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Phoenician Series
When Minds Collide
Can two men co-exist inside one mind? Andrew Caine and Joshua Scherrer can barely co-exist outside, on the same planet. After they're involved in a fatal car accident, the enigmatic native Phoenicians have sent someone to "help" them blend together, into a new man. Can they accept the new existence together, or will their minds collide as fatally as the car crash that killed them?
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When two brilliant scientists die together in a careless traffic accident, the Community, a fledgling human colony on an alien world, suffers a devastating blow. Joshua Scherrer and Andrew Caine might have loathed each other personally, but their collective knowledge was vital to humanity’s survival on this Phoenician world. Without them and their contributions, Administrator Stafar Baghendi fears for the very survival of humanity’s last stand.
In a desperate attempt to salvage both men, Stafar Baghendi uses an untried, theoretical gene therapy process, infusing the genetically-encoded memory of Andrew Caine into the DNA of Joshua Scherrer. The two men awaken to find themselves living together inside one mind, but their clashing personalities might prove a more fatal collision than the one that killed them the first time.
What none of the humans realize is that here on the Phoenician home world, the Seven Chiefs have a Plan for everything—and this time, the Plan will change the course of human history forever.
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When two brilliant scientists die together in a careless traffic accident, the Community, a fledgling human colony on an alien world, suffers a devastating blow. Joshua Scherrer and Andrew Caine might have loathed each other personally, but their collective knowledge was vital to humanity’s survival on this Phoenician world. Without them and their contributions, Administrator Stafar Baghendi fears for the very survival of humanity’s last stand.
In a desperate attempt to salvage both men, Stafar Baghendi uses an untried, theoretical gene therapy process, infusing the genetically-encoded memory of Andrew Caine into the DNA of Joshua Scherrer. The two men awaken to find themselves living together inside one mind, but their clashing personalities might prove a more fatal collision than the one that killed them the first time.
What none of the humans realize is that here on the Phoenician home world, the Seven Chiefs have a Plan for everything—and this time, the Plan will change the course of human history forever.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Marjorie F. Baldwin
4 books42 followersAuthor of Classic SciFi, the "what-if" sort that focuses more on social issues than space wars, may have some supernatural elements but is not fantasy and will always be marked by an EPIC LENGTH. Although long, my stories seem to read very quickly for nearly everyone. I think it's the amazing people populating my worlds!
Currently working on THE PHOENICIAN SERIES:
When Minds Collide (Short #0.1)
Man Made Man (Book #1)
A First Time for Everything (Short #1.1)
Conditioned Response (Book #2)
http://about.me/FridayBaldwin
Tweets: @phoenicianbooks
Author Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fridaybaldwin
Books Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/phoenicianseries
Currently working on THE PHOENICIAN SERIES:
When Minds Collide (Short #0.1)
Man Made Man (Book #1)
A First Time for Everything (Short #1.1)
Conditioned Response (Book #2)
http://about.me/FridayBaldwin
Tweets: @phoenicianbooks
Author Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fridaybaldwin
Books Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/phoenicianseries
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 6, 2012
When Minds Collide is a free short story from the author of Conditioned Response which is set in a future where mankind has left Earth for an alien planet. I mentioned in my review of Conditioned Response that I am no major fan of any gritty style of writing but I very much appreciated this short story. I found it provided the extra detail and information I personally found lacking in Conditioned Response and the tone and characters appealed to me on a more personal level. I particularly liked the irony of one character calling another an 'intolerant ass'. Little touches like that provided the sense that these characters were not air-headed caricatures but more flesh and blood symbols. They were more realistically grounded in terms of their personalities.
This is a fast paced and short story but when combined with Conditioned Response a reader can see the bigger picture of the grand setting. This is one thing I did find lacking in Conditioned Response despite it being perhaps the better story in terms of depth and plot. I am quite intrigued to say the least to see how Marjorie Baldwin is gradually drawing her world together through the various books and short stories centred around this world. In fact I think that it is great. On its own Conditioned Response provides a decent story and some interesting sci-fi ideas but when combined with When Minds Collide a greater sense of the vastness of Marjorie Baldwin's sci-fi universe is created.
In terms of the plot this short story follows human settlers and their reactions to the new Phoenician world. It introduces the reader to the alien people and animals while also revealing the background of certain characters in Conditioned Response. The one reason I did not give this a five star rating is merely personal preference and due to the fact that I would have liked for it to be slightly longer. However as a result of the developments shown in this short story I am certainly interested in reading the next book that comes out to see whether the style of this short story can be adopted to make a great full-length sci-fi novel.
In summary I would recommend that anyone interested in checking out a new e-book sci-fi series go check this short story out for free. It will provide you with a taste of the tone and style of the longer Conditioned Response. I also think that anyone who likes this story will want to go on and read Conditioned Response and that they will find it a very well-written and gritty sci-fi novel indeed.
August 19, 2012
A very solid novella introducing The Phoenician Series, although without having read Conditioned Response I can say this works well as a standalone work. A fast-paced read that will keep your attention. It has an interesting appeal as Baldwin seamlessly blends space opera/space colonization style with some romance and with bio-engineering, along with age old questions like What does it mean to be human addressed with both a sci-fi way and reminiscent of a literary fiction way as well.
My only complaint is there was enough here that could have been expanded upon to make a full novel, and it leaves the reader wanting more (which is part of the point, to get you into the Phoenician Series which you will likely gain interest in after reading this)
My only complaint is there was enough here that could have been expanded upon to make a full novel, and it leaves the reader wanting more (which is part of the point, to get you into the Phoenician Series which you will likely gain interest in after reading this)
March 27, 2013
Shorn From The Dead
When William Harrington, Director of Security for the Community on an arid planetary colony, shows up at the research lab of his husband Andrew Caine, he's not a happy cowboy. He's come with a cease and desist order to shut down Drew's lab. Drew has been making Ronningers, Artificial Lifeforms (ALs), by fusing human bodies with nonhuman brains, and the means by which the cadavers are harvested has created a rift between the spouses.
Drew's delight at reuniting with Will after a long, chaste absence, plus the fact that they've known each other for over two hundred years,cuts no ice with William. The man he once loved has become, in his eyes, a murderer, a killer in vitro.
Drew, whose freckled face and copper-colored hair contrasts with William's tanned features, long dark hair and dapper clothing and who is excited to tell Will about his Ronninger design, is thrown by his husband's stern accusation. Drew claims his corpses are defective humans who as Ronningers will labor usefully for the colony, their unthinking, unfeeling bodies performing basic tasks.
William wants to replace the Ronningers with Proctors: living, brainwashed people of his and Drew's design, and the conflict between Drew and himself is not mitigated by Drew claiming Stafar Baghendi, the Colony Administrator, approves of his Ronninger project.
The story develops through moments of tenderness, bigotry, crisis, danger and agonizing hope, culminating in an amazing combination of the best of all the main characters in a dazzling finale.
Friday Baldwin's story of life, death and resurrection under the auspices of science will spark in you the desire to continue exploring the Phoenician world and learn of its terrors and wonders. A truly mind-blowing experience.
When William Harrington, Director of Security for the Community on an arid planetary colony, shows up at the research lab of his husband Andrew Caine, he's not a happy cowboy. He's come with a cease and desist order to shut down Drew's lab. Drew has been making Ronningers, Artificial Lifeforms (ALs), by fusing human bodies with nonhuman brains, and the means by which the cadavers are harvested has created a rift between the spouses.
Drew's delight at reuniting with Will after a long, chaste absence, plus the fact that they've known each other for over two hundred years,cuts no ice with William. The man he once loved has become, in his eyes, a murderer, a killer in vitro.
Drew, whose freckled face and copper-colored hair contrasts with William's tanned features, long dark hair and dapper clothing and who is excited to tell Will about his Ronninger design, is thrown by his husband's stern accusation. Drew claims his corpses are defective humans who as Ronningers will labor usefully for the colony, their unthinking, unfeeling bodies performing basic tasks.
William wants to replace the Ronningers with Proctors: living, brainwashed people of his and Drew's design, and the conflict between Drew and himself is not mitigated by Drew claiming Stafar Baghendi, the Colony Administrator, approves of his Ronninger project.
The story develops through moments of tenderness, bigotry, crisis, danger and agonizing hope, culminating in an amazing combination of the best of all the main characters in a dazzling finale.
Friday Baldwin's story of life, death and resurrection under the auspices of science will spark in you the desire to continue exploring the Phoenician world and learn of its terrors and wonders. A truly mind-blowing experience.
September 17, 2012
Above all genres, sci-fi is the one for me. I was raised and weaned on it (along with horror), so when I find something I can dig my teeth into I really enjoy it.
Though a short intro into a larger series, this was one such book. Some grit, some questionable ethics, and two gay MCs and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how this develops.
Though a short intro into a larger series, this was one such book. Some grit, some questionable ethics, and two gay MCs and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how this develops.
March 12, 2013
First of all, I was fortunate to be offered this ebook by the author for review. Thank you, Friday! Second I need to apologize for any confusion as I was tracking my reading with the wrong book selected. I was tracking on Conditioned Response also by Marjorie F. Baldwin. I do plan to read this as soon as possible. The excerpt at the end of When Minds Collide really piqued my interest.
This review is actually for the one I read: When Minds Collide. I got it through Smashwords. My critiques are that the short story doesn't answer the questions presented in the blurb. It got close but left me hanging and wanting to know more. I wanted to know what happened next. To me the story had just finished setting up for the real deal. Even so, I did love the story and the writing was excellent.
I have been on a quest for the last few years to find more books, mostly sci-fi or fantasy, that aren't male dominant. So I eased into this story, knowing it would be. The refreshing part was that women weren't sex objects. In fact, the few women in the story were more or less witnesses of what was happening and maybe not needed as the story is about three main characters who happen to be male. That is all the spoiler I am giving.
Needless to say, I loved the characters, the world, the author's mission. I think a lot of people would like this story. Most would be able to read it in an evening. Unfortunately I had to take a few sick days and ease into it. My eyes and brain just not able to focus. But once I felt better the read was quite pleasant and left me questioning. Those are the kinds of stories I like the best: those that make me think!
This review is actually for the one I read: When Minds Collide. I got it through Smashwords. My critiques are that the short story doesn't answer the questions presented in the blurb. It got close but left me hanging and wanting to know more. I wanted to know what happened next. To me the story had just finished setting up for the real deal. Even so, I did love the story and the writing was excellent.
I have been on a quest for the last few years to find more books, mostly sci-fi or fantasy, that aren't male dominant. So I eased into this story, knowing it would be. The refreshing part was that women weren't sex objects. In fact, the few women in the story were more or less witnesses of what was happening and maybe not needed as the story is about three main characters who happen to be male. That is all the spoiler I am giving.
Needless to say, I loved the characters, the world, the author's mission. I think a lot of people would like this story. Most would be able to read it in an evening. Unfortunately I had to take a few sick days and ease into it. My eyes and brain just not able to focus. But once I felt better the read was quite pleasant and left me questioning. Those are the kinds of stories I like the best: those that make me think!
August 5, 2012
"When Minds Collide" is a wonderful, very descriptive, well written short story, (with no grammatical or spelling errors for an eBook!) and the prequel to "Conditioned Response", which, is set in the future on an alien planet.
The author describes beautifully, two of the main characters- Andrew Caine and Joshua Scherrer who dislike each other intensely; so much so, that Andrew would have left Joshua behind on Earth but, his resourceful mind is needed if the human race is to continue to survive on this horrid planet, with creatures that will fry you with their eyes! So it's no surprise when Joshua grabs a ride with Andrew that "sparks will fly"! Sadly, they both perish in a horrid car accident and their ingenious minds are gone forever-- or maybe not?
A third character, William, is devastated with the news and can't accept that the love of his life may be gone forever. The author describes William with such emotion that you can't help but feel his sorrow.
Fourth character named Stafar, in my opinion, he's borders on being a little bit of a "mad scientist" and gives you that creepy feeling when you realize what he's about to do. I don't want to say anything more because you really should read this book for yourself. I will say that Friday does a fabulous job bringing her characters to life; she describes beautifully the feelings of love, sorrow and regret and she had me in tears the entire last chapter.
On a final note, you should also read "Conditioned Response" to really get the bigger picture here. I suspect there is still lots of material and story still left to be told and I'm looking forward for the next book in this series
.Conditioned Response
The author describes beautifully, two of the main characters- Andrew Caine and Joshua Scherrer who dislike each other intensely; so much so, that Andrew would have left Joshua behind on Earth but, his resourceful mind is needed if the human race is to continue to survive on this horrid planet, with creatures that will fry you with their eyes! So it's no surprise when Joshua grabs a ride with Andrew that "sparks will fly"! Sadly, they both perish in a horrid car accident and their ingenious minds are gone forever-- or maybe not?
A third character, William, is devastated with the news and can't accept that the love of his life may be gone forever. The author describes William with such emotion that you can't help but feel his sorrow.
Fourth character named Stafar, in my opinion, he's borders on being a little bit of a "mad scientist" and gives you that creepy feeling when you realize what he's about to do. I don't want to say anything more because you really should read this book for yourself. I will say that Friday does a fabulous job bringing her characters to life; she describes beautifully the feelings of love, sorrow and regret and she had me in tears the entire last chapter.
On a final note, you should also read "Conditioned Response" to really get the bigger picture here. I suspect there is still lots of material and story still left to be told and I'm looking forward for the next book in this series
.Conditioned Response
August 2, 2012
When Minds Collide (A Phoenician Series Short Story)
by Marjorie F. Baldwin
Published August 1, 2012
ISBN: 9781476235936
Available Format: ebook
My Rating: ★★★★★
When Minds Collide is a bit of a short story preview into the world of the Phoenician Series and Conditioned Response. Not only do we get a little intro to the planet where Earth's inhabitants are now living, we get a peek at the Phoenicians and their creatures, and a major look into the lives of William Harrington and Andrew Caine right when their lives truly changed forever.
Having already read Conditioned Response (find my review and an interview with Friday HERE), I really enjoyed getting to go back and get the more in depth story of Will and Drew and Joshua Scherrer—basically where it all began. It really makes me curious how things play out between this story and the beginning of book two. Of course, I would love for the story to be longer (though Friday admits it is really a short novella instead of a short story ☺), but it is a great little taste of the series for anyone who might not be sure if this will be their cup of tea.
As always, Friday's writing style is easy and she is fantastic with the details that really make a story shine. Readers are immediately drawn in and find themselves fully invested in the lives of the characters. The pacing is perfect and the sci-fi/fantasy aspect is completely believable from start to finish.
You can snag this story FREE on Smashwords right now, so you have no excuse not to give this series a try! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
While you're there, go ahead and purchase Conditioned Response, because if you haven't read it already, you will definitely want to when you finish When Minds Collide! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
by Marjorie F. Baldwin
Published August 1, 2012
ISBN: 9781476235936
Available Format: ebook
My Rating: ★★★★★
When Minds Collide is a bit of a short story preview into the world of the Phoenician Series and Conditioned Response. Not only do we get a little intro to the planet where Earth's inhabitants are now living, we get a peek at the Phoenicians and their creatures, and a major look into the lives of William Harrington and Andrew Caine right when their lives truly changed forever.
Having already read Conditioned Response (find my review and an interview with Friday HERE), I really enjoyed getting to go back and get the more in depth story of Will and Drew and Joshua Scherrer—basically where it all began. It really makes me curious how things play out between this story and the beginning of book two. Of course, I would love for the story to be longer (though Friday admits it is really a short novella instead of a short story ☺), but it is a great little taste of the series for anyone who might not be sure if this will be their cup of tea.
As always, Friday's writing style is easy and she is fantastic with the details that really make a story shine. Readers are immediately drawn in and find themselves fully invested in the lives of the characters. The pacing is perfect and the sci-fi/fantasy aspect is completely believable from start to finish.
You can snag this story FREE on Smashwords right now, so you have no excuse not to give this series a try! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
While you're there, go ahead and purchase Conditioned Response, because if you haven't read it already, you will definitely want to when you finish When Minds Collide! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
December 7, 2012
Officially releases on Wed., Aug. 1, 2012.
Available for download at Smashwords (all formats, 99 cents), free at Bibliotastic (ePub, Kindle, PDF), ObookO (ePub, Kindle, PDF) and perhaps other sites worldwide where free eBooks are available without restrictions or DRM.
As a member of RABMAD (Read a Book, Make a Difference), I'll donate 10% of all proceeds from Amazon sales to Team X-TREME.
Thanks for your interest in The Phoenician Series!
Available for download at Smashwords (all formats, 99 cents), free at Bibliotastic (ePub, Kindle, PDF), ObookO (ePub, Kindle, PDF) and perhaps other sites worldwide where free eBooks are available without restrictions or DRM.
As a member of RABMAD (Read a Book, Make a Difference), I'll donate 10% of all proceeds from Amazon sales to Team X-TREME.
Thanks for your interest in The Phoenician Series!
March 6, 2013
This book was gifted to me by the author for an honest review. Thank You!
William's husband Andrew is creating a new life by killing another one. He is creating Ronningers from Proctors and William has to stop him. Humanity has left Earth and gone to the Phoenician planet. Scherrer is a brilliant homophobic scientist designing Artificial Intelligence while Andrew creates Artificial Lifeforms. The two men die in a crash but their consciousnesses are brought back in one body making a Joshua Scherrer-Andrew Caine hybrid. This is a very well-written science fiction story. I am interested to read more about this world.
William's husband Andrew is creating a new life by killing another one. He is creating Ronningers from Proctors and William has to stop him. Humanity has left Earth and gone to the Phoenician planet. Scherrer is a brilliant homophobic scientist designing Artificial Intelligence while Andrew creates Artificial Lifeforms. The two men die in a crash but their consciousnesses are brought back in one body making a Joshua Scherrer-Andrew Caine hybrid. This is a very well-written science fiction story. I am interested to read more about this world.
August 28, 2012
Ok, now we have a real start here! This gave me lots of answers to help understand "Conditioned Response". Not all the answers, those will come when the author fills in the gap! Loved this, reads just as well as CR and moved very well. Maybe just to short? ;)! Seriously, I hope Friday gets with it (or has) and writes the sequels, can't wait to learn more!
I've got to say one thing, though. When William was getting ready to make his run, maybe a little to much time spent getting ready? Just a thought....
I've got to say one thing, though. When William was getting ready to make his run, maybe a little to much time spent getting ready? Just a thought....
July 31, 2012
I really enjoyed this short story, although I wish it had been longer. The author developed the personalities of the main characters beautifully and really showed their relationships with each other. I had already read "Conditioned Response" and had some unanswered questions I didn't even know I had. This prequel helped me understand and care more about some of the characters. With the insight I have from this book, I plan on really enjoying my second reading of "Conditioned Response".
September 13, 2012
WOW! I loved it! It has the taste of old time SF and, in the same time, it is really very modern: it is an MM love story! Also the description of Drew's death was... brrrr.... it was as I was there!
Very short, but great! :D
Very short, but great! :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2012
Love this short! It has wonderful characters who have a real relationship and shows you where the plans began for book one. Both books are stand alone, however, reading the short before book one will help you understand the history better and how the characters were. Highly recommend.
October 6, 2012
Interesting ideas. I would probably read more by the author.
Want to read
March 3, 2013How do I get this book free as author says
March 3, 2013
This was a bittersweet telling of WIlliam's loss of Drew and the creation of the person known as Joshua Andrew Caine. As with all of Baldwin's work that I've read so far, it's wonderfully written. The characters have a tendency to find purchase in your heart. I honestly adore them.
While the story does a wonderful job of showing what happened prior to Joshua Andrew Caine's emergence, it stops short of addressing how Andrew and Joshua learned to live with their predicament or how William figured out how to live with the situation. Which is what I felt was promised in the description.
Still a great read though.
While the story does a wonderful job of showing what happened prior to Joshua Andrew Caine's emergence, it stops short of addressing how Andrew and Joshua learned to live with their predicament or how William figured out how to live with the situation. Which is what I felt was promised in the description.
Still a great read though.
April 24, 2013
Since everyone seems to mention it, I did NOT get this free or for review.
This excellent short story introduces a world full of interesting biotech and interesting aliens. The characters are individual and draw you in.
The only not so great thing about it is the proofreading slipped a bit in the middle where there were more than a handful of typos.
The plot and characters drew me in. The world makes me want to read the rest of the series. Well done!
This excellent short story introduces a world full of interesting biotech and interesting aliens. The characters are individual and draw you in.
The only not so great thing about it is the proofreading slipped a bit in the middle where there were more than a handful of typos.
The plot and characters drew me in. The world makes me want to read the rest of the series. Well done!
July 8, 2015
I thought this was a book of short stories - it wasn't. It was one short story and a "bonus" chapter from one of the books in the Phoenician Series. Both were underwhelming.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews