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EL-204
For Jason Lambert, a prominent M.I.T. geneticist, fear of natural death has become a thing of distant memories. His latest concoction has, in a sense, increased his longevity and made him nearly immortal.
Over the past one hundred years, the technological advances of medical science have rendered the deadliest diseases of the twentieth century insignificant. Cancer, heart disease, and AIDS are no longer a death sentence. Serums have been developed to eradicate the problematic cells and their growth.
When he meets a beautiful woman, his world is turned upside down. Add to this the government's sudden interest in his research, and things begin to spiral out of control. We all know what happens when the military gets involved. Greed takes over, and ethics are pushed to their boundaries. Will Jason be able to juggle his responsibilities without compromising his integrity, or will his experiments lead to the evolution of a new breed of monster?
Over the past one hundred years, the technological advances of medical science have rendered the deadliest diseases of the twentieth century insignificant. Cancer, heart disease, and AIDS are no longer a death sentence. Serums have been developed to eradicate the problematic cells and their growth.
When he meets a beautiful woman, his world is turned upside down. Add to this the government's sudden interest in his research, and things begin to spiral out of control. We all know what happens when the military gets involved. Greed takes over, and ethics are pushed to their boundaries. Will Jason be able to juggle his responsibilities without compromising his integrity, or will his experiments lead to the evolution of a new breed of monster?
- GenresHorror
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2014
6 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Lucian Barnes
14 books135 followersI spent most of my youth in rural Ohio and began writing stories at an early age. Many of these early attempts at story-telling were inspired by mysteries, such as those found in the old Hardy Boys books and the cartoon antics of Scooby Doo. As I entered my teenage years I began to drift away from writing stories, instead picking up my pencil to compose lyrics for heavy metal songs because my new dream was to become a musician. That vision remained hopeful for many years after my high school graduation, but like most dreams of this nature it died out as I became older.
After working several menial jobs through the years that followed, my thoughts again began to turn toward writing books. Inspired by my favorite author, Stephen King, I took an online creative writing course and slowly began to develop my skills. In late 2010 I was given a violent shove, both by the job market (which was horrible to say the least, and still is) and by the persistent encouragement of close friends, to pick up my pen and begin writing again.
In early 2012, I gave birth (that's almost what it felt like) to my very first published book, Desolace. Finally having a completed novel in my hand was the best feeling in the world for me, giving me a sense of accomplishment I had waited a lifetime for. Since then it has gotten easier for me with each book I have published. Since the initial release of Desolace, I have published twelve more novels as well as an omnibus edition ebook of the entire Desolace series. Currently, The Art of Living is in the development stage.
After working several menial jobs through the years that followed, my thoughts again began to turn toward writing books. Inspired by my favorite author, Stephen King, I took an online creative writing course and slowly began to develop my skills. In late 2010 I was given a violent shove, both by the job market (which was horrible to say the least, and still is) and by the persistent encouragement of close friends, to pick up my pen and begin writing again.
In early 2012, I gave birth (that's almost what it felt like) to my very first published book, Desolace. Finally having a completed novel in my hand was the best feeling in the world for me, giving me a sense of accomplishment I had waited a lifetime for. Since then it has gotten easier for me with each book I have published. Since the initial release of Desolace, I have published twelve more novels as well as an omnibus edition ebook of the entire Desolace series. Currently, The Art of Living is in the development stage.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 22, 2014
This is the first of this type of book for me to read, going in I didnt think I would like it..but I was wrong. It took me a day from start to finish!! It just kept drawing me in deeper and deeper. When I got to the end I panicked, (once you read you will understand) but thankfully there will be more!!
In this thrilling sci/fi, science has cured everything, except the flu. Almost everything is automated. Jason Lambert is a scientist, that does his work at the college. He has been working on a serum that if taken everyday will extend life. On his way home, he shares a cab with Heaven, a red-headed beauty. But being too shy he doesn't say anything to her. After presenting his findings to everyone, he panics and tries to leave, but is stopped by some men dressed in military uniforms. The government wants Jason to come work for them, in a state of the art lab. With more questions then answers he tells the general he will think about it. When he gets home, his mind is going over everything, he decides to take a walk. He ends up in front of Heaven's condo. Not being one to stand up for himself, he decides to go for it and ask her out. But when she doesn't answer he takes it as a "the timing is off". When he runs into her in a restaurant, and they start talking, and then go home together things are looking up.
When the government won't leave him alone, he finally says yes to their offer, BUT he wants Heaven to be his assistant. Once at the new facility, they get straight to work, making new batches and testing a variety of animals, but what Jason doesn't know is..Heaven has been taking it too. When one of the animals die, Jason preforms a autopsy. After removing its heart, Jason takes it to see if he can figure out how it died. He finds nothing, but then hears a noise, when they turn around, the animal is breathing, a quick check shows its heart is growing back.
The general comes to see, everything is going great, the rat grows back what is taken plus starts healing without stitches. The general orders Jason to cut off one of the rat's legs, things don't go good. Jason stops the bleeding but nothing is happening. Jason decides to try something new he has been working on. Once the shot is given, nothing happens, but then the leg starts growing back. Minus the bone.
Things seem like they are going good, until one of the human specimens attacks Heaven. They decide to test to see what her body will do, but when they remove her lung and nothing happens and she dies, things start going downhill. They have to figure out what is wrong with the new serum. But when Jason is attacked Heaven has to do what she can to save him, but will it be enough???
In this thrilling sci/fi, science has cured everything, except the flu. Almost everything is automated. Jason Lambert is a scientist, that does his work at the college. He has been working on a serum that if taken everyday will extend life. On his way home, he shares a cab with Heaven, a red-headed beauty. But being too shy he doesn't say anything to her. After presenting his findings to everyone, he panics and tries to leave, but is stopped by some men dressed in military uniforms. The government wants Jason to come work for them, in a state of the art lab. With more questions then answers he tells the general he will think about it. When he gets home, his mind is going over everything, he decides to take a walk. He ends up in front of Heaven's condo. Not being one to stand up for himself, he decides to go for it and ask her out. But when she doesn't answer he takes it as a "the timing is off". When he runs into her in a restaurant, and they start talking, and then go home together things are looking up.
When the government won't leave him alone, he finally says yes to their offer, BUT he wants Heaven to be his assistant. Once at the new facility, they get straight to work, making new batches and testing a variety of animals, but what Jason doesn't know is..Heaven has been taking it too. When one of the animals die, Jason preforms a autopsy. After removing its heart, Jason takes it to see if he can figure out how it died. He finds nothing, but then hears a noise, when they turn around, the animal is breathing, a quick check shows its heart is growing back.
The general comes to see, everything is going great, the rat grows back what is taken plus starts healing without stitches. The general orders Jason to cut off one of the rat's legs, things don't go good. Jason stops the bleeding but nothing is happening. Jason decides to try something new he has been working on. Once the shot is given, nothing happens, but then the leg starts growing back. Minus the bone.
Things seem like they are going good, until one of the human specimens attacks Heaven. They decide to test to see what her body will do, but when they remove her lung and nothing happens and she dies, things start going downhill. They have to figure out what is wrong with the new serum. But when Jason is attacked Heaven has to do what she can to save him, but will it be enough???
August 25, 2014
As I was reading this book, there were two aspects that I found were amazing. First off, I was left to guess as to what was going to happen next. Is this a love story? Is this a government conspiracy in the making? Is this a glance into our future? I honestly didn't know where this book was going. I tried to guess, unsuccessfully several times. This is unusual for me because I almost always know where a book is going. Second of all, I was completely in awe at how the author allowed us into the heads of the two main characters, Jason and Heaven. More specifically, how did Lucian Barnes get inside my head???? The more I read regarding the character of Heaven, the more I could identify with her-I've shared many similar thoughts. Now that I sound like a nut case-and if you don't know what I am talking about, please read the book, I am going to sign off and reassemble some things in my life.
August 24, 2014
Here is a story that is fast paced because you can't put it down . Why? You need to know what is going to happen next. It is set in the future where there are no major diseases yet there are still problems of every day life. Love anger companionship and marriage are still important to people but most of all is trust. The ending is brilliant . I Loved it.
Without giving it away , I had no idea and never saw the ending turning out the way it did. I can't say enough on how much I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are strong and evenly matched more than you realize . I never use OMG. But here at the ending I looked at my wall a blank space and said it right out Loud.
Without giving it away , I had no idea and never saw the ending turning out the way it did. I can't say enough on how much I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are strong and evenly matched more than you realize . I never use OMG. But here at the ending I looked at my wall a blank space and said it right out Loud.
November 1, 2014
I kept hearing about how much I HAD to read this book!
I admit, I've had the book a while now,
and just not had the time.
Until I saw a review another ARC reader posted.
Then I had to drop all the other books I was interested in and
READ!!!!!
And as usual, Lucian didn't disappoint, and left me wanting more!
Let's discuss!
I've seen several reviews saying it starts slow...
I don't think so.
I think Lucian starts with drawing you in slowly,
and then in typical Lucian style,
he captivates you,
and then slaughters you!
Another Mind-Blowing Read!
Here we have a bit of a strange mix.
Jason is the scientist the government wants...
and Heaven is the girl Jason dreams of...
but no-one would expect the nightmares that come creeping!
EL-204 stands for Eternal Love, 204 attempts at creation.
Its a tricky formula and Jason just isn't sure what is right,
and then Heaven comes along.
Heaven is risque, sensual,
and well, we'll call it determined (psychotic also comes to mind)!
She brings a twist to the lab that Jason didn't know nor expect,
and nothing will ever be normal again.
Between the animal and human experiments gone raw,
the romance and relationship between Heaven/Jason,
and the orders from the "General",
you just don't know what to expect next or where the story will go!
EL-204 is a classic, old school horror story,
with an updated mix of gore, sexual admission,
and the dream of Eternal Life...or is it???
I see people saying Lucian tackled romance.
Lets be honest here,
Lucian tackled old school horror!
He brought in a sexy female character,
created sexual moments,
and some of the best gore that has been published in years.
Lucian isn't afraid to tackle territory,
and he goes for mark you least expect.
No doubt EL-204 is a pill people would want,
and something they would kill for,
but this is no murder mystery.
Love gone awry?
Or psychotic medical breakdown?
Or government conspiracy gone crazy?
What would you do for the power?
Judge for yourself! But whatever you decide, just know,
Lucian has crafted another EPIC horror nightmare!
5 Stars for EL-204
I admit, I've had the book a while now,
and just not had the time.
Until I saw a review another ARC reader posted.
Then I had to drop all the other books I was interested in and
READ!!!!!
And as usual, Lucian didn't disappoint, and left me wanting more!
Let's discuss!
I've seen several reviews saying it starts slow...
I don't think so.
I think Lucian starts with drawing you in slowly,
and then in typical Lucian style,
he captivates you,
and then slaughters you!
Another Mind-Blowing Read!
Here we have a bit of a strange mix.
Jason is the scientist the government wants...
and Heaven is the girl Jason dreams of...
but no-one would expect the nightmares that come creeping!
EL-204 stands for Eternal Love, 204 attempts at creation.
Its a tricky formula and Jason just isn't sure what is right,
and then Heaven comes along.
Heaven is risque, sensual,
and well, we'll call it determined (psychotic also comes to mind)!
She brings a twist to the lab that Jason didn't know nor expect,
and nothing will ever be normal again.
Between the animal and human experiments gone raw,
the romance and relationship between Heaven/Jason,
and the orders from the "General",
you just don't know what to expect next or where the story will go!
EL-204 is a classic, old school horror story,
with an updated mix of gore, sexual admission,
and the dream of Eternal Life...or is it???
I see people saying Lucian tackled romance.
Lets be honest here,
Lucian tackled old school horror!
He brought in a sexy female character,
created sexual moments,
and some of the best gore that has been published in years.
Lucian isn't afraid to tackle territory,
and he goes for mark you least expect.
No doubt EL-204 is a pill people would want,
and something they would kill for,
but this is no murder mystery.
Love gone awry?
Or psychotic medical breakdown?
Or government conspiracy gone crazy?
What would you do for the power?
Judge for yourself! But whatever you decide, just know,
Lucian has crafted another EPIC horror nightmare!
5 Stars for EL-204
October 30, 2015
Love Gone Wrong ... Or Women Are Evil!!!
This series must be read in order. This is the first book.
Heaven felt that it was love at first sight when she met Jason. He was everything she had ever wished or hoped for in a mate. He was attractive and highly intelligent with an incredible job and a witty sense of humor. To her it was written in the stars. She was going to get and keep him at any cost and her future would then be completely secure! Is she making the right decision? Will she come to regret her choices or her manipulations?
Jason is a brilliant research scientist working on a cure for aging and death. Heaven has captivated him since the moment he laid eyes on her and he feels she must be his. There is no way he doesn't deserve the emerald eyed beauty especially as he is making the world a better place to live. He wonders if he will ever crack the code on his Eternal Life drug EL-204 and start to reverse the aging process. Is he making the right decision by bringing Heaven so completely into his life? Will they be happy or will he come to regret getting involved with her?
This book was amazing and disturbing and I was completely enthralled! The futuristic science fiction aspects lent the horror more beliveabilty and reality than I am entirely comfortable with... Which makes this a very successful horror novel! I will now be reading some light fluffy romance novel in the hopes that I will be able to sleep without gruesome nightmares... Though I doubt I will have much success!!! This is the best horror novel I have read in ages! I can't wait for the sequel Wasteland so I can find out what happens next!
***This series is suitable for adult readers only due to the graphic and horrific nature of the story and not for the squeamish!
This series must be read in order. This is the first book.
Heaven felt that it was love at first sight when she met Jason. He was everything she had ever wished or hoped for in a mate. He was attractive and highly intelligent with an incredible job and a witty sense of humor. To her it was written in the stars. She was going to get and keep him at any cost and her future would then be completely secure! Is she making the right decision? Will she come to regret her choices or her manipulations?
Jason is a brilliant research scientist working on a cure for aging and death. Heaven has captivated him since the moment he laid eyes on her and he feels she must be his. There is no way he doesn't deserve the emerald eyed beauty especially as he is making the world a better place to live. He wonders if he will ever crack the code on his Eternal Life drug EL-204 and start to reverse the aging process. Is he making the right decision by bringing Heaven so completely into his life? Will they be happy or will he come to regret getting involved with her?
This book was amazing and disturbing and I was completely enthralled! The futuristic science fiction aspects lent the horror more beliveabilty and reality than I am entirely comfortable with... Which makes this a very successful horror novel! I will now be reading some light fluffy romance novel in the hopes that I will be able to sleep without gruesome nightmares... Though I doubt I will have much success!!! This is the best horror novel I have read in ages! I can't wait for the sequel Wasteland so I can find out what happens next!
***This series is suitable for adult readers only due to the graphic and horrific nature of the story and not for the squeamish!
September 1, 2014
Creepy, Gory, Experimental Conspiracy Theory ... Not a Romance, August 26, 2014
Barnes delivers once again! EL-204 is a government/military conspiracy waiting to happen...or so I thought. There's a lot going on in this story & my brain opted to go with what was most likely, but I should have known better since Lucian has told us time & time again that he would never write a romance novel. Soon after the main characters' relationship takes off hidden issues, deception, & rage are revealed. And then ... in true Lucian Barnes style, the gruesome fun begins.
My best description would be a science experiment gone awry (think a mix of Frankenstein & Re-Animator) with a splash of military & government conspiracy added in and a very small dash of love gone crazy.
This was not my favorite piece by Lucian, but still a very good read. Blame my sentimental nature I just did not feel as attached to these characters as I have in his previous works (and I've read them all). However as the story developed I find they too developed more & more. If not for the need of sleep I would have read this in one sitting. BTW...The ending was a shocker & very well played, as usual! http://jenisbookshelf.blogspot.com/20...
Barnes delivers once again! EL-204 is a government/military conspiracy waiting to happen...or so I thought. There's a lot going on in this story & my brain opted to go with what was most likely, but I should have known better since Lucian has told us time & time again that he would never write a romance novel. Soon after the main characters' relationship takes off hidden issues, deception, & rage are revealed. And then ... in true Lucian Barnes style, the gruesome fun begins.
My best description would be a science experiment gone awry (think a mix of Frankenstein & Re-Animator) with a splash of military & government conspiracy added in and a very small dash of love gone crazy.
This was not my favorite piece by Lucian, but still a very good read. Blame my sentimental nature I just did not feel as attached to these characters as I have in his previous works (and I've read them all). However as the story developed I find they too developed more & more. If not for the need of sleep I would have read this in one sitting. BTW...The ending was a shocker & very well played, as usual! http://jenisbookshelf.blogspot.com/20...
October 12, 2014
The tagline on this books cover is How far would you go for love?. But this is far from a romance novel. When I started reading this book I thought it might go that way and that surprised me because this author claims he would never write a romance novel. He described this book to me as a mix of fatal attraction and frankenstein. When he did I had to pause. That can’t end well, I thought. Yeah if you’re looking for a HEA, then go look somewhere else. You’re not getting one here. What you will find is an incredibly horrific story of a woman that will do anything to keep the man she loves. And I do mean anything. She’s a magnificent example of the line “bitches be crazy”.
Somewhere in the middle of the lab while they were experimenting on inmates on death row, well I figured things would get bloody. I wasn’t wrong. If you like horror movies, science fiction and psycho bitches, then this book is for you. There is no lack of gore and twisted imagery here.
I liked this story. I thought it would make a great movie, but I’m going to have to give this one 4 stars. The story was really good, but for me it had a slow start.
Somewhere in the middle of the lab while they were experimenting on inmates on death row, well I figured things would get bloody. I wasn’t wrong. If you like horror movies, science fiction and psycho bitches, then this book is for you. There is no lack of gore and twisted imagery here.
I liked this story. I thought it would make a great movie, but I’m going to have to give this one 4 stars. The story was really good, but for me it had a slow start.
July 24, 2016
El-204 is by fair the most bizarre piece of fiction I have read. It is straight out of the Twilight Zone and I loved it.
Heaven is one crazy bitch. She is what is wrong with society. Heaven puts so much stock in her appearance and a chance at immortality that she cannot see the price being paid. Vain much? And what she
does to Bruno is unforgivable.
Jason, Heaven's husband and the mad scientist of this pairing, proves that a love makes you blind. How could he miss all that crazy.
I am telling you, straight out of the Twilight Zone. I couldn't put it down. Heaven is proof that love will make you do crazy, stupid things. Nothing and I mean nothing will stop her from spending eternity with Jason.
Heaven is one crazy bitch. She is what is wrong with society. Heaven puts so much stock in her appearance and a chance at immortality that she cannot see the price being paid. Vain much? And what she
does to Bruno is unforgivable.
Jason, Heaven's husband and the mad scientist of this pairing, proves that a love makes you blind. How could he miss all that crazy.
I am telling you, straight out of the Twilight Zone. I couldn't put it down. Heaven is proof that love will make you do crazy, stupid things. Nothing and I mean nothing will stop her from spending eternity with Jason.
May 14, 2015
I will shamefully admit I've had this book since October 2014. Due to some unforeseen illness and recovery, I just started it again after a break from reading and finished it.
I wish I would have read it sooner.
This book had me from the first chapter. I was skeptical of the description of the book, I wasn't sure if I'd like it. I am so glad I went on to read it. It is an awesome story with great characters and plot.
So, if you are reading the "book blurb" on this one and are wondering if you should read it? YES. You should definitely give it a try. I thought this book might not interest me as much as his others. I was wrong. I admit it.
Characters and plot that draws you in immediately. All of his books ROCK!
I wish I would have read it sooner.
This book had me from the first chapter. I was skeptical of the description of the book, I wasn't sure if I'd like it. I am so glad I went on to read it. It is an awesome story with great characters and plot.
So, if you are reading the "book blurb" on this one and are wondering if you should read it? YES. You should definitely give it a try. I thought this book might not interest me as much as his others. I was wrong. I admit it.
Characters and plot that draws you in immediately. All of his books ROCK!
December 4, 2014
This is a really interesting storyline about a doctor who has found a way to heal the human body and create longevity;possibly immortality. He meets a woman and falls in love with her and doesn't realize that she is using him until it's too late. This is a project I could see our government working on. Science projects that should never be messed with or thought of. I think that's what made it somewhat haunting knowing it could be reality. Overall fantastic storyline, it ended somewhat abruptly . Great character development. I can't wait to read more from this author.
October 25, 2014
EL-204 is entirely different book than Lucian normally writes. This is take if you will on romance after a few fans teased him relentlessly over writing a romance. Now, this is by no means a gushy romance, erotica or anything like that. Yes, the two man characters date, move in with each other and have sex, but there is so much more to EL-204 than that. Thrills, suspense, mystery and Lucian's normal gore.
November 14, 2014
Wow. You think you're reading a romance? Think again! Deception should be this author's middle name. A little lie turns into something beyond description in this work (and I woudn't want to spoil it anyway ;) ). This is a must read. What happens when obsession takes over a relationship? Lucian knows and takes us to the horrifying limit.
October 31, 2014
This was one twisted tale! It started off innocent enough, but it didn't stay that way for long! I have to admit Heaven scared me early on. She was just creepy scary. The story made me cringe and made my stomach turn more than once. So obviously I just loved this story!! I love reading Barnes books and can't wait to get my hands on his next one.
October 2, 2018
the basic plot was interesting until it became unbelievable. there was virtually no character development and the main female character is so far out that it passes the suspension of disbelief. the writing is basic. the military aspect was also unbelievable. the end is so far gone it is comical.
October 7, 2014
Lucian has put together gruesome horror story set in the future. Different from his previous work, this has some romantic aspects but is in no way a Romance novel. EL-204 will have you second guessing everything you think will happen, with many twists to the plot. Organized well, easy to read and great imagery in the writing; but I felt the time line of events were off as far as how much and what happened with in a short span of time.
I like this story and will be waiting to see if there is going to be a second book and what it has in store for us.
July 31, 2016
This is a book of futuristic horror. Barnes wrote in the style that one of his favorite authors might write (Stephen King). It's the, albeit brief, story of Jason and Heaven (Jason's wife). Jason is a genosist with a degree from MIT. He has invented medication that all but guarantees Eternal Life (EL-204). The federal government hires him to invent something more, an injections that advances the body's healing process. In his underground lab, Jason sets to work with his new wife to create just what the government wants, but it somehow goes wrong, horrifically wrong.
July 26, 2015
I really don't know why I finished this book - I don't think the author has heard 'show don't tell'; the dialogue was not realistic; there were inconsistencies; and I found the characters stupid, unprofessional and not scientific at all.
It's a good idea for a story, it's just not executed well.
It's a good idea for a story, it's just not executed well.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews