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Without Limits
Not satisfied with the limits on human endurance, the government’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has created the Excelsior program to break athletic performance barriers. Dr. Evan Galloway, a brilliant physiologist from MIT, has been tasked with developing Nan Airs to achieve the agency’s goal. But can the government be trusted to use Nan Airs responsibly?
The ultimate performance enhancer, Nan Airs consists of artificial red blood cells that have the capacity to deliver 236 times more oxygen than red cells. With a single Nan Airs injection, a person could sprint for 15 minutes on a single breath.
When Nan Airs becomes a reality, billionaire Jack McKnight announces a grueling new ultra-triathlon being held in Greece. The Aletheia race—consisting of distances 5 times greater than the Ironman—is considered impossibly dangerous. Athletes must swim 12 miles across the Aegean Sea, bike 560 miles over punishing terrain, and then run 131 brutal miles to Athens. The winner has the honor of appearing in the opening ceremony of the Olympics, scheduled to begin at the conclusion of the ultra-triathlon.
Evan, who has a personal vendetta against McKnight, enters the triathlon out of vengeance. However, his motivation to compete intensifies when he learns that Luke, his adrenaline-junkie brother fresh out of jail, plans to race as well. Remembering his dying father’s wish that he look out for Luke, Evan is determined to keep his reckless brother out of trouble.
Knowing that fellow competitor McKnight plays dirty and seems likely to illicitly use Nan Airs to gain a competitive advantage, Evan throws himself into a rigorous training regimen led by disgraced former Olympian, Lucian Atticus. His goal is to not only beat a competitor with a superior advantage, but to also protect his brother from danger.
Characterized by epic power struggles, malicious backstabbing, and scandalous behavior, the Aletheia demonstrates how far people are willing to go for athletic glory. In the gripping climax, a monumental battle enfolds as Evan tries to win the Aletheia and keep Luke safe, while preventing the destruction of the Olympics.
Written in a style similar to Michael Crichton, Without Limits is a fast-paced ethical thriller that examines the moral implications of biotechnology on athletic competitions. An action-packed page-turner, expect sleepless nights to ensue as you race toward the stunning conclusion.
The ultimate performance enhancer, Nan Airs consists of artificial red blood cells that have the capacity to deliver 236 times more oxygen than red cells. With a single Nan Airs injection, a person could sprint for 15 minutes on a single breath.
When Nan Airs becomes a reality, billionaire Jack McKnight announces a grueling new ultra-triathlon being held in Greece. The Aletheia race—consisting of distances 5 times greater than the Ironman—is considered impossibly dangerous. Athletes must swim 12 miles across the Aegean Sea, bike 560 miles over punishing terrain, and then run 131 brutal miles to Athens. The winner has the honor of appearing in the opening ceremony of the Olympics, scheduled to begin at the conclusion of the ultra-triathlon.
Evan, who has a personal vendetta against McKnight, enters the triathlon out of vengeance. However, his motivation to compete intensifies when he learns that Luke, his adrenaline-junkie brother fresh out of jail, plans to race as well. Remembering his dying father’s wish that he look out for Luke, Evan is determined to keep his reckless brother out of trouble.
Knowing that fellow competitor McKnight plays dirty and seems likely to illicitly use Nan Airs to gain a competitive advantage, Evan throws himself into a rigorous training regimen led by disgraced former Olympian, Lucian Atticus. His goal is to not only beat a competitor with a superior advantage, but to also protect his brother from danger.
Characterized by epic power struggles, malicious backstabbing, and scandalous behavior, the Aletheia demonstrates how far people are willing to go for athletic glory. In the gripping climax, a monumental battle enfolds as Evan tries to win the Aletheia and keep Luke safe, while preventing the destruction of the Olympics.
Written in a style similar to Michael Crichton, Without Limits is a fast-paced ethical thriller that examines the moral implications of biotechnology on athletic competitions. An action-packed page-turner, expect sleepless nights to ensue as you race toward the stunning conclusion.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2015
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Grinnell
9 books9 followersDustin Grinnell is a writer based in Boston. Journalism and creative nonfiction, short stories and novels, poetry and scripts—all these and more have earned him publication with a wide range of presses, magazines, and literary journals.
His true passion, however, lies in exploring the intersection of ethics and science in a subgenre of speculative fiction he’s dubbed “sci-fi with heart.” Most of his fiction writing—including his most recent novel, The Empathy Academy, and his short story collection, The Healing Book—falls into this subgenre, blending the imaginative worlds of science fiction with deep, emotional storytelling that emphasizes the human impact of science and technology. Inspired by modern media, he also reviews sci-fi movies that bring real emotions to the genre in articles and in his video series, Sci-Fi with Heart, analyzing what makes them hit on a deeper level.
Born in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Dustin grew up with a fascination for the science-fiction works of authors like Michael Crichton, and he never missed an addition to R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series or an episode of The X Files. With a BA in psychobiology, an MS in physiology, and an MFA in fiction, he hones his writing in marketing while building his literary portfolio.
Beyond writing, Dustin loves to explore the world. He’s traveled a lot throughout his life, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, running the Paris marathon, hitchhiking across New Zealand, and riding his motorcycle across the United States. He’s written about many of these adventures in personal essays, most of which can be found in his essay collection, Lost & Found: Reflections on Travel, Career, Love and Family.
More recently, he’s applied his love of exploring the world to his podcast, Curiously, in which he explores big ideas with a variety of guests in insightful and engaging conversations. When not traveling the world, he can be found in the seaside town of Winthrop, MA, where he lives with his cat, Poe, named after author and poet Edgar Allan Poe.
His true passion, however, lies in exploring the intersection of ethics and science in a subgenre of speculative fiction he’s dubbed “sci-fi with heart.” Most of his fiction writing—including his most recent novel, The Empathy Academy, and his short story collection, The Healing Book—falls into this subgenre, blending the imaginative worlds of science fiction with deep, emotional storytelling that emphasizes the human impact of science and technology. Inspired by modern media, he also reviews sci-fi movies that bring real emotions to the genre in articles and in his video series, Sci-Fi with Heart, analyzing what makes them hit on a deeper level.
Born in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Dustin grew up with a fascination for the science-fiction works of authors like Michael Crichton, and he never missed an addition to R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series or an episode of The X Files. With a BA in psychobiology, an MS in physiology, and an MFA in fiction, he hones his writing in marketing while building his literary portfolio.
Beyond writing, Dustin loves to explore the world. He’s traveled a lot throughout his life, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, running the Paris marathon, hitchhiking across New Zealand, and riding his motorcycle across the United States. He’s written about many of these adventures in personal essays, most of which can be found in his essay collection, Lost & Found: Reflections on Travel, Career, Love and Family.
More recently, he’s applied his love of exploring the world to his podcast, Curiously, in which he explores big ideas with a variety of guests in insightful and engaging conversations. When not traveling the world, he can be found in the seaside town of Winthrop, MA, where he lives with his cat, Poe, named after author and poet Edgar Allan Poe.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 18, 2025
Without Limits by Dustin Grinnell is an inspiring, thrilling, scandalous and exciting story of human potential. Dr. Evan Galloway is tasked by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to develop an injection that can allow people to have super endurance for fifteen minutes on a single breath. But, when a multimillionaire challenges this super serum and creates the ultimate triathlon The Aletheia, Evan is determined to enter the race in terms of spite. He later realizes that his brother fresh out of jail is also in the race and will do whatever it takes to protect him, even pushing himself without limits. This story was breathtakingly exciting. Even though some parts were difficult to follow, Grinnell did write an amazing page-turner. For these reasons, this book gets four stars.
August 28, 2024
Superbly Suspenseful
Without Limits is a sports science-inspired, March 2015 book by Dustin Grinnell whose physiobiological background is evident in the engrossing narrative that, alongside the plot’s penchant for gripping philosophical and mythological references, makes it a compelling tome.
The three-part, 202-page book has 47 untitled chapters. It is predominantly set in Greece and the U.S. A preliminary topographical map shows the venue for the book’s thrilling climax: an ultimate sports competition consisting of a series of days-long extreme sports that, to put into perspective, is 5X the length of a typical triathlon.
Dubbed the 2015 Aletheia Quintuple Ultra-triathlon, it requires participants to endure and triumph over: a 12-mile-long swim across the Aegean Sea, from Faros Beach to Kitros Salt Pit; a 560-mile-long cycling phase in inland Greece, past Mount Olympus, to Sparta; and a 131-mile-long run to Egaleo Mountain. The winner? To ride to Athens by chariot.
This 700-mile-long competition is no mean feat. Worse still, there are numerous unexpected obstacles like sabotage, unfair advantage, insecurity, and crimes orchestrated by opponents and persons with vested interests.
These competitors and interested parties include the major characters billionaire financier-turned-fanatical marathoner Jack McKnight, rivaling Galloway brothers (Evan and Luke), and Jack’s vengeful one-time spouse Dana Brines. And these unfair advantages include the use of a newly-discovered performance-enhancing substance called Nan Airs, capable of administering respirocytes, where one respirocyte “could carry 236 times more oxygen and carbon dioxide than a natural blood cell… artificial red blood cells pumping through the runner’s muscles, feeding his brain with rich oxygen.”
And yet the military-associated nanotechnological PEDs, a “next-generation doping” that offers “boundless energy”, may be used for heinous crimes—this is the contextual moral dilemma. As the fast-paced plot unfolds, amid crucial flashbacks to events in the U.S. in the run-up to the dramatic exposè, the reader is left grappling with ethical questions about the great lengths that people go to for glory, regardless of the “collateral damages” and even if it means sacrificing their dearest ones.
With surprising twists and superbly suspenseful, Without Limits is truly enjoyable and its vivid plot would make a great movie.
Without Limits is a sports science-inspired, March 2015 book by Dustin Grinnell whose physiobiological background is evident in the engrossing narrative that, alongside the plot’s penchant for gripping philosophical and mythological references, makes it a compelling tome.
The three-part, 202-page book has 47 untitled chapters. It is predominantly set in Greece and the U.S. A preliminary topographical map shows the venue for the book’s thrilling climax: an ultimate sports competition consisting of a series of days-long extreme sports that, to put into perspective, is 5X the length of a typical triathlon.
Dubbed the 2015 Aletheia Quintuple Ultra-triathlon, it requires participants to endure and triumph over: a 12-mile-long swim across the Aegean Sea, from Faros Beach to Kitros Salt Pit; a 560-mile-long cycling phase in inland Greece, past Mount Olympus, to Sparta; and a 131-mile-long run to Egaleo Mountain. The winner? To ride to Athens by chariot.
This 700-mile-long competition is no mean feat. Worse still, there are numerous unexpected obstacles like sabotage, unfair advantage, insecurity, and crimes orchestrated by opponents and persons with vested interests.
These competitors and interested parties include the major characters billionaire financier-turned-fanatical marathoner Jack McKnight, rivaling Galloway brothers (Evan and Luke), and Jack’s vengeful one-time spouse Dana Brines. And these unfair advantages include the use of a newly-discovered performance-enhancing substance called Nan Airs, capable of administering respirocytes, where one respirocyte “could carry 236 times more oxygen and carbon dioxide than a natural blood cell… artificial red blood cells pumping through the runner’s muscles, feeding his brain with rich oxygen.”
And yet the military-associated nanotechnological PEDs, a “next-generation doping” that offers “boundless energy”, may be used for heinous crimes—this is the contextual moral dilemma. As the fast-paced plot unfolds, amid crucial flashbacks to events in the U.S. in the run-up to the dramatic exposè, the reader is left grappling with ethical questions about the great lengths that people go to for glory, regardless of the “collateral damages” and even if it means sacrificing their dearest ones.
With surprising twists and superbly suspenseful, Without Limits is truly enjoyable and its vivid plot would make a great movie.
February 23, 2024
Alright folks, let's get real about "Without Limits" by Dustin Grinnell. This ain't your average sports drama, it's a gritty exploration of what it takes to push the boundaries of human potential, and let me tell you, it's one wild ride.
Now, some folks might raise an eyebrow at the idea of using performance enhancers like Nan Airs, but hear me out. In the cutthroat world of elite athletics, it's all about staying ahead of the game. DARPA's Excelsior program ain't just some science experiment—it's a game-changer, leveling the playing field for athletes looking to take their performance to the next level.
Enter Dr. Evan Galloway, a genius physiologist with a mission to revolutionize endurance sports. When billionaire Jack McKnight announces the Aletheia ultra-triathlon, Evan sees it as the perfect opportunity to showcase the power of Nan Airs. Sure, there's risks involved, but when it comes to chasing greatness, sometimes you gotta roll the dice.
But it ain't just about the thrill of victory for Evan. With his brother Luke in the mix, fresh out of jail and looking to prove himself, Evan's got more than just a race to worry about. He's gotta keep his family safe while navigating the treacherous waters of elite competition.
Sure, McKnight might play dirty, but Evan's no stranger to adversity. Teaming up with the legendary Lucian Atticus, Evan's ready to give it his all, even if it means going toe-to-toe with a competitor armed with Nan Airs.
As the tension mounts and the stakes get higher, "Without Limits" delivers a heart-pounding thrill ride that'll leave you on the edge of your seat. Grinnell's writing, reminiscent of Michael Crichton's best work, keeps the action coming fast and furious, with twists and turns that'll keep you guessing 'til the very end.
So if you're looking for a pulse-pounding tale of courage, determination, and the pursuit of glory, look no further than "Without Limits." Just remember, sometimes you gotta break a few rules to rewrite the record books.
July 31, 2024
In the novel "Without Limits" by Dustin Grinnell, the story follows Dr. Evan Galloway, a physiologist who develops Nan Airs, a cutting-edge nanotechnology aimed at boosting athletic performance. When Evan enters the Aletheia ultra-triathlon, he faces the challenge of competing against individuals potentially using Nan Airs illegally, including his recently released brother, Luke, adding a layer of personal conflict to the narrative. The book adeptly explores themes such as human endurance, the ethical implications of new technology, and personal vendettas.
"Without Limits" seamlessly integrates advanced science with the captivating world of extreme sports. The introduction of Nan Airs, a technology designed to enhance oxygen flow in the blood and improve athletic abilities, plays a central role in the challenging backdrop of the Aletheia race in Greece. The author maintains a fast-paced narrative, effectively demonstrating the transformative impact of technology on natural capabilities.
The protagonist, Evan Galloway, is presented as a compelling and multifaceted character. His personal struggles and complex relationship with his brother, who seeks redemption, offer depth and emotional resonance to the story. While the antagonist may be less developed, Evan's character is well-crafted and engrossing. Grinnell's vivid descriptions of the grueling race and the breathtaking Greek landscapes add to the high-stakes tension. Additionally, the ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of Nan Airs provoke contemplation about the influence of biotechnology in sports.
"Without Limits" is a captivating read that seamlessly blends elements of thrillers and science fiction. Grinnell masterfully constructs a multifaceted narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The richly detailed settings, thrilling action sequences, and profound underlying themes make this book deserving of a solid 4-star rating. If there is an interest in the intersection of technology and human potential, "Without Limits" comes highly recommended for consideration.
"Without Limits" seamlessly integrates advanced science with the captivating world of extreme sports. The introduction of Nan Airs, a technology designed to enhance oxygen flow in the blood and improve athletic abilities, plays a central role in the challenging backdrop of the Aletheia race in Greece. The author maintains a fast-paced narrative, effectively demonstrating the transformative impact of technology on natural capabilities.
The protagonist, Evan Galloway, is presented as a compelling and multifaceted character. His personal struggles and complex relationship with his brother, who seeks redemption, offer depth and emotional resonance to the story. While the antagonist may be less developed, Evan's character is well-crafted and engrossing. Grinnell's vivid descriptions of the grueling race and the breathtaking Greek landscapes add to the high-stakes tension. Additionally, the ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of Nan Airs provoke contemplation about the influence of biotechnology in sports.
"Without Limits" is a captivating read that seamlessly blends elements of thrillers and science fiction. Grinnell masterfully constructs a multifaceted narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The richly detailed settings, thrilling action sequences, and profound underlying themes make this book deserving of a solid 4-star rating. If there is an interest in the intersection of technology and human potential, "Without Limits" comes highly recommended for consideration.
August 4, 2024
"Without Limits" by Dustin Grinnell is a high-octane thriller that dives deep into the world of human enhancement and extreme sports. Grinnell expertly melds advanced nanotechnology with the grueling demands of an ultra-triathlon, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and heart-pounding. The central innovation, Nan Airs, is a cutting-edge nanotech that enhances athletic performance by dramatically increasing oxygen delivery in the blood, setting the stage for ethical dilemmas and intense competition.
At the heart of the story is Dr. Evan Galloway, a physiologist whose development of Nan Airs attracts the attention of DARPA and billionaire Jack McKnight, who sponsors the deadly Aletheia race. Galloway's quest is not just professional but deeply personal, especially with his troubled brother Luke joining the race. The sibling dynamic adds emotional depth to the narrative, driving home themes of redemption and familial loyalty.
Grinnell's writing shines in his vivid descriptions of the Greek landscape and the visceral challenges of the triathlon. His prose is crisp and efficient, propelling readers through the plot with sharp clarity and urgency. However, some reviews suggest that while the protagonist, Evan, is well-developed, the antagonist, McKnight, could benefit from more depth. This imbalance slightly detracts from the overall tension and complexity of the story.
Moreover, the ethical implications of using performance-enhancing technology like Nan Airs are explored but could be delved into more deeply. The moral quandaries posed by such advancements are fascinating and warrant further exploration.
Despite these minor shortcomings, "Without Limits" is a compelling read. Grinnell's ability to blend science fiction with a fast-paced thriller makes for an engaging narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It's a must-read for fans of both genres, promising sleepless nights as you race toward its stunning conclusion.
Thank you
Happy Reading
May 21, 2024
"Without Limits" by Dustin Grinnell is a riveting thriller that delves into the morally gray world of human enhancement and the intricate web of relationships it entangles. At the heart of the story is Evan Galloway, a human limits physiologist working on a groundbreaking nanotech project aimed at enhancing human athletic performance. Set against the backdrop of DARPA's covert operations, Grinnell masterfully weaves a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the lengths some will go to in the pursuit of power.
The narrative unfolds as Evan navigates the complex landscape of his work, unaware of the sinister agendas lurking beneath the surface. As he strives to perfect his invention for the benefit of soldiers and civilians alike, he becomes entangled in a web of deceit and manipulation orchestrated by those with their own agendas. The tension mounts as Evan grapples with ethical dilemmas and the realization that not everything is as it seems.
Central to the story are the multifaceted characters whose motivations drive the plot forward. Evan emerges as a protagonist with depth and complexity, his inherent decency juxtaposed with his flaws and past secrets. His strained relationship with his brother Luke adds an emotional depth to the narrative, highlighting themes of redemption and reconciliation. Dana Brines, Evan's boss, is portrayed with equal nuance, her motivations shrouded in mystery as she navigates the murky waters of corporate intrigue.
Grinnell's prose is fast-paced and engaging, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the plot twists and turns towards its gripping conclusion. "Without Limits" is a compelling read that explores the ethical implications of technological advancement and the lengths to which individuals will go in the pursuit of power. With well-drawn characters and a tightly-woven plot, it is sure to captivate fans of the thriller genre.
January 14, 2025
Dustin Grinnell’s Without Limits takes readers on a thrilling ride into the world of extreme sports and groundbreaking biotechnology. The story follows Dr. Evan Galloway, a physiologist who develops Nan Airs, a cutting-edge nanotech that enhances athletic performance. The technology sets the stage for the Aletheia, a deadly ultra-triathlon in Greece, where athletes push their limits across brutal terrains. The stakes are personal for Evan, who joins the race to confront billionaire Jack McKnight and protect his reckless brother Luke. With vivid descriptions of Greece and intense competition, this action-packed story is both gripping and emotionally charged.
Tthe book explores the ethical dilemmas of using technology to push human boundaries. Grinnell delves into the dark side of ambition, power, and glory, all while balancing fast-paced action with emotional depth. The sibling dynamic between Evan and Luke adds a layer of humanity, making the high-stakes race even more compelling. As the competitors battle through the impossible, the story keeps you hooked, blending suspense with thought-provoking questions about science and morality.
Though occasionally dense with technical details, Without Limits is a captivating mix of sports fiction and ethical thriller. Grinnell’s sharp writing and vivid storytelling create an unforgettable tale of loyalty, redemption, and the lengths we go to achieve greatness. If you are into fast-paced adventures that make you think, this is a must-read.
Tthe book explores the ethical dilemmas of using technology to push human boundaries. Grinnell delves into the dark side of ambition, power, and glory, all while balancing fast-paced action with emotional depth. The sibling dynamic between Evan and Luke adds a layer of humanity, making the high-stakes race even more compelling. As the competitors battle through the impossible, the story keeps you hooked, blending suspense with thought-provoking questions about science and morality.
Though occasionally dense with technical details, Without Limits is a captivating mix of sports fiction and ethical thriller. Grinnell’s sharp writing and vivid storytelling create an unforgettable tale of loyalty, redemption, and the lengths we go to achieve greatness. If you are into fast-paced adventures that make you think, this is a must-read.
May 25, 2024
How should we behave? How should we get along with our lives? Where should we mostly focus our efforts? These are questions that Greek philosopher Socrates dealt with. Dustin Grinnell begins his writing with a good introduction explaining the meaning of philosophy tying it to some of the Greek philosophers like Socrates, Aristotle and Plato. The writer mentions that philosophy mainly deals with “shoulds” and gives some examples. He then continues to lay the foundation for the reader that trickles down to the “should” that is found in the sporting industry. This is a good approach to keep the reader engaged. Without Limits has a storyline that centers around a number of protagonists and antagonists. I love the way the writer plays around with the characters to help portray bravery, self-centerdness, self-drive, resilience and many other traits. Evan in the story tells us that it is a norm for athletes to want to test their limits. That advancement in technology has seen the rise of different enhancements. However, he says that athletes should not test their limits by using such devices. If you push harder, you become stronger, “a superior product” as Lucian would say. I can recommend this read especially if you love science fiction!
August 26, 2024
Intriguing and insightful!
Without Limits by Dustin Grinnell is an exciting and well-written sports fiction novel that pulls you in right from the first page. The fast pace and clear writing made it a pleasure to read, and I found myself quickly immersed in the story.
The characters are intriguing, especially Evan, whose personal struggles add depth to the action-packed plot. I appreciated how the book explores big ideas around technology and ethics without getting bogged down, making it both thought-provoking and fun to read.
At its core, the book explores the theme of human limits and the ethical dilemmas of pushing those boundaries with technology. Grinnell raises important questions about how far we should go in the name of progress, particularly in the world of sports and competition, all while keeping the story engaging and fast-paced.
What really stood out to me was how well the story flows. Each chapter keeps you wanting more, and the intense, high-stakes competition at the heart of the plot keeps you on edge. Grinnell balances action with character moments, making you care about what happens.
If you’re looking for a gripping, fast-paced read that combines science, competition, and moral questions, Without Limits is a great choice!
Without Limits by Dustin Grinnell is an exciting and well-written sports fiction novel that pulls you in right from the first page. The fast pace and clear writing made it a pleasure to read, and I found myself quickly immersed in the story.
The characters are intriguing, especially Evan, whose personal struggles add depth to the action-packed plot. I appreciated how the book explores big ideas around technology and ethics without getting bogged down, making it both thought-provoking and fun to read.
At its core, the book explores the theme of human limits and the ethical dilemmas of pushing those boundaries with technology. Grinnell raises important questions about how far we should go in the name of progress, particularly in the world of sports and competition, all while keeping the story engaging and fast-paced.
What really stood out to me was how well the story flows. Each chapter keeps you wanting more, and the intense, high-stakes competition at the heart of the plot keeps you on edge. Grinnell balances action with character moments, making you care about what happens.
If you’re looking for a gripping, fast-paced read that combines science, competition, and moral questions, Without Limits is a great choice!
June 5, 2024
A captivating story
Dustin Grinnell's book is a high octane thriller that immerses readers in a world where the boundaries of human endurance are continually tested and pushed to their limits. The novel's premise, set against the backdrop of the Aletheia race, is both thrilling and thought-provoking. However, it is Grinnell's distinctive writing style that truly brings this story to life, making it an engaging read for book lovers who appreciate a blend of intense action and nuanced character development.
Grinnell’s prose is crisp and efficient, perfectly suited for the fast-paced narrative he has crafted. He has a knack for vivid, kinetic descriptions that pull readers into the visceral experiences of the characters. Whether it’s the grueling physical demands of the triathlon or the intricate technological details of the Nan Airs, Grinnell’s writing ensures that every moment is rendered with sharp clarity and urgency. His detailed descriptions of the Greek landscape are particularly striking, creating a rich, immersive setting that contrasts beautifully with the high-tech elements of the story.
Dustin Grinnell's book is a high octane thriller that immerses readers in a world where the boundaries of human endurance are continually tested and pushed to their limits. The novel's premise, set against the backdrop of the Aletheia race, is both thrilling and thought-provoking. However, it is Grinnell's distinctive writing style that truly brings this story to life, making it an engaging read for book lovers who appreciate a blend of intense action and nuanced character development.
Grinnell’s prose is crisp and efficient, perfectly suited for the fast-paced narrative he has crafted. He has a knack for vivid, kinetic descriptions that pull readers into the visceral experiences of the characters. Whether it’s the grueling physical demands of the triathlon or the intricate technological details of the Nan Airs, Grinnell’s writing ensures that every moment is rendered with sharp clarity and urgency. His detailed descriptions of the Greek landscape are particularly striking, creating a rich, immersive setting that contrasts beautifully with the high-tech elements of the story.
August 29, 2024
Thrilling and Thought-Provoking
I found Without Limits by Dustin Grinnell very interesting and insightful. The plot features the utilization of advanced biotechnology in enhancing human athletic performance. This well thought out sci-fi story depicts the real world events in today’s sports world.
The author does an incredible job with plot and character development. The setting is very descriptive and visualize the events making the story more exciting that I felt like I was watching a movie. Moreover, the sequence of events and flow of the story reflect Grinnell's exceptional story telling skills.
The story is very immersive and suspenseful. I was hooked on the book turning after page thirsty to find out what happens next. The author’s language and word choice makes the story suitable for readers across various ages. I enjoyed reading Without Limits and I highly recommend the book to everyone who loves thriller sci-fi adventure stories.
I found Without Limits by Dustin Grinnell very interesting and insightful. The plot features the utilization of advanced biotechnology in enhancing human athletic performance. This well thought out sci-fi story depicts the real world events in today’s sports world.
The author does an incredible job with plot and character development. The setting is very descriptive and visualize the events making the story more exciting that I felt like I was watching a movie. Moreover, the sequence of events and flow of the story reflect Grinnell's exceptional story telling skills.
The story is very immersive and suspenseful. I was hooked on the book turning after page thirsty to find out what happens next. The author’s language and word choice makes the story suitable for readers across various ages. I enjoyed reading Without Limits and I highly recommend the book to everyone who loves thriller sci-fi adventure stories.
January 17, 2025
This book is an absolute ride! Think wild biotech breakthroughs, insane athletic challenges, and just the right amount of family drama and shady billionaires. Dustin Grinnell basically took everything awesome and threw it into one book.
Imagine being able to sprint for 15 minutes in one breath because of some high-tech artificial blood cells. Sounds amazing, right? Except... what happens when people (and by people, I mean sketchy billionaires) start messing with it for their own gain? That’s where things get really messy.
It’s got all the juicy stuff: betrayals, dirty tricks, big ethical dilemmas, and a race to stop things from spiralling out of control.
If you’re into books that mix science, sports, and a bit of family drama with a side of what-would-you-do moral questions, this one’s for you. It’s fun, it’s smart, and it’ll totally mess with your sleep schedule as you’ll be hooked on it! Recommended.
Imagine being able to sprint for 15 minutes in one breath because of some high-tech artificial blood cells. Sounds amazing, right? Except... what happens when people (and by people, I mean sketchy billionaires) start messing with it for their own gain? That’s where things get really messy.
It’s got all the juicy stuff: betrayals, dirty tricks, big ethical dilemmas, and a race to stop things from spiralling out of control.
If you’re into books that mix science, sports, and a bit of family drama with a side of what-would-you-do moral questions, this one’s for you. It’s fun, it’s smart, and it’ll totally mess with your sleep schedule as you’ll be hooked on it! Recommended.
September 4, 2024
Without Limits is a sports-centric science fiction novel focusing on Evan Galloway, a scientist who works for a secretive government agency building biotechnology to enhance the limits of human performance. The book is well-paced and exciting, with much to love for fans of sports (particularly running) and sci-fi.
I think that an often-overlooked part of the book is the philosophical questions it creates for us. As alluded to at the start of the book, just because we can enhance humans' physical limits, does that mean we should? This is actually a great question that the book does not answer, instead leaving readers to come to their own conclusion. And I like that, great book.
I think that an often-overlooked part of the book is the philosophical questions it creates for us. As alluded to at the start of the book, just because we can enhance humans' physical limits, does that mean we should? This is actually a great question that the book does not answer, instead leaving readers to come to their own conclusion. And I like that, great book.
July 22, 2024
Without Limit by Dustin Grinnell is a thriller that talks about the strength of human endurance. The story moves fast and the reader is kept engaged throughout thanks to the author’s brilliant writing skills.
The book is a must reader for all those who love thriller genre. The plot is fascinating and the characters do a fantastic job overall.
Full marks to the writer. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
The book is a must reader for all those who love thriller genre. The plot is fascinating and the characters do a fantastic job overall.
Full marks to the writer. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
February 29, 2024
Whoa, what a thriller! The book has such a strong through-line and character development, in addition to providing the reader with a constantly evolving plot. Each page brought more anticipation. Grinnell weaves Greek mythology, futuristic science, and athletics into a story of morality like nothing else I've ever read. This book would make a fantastic film!
October 30, 2015
Evan Galloway is a human limits physiologist working for DARPA--the Defense Advanced Research Projects Administration, the same folks who brought us the internet. Evan's project, of course, is quite different. He's developing a nanotech method for dramatically improving human athletic performance, by increasing the amount of oxygen the human blood can carry. The army wants it for soldiers, but as with much of what DARPA does, there are obvious civilian applications.
Of course, the most obvious of those applications would be classed as cheating. Some people don't mind that, though. Some people are quite comfortable with cheating.
One of those people is billionaire and extreme athlete Jack McKnight--who happens to be the former lover of Evan's boss, Dana Brines. And Dana and Jack have a son together. Or they did, until last year. Michael died suddenly, after running an ultramarathon.
One of the many important details Evan doesn't know is that there are two versions of the project he's dubbed Nan Airs. He's working on a version that will be safe, effective, and undetectable by any easily foreseeable testing method. The army wants that. The army also wants a lethal version, a version that can be triggered to lethality at any time from a safe distance, and that part has been farmed out.
This is a tense, complicated tale about people with multiple competing agendas, and Grinnell keeps it all moving and keeps it all straight for the reader. Evan is decent and kind at his core, but he's a complex character with real weaknesses, and some unpleasant secrets in his past. He's also got a fractured relationship with his brother Luke, that he'd love to repair. Dana Brines has her own complicated motivations and intentions, and Lucius Atticus is a satisfyingly flawed but capable training guru for Evan.
The only really significant character who is a bit too simplistic is Jack McKnight. There's one thing he does, early on, that's just incomprehensible except that it proves how bad this bad guy really is.
Despite that flaw, this is a really great read, a story that keeps moving, with characters you can care about
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Of course, the most obvious of those applications would be classed as cheating. Some people don't mind that, though. Some people are quite comfortable with cheating.
One of those people is billionaire and extreme athlete Jack McKnight--who happens to be the former lover of Evan's boss, Dana Brines. And Dana and Jack have a son together. Or they did, until last year. Michael died suddenly, after running an ultramarathon.
One of the many important details Evan doesn't know is that there are two versions of the project he's dubbed Nan Airs. He's working on a version that will be safe, effective, and undetectable by any easily foreseeable testing method. The army wants that. The army also wants a lethal version, a version that can be triggered to lethality at any time from a safe distance, and that part has been farmed out.
This is a tense, complicated tale about people with multiple competing agendas, and Grinnell keeps it all moving and keeps it all straight for the reader. Evan is decent and kind at his core, but he's a complex character with real weaknesses, and some unpleasant secrets in his past. He's also got a fractured relationship with his brother Luke, that he'd love to repair. Dana Brines has her own complicated motivations and intentions, and Lucius Atticus is a satisfyingly flawed but capable training guru for Evan.
The only really significant character who is a bit too simplistic is Jack McKnight. There's one thing he does, early on, that's just incomprehensible except that it proves how bad this bad guy really is.
Despite that flaw, this is a really great read, a story that keeps moving, with characters you can care about
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2015
Interesting fiction book about triathlon/endurance/ultra athletes and performance enhancement drugs. Such a different read and I enjoyed it because I knew all the sports lingo and love the sport of triathlon. If I was not a runner / triathlete I'm not sure I would have enjoyed this book. It is over the top and I would love to hear how other athletes like this book.
September 17, 2015
Fun, suspenseful story about athletes and how far humans can (or should) push themselves physically. There was also a lot of discussion about cheating, morality, and just doing what is right. I recommend it; a fast read that will get you thinking.
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