In the preface, Steve Alten brags about the popularity of his first novel, [b:Meg|105744|Meg (MEG, #1)|Steve Alten|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1407870638l/105744._SY75_.jpg|411660], and how even school teachers have used it to inspire science students. As a lover of all things scientific, I find this assertion hard to believe. However if it's true, then the future of STEM is in serious trouble.

Regardless, I can tell you right now, there is NO WAY any teacher will use [b:Meg: Origins|12396870|Origins (MEG #0.5)|Steve Alten|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327935710l/12396870._SX50_.jpg|17378096] for the purpose of promoting the sciences among our youth, unless gambling, escorts, and "D cups" are on the syllabus.

This novel rivals [b:The Godfather|22034|The Godfather|Mario Puzo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1394988109l/22034._SY75_.jpg|266624] in its disrespect for women. And the rest of this campy book, just like [b:Meg|105744|Meg (MEG, #1)|Steve Alten|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1407870638l/105744._SY75_.jpg|411660] itself, reads more like a Sharknado script than a science-based novel. Two grudging stars.