Task Force: Gaea: Memory's Curse

Task Force: Gaea #2

by David Berger

For Aegis, Zodiak, Aether, and Talon, operatives in the United Nations Task Gaea, life should have returned to normal after they restored the cosmic balance that a reckless elder goddess shattered, but because of the intervention of the Fates, they would never remember what life was like before. With history now unfolding the way it was supposed to, paranoia plagues this new time line, and tight-fisted governments mandate control through a pervasive military presence, DNA scans, and surveillance cameras. Inexplicable occurrences all over the world give way to a new mission for Task Gaea when an ancient cloudlike evil referred to in prophecy only as The Nebulous One emerges from Tartaros, with the intention of devouring the Olympeian gods. But, before she can find them, all of the gods but Apollo have disappeared.

Leaving chaos and human corpses in her wake, she oozes her way across the globe to satisfy her hunger. Apollo will not face this threat alone, and it then becomes a will he and Task Gaea find and vanquish this primordial goddess without falling prey to her power before she finds the gods? Aegis and his teammates, perhaps as a side effect of their encounters with The Nebulous One, have to battle personal demons in the form of potent memories that could jeopardize their mission’s success, seemingly insurmountable obstacles that could indeed mean the end of their team. Starting in antiquity and moving to the modern day, this epic battle between good and evil leaves both immortal and mortal alike wondering whether memory can be a blessing...or a curse.

Audible Audio

First published October 27, 2013

About the author

David grew up with privilege—the privilege of being immersed in reading from a very early age. A fan of fantasy, comics, and mythology, he eventually would become an English teacher where he could help foster a love of literature with his students. This love would bring about the Task Force: Gaea series, a Greek mythology fantasy set in the modern world. The first four books (of five) in his Task Force: Gaea series are out now: Finding Balance, Memory's Curse, The Liar's Prophecy, and The Archer's Paradox. The first book in The DragonHawk Cycle, The Quest of Wyndracer and Fyrehunter, is also currently out. He also has two personal anthologies, Hippocrene's Promise and Hippocrene's Dream. He is living his dream, as it were, and resides in Land O' Lakes, FL with his dog, Argos.

Reviews

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Combining extensive world-building and remarkable imaginative vision, Gaea {book 2} is an impressive read

Task Force: Gaea {Memory’s Curse} is the sensational, spectacular sequel to ‘Finding Balance’. Full of inspired ideas and remarkable creative vision this book is a breath of fresh air within a highly competitive genre, wherein the unexpected leaves you stunned. Having not read book 1 within this series and having never encountered this author before, I was sceptical and tentative upon approaching this rather supremely singular novel. Memory’s curse was packed with astonishing fantastical concepts and unique characters, which leapt off the page with such vibrancy and unbelievable realism that took me by surprise. At times the storyline was so dense and cleverly complex that I did loose my way, and so I would next time read book 1 first before plunging headlong into this exquisitely detailed creation.

Gaea is a world of mortals and Gods. It is a place in which the zodiac signs present weighty meaning, and where a task force protects the Earth from the horrors of the Underworld. The delicate balance between animal, mortal man and divine God is constantly threatened by those evil beings that seek supremacy over all. Aegis, Zodiak, Aether and Talon are the operatives who try to maintain harmonius equilibrium and cosmic balance that is threatened by the Fates and Goddesses of the Underworld.
A sci-fi fest of epic battles and immortal blood that is exciting and totally thrilling!

Fast-paced and action-packed this sweeping masterwork took me on the most unforgettable journey into a world of wonder and deadly danger. The extensive background history of the world which the author has created, including characters such as the task force, the Gods and those other creatures from the underworld is wonderfully realised in such depth. This compelling, entirely credible story had me hooked from page one and despite being at a disadvantage of not reading book 1, I thoroughly enjoyed this magnetic tale which oozed such premise and innovative concepts. Including additional information on the Cosmos and a key to words, this brilliant book is one that I am so pleased to have had the chance to read.

4.5 stars

*I won a copy of Task Force Gaea: Memory’s Curse by David Berger through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway *

[Jake Nutting · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in total awe of the world building happening in this fantastic continuation of the Task Force Gaea series. The thing I love about books as opposed to other mediums is the high level of detail that goes into making a good one. This book is a great example of that. The story is totally engrossing and provides great detail on the characters and Greek mythology it clearly pulls from. It does this without falling into the trap of being reductive like some books may. I highly recommend for fans of fantasy and Greek mythology and cannot wait to read the next installment.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read! I was totally engrossed by this world with blurred lines between myth and reality. Maybe I'm a selfish reader, but I love when I have a bit of background knowledge to bring to a book. The bits of mythology I know give everything a personal touch. And I feel that much more connected to the characters.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was even better than the first one. It had the feel of comic book style world building. From origin stories, to alternate timelines. And for flavor, we had a Lovecraftian elder god. Lots of great action and heroics. Totally recommend this series. This is basically Percy Jackson's older brother who read way more Greek mythology. I mean that with the utmost respect.

[Nathan Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Memory’s Curse has it all! Lots of action, great character work, and some truly scary scenes. After the events of the first book, we’re treated to some updated or revised character histories, as well as a lot more backstory on the UN Task Forces. I’m truly amazed at Berger’s world-building ability. And I mean world-building very literally; there aren’t many places on Gaea (on, below, or above!) he doesn’t visit. Berger also introduces some really great high-concept ideas that made the Greek mythology geek in me very giddy. Each of the main characters gets their time in the spotlight as well, and by the end you’ll feel a deep, personal connection with at least one, if not all of them. I’d love to spill some of the great moments from the book, but in the interest of doing a spoiler-free review, I’ll refrain. I will say though, if your zodiac sign is Virgo, and you never thought it was as cool as the other signs, Berger has you covered. He also leaves us with another couple of status quo shifts that leave me questioning where he’ll take the story from here. Wherever that may be, I’m certainly along for the ride!

[Tom DeWitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Berger has become one of my favorite modern fantasy authors. Mr Berger's love and knowledge of greek mythology comes across vividly in his story, and makes you really feel that you are actually there in the trenches with the members of Task Force Gaea while they are not only fighting the monsters, but also dealing with the trials and tribulations that their unique mission has given them. To say this book is a "must read" would be an understatement. BUY IT! READ IT! LOVE IT! You won't be sorry