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Starbirth #1A
The Starbirth Assignment: Shifter
Librarian's note: This edition's ASIN is in conflict with The Starbirth Assignment: Shifter.
This book is out of print. For the full edition, including both part 1 and 2 of The Starbirth Assignment, see The Starbirth Assignment: Shifter.
Lock Harford is exposed to an unknown drug as a teenager in South America. Its unique effects draw the attention of British intelligence, who undertake Lock’s development. He has the ability to move his body through a different dimension using the power of thought. His enhanced senses detect living beings as energy pulses, making him invaluable to military and intelligence organisations. They employ him to work alongside elite taskforces, taking passengers using teleportation, ‘Shifting’ in and lifting operatives out of hostile situations.
Lock’s handlers are put on red alert when a similar drug, Starbirth, appears in the United States and Britain sold as an illegal 'high'. Distribution spreads across the world and the results of a Starbirth pandemic are feared as criminal and insane teleporters (Shifters) wreak havoc. Lock and a small unit of covert operatives are given the task of finding the source of Starbirth and shutting it down, but their efforts are hindered by corrupt, ruthless people with their own agendas. Lock is joined in his quest by the powerful, infuriating and immensely likeable Jimmy Mackenzie, a Special Air Service trooper whose life is changed forever by events out of their control.
In this first book in the Starbirth series, Jackie Johnson develops a brutal mix of suspense, humanity, command and action with a subtle vein of humour that keeps the reader rooting for Harford’s team. These books are crafted to stay with the reader long after the story is finished, a rare ability in these days of bubble gum fiction, and Starbirth sits confidently alongside the best Sci-fi thrillers. Her ability to merge Sci-fi and Special Forces intrigue are second to none. In true Lock Harford style, she infiltrates this Man’s World with impressive success.
The series continues in the third book, The Shifter Dimension.
This book is out of print. For the full edition, including both part 1 and 2 of The Starbirth Assignment, see The Starbirth Assignment: Shifter.
Lock Harford is exposed to an unknown drug as a teenager in South America. Its unique effects draw the attention of British intelligence, who undertake Lock’s development. He has the ability to move his body through a different dimension using the power of thought. His enhanced senses detect living beings as energy pulses, making him invaluable to military and intelligence organisations. They employ him to work alongside elite taskforces, taking passengers using teleportation, ‘Shifting’ in and lifting operatives out of hostile situations.
Lock’s handlers are put on red alert when a similar drug, Starbirth, appears in the United States and Britain sold as an illegal 'high'. Distribution spreads across the world and the results of a Starbirth pandemic are feared as criminal and insane teleporters (Shifters) wreak havoc. Lock and a small unit of covert operatives are given the task of finding the source of Starbirth and shutting it down, but their efforts are hindered by corrupt, ruthless people with their own agendas. Lock is joined in his quest by the powerful, infuriating and immensely likeable Jimmy Mackenzie, a Special Air Service trooper whose life is changed forever by events out of their control.
In this first book in the Starbirth series, Jackie Johnson develops a brutal mix of suspense, humanity, command and action with a subtle vein of humour that keeps the reader rooting for Harford’s team. These books are crafted to stay with the reader long after the story is finished, a rare ability in these days of bubble gum fiction, and Starbirth sits confidently alongside the best Sci-fi thrillers. Her ability to merge Sci-fi and Special Forces intrigue are second to none. In true Lock Harford style, she infiltrates this Man’s World with impressive success.
The series continues in the third book, The Shifter Dimension.
- GenresScience Fiction
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2011
22 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Johnson
6 books39 followersJ M (Jackie) Johnson is a freelance writer and e-book author based in the United Kingdom (Britain). She has published four books in the Starbirth science fiction and fantasy series:
Starbirth Assignment Shifter (updated 2019)
The Shifter Dimension (updated 2019)
Shadow Team GB (2015, updated 2018)
Shadow Unleashed 2020
J M previously worked in a professional capacity as a podiatrist in the National Health Service but always had a desire to be an author.
She belonged to a spiritual group for eight years, following a particular spiritual lifestyle and making three pilgrimage trips to India. Her involvement fostered a lifelong fascination with powers of the mind. Two decades later she had the opportunity to join a group run by British ex-Special Forces and was a civilian member for six years. During that time she did extensive research into the military and intelligence worlds. These background experiences helped in the creation of her books.
Starbirth Assignment Shifter (updated 2019)
The Shifter Dimension (updated 2019)
Shadow Team GB (2015, updated 2018)
Shadow Unleashed 2020
J M previously worked in a professional capacity as a podiatrist in the National Health Service but always had a desire to be an author.
She belonged to a spiritual group for eight years, following a particular spiritual lifestyle and making three pilgrimage trips to India. Her involvement fostered a lifelong fascination with powers of the mind. Two decades later she had the opportunity to join a group run by British ex-Special Forces and was a civilian member for six years. During that time she did extensive research into the military and intelligence worlds. These background experiences helped in the creation of her books.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 5, 2014
An excellent read!
I'm not really a fan of sci-fi books, although I'm not too sure `Starbirth Assignment' would be classified as sci-fi. You see I kind of believe all this stuff. They say we only use about an eighth of our mind, so there's got to be some powers hidden away in those other seven eighths.
So now I've officially classed myself as a weirdo, I'd better get on with this review. The difference between the likes of Philip Pullman, J.K. Rowling and J.M. Johnson is that JM has her feet fixed firmly on the ground.
She is extraordinarily well-informed. Her research is either painstakingly thorough or she has access to a whole SAS regiment. As opposed to Gyptians, armoured bears and spectres, JM has Shifters, who have a variety of powers. In `Starbirth Assignment' the SAS are employing Shifters who have the ability to teleport, to see auras or to move objects with the power of the mind.
They're battling drug barons in Central America, who are also employing people with these powers, but brought on by substance abuse rather than controlled measures. All of which makes for a cracking read.
I found myself particularly drawn to SAS trooper, Jimmy Mackenzie, who seems to get the bollocks kicked out of him wherever he goes until your own telepathy allows you to feel his pain. "Isn't there somewhere else I should have been today," you can imagine Jimmy saying.
All in all, this is an excellent read that I would highly recommend. Well done.
I'm not really a fan of sci-fi books, although I'm not too sure `Starbirth Assignment' would be classified as sci-fi. You see I kind of believe all this stuff. They say we only use about an eighth of our mind, so there's got to be some powers hidden away in those other seven eighths.
So now I've officially classed myself as a weirdo, I'd better get on with this review. The difference between the likes of Philip Pullman, J.K. Rowling and J.M. Johnson is that JM has her feet fixed firmly on the ground.
She is extraordinarily well-informed. Her research is either painstakingly thorough or she has access to a whole SAS regiment. As opposed to Gyptians, armoured bears and spectres, JM has Shifters, who have a variety of powers. In `Starbirth Assignment' the SAS are employing Shifters who have the ability to teleport, to see auras or to move objects with the power of the mind.
They're battling drug barons in Central America, who are also employing people with these powers, but brought on by substance abuse rather than controlled measures. All of which makes for a cracking read.
I found myself particularly drawn to SAS trooper, Jimmy Mackenzie, who seems to get the bollocks kicked out of him wherever he goes until your own telepathy allows you to feel his pain. "Isn't there somewhere else I should have been today," you can imagine Jimmy saying.
All in all, this is an excellent read that I would highly recommend. Well done.
August 16, 2015
This is my first read by this author and while science fiction is not a choice genre for me, I found this book to be extraordinary and more of a crime thriller. Locke, the protagonist, is a professional shifter (teleporter via dimensions) and works as a consultant with a British Spec Op group assigned to fight crime around the world. Locke acquired his skill set through the accidental exposure to a drug and unfortunately, illegals are now manufacturing the drugs in the US and Europe causing chaos and havoc.
The book is well-written and detailed which speaks directly to the authors background and research. She does a masterful job in blending military science, science fiction, adventure and intrigue into an action-packed, fast moving and exciting read. I am on to Number 2. I recommend without reservation.
The book is well-written and detailed which speaks directly to the authors background and research. She does a masterful job in blending military science, science fiction, adventure and intrigue into an action-packed, fast moving and exciting read. I am on to Number 2. I recommend without reservation.
August 3, 2017
Awesome book - I loved the mix of military and sci-fi. Lots of clever ideas and well-thought out scenarios. I could see this being a really successful series on Netflix if they found it!
March 6, 2019
Lock Harford is a Shifter, one of the first two humans who have acquired the ability to teleport. Being so rare, Lock is a (more or less) highly valued black op for the British government. Only the underworld has worked out the formula for the mind-altering drug and spiced it up with cocaine. The result is a psychoaltering drug called Starbirth. With Starbirth addicts wreaking havoc across the US and the UK, Lock and his Black Ops mates are assigned to rekindle a war between a pair of vicious Columbian drug lords. The result is a taut, testosterone-driven, game of twisted loyalties, high tech hardware, and unexpected betrayals. If you like taut, tense military sci fi, this book is for you.
September 19, 2016
Interesting read, tugs a tiny bit on my suspension of disbelieve, but that is my scepticism with any ESP, fun read, lots of action, and great to read a story like this from UK viewpoint in stead of the all pervasive US viewpoint.
November 26, 2017
Quite the military adventure
I had a bit of trouble getting into the story, as it focuses heavily on military jargon and tactics. Once I got used to that, it was a well-paced adventure with a solid, intriguing storyline. I wouldn't mind picking up the next in the series.
I had a bit of trouble getting into the story, as it focuses heavily on military jargon and tactics. Once I got used to that, it was a well-paced adventure with a solid, intriguing storyline. I wouldn't mind picking up the next in the series.
December 6, 2017
Don't be like me. I unknowingly read the later books before I read this one. Had I read this first book initially, the rest would have made so much more sense.
Because of a youthful accident, Lock Harford is a man with unique skills, and as such, he's attracted the attention of British intelligence. Now, the advent of a drug called Starbirth has endowed others with similar skills. Harford and his team are tasked with finding, and stopping, the flow of Starbirth into the world's population.
Author J.M. Johnson has created a believable, frightening world of the not-so-distant future. This book is thrilling from start to finish, and, having read the next couple of installments, I know for a fact you'll want to read more. Exciting read, 5 STARS!
Because of a youthful accident, Lock Harford is a man with unique skills, and as such, he's attracted the attention of British intelligence. Now, the advent of a drug called Starbirth has endowed others with similar skills. Harford and his team are tasked with finding, and stopping, the flow of Starbirth into the world's population.
Author J.M. Johnson has created a believable, frightening world of the not-so-distant future. This book is thrilling from start to finish, and, having read the next couple of installments, I know for a fact you'll want to read more. Exciting read, 5 STARS!
December 4, 2018
Starbirth Assignment SHIFTER will thrill devotees of military fiction, superhero reads, and near-future action adventure. In many ways, this book feels like a throwback to the 1980s hay days of Ludlum and Clancy, with some future tech thrown in. The men are manly, the villains are swarthy, the governments are untrustworthy and double-dealing even their own people, the Colombians are all drug lords or poor, the women magically cause a man unbridled lust that they can barely control. The writing is filled with well-written action, with few pauses for deep understanding of the reasons for all this international rushing about. An engaging read for this category.
July 26, 2017
Not very good
Jumbled up. Jumping from one place to another without rhythm or reason. Illogical. Chemistry does not make sense. Won't continue
Jumbled up. Jumping from one place to another without rhythm or reason. Illogical. Chemistry does not make sense. Won't continue
March 2, 2017
4 stars Interesting SciFi Read
First, I must admit that I am not a scifi fan, especially military scifi. But this book was recommended to me and I decided to try it. I loved the story, thought the locations were well thought out, and the story planned carefully. All of that made for a nice read. The author does a good job of managing her characters and their interactions with one another. I would recommend this book to any scifi fans who enjoy a little humor along their adventure into a new world. I have now, a changed view of scifi.
First, I must admit that I am not a scifi fan, especially military scifi. But this book was recommended to me and I decided to try it. I loved the story, thought the locations were well thought out, and the story planned carefully. All of that made for a nice read. The author does a good job of managing her characters and their interactions with one another. I would recommend this book to any scifi fans who enjoy a little humor along their adventure into a new world. I have now, a changed view of scifi.
November 20, 2015
I am sure this style of writing appeals to some but I did not finish this book. It seemed to have little plot, no pattern, no direction, no character development.
December 8, 2015
DNF - so badly written and proofread that I was too annoyed to continue past the first few chapters
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews