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Alex Pella #1
The New Reality
Author Stephen Martino delivers an action-packed medical thriller in a heart-stopping race to save humanity.
In the year 2080, a deadly virus similar to EBOLA is inadvertently released upon the planet. Facing financial ruin and catastrophic loss of life, the world's nations turn to acclaimed neuroscientist Alex Pella and NIH expert Marissa Ambrosia. Assembling a team of experts, the scientists begin an international search for the cure while fighting off a foreign elite military unit sent to stop them at all costs. Guided by a code concealed within the Hebrew text of the Old Testament, the scientists must traverse ancient lands and solve a biblical riddle in their quest to save humanity from its eminent destruction.
Drawing from both our nation's politically charged environment and the worldwide economic crisis, The New Reality follows Alex Pella on a journey that projects a frightening path for human existence in the twenty-first century.
In the year 2080, a deadly virus similar to EBOLA is inadvertently released upon the planet. Facing financial ruin and catastrophic loss of life, the world's nations turn to acclaimed neuroscientist Alex Pella and NIH expert Marissa Ambrosia. Assembling a team of experts, the scientists begin an international search for the cure while fighting off a foreign elite military unit sent to stop them at all costs. Guided by a code concealed within the Hebrew text of the Old Testament, the scientists must traverse ancient lands and solve a biblical riddle in their quest to save humanity from its eminent destruction.
Drawing from both our nation's politically charged environment and the worldwide economic crisis, The New Reality follows Alex Pella on a journey that projects a frightening path for human existence in the twenty-first century.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2014
6 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Martino
8 books100 followersStephen Martino is an Amazon bestselling author who has written the fast-paced and politically-relevant Alex Pella novel series, which include The New Reality, and The Hidden Reality. His latest release, The Final Reality, is set for publication at the 10/2017.
A member of the International Thriller Writers, Steve’s action-political thrillers are often compared to such substantive novels as the Sigma Series by James Rollins, novels by Isaac Asimov, the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and The Andromeda Strain by fellow physician, Michael Crichton.
Steve has an extensive history of political blogging and has been a featured co-host on the OnFire TV Show. He has been interviewed by Hollywood Up Close, Writestream Radio Network, Freedomizer Radio, A Book and a Chat, the Michael Dresser Show, and Nutmeg Broadcasting among others. His books have been featured on numerous blogs across the United States and Europe including Indigo Quill, Writer’s Life, Confessions of a Reader, As the Page Turns, I Heart Reading, and Mary’s Cup of Tea among others.
Steve’s goal with his writing is to incorporate certain pressing topics that effect our word today such the unprecedented world-wide economic debt, globalism, the clash between East and West, and the growing schism in political interests with stimulating topics such as ancient Greek military history, biblical connections, medical twists, and futuristic scientific concepts.
By trade Steve Martino is a board-certified neurologist. He has been quoted in the local newspaper, publicized in a New Jersey medical flyer, and featured on a major hospital system’s neuroscience website. He also is an avid educator, instructing both medical students and residents along with high school students, EMS squads and physicians throughout New Jersey. His dedication to the field of medicine has been recognized both nationally and locally.
Steve lives in NJ with his wife, five children, and dog. When not working, he can be found with his kids at Boy Scouts, playing LEGOs on the floor, at a soccer game or watching a school play or dance recital.
Visit his website at www.martinoauthor.com.
A member of the International Thriller Writers, Steve’s action-political thrillers are often compared to such substantive novels as the Sigma Series by James Rollins, novels by Isaac Asimov, the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and The Andromeda Strain by fellow physician, Michael Crichton.
Steve has an extensive history of political blogging and has been a featured co-host on the OnFire TV Show. He has been interviewed by Hollywood Up Close, Writestream Radio Network, Freedomizer Radio, A Book and a Chat, the Michael Dresser Show, and Nutmeg Broadcasting among others. His books have been featured on numerous blogs across the United States and Europe including Indigo Quill, Writer’s Life, Confessions of a Reader, As the Page Turns, I Heart Reading, and Mary’s Cup of Tea among others.
Steve’s goal with his writing is to incorporate certain pressing topics that effect our word today such the unprecedented world-wide economic debt, globalism, the clash between East and West, and the growing schism in political interests with stimulating topics such as ancient Greek military history, biblical connections, medical twists, and futuristic scientific concepts.
By trade Steve Martino is a board-certified neurologist. He has been quoted in the local newspaper, publicized in a New Jersey medical flyer, and featured on a major hospital system’s neuroscience website. He also is an avid educator, instructing both medical students and residents along with high school students, EMS squads and physicians throughout New Jersey. His dedication to the field of medicine has been recognized both nationally and locally.
Steve lives in NJ with his wife, five children, and dog. When not working, he can be found with his kids at Boy Scouts, playing LEGOs on the floor, at a soccer game or watching a school play or dance recital.
Visit his website at www.martinoauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 17, 2014
Stephen Martino has written a fast paced science fiction thriller. I love Stephen’s creativity and imagination as he weaves a web of intrigue and wonder. Interspersed with comedy and emotion, it’s a great ride that I could easily see being made into a movie.
While the characters seem a little weak at first, they soon bloom into interesting people you will either hate or love. The Alex Pella character is a little vague. I still don’t have a good feel for him even at the end of the book, only that he is a good guy and a bit mysterious. Since this is an Alex Pella series, I would expect that he would be deeper as revealed in future stories.
While the book is completely a work of fiction, it still relies on historically accurate facts, of which Mr. Martino has done a wonderful job of researching. I love books that make me want to look things up. Sometimes I would expect this fact or that to be made up and after research I would find it to be true in many cases.
The story starts in the future in the year 2080. We see a world that is the result of world economies and policies we are living in today. Human experimentation, DNA engineering and the backlash that is inevitable create a sickness that threatens the extinction of the human race. Only one man holds the key to a cure. The problem lies in finding the key and what it means.
The story that combines a Millerite, Bible codes, John the apostle, historic locations, and the future you can see evolving from our current world economy and situations, has to be woven in a fluid manner. Stephen Martino is successful in all the transitions this requires. This book is a good edge of your seat page turner! I highly recommend it.
An advance copy of the book was supplied to me by Light Messages Publishing in return for a review.
While the characters seem a little weak at first, they soon bloom into interesting people you will either hate or love. The Alex Pella character is a little vague. I still don’t have a good feel for him even at the end of the book, only that he is a good guy and a bit mysterious. Since this is an Alex Pella series, I would expect that he would be deeper as revealed in future stories.
While the book is completely a work of fiction, it still relies on historically accurate facts, of which Mr. Martino has done a wonderful job of researching. I love books that make me want to look things up. Sometimes I would expect this fact or that to be made up and after research I would find it to be true in many cases.
The story starts in the future in the year 2080. We see a world that is the result of world economies and policies we are living in today. Human experimentation, DNA engineering and the backlash that is inevitable create a sickness that threatens the extinction of the human race. Only one man holds the key to a cure. The problem lies in finding the key and what it means.
The story that combines a Millerite, Bible codes, John the apostle, historic locations, and the future you can see evolving from our current world economy and situations, has to be woven in a fluid manner. Stephen Martino is successful in all the transitions this requires. This book is a good edge of your seat page turner! I highly recommend it.
An advance copy of the book was supplied to me by Light Messages Publishing in return for a review.
May 22, 2014
The New Reality is a well-researched, politically charged thriller that foreshadows the apocalyptic consequences of unchecked government and technology. The novel takes the reader on an electrifying journey into the late 21st century where mankind's knowledge far supersedes its wisdom. It's a time when humanity turns to government and their inventions instead of to themselves or god. It's a time when a megalomaniac dictator can rise to power and is supported by those exact people that he is suppressing. The New Reality chillingly forbodes the humanitarian cost of our technology and the cataclysmic outcome it could have on our planet. Though fictional, the book warns of a dire future that could me our new reality.
February 18, 2014
First, I want to thank the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The New Reality.
This is a really suspenseful novel. I read in 2 readings because it is hard to put down. I love science fiction thrillers, and this one was great. The only part that could be added to the story is some additional background on the year 2080. The reader is dropped into a future that was never fully fleshed out. Also, the main character, Alex, was a really strong personality with many skills. But the story never really explains much about how a doctor who could go up against military forces and win every time. Don't get me wrong, the story is very interesting and keeps you on the edge of your seat, but there just seemed to be information missing to make the story more plausible.
This is a really suspenseful novel. I read in 2 readings because it is hard to put down. I love science fiction thrillers, and this one was great. The only part that could be added to the story is some additional background on the year 2080. The reader is dropped into a future that was never fully fleshed out. Also, the main character, Alex, was a really strong personality with many skills. But the story never really explains much about how a doctor who could go up against military forces and win every time. Don't get me wrong, the story is very interesting and keeps you on the edge of your seat, but there just seemed to be information missing to make the story more plausible.
September 3, 2016
In a near future less than 70 years ahead, human greed, avidity, and lack of moral compass result in a dread pandemic which is both incurable and unstoppable. Like a Juggernaut, "The Disease" mows down one after another without restraint. Behind the tragic numbers are shadowy puppet masters pulling strings.
March 19, 2014
4.5 stars on my blog: http://mysterysequels.com/the-new-rea...
Alex Pella is a rich doctor who owns a hitech company called Neurono-Tek, the only privately run hospital and research center left standing after the Disease took over the world. Alex is set on finding a cure, especially after he’s contacted by someone called Jonathan, who seems to know a thing or two about the Disease and how to cure it.
Thus he and his team embark on a journey across countries and Greek islands following the clues from the Bible that Jonathan keeps with him at all times. Only Samantha, his partner, stays behind at the headquarters of Neurono-Tek to work on finding a cure from her end using clues that Alex will send her through online communication while away.
Alex, accompanied by his friends William, Marissa and Jonathan travels to Patmos, a Greek island between Greece and Turkey, following a clue given by Jonathan from his Bible. With each next step they are taking, they are getting guided by the clues Jonathan finds in the book, until the final clue: the cure lies with Alex himself.
One thing I found scary after reading the book was the thought that this dystopian society could actually become our own if we leave everything (cures, decisions and progress) to the hands of the politicians and the government. Scary thought indeed.
Alex Pella is a rich doctor who owns a hitech company called Neurono-Tek, the only privately run hospital and research center left standing after the Disease took over the world. Alex is set on finding a cure, especially after he’s contacted by someone called Jonathan, who seems to know a thing or two about the Disease and how to cure it.
Thus he and his team embark on a journey across countries and Greek islands following the clues from the Bible that Jonathan keeps with him at all times. Only Samantha, his partner, stays behind at the headquarters of Neurono-Tek to work on finding a cure from her end using clues that Alex will send her through online communication while away.
Alex, accompanied by his friends William, Marissa and Jonathan travels to Patmos, a Greek island between Greece and Turkey, following a clue given by Jonathan from his Bible. With each next step they are taking, they are getting guided by the clues Jonathan finds in the book, until the final clue: the cure lies with Alex himself.
One thing I found scary after reading the book was the thought that this dystopian society could actually become our own if we leave everything (cures, decisions and progress) to the hands of the politicians and the government. Scary thought indeed.
April 5, 2014
I'm an avid reader who reluctantly gave up the thriller genre years ago, after a series of amoral heroes, gruesome crimes, and nihilistic worldviews made reading feel like bathing in a cesspool. The New Reality is a thriller that takes to heart the classical formula that art should both "delight and educate."
The plot elements are contemporary (Islamo-fascism, bioterrorism, and genetic engineering), and the characters may seem familiar (an NIH investigator and an itinerant preacher)--but at the heart of this novel is the assertion that human goodness, self-sacrifice, and love of freedom will always overcome the deadly totalitarian ideologies of the day. (Was it coincidence that I picked up The New Reality after finishing Dr. Victor Frankl's memoir of surviving the concentration camps, Man's Search for Meaning, which makes the same case that the power of love overcomes the love of power?)
In this first novel, Martino is grappling with themes of ultimate seriousness, yet he keeps his story moving quickly and modulates his tone with unexpected humor and an array of marvelous inventions worthy of Jules Verne. He is at his very best when his background as a research scientist and physician informs his narrative. Greatly looking forward to his next outing!
The plot elements are contemporary (Islamo-fascism, bioterrorism, and genetic engineering), and the characters may seem familiar (an NIH investigator and an itinerant preacher)--but at the heart of this novel is the assertion that human goodness, self-sacrifice, and love of freedom will always overcome the deadly totalitarian ideologies of the day. (Was it coincidence that I picked up The New Reality after finishing Dr. Victor Frankl's memoir of surviving the concentration camps, Man's Search for Meaning, which makes the same case that the power of love overcomes the love of power?)
In this first novel, Martino is grappling with themes of ultimate seriousness, yet he keeps his story moving quickly and modulates his tone with unexpected humor and an array of marvelous inventions worthy of Jules Verne. He is at his very best when his background as a research scientist and physician informs his narrative. Greatly looking forward to his next outing!
March 16, 2014
Absolutely amazing. I love how Martino takes complex themes and turns them into a heart-pounding novel that is both easy and enjoyable to read. Although the genre is medical fiction, the book has a much broader appeal. With political, Judeo-Christian and ethical themes that run effortlessly throughout the novel, I find myself thinking more of about how these topics effects the world now as opposed to how they will effect it in the future. Plus, the innovative gadgets written about in The New Reality gives it both a Star Trek and James Bond flare all at once.
More importantly, the book is bold and not afraid to tackle difficult topics that confront society today. Gene therapy, global debt and the rise of more centralized governments are but a few of the highlighted topics.
Overall, this book is simply fantastic, and I will personally recommend it to all my friends. I hope there will be a sequel!
More importantly, the book is bold and not afraid to tackle difficult topics that confront society today. Gene therapy, global debt and the rise of more centralized governments are but a few of the highlighted topics.
Overall, this book is simply fantastic, and I will personally recommend it to all my friends. I hope there will be a sequel!
May 19, 2014
I won this book on goodreads--thank you for letting me read it. First I have to say that this was very different genre than I usually read, but I found it very interesting and compelling. It was very imaginative and intreguing. The story takes place in 2080 where the people of earth have turned to politicians to run their lives and countries. A hospital is running unsupervised tests on people and in the process they let a deadly retrovirus loose across the who planet.People are dying all over. Most of the book is about finding a cure for this " disease" The story line and characters were interesting. I rated the book a 5 but I can't seem to find the words to make my review do it justice
May 16, 2014
The New Reality by Stephen Martino is a highly recommended medical thriller.
In 2080 medical experiments being conducted on the Greek island of Astipalea that were meant to help mankind had turned into a nightmare for those involved, which is why Dr. Christakos chose to obliterate/vaporize the whole island as his final act to save humanity. A year later, in 2081, something that is referred to as The Disease is spreading through Greece and Turkey, afflicting more of its population than either government cared to divulge. "Since its appearance almost a year ago, it first spread quickly through Scientists could give it no other name. No pathological organism for this new scourge could be found. Neither bacteria, virus, protozoa nor other infectious agent was ever discovered. Even rare pathogens such as prions, similar to those causing mad cow disease, were investigated but without any success." (Location 180)
National Institutes of Health (NIH) expert, Marissa Ambrosia has taken a body for examination to Alex Pella because the NIH is at a complete loss in identifying the cause of The Disease.
Alex Pella is the CEO and founder of Neurono-Tek, a neuroscience institution equipped with the latest scientific and medical equipment. He is also a world-renowned scientist with a "Ph.D. in both neuroscience and bioengineering, he had already discovered or created treatments for many of the most complicated neurological diseases. Other than his business partner Dr. Samantha Mancini, there was no one else as qualified to tackle such a difficult task." (Location 274)
At the same time a Malik or Arab chief named Ari Lesmana, is gathering armed forces against the west, blaming The Disease on them “First the West brought you despair. Now they bring you The Disease!” The crowd hissed and booed. Others shouted anti-Western sentiments. “You all know of Tustegee [sic]!” he said with a sinister snicker." Location 483
Adding to this lethal mix there is an army of small bug-like creatures on the loose. "Spawned out of death and created for destruction, they were like little demons sent to unleash horror onto the unsuspecting world. Their one-centimeter, oval-shaped bodies had tiny little spikes adorning their back, resembling some ancient type of armor. Their heads were like something seen in a horror movie. Four red eyes, two beaded antennae, and an elongated jaw full of serrated teeth with two large fangs along the edges made it a formidable sight. These creatures created a clanging sound like falling rain upon a tin roof as their multi-jointed six legs sputtered across the wall. The bugs did not seem completely organic in nature. Their bodies appeared to be constructed from a black metallic substance while their movements at times looked more mechanical than biologic. They were certainly not of any species a trained entomologist could identify." (Location 743)
The final piece of the puzzle is a Biblical scholar, a Millerite, named Jonathan shows up to talk to Alex. He knows that Astipalea was the source of The Disease and he seems to have more knowledge than anyone else concerning The Disease. “Do not blind yourself with the obvious,” Jonathan rebutted, “for sometimes the answer you seek can only be found in the most inauspicious places.” He placed his prized Bible on the end table and gazed upon it as if it contained the answer. (Location 844) It appears that the Bible may contain answers they need
Now Alex must piece the clues together, wherever he can find them, to solve the clues and save the world from destruction by The Disease.
The New Reality is an exciting page turner that will keep you guessing. Since I had an advanced readers copy I'm going to have to assume any of the errors I saw were caught and corrected. Other than that Martino is a decent writer who has presented an exciting thriller that doesn't rely on a glut of adult situations and language to propel the story forward. The New Reality is the first book in a new series featuring Alex Pella, so I would imagine we will be reading more adventures in the future. This is a good airplane book. It will help you pass the time quickly but isn't too dear should you misplace it.
Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of Light Messages via Netgalley for review purposes.
In 2080 medical experiments being conducted on the Greek island of Astipalea that were meant to help mankind had turned into a nightmare for those involved, which is why Dr. Christakos chose to obliterate/vaporize the whole island as his final act to save humanity. A year later, in 2081, something that is referred to as The Disease is spreading through Greece and Turkey, afflicting more of its population than either government cared to divulge. "Since its appearance almost a year ago, it first spread quickly through Scientists could give it no other name. No pathological organism for this new scourge could be found. Neither bacteria, virus, protozoa nor other infectious agent was ever discovered. Even rare pathogens such as prions, similar to those causing mad cow disease, were investigated but without any success." (Location 180)
National Institutes of Health (NIH) expert, Marissa Ambrosia has taken a body for examination to Alex Pella because the NIH is at a complete loss in identifying the cause of The Disease.
Alex Pella is the CEO and founder of Neurono-Tek, a neuroscience institution equipped with the latest scientific and medical equipment. He is also a world-renowned scientist with a "Ph.D. in both neuroscience and bioengineering, he had already discovered or created treatments for many of the most complicated neurological diseases. Other than his business partner Dr. Samantha Mancini, there was no one else as qualified to tackle such a difficult task." (Location 274)
At the same time a Malik or Arab chief named Ari Lesmana, is gathering armed forces against the west, blaming The Disease on them “First the West brought you despair. Now they bring you The Disease!” The crowd hissed and booed. Others shouted anti-Western sentiments. “You all know of Tustegee [sic]!” he said with a sinister snicker." Location 483
Adding to this lethal mix there is an army of small bug-like creatures on the loose. "Spawned out of death and created for destruction, they were like little demons sent to unleash horror onto the unsuspecting world. Their one-centimeter, oval-shaped bodies had tiny little spikes adorning their back, resembling some ancient type of armor. Their heads were like something seen in a horror movie. Four red eyes, two beaded antennae, and an elongated jaw full of serrated teeth with two large fangs along the edges made it a formidable sight. These creatures created a clanging sound like falling rain upon a tin roof as their multi-jointed six legs sputtered across the wall. The bugs did not seem completely organic in nature. Their bodies appeared to be constructed from a black metallic substance while their movements at times looked more mechanical than biologic. They were certainly not of any species a trained entomologist could identify." (Location 743)
The final piece of the puzzle is a Biblical scholar, a Millerite, named Jonathan shows up to talk to Alex. He knows that Astipalea was the source of The Disease and he seems to have more knowledge than anyone else concerning The Disease. “Do not blind yourself with the obvious,” Jonathan rebutted, “for sometimes the answer you seek can only be found in the most inauspicious places.” He placed his prized Bible on the end table and gazed upon it as if it contained the answer. (Location 844) It appears that the Bible may contain answers they need
Now Alex must piece the clues together, wherever he can find them, to solve the clues and save the world from destruction by The Disease.
The New Reality is an exciting page turner that will keep you guessing. Since I had an advanced readers copy I'm going to have to assume any of the errors I saw were caught and corrected. Other than that Martino is a decent writer who has presented an exciting thriller that doesn't rely on a glut of adult situations and language to propel the story forward. The New Reality is the first book in a new series featuring Alex Pella, so I would imagine we will be reading more adventures in the future. This is a good airplane book. It will help you pass the time quickly but isn't too dear should you misplace it.
Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of Light Messages via Netgalley for review purposes.
July 14, 2014
Quite possibly the best thing about Stephen Martino‘s debut novel, The New Reality, is the fact that the action is fast-paced from the very beginning! There’s nothing worse than picking up a new book, getting excited to get into the story that you read about on the back cover, and then having to trudge through 100 pages of back story just to get things going. Martino avoids that entire concern by just getting right to the point and that, alone, made this one of the best thrillers that I’ve read in years. The fast-paced action aside, I also enjoyed the story that Martino tells – even if it may be a harbinger of things to come.
The New Reality is a medical thriller set not too far in the future (the year is 2080, though the story jumps to 2081 soon after it starts) with very real connections to today’s political world. As the story moves along, the reader is introduced to different characters situated on a global landscape ranging from America to the Arab states and more. For example, the main antagonist – Ari Lesmana, known as “the Malik” – seems to be born from the hype that surrounded President Barack Obama’s first presidential campaign. The main protagonist is a scientist and medical entrepreneur named Alex Pella who is cast in the same mold as a Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, or Jeff Bezos. During the story, Martino ties Lesmana to a citizenry with a near-brainwashed level of euphoric fanaticism. From my perspective, that connection closely followed the bizarre euphoria that followed Obama’s supporters after 2008. I never understood that – he’s just a politician, not the Second Coming. Calm down, people. Anyway…
Martino does an excellent job of bringing the reader into the panic that surrounds The Disease and, particularly, the desperation that Pella and his team feel as they try to find a cure before it’s too late. Unlike many recent releases in the thriller genre, The New Reality brings the reader a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that moves as fast as you can flip a page. There are no long, drawn out segments of the book to bore you to tears. Instead, Martino writes in a style closely resembling that of Dan Brown and Harlan Coben. And that is the style that this story needs to be told in because of the amount of movement that the characters experience during the story. One chapter takes place in America while the next chapter takes place in a high-tech, super-fast airplane while the following chapter might be in Israel or somewhere in the Arabian Peninsula. If you like reading a strong “thrill of the chase” novel that actually has a significant story to tell, then this is the one for you. And watch out for the storyline extension at the end of the novel – it’ll leave you hungry for the next book in the Alex Pella series!
The New Reality is the perfect book to read while you’re laying on the beach this summer, too. As I’ve noted, the story moves quickly and Martino moves the core discussion along in each chapter. You won’t be left waiting for dozens or hundreds of pages to find out why a certain character said something in a prior chapter – the answers are given to you as fast as you can read them and put the pieces together. Martino’s experience as a neurologist certainly plays into his ability to write a strong medical-based thriller. If you’re a fan of this genre, looking for a great book to read this summer, and/or just looking for a book that has characters with depth, a story with resonance, and a real lesson to teach today’s political leaders, then The New Reality is for you. Plus, based on the high level of quality in his first novel, I think we’ll be seeing more of Martino in the literary world. Give the Alex Pella story a shot – I really think that you will enjoy it. I definitely did!
The New Reality is a medical thriller set not too far in the future (the year is 2080, though the story jumps to 2081 soon after it starts) with very real connections to today’s political world. As the story moves along, the reader is introduced to different characters situated on a global landscape ranging from America to the Arab states and more. For example, the main antagonist – Ari Lesmana, known as “the Malik” – seems to be born from the hype that surrounded President Barack Obama’s first presidential campaign. The main protagonist is a scientist and medical entrepreneur named Alex Pella who is cast in the same mold as a Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, or Jeff Bezos. During the story, Martino ties Lesmana to a citizenry with a near-brainwashed level of euphoric fanaticism. From my perspective, that connection closely followed the bizarre euphoria that followed Obama’s supporters after 2008. I never understood that – he’s just a politician, not the Second Coming. Calm down, people. Anyway…
Martino does an excellent job of bringing the reader into the panic that surrounds The Disease and, particularly, the desperation that Pella and his team feel as they try to find a cure before it’s too late. Unlike many recent releases in the thriller genre, The New Reality brings the reader a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that moves as fast as you can flip a page. There are no long, drawn out segments of the book to bore you to tears. Instead, Martino writes in a style closely resembling that of Dan Brown and Harlan Coben. And that is the style that this story needs to be told in because of the amount of movement that the characters experience during the story. One chapter takes place in America while the next chapter takes place in a high-tech, super-fast airplane while the following chapter might be in Israel or somewhere in the Arabian Peninsula. If you like reading a strong “thrill of the chase” novel that actually has a significant story to tell, then this is the one for you. And watch out for the storyline extension at the end of the novel – it’ll leave you hungry for the next book in the Alex Pella series!
The New Reality is the perfect book to read while you’re laying on the beach this summer, too. As I’ve noted, the story moves quickly and Martino moves the core discussion along in each chapter. You won’t be left waiting for dozens or hundreds of pages to find out why a certain character said something in a prior chapter – the answers are given to you as fast as you can read them and put the pieces together. Martino’s experience as a neurologist certainly plays into his ability to write a strong medical-based thriller. If you’re a fan of this genre, looking for a great book to read this summer, and/or just looking for a book that has characters with depth, a story with resonance, and a real lesson to teach today’s political leaders, then The New Reality is for you. Plus, based on the high level of quality in his first novel, I think we’ll be seeing more of Martino in the literary world. Give the Alex Pella story a shot – I really think that you will enjoy it. I definitely did!
July 17, 2014
I'd give it 4 1/2
If you like your books to be futuristic, a little sci-fi, a tough of romance, a smattering of religion and some medical twists thrown in, then this is the book for you!
It's the year 2080 and The Disease is killing many people and the race is on to find the cure. New Reality is a large corporation that has lent money to many countries who do nothing but spend it unwisely (sound familiar?!). As the story unfolds you will come to love some characters and hate others...and well maybe just not understand some either. There are a few story lines that all tie together at the end leaving me wondering if this is the first in a trilogy what else can go wrong?! Oh wait, I think I know but can't say too much without giving away the ending.
I felt like the author did an amazing job of revealing just enough of the science and technology to make it believable (it is 60+ years in the future after all) but kept the characters like people you would run into walking down the street. There will be times that you wonder why some of the characters put up with the actions of others...but all is revealed in the end and there are a few surprises too. Many I was not expecting!
If you like your books to be futuristic, a little sci-fi, a tough of romance, a smattering of religion and some medical twists thrown in, then this is the book for you!
It's the year 2080 and The Disease is killing many people and the race is on to find the cure. New Reality is a large corporation that has lent money to many countries who do nothing but spend it unwisely (sound familiar?!). As the story unfolds you will come to love some characters and hate others...and well maybe just not understand some either. There are a few story lines that all tie together at the end leaving me wondering if this is the first in a trilogy what else can go wrong?! Oh wait, I think I know but can't say too much without giving away the ending.
I felt like the author did an amazing job of revealing just enough of the science and technology to make it believable (it is 60+ years in the future after all) but kept the characters like people you would run into walking down the street. There will be times that you wonder why some of the characters put up with the actions of others...but all is revealed in the end and there are a few surprises too. Many I was not expecting!
June 28, 2014
Sometimes experience and knowledge really does count. I have read many books now that are written by doctors. I have to say that the knowledge and experience that they bring to the story that they are writing really helps add another layer to the story. For example, I can not believe that this book is Dr. Martino's first book.
Alex is an interesting character. He helped lead this story along nicely. However I would like to get to know more about him. Even though this story took place in the future, there was enough details good storytelling by the author to make it believable. I hope this never does become the case. The pacing of the book was good. It had enough action to keep my interest and it moving along without too much lag. I look forward to seeing what Dr. Martino comes out with next.
Alex is an interesting character. He helped lead this story along nicely. However I would like to get to know more about him. Even though this story took place in the future, there was enough details good storytelling by the author to make it believable. I hope this never does become the case. The pacing of the book was good. It had enough action to keep my interest and it moving along without too much lag. I look forward to seeing what Dr. Martino comes out with next.
June 14, 2014
Masterful blend of sci-fi and thriller!
Dr. Martino’s debut novel
The New Reality is a winner, sure to please and entertain even the fussiest reader! I was riveted from the first line, and the fast pace, engaging locations, and thought-provoking plot kept me fully engaged to the very last sentence. The protagonist, Alex Pella, is suave, brilliant, witty, and rich. He is the quintessential hero character, and would give James Bond a run for the money. Martino’s vision is set 70 years in the future, and his blend of new tech and legacy technology hits the sweet spot. This is part medical thriller, part political thriller—and 100% adrenaline-charged entertainment!
Dr. Martino’s debut novel
The New Reality is a winner, sure to please and entertain even the fussiest reader! I was riveted from the first line, and the fast pace, engaging locations, and thought-provoking plot kept me fully engaged to the very last sentence. The protagonist, Alex Pella, is suave, brilliant, witty, and rich. He is the quintessential hero character, and would give James Bond a run for the money. Martino’s vision is set 70 years in the future, and his blend of new tech and legacy technology hits the sweet spot. This is part medical thriller, part political thriller—and 100% adrenaline-charged entertainment! 
July 8, 2014
The New RealityWhy does it seem to me like all the medical doctors are suddenly writing medical thrillers? This one will certainly have you reading far into the night and praying that this does not become the new reality! So much of what is depicted could actually occur and, if the truth be known is already happening. I don't want to blow the story for you so I am going to say not one more peep--READ IT--and let's not allow this to really become our future!
July 31, 2014
The New Reality is a fast-paced thriller that manages to combine all of the best from medical, Christian and political genres into one book. Since I’m a huge fan of all three genres, this book was a pleasure to read. I’m very impressed with how realistic the author made this story. It combines real history and information from the Bible along with what is a very possible future event. If you’re a fan of either of these genres, I definitely recommend you read The New Reality by Stephen Martino.
August 2, 2014
The New Reality by Stephen Martino is a terrific book. It took me a bit longer to read because it is deeply intelligent and well written. The nuances demanded a deeper understanding and the action/suspense was expertly interwoven. The main characters are strong, smart, and thoroughly conceived. I am extremely impressed with depth that this author created to give a complete story line. There were no questions left unanswered. I am looking forward to more from this author.
August 8, 2014
A page-turner. Although it is fiction and takes place in 2080, there are events and situations that are, or will be, history.
February 13, 2018
I checked out this book because the premise was very intriguing! I was not disappointed! It was hard to put this book down! I was drawn right in from the start, with a scene filled with an immediate sense of tension and conflict. The idea of the mysterious Disease lends to a sense of looming mystery and it keeps me wondering what will come of the characters. The main character Dr. Alex Pella is funny, witty, and likable, which also gives the story several moments of comedy and parody, amid the darker edge of this medical and political thriller. At times, I felt some of the author’s personal commentary bled into the narrative, but I enjoyed the detailed prose and progression of the story. The New Reality was imaginative, well-paced, and entertaining. An enjoyable read and I would recommend.
July 8, 2014
The premise behind this book is really intriguing to me. I really like medical thrillers, especially combined with a dystopian theme, with a little bit of the spiritual thrown in. The author delves into a lot of current political issues (trade monopolies, big business, rising cost of healthcare vs quality, bio-terrorism, etc). The story itself is well-paced, quickly getting the reader involved, and wanting to stay involved.
However, the format the story is written in is a little off to me. The story shifts gears very quickly and without much explanation early on, and although I can understand the plot necessity for that to an extent, it can be a bit confusing to the reader at times. It also seems to shift points of view multiple times within the same chapter, first person to third person to omniscient, etc. Again, understanding at times, but still confusing. There needs to be more of a separation of different parts other than just going to the next paragraph.
All that being said, the story itself is a great addition to the thriller genre and a commendable first effort at a novel. Alex Pella is a great protagonist to have as the main character and to continue having for several novels. I would definitely want to follow his story and see what happens in the world we have created.
Give it a try and see what you think if you like theses types of books. Received for an honest review.
Rating: 3
HEAT Rating: none
Reviewed By: Daysie W.
Review Courtesy of: My Book Addictions and More
However, the format the story is written in is a little off to me. The story shifts gears very quickly and without much explanation early on, and although I can understand the plot necessity for that to an extent, it can be a bit confusing to the reader at times. It also seems to shift points of view multiple times within the same chapter, first person to third person to omniscient, etc. Again, understanding at times, but still confusing. There needs to be more of a separation of different parts other than just going to the next paragraph.
All that being said, the story itself is a great addition to the thriller genre and a commendable first effort at a novel. Alex Pella is a great protagonist to have as the main character and to continue having for several novels. I would definitely want to follow his story and see what happens in the world we have created.
Give it a try and see what you think if you like theses types of books. Received for an honest review.
Rating: 3
HEAT Rating: none
Reviewed By: Daysie W.
Review Courtesy of: My Book Addictions and More
July 17, 2014
It's the year 2081 and there is a new treat running around. It's called The Disease. It started in the somewhere around turkey and no one knows how. Now after many tries and failures they bring what they know to America. Alex and Marissa now have to work quickly to figure out what's wrong. Not only that but there is more going on then they know.
This is such an awesome story. A great mix of mystery and suspense. I liked how there was a religious aspect but it is not overwhelming. I just can't say enough about how much I loved this book. It kept me intrigued and I cannot wait until the next book.
This is such an awesome story. A great mix of mystery and suspense. I liked how there was a religious aspect but it is not overwhelming. I just can't say enough about how much I loved this book. It kept me intrigued and I cannot wait until the next book.
January 30, 2018
Seriously, The New Reality is a non-stop roller coaster ride medical thriller with touches of near-future technology (which I loved), and a likable MacGyver-esque scientist as the hero. It features a list of well-drawn characters, some humorous, others just the opposite. The plot weaves together geopolitical intrigue, manipulation of the world’s monetary system, and tops it all off with a planet-wide lethal pandemic wiping out entire countries—while the clock is ticking in a final countdown for the human race. Our hero and his friends must race against time throughout Europe, while trying to avoid by capture by nefarious anti-Western faction, as they follow a mysterious man promising a path to a cure. A great ending!
November 13, 2014
Against current headlines of the Ebola virus spreading from Africa, Stephen Martino’s THE NEW REALITY (Light Messages Publishing) talks of a near-future world that doesn’t look so different than today’s. It’s 2080, and a deadly retrovirus has been released upon the planet, an accidental side effect of the effort to create a breed of super humans, led by scientists who believe the end justifies the means. The book begins with a tense group of masked surgeons on a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, emptying an orange fluid into a patient’s spine, in an experiment they know will cause his certain death. Resulting from these experiments is The Disease, which has spread from these unfortunate and unsuspecting patients. Hours after the opening sequence in surgery, the entire island and its inhabitants are blown to smithereens in an attempt to destroy the virus. A year later, the action of the novel begins as everywhere, The Disease is spreading.
In many ways, the story is predictable: good guys and bad guys pitted against each other– the bad guys led by a fascist megalomaniac who lives an opulent life on the backs of his stupid followers and whose ambition is to rule the world. The good guys - two extraordinary scientists (Alex Pella and Marissa Ambrosia) set off from their state-of-the art scientific/medical fortress Neurono-Tek to find the cure for The Disease. At times this sci-fi thriller reads like a screenplay, complete with explosions, intrigue and futuristic gadets from runaway technology gone viral. The writer is a physician himself (neurologist), and I would guess, an inventor with many patents to his name as the technological wonders that spring up in the middle of every scene are fantastic, inventive and astonishing. Guns are ‘Ampere Projectiles’ and escape vehicles ‘stratoskimmers’; ‘videre lens’es see well into their target, communicating with holograms. There is also a pill that placed under the tongue, kills and fries the person taking it into a heap of carbon.
As the intrigue and subterfuge heat up, a macabre invention – necroids - metallic ‘bugs’ that feed upon metal and reproduce like bacteria, destroy the good-guy research fortress in a blaze of fire and explosions. Only our heroine, the NIH researcher, is alive in the bunker below the fortress, with a dead body infected by The Disease, and machines that calculate so fast, a cure seems around the corner.
We don’t really see much of the suffering of The Disease here, or get a look at the future society of 2081. The political landscape is similar to today, with the breakdown of society summarized by the author as having been caused, more or less, by too much government. We hear and see the band of good guys traversing ancient lands, guided by a code in text of the Old Testament, while using convenient and clever pieces of technology to get themselves out of trouble. Easy to read and full of surprises, I would recommend this book, if you love the genre. I imagine my science-fiction-addicted brother Gregory laughing at the banter between the clever good-guy characters in distress – because despite the serious themes, humor is never far away in THE NEW REALITY.
In many ways, the story is predictable: good guys and bad guys pitted against each other– the bad guys led by a fascist megalomaniac who lives an opulent life on the backs of his stupid followers and whose ambition is to rule the world. The good guys - two extraordinary scientists (Alex Pella and Marissa Ambrosia) set off from their state-of-the art scientific/medical fortress Neurono-Tek to find the cure for The Disease. At times this sci-fi thriller reads like a screenplay, complete with explosions, intrigue and futuristic gadets from runaway technology gone viral. The writer is a physician himself (neurologist), and I would guess, an inventor with many patents to his name as the technological wonders that spring up in the middle of every scene are fantastic, inventive and astonishing. Guns are ‘Ampere Projectiles’ and escape vehicles ‘stratoskimmers’; ‘videre lens’es see well into their target, communicating with holograms. There is also a pill that placed under the tongue, kills and fries the person taking it into a heap of carbon.
As the intrigue and subterfuge heat up, a macabre invention – necroids - metallic ‘bugs’ that feed upon metal and reproduce like bacteria, destroy the good-guy research fortress in a blaze of fire and explosions. Only our heroine, the NIH researcher, is alive in the bunker below the fortress, with a dead body infected by The Disease, and machines that calculate so fast, a cure seems around the corner.
We don’t really see much of the suffering of The Disease here, or get a look at the future society of 2081. The political landscape is similar to today, with the breakdown of society summarized by the author as having been caused, more or less, by too much government. We hear and see the band of good guys traversing ancient lands, guided by a code in text of the Old Testament, while using convenient and clever pieces of technology to get themselves out of trouble. Easy to read and full of surprises, I would recommend this book, if you love the genre. I imagine my science-fiction-addicted brother Gregory laughing at the banter between the clever good-guy characters in distress – because despite the serious themes, humor is never far away in THE NEW REALITY.
March 20, 2018
I was sent a copy of this book by the author as I have read a couple of like type novels. These are not the norm for me but the information given about "The New Reality" seemed interesting enough and there are some good reviews, so I thought I would give it a go.
Not my kind of book at all and I apologise to the author now……. I did not finish the book to give an informative opinion.
The reasons for not finishing the book was that i could not relate to the characters and the interaction between them was not smooth or believable at times, there was far too much description of irrelevant information which made me want to skip parts. This is when I decided to give in.
I wish I could see what quite a few other people saw but it was just not for me.
Not my kind of book at all and I apologise to the author now……. I did not finish the book to give an informative opinion.
The reasons for not finishing the book was that i could not relate to the characters and the interaction between them was not smooth or believable at times, there was far too much description of irrelevant information which made me want to skip parts. This is when I decided to give in.
I wish I could see what quite a few other people saw but it was just not for me.
January 24, 2015
Good idea but....
While I liked the idea for the story,the writing is juvenile at best with many grammatical errors, poor sentence structure, and in some places just bad writing. Probably better if considered as written for 10 year olds.
While I liked the idea for the story,the writing is juvenile at best with many grammatical errors, poor sentence structure, and in some places just bad writing. Probably better if considered as written for 10 year olds.
November 3, 2014
Life is too short to read fiction this bad.
April 29, 2017
Interesting Story, Great Characters, Good Read
I actually read Martino's newest work "Hidden Reality" first. I enjoyed it so much I wanted to read this. While this story is not necessary to enjoy the second it definitely lays groundwork that brings the 2nd work into a much tighter tome.
After reading both I have become an Alex Pella fan and I look forward to seeing more of these books in the future. I am a big fan of Sci-fi in general. History was my minor in college. A perfect novel for me, be it fiction or nonfiction would include aspects of both.
Is this story perfect? No. Is it interesting? Yes. Is it hard to put down? Yes. Would I say it is enjoyable? Absolutely. Intriguing characters, interesting and, dare I say it, conceivable story. Apocalyptic future without the nuclear option deployed. No shots fired. NWO. Sound interesting? It is. I recommend the read before you catch The Disease.
I actually read Martino's newest work "Hidden Reality" first. I enjoyed it so much I wanted to read this. While this story is not necessary to enjoy the second it definitely lays groundwork that brings the 2nd work into a much tighter tome.
After reading both I have become an Alex Pella fan and I look forward to seeing more of these books in the future. I am a big fan of Sci-fi in general. History was my minor in college. A perfect novel for me, be it fiction or nonfiction would include aspects of both.
Is this story perfect? No. Is it interesting? Yes. Is it hard to put down? Yes. Would I say it is enjoyable? Absolutely. Intriguing characters, interesting and, dare I say it, conceivable story. Apocalyptic future without the nuclear option deployed. No shots fired. NWO. Sound interesting? It is. I recommend the read before you catch The Disease.
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