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The Zul Enigma
WHO... OR WHAT... IS ZUL?
THE ZUL ENIGMA, J M Leitch's debut sci fi thriller, awarded Book of the Month by E-thriller.com, is provoking passionate feedback: "... chillingly possible. An intelligent and riveting read which left me with a lasting sense of unease"
"...it absolutely blew my mind into a bazillion pieces" and "by far, one of the best books I've ever read."
'It took Scott Fuller a full five minutes to recover from the shock. A relative of the infamous Dr Carlos Maiz, the man charged with committing murder on the largest scale in the history of mankind, had hunted him down wanting to talk. He inhaled a deep breath before returning the call.'
The Zul Enigma, best selling futuristic science fiction thriller, seamlessly weaves New Age beliefs with hard, physics facts. Set in 2068 it spans two generations following a quest to expose the perpetrator behind a cataclysmic event that takes place in 2012, changing the world forever.
In March 2012, when an alien entity claiming to represent the Galactic Federation contacts Dr Carlos Maiz, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, he thinks it's a hoax. But Zul persuades Carlos that, without his intervention, the coming month of December will not just mark the end of the year... it will be the end of the world.
Carlos, doing battle with his own demons as well as with a sceptical boss, NASA, the National Security Agency, National Intelligence and the President of the USA who wants him committed to a mental asylum, races the ticking clock to set up a global initiative to avert Zul's horrific prediction. But when a monstrous apocalypse of a different nature altogether brings the planet to its knees, rather than being lauded for saving humanity Carlos is accused of destroying it... and of inventing Zul.
Fifty-five years later, Rachael Harris makes a disturbing discovery. She is related to the infamous Carlos Maiz. The more she learns, however, the more convinced she is that he was the victim of a sophisticated conspiracy. Delving deep and tracking down two of his old associates she uncovers the hideous reality underlying the events of that frightful day in December 2012, revealing a tale of global deception for a prize of absolute power.
Underpinned by a theme of betrayal, this dystopian novel is set against a backdrop of climate change, overpopulation, world war, alien encounters, presidential plots and a new world order. A venomous twist reveals the most horrific conspiracy one could ever imagine and Zul is behind it.
'I was there, damn you. I saw it with my own eyes. And it was horrific. And of course it was wrong. It was the worst thing I could ever, ever, have imagined.'
'Now it's too late. It doesn't matter who you tell or what you say. No one will ever believe you.'
THE ZUL ENIGMA, J M Leitch's debut sci fi thriller, awarded Book of the Month by E-thriller.com, is provoking passionate feedback: "... chillingly possible. An intelligent and riveting read which left me with a lasting sense of unease"
"...it absolutely blew my mind into a bazillion pieces" and "by far, one of the best books I've ever read."
'It took Scott Fuller a full five minutes to recover from the shock. A relative of the infamous Dr Carlos Maiz, the man charged with committing murder on the largest scale in the history of mankind, had hunted him down wanting to talk. He inhaled a deep breath before returning the call.'
The Zul Enigma, best selling futuristic science fiction thriller, seamlessly weaves New Age beliefs with hard, physics facts. Set in 2068 it spans two generations following a quest to expose the perpetrator behind a cataclysmic event that takes place in 2012, changing the world forever.
In March 2012, when an alien entity claiming to represent the Galactic Federation contacts Dr Carlos Maiz, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, he thinks it's a hoax. But Zul persuades Carlos that, without his intervention, the coming month of December will not just mark the end of the year... it will be the end of the world.
Carlos, doing battle with his own demons as well as with a sceptical boss, NASA, the National Security Agency, National Intelligence and the President of the USA who wants him committed to a mental asylum, races the ticking clock to set up a global initiative to avert Zul's horrific prediction. But when a monstrous apocalypse of a different nature altogether brings the planet to its knees, rather than being lauded for saving humanity Carlos is accused of destroying it... and of inventing Zul.
Fifty-five years later, Rachael Harris makes a disturbing discovery. She is related to the infamous Carlos Maiz. The more she learns, however, the more convinced she is that he was the victim of a sophisticated conspiracy. Delving deep and tracking down two of his old associates she uncovers the hideous reality underlying the events of that frightful day in December 2012, revealing a tale of global deception for a prize of absolute power.
Underpinned by a theme of betrayal, this dystopian novel is set against a backdrop of climate change, overpopulation, world war, alien encounters, presidential plots and a new world order. A venomous twist reveals the most horrific conspiracy one could ever imagine and Zul is behind it.
'I was there, damn you. I saw it with my own eyes. And it was horrific. And of course it was wrong. It was the worst thing I could ever, ever, have imagined.'
'Now it's too late. It doesn't matter who you tell or what you say. No one will ever believe you.'
- GenresScience FictionAmazon
472 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
7 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Leitch
1 book4 followersWhen Mum picked me up on my first day of primary school I was in tears. 'Whatever's the matter?' she asked. I spat out my words between heaving staccato sobs. They were an accusing finger. 'YOU said they'd teach me to read!’ It took much longer than I expected... but they did teach me. And I've not stopped reading since. They also taught me to write. And I published my first novel in 2011, The Zul Enigma (you can purchase it at www.amazon.com).
As to my background? Well, I was born just outside London, England, and moved to Asia where I've lived half my life. I now spend my time between Singapore, Assam in North East India, Bali in Indonesia and the UK. In addition to reading and writing I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends. I love laughing and try to spend as much time doing that as I can. I think it keeps me healthy! My hobbies are reading, tennis and travelling. I also enjoy good food and wine. Mmm...
As to my background? Well, I was born just outside London, England, and moved to Asia where I've lived half my life. I now spend my time between Singapore, Assam in North East India, Bali in Indonesia and the UK. In addition to reading and writing I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends. I love laughing and try to spend as much time doing that as I can. I think it keeps me healthy! My hobbies are reading, tennis and travelling. I also enjoy good food and wine. Mmm...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 2, 2012
Metaphysics, Physics & Mysteries Swathed in Drama
Spanish Carlos Maiz, 49, was the director of the United Nations for Outer Space Affairs centered in Vienna, Austria. Three years prior, when he was a very vibrant man, his wife Elena with whom he had a passionate marriage, one day became so angry at Carlos that she flew out of the apartment. The next day she was found beaten to death, for which Carlos thereafter blamed himself for her untimely death. One day Carlos as this U.N. director, received an email with an audio file attachment from the President of the Galactic Federation, a consortium of consciousness from other planets, with a short message that soon he would be given information of momentous significance. Carlos fired off an Unusual Network Incident Report calling for an investigation for the email showed no address. Thereafter he receive several long similar communications in which he was given much metaphysical information leading up to the fact that something momentous would happen on December 21, 2012. When the computer investigators could not find where the emails were coming from other than only his email site, he contacted Greg Howard, the head of the U.N., whereupon they decided that perhaps the Americans, who had better equipment, could find the root of these emails. When they talked to President Bob Anderson, he was convinced they were out to ruin him politically and he had Carlos taken into custody so he couldn’t talk to anyone.
The emails were continually filled with metaphysical and physics information, providing reasons for their issuance to him. Finally in President Bob’s hysteria, he gave Carlos a choice. Either he was to allow an American doctor to take him to Madrid to be consigned to a mental institution or he will be arrested under the Patriot Act and held incognito so long as the Americans decided. Eventually he was in a car wreck while being transported to the safe house, managed to escape, rescued by U.N. men and taken to a hospital in Vienna where Greg could help him.
Eventually it was confirmed that the emails were coming to Carlos from somewhere other than from him. Carlos always believed that these messages are from an E.T. and the drift of the messages was that there were two kinds of humans: those who have compassion for others and live to serve God by serving others and can change themselves for the better by daily meditation; or those who only love themselves and serve self. The ones who love others will become 4th dimensional on December 21, 2012 and will leave this planet as light, leaving dead bodies behind. The ones who love self will stay in third dimension. Carlos and Greg, because they are U.N., decide to send a message out to everyone connected to the U.N. to daily meditate for this will improve their chances to become 4th dimensional and rise in vibrations with Earth. Most everyone is so tired of disease, natural disasters and wars that they actually respond and meditated. Carlos and Greg were thrilled by such a response and then made plans on how to deal with all of these dead bodies if this comes to transpire.
The balance of the book covers personal inter-actions, both good and painful, with Carlos and other friends and family, the events leading up to and including December 21, 2012, and then several extremely different scenarios occur following all of these events, which jump like one mystery answered leads to another mystery to be answered and on and on. The plot is extremely complex and convoluted, rapidly taking the reader from one fork in the road to another. The story is exciting and a page turner. The only weakness is that it dwelt too long and too often on the different aspects of metaphysics, much beyond what the reader needed to know or understand important to the ramifications of December 21, 2012.
It took the author seven and half years to write this book and she sought out her information from people well known in the field of metaphysics physics and communications technology. I couldn’t believe it each time a new fork in the road showed up that interjected something new into the story, which made it a page turner. I loved it and for a first time author, I truly commend her.
Spanish Carlos Maiz, 49, was the director of the United Nations for Outer Space Affairs centered in Vienna, Austria. Three years prior, when he was a very vibrant man, his wife Elena with whom he had a passionate marriage, one day became so angry at Carlos that she flew out of the apartment. The next day she was found beaten to death, for which Carlos thereafter blamed himself for her untimely death. One day Carlos as this U.N. director, received an email with an audio file attachment from the President of the Galactic Federation, a consortium of consciousness from other planets, with a short message that soon he would be given information of momentous significance. Carlos fired off an Unusual Network Incident Report calling for an investigation for the email showed no address. Thereafter he receive several long similar communications in which he was given much metaphysical information leading up to the fact that something momentous would happen on December 21, 2012. When the computer investigators could not find where the emails were coming from other than only his email site, he contacted Greg Howard, the head of the U.N., whereupon they decided that perhaps the Americans, who had better equipment, could find the root of these emails. When they talked to President Bob Anderson, he was convinced they were out to ruin him politically and he had Carlos taken into custody so he couldn’t talk to anyone.
The emails were continually filled with metaphysical and physics information, providing reasons for their issuance to him. Finally in President Bob’s hysteria, he gave Carlos a choice. Either he was to allow an American doctor to take him to Madrid to be consigned to a mental institution or he will be arrested under the Patriot Act and held incognito so long as the Americans decided. Eventually he was in a car wreck while being transported to the safe house, managed to escape, rescued by U.N. men and taken to a hospital in Vienna where Greg could help him.
Eventually it was confirmed that the emails were coming to Carlos from somewhere other than from him. Carlos always believed that these messages are from an E.T. and the drift of the messages was that there were two kinds of humans: those who have compassion for others and live to serve God by serving others and can change themselves for the better by daily meditation; or those who only love themselves and serve self. The ones who love others will become 4th dimensional on December 21, 2012 and will leave this planet as light, leaving dead bodies behind. The ones who love self will stay in third dimension. Carlos and Greg, because they are U.N., decide to send a message out to everyone connected to the U.N. to daily meditate for this will improve their chances to become 4th dimensional and rise in vibrations with Earth. Most everyone is so tired of disease, natural disasters and wars that they actually respond and meditated. Carlos and Greg were thrilled by such a response and then made plans on how to deal with all of these dead bodies if this comes to transpire.
The balance of the book covers personal inter-actions, both good and painful, with Carlos and other friends and family, the events leading up to and including December 21, 2012, and then several extremely different scenarios occur following all of these events, which jump like one mystery answered leads to another mystery to be answered and on and on. The plot is extremely complex and convoluted, rapidly taking the reader from one fork in the road to another. The story is exciting and a page turner. The only weakness is that it dwelt too long and too often on the different aspects of metaphysics, much beyond what the reader needed to know or understand important to the ramifications of December 21, 2012.
It took the author seven and half years to write this book and she sought out her information from people well known in the field of metaphysics physics and communications technology. I couldn’t believe it each time a new fork in the road showed up that interjected something new into the story, which made it a page turner. I loved it and for a first time author, I truly commend her.
May 10, 2013
This Debut novel by J. M. Leitch is ambitious in its scope, taking in a wide range of topical global concerns, not to mention a contemporary fascination for Conspiracy Theories. True to the poetics and conventions of the Sci-Fi genre It is 'speculative', involving much in the way of 'extrapolation', with an undercurrent of the prophetic. Ecocriticism, fundamentalism, the global economy, and American hegemony all make their mark here, but they are sideshows for what to many is a very real menace facing contemporary culture - namely, behind-the-scenes manipulation and control by faceless business and government cabals.
In fact, this novel is notable for its description of all these concerns, and of contemporary life, from the point of view of a priviledged, wealthy, educated elite. In many ways it is a hark back to earlier Sci-Fi models where the 'ordinary' person is all but invisible and major decisions about the future fate of the human race are decided by a top-down dynamic. A Critical Marxist Theory reading of this novel would instantly highlight the disturbing unequal distributions of power the book represents. Here are 'traditional' gender roles, postitions of power and a disturbing belief that technology is a panacea. And it is ultimately this seemingly benevolent form of (mis)rule that hides a terrible agenda of Neo-Colonialism, genocide, and totalitarianism. Here, the Third World, the poor, and the sick all but disappear in a scenario that has echoes not just of the Holocaust and the final solution, but which also highlights the potential arrogance of a Western modernity. The future has been described, and it is Dystopian. If Sci-Fi is a Palimpsest, then we will be able to glimpse underneath this text the same warnings written by H. G. Wells on Social Darwinsim, and Aldous Huxley on pyschological control of the 'masses'.
If you are a Sci-Fi fan, then this book will capture your interest for many reasons.
In fact, this novel is notable for its description of all these concerns, and of contemporary life, from the point of view of a priviledged, wealthy, educated elite. In many ways it is a hark back to earlier Sci-Fi models where the 'ordinary' person is all but invisible and major decisions about the future fate of the human race are decided by a top-down dynamic. A Critical Marxist Theory reading of this novel would instantly highlight the disturbing unequal distributions of power the book represents. Here are 'traditional' gender roles, postitions of power and a disturbing belief that technology is a panacea. And it is ultimately this seemingly benevolent form of (mis)rule that hides a terrible agenda of Neo-Colonialism, genocide, and totalitarianism. Here, the Third World, the poor, and the sick all but disappear in a scenario that has echoes not just of the Holocaust and the final solution, but which also highlights the potential arrogance of a Western modernity. The future has been described, and it is Dystopian. If Sci-Fi is a Palimpsest, then we will be able to glimpse underneath this text the same warnings written by H. G. Wells on Social Darwinsim, and Aldous Huxley on pyschological control of the 'masses'.
If you are a Sci-Fi fan, then this book will capture your interest for many reasons.
May 8, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in a review swap for my co-authored humorous fantasy book, Growing Disenchantments.
The Zul Enigma gripped me from the start to its stunning and shocking end. It's a unique futuristic thriller and sci-fi conspiracy adventure rolled into one. The story begins with Dr Carlos Maiz, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, being contacted by an entity, purporting to be an alien whom he calls 'Zul', who outlines a theory of galactic evolution linked to the 2012 Mayan calendar prophecy. Once he is convinced of the authenticity of 'Zul', he tries to convince others, including the US President, of the messages given him. This doesn't go down well for him at first.
After various adventures, twists and turns, Dr Maiz and friends help to implement Zul's message that the world should embrace meditation to assist with the looming evolutionary jump once the Mayan calendar runs out, which if not achieved, will result in dire consequences. What happens on the deadline date, when it comes, was a shock that shook me to the core. Some other reviewers have called this book controversial, and I can see why they do, but that is purely a personal opinion of theirs. As a piece of imaginative writing, this is quite cleverly done, intriguing and thought-provoking.
The latter part of the book is set some fifty-five years in the future, when a relative of Dr Maiz finds a lost journal of the time reads her mother's journal of the time and seeks to find out what really happened and why. It is at this time that the extent of the conspiracy is revealed.
I found this book to be a compelling page-turning read and highly original. 5 stars.
The Zul Enigma gripped me from the start to its stunning and shocking end. It's a unique futuristic thriller and sci-fi conspiracy adventure rolled into one. The story begins with Dr Carlos Maiz, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, being contacted by an entity, purporting to be an alien whom he calls 'Zul', who outlines a theory of galactic evolution linked to the 2012 Mayan calendar prophecy. Once he is convinced of the authenticity of 'Zul', he tries to convince others, including the US President, of the messages given him. This doesn't go down well for him at first.
After various adventures, twists and turns, Dr Maiz and friends help to implement Zul's message that the world should embrace meditation to assist with the looming evolutionary jump once the Mayan calendar runs out, which if not achieved, will result in dire consequences. What happens on the deadline date, when it comes, was a shock that shook me to the core. Some other reviewers have called this book controversial, and I can see why they do, but that is purely a personal opinion of theirs. As a piece of imaginative writing, this is quite cleverly done, intriguing and thought-provoking.
The latter part of the book is set some fifty-five years in the future, when a relative of Dr Maiz finds a lost journal of the time reads her mother's journal of the time and seeks to find out what really happened and why. It is at this time that the extent of the conspiracy is revealed.
I found this book to be a compelling page-turning read and highly original. 5 stars.
August 11, 2012
The Zul Enigma by J M Leitch is a refreshing story, as it is not like any other. It doesn’t fit into a certain genre and has lots of twists and turns in the plot. I can tell Leitch put her heart and soul into this book, as it is a high-quality read. The plot is solid, the characters are memorable, and the storyline will keep you guessing.
The multifaceted story covers politics, religion, relationships, secret service, government, and outer space. It goes into the depths of betrayal and lies. It takes place during a time when the end of the world is near and it is evident with all the conflicts and problems occurring.
Because the plot is solid, it is clear that the details were thoroughly researched to make it so believable. The characters are distinct and vivid, and some of them held my heart. The optimist in me wanted everything and everyone to be okay, but in actuality, it was quite the opposite.
This is a very long book, and I would have liked to see the author make it into two books. And there is a lot of alcohol drinking and alcoholic behaviors in this book, which I’m not fond of. However, those two minor setbacks did not keep me from enjoying the story or change my feelings about the book, because I give it five stars.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy conspiracy, science-fiction, action, and thought-provoking storytelling. This book will take you to another world, and the action will keep you turning the pages.
The multifaceted story covers politics, religion, relationships, secret service, government, and outer space. It goes into the depths of betrayal and lies. It takes place during a time when the end of the world is near and it is evident with all the conflicts and problems occurring.
Because the plot is solid, it is clear that the details were thoroughly researched to make it so believable. The characters are distinct and vivid, and some of them held my heart. The optimist in me wanted everything and everyone to be okay, but in actuality, it was quite the opposite.
This is a very long book, and I would have liked to see the author make it into two books. And there is a lot of alcohol drinking and alcoholic behaviors in this book, which I’m not fond of. However, those two minor setbacks did not keep me from enjoying the story or change my feelings about the book, because I give it five stars.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy conspiracy, science-fiction, action, and thought-provoking storytelling. This book will take you to another world, and the action will keep you turning the pages.
November 12, 2012
The life of a fairly ordinary man, in an important job caring for the planet, is turned upside down when he is visited by ‘Zul’. The message Zul brings is more than incredible, and who is this Zul anyway?
Thus Carlos, the main protagonist, is thrown on an incredible journey that will leave you wanting to ignore everything else in your life so you can find out what happens. The book is well written, full of beefy dialogue with believable characters that you’ll have no problem getting to know.
The frightening thing about the storyline is its plausibility. A lot is taken from fact; the amount of research the author must have done is phenomenal, the rest could be factual or fiction, that’s up to you to decide! Possibly a bit too intensive for those who don’t have much of a clue about psychology or science as it could leave you scratching your head, but if you have any understanding of these things you’d be forgiven for thinking you were reading a factual book, which could leave you a little shaken.
The only negative is it’s a bit long winded in places and I felt frustrated at having to read so much, some of it repetitious, to get to the point. None-the-less, this will stay with me for a long time to come.
Rating: Science Fiction? Plausible!
Thus Carlos, the main protagonist, is thrown on an incredible journey that will leave you wanting to ignore everything else in your life so you can find out what happens. The book is well written, full of beefy dialogue with believable characters that you’ll have no problem getting to know.
The frightening thing about the storyline is its plausibility. A lot is taken from fact; the amount of research the author must have done is phenomenal, the rest could be factual or fiction, that’s up to you to decide! Possibly a bit too intensive for those who don’t have much of a clue about psychology or science as it could leave you scratching your head, but if you have any understanding of these things you’d be forgiven for thinking you were reading a factual book, which could leave you a little shaken.
The only negative is it’s a bit long winded in places and I felt frustrated at having to read so much, some of it repetitious, to get to the point. None-the-less, this will stay with me for a long time to come.
Rating: Science Fiction? Plausible!
November 29, 2012
It Could Happen…
What strikes me most about The Zul Enigma by JM Leitch is that it could happen. Leitch makes me think and rethink ordinary occurrences in my life as a school nurse…am I innocently doing my job or part of a vile conspiracy? Very interesting concept for me since I was attracted to the spiritual side of the book and was a bit concerned that the conspiracy part would be too much for me, fortunately it was blended expertly…giving me just enough of each.
The book is extremely well written and researched adding plausibility and intrigue. The characters were real and very human. It was interesting to see how the details of their lives actually fit into the puzzle that made the whole enigma possible.
I really don’t want to say more and give away the details of the book as the discovery is well worth the time it takes to read the book. I will say that I am looking forward to more books from JM Leitch.
What strikes me most about The Zul Enigma by JM Leitch is that it could happen. Leitch makes me think and rethink ordinary occurrences in my life as a school nurse…am I innocently doing my job or part of a vile conspiracy? Very interesting concept for me since I was attracted to the spiritual side of the book and was a bit concerned that the conspiracy part would be too much for me, fortunately it was blended expertly…giving me just enough of each.
The book is extremely well written and researched adding plausibility and intrigue. The characters were real and very human. It was interesting to see how the details of their lives actually fit into the puzzle that made the whole enigma possible.
I really don’t want to say more and give away the details of the book as the discovery is well worth the time it takes to read the book. I will say that I am looking forward to more books from JM Leitch.
July 6, 2012
Spoiler Alert. I really thought the author was going to go in another directions for the ending. The details of the characters' lives with the fine food and wine and houses. First class travel, etc lead me to think that the survivors would figure out that the people that died were the ones that had nothing to keep them in the material world... and therefore evolved... I love conspiracies but was surprised at the cynical ending. Was the author setting us up for a follow-up that reveals the futility of trying to accumulate wealth in this world or was this really a slam on spirituality and religion as the opiate of the masses!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2013
It's hard to review this book without leaving a spoiler but suffice it to say that it is a page-turner where the denouement only comes at the end and therefore you are intrigued to follow right thru to see where the author wants to take you. Having finished I now want to debate its ideas vehemently (but may have to do some of my own research first!) - hats off to JM Leitch for a highly thought-provoking first novel.
December 23, 2012
The Zul Enigma
By J.M. Leitch
The work was a near future now past time science fiction tying into themes of the Mayan apocalypse, ascending the evolutionary latter and interaction with aliens from another dimension. I enjoyed the descriptive writing detailing venues in the story that I know and the concepts of moving on as a species. The quality of the writing and editing were also excellent.
By J.M. Leitch
The work was a near future now past time science fiction tying into themes of the Mayan apocalypse, ascending the evolutionary latter and interaction with aliens from another dimension. I enjoyed the descriptive writing detailing venues in the story that I know and the concepts of moving on as a species. The quality of the writing and editing were also excellent.
January 16, 2013
Interesting ideas in here! A man finds out from a mysterious source (Zul) that the Earth will go through a major climatic change on the same date that some believe the Mayans predicted! As he races to prepare the world, agents from different agencies and governments try to thwart him. And the end has a gruesome twist that I, for one, did not see coming! Good paced read!
June 8, 2012
A bit of a slow start, but once the momentum started to build it became an exciting and unstoppable ride all the way to the finish. This book made me think. At times a little overwhelming, yet I could not put it down.
September 22, 2012
Questionable at first, but the plot twists had me plugging my phone in because my battery was running low. Great read if you are looking to kill a couple of days.
December 27, 2015
great read! scary to think could actually happen!
September 20, 2017
This book drones on and on and on and on with confusing and unnecessary dialogue between the characters, and the science fiction aspects are not only hard to wrap your hands around its just about impossible because this is so far out there from a technical standpoint it has to be one for the ages. There was also the occasional misspelled word or two that made it even more distracting.
I’m all for new and progressive science fiction, but when it comes to something the average person can’t even comprehend, no plot, along with no action and just meaningless back-and-forth with the dialogue, even this science fiction fan had to call enough and I deleted it at the 17% mark on my Kindle.
I originally picked this up for free during a Kindle promotion and, as I type up this review I see the price of the Kindle version has reverted to $5.99; I would give this one a wide berth at $5.99 as well as free.
I’m all for new and progressive science fiction, but when it comes to something the average person can’t even comprehend, no plot, along with no action and just meaningless back-and-forth with the dialogue, even this science fiction fan had to call enough and I deleted it at the 17% mark on my Kindle.
I originally picked this up for free during a Kindle promotion and, as I type up this review I see the price of the Kindle version has reverted to $5.99; I would give this one a wide berth at $5.99 as well as free.
May 1, 2013
Let me just say for the record, this was a good effort for a first book and a good editor would help immensely. There are a few typos but not enough to really interrupt the flow; the story itself needs to be tightened up.
I was not enthralled by the author's voice, tell me more and show me less. The book sometimes took on a rudimentary form of storytelling, first this happened, next this happened, finally this happened. I was however impressed with the large scope of science fiction included in a mostly entertaining and understandable format. There were minor inconsistencies leading into the big finale but they didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
The book fell apart for me in the final act, the big shock came before the final reveal and it eclipsed the revelation of the mystery. The ending felt cursory and disjointed and left me feeling apathetic toward what I had read. I didn't see continuity in the thriller portion of the story so I felt that determining the ending was a matter of speculation rather than following the clues. The "bad" guy was cliche, he seemed like a cardboard cutout instead of a seriously demented and entirely disturbing individual required for the acts of horror in the book. The apathy the author intended for her characters seeped out to the reader and I ended up throwing my heads in the air and saying so what by the end. With the subject matter included, I shouldn't be settling back into complacency so easily. Some interesting, or at least, entertaining ideas, the execution was sloppy at times.
I was not enthralled by the author's voice, tell me more and show me less. The book sometimes took on a rudimentary form of storytelling, first this happened, next this happened, finally this happened. I was however impressed with the large scope of science fiction included in a mostly entertaining and understandable format. There were minor inconsistencies leading into the big finale but they didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
The book fell apart for me in the final act, the big shock came before the final reveal and it eclipsed the revelation of the mystery. The ending felt cursory and disjointed and left me feeling apathetic toward what I had read. I didn't see continuity in the thriller portion of the story so I felt that determining the ending was a matter of speculation rather than following the clues. The "bad" guy was cliche, he seemed like a cardboard cutout instead of a seriously demented and entirely disturbing individual required for the acts of horror in the book. The apathy the author intended for her characters seeped out to the reader and I ended up throwing my heads in the air and saying so what by the end. With the subject matter included, I shouldn't be settling back into complacency so easily. Some interesting, or at least, entertaining ideas, the execution was sloppy at times.
August 30, 2013
For the first 400 and some pages I enjoyed this book thoroughly. It was a fascinating plot, great characters, well written. Then, suddenly (spoiler alert), the author took it off in a completely unexpected and unpredictable direction, bringing in ideas that hand't occurred at any previous point in the book, throwing in bits of anti-Semitism, anti-Israel and anti-American rhetoric, secret shadow organizations and conspiracy theories like the Illuminati and global bankers (which, of course, involved Jews), all to wrap-up the book in complete nonsensical fashion. What a shame that the author's bigotry had to suddenly rear its ugly head.
June 5, 2013
It isn't often I give up completely on a book but after getting through the first 150-odd pages I abandoned it. Some of the story was quite interesting, the characters were good generally (if a little 'over acted' in places) but after several discourses on global ecological, social and political issues I decided that was enough. I think the lengthy discussion on how meditation would solve all the problems finally did it for me. Potentially a good story ruined by over the top preaching on these sort of topics which I would have no objection to generally.
November 5, 2013
Incredibly entertaining - chilling and worrisome while entertaining.
However the very few last pages seemed as if the author had gotten so caught up in the story he wrapped up a little quickly.
Just one of those books I picked up curious and got hooked after a couple pages. I wanted something lighter and more entertaining to read and this delivered. Suspense and good relation to characters keeping you guessing on how the story will turn out and who is behind what. Written well enough and a very quick read.. the story line is the strength.
However the very few last pages seemed as if the author had gotten so caught up in the story he wrapped up a little quickly.
Just one of those books I picked up curious and got hooked after a couple pages. I wanted something lighter and more entertaining to read and this delivered. Suspense and good relation to characters keeping you guessing on how the story will turn out and who is behind what. Written well enough and a very quick read.. the story line is the strength.
August 20, 2012
Well written and exciting right up to the prologue-ish solution. The last part confirmed my suspicions but left me with a feeling that I'd gotten no catharsis - only a void waiting for closure. As true Science Fiction goes, this is some of the best contemporary material I've read, and it's extremely socially and politically relevant. The characters are rich and well developed. The dialogue is strong, and at first, the plot moves at breakneck speed.
October 2, 2012
Creative idea but Very disappointing.
Interesting and imaginative use of Matrix & String theory. Sadly whatever interest was generated by the books science was diminished by the authors lenghy and preachy diatribe on the progressivism, liberalism, and American and Israeli resentment. It took effort to finish.
Interesting and imaginative use of Matrix & String theory. Sadly whatever interest was generated by the books science was diminished by the authors lenghy and preachy diatribe on the progressivism, liberalism, and American and Israeli resentment. It took effort to finish.
March 8, 2013
A fascinating, entertaining set-up and plot in the first half that goes downhill in act three and made me happy when the curtain fell. Well written SF/F from this author who I hope to see more from after more seasoning.
March 20, 2012
I've read this book hundreds of times and I love it. Of course, I'm biased... I wrote it. But seriously it really is a great page turner and will get you thinking.
December 27, 2015
great read! scary to think could actually happen!
Want to read
November 22, 2012Kindle freebie, 11/22/12
June 23, 2013
A good read but found the concluding chapters to have been rushed and the ending as expected.
May 31, 2013
I enjoyed the concept behind it. The way it was presented though was hard for me to follow. I felt like there was too much detail when it didn't matter and not enough when it did. Very scattered.
June 30, 2012
I hate it when book just end all of a sudden, out of nowhere! Other than that, it was interesting.
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