ALPHASHOCK

by Sam Best

Chicago, 3481.

Powerful families known as Dynasties control the city. With their vast wealth, they influence politicians and bribe law enforcement agencies to turn a blind eye to the inner workings of their shady empires.

When the Prince of the most powerful family in Chicago kidnaps the only Princess of a rival Dynasty, the city teeters on the brink of war. Elite Task Force One—the best first-strike military squad in the country—is ordered to bring her back alive before the ensuing violence rips the city apart.

ALPHASHOCK combines elements of military and high-tech science fiction to bring you an action-packed adventure full of futuristic weapons, vehicles, and gadgets.

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a full-length novel, but rather a single episode involving the adventures of Elite Task Force One. If it were in paperback form, it would be roughly 70 pages long.

64 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2012

About the author

Samuel's horror novels usually focus on the epic theme of good versus evil but on a human scale. He likes stories that show ordinary people facing extraordinary odds, with enough heart-pumping action to keep the pages turning.

Many of his books will be or have been revised, enhanced, and re-released under the name Samuel Best.

https://sam-best.com

Reviews

[Rock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam sent me the series to try. I found it a good fast paced book that i enjoyed! Give it a try,its different than a lot of the scifi military i read, as in not overwhelming scifi, but in its place it has lots of non stop action and a few surprises! I am looking forward to the next book!

[Cataline · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s a princess to save with a dragon to slay! No, wait. There is a princess to save and a number of appellations that would suit her captor, but these are not ancient mythical times. The year is 3481 and the place is Chicago. Here, there is no separation by church and state as there are only 5 city-states in the great nation left. In this newly evolved world, history still has a way of repeating itself. Chicago could be superior or dreadful at this point. An era where dynasties exist in a city-state with scrupulous rules of keeping Elite blood lines pure, there is sure to be ever reigning anxieties, desires, yearnings and lusts; not to mention greed.

Corruption succeeds through manipulation, delusions of grandeur prick on the minds of the lesser. Are they forever propelled by the simple instinct of greediness?

Above the local police and utilized for tricky missions The Company has subcontracted specialized soldiers known as the Elite Task Force. Chicago currently has 6, but only one ETF is highly decorated and truly representing of the word “elite”, and they are the soldiers of ETF 1.

From conspiracy to assassinate the president to kidnapping a princess from the Mireaux dynasty, Anton Olivetti is on the radar for ETF 1 to neutralize as a threat. With a captain, 1 sergeant, and a number of private soldiers to count on one hand they have their work cut out for them.

In this place, owned and driven by greed can the team remain solid on one mission? Espionage around each corner, is it possible to stay true to each other’s comrades at least?

You don’t have to know what a cold pill, vid link, personal sonar recorder and other things are to enjoy this story, but it helps bring it to life if you do. Sam Best expected as much and created a website with all the information for you at your fingertips. It is called the ,ETF Terminal (Alphashock Database). There you will find definitions and descriptions for vehicles, gear, and arsenal equipment. Why would this be important? Because Best has already released “ALPHASHOCK” and there are plans for the series to carry all the way through a possible episode 9.

To read more about what is happening on the front of up and coming releases visit his official author website and blog - Sam Best. While there, you can also subscribe to receive updates on the “Alphashock” series and any up and coming projects.

For a 99cent book from Amazon, (If you are a member of Amazon Prime the episodes are free.) keeping up with “ALPHASHOCK” through the episodes to come is a nice way to spend that subway ride, quick 10 minute break, or just a few spare minutes you’ve allotted yourself for reading.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an avid reader of the Mil-Scifi genre. I have probably read than 50 books in the genre, So when I say I liked this book you should understand that I have read the best and the worst authors of this genre. I have dealt with slogging through the repititive plot structures, the redundant character references passing for a coherent back story. I have muddled through the same old tropes of the anti-hero, the strong but silent and brooding type...masking his guilt for a perceived offense to personal honor, by becoming that lone wolf whom everyone needs due to his unmatched skill at killing. This author and his book suffer from none of these. I found it to be detalied and straight forward when it needs to be, and purposefully vague when the story is advanced by it's use. Like most books in this genre it begins a little slow but quickly opens up when the various characters start to coelesce. The story was balanced and not at all cumbersome, which is a malady some authors run into when faced with trying to create a world/universe were their story would like to take place. Authors often think that minutiae somehow allows them to propel a story forward, often the reader is mired in so many disjointed ideas it becomes a frustrating read. I enjoyed this book because it was simple and to the point. It has an easy going feel that lends well to the suspension of belief. It has just enough "if" mixed into it that your mind allows itself to be lead and to let the story unfurl at very nice pace. I was surprised by this because I caught myself wanting more of the story. That just does not happen to me very often anymore. Well lets get down to brass tacks. Can I recommend this book? I surely can whole heartedly. It's a fantastic and interesting read that will keep you engaged in the world and the situations that Mr.Best has created. I can't wait for the next installment. Aloha.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Year: 3481. Place: Chicago. Best did a wonderful job of inventing a very plausible future in which the city of Chicago is controlled by mobs--known as Dynasties, and there is corruption--bribes and payoffs in all facets of the city--from government to law enforcement. In this episode, (first) Elite Task Force One is tasked with keeping the peace. Rival Dynasties are ready to go at it, and unless this special unit can defuse the situation, the whole city could break out in war.

A quick read, fast paced, keeps you guessing who is dirty and who isn't.

I would read future episodes.

[Vered · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a distant future, Chicago is a city-state in a precarious balance between order and riots. Keeping the peace are the Elite Task Forces, and the most highly effective on is Elite Task Force One. Episode 1 of Alphashock pits Task Force One against Anton Olivetti, Prince of one of the Dynasties who rule the city.

While quite different in style from his full-length novel, Ashes (which is still my favourite), Sam Best keeps up his strong writing style. If you’re looking for adrenalin pumping, action packed adventure with lots of creative futuristic gadgets thrown in, this series might just fit the bill.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, semi-intense read filled with different types of guns and other military-type stuff. You can tell this isn't my area of expertise, can't you? Set over a thousand years in the future, the author does a great job of describing the way the America is laid out, the specific settings, and all the tech. Characters are described well enough that you start to like them. Although fairly short, it was still rather thrilling, and leaves you feeling satisfied at the end.

[Monique Rockliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a brilliantly written story! I thoroughly enjoyed this sci-fi short from beginning to end. The writing is intelligent and the characters engaging, and I'd certainly like to see this as a TV series. Sam Best clearly knows his stuff - as a writer and a technician regarding military/ rescue ops. The grammar and punctuation were flawless, something that always grabs my attention and tells me a writer is professional and conscientious. Highly recommended!

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story by Sam Best hit the spot for me. Just the right amount of words to introduce a new world and leave me interested and wanting more. Best's done an excellent job of spinning a high-tech, futuristic world with militaristic/LEO overtones. I'm definitely looking forward to more stories placed in this world.

[Conny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for free and I absolutely loved it. It was well written, had a good pace, great characters and plenty of action. Can't wait for the next installment. A must read for any sci-fi fan.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam sent me the first book to try out the series. I was very impressed the book is fast paced and keeps your interest. I ll definitely be grabbing the next one

[J.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, quick read. I'd like to see more about this world and it's technology!