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The Lazarus Chain
Hidden in plain sight, a new breed of humanity mingles among the masses of the ordinary. Unable to die, they live on vibrantly as their most perfect physical selves. Should death visit them, it is only of temporary effect. They resurrect whole in mere days. This new breed of "Eternals" stands to inherit the Earth when all mortal humans return to dust. Larger questions remain unanswered. What has brought about this change? What is the origin of the magic genetics that makes it all possible? And what lies in the heart of the man generously offering the cure for death, free of charge, to all who desire it? His name is James Carpenter, a man of extraordinary ability, charisma and influence. He appeared seemingly out of thin air, to ascend rapidly into a role of global prominence. A connection may lie in a clandestine research project begun in the 1980's by pioneer geneticist Adeline Brandt in conjunction with the Vatican. Under the guise of authenticating archival relics, she discovered something among the treasure trove of religious artifacts belonging to two millennia. Something she has kept only to herself. Something only she would know how to bring to life. But, there are always the skeptical, those with a healthy curiosity for anything smacking of utopia. As the Eternals class begins to emerge and grow, these doubters privately discover disquieting knowledge that may challenge the apparent altruism of Carpenter and his expanding following. They suspect Carpenter's motivations may lie in darker places, shrouded behind the apparent bliss of eternal, flawless life. But proof is elusive and time is running out. Included in the skeptics is one of Carpenter's closest associates, Alex Traeger. The unassuming architect, surprisingly taken under Carpenter's wing for reasons unrevealed, is torn as more disturbing signs are unveiled. He decides he must find a way to stop Carpenter's plan. But, how does one undo eternity? ...
434 pages, Paperback
Published April 12, 2020
20 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Baude
3 books16 followers After a creative life in musical pursuits culminating in a CD titled “When The Sun Goes Down…”, the muses shifted J.R's passion to writing. "I wanted a new canvas and a venue that would allow my works to be directly accessible to an audience." Fiction writing seemed the perfect answer to that call. In 2011, he self-published his debut novel “The Unremarkable Uneventful Life of Harvey Henderson”. The book has since received a collection of four and five-star reviews (Amazon, Goodreads).
“The Lazarus Chain”, his second novel, was released in April 2020 and is a suspenseful tale packed with intrigue woven into a fabric of cutting-edge genetic science, religion, and the consequences of eternal physical life.
His latest release, "The Menu: A Mysterious Journey Through Food", was inspired by his culinary passions and desire to share them as the basis for a moving story of renewal and redemption.
Learn more about his creative pursuits on Instagram at @mrbaude and @jrbaude.creative.
“The Lazarus Chain”, his second novel, was released in April 2020 and is a suspenseful tale packed with intrigue woven into a fabric of cutting-edge genetic science, religion, and the consequences of eternal physical life.
His latest release, "The Menu: A Mysterious Journey Through Food", was inspired by his culinary passions and desire to share them as the basis for a moving story of renewal and redemption.
Learn more about his creative pursuits on Instagram at @mrbaude and @jrbaude.creative.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 28, 2020
Compelling and powerful, The Lazarus Chain is not a quick, easy read. Disturbing in places, this well-crafted tale is a thought-provoking look at the dangers posed by human intellect when paired with unchecked, cutting edge scientific advances. The aspect of spiritual warfare underlying all adds another, deeper dimension to the story.
The Lazarus Chain is plot driven. So, if you prefer plot-driven, futuristic science fiction stories this one will be sure to please. There are moments throughout that offer twists and turns to keep one reading.
And though there are more characters involved than I prefer, Baude does a good job of developing them. Unfortunately, with so much hopping into and out of heads, I did get confused from time to time trying to remember who was who. Especially as the time frame switches from present to past and back again often.
My biggest problem with the book is the use of the Lord’s name as a curse word. I admit, the characters doing so are not Christian (there are few of those in the story), but since there is other foul language used, I think this could have been avoided by making other word choices in these instances, especially in a book marketed as ‘Christian’. I also had a problem with some of the questionable theology put forth by the Cardinal.
There are also instances where words are missing, and instances where words are used improperly. Nothing major, but I did note them.
All in all, if the things mentioned above don’t bother you and you enjoy gritty realism in your science fiction, you will enjoy this thrilling look at an unsettling yet possible future.
The Lazarus Chain is plot driven. So, if you prefer plot-driven, futuristic science fiction stories this one will be sure to please. There are moments throughout that offer twists and turns to keep one reading.
And though there are more characters involved than I prefer, Baude does a good job of developing them. Unfortunately, with so much hopping into and out of heads, I did get confused from time to time trying to remember who was who. Especially as the time frame switches from present to past and back again often.
My biggest problem with the book is the use of the Lord’s name as a curse word. I admit, the characters doing so are not Christian (there are few of those in the story), but since there is other foul language used, I think this could have been avoided by making other word choices in these instances, especially in a book marketed as ‘Christian’. I also had a problem with some of the questionable theology put forth by the Cardinal.
There are also instances where words are missing, and instances where words are used improperly. Nothing major, but I did note them.
All in all, if the things mentioned above don’t bother you and you enjoy gritty realism in your science fiction, you will enjoy this thrilling look at an unsettling yet possible future.
September 3, 2020
The Lazarus Chain sells an apocalypse of eternal life, and bought me into it.
J.R. Baude has created a modern-day Christian epic that is difficult to pick up, but even harder to put down.
Eternals are emerging in the world, men and women who cannot die. They walk out of the hospital just a few days after an assured death, on their own two feet. A team of scientists and researchers sought to bring this eternal life to be. A reporters investigates it. A man survives his assassination, and seeks to bring the eternal life he has to all. Investigators get involved. Politicians step in to fund.
And the world changes, bit by bit.
In the first half of the Lazarus Chain, I struggled. The book's chapters are remarkably short (there are over one hundred of them) and many of them jump to a new viewpoint at a new time. I would guess there are at a dozen different characters followed through this tale, if not more. Each snippet of their viewpoints is painted with a vivid brush, outlining their perspective in overflowing (and sometimes gross) detail. The prose never gets too saturated, the book moves along at a steady pace.
I started to piece things together, bit by bit. The puzzle became clear to me over time, and the way the story is doled out provides an overwhelming sense of dread. by the time I reached the book's midpoint, the plot came to fruition, and I was certain mankind was going to end. After that, I was there for every minute of it.
The Lazarus Chain really delves into the science and social consequences of eternal life. I know enough about genetics to know that what was presented in this book was understandable and rode the line between plausible and implausible. A welcome taste of science fiction. Where the book really nailed it, though, was the human reaction. The precautions taken. The way that humanity would recieve eternal life, and the measures that had to be taken.
By the end of the book, an apocalyptic dystopia seemed to be unavoidable. The way that this novel sells the promise, and danger, of eternal life is astounding. I found myself thinking about the implications when I wasn't reading the book. Yet the story isn't bogged down by these implications and faith-filled warnings, but enhanced.
This book is unapologetically Catholic. And, at the same time, apologetically Catholic, as it spends some time in Christian apologetics. Yet outside of the viewpoint of a particular priest character, the Catholic influence isn't blind or overwhelming. It seems logical, reasonable, and presented without an undue amount of arrogance or self-righteousness. As someone who is not Catholic, I only took pause in one chapter, and by the end, I believe the book benefits from that viewpoint.
The characters are distinct and vivid, and the story is gripping once it pieces together. The Christian influence is there, it is strong, but it is implemented well for those who do not mind that sort of thing. There are too few commas for my tastes in places, and I really did struggle to get into the first third of the book, but I can't see myself giving anything less than five stars.
Well-written yarn, J.R. Baude. Godspeed to you.
J.R. Baude has created a modern-day Christian epic that is difficult to pick up, but even harder to put down.
Eternals are emerging in the world, men and women who cannot die. They walk out of the hospital just a few days after an assured death, on their own two feet. A team of scientists and researchers sought to bring this eternal life to be. A reporters investigates it. A man survives his assassination, and seeks to bring the eternal life he has to all. Investigators get involved. Politicians step in to fund.
And the world changes, bit by bit.
In the first half of the Lazarus Chain, I struggled. The book's chapters are remarkably short (there are over one hundred of them) and many of them jump to a new viewpoint at a new time. I would guess there are at a dozen different characters followed through this tale, if not more. Each snippet of their viewpoints is painted with a vivid brush, outlining their perspective in overflowing (and sometimes gross) detail. The prose never gets too saturated, the book moves along at a steady pace.
I started to piece things together, bit by bit. The puzzle became clear to me over time, and the way the story is doled out provides an overwhelming sense of dread. by the time I reached the book's midpoint, the plot came to fruition, and I was certain mankind was going to end. After that, I was there for every minute of it.
The Lazarus Chain really delves into the science and social consequences of eternal life. I know enough about genetics to know that what was presented in this book was understandable and rode the line between plausible and implausible. A welcome taste of science fiction. Where the book really nailed it, though, was the human reaction. The precautions taken. The way that humanity would recieve eternal life, and the measures that had to be taken.
By the end of the book, an apocalyptic dystopia seemed to be unavoidable. The way that this novel sells the promise, and danger, of eternal life is astounding. I found myself thinking about the implications when I wasn't reading the book. Yet the story isn't bogged down by these implications and faith-filled warnings, but enhanced.
This book is unapologetically Catholic. And, at the same time, apologetically Catholic, as it spends some time in Christian apologetics. Yet outside of the viewpoint of a particular priest character, the Catholic influence isn't blind or overwhelming. It seems logical, reasonable, and presented without an undue amount of arrogance or self-righteousness. As someone who is not Catholic, I only took pause in one chapter, and by the end, I believe the book benefits from that viewpoint.
The characters are distinct and vivid, and the story is gripping once it pieces together. The Christian influence is there, it is strong, but it is implemented well for those who do not mind that sort of thing. There are too few commas for my tastes in places, and I really did struggle to get into the first third of the book, but I can't see myself giving anything less than five stars.
Well-written yarn, J.R. Baude. Godspeed to you.
August 9, 2020
First the good. This is a masterful story, driven by a wonderful concept. As you read above, immortality is something that has a lot of spiritual implications and crosses the boundaries between science and religion. Baude is great at description, and gives us a highly complex story with intricacies that draw us into what's going on in an ever-ascending spiral.
And then there are the twists, of course. I love twists. And there are several major ones that I didn't see coming. Thanks for that.
Now, the challenges. The Lazarus Chain is a complex story that involves a LOT of characters, and I think it suffers for it. At first, one has a hard time keeping track of who's who, and then later you feel like there isn't enough time for the characters to develop enough to care about them. I just started feeling for two of the main characters toward the end of the story, but I felt like it would have been easier with half the characters. In addition, the story is told in present tense, which I've always struggled with in a full-length novel, and it seems a bit awkward at times.
But the story has heart, with spiritual questions that really should be asked, as well as science that is pretty cutting edge as well. I struggled with the complexity of the book for the first hundred pages, but then it really took off, and I enjoyed the ending immensely.
And then there are the twists, of course. I love twists. And there are several major ones that I didn't see coming. Thanks for that.
Now, the challenges. The Lazarus Chain is a complex story that involves a LOT of characters, and I think it suffers for it. At first, one has a hard time keeping track of who's who, and then later you feel like there isn't enough time for the characters to develop enough to care about them. I just started feeling for two of the main characters toward the end of the story, but I felt like it would have been easier with half the characters. In addition, the story is told in present tense, which I've always struggled with in a full-length novel, and it seems a bit awkward at times.
But the story has heart, with spiritual questions that really should be asked, as well as science that is pretty cutting edge as well. I struggled with the complexity of the book for the first hundred pages, but then it really took off, and I enjoyed the ending immensely.
April 28, 2022
Irresistible genetics, science thriller! Get read for a dose of, WOW the possibility exists.
Fascinating plot of cutting-edge research of genetic gene slicing with an edge of spirituality, mysticism and alternate dementsions. Weaving the relationship with all the characters; each one adding an element to the plot. This book represents possibility; it's up to the reader to choose if they want to go on the adventure. Vulnerability can be a strength aiding in the understanding of why. Encouraging the reader to consider the realm of metaphysics. A testament to the strength of faith. This is a box office smash it! Thank you J. R. Baude for a GREAT read. PottsvillePA_THU; 04282022.
Fascinating plot of cutting-edge research of genetic gene slicing with an edge of spirituality, mysticism and alternate dementsions. Weaving the relationship with all the characters; each one adding an element to the plot. This book represents possibility; it's up to the reader to choose if they want to go on the adventure. Vulnerability can be a strength aiding in the understanding of why. Encouraging the reader to consider the realm of metaphysics. A testament to the strength of faith. This is a box office smash it! Thank you J. R. Baude for a GREAT read. PottsvillePA_THU; 04282022.
September 8, 2020
Brilliantly paced, this is the story of how through clandestine means, genetics is used to make first a select few, then millions immortal. Using carefully crafted flashbacks to the Eighties and present day, the story unfolds in an all too realistic way, with several main characters, each piecing the puzzle of the events at the beginning of the book.
The characters are each well written and believable in their parts, fully three dimensional, you can see their motives and reasoning for their actions, with no unnecessary padding to their story. Even minor characters seem relevant and not just extra filling.
The author is also known for his ability to handcraft wooden furniture or original and unique recipes. It is these skills that shine in this book, every word, every phrase carefully placed at the right point, to produce the great story he tells.
From the first to the last this book avoids the road most traveled, into an exciting read to the very last .
The characters are each well written and believable in their parts, fully three dimensional, you can see their motives and reasoning for their actions, with no unnecessary padding to their story. Even minor characters seem relevant and not just extra filling.
The author is also known for his ability to handcraft wooden furniture or original and unique recipes. It is these skills that shine in this book, every word, every phrase carefully placed at the right point, to produce the great story he tells.
From the first to the last this book avoids the road most traveled, into an exciting read to the very last .
December 26, 2024
Read borrowed Kindle Unlimited book using Alexa audio asset. Immortality has thick strings attached. High ego woman scientist develops longevity and moves towards Godhood.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews