Christians to the incredible possibilities that are theirs for the asking, but it gives a new perspective on what God is capable of doing with and for us. All it takes is a shift in paradigm.

A short, but life changing message........2001-11-28

"Oh that thou wouldst bless me and enlarge my border, and that thy hand might be with me, and that thou wouldst keep me from harm so that it might not hurt me!" And God granted what he asked." 1 Chronicles 4:10

Next to the basic message of salvation, this must be one of the most powerful messages from God I have come accross.

My life has been dramatically changed since I read this book and applied its wisdom.

Book Description

Simple Prayer, Dramatic Life-Change

It’s a timeless prayer that produces timely results! Bruce Wilkinson takes readers to 1 Chronicles 4:10 to discover how they can release God’s miraculous power and experience the blessings God longs to give each of us. The life of Jabez, one of the Bible’s most overlooked heroes of the faith, bursts from unbroken pages of genealogies in an audacious, fourpart prayer that brings him an extraordinary measure of divine favor, anointing, and protection. Readers who commit to offering the same prayer on a regular basis will find themselves extravagantly blessed by God, and agents of His miraculous power, in everyday life.

Banner Across Corner:

17 million Jabez series books in print!

Do you want to be extravagantly blessed by God?

Are you ready to reach for the extraordinary? To ask God for the abundant blessings He longs to give you? Join Bruce Wilkinson to discover how the remarkable prayer of a little-known Bible hero can release God’s favor, power, and protection. You’ll see how one daily prayer can help you leave the past behind—and break through to the life you were meant to live.

Story Behind the Book

When The Prayer of Jabez first released in 2000 and sold nine million copies in two years, Bruce Wilkinson’s mailbox was flooded with countless personal stories of answered prayer. God’s mighty hand was using the prayer to change lives in both small and dramatic ways. Such undeniable testimonies make it impossible to ignore God’s presence, active and alive today! This repack meets the demand that continues to ask for the original bestseller—now with a stunning new look!

The Prayer Of Jabez - Breaking Through To The Blessed Life - The Breakthrough Series, Little Books, Big Change

Average customer rating:

The Prayer Of Jabez - Breaking Through To The Blessed Life - The Breakthrough Series, Little Books, Big Change
Bruce H., Dr., with Kopp, David Wilkinson
Manufacturer: Multnomah Publ.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JZX0M6

The Prayer of Jabez for Women audio curriculum CD - 4-part: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life (Audio CD Series)

Average customer rating:

Powerful Message In A Small Book
Awesome!!!
Inspirational, Yet Repetitive
Born again Christian
great book, but beware

The Prayer of Jabez for Women audio curriculum CD - 4-part: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life (Audio CD Series)
Global Vision Resources
Manufacturer: Global Vision Resources
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

ASIN: 0972007466

Book Description

Includes 4 CDs in a jewel case. Guides are sold separtely.

Customer Reviews:

Powerful Message In A Small Book.......2005-01-03

This is a great book, wonderful insights, I read it New Years Eve, great way to start my new journey.

Awesome!!!.......2003-04-27

This book was so thought pravoking and such a blessing. I recommend this for anyone that feels that their life is not where they want it to be.

Inspirational, Yet Repetitive.......2003-01-29

I would have enjoyed this book more if I had not already read The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. This version lays out much of the same information, with a few insights for women tucked in. The overall message of both books (which is valuable) is the same. I felt I was reading something that I had already read before. However, the prayer works, as many people have discovered. If you have not read one of the books from this series and you are looking to have a closer walk with God, you will find inspiring information.

Born again Christian.......2002-09-07

This is a great book to read to understand the prayer of Jabez. It not only goes into great detail about each line of the prayer but the author also gives personal accounts on how God has expanded her and her friends territories. A must read. Short and sweet.
God Bless

great book, but beware.......2002-07-10

I found this book to be insightful, though not quite as good as Secrets of the Vine (written by her husband, Bruce). Darlene Wilkinson gives the Prayer of Jabez a slightly different spin, putting her perspective on it. But beware of several items: 1) this is written from her perspective, so don't presume that all she says will apply or even make sense from yours; and 2) asking for God to enlarge your territory doesn't necessarily mean make you rich. I noticed a few other reviewers of Bruce Wilkinson's book thought that it meant make me rich. I took it to mean, make me more effective for Your kingdom, Lord, by taking me out of my comfort zone (my territory). Just as King Solomon prayed for wisdom and God, because He was pleased with his request, made him the richest king of all time, so with Jabez. The very same day I began my 30 day trial (I am still in it, by the way), God granted my wish by opening a position at my church for me to minister through serving. The Lord has truly blessed me through this prayer. It is 100% effective if you keep your eyes open and don't expect physical riches. For me, the riches I am seeking are those to be found in my eternal home. Though I'm not going to turn down any earthly riches if that is God's plan!

The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life (Breakthrough (Multnomah Paperback))

Average customer rating:

Pretty Interesting

The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life (Breakthrough (Multnomah Paperback))
Bruce Wilkinson
Manufacturer: Multnomah Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Devotionals | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1576739848

Customer Reviews:

Pretty Interesting.......2005-12-09

This is a good little book. It is pretty amazing that this Pastor from Alabama found this one short prayer in the Bible that he believes can solve all of man's problems. At least that is my interpetation of the book. It is a nice addition to someone who has read the Bible and maybe missed that important little prayer.

The Prayer Of Jabez: Breaking Through To The Blessed Life (The Breakthrough Series)

Average customer rating:

The Prayer Of Jabez: Breaking Through To The Blessed Life (The Breakthrough Series)
Bruce Wilkinson , and David Kopp
Manufacturer: Walker Large Print
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Prayer | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Religion & Spirituality | Large Print | Formats | Books
ASIN: 1594150494

3 Book Set By Bruce Wilkinson (The Break Through Series); the Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life; Secrets of the Vine" Breaking Through to Abundance; the Prayer of Jabez for Teens

Average customer rating:

3 Book Set By Bruce Wilkinson (The Break Through Series); the Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life; Secrets of the Vine" Breaking Through to Abundance; the Prayer of Jabez for Teens
Bruce Wilkinson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WU2QMI

Product Description

3 Book Set By Bruce Wilkinson (The Break Through Series); the Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life; Secrets of the Vine" Breaking Through to Abundance; the Prayer of Jabez for Teens.

The Breakthrough Series, 3 Volumes: The Prayer of Jabez, Secrets of the Vine, a Life God Rewards

Average customer rating:

The Breakthrough Series, 3 Volumes: The Prayer of Jabez, Secrets of the Vine, a Life God Rewards
Bruce Wilkinson
Manufacturer: Multnomah Pub. Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Secrets of the Vine: Breaking Through to Abundance (Breakthrough Series)

ASIN: B000P27YRU

Product Description

Encourage your loved ones to embrace the life God intends for them with this life-changing gift collection! Complemented with gorgeous illustrations, reflections from Wilkinson's best-selling The Prayer of Jabez, Secrets of the Vine, and A Life God Rewards reveal transforming truths that lead to lavish blessings, realized potential, and eternal life. Three hardcovers, from Multnomah.

Average customer rating:

The Prayer Of Jabez - Breaking Through To The Blessed Life - The Breakthrough Series
Bruce H., Dr., with Kopp, David Wilkinson
Manufacturer: Multnomah Publ.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000T4EGMK

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books