Callsign: Queen

Chesspocalypse #2

by Jeremy Robinson, David Wood

At the beginning of her search for Rook, a missing Chess Team member, Zelda Baker, Queen, is redirected to Pripyat, Ukraine, a ghost town on the radioactive outskirts of Chernobyl. Intel indicates that splinter cell of Manifold Genetics—a ruthless corporation dismantled by Chess Team—may be operating in the area. Tasked with confirming the existence of a Manifold facility, Queen begins a recon sweep of the abandoned town in search of clues, but soon finds herself fighting for her life. Something sinister lurks beneath the decaying, surreal remnants of Pripyat’s never-used amusement park, and it rises up to greet Queen. In Pripyat, the streets are empty, the derelict buildings crumble, but the bodies…are fresh. THE CALLSIGN Queen (30,000 words) is the second in a series of Chess Team novellas being released in 2011. Each of the six books follows a single member of the team and are titled for them; Queen, Knight, etc, and are co-authored by Jeremy Robinson and six other fantastic authors. The stories take place after the events of THRESHOLD, the third Jack Sigler thriller, but are designed to introduce readers to the series. If you haven't read the novels, no worries. Enjoy the ride! PRAISE FOR ROBINSON "Rocket-boosted action, brilliant speculation, and the recreation of a horror out of the mythologic past, all seamlessly blend into a rollercoaster ride of suspense and adventure." -- James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of JAKE RANSOM AND THE SKULL KING'S SHADOW "With THRESHOLD Jeremy Robinson goes pedal to the metal into very dark territory. Fast-paced, action-packed and wonderfully creepy! Highly recommended!" --Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of ROT & RUIN "Jeremy Robinson is the next James Rollins" -- Chris Kuzneski, NY Times bestselling author of THE SECRET CROWN "If you like thrillers original, unpredictable and chock-full of action, you are going to love Jeremy Robinson..."-- Stephen Coonts, NY Times bestselling author of DEEP ARCTIC GOLD "How do you find an original story idea in the crowded action-thriller genre? Two Jeremy Robinson." -- Scott Sigler, NY Times Bestselling author of ANCESTOR "There's nothing timid about Robinson as he drops his readers off the cliff without a parachute and somehow manages to catch us an inch or two from doom." -- Jeff Long, New York Times bestselling author of THE DESCENT "Jeremy Robinson's THRESHOLD is one hell of a thriller, wildly imaginative and diabolical, which combines ancient legends and modern science into a non-stop action ride that will keep you turning the pages until the wee hours. Relentlessly gripping from start to finish, don't turn your back on this book!" -- Douglas Preston, NY Times bestselling author of IMPACT and BLASPHEMY PRAISE FOR WOOD "David Wood has done it again. Quest takes you on an expedition that leads down a trail of adventure and thrills. David Wood has honed his craft and Quest is proof of his efforts!" David L. Golemon, Author of LEGACY, THE SUPERNATURALS, AND EVENT "Ancient cave paintings? Cities of gold? Secret scrolls? Sign me up! Cibola is a twisty tale of adventure and intrigue that never lets up and never lets go!" --Robert Masello, author of BESTIARY and BLOOD AND ICE "Let there be no David Wood is the next Clive Cussler. From the accessible writing to the wide-ranging plot to the main characters who don't give up no matter how long the odds, Wood's latest book, Quest, is a tremendous classic adventure.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Action, Science Fiction, Adventure, Military Fiction, Novella

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2011

About the author

Jeremy Robinson is the New York Times bestselling author of seventy novels and novellas, including Apocalypse Machine, Island 731, and SecondWorld, as well as the Jack Sigler thriller series and Project Nemesis, the highest selling, original (non-licensed) kaiju novel of all time. He’s known for mixing elements of science, history and mythology, which has earned him the #1 spot in Science Fiction and Action-Adventure, and secured him as the top creature feature author. Many of his novels have been adapted into comic books, optioned for film and TV, and translated into thirteen languages. He lives in New Hampshire with his wife and three children. Visit him at www.bewareofmonsters.com.

Reviews

[Zain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bad Ass!

Although I feel that the bad Ass female hero has become overused in many action books, I don’t feel that way about Zelda Baker.

Call Sign Queen shows why she is a tough cookie and a force to be reckoned with. Queen, as she is called, is able to take a licking and keep on ticking.

In Pripyat, Ukraine she is investigating a Manifold facility, when something comes from out of somewhere and attacks her.

Having a quick wit as well as quick hands help keep her alive.

Highly recommended

Five wonderful stars. 💫💫💫💫💫

[Shariful Sadaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short side about Queen, one of the members of the Chess Team series of books. Fast paced, enjoyable, and easy to read.

[Md. Al Fidah · Rating 4 out of 5]

পোলাপাইন আজকাল ভালোই অনুবাদ করে :)

[Julie Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little addition to the main timeline, it provides us with a look into Queen out on her own. I read these in the wrong place, so they are filling in some holes in the story for me.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh How I love a kick ass lady...

I am loving Zelda more and more as I get to know her....

GO GIRL

[Tridev Devnath · Rating 4 out of 5]

কথা কম একশন বেশি , এই গল্পের সহজ সারমর্ম।

কলেবরে ছোট, একদম শুরু থেকে ই সাসপেন্স শুরু। খুব তাড়াতাড়ি ই শেষ করে ফেলেছি, একটু ও বোরিং লাগেনি। অনুবাদে ফিমেল ওরিয়েন্টেড একশন ফ্লিক তেমন পাওয়া যায়না, ফিদাহ সাহেব এবারো অনুবাদের কাজ টা বেশ নিপুণ ভাবেই করেছেন।

[Masum Billah · Rating 4 out of 5]

বইটই এ্যাপ থেকে ক্রয়কৃত তৃতীয় বই।
ব্রেইনস্টর্ম ট্রিলজির দ্বিতীয় পর্ব।

রুকের খোঁজে ঘুরে ফিরছে তাসমানিয়ান ডাইনী কুইন ওরফে জেলডা। হঠাৎ ডিপ ব্লুর কাছ থেকে  নির্দেশ এলো, ইউক্রেন যাও। পরিত্যক্ত চেনোরবিল পারমাণবিক রিয়্যাক্টর ফ্যাসিলিটির আশেপাশে কিছু রহস্যময় ঘটনা দেখা গেছে, খুজে দেখো কিছু পাওয়া যায় কিনা। পরিত্যক্ত প্রিপইয়াট এর মাটিতে পা দিতেই কুইন মুখোমুখি  হলো একপাল মায়া নেকড়ের। আরেকটু খুজতে গিয়ে দেখা পেলো রিচার্ড রিডলির জেনেটিক ইঞ্জিনিয়ারিং প্রতিষ্ঠান ম্যানিফোল্ড এর গোপন ঘাটি। যাদের সাথে সম্পর্ক আছে মায়া নেকড়েদের। ধুন্ধুমার সব মারামারি শেষে কুইন নামের মেয়েটা মুখোমুখি হলো দারিয়ুসের। দারিয়ুসের সাথে আছে রিচার্ড রিডলির ভয়াবহ সম্পর্ক।
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রেটিং ৪/৫

[উচ্ছ্বাস তৌসিফ · Rating 3 out of 5]

খুব আহামরি না, সেটা হওয়ার কথাও না। মূলত, জেলডা বেকারের সঙ্গে পাঠককে পরিচয় করিয়ে দেয়ার প্রচেষ্টা। ভালো লেগেছে জেলডাকে। চেস টিমের বাকিদের সঙ্গেও পরিচিত হওয়ার ইচ্ছে জেগেছে। কাজেই, গল্পটাকে স্বার্থক বলা যায়।

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Queen. She is a one woman butt kicking machine. I love these stories of the team can't wait to finish the others.

[Dale Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stan Tremblay, aka "Rook", had disappeared on a mission to Siberia and Zelda Baker - call sign "Queen" had made it her job to find him and bring him home. Unfortunately, plans have a way of changing on a moments notice with Chess Team and now she finds herself diverted to the Ukraine in a search for what may be a clue to the location and plans of Manifold. The only problem is, the location is Pripyat - directly on the outskirts of Chernobyl - and along with the anticipation of glowing in the dark for the rest of her life, something strange and deadly has driven all traffic in and out of the town. Now Zelda needs to find it, if for no other reason than she can return to her attempt to find Rook. But, the strange and deadly may turn out to be something even more horrible than anticipated and she'll have to survive the mission first.

Jeremy Robinson and David Wood have crafted a smart, fast, and exciting short novella set in the CHESS TEAM universe and bring the excitement of the ongoing team stories into a sharp focus in these short 98 pages. Zelda Baker is one of the strong, smart, and ingenious female characters that are flourishing in todays multiple genres and, while a member of the team that sees Jack Siglar the "King" of the Chess Team, she provides a strong lead in her own story and could easily support more of her own adventures if we are lucky enough to see them.

The CHESS TEAM story continues to grow and this is a strong and exciting chapter in it's world.

[Farhan Nayem · Rating 4 out of 5]

প্লটঃ ইউক্রেনের ভূতুড়ে শহর প্রিপইয়ার্টে ঘটে চলেছে একের পর এক রহস্যময় ঘটনা। হঠাৎ করেই চালু হয়ে যায় পেরিস হুইল,অন্ধকারে দেখা যায় মায়ানেকড়ের দল। ঘটনাক্রমে সেই ভূতুড়ে শহরে আগমন ঘটে জেলডা বেকারের,যার কলসাইনঃ কুইন। কিন্তু সে জানত না সামনে কি বিপদ অপেক্ষা করছে তার জন্য। একদল মায়ানেকড়ে ও সুদক্ষ মার্সেনারির হাত থেকে প্রান নিয়ে কি বেঁচে ফিরতে পারবে কুইন?

★রিভিউঃ জেরেমি রবিনসনের চেসপোক্যালিপ্স সিরিজের দ্বিতীয় নভেলা "কুইন" পড়ে শেষ করলাম। এই সিরিজের প্রথম নভেলা "কিং" এর থেকে বেশি ভালো লেগেছে "কুইন"। আগের বইটার মতো এই বইয়েও ছিল প্রচুর পরিমানে একশন। একশন দৃশ্যের বর্ননা খুবই ভালো ছিল। তবে গল্পের প্যাটার্ন প্রথম বইয়ের থেকে খুব বেশি আলাদা বলে মনে হয়নি। মনোযোগ দিয়ে পড়লে বিষয়টা সহজেই লক্ষ করা যায়। সব মিলিয়ে, " কিং" এর চেয়ে বেটার মনে হয়েছে।

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read Jeremy Robinson, the more he is becoming one of my favorite authors. I got started on this series because it was something similar to the Event Thriller series by David L Golemon and I fell in love with the series from the very beginning. I am not reading this series in a hurry because I don't want this series to end.

[Michael Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Queen doing her thing!

Great story for the solo adventure of Queen. If Giuliani know her, you already know just how bada@@ she is. If not, jump on for the ride. Two great authors, one remarkable read!

[Zain · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Team Continues

Callsign: Queen is a roller coaster ride of fierce joy. Zelda kicks butt like a giant with her great hand-to-hand combat skills.

[Corey Baltzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeremy Robinson novellas are as great as the series they are based on!

[K.M. Ettahad · Rating 5 out of 5]

দুর্দান্ত একশন থ্রিলার। ওফ! মায়ানেকড়ে! উপভোগ করেছি।

[juana hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen

Queen is looking for Rook and is asked to investigate a possible Richard Ridley project. Non stop action from beginning to end.

[Aritra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Werewolves! Freaking werewolves. In Pripyat. And Queen kicking ass. Nuff said.

[Rakib Hasan · Rating 4 out of 5]

কিং এর মতো কুইনও বেশ ভালো লেগেছে।

[Jordan Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I found Callsign: King to be slightly more enjoyable in both story and overall pacing, the second book in this series of Robinson's fictional "Chess Team" still had it's moments.

First of all, as do the rest of Robinson's novels and novellas, Callsign: Queen doesn't mess around in a lengthy backstory or waste time in delicate prose or literary uniqueness. Just like basically all the books in this series (and hell, even this genre) it starts off right away and never once let's up. Sure I'm all for a massive 600+ page epic of desire and unrequited love and the social upheaval of repressed peasants, but every I've in a while, a quick page turner that gets right to point is exactly something I need.

The other great thing about Queen is the titular character herself. Sure, she's typecast as all hell, playing both the kickass soldier and a super hot woman at the same time, but unlike a lot of other authors who try and write a female who can do both, Robinson and coauthor Wood actually seem to make it work. She can shoot the shit out of a roving band of werewolf hybrids, take down men 2 or 3 times her size, and manage to blow up a few buildings on the way, and yet she has feelings that are realistic and wants and needs that any normal person would have.

My only complaint with this one is that while Robinson's "Chessteam" novels (and practically his entire bibliography come to think of it) are definitely on the boarder of believable, Callsign: Queen requires a ton of suspension of disbelief. I don't want to get into the whole plot and main ideas of this novella, but mixing a secret genetics lab under the ruins of Chernobyl without really giving a very strong reason for really anything that happens in this story, bring the star rating down from a 4 to 3.

On the plus side though, it, along with the other 6 short stories in this series, is entertaining, fairly well written, and does a good job filling in the gaps between the bookend novels of Threshold and Ragnarok.

[Jamey Goodyear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong female lead.

Queen is on her way to find Rook, who has disappeared after their last assignment, Deep Blue detours her to Pripyat, a deserted city on the outskirts of Chernobyl. Evidence has been found that Manifold Genetics has a secret lab there. Her mission is to confirm the existence of the lab.

Queen arrives at Pripyat and immediate finds the body of a young man. Then she gets attacked by some kind of monster that looks partially human. Continued investigation finds a young girl hiding from the monster. Queen and the girl are chased by the security team, who Queen decimates. While trying to find an entrance to the lab that she now knows is there, she gets to play on some rides at the amusement park. However, these rides have been modified and more of the monsters come out to attack her.

Queen is a petite, young gal. Her background has made her tough. She is smart, strong, agile, and she knows how to fight. This fast paced story held my attention. Being a gal, I found Queen to be just a bit unbelievable. However, I could identify with her and escape into the story because I believe that all women would like to be strong. It’s a good stand-alone story, but I believe it needs the previous stories to give a real feel of who Queen is.

This is a good book with a strong female lead character. A quick read for those who read other stories based on secret ops team saving the world from mad scientist. I recommend this short story.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

INTENSE AND DELIGHTFUL READING EXPERIENCE ! ! !


Get to know Queen in this fun and thrilling Callsign book! She is an extraordinary woman with such killer fighting abilities and a past of unfortunate events that have given her character more depth and intense anger. In this story, Queen is up against some terrifying creatures in Russia with very low odds of surviving. She MUST survive in order to fulfill her desire to find ROOK - another Callsign team member.

The Callsingn series is hands down one of my very favorites and completely absorbs my world when I am immersed in pages of pure action, thrills, horrors, monsters, creatures and pure creepiness . . . I love getting to know each team member intimately in these high explosive reading delights.

Jeremy Robinson and David Wood have created a very fine story, and I believe "Callsign: Queen" will add to your reading experience in ways you have never imagined.

Due to attention grabbing and imaginative writing, with intriguing secrets and frightful "I need to look under my bed and check my closets before bed time", scenes, I sincerely recommend this book.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story involving Queen (Zelda Baker) from the Chest Team. Each team member King, Queen, Knight, Rook and Deep Blue will have their own separate solo mission and will have to rely on themselves to beat the odds to complete said mission.

Queen is a very deep introverted character. She's a tough girl due to her upbringing and always keeps her guard up. Queen is extremely lethal and a "no holds bar" kinda girl, which works to her advantage since her enemies always think she's a weak link since she's a girl. She is a character I would not want to meet in a dark alley that's for sure. She does bring that extra spunk to the team since she is the only girl.

This novel happened to be very short. I was looking for more and think there could have been more information with the exposing of the Manifold facility. We did get to see more vulnerable side of Queen in this mission. I wonder if Robinson will take that issue to another level or just ignore it ever happened.

[Lianne Burwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say, this is one of the great things about epublishing; if you like a series, the author may be writing short stories or novellas in the same universe for ebook.

In this case, Jeremy Robinson has used a number of co-writers to do individual stories about the members of the Chess Team in his Jack Sigler series. This time around, we're following Zelda, code name Queen, on her outing against Manifold, the villainous organization.

Chernobyl werewolves. Really, that's all you need to know.

I did have a few quibbles, though. There was a character that appeared, gets captured, and we never really find out their fate. And the death of another characters was very disappointing after their setup.

Still, for three dollars, a book that is about 1/3 the length of a novel, Callsign: Queen was worth the money.

[Greg D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find it interesting that Mr. Robinson is a fan of James Rollins, who is one of my favorite authors, as this Novella definitely mirrors many of the aspects of Rollins' stories and characters. While I did find it enjoyable and a fast read, the author's penchant for more brutal violence, which is also quite graphically described, was somewhat of a turn off, and a little more than I needed or wanted.

The story was interesting, but also somewhat more unbelievable than Rollins' tales, so while I would have given this three and 1/2 stars if Goodreads allowed it, I upgraded my choice to four stars because I felt three was too low, and do see potential in his writing.

The fact that I bought it for a buck or so with a coupon did not hurt, but if you're a fan of this genre, it's probably worth the $2.99 price.

[Dan Barbier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished it one sitting. Ok, I got up to work once in a while. This is an easy read and an easy character to follow. Those novellas are good for exploring Robinson's Chess team more in depth. I especially like the ferris wheel sequence, see I'm talking as if this was a short movie. All in all, good entertainment while waiting for a full chess team novel. Kudos to David Wood, he blended in just fine.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Queen is awesome!!! This story demonstrated just how bad-@ss she really is. Zelda Baker by herself, without the rest of the 'Chess Team' to keep her @ss-kickery under control = watch out bad guys. That being said, it was nice to see a different, slightly kinder side of Queen, for a short-time anyway.

A major long-term plot point gets revealed in this story.

[Dee Haddrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read 3 May 2014 - Queen is en route to Russia to search for Rook, when she is sent to Pripyat, Ukraine to check out a possible Manifold facility. Needless to say, what she finds is a lot of trouble. It's nice to see these short adventures of the team on their own.

Originally read 13 June 2012. Short but enjoyable, I really like Queen! I hope she finds Rook soon :)

[FictionFreak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen takes matters into her own hands in this solo adventure. This second chess team novella, following Prime, Pulse, Instinct, Threshold, and Call Sign: King book 1, follows our blond Tasmanian devil into Russia, where she stumbles onto a plot by some old enemies. Fast paced and right to the point, this book does what it's supposed to do, entertain. Ok, onto Call Sign: Rook! Enjoy!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Chess Team books. Queen is such a great character, someone you definitely want on your side in a fight. A strong female character. Looking forward to the next Queen story