Specific Impulse

by Charles Justiz

Specific Impulse is a Clarion Book of the Year Award Finalist. "Great energy . . . a fun and engaging read" -DR. BONNIE DUNBAR, FORMER NASA ASTRONAUT AND CEO OF SEATTLE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT Space scientist Carin Gonzales and former submarine commander Jake Sabio are two strangers drifting separately through life when a thunderous explosion above the giant Barringer Meteor Crater inexplicably brings them together, transforming both in unpredictable ways. Now able to see and smell more precisely and move in ways that are clearly impossible, Gonzales and Sabio soon realize that these kinds of life-changing alterations do not come without a price. Worse yet, they soon notice that others who witnessed the explosion are now dead from a seemingly incurable infection. The CDC wants nothing more than to lock them up in a lab for study. Special Agent Will Greenfield wants them for questioning. Contract killer Antonio Crubari would be happy if they would just hurry up and die, but he is willing to speed up the process if need be. Time is running out for Gonzales and Sabio. But even as they struggle to survive and find a cure for the deadly infection, they uncover a secret of monumental proportions that changes everything-including the future.

Genres: Science Fiction

328 pages, Paperback

First published April 29, 2010

About the author

Charles Justiz is a pilot, corporate aviation safety consultant and the author of Specific Impulse. A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and a former officer of the United States Air Force, Justiz spent tours of duty as an instructor pilot at Webb Air Force Base as well as doing flight test at Eglin Air Force Base. Retired from NASA as of June 1, 2010, he was rated as both an instructor pilot and an examiner pilot in the Astronaut T-38, the Shuttle Training Aircraft (with more than 25 years of experience and 15,000+ Shuttle approaches), the C-9 and in the 747 Shuttle Carrier.

Reviews

[V3 Cosplaysyndicate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey guys its Paige “Techrabbit” of V3 Cosplay Syndicate, here with another product review , every so often us V3ers like to change it up a bit. yes I know normally I personally review all the tech gadget goodness and my beloved Sci Fi genre , but myself and the other staffer have recently come across a rare gem from the science fiction genre in the form of the suspense packed “Specific Impulse”, written by Charles Justiz a former NASA pilot and engineer. Right off the bat , that fact hooked me … No, wait!!! Yes I know normally when you get an industry professional writing a book of any kind it usually turns in a text book. But if that’s what your expecting here I'm extremely happy to report that’s not the cases at all. Justiz uses hes vast knowledge and experience to take you on a thrilling ride that will keep begging for more. He combines science fiction, action, politics, and yes for the ladies and guys you know you like it, just the right amount of romance. An then there the under belly of the beast as the storyline dives deeper in you experience the true dark side murder, political agenda and of course the all important greed.

Now I'm sure your probably thinking, but Paige isn't it just another alternate reality slash other world , cardboard cut out, which Sci Fi author are famous for creating. Wrong again that’s the real catch of the story it feels completely real. Justiz has developed these true to life characters with genuine thoughts and emotions in Dr. Carin Gonzalez, Space scientist and Jake Sabio, a former submarine commander, their range of emotions is believable and key to the story.

In addition to Sabio and Gonzalez, there is the A.I. named Fred , which I might add has gotten a large fan following of his own, which are even more excited since Kevin VanHook famed comic book creator and filmmaker has been announced to be writing the screenplay for Specific Impulse, fan girl moment. Continuing on, lets not forget our deadly assassin, Antonio Crubari, who drips of sexuality and evil, then on the flip side you have the true blue boyscout upholder of justice, FBI Agent Will Greenfield.

Now I'm not going to go into the plot , because honestly you really need to read it to truly do it just but suffices to say it starts off with a really big bang were instead of love at first sight for Sabio and Gonzalez, its hit the dirt and try not to die after wards, which I might add isn't easy for them and everyone one else. The characters and plot are well executed and by the end , you won’t want it to be over. Which is good since ... Spolier alert this is the first of a trilogy

So do yourself a favor and pick up Specific Impulse, by Charles Justiz, you wont be disappointed it has something for everyone and will keep you on your toes till the very end. And No, but you ask I wont lend you my copy , cause I just got it back from... hey wait a minute Jin , get back here with my book!!!


This has been another Paige “Techrabbit” review.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an odd combination of hard SF and action/thriller, kind of like the Bourne books but with more SF elements. The plotting and telling of the story are actually first-rate, as are some of the characters. One of the villains is brilliantly creepy, and the FBI agents are not just cliches. The basic story is fairly original, involving what are probably at least two factions of intelligent alien life that are mucking about with the future of humanity. One of them sends down a small biological device which mutates a number of people, mostly with fatal results. The aliens were only expecting one survivor, but to their surprise got two.
The two central characters are just a bit too perfect, outstanding in multiple areas of expertise even before the aliens heighten their abilities. Also, the subplots involving the super-computer just don't ring true, which is really too bad. "Fred" is just too many generations ahead of the rest of computer science as shown in the book.
Also, the book needed one more pass across the desk of a copy editor. Errors like mixing up "sight" and "site" occur just often enough to be annoying and to interrupt the flow of the story a few times.
My only other complaint is that this is not a stand-alone book, in that the action/adventure story is resolved, but not the science fiction one. There is at least one planned sequel, but it felt like the book ended at a convenient stopping point, rather than a true resolution.
Still, if you're willing to wait and read the intended sequel, you will probably find a good thrill ride of a book, with both high points and minor flaws.

[Damla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roller-coaster! Yes, that would describe it. Jake, a charismatic former sub commander, is tracking clues from the tragic deaths of his ex-wife and children. Dr Carin Gonzalez, a former Airforce officer, is on sabbatical from her job as a space scientist. Their paths are unknown to each other until both are led to a meteor crater in Arizona and they become witness to a perplexing and unnatural explosion. They both start experiencing an unusual heightened awareness that enhances not only their perceptions, but also their ability to sense danger. They soon discover they were infected, as were all the others present that day in the crater and… all the others have died! Along with a machine based intelligence brought to life by Carin, F.R.E.D. (Friggin' Ridiculous Economic Disaster), they must find a cure while being hunted by a psychotic assassin. Are they looking for an answer that seems to be 'not of this world'?
I love the twists and turns that keep you glued to the story. The story is far from the ridiculous science fiction they put out nowadays. It is true to the science fiction genre. I was intrigued with Charles Justiz development of the scientific element that made the character's conclusions believable. A truly enigmatic story that leaves you impatiently waiting for the next book in the series, as well as, anxious to experience 'Specific Impulse' as a movie (scheduled to begin production in 2013).

http://sweepstakelover.blogspot.com/2...

[Steve Koraly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an avid reader but fiction is not normally my genre. “Real life” fascinates me and there have been enough great non-fiction works written to fill my dance card. That being said, I have to commend the sensational new sci-fi thriller, Specific Impulse by author, Doctor Charles Justiz.

Full disclosure; I knew the author as a friend and classmate at the Air Force Academy 30 years ago. I remember him as a brilliant Cadet with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He wanted to know everything about everything. His passionate pursuits led him to a Doctorate and a stellar career as an Air Force test pilot, then a NASA scientist/pilot and instructor of Astronauts.

The author’s commitment to acquiring knowledge, is manifested in his first novel, Specific Impulse. That knowledge gained as a seasoned NASA scientist and pilot is poured into this page turner. What this science fiction thriller has that many do not is megatons of “actual science” as opposed to implausible, “silly science,” that requires the willful suspension of disbelief. E.G. The “static electricity driven generator” of “Atlas Shrugged,” (great book… silly science. ) Doctor Justiz’s knowledge is woven into the compelling story line in a masterful manner that educates while entertaining. This book is not just a pleasurable way to pass the time. It is thought provoking, educational, AND a pleasure to read.

[Urs · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an action, suspense thriller with a taste of SCI-FI. With all of those elements, I should love this book. However, I did not. The two main characters in this book, Jake and Carin, become an unlikely pair after their abilities and bodies are altered during a crater explosion. In the race to find out what happened to them, the cross paths with the FBI and gangsters from Vegas. The main characters were likable and had interesting backstories.

There is a lot of science in this book that may help explain everything and make it more believable; however, since I am not a science person, that part was uninteresting to me and left me bored at times. I did not need as much science detail to just accept what was happening for the purposes of the book.

I felt like I too often had to listen to parts of this story twice. While one side lived it, the other side was putting the pieces together to figure out the same events. This made the book longer than it had to be.

There is a lot of good action in this book. I can easily see this book as a movie to the point that I think that it would be more effective as such.

I now know that this book is part of a planned trilogy, but I did not know that going into it. The book ends on sort of a high note, but it is clear that the story is not over. I will not be continuing, though. I was too glad to finally finish this book when I did.

[R-laurraine Tutihasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most exciting novels I've read in a while. As one of the cover blurbs says, it's "a gripping sci-fi thriller". It's definitely science fiction, as it involves extraterrestrial life forms. It's also a very exciting thriller involving gangsters, government agents, and a mysterious man. It starts when scientist Carin Gonzales and former submarine commander Jake Sabio both find themselves at the Barringer Meteor Crater after an explosion there. Everyone there is rounded up except those two. The others all die, but Carin and Jake survive for some reason and develop superhuman abilities. Jake is trying to solve the killing of his children. Somehow the threads connecting the meteor and the killing seem to cross and lead them to contract killer Antonio Crubari. It turns out he also has superhuman capabilities, so it's an uphill battle. The FBI also want Carin and Jake for their own complicated reasons. Unfortunately whatever gave Carin and Jake their extraordinary powers also seems to be killing them. It's a race against time, and to say more would spoil the story for you.

One thing I will say, though, is that there had better be a sequel; because the novel is screaming for one.

[Julie Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a self-published book by Charles Justiz, a former NASA pilot. Considering that this is his first book, it isn't bad at all. He has some interesting ideas and he has created some memorable characters. He is obviously very knowledgeable in his field. There are a few places where the book drags a bit, and a few of the characters may be a bit stereotypical (most notably the FBI agents), but for the most part it moved along nicely and had enough plot twists to keep it interesting. He makes you care about the two protagonists, and I thought that the character of Fred, the artificial super-intelligence that looks like an outdated computer was very clever. All-in-all, I would say that Justiz shows great promise as an author, and that "Specific Impulse" is a fun read that is definitely worth a look.

[Dena Scroggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I'm not really a huge fan of Sci-Fi books, but this book immediately captured my interest and held it to the very end. This book is well written and full of intrigue, the characters are well written and the storyline is very interesting. I love conspiracy theory books and this certainly fit the bill. This book is a first for Mr. Justiz, who is also an astronaut and a former officer of the United States Air Force.

[Geoff Kuchera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I became Facebook friends with Charles Justiz's wife when she was the keeynote speaker at MLT University a few years back.. I shot photos of her performing on stage and sent them to her for her use. Well a few months later her husband released a book, and it sounded interesting so i bought it and read it.

It's worth the read!

Good clean science fiction/fantasy written by an actual astronaut can't get much better than that.. :-)

[Patricia Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! If you like a book that is fast paced, and intellectually stimulating this is the one! This book actually got me researching about artificial intelligence and just what the possibilities might be in the not so distant future. The characters are believable, the plot stimulating, and the action makes you not want to put the book down!

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read. Very entertaining, enjoyable characters, believable sci-fi, action packed and just plain fun. It is also refreshingly clean without compromising the story. Definately leaves you wanting more. I would highly recommend if you are looking for a fun and exciting escape read.

[Howard Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot and situations are preposterous in a number of ways, but I found the book difficult to put down. With a suspension of disbelief, the story is fun and exciting and briskly paced. I find myself looking forward to a sequel.

[Charles Short · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read, don't always buy into the techno-babble, but generally believable. I loved the pace but occassionally felt the technical explanations were too long.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this one 3 times so far and it just keeps getting better!!!

[Evan Gerhard]

Just started it, I didn't know until 5 seconds ago I had a signed copy!!! So cool

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline!

Loved the storyline. Makes you wonder if there is intelligent life other than earth and do they Already walk among us?