Mesh: Book One

Mesh - Book One #1-3

by David Ciccarelli

Forty-four years after the disappearance of her father, Simi Duan has turned his ambitious vision into a corporate empire. Her main business is constructing space station. Her latest station, the Duan Gardens, is set to orbit further from Earth than any other outpost. This risky venture makes her the target of politicians, competitors, and militants who feel the Simi Duan is pushing society too far too fast.

Zahir Bard is a recently retired diplomat for a government rapidly becoming obsolete. The United Earth Administration coaxes him back to public service to supervise the burgeoning frontier, especially the operations of Simi Duan. He agrees, as much to protect his own legacy as to protect the bureaucracy that employs him.

Skulking in the dark corners of man’s prefabricated outposts is mercenary Cyril Tarsi. He has spent his adult life running from the mistakes of his youth, each contract possibly his last. He wants to find a life where he can be just a normal, anonymous citizen. His latest target might take him to that goal, or might get him killed.

Desmond Colson is a twelve-year-old boy who has bounced along humanity’s path into deep space. His family’s nomadic lifestyle has left him isolated and weary. But the family’s next move is to the Duan Gardens, the literal edge of human civilization. Dez hopes that this move will finally bring the Colson family to a place they can call home. The entrepreneur. The politician. The assassin. The child. All pioneers moving deeper into the Solar System, and closer to the Mesh.

** Mesh: Book 1 consists of the previously released e-novellas: The Pioneers, The Other Side, and Horizons **

494 pages, Paperback

First published June 26, 2014

About the author

David Ciccarelli has held many jobs over the years including film editor, background actor (even showing up as an animated background character in an episode of "King of the Hill), video store merchandiser, classical music store supervisor, coach, and history teacher. However, his passion has always been writing. He has written two dozen screenplays, over a dozen short stories, and several novellas. Most of his stories contain science fiction or supernatural elements as well as a dark sense of humor. His first full length novel, Mesh: Book One, was released in June, 2014. His second book, Don't Eat That, a humorous picture book, was release in March, 2017. His most recent book, the middle grade novel The No Such Things, was released in August 2019.

Reviews

[James Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could Have Been a Lot Better

This book had potential but ended up lacking quite a bit of direction and ultimately floundered. The first half was actually better than when the main action started taking place. The end was just a set up for sequels and some of the author's short cuts in the plot left a lot to be desired (a big military secret revealed when someone called their girlfriend who told her mother? Really?!?!?). Not a bad book at all but too tedious to really recommend.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another clunky novel, this time involving space travel in the future. The difference in the dimension or what exactly the mesh is that separates humans from all the other aliens is never explained in any kind of way. You don't really develop any attachment to the characters.

[Jbaes · Rating 4 out of 5]

an entertaining read

There is content to the plot. No incredible coincidences. Some depth of character. All in all, easy reading. That is it.

[Diane Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book. trying to find book 2 now