Cataclysm

Noah Zarc #2

by D. Robert Pease

Thirteen-year-old Noah Zarc rockets to Venus in a quest to learn more about his past. He refuses to believe his father is really the monster everyone says he is. Could there be valid reasons for everything he's done, including abandoning Noah at birth?

While searching for answers to secrets no one wants to talk about, even those that have remained hidden for over a thousand years, Noah becomes embroiled in a mission that could cause the greatest cataclysm in the history of the solar system. Will his name, Noah Zarc, be forever linked to the most devastating crime in humanity's existence, all because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time?

234 pages, Paperback

First published November 27, 2012

About the author

D. Robert Pease has been interested in creating worlds since childhood. From building in the sandbox behind his house, to drawing fantastical worlds with paper and pencil, there has hardly been a time he hasn't been off on some adventure in his mind, to the dismay of parents and teachers alike. Also, since the moment he could read, books have consumed vast swaths of his life. From The Mouse and the Motorcycle, to The Lord of the Rings, worlds just beyond reality have called to him like Homer's Sirens. It's not surprising then he chose to write stories of his own. Each filled with worlds just beyond reach, but close enough we can all catch a glimpse of ourselves in the characters he creates.

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Books by D. Robert Pease

Noah Zarc Series:

Noah Zarc: Roswell Incident
(A Noah Zarc Short Story Prequel)

Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble
Noah Zarc: Cataclysm
Noah Zarc: Declaration

Noah Zarc: Omnibus
(All three books from the Noah Zarc Trilogy)

Shadow Swarm
coming May 19, 2014

Dream Warriors: A Joey Cola Novel
coming July 21, 2014

A short story, called "A Chink in the Armor" is available in "Forged if Flame: A Dragon Anthology"

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D. Robert lives in the grey-skied world of Northeast Ohio with his wife, two kids (a boy and a girl) and two pets (a dog and a cat) and a pond full of goldfish. When not writing he loves to travel the U.S. via RV with his trusty Jeep in tow, or ride the hills of Ohio on his bike.

Reviews

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a superb sci-fi adventure aimed for readers aged 9 - 12 but it could well appeal to others (including adults) outside this age group! Set in the future, most of the story revolves around the thhirteen-year-old Noah Zarc, a paraplegic who spends his life in a very versatile, responsive and futuristic wheelchair which enables him to live a relatively normal life. That is if you class being a space travelling adventurer setting out to save humankind to be normal for someone of this age! In this, the second book in the series, Noah goes to Venus to meet learn about his past and to meet his father, Haon, after having some really weird “dreams” . . . that’s the start to his next time travelling adventure to try to stop the Great Cataclysm happening - but what are the real implications of this if he’s successful? Can he be the right person in the right time to put things right or will his name forever more be linked to devastation?

This is a fast paced adventure with lots of twists, turns, unexpected events, turmoil and time travel. The time travel doesn’t always give the expected results leading to further unanticipated consequences. The interactions between characters and how Noah adapts to and reacts to situations where his abilities are tested make this a great story -it captures the reader’s attention and makes enthralling reading. I have no hesitation in recommending this entire series of books - simply brilliant!

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Fast paced, action packed story with more twists than you can count. Definitely worth a read! I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of this book and look forward to the next one.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Noah Zarc series by Robert Pease and it was just as thrilling and full of close calls, time jumping and catastrophes and revelations as the first novel in the series Noah Zarc Mammoth Trouble. Noah is a time hopping space cruiser driving phenom who gets himself roped into helping his father Haon (Noah spelled backwards) visit Earth before whatever catastrophic event happened that made it uninhabitable for thousands of years. Something that destroyed everything that lived and breathed, from human to animal to plant. It's called the Cataclysm, but what caused it is never spoken about nor is it written in any of the history books or even the holopads. Noah has to find out the truth. But sometimes the truth is worse than not knowing. And he is right in the middle of it all.

Haon does seem to have some good sides to him. He wants to save the Venusians, the people that live on Venus in squalor crowded on top of each other in filthy streets with no shelter or jobs or food. But the Poligarchy, the ruling government, refuses to do anything. They won't even see them or take notice of them. So Noah, seeing these people begins to understand Haon being incensed at all the millions being poured into the ARC that his family lives on preserving and rescuing animals from extinction while the Venusians are dying daily. Noah begins to see Haon in a different light. Growing up isn't as black and white as his parents have taught him. Haon isn't the enemy he was brought up to believe he was. And Noah has to wade through the gray area and try to figure out Haon's motives and what is right and wrong.
And when bad is bad and sometimes when it's good.

I read this book so quickly, it's just that kind of book. I did have a little trouble remembering the start of the book. I had to go back and read what happened in the last few chapters of Mammoth Trouble to remember why Noah was where he was. But by chapter two I was settled in and the adventure pretty much begins right there. There are never slow spots in Cataclysm. There is a lot of flying space craft and Noah gets a kick out of dodging missiles and time jumping (just not 20 times in a row) but none of that jargon slows you down. It enhances the feeling that you're sitting in the spacecraft with him. It's a fun ride but as soon as it starts it's over and you're blasting through Earth's atmosphere to a deserted planet.
The only thing that hampers Noah at all is that he doesn't have the use of his legs. But he does have a very cool chair called a magchair that is connected to neuro transplants in his brain that he can communicate with it so it comes at his beckoning. He still has to rely on the chair, but I'm hoping with all the other simulated everything in this new world that Noah will get legs in the next book, only because he wants to feel what it's like to run. And he did get in to a bit of a situation when he had to leave his chair behind.

All I can say is I loved this one even more than Mammoth Trouble. It had action, a bit of butterflies in the stomach romance, and all the excitement you could ask for. I think this a great book for reluctant readers. There is no way they couldn't find this book engaging with all the action going on. Unless they don't like space. But it has more than that. It has moral questions. Family relationship issues. And personal dilemmas. Even what does it mean to be alive?

My only complaint and I think cover lovers will agree, the cover has got to go. That boy on the cover is not 13. The original cover was awesome and I have no idea why the covers were changed but the child on the cover still has his baby face and I can't stand it. I hate reading about his feelings about a girl and seeing that face. So PLEASE, don't look at the cover. The meat and potatoes is there, I promise. It is a book you don't want to miss. Just ignore the cover. It doesn't match the story inside! I PROMISE!

[Michelle Isenhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book one, Noah’s family had embarked on a scientific mission of repopulating the earth with animals. But Haon Craz had done his best to thwart their efforts. Now, we find out another side of this villain. A visit to Venus shows Noah the horrible squalor the Venetians live in. Haon, he learns, isn’t against the ARC project so much as he is for recolonizing the earth with people. But the Poligarchy, in an effort to keep its rigid control over the solar system, won’t allow it. Yet we’re never quite sure if Haon is really a good guy. In fact, he seems downright suspect. Now Noah is having dreams that link him to Haon and cause him to seek the man out. Only that was Haon’s plan all along. Haon needs Noah to fly the ship back in time to implement his plan to prevent the cataclysm that destroyed earth in the first place. But is Haon really preventing it…or causing it?

This is another great mind-bender. The wild time jump details are fabulously thought out and cause some unexpected results. And we are introduced to some cool robot characters with personalities (personhoods, actually) of their own. Noah and James, one of the robots, share a special connection due to the neuro chip implanted in Noah’s brain. This gives them a direct mental link that comes in handy. They’re like brother, twins, two of the same person, almost. (“I felt like I was actually discovering who I was. And I realized I didn’t mind hanging out with me.”) Noah can even inhabit James, giving him a physical presence outside his own body and a chance to use his legs for the first time. Noah’s handicap gives readers a ready way to identify with him. We may not all be wheelchair- (okay, magchair-) bound, but don’t we all live with something we wish we could change? I know I do.

I have very little bad to say about this series. It can be a little difficult to follow at times, especially if I’m reading in the evening after a long day. You have to stay up on the details, and it moves fast. Also, there are a lot of unnecessary commas that slow the flow of the sentences. But I can live with both of those. There’s so much good in the series: family, nobility, sacrifice, friendship, excitement, and imagination, not to mention a complete lack of offensive subjects and language. I also really appreciate the high value Mr. Pease gives to people. Cavemen are intelligent and enterprising, and the world was made for people. This implies intention and purpose, not chance and degradation. That is so refreshing to find.

In conclusion, I this is a fun read with no caution flags. I highly recommend the series. Probably a 10+ independent reading level, but a great read aloud for those a few years younger.

[Lissette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah Zarc has had to come to terms with a lot of things ever since the fiasco that ensued when he tried to save his parents and the world from the shenanigans of a man he's learned is his real father. He was taught that Haon is a bad man. That he's done what he done in retaliation for the supposed injustices that have been committed against him. Yet as secrets about Noah's past come to light, he begins to wonder whether the truth is exactly what he's been told.

Sent to Mars to live with his grandfather, Noah does his best to accept life as he now knows it. He detests the fact that he's been forbidden from flying, but that doesn't mean he won't do it. There's no harm in it if no one knows, right? Unfortunately, it's not as easy as it sounds.

When a secret trip with his friends goes awry, Noah realizes that sometimes secrets have a way of blowing up in someone's face. Unable to do what he really wants to do, he resigns himself to living in the present. When his dreams take a sordid turn and he's shown things he's not quite sure are real, he begins to wonder if there's something more at stake than he really knows.

Taking matters into his own hands, Noah decides to investigate the subtle clues that have been left behind for him to find. Never once does he imagine what comes next. His father, a man he knows he shouldn't trust has an agenda. One that includes Noah himself. Unsure as to whether he should place his trust in Haon's hands, he knows he has no choice but to do just that. The fate of the world is at stake. If they're to save Earth, he'll need to set aside his differences with his father to achieve that very goal. Unfortunately, things aren't as simple as they seem.

This was a delightful edition to the Noah Zarc series. If you haven't checked out book one, Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble, you should. It'll give you further insight into the events that take place in this book. This is one of those books that once you get started, you won't be able to put it down. It's that good!

Jam packed with unexpected twists and turns, D. Robert crafts a world that allows you to immerse yourself within each character's lives. Will Noah and friends save the world while trying to remain one step ahead of his father? There's only one way to find out. This is a book I truly recommend in reading.

[Denae Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took me a long time to read. I got bored with it. There were things happening, but I couldn't make myself care about the robots and about Noah's troubles. I'm not sure why. Maybe because the neural implant's capacities are never explored. Maybe because Noah's difficulties at being paralyzed seem to occur at random moments when it is least convenient, less like a lifestyle and more like a tool used by the author. I don't know.

Also, Noah kept making mistakes. Everyone risks their lives for him, and he just abandons them and keeps siding with the murderer against all advice. It wasn't clear why he had to keep helping Haon. It wasn't clear what was so special about the neural implant, or the real role of the poligarchy, or where his mom came from, or why stopping one ship saved Mars, or who really engineered the Cataclysm. Was it Sarx? Because he wanted Mars? Why did he feel it necessary to wipe out earth? Could he really time travel or not, and why would Haon's lab folks listen to Sarx? Did Haon really have no idea? And the mind connection thing wasn't well explained. How could robots take over human bodies, and could Haon's robot do the same to him? Hadn't Noah already done this with James, and why did he feel guilty for doing it with the enemy Captain?

There was so much dialogue and info dumping through conversations, and I felt like the actual action just zoomed by chaotically.

I doubt I'll read the last one. They just don't feel organized enough. The characters were better developed in the first book, too. More seamless plot twisting in the first book.

[Aroura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah has grown up a lot since Mammoth Trouble ended. My only complaint is the whole tone of his narration seems slightly too sophisticated. Other than that, though, Cataclysm is the perfect adventure to follow Mammoth Trouble. The plots and twists were a little more grown up (which they should be!) and had me guessing up to the end. I love that!
Pease really is masterful at great pacing and doling out information at the right time to keep you from getting lost, but still wanting to find out what happens. I loved the little reveals about stuff that happened in Mammoth Trouble, and I love that they never took away from what was going on in Cataclysm.
Anyone who enjoyed the first book, will eat this up - it's a quick and thoroughly fun read! And if you haven't read Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble, it's a perfect time because now you can breeze through both books.
Again - if you are looking for a gift for a young reader, this is perfect! It's compelling without being too grown up. It will make for a great gift - for a younger reader, or yourself!
I would give this 4.5/5 stars (lower than the first only because the narration seemed a little older than the narrator. But, I'm incredibly picky, so... take that for what it's worth)
As always, thank-you to Mr. Pease for graciously giving me a free copy of Cataclysm in exchange for an honest review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book. If you've read the first book, you know Noah is a paraplegic who never lets his handicap bring him down. This book starts off with a bang, literally, asteroids whizzing past Noah's spaceship, yes, I said a SPACESHIP. Noah is an amazing character. You will love him and his friends. They live on Mars with Gramps.


This book has all the action and space/time jumping we loved from book 1. Personally, I think it's better than MAMMOTH TROUBLE. Noah has grown up. He has a wonderful middle grade style romance that adds to the story. Adina is a wonderful character. A girl trying to fit in with Noah's family.



All I can tell you, if you liked book one, you will LOVE Cataclysm. What's the cataclysm? Something that made Earth uninhabitable.



D. Robert Pease has once again written a perfect book for middle graders. My son tells me"It's a great book for boys. Boys don't want to read about shopping and clothes! We want spaceships and time travel."

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah and his friends are back at it, trying to save the world, well maybe the universe. Noah has strange dream and when he goes investigate them of course Haon is behind it all. Haon needs Noah's help to time travel, and only Noah can do it, and he needs to do it to save Earth. But what exactly destroyed Earth all those years ago to begin with is Noah's biggest question.

This was another wonderful book by D. Robert Pease. It is exciting and fast paced, it will keep the attention of anyone. with the space travel and space time continuum it all sounds confusing but with Mr. Pease masterful writing everyone can enjoy the book.

As Noah races to find out about his father, Haon, and his true intentions, not to mention save the Zarc name from one of the universes most horrifying events, but will it prove to be to much for a thirteen year old boy?


If you ever get the chance David Radke is the narrator of audio version and he does a amazing job!!! Well worth the money on audible.

[Tricia Kristufek · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This is how you get things done. Find the right people, put them in a room, lock the doors, and throw lots of money at them."

Noah is off to find out more about his past when he accidentally finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Caught between finding his family and his curiosity about his past, Noah does what any bot his age would -- head off on a dangerous, exciting adventure.

A good follow-up to book one, book two follows Noah as he meets new friends, encounters old enemies, and travels through space and time on his quest. Full of action, Noah and his can-do attitude shine, reaffirming that even the smallest, most handicapped-looking people can make a difference.

A well-written, adventurous read for young readers and even adults, Noah Zarc blasts through space and into your imagination.

[andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read the sequel to Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble, and it was once again surprisingly good! I really enjoyed the easy flow of the book and the writing. It had been away since I read the first book, but Pease refreshed my mind several times throughout the book which I liked. It was nice seeing the development of Noah and seeing him grow up. I’ve never really read any sci-fi and this is as close to it as I can get, nothing to complicated or overly scientific. I found myself enjoying this sequel more than the first which is really good cause sometimes the sequel of a book doesn’t live up to the first but this one definitely did. I also grew to like Haon and feel some sympathy for the guy and the ending was quite sad. Overall very good book, and definitely recommend it to the young readers!

[Dan Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable episode in the adventures of Noah Zarc. Noah travels through time in an effort to find out what happened to Earth and why the planet is no longer inhabited, at the same time learning more about Haon and why he is so disliked.

One of the things I find so enjoyable about this series is that it is a good introduction to the genre of Science Fiction, which is so important when trying to encourage reluctant readers. I have students "lined up" waiting to get their hands on these books.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great follow up to the first book.

It is again fast paced and highly original. Sometimes I found it hard to keep up with all the new concepts, worlds and people. I would have preferred it if the author had spent a few more pages on what was going on with the other characters, otherwise I would have given this a five star.

[Celesta Thiessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I read this book with our 10 yr old. We all liked it! In this story (book 2) the plot takes several turns for the unexpected as the main character finds out more about his father and the past. Highly recommended to anyone who likes space adventure stories.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review coming soon!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Cataclysm is the second book in the Noah Zarc series. This can be read as a standalone, though it makes more sense if you have read the prequel and the first book. The next book has already been released so why stop with just this one? While this book and series is written for middle schoolers, adults will enjoy it too. At least this adult did. There is some violence.

The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that all of that info here. The story, and series, is the SciFi version of the Biblical story of Noah and the ark. This book and the characters are well written. Noah, like many people, acts impulsively and does not think things through before he acts. This gets him into all kinds of situations. You could really feel his emotions and what he was going through. I will continue to read the more of the series to see what adventures he finds next.