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The Lucid #1
The Lucid: Episode One
"For fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and books like Maze Runner, who want a more 'grown up' story."
Adam Bolland, a manager at the Colorado Springs municipal water treatment facility, is only trying to enjoy his career, family, and life.
From the authors that brought you the science fiction best seller Citadel series and military apocalypse, techno thrillers, and post apocalyptic survival fiction thrillers...
But when things start changing around him, he isn't sure what's going on. His wife and kids aren't acting... normal. And he realizes the problem is larger than that. His coworkers, friends, and everyone around him seem to be acting strange.
"The Walking Dead meets books like Divergent in this wild, twisting military science fiction plot..." (Not a zombie book!)
So he decides to take matters into his own hands, and steals some vials of a mysterious chemical from his company, embarking on a mad escape from the police, placing himself and his family in danger.
The all-new episodic science fiction best seller series from Kevin Tumlinson and Nick Thacker
But he must find What exactly is in the water?
Adam Bolland, a manager at the Colorado Springs municipal water treatment facility, is only trying to enjoy his career, family, and life.
From the authors that brought you the science fiction best seller Citadel series and military apocalypse, techno thrillers, and post apocalyptic survival fiction thrillers...
But when things start changing around him, he isn't sure what's going on. His wife and kids aren't acting... normal. And he realizes the problem is larger than that. His coworkers, friends, and everyone around him seem to be acting strange.
"The Walking Dead meets books like Divergent in this wild, twisting military science fiction plot..." (Not a zombie book!)
So he decides to take matters into his own hands, and steals some vials of a mysterious chemical from his company, embarking on a mad escape from the police, placing himself and his family in danger.
The all-new episodic science fiction best seller series from Kevin Tumlinson and Nick Thacker
But he must find What exactly is in the water?
- GenresScience Fiction
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2014
50 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Nick Thacker
112 books443 followersNick Thacker is a thriller author from Texas who lives in Hawaii. In his free time, he enjoys reading in a hammock on the beach, skiing, drinking whiskey, and hanging out with his beautiful wife, two dogs, and two daughters.
For more information, visit Nick online at www.nickthacker.com
In addition to his fiction work, Nick is the founder and lead of Sonata & Scribe, the only music studio focused on producing “soundtracks” for books and series. Find out more at www.SonataAndScribe.com.
In addition to his fiction work, Nick is the founder and lead of Sonata & Scribe, the only music studio focused on producing “soundtracks” for books and series. Find out more at www.SonataAndScribe.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 22, 2023
The Lucid: Episode One by Nick Thacker and Kevin Tumlinson is a serialized, episodic, science fiction narrative that begins in a water treatment plant in Colorado Springs. Adam Bolland is a harried middle manager who really is just trying to enjoy his existence as a family man, but he has begun to notice that the people around him are behaving like drones with very few impulses to question why they are asked to fulfill specific functions that seem incidental, ancillary, and unimportant. However, when Adam realizes that there must be something added to the drinking water, he decides to flee with his family and abscond with some vials that may answer the questions he’s asking. The audio book was very fast paced and intriguing. It’s a very good start to the series. There is an urgency captured by the narrator that gets my heart pumping. I suspect that this simply might be the narrator for the audiobook, so I can only speak to my experience in that regard. However, I find most Nick Thacker books seem to carry that urgency well.
January 29, 2020
Good opening
Going on the action and plot in this, 1st of a new series of novels the boys have got another winner
Going on the action and plot in this, 1st of a new series of novels the boys have got another winner
November 25, 2015
Gets you right at the start!! I thought this was going to be another short story which I'm not really crazy about. But by the end of the first page I'd been hooked. Couldn't put it down. Even took it to a family reunion and was able to slip away to read the last 20 pages. It is one of the most interesting books I have read when it comes to AI and humans living and working together. There has to be more coming and I hope soon. The ending shocked me to say the least. I kept looking for there to be more. I had no idea what happened was going to happen. I don't want to leave any clear ideas about characters or the like because to me when someone does that they tend to go overboard and spoil it for everyone. Suffice it to say the book will definitely still be on your mind long after you finish it. And it will stay there until the next one comes out so you can find out what happens. I have never read an author whose writing keeps you interested, you really enjoy it and it leaves you thinking about the issues that were brought forward once you have finished it. Are we really getting too much into technology? Will AI start to take over our lives and then the world? Seems impossible doesn't it?? I'm not so sure it is after reading Nick and Kevin. I hope the next episode is soon to be released. Don't know if I can wait. You don't want to miss it!!
August 14, 2015
Why is everyone around me seem to be in autopilot? Am I lucid or just losing my mind?
The world has turned upside down, but not in the manner that you expect. The protagonist in this novel is thrown into a world where everyone, including many of those close to him are seemingly running on autopilot — just awaiting their next command. Similar to how many programs and apps work. But what caused this to happen?
This book is the definition of gripping. You are thrown into the action right away and then taken from it to better understand it. I found myself muttering aloud “what the…?” throughout this book seemingly surprised at almost every turn. Thacker & Tumlinson kept me interested throughout and before I knew it this episodic novel was over. Making me beg for more.
The story line was extremely interesting to me a great cross between a dystopian and a technothriller. There is death and destruction, but there is also artificial intelligence (AI) and a lot of issues revolving around that.
A great start to a hopefully incredible final story from these two authors. I will eagerly be awaiting episode two and hoping it comes any day now.
The world has turned upside down, but not in the manner that you expect. The protagonist in this novel is thrown into a world where everyone, including many of those close to him are seemingly running on autopilot — just awaiting their next command. Similar to how many programs and apps work. But what caused this to happen?
This book is the definition of gripping. You are thrown into the action right away and then taken from it to better understand it. I found myself muttering aloud “what the…?” throughout this book seemingly surprised at almost every turn. Thacker & Tumlinson kept me interested throughout and before I knew it this episodic novel was over. Making me beg for more.
The story line was extremely interesting to me a great cross between a dystopian and a technothriller. There is death and destruction, but there is also artificial intelligence (AI) and a lot of issues revolving around that.
A great start to a hopefully incredible final story from these two authors. I will eagerly be awaiting episode two and hoping it comes any day now.
August 5, 2015
I'm so glad they didn't use the word zombies. They used the word suppressed. I like that idea much better. It seems more realistic and less gruesome. It fits this novel very well.
I also like Adam's heart. His love for his family is developed throughout the novel. It isn't just a throw away thought to show his humanity. It is his driving force. This makes him the obvious good guy. And the obvious bad guy has no family and seems to have no feelings for anyone else. He doesn't have much humanity left in him.
I like the clear cut good guy and bad guy. I like that the problem of humanity is brought down to a personal and familial level. These things set this novella apart from other "end of humanity, machines are taking over" novels I have read. I look forward to others in this series.
I also like Adam's heart. His love for his family is developed throughout the novel. It isn't just a throw away thought to show his humanity. It is his driving force. This makes him the obvious good guy. And the obvious bad guy has no family and seems to have no feelings for anyone else. He doesn't have much humanity left in him.
I like the clear cut good guy and bad guy. I like that the problem of humanity is brought down to a personal and familial level. These things set this novella apart from other "end of humanity, machines are taking over" novels I have read. I look forward to others in this series.
March 20, 2017
Okay, I'm ready for book two
Suppressed...people's personalities and free will are being suppressed. It's something that should frighten everyone, yet they just get more complacent. I'm on to book two to root for Adam as he tries to stop the suppression.
Suppressed...people's personalities and free will are being suppressed. It's something that should frighten everyone, yet they just get more complacent. I'm on to book two to root for Adam as he tries to stop the suppression.
December 21, 2016
Fast read
I didn't want to put it down. The storyline flowed. It makes a person wonder about all the additives we ingest.
I didn't want to put it down. The storyline flowed. It makes a person wonder about all the additives we ingest.
March 20, 2017
Pretty good start
This is okay; good writing, an original plot and some interesting characters. It's not quite my cup of tea, though.
This is okay; good writing, an original plot and some interesting characters. It's not quite my cup of tea, though.
May 21, 2017
The Lucid is an episodic series by science fiction authors Nick Thacker and Kevin Tumlinson. There are currently three published episodes with the first installment aptly named The Lucid: Episode One.
I’ve never read anything by Nick Thacker before, so I can’t comment on his previous work, but he has the kind of name that makes me think of a military special operations soldier. Sergeant Nick Thacker has a tough guy ring to it. Kind of like Stephen Hunter’s Bob Lee Swagger.
On the other hand, I have read several of Kevin Tumlinson’s books. I’ve found that he writes intelligent science fiction stories that have engaging plots and well developed characters, so I wasn’t surprised that I liked The Lucid.
As expected with the episodic format, Episode One is a pretty short read. Episodes two and three are no different, with the second one being the shortest. Nevertheless, Thacker and Tumlinson pull you into the story pretty quickly.
In Episode One we learn that Adam, a manager at a water treatment facility, has deduced something is being added to the nation’s water supply in order to “suppress” the population. After enlisting the help of a friend, he steals several vials of the chemicals and attempts to escape with his family. There is an excellent scene involving his wife and daughter where Adam finds out just how much they have been affected by the chemicals.
As much as I liked the good guy protagonist Adam, I think the antagonist, David, is even more interesting. He truly cares about no one at all, but Thacker and Tumlinson make it easy to see how he got to that point. With the current trend towards anti-heroes and blurred lines of good and evil, it’s nice to have clear cut good guys and bad guys for a change.
I rate The Lucid: Episode One five stars. There is a lot going on in this story, despite it’s short length. It’s listed under post-apocalyptic science fiction, but I can see definitely elements of the thriller and horror genres in it as well. It’s a great start to the series, and I look forward to the next episode.
I’ve never read anything by Nick Thacker before, so I can’t comment on his previous work, but he has the kind of name that makes me think of a military special operations soldier. Sergeant Nick Thacker has a tough guy ring to it. Kind of like Stephen Hunter’s Bob Lee Swagger.
On the other hand, I have read several of Kevin Tumlinson’s books. I’ve found that he writes intelligent science fiction stories that have engaging plots and well developed characters, so I wasn’t surprised that I liked The Lucid.
As expected with the episodic format, Episode One is a pretty short read. Episodes two and three are no different, with the second one being the shortest. Nevertheless, Thacker and Tumlinson pull you into the story pretty quickly.
In Episode One we learn that Adam, a manager at a water treatment facility, has deduced something is being added to the nation’s water supply in order to “suppress” the population. After enlisting the help of a friend, he steals several vials of the chemicals and attempts to escape with his family. There is an excellent scene involving his wife and daughter where Adam finds out just how much they have been affected by the chemicals.
As much as I liked the good guy protagonist Adam, I think the antagonist, David, is even more interesting. He truly cares about no one at all, but Thacker and Tumlinson make it easy to see how he got to that point. With the current trend towards anti-heroes and blurred lines of good and evil, it’s nice to have clear cut good guys and bad guys for a change.
I rate The Lucid: Episode One five stars. There is a lot going on in this story, despite it’s short length. It’s listed under post-apocalyptic science fiction, but I can see definitely elements of the thriller and horror genres in it as well. It’s a great start to the series, and I look forward to the next episode.
February 26, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"He wanted his wife back."
After noticing that his previously argumentative family had become almost docile, Adam realised that it wasn't just them, nearly everyone one in his area seemed suprezsed, apart from him. And, Adam was certain, it had something to do with the wafer. The Beginning is the first in a trilogy, the Lucid: what and why was happening to the people around Adam? Who was behind the alterations? And how can Adam both stop and reverse it?I
This is a well written thriller with tension building from the very first page. David Gilmore's narration is good with excellent pacing and intonation, and individually distinctive voicing for character conservations. As the start of a three part serial, this book certainly offers potential for an overall interesting and exciting serial, drawing in the reader and leaving them wanting more.
I was fortunate in being freely gifted by the rights holder with a complimentary copy of the Beginning, the Lucid 1, at my request. Thank you. A good start to the serial and one which I will definitely continue to follow.
"He wanted his wife back."
After noticing that his previously argumentative family had become almost docile, Adam realised that it wasn't just them, nearly everyone one in his area seemed suprezsed, apart from him. And, Adam was certain, it had something to do with the wafer. The Beginning is the first in a trilogy, the Lucid: what and why was happening to the people around Adam? Who was behind the alterations? And how can Adam both stop and reverse it?I
This is a well written thriller with tension building from the very first page. David Gilmore's narration is good with excellent pacing and intonation, and individually distinctive voicing for character conservations. As the start of a three part serial, this book certainly offers potential for an overall interesting and exciting serial, drawing in the reader and leaving them wanting more.
I was fortunate in being freely gifted by the rights holder with a complimentary copy of the Beginning, the Lucid 1, at my request. Thank you. A good start to the serial and one which I will definitely continue to follow.
August 31, 2017
kindle unlimited
Adam Bolland, a manager at the Colorado Springs municipal water treatment facility, is only trying to enjoy his career, family, and life. But when things start changing around him, he isn't sure what's going on. His wife and kids aren't acting... normal. And he realizes the problem is larger than that. His coworkers, friends, and everyone around him seem to be acting strange.So he decides to take matters into his own hands, and steals some vials of a mysterious chemical from his company, embarking on a mad escape from the police, placing himself and his family in danger.But he must find out: What exactly is in the water?
1 of 3
Adam Bolland, a manager at the Colorado Springs municipal water treatment facility, is only trying to enjoy his career, family, and life. But when things start changing around him, he isn't sure what's going on. His wife and kids aren't acting... normal. And he realizes the problem is larger than that. His coworkers, friends, and everyone around him seem to be acting strange.So he decides to take matters into his own hands, and steals some vials of a mysterious chemical from his company, embarking on a mad escape from the police, placing himself and his family in danger.But he must find out: What exactly is in the water?
1 of 3
January 7, 2021
A real thinker
While this book takes a while to build the background it sets the stage for what's to come. I can see the investment will pay big dividends in the next books. All in all a great read, can't wait to read the next book. Hang in there I feel it will be well worth it, it has all the makings of a great series.
While this book takes a while to build the background it sets the stage for what's to come. I can see the investment will pay big dividends in the next books. All in all a great read, can't wait to read the next book. Hang in there I feel it will be well worth it, it has all the makings of a great series.
April 27, 2021
Great read. A little hard to follow at first but as any good adventure/mystery, it all makes sense, eventually.
Without surprises and unexpected events, it wouldn't be fun to read.
Without surprises and unexpected events, it wouldn't be fun to read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews