Patrick Hemstreet

This inaugural novel is another example of the paranoid military-gone-amok trope.

A neuroscientist, Chuck Brenton, has discovered a means to train individuals to change brain waves to the newly-named zeta waves, which has the potential effect physical reality, similar to psychokinesis. Such technology would permit individuals trapped in their immobile bodies, such as Stephen Hawking, to manipulate their physical space. When mathematician Matt Streegman teams up with Chuck he encourages the newly formed company to seek financial backers and to market their product. Who should some knocking at their door with an offer to good to turn down but a clandestine US military organization. Quicker than you can say, "World domination", the military officer over this company abandons his promised defensive use for the research for its offensive capabilities.

I found the plot of this sci-fi novel predictable: scientific technology discovered which can benefit mankind, technology usurped by nefarious entity, scientists confront the military and win back the day. The characters were essentially stereotypes of stock characters. The plot was so plodding, I almost stopped reading it a couple of times. I wish I would have listened to my inner voice. A sequel has been released but I doubt seriously that I will read it.… (meer)

This inaugural novel is another example of the paranoid military-gone-amok trope.

A neuroscientist, Chuck Brenton, has discovered a means to train individuals to change brain waves to the newly-named zeta waves, which has the potential effect physical reality, similar to psychokinesis. Such technology would permit individuals trapped in their immobile bodies, such as Stephen Hawking, to manipulate their physical space. When mathematician Matt Streegman teams up with Chuck he encourages the newly formed company to seek financial backers and to market their product. Who should some knocking at their door with an offer to good to turn down but a clandestine US military organization. Quicker than you can say, "World domination", the military officer over this company abandons his promised defensive use for the research for its offensive capabilities.

I found the plot of this sci-fi novel predictable: scientific technology discovered which can benefit mankind, technology usurped by nefarious entity, scientists confront the military and win back the day. The characters were essentially stereotypes of stock characters. The plot was so plodding, I almost stopped reading it a couple of times. I wish I would have listened to my inner voice. A sequel has been released but I doubt seriously that I will read it.… (meer)

Chuck Brenton, along with several of his team members, have escaped Deep Shield and formed an uneasy alliance with a group known as the Benefactors. They, too, have learned to use their super-abilities, although via a completely different process than used by the Alphas.

When those remaining in the mountain stronghold threaten to unleash their powers unless the world meets their demands, Church realizes he must stop the terrorists no matter what the risk. The renegade Alphas claim they only want world peace and are willing to use their powers to achieve it, but they have no thought or concern for how many innocents are lost in the process.

But Chuck soon finds there are others who support the terrorism of the Alphas, believing that this is the next step in human evolution.

This narrative, the second in the trilogy, continues the story of neuroscientist Chuck Brenton and the super-abilities gained by training brain waves to manipulate objects. Plausible events strengthen this technological thriller as do the believable characters, situations, and the continuing development of the characters’ super-abilities. The fast pace of the unfolding plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats and the mounting tension keeps the pages turning.

Highly recommended.… (meer)