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Staring at Nothing
Dr. Victor Franks, Director of Genetic Research at the University of Southern California, discovers an anomaly while genetically altering dead cells. Evidence of metabolism. He realizes he has just stumbled upon something once thought impossible, something that defies everything he knows to be true as a scientist. He has discovered the cure for death
.
As he scales up his experiments, igniting a synthetic force inside his dead specimens, he inadvertently ignites something inside himself—something he can’t control.
Staring at Nothing is the modern-day Frankenstein, an updated and terrifying recounting of the classic tale. It’s horror on a cerebral level, science fiction that includes actual science, and a true human drama that explores the perils of pride, ambition, and hubris. What would it be like to possess the power over death itself? How would the science behind such a miracle work? And who would be the real monster? The creation … or the creator?
.
As he scales up his experiments, igniting a synthetic force inside his dead specimens, he inadvertently ignites something inside himself—something he can’t control.
Staring at Nothing is the modern-day Frankenstein, an updated and terrifying recounting of the classic tale. It’s horror on a cerebral level, science fiction that includes actual science, and a true human drama that explores the perils of pride, ambition, and hubris. What would it be like to possess the power over death itself? How would the science behind such a miracle work? And who would be the real monster? The creation … or the creator?
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2024
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 25, 2025
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February 3, 2025
“Staring at Nothing” by Brett Douglas is a mind at war that deals with Science, Ethics, and Isolation .
A Genius at Odds with the World
Dr. Victor Franks is a man of intellect, precision, and relentless ambition. As a genetic researcher at USC, his breakthrough in the mRNA Project could change the future of organ transplants. Yet, while his scientific success soars, his personal life crumbles. His meticulous nature isolates him, leaving strained relationships in its wake—especially with his colleague, Dr. Edward Billings, who thrives on shortcuts and networking, everything Victor abhors. But when Ed’s political maneuvering threatens to undermine his work, Victor is forced to navigate the murky waters of ambition, academia, and ethical dilemmas.
The Cost of Brilliance
Victor’s world isn’t just a battlefield of intellect—it’s a maze of personal conflicts. His marriage to Micca is riddled with emotional distance, further complicated by her own struggles with identity and family expectations. As Micca reconnects with her estranged twin sister, Nikko, their childhood resentments resurface, mirroring Victor’s struggles for recognition in his field. Through both Victor’s and Micca’s journeys, the novel expertly examines the weight of expectations—personal and professional—and the toll they take on human connections.
Science vs. Ethics: A Dangerous Obsession
Victor’s brilliance pushes him to the cutting edge of genetic research, but when his experiments veer into controversial territory—reactivating neural activity in deceased bullfrogs—the line between scientific progress and ethical transgression begins to blur. His work sparks philosophical questions about life, death, and consciousness, but also raises alarms among his peers. The deeper he dives into this groundbreaking discovery, the more isolated he becomes, his obsession threatening both his career and his relationships.
Rivalries, Secrets, and Academic Warfare
In the cutthroat world of academia, ambition can be a double-edged sword. As university benefactors eye his research for potential medical breakthroughs, Victor finds himself at odds with Ed, who is all too eager to stake a claim in his success. The tension escalates as credit, funding, and integrity come into question, forcing Victor to decide what he’s willing to sacrifice to protect his discovery. But in a world where politics and power often overshadow pure scientific pursuit, can Victor maintain control over his work—and himself?
The Weight of Ambition
Victor’s downward spiral is fascinating to watch, a mix of brilliance and self-destruction. As he buries himself deeper in his research, his increasing secrecy alarms both Micca and Ed. Is he pioneering the next great scientific breakthrough, or is he on the verge of professional and personal ruin? With mounting pressure from the university, growing paranoia over his rivals, and the ethical implications of his work closing in, Victor’s choices could redefine the boundaries of science—or shatter his world completely.
A Thought-Provoking, Gripping Read
"Staring at Nothing" is a masterful blend of scientific intrigue, philosophical questions, and deeply human struggles. The novel doesn’t just explore groundbreaking research; it delves into the psychology of ambition, the fragility of relationships, and the ethical tightrope of scientific discovery. With its sharp storytelling and complex characters, this book is a compelling read for those who love intellectual thrillers with a heavy dose of moral ambiguity. The protagonist name Dr. Victor Franks reminds of Dr. Vicktor Frankl who authored the path-breaking book 'Man's Search for meaning'.
Final Verdict: A Must-Read for Thinkers and Dreamers
If you enjoy books that make you question the boundaries of science, morality, and human connection, “Staring at Nothing” is a must-read. Thought-provoking, suspenseful, and emotionally charged, it’s a story that lingers long after the final page.
A Genius at Odds with the World
Dr. Victor Franks is a man of intellect, precision, and relentless ambition. As a genetic researcher at USC, his breakthrough in the mRNA Project could change the future of organ transplants. Yet, while his scientific success soars, his personal life crumbles. His meticulous nature isolates him, leaving strained relationships in its wake—especially with his colleague, Dr. Edward Billings, who thrives on shortcuts and networking, everything Victor abhors. But when Ed’s political maneuvering threatens to undermine his work, Victor is forced to navigate the murky waters of ambition, academia, and ethical dilemmas.
The Cost of Brilliance
Victor’s world isn’t just a battlefield of intellect—it’s a maze of personal conflicts. His marriage to Micca is riddled with emotional distance, further complicated by her own struggles with identity and family expectations. As Micca reconnects with her estranged twin sister, Nikko, their childhood resentments resurface, mirroring Victor’s struggles for recognition in his field. Through both Victor’s and Micca’s journeys, the novel expertly examines the weight of expectations—personal and professional—and the toll they take on human connections.
Science vs. Ethics: A Dangerous Obsession
Victor’s brilliance pushes him to the cutting edge of genetic research, but when his experiments veer into controversial territory—reactivating neural activity in deceased bullfrogs—the line between scientific progress and ethical transgression begins to blur. His work sparks philosophical questions about life, death, and consciousness, but also raises alarms among his peers. The deeper he dives into this groundbreaking discovery, the more isolated he becomes, his obsession threatening both his career and his relationships.
Rivalries, Secrets, and Academic Warfare
In the cutthroat world of academia, ambition can be a double-edged sword. As university benefactors eye his research for potential medical breakthroughs, Victor finds himself at odds with Ed, who is all too eager to stake a claim in his success. The tension escalates as credit, funding, and integrity come into question, forcing Victor to decide what he’s willing to sacrifice to protect his discovery. But in a world where politics and power often overshadow pure scientific pursuit, can Victor maintain control over his work—and himself?
The Weight of Ambition
Victor’s downward spiral is fascinating to watch, a mix of brilliance and self-destruction. As he buries himself deeper in his research, his increasing secrecy alarms both Micca and Ed. Is he pioneering the next great scientific breakthrough, or is he on the verge of professional and personal ruin? With mounting pressure from the university, growing paranoia over his rivals, and the ethical implications of his work closing in, Victor’s choices could redefine the boundaries of science—or shatter his world completely.
A Thought-Provoking, Gripping Read
"Staring at Nothing" is a masterful blend of scientific intrigue, philosophical questions, and deeply human struggles. The novel doesn’t just explore groundbreaking research; it delves into the psychology of ambition, the fragility of relationships, and the ethical tightrope of scientific discovery. With its sharp storytelling and complex characters, this book is a compelling read for those who love intellectual thrillers with a heavy dose of moral ambiguity. The protagonist name Dr. Victor Franks reminds of Dr. Vicktor Frankl who authored the path-breaking book 'Man's Search for meaning'.
Final Verdict: A Must-Read for Thinkers and Dreamers
If you enjoy books that make you question the boundaries of science, morality, and human connection, “Staring at Nothing” is a must-read. Thought-provoking, suspenseful, and emotionally charged, it’s a story that lingers long after the final page.
May 2, 2025
This novel is a loose retelling of Frankenstein set in the modern day world of science, academia, and ethical dilemmas. I love books that include real life things as a catalyst for the horrors to come. Whether it's entomology, biology, zoology, or botany,I like the factual details about those things as they slide into the impossible or even supernatural. It gives stories a certain extra belief which is great for building tension.
That's what we have here. A brilliant and extremely flawed genetic scientist accidentally discovers THE discovery of all time; how to cure death itself. Living beings which have died and are now more or less living, though not in the same way as before. Victor, the scientific genius, sees himself as smarter than everyone yet has zero social graces. He's confounded by human emotion preferring his work instead.
But after his wife dies in a car accident, we begin to see his obsession turn into something dark. He begins unraveling mentally and ethical lines are crossed increasingly turning to the downright macabre and disturbing.
Along the way alliances are formed and betrayed in horrific ways. A war with another scientist turns deadly as each tries to sabotage the other. Secrets come out and experiments performed. It gets pretty gruesome.
There are a few scenes that are bloody and gory, even some body horror involved, but the true scares from this book comes from the psychological breakdown of this "mad" scientist. At times you'll sympathize with him but at other times you might despise him. Victor is one of those fascinating characters that made this book enjoyable to read. I also loved all the science stuff. It gave the story a sense of authenticity which added to the creepy atmosphere. I highly recommend it.
That's what we have here. A brilliant and extremely flawed genetic scientist accidentally discovers THE discovery of all time; how to cure death itself. Living beings which have died and are now more or less living, though not in the same way as before. Victor, the scientific genius, sees himself as smarter than everyone yet has zero social graces. He's confounded by human emotion preferring his work instead.
But after his wife dies in a car accident, we begin to see his obsession turn into something dark. He begins unraveling mentally and ethical lines are crossed increasingly turning to the downright macabre and disturbing.
Along the way alliances are formed and betrayed in horrific ways. A war with another scientist turns deadly as each tries to sabotage the other. Secrets come out and experiments performed. It gets pretty gruesome.
There are a few scenes that are bloody and gory, even some body horror involved, but the true scares from this book comes from the psychological breakdown of this "mad" scientist. At times you'll sympathize with him but at other times you might despise him. Victor is one of those fascinating characters that made this book enjoyable to read. I also loved all the science stuff. It gave the story a sense of authenticity which added to the creepy atmosphere. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews