Genesis

Mark Taylor #0.5

by M.P. McDonald

ASIN B009QNKTDU moved to the most recent edition here

Mark Taylor's life changes forever when he finds an antique camera in an Afghan bazaar. Back home in Chicago, he discovers that the camera has a strange and unique ability: it produces photographs of tragedies yet to happen. What else can he do but attempt to save lives and thwart catastrophe?

Thrilled with this new superhero-like power to change the future, Mark decides to keep the mysterious camera and its miraculous capability a secret... even when it means risking his own life. But with only 24 hours to act, what if he fails to prevent the greatest tragedy his country has ever experienced?

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Fantasy, Ebooks, Science Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Amazon

169 pages, ebook

First published October 13, 2012

About the author

M.P. McDonald makes a living from taking your breath away... then giving it back via a tube or two. She lives in a frozen land full of ice, snow, and abominable snowmen. On the days that she's not taking her car ice-skating, she sits huddled over a chilly computer, tapping out the story of a camera that can see the future. She hopes it can see summer approaching, too.

Like M.P. McDonald's Facebook page and learn about upcoming books:
https://www.facebook.com/MPMcDonaldAu...

Reviews

[Whitebeard Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't often have a difficult time finishing a book. Not finishing one when started is the kin of pouring out good whiskey! That said, the tale rambles and seems to have a purpose that isn't addressed in the book. Afterward, I find that it is part of a series and would perhaps been better to have been included in one of those books rather than as a stand alone.

[Iris Bekker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having no idea what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading this book. The beginning was very promising. Such a pity that the story became flat and proceeded to get even more dull. Could have been a good book if the theme was explored with more depth.

[Sharon Darrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating premise makes a great read. You will definitely want to complete the series, and will enjoy them all. Very entertaining.

[olivia francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought at first it was a little slow once I got in to it it was very good

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that leads into a great series! Read in order!

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

Silly premise poorly executed.

[Barbara Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not read any other books in this series yet. The reviews I read about Genesis had a fairly common thread suggesting the story might have been spoiled somewhat had I started the conventional way with book 1. So in that respect I am lucky, I believe. Perhaps because it is a prequel the book for me reads like a series of flashbacks. I did not have the benefit of knowing what happens to Mark Taylor in succeeding books so the story seems a little disjointed.

I think the character, Mark Taylor is likeable. He is an average, everyday kind of guy who happens to have a camera that mysteriously produces photos warning of future tragedies, like shootings, car accidents, robberies and the like. He sees this as an opportunity to do good for society, saving people one photo at a time. He does not seek recognition for his heroic acts to save people; in fact, he tries to avoid any attention that would raise questions about how he happened to be in the right place at just the right time.

In essence, Mark Taylor takes on a second career as a superhero. While pursuing this career he meets police detective Jessica Bishop. They meet as cop-interviewing-witness but interest becomes more personal as they have an on- and off-again dating relationship. I found this cautious approach to romance to be more realistic than in many books where the main characters are gorgeous and they spend the entire book breathlessly attracted to each other.

The part of the book that deals with Mark Taylor’s acquisition of the camera drags a little. He travels to Afghanistan with his friend Mo (Mohammed) who asks him to take photos for a book he is writing about the plight of Afghani women. It quickly becomes obvious to the reader that something else is going on during this trip – perhaps foreshadowing the events in book 1? I can only presume so at this point. His travels with Mo culminate in buying the antique camera at a market. He does not discover its true magical properties until he returns to the U.S.

I liked this book overall. Well-written characters, an interesting story, the cliff-hanger ending, all good reasons to continue with this series.

[Mommasaysread · Rating 4 out of 5]

M.P. McDonald’s Genesis is a prequel to series that up to book 3. I have to be honest in saying I’m really glad I read this book first before continuing on to the rest of the series. How Mark Taylor ended up in the situation he is in is explained pretty well in this book.

I was able to decide for myself if I liked how things got started and whether the overall story line and series appealed to me. And it certainly does. There is enough suspense in this story that I can see that if I read this after the first three books I would have been disappointed by the lack of surprise I would have experienced with this book. Overall this looks like a great series and this prequel is a great start.

I really enjoyed how Mark is flawed and genuine, he’s just a regular guy put in a really crazy position. I mean wouldn’t you save the world if you could? But he’s put in positions that will bring him heart ache and pain throughout his entire life.

I personally would be afraid to see what was coming next, I like surprises so I would have done things differently. But that is what makes Mark so commendable and likeable, he’s just trying to do the right thing.

Read this series, it’s enjoyable. Read Genesis first, you’ll enjoy it more that way.
What does Momma Think?

Genesis (Mark Taylor 0) by M.P. McDonald 4 cookies!

[Carol Piner · Rating 4 out of 5]

M. P. McDonald's flexes his writing skills in his book, Genesis. Deciding to go with an "uh okay" plot, he makes the book worth reading. His main character, Mark Taylor, used a trip to Afghanistan that was supposed to use his love of photography as the backdrop for a story about the brutality of the Taliban against its people. Most important, Mark wanted to take photographs of the plights of the women there. In this endeavor, he discovered the oppressive fear the people lived in every day. Except for an odd photograph, he was blocked every time he tried to get a photo of the women in burkas. Oddly enough, neither the book nor the friend writing it made it past that point and it became passe'. Strange.

He did find an old camera with magical properties. It photographed future events that led Mark running around town trying to change fate by saving the people who faced death. Sometimes he was successful, sometimes not but he certainly lived an exciting life with it and almost lost his way financially in his frenzy.

Taking this plot line to the end, all of a sudden if seemed McDonald launched a deus ex machina at us by becoming a target of a federal agency as a material witness, but of course this won't be explained until the next book in his series. What??????

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve read the entire Mark Taylor series to date, starting with No Good Deed through March into Hell and most recently Deeds of Mercy, you have a vague idea of Mark’s back-story. We know Mark purchased his magical camera from an Afghani bazaar while he and his friend Mohammed (or Mo) were taking photographs and doing additional research for a book Mo planned to write. We’re given hints about the eventual deterioration of Mark’s relationship with Mo in Deeds of Mercy, yet when the series starts with No Good Deed, it may seem that we’re coming in mid-story.

Genesis fills in those gaps, giving us a chance to become better acquainted with Mark and his story before the camera turned his life upside down. A must read for current Mark Taylor fans, taking us up to a post-9/11 timeframe just before the start of No Good Deed. Also, a viable introduction to Mark’s tale for those who prefer their stories be told chronologically.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Lori Budd · Rating 1 out of 5]

This does tell of the story line- not sure you can call it a spoiler- but there is your warning.

I am having a tough time getting through this. It seems the author doesn't really know what time of book to write. It starts off as a photographer gets the opportunity of a lifetime to go to Afghanistan with a friend to shoot pictures for a book about women oppression. While there his "friend" acts weird and you can tell there is something else going on.. GREAT! I start thinking of what could be happening, trying to solve the mystery in my head. Then BAM!
Now I'm reading a book about a mystery camera that can take pictures of the future. Pictures that are of dead people. Then BAM!
Enter a love interest who is a cop.
This is about as far as I have gotten. I will try to finish it, but it is tough to stay on track.

Sadly, I finished the book. Really?!! That is where you are going? The camera predicted 9/11. I am sorry, but this book had no focus and I can not recommend it to anyone.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is a great idea although this book ended at only 77% and was relatively short anyway. The remainder was excerpts of more of the series along with differing chapters in Book 1. Not sure really why the author's messing about like this with it. To me, it's making it all needlessly convoluted and she shouldn't do it !!
There were quite a few mistakes in it which also lost it another star for me. Lost words from sentences occurred a lot like a/the, lightning was spelt lightening but then correctly spelt on the next page which I thought careless along with thorough being used when through was meant to be. There were missed apostrophes too-always an e-book staple, it seems.
At one point Jessie phones Mark then a while later decided that to call him she could probably find him in the phonebook....odd.
I'll definitely try out book one after this, though, to see what happens, but I'll take it as I've downloaded and not mess about with differing versions !!

[Eileen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was written as a prequel to a series of 4 books. We are introduced to Mark Taylor,a professional photographer. Mark purchased an old camera in Afghanistan while on a mysterious photo shoot with his friend Mohammed. He brings the camera home and starts to use it.

Weird thing about this camera is that sometimes it takes pictures of events that will occur in the future. And weird thing about this plot is we've seen it in the past on an old Twilight Zone episode.

The plot chugs along predictably and slowly. The characters are flat. I was able to put this short book down for days at a time. I forced myself to finish hoping there was something redeeming in the end; Anything that would draw me to the next book in the series. If the authors intent was reignite interest in the series, I'm afraid it fails to do so for this reader.

[Scott Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read No Good Deed and March Into Hell. This probably comes in at the mid-point, better than March Into Hell, but not as good as No Good Deed. I did very much enjoy the back story on Mark Taylor, the protagonist from No Good Deed. As a matter of fact, reading Genesis has made me want to go back and reread No Good Deed. For those who've read any of the other books on the series, this is a great book to read to learn about Mark's history. For those who haven't, this would be the perfect place to start. This whole series does a wonderful job of questioning whether Mark's camera is a gift, or a curse.

[Craig Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prequel to book one of the Mark Taylor series (written after the 3 in the series) was a short, enjoyable read. I enjoyed the peek into the early days of the book's hero and how he met Jessie and found the camera that led him to being able to see bad things about to happen, thus giving him a chance to change the future and save lives. I was hoping for more stuff about September 11, but what we got was interesting. It's about what I expected from a prequel and have to say all my questions were answered and then some. 3.5 stars.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is from: No Good Deed: Book One of the Mark Taylor Series (A Psychological Thriller) (Kindle Edition)
I absolutely would recommend this book! I found myself holding my breath waiting impatiently to turn the page to see what would happen next. NO GOOD DEED is very thought provoking. What would you do if you knew something bad was going to happen and could therefore change the outcome??? Loved the prequel to this book as well. M.P. McDonald is one of my new favorite author's.

[Bill Thibadeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must commend the author on a captivating storyline. It is basically a routine story about a photographer - until - the finds a mysterious camera that takes control of the primary character. This step into the paranormal mixed with normality makes this an intriguing read. I am fortunate that his is a prequel. I am certainly going to read the next book in the series. A good story with interesting characters.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

More adventure than thriller; seems to be a story for a young audience.

While character development was pretty well done, the story jumped around quite a bit. With little warning, the story would jump ahead by weeks, months, or even years. If the reader is interested in a a story about a 'magic' camera in the hands of a "boy scout", then this is the book! For me, I would rather read an actual thriller.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
I saw this was a freebie on Amazon and instantly recalled having read and enjoyed book 1 in the series. If the writing in book 1 was this bad I don't know how I finished it. Poor word choices are rampant. He's in Afghanistan and kicks a bottle and it is described as "exploding". The sentence structure is redundant to the point of annoying. When not redundant it's just poorly structured making it difficult to enjoy the story.

[Michelle Holverson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. But it fell flat at the end. From the synopsis given, I would have expected more time to have been spent on the "major event" indicated. Except that it cut off there, leaving one to wonder about the build-up that went nowhere. I realize that it was a prequel to the first book in the series, but I think it could have been done better. Maybe a different major event that is solved rather than left unattended to be picked up in the next book. Therefore 3 stars.

[Victoria Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prequel

I read this one in one day. I liked the writing and the story line had me Intrigued.
I know the prequel was written after the book Genesis, but I wanted to read the backstory before I started on the main Book.
It is interesting the way our hero acquired the camera and what he does with it. How would we react in the same circumstances? And could we get anyone to believe the story about the camera? I can't wait to start Genesis.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy carp on a cracker.

A wonderful novel that will have you begging to read the next book. Mark helping a friend take pictures in Afghanistan finds a magic?????camera in a bazaar and buys it. When he develops film he occasionally finds a future event. The problem how to fix and not be labeled crazy. An Amazing book a must read to buy NOW!!!!

[Gmaharriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew this was a prequel, but written after book 1 (at least) of a series. I wasn't expecting much beyond a sort of introduction, and that's what I got, so I enjoyed it more than if I'd had special expectations. I plan to read Book 1 next, and I should be prepared for it. I'll find out if the prequel was worth it and rate the two of them together when I'm done.

[Snoozie Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yup, I wish I'd read this one first as knowing the plot and the outcome(s) kinda ruined this a bit for me. But I enjoyed it still, but the suspense was taken away so it spoiled it. Read them in order I say, and enjoy

[Dan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Taylor: Genesis Opens Eyes

When I started No Good Deed I almost quit as I did not understand Mark Taylor at all. Reading this now brings all in focus. Would recommend this be read before NGD.

[Christy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing is really not the best. Plot line is good. Read it as a free read. It's short enough to knock out in a day. Don't think he spent a whole lot of time writing it either. Really wanted to give 3.5.

[Jim Kratzok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent prequel

I read the first book in this series first and then found out about this prequel. With deft brushstrokes, the author fills in the background that was alluded to in book one. It's a short but good read. Well worth the time and money.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good for a Kindle freebie.

[Gale Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this whole series and love this author!

[Carmel McCartin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quirky plot but worth reading