Now a major motion picture starring Bradley Cooper, Robert DeNiro, and Abbie Cornish. Alan Glynn's Limitless is a high-concept thriller for this Adderall age, and a haunting meditation on the allure and the curse of human potential. A burnout at thirty-five, months behind on his book, low on cash, and something of a loser, Eddie Spinola could use a shot in the arm. One day he randomly runs into Vernon, his ex-wife's brother, and his ex-dealer. Now employed by a shadowy pharmaceutical company, Vernon has something that might help: a new designer drug that stimulates brain function. One pill and Eddie is hooked. His book is finished within days; he learns and synthesizes information at a frightening rate; and he can go a long time without sleep or food. Naturally, he begins to play the stock market. But when Vernon turns up dead, Eddie makes off with the only stash of the drug in existence. Then come the side effects: black-outs, blinding headaches, and violent outbursts he can't seem to remember.
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"Loved every minute of this thrill ride of a book. The book was much better developed than the movie based on it, Limitless with Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro. Gave me so much to think about. "
— Shelby (5 out of 5 stars)
“Alan Glynn has created enough twists and thrills to keep readers up late--even without resorting to illegal and dangerous substances.
— The New York Times Book ReviewA compulsive chemical thriller.
— San Francisco Chronicle" I was intrigued by the premise, but didn't get what I expected. No ruminations of taking MDT myself. "
— Jay, 2/14/2014" If you've seen the movie you might be disappointed by a totally different ending. Still a good read. "
— Pat, 2/5/2014" I'm wavering between 2 and 3 stars on this one. I love the premise, the idea - and it's not far-fetched at all - that a pill could help us utilise our full mental potential. How addictive that would be! Glynn's writing is good as are his characters. If anything he overdid the research in my opinion: there's way too much information regarding how his MC conquered the stock market - pages of it. For me he should have summed this all up in one paragraph: For the next couple of months I analysed and mastered the stock market, earning myself a shit-load of money - and then moved on. And then there's the story's ending, which I'm pleased to hear was rewritten for the film. Yes, the ending is true to life, but this is fiction, not life, so I believe it should have been a bit more hopeful. Glynn could have done so much more with this great idea. Still, it's worth reading if for no other reason than it makes you think. "
— Jenny, 1/26/2014" I picked this up because the movie Limitless was based on it, and I was curious to see how the novel ended; I felt the movie ending was a departure from the story as it had been proceeding. I was right; the book ends quite differently, much more in line with the main thread of the story. Not as happy of a resolution, but certainly a more authentic and satisfying one. An interesting comment on the notions of human potential, reminiscent of Flowers For Algernon, though with less pathos and a touch of conspiracy theory. "
— Joy, 1/25/2014" Movie adaptation wasn't nearly dark enough for my taste. "
— Ioanna, 1/19/2014" Do prefer the movie ending better than the one in the book. Ever optimistic me. "
— Zabetta, 1/19/2014" Story about a "smart" drug. Very intriguing, adventurous story. Author describes events well but has trouble making emotional attributes feel real. I felt a little disconnected from the main character. "
— Alicia, 1/2/2014" Loved every minute of this thrill ride of a book. The book was much better developed than the movie based on it, Limitless with Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro. Gave me so much to think about. "
— Shelby, 12/19/2013" This book was a total surprise and flew under the radar. I can't think of too many other books that left me thinking for so many days afterward. "
— David, 12/3/2013" Brilliant idea. But the finale could have been better! "
— Mohammed, 12/1/2013" I really liked it. I'm glad I didn't see the movie :) "
— Megan, 11/23/2013" 97% of the book was SO good but seriously had the worst ending humanly possible. "
— Ryan, 8/5/2013" A man takes a designer drug that makes him fulfill all of his deepest potential. A shot of kambucha tea has the same effect on me. "
— David, 5/20/2013" Fast paced thriller not my usual cup of Earl Grey but I really enjoyed this. Not such a far fetched idea either. If I end up Prime minister next election you will know I took the MDT. Looking forward to seeing the movie. "
— Andy, 12/12/2012" I definitely enjoyed this book. It was a little hard to get into at first, but as soon as the real action got going, I couldn't put it down. "
— Helen, 3/15/2012" Really gripping page-turner. The film "Limitless" from 2011 is based on this book and I recommend it as well (I found it on Netflix streaming). "
— Karen, 2/16/2012" this book was very good, i experienced anxiety when i was reading it though "
— Chris, 6/24/2011" Great book, hard to put down. "
— Joni, 6/15/2011" One of those books that you don't want to end. Hope there's a follow up "
— Jane, 5/26/2011" it was ok, readable, but get the feeling there was always a movie in mind... would be good for a holiday! "
— James, 5/16/2011" I loved this book. It was deep and well written. The ending was dark and terrible. The movie was "different". "
— Marcus, 5/9/2011" I got the book on Kindle right after seeing the movie "Limitless". The book is better, and darker than the movie! "
— Priscilla, 5/9/2011" I would say 2.5 for it's bleakness. Yet, I wanted to keep reading, particularly after getting half-way through. The main character's turmoil and disconnection feel so real. "
— Nicole, 4/24/2011" Fast paced thriller not my usual cup of Earl Grey but I really enjoyed this. Not such a far fetched idea either. If I end up Prime minister next election you will know I took the MDT. Looking forward to seeing the movie. "
— Andy, 4/23/2011Alan Glynn is a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin. His first novel, The Dark Fields, was released as the movie Limitless in 2011. His other novels include Bloodland, Winterland, and Graveland. Glynn lives in Ireland with his wife and two sons.
Fred Berman has won several AudioFile Earphones Awards as well as the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. He is an actor of theater, film, and television whose credits include Broadway’s The Lion King, Law & Order, and Directing Eddie, among others. He was featured in Entertainment Weekly for his work on the Walking Dead audiobook series.