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In the Space of an Atom
Librarian Note: Older cover of 9780692836040.
Jeremy Reynolds has been listless for a while now. First, his girlfriend of 4 years dumped him, and he was in a funk. Then, he quit his job as an accountant. Yes, Jeremy was doing little and caring less. But recently, he has found something that energizes him, something that gives him direction, something that gets him out of the house every day. It’s called…running for his life.
Just as Jeremy was finishing the last in a string of low-paying, temporary market research gigs, the study assistant pulls a gun on him and tries to kill him. When Jeremy bungles his way to freedom, he realizes that the technology in this study is much more than it first appeared. It’s enough to kill for. But he also knows he is in way over his head. So, when the lab and the would-be assassin disappear, and the police close the case, Jeremy is desperate for help. He finds it in the beautiful, young Diane Stapleton, MD. Now, the two of them match wits with the killer, in chases that take them where no one has gone before…in the space of an atom.
Jeremy Reynolds has been listless for a while now. First, his girlfriend of 4 years dumped him, and he was in a funk. Then, he quit his job as an accountant. Yes, Jeremy was doing little and caring less. But recently, he has found something that energizes him, something that gives him direction, something that gets him out of the house every day. It’s called…running for his life.
Just as Jeremy was finishing the last in a string of low-paying, temporary market research gigs, the study assistant pulls a gun on him and tries to kill him. When Jeremy bungles his way to freedom, he realizes that the technology in this study is much more than it first appeared. It’s enough to kill for. But he also knows he is in way over his head. So, when the lab and the would-be assassin disappear, and the police close the case, Jeremy is desperate for help. He finds it in the beautiful, young Diane Stapleton, MD. Now, the two of them match wits with the killer, in chases that take them where no one has gone before…in the space of an atom.
- GenresScience Fiction
254 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2017
50 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Bruce M. Perrin
14 books127 followersBruce Perrin has been writing for more than 20 years, although you will find most of that work only in professional technical journals or conference proceedings. But, after completing a PhD in Industrial Psychology and a career in psychological R&D, he is now applying his background and fascination with technology and the human mind to writing novels. Besides writing, Bruce likes to tinker with home automation and is an avid hiker, logging nearly 2,500 miles each year in the first two years of Fitbit ownership. When he is not on the trails, he lives with his wife in St. Louis, MO. For a closer look at his writing life, book reviews, and progress on his upcoming works, please join him at www.brucemperrin.blogspot.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 28, 2017
Really fun read.
In the Space of an Atom is a cleverly disguised romance filled with plenty of tech, espionage and a cool twist. I don’t like romance. I really enjoyed this book. That should testify to what a skilled writer Bruce Perrin is.
The main character, Jeremy Reynolds is a completely forgettable nobody who has given up on the American dream and takes a temp job at a lab to pay his rent. Unfortunately for Jeremy, his temp job is in an undercover lab developing super cool technology and they don’t want witnesses. When Jeremy tries to collect his paycheck, he meets a hitman instead and the adventure begins and Jeremy runs for his life, hauling the impossible technology with him.
Perrin does a fabulous job moving the plot, maintaining tension and working in enough humor to keep it light, but engaging. Jeremy Reynolds is a constant surprise both in his resourcefulness and his creativity as he moves from a bungling victim to the hero with the help of his budding love interest. And he does it starting with paragraph one. Well worth the read.
In the Space of an Atom is a cleverly disguised romance filled with plenty of tech, espionage and a cool twist. I don’t like romance. I really enjoyed this book. That should testify to what a skilled writer Bruce Perrin is.
The main character, Jeremy Reynolds is a completely forgettable nobody who has given up on the American dream and takes a temp job at a lab to pay his rent. Unfortunately for Jeremy, his temp job is in an undercover lab developing super cool technology and they don’t want witnesses. When Jeremy tries to collect his paycheck, he meets a hitman instead and the adventure begins and Jeremy runs for his life, hauling the impossible technology with him.
Perrin does a fabulous job moving the plot, maintaining tension and working in enough humor to keep it light, but engaging. Jeremy Reynolds is a constant surprise both in his resourcefulness and his creativity as he moves from a bungling victim to the hero with the help of his budding love interest. And he does it starting with paragraph one. Well worth the read.
April 16, 2017
Techno-Geek Romance For Guys
"Before I started walking through walls, I was an accountant."
Jeremy was taking a sabbatical from adult life and a series of temp jobs filled the gap whilst paying enough to maintain his marginal lifestyle. But the last job he took on turned nasty at the end when the bonus payment was delivered along with a bullet. The police are hard to convince, as many people would be when told that the temp job had been walking through walls. Instead, searching for potential allies to help him understand what is happening, Jeremy meets the gorgeous and talented medical doctor, Diane and together they set out to survive long enough to unravel the mystery.
When I started reading this book I was not sure if it was techno-thriller or sci-fi crime, but in fact, it turned out to be a genre I have never encountered before - techno-geek romance for guys. It has the right amount of intense description of how things work to satisfy the most ardent techno-geek and romance seeping through the whole, but romance of a very sweet kind that made me think of the way the western genre handles it. It also has some good touches of humour and the whole is written in a light-hearted way rather than anything gritty.
"Jeremy, put me down. You'll wake the neighbours."
The book is well written and the language flows, there are few moments when immersion is broken through poor use of grammar, a bad choice of words or other editing issues. The plot begins with a very intriguing premise and the way that real science is used to try and explain something about the phenomenon is well done. The romance is slow burn and delightful, but has a naivety which makes it just a touch predictable from a very early stage. I also feel there are a few coincidences too many to make the story work well - some of them not even really needed, the shower scene springs to mind. The characters are well thought out, but the antagonists are very stereotypical and seem to have little more than 'bad guy' depth to them.
The pace is patchy. It starts off really well and the first part of the book is full of action and drama, we have the almost nightmare sense of being unable to escape from a pursuing enemy no matter what. But after that, although at times there is a good tension here and there, especially at the climactic encounter, there are vast swathes of planning and testing which might well be very exciting for a techno-geek but which had me wanting to skip pages to try and find 'Something Happening'. There is a lot too much of this kind of exposition for it to work well. The pace in post-final-crisis ending is truly glacial, it did not so much tie up loose ends as braid them carefully into ribbons. It went on much, much too long.
'By now I could hear his footsteps behind us. He was close, very close.'
For me, this book did not work but I could see that a young adult techno-geek guy might well revel in both the technical details of the experiments Diane and Jeremy carry out together on the device - and their ongoing experiments in the realms of romance.
"Before I started walking through walls, I was an accountant."
Jeremy was taking a sabbatical from adult life and a series of temp jobs filled the gap whilst paying enough to maintain his marginal lifestyle. But the last job he took on turned nasty at the end when the bonus payment was delivered along with a bullet. The police are hard to convince, as many people would be when told that the temp job had been walking through walls. Instead, searching for potential allies to help him understand what is happening, Jeremy meets the gorgeous and talented medical doctor, Diane and together they set out to survive long enough to unravel the mystery.
When I started reading this book I was not sure if it was techno-thriller or sci-fi crime, but in fact, it turned out to be a genre I have never encountered before - techno-geek romance for guys. It has the right amount of intense description of how things work to satisfy the most ardent techno-geek and romance seeping through the whole, but romance of a very sweet kind that made me think of the way the western genre handles it. It also has some good touches of humour and the whole is written in a light-hearted way rather than anything gritty.
"Jeremy, put me down. You'll wake the neighbours."
The book is well written and the language flows, there are few moments when immersion is broken through poor use of grammar, a bad choice of words or other editing issues. The plot begins with a very intriguing premise and the way that real science is used to try and explain something about the phenomenon is well done. The romance is slow burn and delightful, but has a naivety which makes it just a touch predictable from a very early stage. I also feel there are a few coincidences too many to make the story work well - some of them not even really needed, the shower scene springs to mind. The characters are well thought out, but the antagonists are very stereotypical and seem to have little more than 'bad guy' depth to them.
The pace is patchy. It starts off really well and the first part of the book is full of action and drama, we have the almost nightmare sense of being unable to escape from a pursuing enemy no matter what. But after that, although at times there is a good tension here and there, especially at the climactic encounter, there are vast swathes of planning and testing which might well be very exciting for a techno-geek but which had me wanting to skip pages to try and find 'Something Happening'. There is a lot too much of this kind of exposition for it to work well. The pace in post-final-crisis ending is truly glacial, it did not so much tie up loose ends as braid them carefully into ribbons. It went on much, much too long.
'By now I could hear his footsteps behind us. He was close, very close.'
For me, this book did not work but I could see that a young adult techno-geek guy might well revel in both the technical details of the experiments Diane and Jeremy carry out together on the device - and their ongoing experiments in the realms of romance.
March 26, 2017
This is a truly exciting read that keeps you on the edge of your chair. Jeremy Reynolds takes a temp job for a scientific study and winds up with a huge problem. He inherits an amazing vest that gives the wearer the ability to pass through walls and other physical matter. But he also gains a brutish stalker, Tom Jones that wants him dead. Jeremy can't figure out who this thug works for and in the process of doing some online research on scientists that might have the knowledge to create a vest that allows a person to walk through matter, he discovers a Doctor Diane Stapleton who he tracks down to question. In the process he involves her in his crazy world, running from a killer who obviously wants his vest. Together they work to solve the mystery of who is the creator behind this vest and discover a Dr. Benzington tied to this incredible technology.
I liked the fact Mr. Perrin brought in a romantic aspect, a burgeoning relationship between Jeremy and Diane which is sweet and a nice foil for the more violent scenes involving the maniac chasing them, Tom Jones. The writing was very clean and concise and the story moved at a very nice pace. There was constantly action or romance, no lulls in this book. I gave this book five stars and would highly recommend it for those who like action packed thrillers. Good job Mr. Perrin!
I liked the fact Mr. Perrin brought in a romantic aspect, a burgeoning relationship between Jeremy and Diane which is sweet and a nice foil for the more violent scenes involving the maniac chasing them, Tom Jones. The writing was very clean and concise and the story moved at a very nice pace. There was constantly action or romance, no lulls in this book. I gave this book five stars and would highly recommend it for those who like action packed thrillers. Good job Mr. Perrin!
August 4, 2018
In the Space of an Atom by Bruce M. Perrin
What a great storyline! Like a typical Marvel comic the one that isn't doing well nearly ends up dead and gets involved in a mystery!
The Good
This is classic sci-fi. The premise and storyline and fun and interesting. The action at the start of the book and the initial police drama are well written. Sci-fi fans and geeks will enjoy it. A woman quantum expert? Oh yes!
The Bad
The romance bit really let this book down. It was a bit boring. There was no passion or juice or spice. I wanted imagery to let my imagination flourish - but I got ... I had a cold shower or how could I sleep. I wanted to be called Honey? It was a bit tragic and I feel that it let the book down in the middle. It was all a bit boring.
The Ugly
A great idea. The cover will appeal to the geeky nerdy type that will enjoy this book. Does that sound harsh? Sorry, it shouldn't. I did enjoy this book at the start and at the end. The middle bit needed to go on a diet and the romance bit could do with a spark! But a good read for anyone that loves, sci-fi, atoms and mystery!
3 Stars
April 19, 2017
Dive right into the action with Jeremy Reynolds in Bruce Perrin’s latest novel. Jeremy is inside what turns out to be part of a lab of sorts where he’s been working a temporary job, and he’s running from a man who’s trying to kill him. The reader doesn’t know why at first, but neither does Jeremy—at least not for sure. He thinks it’s for the bonus money given to him at the completion of his temporary assignment. If only it were that simple.
I’ve read Bruce Perrin’s two previous books and would classify them as techno-thrillers. While In the Space of an Atom has an underpinning of technology, the thriller aspect takes precedence here. It’s a fast and fun read, with just enough futuristic science and technology—and romance between the male and female lead—to make it interesting, but not overwhelming. What else? Some great chase scenes and some truly nasty villains, and who doesn’t like those?
When I was well into the book, I found myself thinking that I would have liked a bit more of the technology that provided the backbone for Perrin's other books, but In the Space of an Atom isn't that kind of book. I guess my reaction is an example of how a reader can expect one thing from an author based on earlier books, and when faced with something different, feel disappointed. Once I realized why I was having the reaction I did, I enjoyed the book, accepting it for the light, fast, and exciting read it is.
I’ve read Bruce Perrin’s two previous books and would classify them as techno-thrillers. While In the Space of an Atom has an underpinning of technology, the thriller aspect takes precedence here. It’s a fast and fun read, with just enough futuristic science and technology—and romance between the male and female lead—to make it interesting, but not overwhelming. What else? Some great chase scenes and some truly nasty villains, and who doesn’t like those?
When I was well into the book, I found myself thinking that I would have liked a bit more of the technology that provided the backbone for Perrin's other books, but In the Space of an Atom isn't that kind of book. I guess my reaction is an example of how a reader can expect one thing from an author based on earlier books, and when faced with something different, feel disappointed. Once I realized why I was having the reaction I did, I enjoyed the book, accepting it for the light, fast, and exciting read it is.
May 16, 2019
Another great book by Bruce Perrin. Who knew that research could be so deadly? High-octane action scenes with plenty of humorous inner dialogue. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
March 19, 2017
In the Space of an Atom, by Bruce M. Perrin tells the story of Jeremy Reynolds, a temp accountant who’s working for a mysterious high tech company. When we meet Jeremy, someone is trying to kill him in the company warehouse. When he escapes and notifies the police, they find no record of the man who attacked Jeremy or the boss or company he says he worked for. All that’s left of the whole arrangement is the vest that Jeremy is wearing, one that apparently allows the wearer to defy the laws of physics and pass through solid objects.
The rest of the book is a thrilling chase combined with a gentle romance. The most appealing part of the story is Jeremy himself, a winning combination of innocent and hero, through whose mind the reader sees all the action unfold.
The rest of the book is a thrilling chase combined with a gentle romance. The most appealing part of the story is Jeremy himself, a winning combination of innocent and hero, through whose mind the reader sees all the action unfold.
June 15, 2020
This delightful romantic sci-fi tale follows Jeremy, who took the wrong temp job. He ends up being shot at by the security muscle hired by the scientist running the experiments for which Jeremy was paid to be a test subject. The scientist doesn’t want anyone who knows about the revolutionary tech to have loose lips. Dead mouths tell no tales. But, when Jeremy escapes, and takes a sample of the tech with him, we’re on a whirlwind chase in which Jeremy is running for his life.
The police are not very interested, since lab where Jeremy was allegedly attacked has been dismantled and nobody can verify the existence of the scientist or his murderous security man. Plus Jeremy’s explanation of the experiment he was involved in is . . . well . . . unbelievable. And so, Jeremy is on his own. Until he seeks out a female researcher he identifies from an internet search, who might be able to help him. When Dr. Diane Stapleton joins Jeremy, there are sparks – and more gunshots, and a lot more excitement and action as they work together to uncover the identity of the evil scientist and try to avoid getting killed.
The set-up here is intriguing and draws you in quickly. Mr. Perrin’s writing is clean and accessible. Things move along quickly, with interruptions only to develop the romance between Jeremy and Diane, who are thrown together by circumstances and find that they have a real connection. After the first third of the book you’re hooked and the pages turn easily through the exciting conclusion.
There are a few places where the reader needs to suspend reality to accept the sci-fi premise of the amazing tech that drives the story forward, but that’s expected. There are a few other places where plot turns include leaps of logic and convenient circumstances, including at the very end. But, the writing is so good and the story and characters are so compelling that these issues are easily put to the side. Don’t analyze too much, just enjoy the ride. Mr. Perrin creates wonderful worlds and this one is well worth the visit.
The police are not very interested, since lab where Jeremy was allegedly attacked has been dismantled and nobody can verify the existence of the scientist or his murderous security man. Plus Jeremy’s explanation of the experiment he was involved in is . . . well . . . unbelievable. And so, Jeremy is on his own. Until he seeks out a female researcher he identifies from an internet search, who might be able to help him. When Dr. Diane Stapleton joins Jeremy, there are sparks – and more gunshots, and a lot more excitement and action as they work together to uncover the identity of the evil scientist and try to avoid getting killed.
The set-up here is intriguing and draws you in quickly. Mr. Perrin’s writing is clean and accessible. Things move along quickly, with interruptions only to develop the romance between Jeremy and Diane, who are thrown together by circumstances and find that they have a real connection. After the first third of the book you’re hooked and the pages turn easily through the exciting conclusion.
There are a few places where the reader needs to suspend reality to accept the sci-fi premise of the amazing tech that drives the story forward, but that’s expected. There are a few other places where plot turns include leaps of logic and convenient circumstances, including at the very end. But, the writing is so good and the story and characters are so compelling that these issues are easily put to the side. Don’t analyze too much, just enjoy the ride. Mr. Perrin creates wonderful worlds and this one is well worth the visit.
August 3, 2018
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: In the Space of an Atom
Author: Bruce Perrin
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 18
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 18 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
18 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
13 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
18 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘A good, solid technothriller. Tons happening, very exciting with a little bit of romance.’ Male reader, aged 58
‘The language is perfect for a novel of this nature. It’s not Dickens but, then, Dickens wouldn’t work. The action is particularly well-handled, the romance not so well. Personally, I didn’t love the cover. It looks like The Big Bang Theory.’ Male reader, aged 42
‘Pacing is everything in a book like this, and I’m delighted to say this has plenty of it.’ Female reader, aged 41
‘Suspense and romance! The perfect mix for a Sunday afternoon curled up on a sofa.’ Female reader, aged 36
‘You get what it says on the can. This is a thriller with a strong romantic element. If you enjoy high tech thrillers, this is for you. If you enjoy slightly shallow characters battling to stay alive, this is for you. If Clive Cussler is your thing, this is for you. If You are more a Pride and Prejudice fan, probably not.’ Female reader, aged 59
To Sum It Up:
‘A fast-pace, thoroughly enjoyable technothriller. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: In the Space of an Atom
Author: Bruce Perrin
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 18
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 18 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
18 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
13 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
18 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘A good, solid technothriller. Tons happening, very exciting with a little bit of romance.’ Male reader, aged 58
‘The language is perfect for a novel of this nature. It’s not Dickens but, then, Dickens wouldn’t work. The action is particularly well-handled, the romance not so well. Personally, I didn’t love the cover. It looks like The Big Bang Theory.’ Male reader, aged 42
‘Pacing is everything in a book like this, and I’m delighted to say this has plenty of it.’ Female reader, aged 41
‘Suspense and romance! The perfect mix for a Sunday afternoon curled up on a sofa.’ Female reader, aged 36
‘You get what it says on the can. This is a thriller with a strong romantic element. If you enjoy high tech thrillers, this is for you. If you enjoy slightly shallow characters battling to stay alive, this is for you. If Clive Cussler is your thing, this is for you. If You are more a Pride and Prejudice fan, probably not.’ Female reader, aged 59
To Sum It Up:
‘A fast-pace, thoroughly enjoyable technothriller. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
May 21, 2017
We enter the story at a run. In fact, Jeremy Reynolds, a temp worker, is running for his life and wondering why, as we look through his eyes. Why is his co-worker trying to kill him? Is it for the small bonus Jeremy earned upon completion of the research project? Or is it the result of the project itself, vests that pass through solid objects?
Jeremy wears one vest; his pursuer wears the other. As if that's not bad enough, Jeremy is a klutz, stumbling or snagging on objects. His rush to escape snags Diane Stapleton, MD, innocent bystander. They soon work together, seeking to understand how the vest works and how to save themselves from the would-be killer who now targets them both. Meanwhile their relationship, filled with respect and witty exchanges, deepens into love. Wonderful chemistry.
Any background information enters seamlessly, only as needed. The pace is stead and lively, and we are delighted by the banter and amused by Jeremy's klutzy mishaps. I find Diane and Jeremy's relationship refreshing because they are drawn together by something deeper and potentially longer lasting than lust. Mutual love, admiration, and respect, with a desire to better themselves.
The ending is satisfying, but the climax that leads up to it, though clever, is a let-down. The action wilts and poses more questions than answers. Jeremy and Diane's plans to conquer the enemy are not convincing, and the enemy's reactions, while a surprise, need something more to provide greater impact. More setup? More explanation?
Nevertheless there is a lot to like in this adventure. It's dramatic, clever, witty, and charming. It's a page turner.
Jeremy wears one vest; his pursuer wears the other. As if that's not bad enough, Jeremy is a klutz, stumbling or snagging on objects. His rush to escape snags Diane Stapleton, MD, innocent bystander. They soon work together, seeking to understand how the vest works and how to save themselves from the would-be killer who now targets them both. Meanwhile their relationship, filled with respect and witty exchanges, deepens into love. Wonderful chemistry.
Any background information enters seamlessly, only as needed. The pace is stead and lively, and we are delighted by the banter and amused by Jeremy's klutzy mishaps. I find Diane and Jeremy's relationship refreshing because they are drawn together by something deeper and potentially longer lasting than lust. Mutual love, admiration, and respect, with a desire to better themselves.
The ending is satisfying, but the climax that leads up to it, though clever, is a let-down. The action wilts and poses more questions than answers. Jeremy and Diane's plans to conquer the enemy are not convincing, and the enemy's reactions, while a surprise, need something more to provide greater impact. More setup? More explanation?
Nevertheless there is a lot to like in this adventure. It's dramatic, clever, witty, and charming. It's a page turner.
June 5, 2017
“In the Space of an Atom” is a well written, action packed techno-thriller with a side order of romance. From the first page, we’re introduced to the main character Jeremy, who has been working part time as a scientific test assistant. We’re also dropped smack-dab, right in the middle of mayhem and violence as his co-worker is trying to kill him. Jeremy’s been testing a device (which you wear like a vest) that allows a human to walk through solid objects, like a wall for instance. As you can imagine, the inventors of the device are hell bent on keeping the technology under-wraps, and will do what’s needed to keep it under their control. The cat and mouse game that proceeds is made all the more interesting by the aspect of humans that can move through solid objects. Crazy stuff to think about and author Bruce Perrin has done just that. He’s figured out all of the quirky little things that would happen to a person with the ability to walk through objects (or in some cases having objects pass through them) and incorporated them into the novel as interesting tidbits that constantly tickle the story-line and make it that much more interesting. Being a self-proclaimed nerd, I loved this stuff. And the romance portion of the story caught me completely off guard. I wasn’t expecting it, but I thought it fit well with the rest of the story and added a different angle to your typical techno-thriller. (Hey – us nerds need love too.) All in all, I liked it. I found myself reading past my normal one-hour lunch break to satisfy my need to see what was going to happen next. You’ll like it.
March 31, 2017
The description for this book doesn't bring the word "touching" to mind as a description but that is exactly how I feel about this book. Jeremy is an ordinary man placed in extraordinary situations and that is precisely what makes him a hero. He isn't strong with rippling muscles and a six-pack, he isn't packing heat or detonating bombs to escape the bad guys. He's just a very average guy (the kind of guy who sits on his front porch eats dollar menu burritos!) who finds himself suddenly caught up in a horrific turn of events and he has to use his wits in order to survive. That aspect of the book is what kept me turning the page, anxious to see what would happen next. I was not only engaged but invested in the outcome and that made the book a real winner for me. I give the author credit for coming up with an unusual premise for the story and avoiding cookie-cutter tough guy antics to keep the plot moving forward. The pacing was tight and the tension was almost palpable. To write a book of this length without a dull moment is not small accomplishment and so I will be looking forward to whatever else this talented author chooses to dish out - this book was a real treat!
April 17, 2017
An Author Who Knows His Science
I enjoyed the fascinating atomic physics. The end was certainly exciting. I only gave this book 4 stars because I had trouble relating emotionally to the protagonist. Perhaps a paragraph or two close to the beginning about the reasons he had more or less quit caring.
I enjoyed the fascinating atomic physics. The end was certainly exciting. I only gave this book 4 stars because I had trouble relating emotionally to the protagonist. Perhaps a paragraph or two close to the beginning about the reasons he had more or less quit caring.
July 17, 2018
“Clumsy” Hunk is a Hero
Jeremy was doing a temp job in his blah life until something else happened. As he realizes the bad guys are out to get him, his clumsiness saves his hide. He finds Diane and she helps him as they try to survive using fantastic technology. Great action mixed with a satisfying romance.
Jeremy was doing a temp job in his blah life until something else happened. As he realizes the bad guys are out to get him, his clumsiness saves his hide. He finds Diane and she helps him as they try to survive using fantastic technology. Great action mixed with a satisfying romance.
February 6, 2019
Excellent
You won’t find a better written book than In the Space of an Atom. I liked the detailed that Bruce used. I so enjoyed this book and will look forward to reading more books from this great author.
You won’t find a better written book than In the Space of an Atom. I liked the detailed that Bruce used. I so enjoyed this book and will look forward to reading more books from this great author.
November 13, 2020
Fun and fast moving
Throughout the book as the main character team faced the danger it was difficult to see how they were going to free themselves from the people who were hunting them. Engaging characters who developed as the story unfolded.
Throughout the book as the main character team faced the danger it was difficult to see how they were going to free themselves from the people who were hunting them. Engaging characters who developed as the story unfolded.
May 27, 2017
Characters
Jeremy's life is a bit of a mess. He is a bit of a mess really. Kind of just wandering aimlessly. Diane is exactly the opposite. She knows what she is doing and is happy to be where she is. She is confident and daring. Jeremy on the other hand is a bit of a klutz and quick to blush. I really liked their dynamic. Jones on the other hand is a bit over the top -as is the doctor guy Jeremy was doing the work for. The cop created a further dynamic. Despite that they are fun characters over all. This is all from Jeremy's POV.
Plot
This was presented as a sci-fi but it really reads more like a suspense. Clueless hero falls in with a mystery scientific experiment that does the impossible and thus chaos ensues. I don't want to go into too much detail on the specifics because the mystery is half the fun but Jeremy fumbles around through the whole thing in a way I'd imagine most people would.
There is some limited humor - mostly Jeremy falling - but it was well placed. There is, of course, a romance aspect. If you didn't pick up on that you didn't read the summary above. At times I felt the romantic parts of the book just pulled me away from the suspense and sci-fi pieces, but other parts I liked. For sure action-packed.
Overall
There was just enough science fiction to keep it interesting on that level. It is set in modern day as far as I could tell - in St. Louis. The setting itself was a little weak as it didn't do a good job describing St. Louis as a whole, but where the author failed in the setting more than made up for in pace. This is a face paced read that once I started reading, read fairly quickly. Limited grammatical errors. The ending was a little far fetched in the timing of it but I've simply concluded that Jeremy is very lucky. In more ways than one.
Rating
4 stars
I waffled between 3 and 4 stars because of the sci-fi genre being the focus but just didn't feel right only giving it 3. Fun read! Exciting, interesting, and steeped in romance. If you like science fiction, romance, and suspense books - this is the perfect book for you!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Jeremy's life is a bit of a mess. He is a bit of a mess really. Kind of just wandering aimlessly. Diane is exactly the opposite. She knows what she is doing and is happy to be where she is. She is confident and daring. Jeremy on the other hand is a bit of a klutz and quick to blush. I really liked their dynamic. Jones on the other hand is a bit over the top -as is the doctor guy Jeremy was doing the work for. The cop created a further dynamic. Despite that they are fun characters over all. This is all from Jeremy's POV.
Plot
This was presented as a sci-fi but it really reads more like a suspense. Clueless hero falls in with a mystery scientific experiment that does the impossible and thus chaos ensues. I don't want to go into too much detail on the specifics because the mystery is half the fun but Jeremy fumbles around through the whole thing in a way I'd imagine most people would.
There is some limited humor - mostly Jeremy falling - but it was well placed. There is, of course, a romance aspect. If you didn't pick up on that you didn't read the summary above. At times I felt the romantic parts of the book just pulled me away from the suspense and sci-fi pieces, but other parts I liked. For sure action-packed.
Overall
There was just enough science fiction to keep it interesting on that level. It is set in modern day as far as I could tell - in St. Louis. The setting itself was a little weak as it didn't do a good job describing St. Louis as a whole, but where the author failed in the setting more than made up for in pace. This is a face paced read that once I started reading, read fairly quickly. Limited grammatical errors. The ending was a little far fetched in the timing of it but I've simply concluded that Jeremy is very lucky. In more ways than one.
Rating
4 stars
I waffled between 3 and 4 stars because of the sci-fi genre being the focus but just didn't feel right only giving it 3. Fun read! Exciting, interesting, and steeped in romance. If you like science fiction, romance, and suspense books - this is the perfect book for you!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2018
A Good Read and Worth Four Stars.
Based on the title, the book's cover and the blurbs, this appears to be a high-tech sci-fi mystery thriller. It is and it isn't. It is the sort of book you can take at face-value or one which misses the mark completely.
On the one hand, the characters are not convincing, the plot is drawn out and rambles on. The storyline is fanciful and far-fetched. There is too much talk and discussion and introspection. It has no real depth which covers up some of the book's faulty logic and happy coincidences. The characters, and especially the protagonist, could be developed more in earlier parts of the story to give grounds for their later thoughts and actions. The love interest is not really love and not really interesting. But the lady is sweet.
On the other hand, this book, like most TV films which are not meant to be taken seriously, can be read as a light-hearted thriller, a comedy with a simple plot but plenty of action and chase scenes and suspense interspersed with rambling talk and introspection. However, such changes in pace can act as a breather for the reader who can, if he/she wishes, skim over them without losing the thread. The whole is held together by an innocent and all-conquering, clownish hero who is your everyday kind of guy and who gets up to his neck in trouble but manages – come hell or high water – to resolve the issues in superhuman ways and contributes to a happy, sloppy ending. Seen from this perspective, the storyline is amusing and the book an easy, relaxing read.
This reviewer's dilemma was that the story is a well-constructed combination of both!
So, as the second interpretation is the most likely one intended by the author, I plumped for this one. Judged by these standards, it is a good read and worth four stars.
Based on the title, the book's cover and the blurbs, this appears to be a high-tech sci-fi mystery thriller. It is and it isn't. It is the sort of book you can take at face-value or one which misses the mark completely.
On the one hand, the characters are not convincing, the plot is drawn out and rambles on. The storyline is fanciful and far-fetched. There is too much talk and discussion and introspection. It has no real depth which covers up some of the book's faulty logic and happy coincidences. The characters, and especially the protagonist, could be developed more in earlier parts of the story to give grounds for their later thoughts and actions. The love interest is not really love and not really interesting. But the lady is sweet.
On the other hand, this book, like most TV films which are not meant to be taken seriously, can be read as a light-hearted thriller, a comedy with a simple plot but plenty of action and chase scenes and suspense interspersed with rambling talk and introspection. However, such changes in pace can act as a breather for the reader who can, if he/she wishes, skim over them without losing the thread. The whole is held together by an innocent and all-conquering, clownish hero who is your everyday kind of guy and who gets up to his neck in trouble but manages – come hell or high water – to resolve the issues in superhuman ways and contributes to a happy, sloppy ending. Seen from this perspective, the storyline is amusing and the book an easy, relaxing read.
This reviewer's dilemma was that the story is a well-constructed combination of both!
So, as the second interpretation is the most likely one intended by the author, I plumped for this one. Judged by these standards, it is a good read and worth four stars.
November 20, 2018
Everything goes sideways for Jeremy Reynolds when his boss’s assistant, ‘Tom Jones’ tries to kill him for no apparent reason. Even worse, when he goes to the police, he discovers his boss, the assistant, and the tech company he’s been working for don’t officially exist. All he’s left with in the way of proof is the vest he was wearing when he escaped—oh, and Jones is still trying to kill him.
It’s a very special vest, though. One that enables the wearer to quantum tunnel, and together with the beautiful Dr. Diane Stapleton, Jeremy sets off on a quest to unravel the truth and turn the tables on his pursuers.
I thought the concept was fascinating and liked the adventure. The romance didn’t persuade me, but I’m a woman, and I think men will enjoy it. With the title, “In the Space of an Atom,” I was hoping for something like “Ant Man,” but the quantum tunneling was still a very cool idea. I really liked watching Jeremy figuring out the puzzle of the mysterious, disappearing business, a little like Conan Doyle’s “The Red-Headed League.” Lots of fun.
It’s a very special vest, though. One that enables the wearer to quantum tunnel, and together with the beautiful Dr. Diane Stapleton, Jeremy sets off on a quest to unravel the truth and turn the tables on his pursuers.
I thought the concept was fascinating and liked the adventure. The romance didn’t persuade me, but I’m a woman, and I think men will enjoy it. With the title, “In the Space of an Atom,” I was hoping for something like “Ant Man,” but the quantum tunneling was still a very cool idea. I really liked watching Jeremy figuring out the puzzle of the mysterious, disappearing business, a little like Conan Doyle’s “The Red-Headed League.” Lots of fun.
June 18, 2020
I took me a bit to get into this book--until I finally realized what was happening--then I had to keep going until the end. It seems a mad scientist type invented a vest that allowed a person who was wearing it to literally walk through walls--The young man who had been working for him as a temp seemed to have been left with said vest-by mistake I'm sure. As a result he had someone trying to kill him!!
Of course the police didn't really believe him--he did not mention the vest-but were going to look for the guy who really was trying to kill him. Meanwhile while running from said killer he ran into the house (literally) of Dr Diane Stapleton. He left but then as fate would have it--they met again.
They were kind of falling for each other--but now the killer was after the both of them!
Lots of running and adventure and even some laughs as these two try to outwit a killer! And to make matters worse--this guy is a klutz--thank heavens he is hanging with a doctor!
Do these two outwit the thugs and finally get rid of the vest? You will have to read this to find out!!
Of course the police didn't really believe him--he did not mention the vest-but were going to look for the guy who really was trying to kill him. Meanwhile while running from said killer he ran into the house (literally) of Dr Diane Stapleton. He left but then as fate would have it--they met again.
They were kind of falling for each other--but now the killer was after the both of them!
Lots of running and adventure and even some laughs as these two try to outwit a killer! And to make matters worse--this guy is a klutz--thank heavens he is hanging with a doctor!
Do these two outwit the thugs and finally get rid of the vest? You will have to read this to find out!!
May 30, 2017
More like 3.5 stars rounded up.
Certainly this book is different. A nice guy, floundering a bit in life, gets involved in something way over his head and has to draw on resources he didn't realise he had to stay one step ahead of the 'bad guys.' Along the way he meets a woman who is his geek match, and they quickly fall in love.
The first part of the book moves very rapidly, but the pace is not maintained. After Jeremy meets Diane, everything slows down dramatically. There are many long discussions between the two on what to do next, how to set up a trap for the bad guys, and confessions about how they've reached where they are in their lives. All the testing of the suit also left me bored.
There were also coincidences which were never properly explained, and the bad guys were just heavies with no real feel to them. Jeremy's development through the novel was the strongest aspect and well handled.
Certainly this book is different. A nice guy, floundering a bit in life, gets involved in something way over his head and has to draw on resources he didn't realise he had to stay one step ahead of the 'bad guys.' Along the way he meets a woman who is his geek match, and they quickly fall in love.
The first part of the book moves very rapidly, but the pace is not maintained. After Jeremy meets Diane, everything slows down dramatically. There are many long discussions between the two on what to do next, how to set up a trap for the bad guys, and confessions about how they've reached where they are in their lives. All the testing of the suit also left me bored.
There were also coincidences which were never properly explained, and the bad guys were just heavies with no real feel to them. Jeremy's development through the novel was the strongest aspect and well handled.
January 28, 2022
Good adventurous, technology story but a little too much relationship for me
I love mystery and adventures with a science background. Douglas E Richards is one of my favorite authors for that reason. This book has that “sciencey” tech in it that I like. It also has great characters that you love and hate. But I would have liked to see the science world a little more involved as opposed to this one whacked out scientist. Someone in his former company that he worked for just 8 weeks earlier must have understood what he was doing. Surely they would have been willing to help the protagonists as well as give the technology a new home at the end of the book. There was also a little too much romance for me. A lot of dialogue in the main protagonist’s head about his love for Diane and lots of dialogue about what he wanted to do with his life. It was well done and, if you like more of the relationship stuff, it will be a winner for you.
I love mystery and adventures with a science background. Douglas E Richards is one of my favorite authors for that reason. This book has that “sciencey” tech in it that I like. It also has great characters that you love and hate. But I would have liked to see the science world a little more involved as opposed to this one whacked out scientist. Someone in his former company that he worked for just 8 weeks earlier must have understood what he was doing. Surely they would have been willing to help the protagonists as well as give the technology a new home at the end of the book. There was also a little too much romance for me. A lot of dialogue in the main protagonist’s head about his love for Diane and lots of dialogue about what he wanted to do with his life. It was well done and, if you like more of the relationship stuff, it will be a winner for you.
August 16, 2024
Excellent!
Jeremy has lost most of his ambition. He just wants to go to work at his temp job and make enough to pay the bills. He has no plans except maybe his next meal. As the temp job runs out and he collects his bonus, his life is suddenly in danger and he doesn't know why. This job required confidentiality agreements to he signed because it was experimental, but he hasn't broken the agreement. But someone definitely wants him dead. As he runs for his life, he needs to stay one step ahead of his pursuers.
Great action, great characters, and great fun!
Jeremy has lost most of his ambition. He just wants to go to work at his temp job and make enough to pay the bills. He has no plans except maybe his next meal. As the temp job runs out and he collects his bonus, his life is suddenly in danger and he doesn't know why. This job required confidentiality agreements to he signed because it was experimental, but he hasn't broken the agreement. But someone definitely wants him dead. As he runs for his life, he needs to stay one step ahead of his pursuers.
Great action, great characters, and great fun!
January 19, 2022
Sci-fi concept inside a thriller
The sci-fi of atomic mechanics is a highlight of the story. This is a short read that is well presented. There are only a few characters And these are fleshed out nicely. The thriller is how two people extract themselves from difficult situations. The final encounter is more believable than most, but is as believable as the rest of the book.
I enjoyed the book. Kudos to Mr. Perin.
The sci-fi of atomic mechanics is a highlight of the story. This is a short read that is well presented. There are only a few characters And these are fleshed out nicely. The thriller is how two people extract themselves from difficult situations. The final encounter is more believable than most, but is as believable as the rest of the book.
I enjoyed the book. Kudos to Mr. Perin.
February 15, 2022
Interesting science.
This story has lots of action and some interesting scientific topics. The main character does seem to act like a love-struck high school kid who has a difficult time keeping focused on the problem at hand.
This story has lots of action and some interesting scientific topics. The main character does seem to act like a love-struck high school kid who has a difficult time keeping focused on the problem at hand.
June 12, 2020
Fun interesting read
It's a fun fast-paced action adventure story. Well written, flows well and the characters are believable and interesting. Modern plot.
It's a fun fast-paced action adventure story. Well written, flows well and the characters are believable and interesting. Modern plot.
September 17, 2021
A nice story.
Well paced, small cast, nice device. I like it when a mercenary stops working when he's not getting paid, the science and the romance were cute.
Well paced, small cast, nice device. I like it when a mercenary stops working when he's not getting paid, the science and the romance were cute.
February 15, 2018
Bad marks for creating characters and story situations, one after another (sooo many), that just to solve a problem or plot. I got tired of reading "I don't know anything about this and then I mysteriously know all this stuff". It gave no credibility to the book or story. Other than that it's your average sci-fi thriller - best part was the title of the book. :P
October 21, 2023
Action-filled technological thriller. Hero and Heroine developed well during the story. Purchased this edition on July 2, 2021, from Amazon for free.
April 20, 2017
The premise of this book, a cool sci-fi gadget, is pretty enticing to sci-fi fans, however this book relies too much on plotting around this one gadget to be multi-layered or deep, and the reader grows a little tired of hearing about this gadget and how one can test it, escape with it, and perhaps "play" with it. This book could have done so well in exploring the physics behind it and the multitudes of scientists, despots, evil business tycoons, and government spy agencies who see far beyond this gadget--namely, control of the new dynamism in physics and what it means for power and greed.
This book is really about two heroes and two villains who indulge in a daring and exciting cat-and-mouse game over this item, but this story does not extend any further. True, one police detective is involved at the beginning, but he's skeptical.
Yes, the various escapades and close calls make this book a fast-paced one, interrupted by interludes of an unlikely romance. There's nothing like the swoon-like, lust-filled, or poetic romance found in Harlequin novels, but rather that of an eager one by two intelligent individuals who talk about their feelings much like nerds. Which isn't to say their love isn't real, it's just differently presented.
There were some odd choices of strategy that left me scratching my head, but I think this arises from the problem of limiting the plot to basically a theft and switch-and-bait of the key item in this book; there is little for the protagonists to do other than wait and not trust the authorities. More deeper involvement by a fascinated world of science and by the wealthy ruling oligarchy might seamlessly solve these plotting problems. Although the book is short enough as it is, it sometimes ran out of steam because of the limits the author placed on the endless possibilities. Think beyond the incredible vest... what breakthrough does this signal? What about supply of energy, threatening the fossil-minded oil industry? What about space travel, culminating in a new arms race? About about new rules of espionage, scrambling all the strategy of international intelligence gathering operations?
An interesting invention, but I felt its vast potential wasn't even close to being tapped.
This book is really about two heroes and two villains who indulge in a daring and exciting cat-and-mouse game over this item, but this story does not extend any further. True, one police detective is involved at the beginning, but he's skeptical.
Yes, the various escapades and close calls make this book a fast-paced one, interrupted by interludes of an unlikely romance. There's nothing like the swoon-like, lust-filled, or poetic romance found in Harlequin novels, but rather that of an eager one by two intelligent individuals who talk about their feelings much like nerds. Which isn't to say their love isn't real, it's just differently presented.
There were some odd choices of strategy that left me scratching my head, but I think this arises from the problem of limiting the plot to basically a theft and switch-and-bait of the key item in this book; there is little for the protagonists to do other than wait and not trust the authorities. More deeper involvement by a fascinated world of science and by the wealthy ruling oligarchy might seamlessly solve these plotting problems. Although the book is short enough as it is, it sometimes ran out of steam because of the limits the author placed on the endless possibilities. Think beyond the incredible vest... what breakthrough does this signal? What about supply of energy, threatening the fossil-minded oil industry? What about space travel, culminating in a new arms race? About about new rules of espionage, scrambling all the strategy of international intelligence gathering operations?
An interesting invention, but I felt its vast potential wasn't even close to being tapped.
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