CODE X: Episode 1

by M.R. Vallone

Did Mankind Advance Alone?
Why Could So Few Change The History of The World?
or Did They Have Help?
Why was there an Einstein, daVinci, Hawking?
George Washington led from the front line, but was never wounded. How was that possible?
Code XFinds the Answers
Prepare to be Shocked!

Dr. Vicki Collins won the Nobel Prize for Genetic Engineering before she was 30. Now the world's giant medical corporations want her to work for them, and they will stop at nothing to get her.

Nick Parks, Vicki’s fiancé, discovers the truth about the lies, deceit, money and even murder they use to succeed. He will risk everything, even his own life to try and save her. A romance every woman would want

Can the Forces of Evil be Stopped or Will They Rule the World?


A page turning roller coaster ride, you can not put down.

Genres: Thriller, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery

106 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2015

About the author

I always loved going to the movies since I was 5 years old. I lived on a farm in a small town in Nile's, Ohio until the 3rd grade. My Dad would leave me with his best friend at the Robins' Theater, manager Chappy Ross, during the day while he was at work. See picture. Memories. Yahoo! I was all by myself. alone in a movie theater with all the popcorn and candy I could eat for free. A 5 year old's nirvana, heaven, paradise, etc. Eat your hearts out. So, I grew up lucky, loving movies with popcorn. I was fortunate enough to be able to read at 4. I'd read movie starting times and then ask Dad if I could go to the 1 o'clock matinee. I discovered the movie playing would always change on Thursdays.

As I got older, my taste went from the old Flash Gordon, Superman Saturday serials and cartoons to Steven Spielberg movies as my favorite movie maker. I love a great movie that sweeps me up into forgetting that I'm in a theater and hate bad movies so much that I leave the theater in the middle of one. Same with books. Dan Brown, A.G. Riddle, Michael Crichton, James Patterson and Brad Meltzer are all authors of mind bending books such as Mysteries and Sci Fi Thrillers, I love reading their books. I finish them because I can't put them down.

I grew up in Columbus, OH and played hockey for The Ohio State University in my freshman year.
Thirty years later, after being the star in English class in high school with a GPA low 2 (out of 4) at graduation, a group of screenwriters told me I had a gift for writing screenplays. After beating Hollywood doors knuckle blood over a phone, I decided to write novels where I could be the producer, director and writer. Now I knock my forehead knuckle bloody.

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love an action story that starts in the midst of things! From the first sentence, Code X takes you on an adventurous mission of a man willing to go to extremes to protect the love of his life. Maybe I’ve been reading too many romance and young adult novels because the relationship between Parks and Vicki, his fiancee, was refreshingly mature and loyal without overshadowing the action. This book has two equally compelling story lines simultaneously unraveling: Vicki, the scientific brains, and Parks, the tactical combatant-in-training brawn. The drama unfolds in parallel which keeps the story fresh, providing suspenseful breaks. If you’re not normally a fan of hardcore espionage and military science novels, this novel has enough storyline from Vicki’s side of the story to elevate this to a realistic drama and be thoroughly enjoyable. Normally, after about 4 chapters of the talented Tom Clancy, I feel a bit overwhelmed, but the setup of this book is perfect for an avid reader interested in a great conspiracy thriller. I don’t recall a moment when I felt bogged down by too much technical detail - in fact, it is just the right mix to give you a soundbite to share with others without it being a chaos of technical jargon. While I love Vicki and Parks, I have to mention the supporting character of Biggins who is a hot contrast! Biggins is full of confident bristle, a larger-than-life powerhouse that steals every scene. The dialogue between her and Parks is entertaining, a brother-sister attitude of verbally sparing at one another, and had me laughing. Fair warning to the author: if Biggins does not survive this series, I will be heartbroken! Overall, a thrilling conspiracy novel - held my interest to the final page and left me wanting more! Likely a perfect fit for fans of James Patterson or Michael Crichton.

[Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very quick read for me, which lets everyone else knows, it was a very good book. The action and plot starts off slowly but then picks up and continues going. The characters are believable and the plot is more than believable.

[Laszlo · Rating 4 out of 5]

God help us,we are alive!......or somebody else?
Everyday pondering, ....thanks for the pleasure!
Laszlo

[Mircea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, I really enjoyed it!
Looking forward ofr Episode 2.

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book thru a First reads giveaway. I was not sure what to expect from this book but found it a very enjoyable read. No spoilers or details here but the writing was easy to follow, flowed well and I look forward to reading more from this author. Thanks for letting have a copy!

[T C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd like to thank First Reads and the author for giving me a copy of this book. I am now well into reading short books as it goes along well with my time. I must say that this book has not let me down. An interesting short read with good attention to details and character development given its length. I would be keen to read the next episode.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the author said in his note: "A great story entertains and puts you with the characters on their journey." Congrats, M.R. Vallone for achieving this goal with your first book! You inserted just enough emerging science to entice us, combined with richly drawn characters. Unlike many novices, you crafted a tale with a realistic blend of narrative and conversation. I can't wait to read Episode 2.

[Gina Basham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book! The characters were fun and easy to get along with. It was exciting and fast paced. Very well written. Not 5 stars because in a few places the medical jargon left me a little glassy eyed. Exciting new series. I will buy the next installation. I would recommend. gbash

[Boyd Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is very interesting and entertaining. I struggled with staying connected to the characters a bit in the middle, but by the end I was happy I continued. Now I want to see what happens next! I'll for sure read book 2.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the next!!

Per guidelines, I won a copy from Goodreads.

[Frans · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good classic action packed story.

Overall very well written, but once in a while I had to read a sentence twice to understand it.
Looking forward to reading episode two to see what happens next.