HOST

by Russ Capasso

A hacked satellite. A mysterious signal. A government cover-up.

While cleaning out his late father’s research notes, amateur astronomer Elliot Bishop discovers a mysterious signal coming from an old communications satellite. With the help of his best friend Jake, and a zero-trust hacker named LiLo, he tries to uncover the truth.

What they find will change the world. But their discovery also pulls them into a world of surveillance and espionage that threatens not only their lives, but humanity itself. With international governments and shadow organizations watching their every move, what hope do three civilians have at preventing a cyber world war?

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2023

About the author

Russ Capasso writes and sleeps in Somerville, MA.
When he’s not writing or sleeping he’s gaming (video or the dice kind), nerding out about movies, playing hockey, homebrewing, or biking around the city. He doesn’t have a dog. Not that he doesn’t want one, but thought it was worth mentioning.

Reviews

[1951 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! This first novel by a gifted author will keep you turning pages until you're done! The story of a young man, feeling the loss of his recently departed father, comes across a startling discovery of an unknown signal in space. Clearly his father had stumbled upon something of which even he didn't realize the ramifications. Including his closest friend, Jake, an MIT professor, in on this interesting find leads to danger for both of them, however.

Not usually my genre of choice, this mystery sci-fi proved to be a real find! I couldn't put it down and now that I am aware of a prequel to be published, I will be waiting anxiously to purchase it!

[Zach Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Host is one of the best books I’ve read all year. I am grateful to the gods of Facebook algorithm for showing the ad to me one night. After reading the free kindle sample, I immediately purchased the book. It’s fast paced and had many twists and turns. LiLo, especially, is a great character and I am looking forward to Russ Capasso developing her character more in future books. If you enjoy sci-fi and great character development, I highly recommend this book.

[Victoria McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast dialogue and a fascinating subject make Host an enjoyable read. I particularly liked the level of character development in the book; it was just enough to give the characters depth and connection without shifting the focus too far from the plot. It is an excellent first book; I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Tom R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun sci-fi thriller. Debut novel for a local author so of course there is going to be room for improvement, but I think Russ understands how to write a thriller novel and I’m excited to see how more experience shapes his next project.

[Matt Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun thriller crafted with some unique characters and unexpected turns. So many possibilities where the story could go from here. Excited to find out where it lands!

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! Reminded me of a cross between The DaVinci Code & Contact. A compelling page turner that keeps the reader hooked from page 1. I can’t wait to read read more cloak & dagger sci-fi adventures of Elliot Bishop, Lilo, Jake, & Agent Blackwell! I especially want more of the shadowy Chris Burns, a very enigmatic character! The novel is a face paced slow burn- highly recommend!!!!

[M B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! Reading the overview, this book isn’t my usual preferred theme but wow did it hook me! From the first paragraph I read I couldn’t put it down. I do wish the ending had a little more power behind it given how much build up there was, but that in no way made me enjoy reading the book any less. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a book to keep you engaged and that delves into science in such a fun and engaging way.

[Matt Fryar · Rating 2 out of 5]

A mysterious signal seems to be hopping from satellite to satellite. Is this a massive cybersecurity breach? Apparently only a journalist, his PhD student buddy, and a random hacker they’ve never met before realize this is a problem and can find the solution. The FBI? NASA? The U.S. military? Nope, all clueless. But this ragtag group of nobodies? Yep. With a whole bunch of super repetitive and nonsensical technobabble, they can crack this wide open. 🙄

This was a poorly written and poorly designed book. It had unrealistic and unnecessary action scenes and twists that served only to make the story last longer but added absolutely nothing to the actual development of the plot. From the total lack of character development to the middle school-level abuse of similes, I was just glad to mark this one off my list and move on.

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

Techno mystery thriller is a go-to genre for me, and Host doesn't disappoint! I was hooked from the get-go and wanted to see where the story was going. Felt like a quick read because of the solid pacing and occasional perspective switches between the main characters.

Elliot felt like a friend going through a rough patch and I was rooting for him to figure it all out. And his friendship with Jake felt like I was having a chat with a buddy. But LiLo was the star character for me. Really hoping we'll get a sequel (or prequel) focused on her future exploits or how she developed into the awesome hacker she is.

Overall, it was a blast to read this one and it didn't feel like a debut novel to me. Definitely looking forward to what comes next, Russ is an author to watch!

[Richard Hakes · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was sort of OK but in a soft focus way. I was a bit perturbed when a trip from London to Antwerp started with a train ride to Dover then ferry and another train. You cannot do this. You cannot easily get a foot crossing you take a train or bus all the way. Makes you wonder how much research when into the book?

[Charlie Harr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed not only the mystery and the action in this book, but how well researched it was. I found myself googling a lot of the concepts he introduced in this book and going down some really interesting Wikipedia holes. I find myself now really wanting to visit the Green Bank Observatory to see it personally.

[Joshua Serpis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book in parts I might give it 6 stars, leaves it relatively ambiguous as well in the end also which could leave onto multiple spin offs in a way that makes my mind think which is nice from the normal cliff hangers

[Drew Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great job.

I can't believe this is Russ Capassos first book. It kept me engaged and reading...wanting to discover what the signal was. Great story!

[David Beniston · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not an adult book. Young nobody just walks into NASA etc No ridiculous