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Paratwa Saga
Binary Storm: Liege Killer
Near the end of the 21st century, Earth is in chaos from environmental devastation and a vicious undeclared war against binaries, genetically engineered assassins. Composed of a single consciousness inhabiting two human bodies (tways), binaries are ruled by an alpha breed, the Royal Caste.
Nick Smith, computer programmer and brilliant strategist, hooks up with Annabel Bakana, the savvy new director of E-Tech, an organization dedicated to limiting runaway technological growth. Together both romantically and professionally, they secretly assemble a small combat team to hunt and kill binaries.
But there's a fly in the the mysterious team leader, Gillian. A tormented soul with an unseemly attraction to Annabel, his actions just might help the Royal Caste's cause and draw the world closer to Armageddon.
Serving as both a stand-alone novel and prequel to Liege-Killer, Binary Storm is a futuristic tale of bold characters pushed to the brink in a dangerous world. Startling action, political intrigue and powerful themes that echo our contemporary era are fused into a plot brimming with twists and surprises.
Nick Smith, computer programmer and brilliant strategist, hooks up with Annabel Bakana, the savvy new director of E-Tech, an organization dedicated to limiting runaway technological growth. Together both romantically and professionally, they secretly assemble a small combat team to hunt and kill binaries.
But there's a fly in the the mysterious team leader, Gillian. A tormented soul with an unseemly attraction to Annabel, his actions just might help the Royal Caste's cause and draw the world closer to Armageddon.
Serving as both a stand-alone novel and prequel to Liege-Killer, Binary Storm is a futuristic tale of bold characters pushed to the brink in a dangerous world. Startling action, political intrigue and powerful themes that echo our contemporary era are fused into a plot brimming with twists and surprises.
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First published November 1, 2016
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About the author
Christopher Hinz
53 books76 followersChristopher Hinz is an author of science fiction thrillers – novels, comic books, screenplays and more.
Born in 1951 in Reading, PA, USA, his early passion for all things SF led to the writing of his first “book” in elementary school. A four-page epic, it featured a giant monster brought back from Mars who escapes and climbs the tallest building in Chicago, only to be blasted from that perch with a nuclear cannon. The inevitable fallout, along with other youthful digressions, steered Hinz away from science fiction writing – and Chicago – for many years.
His first mature work,LIEGE-KILLER, was originally published in 1987 by St. Martin’s Press. ANACHRONISMS, ASH OCK and THE PARATWA soon followed. The latter two novels, together with LIEGE-KILLER, form “The Paratwa Saga.”
A subsequent foray into comic books led to a number of publications, including creator-owned GEMINI BLOOD (with artist Tommy Lee Edwards) and DEAD CORPS (with artist Steve Pugh) for DC Comics, and BLADE for Marvel Comics, also with Pugh. An evolution into screenwriting resulted in the sale of BINARY, a script based on LIEGE-KILLER.
In addition to other SF projects, he has worked a variety of Earth-based jobs, including picture framer, turret-lathe operator, TV technical director and newspaper staff writer. He has played in rock bands, modeled dioramas and designed and marketed an auto racing board game. He currently creates new stories from the semi-seclusion of a wooded realm in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Born in 1951 in Reading, PA, USA, his early passion for all things SF led to the writing of his first “book” in elementary school. A four-page epic, it featured a giant monster brought back from Mars who escapes and climbs the tallest building in Chicago, only to be blasted from that perch with a nuclear cannon. The inevitable fallout, along with other youthful digressions, steered Hinz away from science fiction writing – and Chicago – for many years.
His first mature work,LIEGE-KILLER, was originally published in 1987 by St. Martin’s Press. ANACHRONISMS, ASH OCK and THE PARATWA soon followed. The latter two novels, together with LIEGE-KILLER, form “The Paratwa Saga.”
A subsequent foray into comic books led to a number of publications, including creator-owned GEMINI BLOOD (with artist Tommy Lee Edwards) and DEAD CORPS (with artist Steve Pugh) for DC Comics, and BLADE for Marvel Comics, also with Pugh. An evolution into screenwriting resulted in the sale of BINARY, a script based on LIEGE-KILLER.
In addition to other SF projects, he has worked a variety of Earth-based jobs, including picture framer, turret-lathe operator, TV technical director and newspaper staff writer. He has played in rock bands, modeled dioramas and designed and marketed an auto racing board game. He currently creates new stories from the semi-seclusion of a wooded realm in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 4, 2018
A great addition to the Paratwa trilogy. It is a prequel written after the original trilogy & should be read afterward. I know, that's not chronological order & I'm generally all for that, but this contains a LOT of spoilers & would ruin the slow reveals of the trilogy which add a lot to it. So read this last!
It was great to read about an earlier segment of Nick & Gillian's life. It's not often that a dwarf is the hero. Hinz projects a world spiraling into ruin as technology and capitalism have run amok & dragged us into a quagmire of social & environmental collapse. There's obviously a message here & it can be a bit heavy handed at times, but it's wrapped up in a rousing SF adventure. Even though we know where it is heading, there are still quite a few surprises.
I highly recommend reading all 4 books in published order.
It was great to read about an earlier segment of Nick & Gillian's life. It's not often that a dwarf is the hero. Hinz projects a world spiraling into ruin as technology and capitalism have run amok & dragged us into a quagmire of social & environmental collapse. There's obviously a message here & it can be a bit heavy handed at times, but it's wrapped up in a rousing SF adventure. Even though we know where it is heading, there are still quite a few surprises.
I highly recommend reading all 4 books in published order.
July 12, 2017
I was so happy to see that Christopher Hinz had written a new Paratwa book. The Paratwa are genetically engineered assassins, incredibly deadly with lightning swift reflexes. They come in pairs, one consciousness inhabiting two bodies acting with perfect coordination. I read the first book in the series--Liege-Killer--around twenty years ago, and it made a huge impression. It was followed by two sequels: The Paratwa, and Ash Ock. Then ... nothing. Hinz kept busy, just not with novels. And then I happened to spy this book at my local Barnes & Noble. Joy!
Binary Storm is a prequel to Liege-Killer. It should work well as a standalone, but it will definitely spoil a few surprises in Liege-Killer if you read this book first. Without giving too much away, in L-K the Paratwa return after being thought extinct or even mythical. Fortunately, humanity discovers a weapon from Earth's past to use against them. Binary Storm is the story of that weapon's creation. Set in Philadelphia, 2095, the world seems to be on the brink of collapse. Clouds of pollution darken the skies. The poor and downtrodden are confined to walled enclaves within cities. Emigration to orbital colonies is on the rise. And then rumors begin to surface about a new breed of Paratwa, the Ash Ock, a ruling class who could unite the assassins and turn them against humanity en masse ...
The Paratwa are, let's face it, a cool concept. Hinz does an excellent job of writing action packed fight scenes and Machiavellian schemes worthy of such a menace. The book is a roller coaster ride, never letting up for a minute. Ideally, you want to start reading this series with Liege-Killer. But, if a copy eludes you (I don't know whether it's currently in print or not, nor how easily it can be obtained if it isn't) go ahead and read this one first. Highly recommended!
Binary Storm is a prequel to Liege-Killer. It should work well as a standalone, but it will definitely spoil a few surprises in Liege-Killer if you read this book first. Without giving too much away, in L-K the Paratwa return after being thought extinct or even mythical. Fortunately, humanity discovers a weapon from Earth's past to use against them. Binary Storm is the story of that weapon's creation. Set in Philadelphia, 2095, the world seems to be on the brink of collapse. Clouds of pollution darken the skies. The poor and downtrodden are confined to walled enclaves within cities. Emigration to orbital colonies is on the rise. And then rumors begin to surface about a new breed of Paratwa, the Ash Ock, a ruling class who could unite the assassins and turn them against humanity en masse ...
The Paratwa are, let's face it, a cool concept. Hinz does an excellent job of writing action packed fight scenes and Machiavellian schemes worthy of such a menace. The book is a roller coaster ride, never letting up for a minute. Ideally, you want to start reading this series with Liege-Killer. But, if a copy eludes you (I don't know whether it's currently in print or not, nor how easily it can be obtained if it isn't) go ahead and read this one first. Highly recommended!
September 3, 2017
This book can be read as a standalone however I'd urge you to read Liege Killer 1st ( if you can find a copy, there is a kindle version). Great action scenes, familiar characters that you love and I really enjoyed being Bck immersed in the world. Just didnt feel as good as Liege Killer. Alot better than books 2 and 3 ( which were just large amounts of information dumpings). I'd recommend this for fans of the original series. Hope the author has more to offer with novels.
November 24, 2018
Read the first (award-winning, I think) book in the series 20 or more years ago, and (although I don’t particularly remember them) the rest of that trilogy shortly thereafter. Hadn’t seen anything from the author since, until randomly spotting this very new addition to the Liege-Killer universe. A good story, well-worth the read, and one that’s inspired me to now go and reread the other three (although based on other reviews, this one actually, although chronologically set before them, should be read after).
November 8, 2016
I received a free copy from Angry Robot/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"Binary Storm" is a prequel to other volumes of the Paratwa Saga, and even though there are a few moments where I thought "Oh. I wonder if this would mean more if I have read the previous novels," but it works well as a stand alone novel.
Nick Smith, a computer programmer for E-Tech, a corporation trying to cage up a technological society that is running wild, happens to be more than what he seems. When he is in the right place and the right time, he gains the trust of Annabel Bakana, the new director of E-Tech. The world is falling apart, terrorists, doomsday cults, spies, and of course duo assassins, Tways, that are neurologically linked and fight as one. These assassins are almost unstoppable, and there is a rumor that they are planning to take over the world. It is up to Nick and Annabel to figure out how to stop the destruction of humanity on Earth.
Hinz's novel is action packed and filled with compelling situations and characters. The bigger part that I found sucking me into "Binary Storm" is the world that Hinz has constructed. Washington DC and New York are gone. The new capitol is the old capitol, Philadelphia, and this is split into the part that is safe and the part where gangs and murder rule. Add this to many factions of people split into sects and cults, the population surrounding the action is just as interesting as the plot and main characters.
I also think that even though all of these things are happening, millions dying in nuclear blasts, millions dying from plague and disease, being locked into certain parts of the city, there is a hope throughout the novel. That even though humanity is falling apart, the world is becoming uninhabitable, and that the population is being eradicated, it makes me wonder why they even bother. But there is a hope in all of it, especially in the relationship between Nick and Annabel, that makes me think that humans do have the intense drive that says that regardless of what is happening, we will rise above it. Hinz's novel works between he uses this as his character's strength, that even though things do seem doomed, there are those who will fight for humanity and the right thing. For this, "Binary Storm" is a fantastic work.
"Binary Storm" is a prequel to other volumes of the Paratwa Saga, and even though there are a few moments where I thought "Oh. I wonder if this would mean more if I have read the previous novels," but it works well as a stand alone novel.
Nick Smith, a computer programmer for E-Tech, a corporation trying to cage up a technological society that is running wild, happens to be more than what he seems. When he is in the right place and the right time, he gains the trust of Annabel Bakana, the new director of E-Tech. The world is falling apart, terrorists, doomsday cults, spies, and of course duo assassins, Tways, that are neurologically linked and fight as one. These assassins are almost unstoppable, and there is a rumor that they are planning to take over the world. It is up to Nick and Annabel to figure out how to stop the destruction of humanity on Earth.
Hinz's novel is action packed and filled with compelling situations and characters. The bigger part that I found sucking me into "Binary Storm" is the world that Hinz has constructed. Washington DC and New York are gone. The new capitol is the old capitol, Philadelphia, and this is split into the part that is safe and the part where gangs and murder rule. Add this to many factions of people split into sects and cults, the population surrounding the action is just as interesting as the plot and main characters.
I also think that even though all of these things are happening, millions dying in nuclear blasts, millions dying from plague and disease, being locked into certain parts of the city, there is a hope throughout the novel. That even though humanity is falling apart, the world is becoming uninhabitable, and that the population is being eradicated, it makes me wonder why they even bother. But there is a hope in all of it, especially in the relationship between Nick and Annabel, that makes me think that humans do have the intense drive that says that regardless of what is happening, we will rise above it. Hinz's novel works between he uses this as his character's strength, that even though things do seem doomed, there are those who will fight for humanity and the right thing. For this, "Binary Storm" is a fantastic work.
December 23, 2019
Hinz wrote the Liege-Killer trilogy back in the late 80s/early 90s and I remember reading them 20 or so years ago. Binary Storm is a prequel to the trilogy, and while it can stand alone, I would recommend reading the trilogy first as there are lots of spoilers. Binary Storm contains a not so subtle critique of contemporary society, with its get rich quick mentality and greed driving technical progress without worrying about the social or environmental impacts. By 2095, the setting of Binary Storm, the Earth is almost unlivable, with smog, toxic bioagents and radiation worsening daily. The world is divided into haves and have nots, with the latter living in 'unsecured zones' outside of the walled enclaves of the haves. Small wars and terrorism plague the population and plans are being laid to abandon Earth for the space colonies.
That stated, Binary Storm follows a NGO tasked with limiting the impact of new tech and trying (unsuccessfully) to make Earth 'turn around'. This prequel introduces some of the main characters in the trilogy and their struggle with the paratwa threat. Fun read.
That stated, Binary Storm follows a NGO tasked with limiting the impact of new tech and trying (unsuccessfully) to make Earth 'turn around'. This prequel introduces some of the main characters in the trilogy and their struggle with the paratwa threat. Fun read.
November 8, 2016
I really enjoyed this addition to the classics. I always really liked the paratwa series and this read very much in the same vein. It was fun getting some of the backstory. If you were a fan of the originals, you will really like this book.
September 19, 2023
Dystopian, futuristic thriller, in which a conspiracy involving genetically engineered terrorists attempt to seize control of Earth in the midst of an environmental apocalypse were opposed by a small cadre of influential humans. Prequel to the authors cyberpunk-like Paratwa series.
My eBook copy was 432 pages. Book had a 2016 US copyright.
Christopher Hinz is an American writer of science fiction and comic books. He is the author of eight novels in one series and standalone. This is the first book in his Paratwa series. This is the fourth book I’ve read by the author.
I’m a fan of 80’s cyberpunk and the 35-year old Paratwa series, a series that I first read long ago. I started this book to refresh my memory on this series, which I remembered to be better than Richard K. Morgan’s Takeshi Kovacs series. That was eventually developed into the successful Altered Carbon television miniseries. Why the Paratwa wasn't, I don't know? Then again, William Gibson's seminal Sprawl series never reached television either. (Cyberpunk never received proper public TV attention.)
Human Popsicle and billionaire, polymath Nick Smith enlists the aid of NGO E-Tech’s privileged do-gooder and director Annabel Bakana to oppose the Ash Ock’s Evil Plan , to Take Over the World , or what’s left of it. E-Tech was a philanthropic organization opposing the rampant adoption of technologies which had led to severe environmental and social degradation on the planet. Smith was Team Benefactor . The Paratwa, led by their Ash Ock rulers are a society of genetically engineered, human twined pairs forming a hive mind made-up of either sex. Some of them are Human Weapons , the deadly Paratwa Assassins. The Ash Ock is the Big Bad in the story.
Hinz is an OK author. The prose was OK. In some places it was very good. In others it was awkward and clunky. There was repetition that should have been excised. Descriptive prose was OK. Dialog was likewise OK, with the snappy dialogue being better than the monologues. Action was frantic. In addition, there was a healthy, amount of exposition in the narrative. Most if it was future tech, and Cli-Fi related. Some of it was very good, but not all. There were two POVs, Smith and Bakana. The switching between the two characters was well done.
There were three plot threads in the story. The ‘A’ Plot was the Ash Ock’s conspiracy to rule the Earth and Smith and E-Tech’s efforts to foil it. The ‘B’ Plot was the rise and fall of Smith and Bakana’s relationship. The ‘C’ Plot was the long-term series plot-line involving Smith’s Captured Super-Entity Paratwa Assassin. I had a real problem with the ending. Hinz was obviously looking for a HFN that could segue this book into Liege-Killer . This more recently written book ended-up having different threading than the original trilogy. It was an awkward effort.
The story contained: sex, drugs, Rock ‘n Roll and ultra violence.
The protagonists have consensual sex. Sexual assault and rape were threatened. All sex was of the fade to black type with a not overly descriptive pre-amble. Non-hetrosexual sex appeared in the narrative. Genetic engineering allowed folks to be easily physically sexually fluid. This was accepted within society. High-tech drugs were either consumed in the story or in the past. Roofing was a plot element. Alcohol was also consumed both socially and to the point of intoxication. Interestingly, no tobacco products were consumed. Live music venues were visited, but the music was not discussed.
Violence was both ultra and mega-violence. It was physical, edged-weapons, firearms, high-tech weaponry, and military-grade, including weapons of mass destruction related. Neither of the protagonists were Action-type characters, although they could fight back. In the future, medical science could perform miraculous healing results for most wounds. Resulting trauma from violence was moderately descriptive. Body count was extinction level.
Location of the story was global and extended to Earth’s Lagrange Points . However, the majority of the action was set in future Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its the new capitol of the United States after DC was nuked in a terrorist incident. The Earth was a Mutable Crapsack World . The description of environmental deterioration was elaborate, but likely too severe to support its population any longer. The segregation of society was an inept implementation of Kill the Poor . Despite the interesting future-tech, I thought there was a lot of Artistic License – Economics . For example, the secret Paratwa had a very large membership and the resources, particularly the weaponry of a nation state. Secret financing of an organization like that isn't possible.
The story was very lumpy. There were bits of it that were good ole’ fashion 80’s cyberpunk. Those were fun to read, and not hard to read either. However, Hinz’s comic book chops shown through too brightly in places. Well known, thinly disguised tropes abounded. My suspension of belief was severely challenged with several of them. For example, you’d have thought that Smith was Tony Stark’s little brother? In addition, this book was written 25-years after the final Paratwa book The Paratwa . The prequel didn’t tightly dovetail with the earlier books as I remembered them. The end result was mixed. This wasn’t a bad read, but it was not as good as I expected. I don’t doubt that some of this was because I’m a different more critical reader than when I last read the series?
Readers interested in reading a better cyberpunk should read The Quantum Thief (my review) and its series.
My eBook copy was 432 pages. Book had a 2016 US copyright.
Christopher Hinz is an American writer of science fiction and comic books. He is the author of eight novels in one series and standalone. This is the first book in his Paratwa series. This is the fourth book I’ve read by the author.
I’m a fan of 80’s cyberpunk and the 35-year old Paratwa series, a series that I first read long ago. I started this book to refresh my memory on this series, which I remembered to be better than Richard K. Morgan’s Takeshi Kovacs series. That was eventually developed into the successful Altered Carbon television miniseries. Why the Paratwa wasn't, I don't know? Then again, William Gibson's seminal Sprawl series never reached television either. (Cyberpunk never received proper public TV attention.)
Human Popsicle and billionaire, polymath Nick Smith enlists the aid of NGO E-Tech’s privileged do-gooder and director Annabel Bakana to oppose the Ash Ock’s Evil Plan , to Take Over the World , or what’s left of it. E-Tech was a philanthropic organization opposing the rampant adoption of technologies which had led to severe environmental and social degradation on the planet. Smith was Team Benefactor . The Paratwa, led by their Ash Ock rulers are a society of genetically engineered, human twined pairs forming a hive mind made-up of either sex. Some of them are Human Weapons , the deadly Paratwa Assassins. The Ash Ock is the Big Bad in the story.
Hinz is an OK author. The prose was OK. In some places it was very good. In others it was awkward and clunky. There was repetition that should have been excised. Descriptive prose was OK. Dialog was likewise OK, with the snappy dialogue being better than the monologues. Action was frantic. In addition, there was a healthy, amount of exposition in the narrative. Most if it was future tech, and Cli-Fi related. Some of it was very good, but not all. There were two POVs, Smith and Bakana. The switching between the two characters was well done.
There were three plot threads in the story. The ‘A’ Plot was the Ash Ock’s conspiracy to rule the Earth and Smith and E-Tech’s efforts to foil it. The ‘B’ Plot was the rise and fall of Smith and Bakana’s relationship. The ‘C’ Plot was the long-term series plot-line involving Smith’s Captured Super-Entity Paratwa Assassin. I had a real problem with the ending. Hinz was obviously looking for a HFN that could segue this book into Liege-Killer . This more recently written book ended-up having different threading than the original trilogy. It was an awkward effort.
The story contained: sex, drugs, Rock ‘n Roll and ultra violence.
The protagonists have consensual sex. Sexual assault and rape were threatened. All sex was of the fade to black type with a not overly descriptive pre-amble. Non-hetrosexual sex appeared in the narrative. Genetic engineering allowed folks to be easily physically sexually fluid. This was accepted within society. High-tech drugs were either consumed in the story or in the past. Roofing was a plot element. Alcohol was also consumed both socially and to the point of intoxication. Interestingly, no tobacco products were consumed. Live music venues were visited, but the music was not discussed.
Violence was both ultra and mega-violence. It was physical, edged-weapons, firearms, high-tech weaponry, and military-grade, including weapons of mass destruction related. Neither of the protagonists were Action-type characters, although they could fight back. In the future, medical science could perform miraculous healing results for most wounds. Resulting trauma from violence was moderately descriptive. Body count was extinction level.
Location of the story was global and extended to Earth’s Lagrange Points . However, the majority of the action was set in future Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its the new capitol of the United States after DC was nuked in a terrorist incident. The Earth was a Mutable Crapsack World . The description of environmental deterioration was elaborate, but likely too severe to support its population any longer. The segregation of society was an inept implementation of Kill the Poor . Despite the interesting future-tech, I thought there was a lot of Artistic License – Economics . For example, the secret Paratwa had a very large membership and the resources, particularly the weaponry of a nation state. Secret financing of an organization like that isn't possible.
The story was very lumpy. There were bits of it that were good ole’ fashion 80’s cyberpunk. Those were fun to read, and not hard to read either. However, Hinz’s comic book chops shown through too brightly in places. Well known, thinly disguised tropes abounded. My suspension of belief was severely challenged with several of them. For example, you’d have thought that Smith was Tony Stark’s little brother? In addition, this book was written 25-years after the final Paratwa book The Paratwa . The prequel didn’t tightly dovetail with the earlier books as I remembered them. The end result was mixed. This wasn’t a bad read, but it was not as good as I expected. I don’t doubt that some of this was because I’m a different more critical reader than when I last read the series?
Readers interested in reading a better cyberpunk should read The Quantum Thief (my review) and its series.
October 28, 2016
In Binary Storm the prequel to the ‘Liege Killer’ series, Nick Smith, a computer programmer with a tight grasp on the current world politics and what to do about it, joins forces with Annabel Bakana, who is high up in E-Tech, an organisation dedicated to keeping developing technology under control. But with multiple connivances going on behind the scenes they’re going to have their work cut out to avert Armageddon.
This could have so easily been a Boy’s Own fight-sequenced fest, but there is also political deviousness, corporate wrangling (although very closely linked to the politics as to be almost indistinguishable) and time for compassion and love.
Nick is an unlikely hero. He is originally from the twenty-first century and thawed out from his cryogenic sleep into a world that is really no better than the one he hoped to escape from. Annabelle, ‘Bel’ is an excellent opposite to the vertically challenged and wise-ass Nick, who manages to manoeuvre his way out of many tricky situations using banter as a distraction. Their relationship reminded me of the Danny DeVito/Penelope Ann Miller paring in the 1991 film ‘Other People’s Money’, where the cunning DeVito has to deal with the tall and gorgeous young lawyer who is trying very hard to keep her legal head on while being drawn to DeVito, who is making a play for her at every turn, and gradually wearing down her resistance. The pairing in this story works brilliantly because of the apparent dynamic mismatch of the two would-be lovers and both of them trying to be cool and collected when in each other’s presence.
However there is a third individual in the relationship, Sosoome, Nick’s robotic feline housekeeper-cum-sidekick, who does not approve of Bel and has to be won over. But then Sosoome is programmed to give everyone a hard time, including his owner, because Nick felt he needed someone in his life who would constantly challenge him.
But fear not, there is plenty of action in the form of the assassins, the Paratwa, who as two individuals think and fight as one.
Before you start this book, stock up for a ‘Liege Killer’ siege and make sure you take a substantial comfort break, because you’ll want to hang in there for the entirety of the ride.
Binary Storm was courtesy of Angry Robot Books via NetGalley
This could have so easily been a Boy’s Own fight-sequenced fest, but there is also political deviousness, corporate wrangling (although very closely linked to the politics as to be almost indistinguishable) and time for compassion and love.
Nick is an unlikely hero. He is originally from the twenty-first century and thawed out from his cryogenic sleep into a world that is really no better than the one he hoped to escape from. Annabelle, ‘Bel’ is an excellent opposite to the vertically challenged and wise-ass Nick, who manages to manoeuvre his way out of many tricky situations using banter as a distraction. Their relationship reminded me of the Danny DeVito/Penelope Ann Miller paring in the 1991 film ‘Other People’s Money’, where the cunning DeVito has to deal with the tall and gorgeous young lawyer who is trying very hard to keep her legal head on while being drawn to DeVito, who is making a play for her at every turn, and gradually wearing down her resistance. The pairing in this story works brilliantly because of the apparent dynamic mismatch of the two would-be lovers and both of them trying to be cool and collected when in each other’s presence.
However there is a third individual in the relationship, Sosoome, Nick’s robotic feline housekeeper-cum-sidekick, who does not approve of Bel and has to be won over. But then Sosoome is programmed to give everyone a hard time, including his owner, because Nick felt he needed someone in his life who would constantly challenge him.
But fear not, there is plenty of action in the form of the assassins, the Paratwa, who as two individuals think and fight as one.
Before you start this book, stock up for a ‘Liege Killer’ siege and make sure you take a substantial comfort break, because you’ll want to hang in there for the entirety of the ride.
Binary Storm was courtesy of Angry Robot Books via NetGalley
February 3, 2022
This book is a train wreck that didn't age well. Which is a weird thing to say, since Binary Storm is the most recent of the Paratwa books, and was published just 6 years ago.
Yes, Christopher Hinz took the hint and stopped addressing Nick as "the midget". Instead, Hinz went full Asimov and made Nick and Annabel "getting together" right from the beginning. There is no suspense. Nothing. Every second sentence is about how horny Nick and Annabel are for each other (later, it is explained why ... which doesn't justify the repetitiveness in my opinion). Also, Annabel's biological clock is ticking. Naturally, as all women (!), Annabel wants to have a baby. Gee, I wonder where that'll lead us (since we already know Nick's future)?! Yes, sarcasm. I can be as sassy as Sosoome.
The other thing that didn't age well is "retro coolness". Remember that old popular PC-game? Yeah? Nick remembers it too! That son of a gun Nick even "reprogrammed Duke Nukem 3D to make it faster and cooler"! How rad is that?! Hell, it's too cool for school!!!
I loved the Paratwa trilogy as a teenager, and I still love those books after having re-read them as an adult. Although I new the whole plot, the original trilogy was an exciting read for the adult me.
Binary Storm is a "true prequel", which should be read before the Paratwa trilogy, in contrast to other prequels that were written long after publication of a book series. Otherwise, the reader only gets a few sentimental moments out of the last chapters, after a long period of pure boredom.
Yes, Christopher Hinz took the hint and stopped addressing Nick as "the midget". Instead, Hinz went full Asimov and made Nick and Annabel "getting together" right from the beginning. There is no suspense. Nothing. Every second sentence is about how horny Nick and Annabel are for each other (later, it is explained why ... which doesn't justify the repetitiveness in my opinion). Also, Annabel's biological clock is ticking. Naturally, as all women (!), Annabel wants to have a baby. Gee, I wonder where that'll lead us (since we already know Nick's future)?! Yes, sarcasm. I can be as sassy as Sosoome.
The other thing that didn't age well is "retro coolness". Remember that old popular PC-game? Yeah? Nick remembers it too! That son of a gun Nick even "reprogrammed Duke Nukem 3D to make it faster and cooler"! How rad is that?! Hell, it's too cool for school!!!
I loved the Paratwa trilogy as a teenager, and I still love those books after having re-read them as an adult. Although I new the whole plot, the original trilogy was an exciting read for the adult me.
Binary Storm is a "true prequel", which should be read before the Paratwa trilogy, in contrast to other prequels that were written long after publication of a book series. Otherwise, the reader only gets a few sentimental moments out of the last chapters, after a long period of pure boredom.
July 6, 2017
Great cyberpunk! It has all the important components.
Still far from Gibsonian class, but if you like books such as Neuromancer, you'll definitely like this one.
I'd not say it is a "fast paced" book, but there's something happening all the time. The book has a good flow from start to near-finish. I think it lost something at the end, but that might be due to it being a prequel to the Liege-Killer books (which I haven't read yet).
All in all, I really like this book!
Still far from Gibsonian class, but if you like books such as Neuromancer, you'll definitely like this one.
I'd not say it is a "fast paced" book, but there's something happening all the time. The book has a good flow from start to near-finish. I think it lost something at the end, but that might be due to it being a prequel to the Liege-Killer books (which I haven't read yet).
All in all, I really like this book!
March 23, 2017
My book club read Binary Storm this month, and until I looked it up on Goodreads, I did not know it was a prequel. That explains a lot about why the book feels so unfinished. The concept of tways was cool, but I had trouble becoming interested in the characters. Woman who desperately wants a baby and Man who's too smart for his own good and can't commit don't particularly thrill me.
This novel felt less like a stand-alone story than a collection of flashbacks showing how plot twists in the main story came to be.
This novel felt less like a stand-alone story than a collection of flashbacks showing how plot twists in the main story came to be.
May 17, 2018
Some great ideas but the characters we too perfect and too good to be believable. The books felt long and boring in some sections an the action was not described to full effect. Didn't feel the punches. Overall worth a read once.
January 31, 2017
A great read! This is one of the best Science Fiction series written in the last 15 years. I highly recommend it!
September 8, 2017
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.0 of 5
"Binaries" are genetically engineered assassins - twins inhabiting a single consciousness - in Christopher Hinz's future world "Paratwa" saga. In Binary Storm, computer programmer Nick Smith and Annabel Bakana, the new director of an organization trying to control runaway tech growth, team up to combat binaries. But there's a mole in the organization. It's not likely to be a binary because they aren't able to withstand distance from one another for any length period of time. ...unless they've overcome this obstacle in their genetic engineering? But it could be a sympathizer - a binary wannabe. In either case, it means trouble.
I was hooked from the very first pages of the story. Hinz sets us up with a really exciting action sequence which then leads into the introduction of the major characters and a description of what we're up against (the binaries). I wanted to know more and to know what would happen next and that desire to know never left - keeping me turning pages throughout.
And while the action is exhilarating it is the characters and the mystery at hand that really moves the story along. Nick and Annabel are great protagonists working in an atmosphere of political and business intrigue with technology run amok and exemplified by the binaries.
Binary Storm is a prequel to Hinz's Paratwa series which perhaps explains why there is as much set-up here as there is. But I note that the three books making up the series after this prequel are by a different publisher, making me wonder if there will be more to come here with Angry Robot.
While the binaries still seem like a science fiction concept, everything else in the story feels frighteningly possible.
I've come away a fan of the author and the series, which I will now seek out.
Looking for a good book? Binary Storm by Christopher Hinz is a fast-paced action/adventure mystery with some smart science fiction surrounding it and worth reading for fans of the genre.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
"Binaries" are genetically engineered assassins - twins inhabiting a single consciousness - in Christopher Hinz's future world "Paratwa" saga. In Binary Storm, computer programmer Nick Smith and Annabel Bakana, the new director of an organization trying to control runaway tech growth, team up to combat binaries. But there's a mole in the organization. It's not likely to be a binary because they aren't able to withstand distance from one another for any length period of time. ...unless they've overcome this obstacle in their genetic engineering? But it could be a sympathizer - a binary wannabe. In either case, it means trouble.
I was hooked from the very first pages of the story. Hinz sets us up with a really exciting action sequence which then leads into the introduction of the major characters and a description of what we're up against (the binaries). I wanted to know more and to know what would happen next and that desire to know never left - keeping me turning pages throughout.
And while the action is exhilarating it is the characters and the mystery at hand that really moves the story along. Nick and Annabel are great protagonists working in an atmosphere of political and business intrigue with technology run amok and exemplified by the binaries.
Binary Storm is a prequel to Hinz's Paratwa series which perhaps explains why there is as much set-up here as there is. But I note that the three books making up the series after this prequel are by a different publisher, making me wonder if there will be more to come here with Angry Robot.
While the binaries still seem like a science fiction concept, everything else in the story feels frighteningly possible.
I've come away a fan of the author and the series, which I will now seek out.
Looking for a good book? Binary Storm by Christopher Hinz is a fast-paced action/adventure mystery with some smart science fiction surrounding it and worth reading for fans of the genre.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2016
*Free copy for an honest review.
I was nervous about picking up this book as it is the prequel to an entire series. I was assured, however, that the book stands on it own and does not require you to have read any of the other books. For the most part, this is true.
Hinz does an incredible job of building the world and quickly establishing its problems through action rather than exposition. Yes, some of the disasters were news reports, but Annabel directly interacted with Doomers and Nick had to be saved from gangs in the sec region. The character development was also evidenced through actions and conversations, though could, at times, seem to jump with the time skips in the chapters. This is, genuinely, a good book that appeals to my love of sci-fi, intelligent characters and puns. Hinz was even able to give me a couple moments of genuine I-did-not-see-that-coming moments, that were not caused by plot holes but, rather, good writing.
The one downside to this book is that I haven't read the rest of the series. There were several moments in this book where I thought "if I'd read the series, this [moment/name] would be more profound." There were a number of names, especially towards the end, that I felt would have impacted me more if I'd read even one of Hinz' previous books. Instead, I ended up finishing the book feeling like I was missing out on something.
If you're a fan of the series, this is a great book for you. If you're interested in the series, I recommend you start with one of the original books. This was a good read, with a good story, but it's best if you know the series' history.
I was nervous about picking up this book as it is the prequel to an entire series. I was assured, however, that the book stands on it own and does not require you to have read any of the other books. For the most part, this is true.
Hinz does an incredible job of building the world and quickly establishing its problems through action rather than exposition. Yes, some of the disasters were news reports, but Annabel directly interacted with Doomers and Nick had to be saved from gangs in the sec region. The character development was also evidenced through actions and conversations, though could, at times, seem to jump with the time skips in the chapters. This is, genuinely, a good book that appeals to my love of sci-fi, intelligent characters and puns. Hinz was even able to give me a couple moments of genuine I-did-not-see-that-coming moments, that were not caused by plot holes but, rather, good writing.
The one downside to this book is that I haven't read the rest of the series. There were several moments in this book where I thought "if I'd read the series, this [moment/name] would be more profound." There were a number of names, especially towards the end, that I felt would have impacted me more if I'd read even one of Hinz' previous books. Instead, I ended up finishing the book feeling like I was missing out on something.
If you're a fan of the series, this is a great book for you. If you're interested in the series, I recommend you start with one of the original books. This was a good read, with a good story, but it's best if you know the series' history.
June 4, 2018
On an Earth teetering on the edge of ecological disaster, mankind has definitely never made it easy for itself. It has created , using the bizarre quantum effects at the fringe of science, a means for an entire new species, the "paratwa." Two embryos are implanted with a quantum entanglement and they grow up as a single entity inhabiting two bodies; this enables them to do things no human ever could. So, of course, mankind mostly uses them as assassins.
What could go wrong?
A new breed of paratwa, the "royal caste," are fomenting rebellion against humanity with the goal of the dual-bodied ones becoming the new dominant species on Earth. Their success seems all but certain -- except for two private citizens with exceptional resources who are determined to make a difference.
Years ago I read the author's first book in the series and enjoyed it, but felt it was a weird premise: how deadly were these assassins supposed to be? This book feels like it was undertaken by a more experienced author who is better able to paint the world in a fearsome light. Some parts were still a bit underdeveloped and rushed, but I think it may set up other books for a re-read.
What could go wrong?
A new breed of paratwa, the "royal caste," are fomenting rebellion against humanity with the goal of the dual-bodied ones becoming the new dominant species on Earth. Their success seems all but certain -- except for two private citizens with exceptional resources who are determined to make a difference.
Years ago I read the author's first book in the series and enjoyed it, but felt it was a weird premise: how deadly were these assassins supposed to be? This book feels like it was undertaken by a more experienced author who is better able to paint the world in a fearsome light. Some parts were still a bit underdeveloped and rushed, but I think it may set up other books for a re-read.
April 14, 2020
Hinz, Christopher. Binary Storm. Paratwa Saga. Angry Robot, 2016.
Binary Storm begins a second series in the universe established in the Paratwa series first published in the 1980s. Set in the last years of the twenty-first century, Binary Storm involves espionage with neurological, electronic, and biotech devices and weapons. The collapse of Earth’s biosphere is imminent, to the point that large-scale migration to space habitats is a growing phenomenon and plans for a slower-than-light interstellar colony ship are in progress. Human governments are opposed by a subspecies of genetically engineered assassins that travel in pairs and share a consciousness, so they can guard each other’s back with amazing efficiency. The future tech in this novel is very inventive, if not always completely plausible. Action scenes will get your adrenaline up, but the plotting and dialogue are clunky, at best. 3.5 stars.
Binary Storm begins a second series in the universe established in the Paratwa series first published in the 1980s. Set in the last years of the twenty-first century, Binary Storm involves espionage with neurological, electronic, and biotech devices and weapons. The collapse of Earth’s biosphere is imminent, to the point that large-scale migration to space habitats is a growing phenomenon and plans for a slower-than-light interstellar colony ship are in progress. Human governments are opposed by a subspecies of genetically engineered assassins that travel in pairs and share a consciousness, so they can guard each other’s back with amazing efficiency. The future tech in this novel is very inventive, if not always completely plausible. Action scenes will get your adrenaline up, but the plotting and dialogue are clunky, at best. 3.5 stars.
December 4, 2018
I bought this from Humble Bundle and decided to give up on it after the first 40-50 pages. A few reviews here hinted that it was a prequel to a series that should be read first.
I don't really know why I bought the entire series, but I'm glad I did. This book fills in a few gaps from the series and almost made me read the series again, even though I just finished it.
There are some passages that I felt was so-so, but the overall impression was great and some plot twists at the end more than made up for it. I also got that Blade Runner (yes the first movie) feeling that I liked from the first book. The author's superpower is world-building!
I don't really know why I bought the entire series, but I'm glad I did. This book fills in a few gaps from the series and almost made me read the series again, even though I just finished it.
There are some passages that I felt was so-so, but the overall impression was great and some plot twists at the end more than made up for it. I also got that Blade Runner (yes the first movie) feeling that I liked from the first book. The author's superpower is world-building!
March 3, 2022
While I absolutely loved the first three books, this one just didn't do it for me. The birth and training of the paratwa hunting team was glossed over, none of the characters on the team were actually developed in the book at all. We learned nothing about Empedocles and Gillian was two-dimensional at best. Nick, who was legendary as one of the world's greatest hackers, spent the entire book developing his love life. Almost nothing about his hacking skills or what he was doing with them.
Some of the world building and insight into the paratwa society was very good and I'd say it was worth reading just for that.
Some of the world building and insight into the paratwa society was very good and I'd say it was worth reading just for that.
November 12, 2016
I've never heard of the Partawa(?) Series but after reading this I wouldn't even want to try to read it. I definitely didn't enjoy this book. It felt like an intense struggle to read this book for me. It's really hard to get me to actually enjoy Science Fiction though, so maybe that's just me. Who knows?
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
November 6, 2017
Awesome
I read the first three books of this series decades ago and still have the paperback versions in my garage packed away. This prequel filled out many of the questions left by the original texts.
Kudos and thanks for this great addition to the story. I always appreciate writing that challenges my intellect and utilizes an adult vocabulary.
-Michael
I read the first three books of this series decades ago and still have the paperback versions in my garage packed away. This prequel filled out many of the questions left by the original texts.
Kudos and thanks for this great addition to the story. I always appreciate writing that challenges my intellect and utilizes an adult vocabulary.
-Michael
April 8, 2025
This is a great addition to the Paratwa saga. It’s a prequel to the trilogy and is honestly better to be read AFTER the trilogy for a lot more sense and better way of understanding the story. I hope that we get more from this series, it really and truly, is a great sci-fi series. I would say it would make awesome movies or an amazing Tv series!
I WANT MORE PARATWA MR. HINZ!!!
I WANT MORE PARATWA MR. HINZ!!!
May 21, 2017
Storm in the title, Storm of a read. 500 excellent pages.
August 30, 2018
presented itself as something it in the end wasn't...
February 1, 2020
This was great, as good as the other 3 parts of the series. Loses one star for the rushed ending though...
August 9, 2022
Very enjoyable. Nice to return to the Paratwa world. Adds some to the storylines.
March 18, 2017
Not my ususal book but had this from first reads, well written and gripping story.
March 9, 2017
Having read Hinz' "Paratwa" series in the 90's, this was a must read. His first book in the series, "Liege-Killer" was absolutely amazing. The final two books, while entertaining, were nowhere on the level of "Liege-Killer."
"Binary Storm," on the other hand, was an amazing read. It reminded me of why I loved the first book, and liked the series. It was everything I wish the final two books in the series had been.
"Binary Storm," on the other hand, was an amazing read. It reminded me of why I loved the first book, and liked the series. It was everything I wish the final two books in the series had been.
November 14, 2016
This is a prequel to the Paratwa series of books written in the late 1980s and 1990s. After some 30 years, Hinz has written this prequel to the earlier time of the late 21st century that "Binary Storm" is set in. The three original Paratwa books starting with the book "Liege-Killer" are set in the 22nd century. The tie-in is that key figures can be put in cryosleep and revived. Characters from Binary Storm undergo cryosleep and are awakened in the later time to continue the conflict between the new bioengineered race of Paratwa and mankind. The Paratwa are two bodies that share one mind and most of the types of Paratwa in the 21st century were designed as soldiers and assassins. Such a creature awakened into the later story of "Liege-Killer" has no real opposition in the more peaceful era other than the defrosted hunters from the earlier era. (in a loose analogy to the later 1993 movie "Demolished Man" starring Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes)
"Binary Storm" tells of the earlier more violent time leading up to the destruction of the earth and some of the last remaining people of earth escaping to space colonies or interstellar colony ships. The main thread between the books are characters central to both stories that survive between the two time periods.
I highly recommend reading "Liege-Killer" before reading "Binary Storm". "Liege-Killer" owes some of its value in the discovery of a new and interesting universe of the 22nd century, how people live, social structures, and groups. It will not be as novel if you read this book first. In contrast, having read the Paratwa series did not diminish my enjoyment of this book.
"Binary Storm" tells of the earlier more violent time leading up to the destruction of the earth and some of the last remaining people of earth escaping to space colonies or interstellar colony ships. The main thread between the books are characters central to both stories that survive between the two time periods.
I highly recommend reading "Liege-Killer" before reading "Binary Storm". "Liege-Killer" owes some of its value in the discovery of a new and interesting universe of the 22nd century, how people live, social structures, and groups. It will not be as novel if you read this book first. In contrast, having read the Paratwa series did not diminish my enjoyment of this book.
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