The Methuselah Project

Methuselah Project #1

by Rick Barry

Nazi scientists started many experiments. One never ended.

Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed--until the day he's shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.

When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success--but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn't aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn't Captain America--just a lousy existence only made passable by a newfound faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger's sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there's no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It's 2015--and the world has become an unrecognizable place.

Katherine Mueller--crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle--offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he's trying to flee?

Thrown right into pulse-pounding action from the first page, readers will find themselves transported back in time to a believable, full-colored past, and then catapulted into the present once more. The historical back-and-forth adds a constantly moving element of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Christian, Science Fiction, Contemporary

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2015

About the author

Rick Barry is the author of The Methuselah Project, Methuselah Project S.O.S., Gunner's Run, Kiriath's Quest, The Next Fithian, plus over 200 published articles and fiction stories. In addition to being a World War II buff, he has visited Eastern Europe over 50 times in connection with Christian ministries. He holds a degree in foreign languages and speaks Russian. Visit Rick at these sites:

Website: www.rickcbarry.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/AuthorRickBarry
X: @WriterRickBarry
Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JPA39S.

Reviews

[Sarah Sundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a ride! If you like World War II fiction, if you like a rip-roaring thriller, and if you like Captain America (you do like the Cap, don’t you?), you’ll love The Methuselah Project. Rick Barry knows his history, and all the details are just right, including Roger’s culture shock in modern America. Roger and Katherine are wonderful characters, and the suspense is smartly paced. Enjoy!

[BooksNCrannies · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I'm sick of it. Of this whole futile existence. Wouldn't he be better off dead than living a pointless, artificially prolonged life with zero purpose for him or his country?"

✏️ Review ✏️

The Methuselah Project was quite a wild ride of suspense! (Let me just say that sci-fi is a genre that I don't typically read but this book was definitely worth reading.) Before I began reading it, I did have my doubts as to whether this story would be both engaging and realistic. But my doubts were soon blown away by the fresh winds of fascination and quickly replaced with a feeling of rapidly growing suspense as I kept frantically flipping page after page to find out what would happen next. Rick Barry artistically mixes WWII history and contemporary times with a good dose of sci-fi to create a story that is both very realistic and surprisingly believable. The plot itself proved to be highly absorbing and at times intense. Complementing the story well are the two protagonists: Roger and Katherine. Both of them feature accurate qualities and quirks from their different time periods. Their dynamic development throughout the story further adds another avenue of dimension to the plot. The ending... yeah, left me thinking both "Wow! That was intense" and "Oh, so relieved." The Methuselah Project is a great sci-fi novel that is realistic, engaging, and fascinating.... Hmmmm, now what about that sequel....

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📊 A Quick Overview 📊

👍🏼 What I Liked:
•The realistic blending of history with sci-fi elements.
•The believable tenor that pervades the entire story.
•The absorbing and sometimes intense plot.
•The well defined and dynamic protagonists.
•The demonstration of the power of God's Word to change a person's outlook on life.

👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
•The loose moral tone exhibited in a few parts of the book.

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📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 4/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 4/5
— 📝 Writing: 3.5/5
— 👥 Characters: 4/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)

— 🤬 Language: 0/5

— ⚔️ Violence: 2/5
•Some shooting and killing; mentions blood

— ⚠️ Sexual: 2/5
•There is a scene of attempted rape; the details are minimal and the scene doesn't progress to anything explicit.

•There is a brief discussion of a hypothetical Nazi program in which women are forced be "impregnat[ed]... with Aryan seed" by Nazi soldiers in order to boost population.

•Mentions prostitutes and illegitimacy one or two times.

•There are a few scenes of kissing (nothing extreme).

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📣 Random Comments 📣

•The moral tone of the female MC is a bit loose at times; so some of her thoughts and actions exhibit worldly passions in a few portions of the story. And while this moral looseness does a good job at further emphasizing the dramatic changes between the WWII and contemporary cultures, I do wish it wasn't in so much of the book — so this would be something that makes the book better suited for a mature audience.

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💬 Favorite Quotes 💬

•"'[E]veryone needs a castle in the sky. Without dreams... well, a person without dreams might as well be dead, I suppose.'" (p. 144)

•"A lot of living had been happening while he languished underground. More people with piercings all over their faces, bare midrifts, unnatural hair color, bold tattoos — it appeared that nothing was verboten anymore. He hardly knew where it was safe to look. Women didn't cover themselves as they used to. In some cases, it was hard to know if he was looking at a man or a woman. He had to force himself not to stare." (p. 185)

•"'Maybe the world would be a better place if everyone took time to thank God for things they have, instead of coveting everything they don't.'" (p. 211)

[Jesseca Wheaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this book!!!! One of the most amazing, sweet, interesting books I've read! Roger was so sweet and funny and Katherine was just adorable! The book reminded me somewhat of Captain America, which was awesome! Definitely a favorite! :)

[Staci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantasy or Science Fiction isn't my typical read.

The Methuselah Project is about a WWII pilot that undergoes a scientific experiment in Germany after being captured. As a result of the experiment, the pilot, Captain Greene doesn't age. His story was told in tandem with Katherine's in 2015.

I found the first half of the novel to be more interesting than the second half. Overall, it was a good read and I recommend it for fantasy readers.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

{3.5 stars}

I'm totally *not* a Sci-fi reader. Never have been, but this book description grabbed me because World War 2 plays a big part in this book. So I can't say I'm a huge lover of science fiction now, but I did enjoy this one a little more than expected.

What I liked:
-The setting. The first chapter was great!! Too bad Roger didn't get to fly his plane a little more.
-The second half was the best. I was pulled in by the words; intrigued.
-I really liked when Roger got to the "real world" after his imprisonment. Makes you realize the huge difference from the 1950s to the 2010s!!
-Roger's sarcasm made me snicker.
-The escape scene!
-I did like that Roger read the Bible and there were even a few verses quoted throughout the book.
-The one chapter with Walt made me sniff. Definitely tear worthy and I was really glad...never mind. No spoilers :))

What I didn't like:
-I will admit that the first 1/3 of story wasn't that enjoyable. Everything with the experiment made me shiver and feel a little weird.
-More than halfway through the book all Katherine's scenes were basically just about her wanting to find a boyfriend. There was nothing deep about her scenes. Of course she wasn't a Christian, so you just feel like you were reading a clean fiction book.
-Sophie kissing Roger in the cell really got on my nerves.
-At first there was hardly anything mentioned about God or the Bible...toward the middle and end there was more. It wasn't a huge focus.
-There were three uses of "bloody" by a British airman. I understand that this word in America is not a swear word, but having lived in England it was hard for me to read that word without skimming quickly.

What was weird:
-Imagining Roger over a hundred years old and still looking in his 20s really played on my mind!! Especially when an attraction was formed between he and Katherine toward the end.
-The HO organization. Weird, weird.

Overall a good read, but I only raised my rating slightly for the second half because I enjoyed it more. Not a most favorite book, but others may enjoy more than myself.

*Recommended for older teens and up. Mentions of human reproduction (semi-detail), a few kisses, and one attempted rape.

[Toni Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is to be the most captivating book I read in a long time. Pulse –pounding action from page one, this fiction is so enthralling I hated to do anything else but flipping pages to see the outcome, it is simply that captivating. The story is quite original and starts during WW11 with Roger Greene, a fighter pilot, who becomes a study subject in the Methuselah Project by Nazi scientists after his plane was shot down behind enemy lines during WW11. It is also the story of Katherine Mueller, a freelance editor, living in Atlanta in 2014. Destiny eventually brings them together……..

The story moves from the time Roger is shut down to the present day and is told by the two players as the narrative switches back and forth between them. This is mixture of mystery and intrigue filled with chase scenes that all started with an experiment for longevity…..What a great thrill ride this story gives. Imagine languishing behind bars for 70 years and not aging at all, being able to escape only to be relentlessly hunted by the Organisation (bad guys) while trying to orient yourself and figure out all the modern gadgetry of the 21st century….The premise may be far-fetched and implausible in many ways but what it does well is to give us pause on some of the war’s atrocities. The characterization is well-done: Katherine is a real Southern belle and plays a good role especially when the chase is on. Our hero Roger is simply an ace, what else can I say.

“The Methuselah Project” is well-crafted to provide a bit of everything and captivated its reader from page one.

[Leah Good · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is Gunner's Run meets Captain America: The Winter Soldier meets Replication: The Jason Experiment. Young Roger Greene was born to fly and fated to crash. Stranded in Axis territory, he is quickly captured and escorted to a cell, but he hasn't been delivered to any ordinary POW camp. Roger finds himself one of seven men subjected to an experiment designed to extend mans' lifespan to match Methuselah's. Unfortunately for Roger, it works.

The mashup of history, sci-fi, and flat-out adventure story in this book made for a fast paced ride, even when Roger was spending a lifetime languishing behind bars. At the beginning of the story, overly informative dialogue got distracting quickly but gradually wore off as the story progressed. The last 100 pages or so kept me up until one in the morning. Imagine combining an epic, cross country chase and manhunt combined with a WWII era guy trying to figure out McDonald's and cell phones.

Overall, if you're willing to overlook some clunky dialogue, strap on your seat belt and get ready for a wild ride.

DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Rondi Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been on a WWII kick lately, so this book looked interesting and I thought I'd give it a try. The concept ended up being more science fiction than history, the title should have given me a clue, but I like science fiction too, so it worked out fine for me.

I would describe this book as an origins story. The last quarter of the book was especially good and seemed like a setup for future books, which I hope will come.

My only significant complaint with the book is that the female lead seemed to be defined by one trait most of the book, wanting a boyfriend. Seriously. Uncle Kurt likes this guy, he doesn't like this other one, why don't I try a dating site? Fortunately she does grow in complexity toward the end of the book.

Clean and appropriate for younger age groups. I would recommend for YA readers, especially young men.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would happen if the Nazi’s invited a medicine that could make someone live for a thousand years? What if they experimented on American soldiers? What if one survived and escaped? That is exactly the type of story that The Methuselah Project is. The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry is a mixture of mystery and intrigue. Even though the synopsis on the back cover really doesn’t do the book justice, I really, really enjoyed this book. If you are a fan of World War II history and love a good suspense book filled with chase scenes and bullets flying, then I highly recommend you buying this book.

As a suspense book, Barry hits what I look for in a great thrill ride. First, there are plenty of characters going under disguise to throw off the enemy. Captain Roger Greene, the pilot, has to take on a number of disguises to escape his physical prison and return home to Indiana. With the help of two different ladies, Sophia and Katherine, Roger wakens to a new world in 2015. Second, I loved the idea of The Methuselah Project and what it actually does to Roger. It was a complete original and unpredictable story. I couldn’t read the book fast enough. I started it and finished one hundred pages, went to bed, and woke up and finished the book in two more hours. It is fast-paced and rich with action.

I believe it is so good because I got wrapped up in Roger’s plight that I wanted to see how it ended. Does he go home? Does he return to a normal life? What happens to him? Do people actually believe him? I held on to the plot, anxiously turning the pages waiting to see what happens to a character that I wanted everything to turn out for him. I felt bad for his struggles and wanted to see justice done.

Romance fans will even be interested. As a man who has been locked up for seventy years with only seeing the male doctors, of course, he is going to be interested in the female doctor, Sophia and Katherine, the accomplice in America. There are moments of high emotions, but nothing that true suspense lovers will cringe at. It is not over the top and cheesy. Very mellow.

Another one of Barry's strength is his descriptive writing. I felt like I was in the airplane during 1943 when the story started. Barry's amount of research into the workings of these old airplanes really made the story ring true to me. I, however, enjoyed spending time in Plainfield, Indiana and all the details Barry had to look up.As someone who grew up just east of Plainfield, well actually Avon, Indiana, it sparked a little bit of homesickness in me. I loved growing up in Indianapolis.

Briefly, near the end of the story, there is even a moment where I had to bat my eyes to keep tears from falling. Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone if you have to keep some tears at bay too. Our secret.

Fans of suspense in any time period and fans of World War II novels will lose themselves in the plot. I highly recommend this book.

The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry is a fast pace non-stop action story that begins during World War II and brings Roger and me to the present day. This is a gem of a story, and I honestly can’t wait to see what else Rick Barry plans to write. I am hooked on his writing.

I received a complimentary copy of The Methuselah Project from Rick Barry in exchange for my honest opinion. All the statements in this review are mine, and I was not forced to leave a good review.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rick Barry in his new book, “The Methuselah Project” published by Kregel Publications introduces us to Roger Greene.

From the back cover: Nazi scientists started many experiments. One never ended.

Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed–until the day he’s shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.

When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success–but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn’t aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn’t Captain America–just a lousy existence only made passable by a newfound faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger’s sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there’s no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It’s 2015–and the world has become an unrecognizable place.

Katherine Mueller–crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle–offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he’s trying to flee?

Thrown right into pulse-pounding action from the first page, readers will find themselves transported back in time to a believable, full-colored past, and then catapulted into the present once more. The historical back-and-forth adds a constantly moving element of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

There will always be a group or someone who feels that they can live your life for you better than you can. This is what happens to Roger Greene. He crashes behind enemy lines and then is used for a science experiment that works. He is held prisoner for seventy-two years and then escapes. Or does he really? “The Methuselah Project” is filled with tension and many twist and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Mr. Barry is highly talented and keeps the story moving at a very high level of quality, though every so often it does slow down a touch. And did I mention that there is a romance? Roger and Katherine are well drawn and interesting characters. Not only will this book keep you flipping pages as fast as you can read them it will also have you asking all kinds of questions. Well Done!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ever-present question of “What if?” abounds in The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry. Captain Roger Greene of the U.S. Army Air Corps flies what proves to be his last combat mission on December 17, 1943. Roger loves flying and outmaneuvering the enemy, but on this particular day, he runs out of ammunition during a fight that leaves his P-47 Thunderbolt crippled with two enemy Me 109s still on his tail. He crashes somewhere in Germany with snow on the ground and nowhere to hide from the enemy soldiers who soon appear. Roger is captured and taken to a facility where he joins six other detainees in an experiment involving human cell regeneration with the goal of restoring the span of human life to that of Methuselah who lived 969 years. Roger spends the next seventy years under lock and key, being studied and analyzed, yet he doesn’t age.

Katherine Mueller lives in the present time. She lives with her only living relative, Uncle Kurt Mueller, who has raised her since her parents died in a fire so long ago she can’t really remember them. She works as a free-lance writer so she can pick and choose her assignments and work hours, although she doesn’t yet have enough clients to be totally self-supporting. She wishes to please Uncle Kurt so she is trying to be gracious about his interference in her love life, which is non-existent since he is so picky about who she dates. She also trains to become part of the organization Uncle Kurt is involved in, an organization her parents belonged to and which she has heard of from Uncle Kurt all her life.

The Methuselah Project was absorbing. The book was well written, well thought out, and detailed without being overwhelming. The plot was intriguing. Could there be a “fountain of youth” such as has been pursued throughout history? Following Roger in his 70 years of captivity created thought-provoking questions such as “What would I do if my living space was confined to a small cell?” “How would I pass the time?” “How would I survive mentally?” “How would I respond to my captors and wardens if they were the only people I ever saw?” I really enjoyed watching the timelines of Roger and Katherine merge, seeing the span of time between them narrow as Roger’s time in confinement neared an end, wondering how and when they would meet. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

[Narita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure about reading this book as it was by a man, and I thought it would be too “macho” for me. I also never read sci-fi but after reading the back of the book I was curious. I am so glad decided to give it a chance.
It is WWII, 1943 and Captain Roger Green, already a hero in his own right, is doing what he loves most, flying. After many successful missions, he is shot down over enemy territory and with his piloting skills averts what could have been a fatal crash. He thinks he will go into survival mode and be rescued but finds himself quickly captured and whisked away to an unusual prison. There he finds himself and a handful of other men, as part of an evil experiment. It is top secret even among the Nazi’s.
When the prison is bombed by Allied forces, Roger not only survives but completely heals. Roger becomes priceless to them as a human guinea pig because he is proof what they are trying to achieve worked: a human that can live forever. Over the next 70 years he is kept like a caged animal. Is only human contact is a few scientists. This gave him a great deal of time to examine his relationship with God he had abandoned years ago.
Finally through a suspenseful escape, he returns to America in the year 2015. He is a modern day Rip Van Winkle. Being in a time warp is the least of his worries. He is still in great danger. A young woman, Katherine who is trying to rescue him, has no clue she is his enemy and neither does he.
This story is electrifying! We know technology has moved ahead rapidly in a short time, but do we ever stop to think how much? Seeing the 21st century through the eyes someone from the 1940’s was shocking. To make it even harder, Roger couldn’t share his story with anyone as it was too insane. Who would believe him? He had no identification, and everyone he knew was dead, or so he thought. His newly renewed faith was put into action right away!
This book has so many things going for it. It is well written, super action filled, historical, and exciting! I had trouble putting it down and read it in record time. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Barry’s books! Trust me; you do want to read this book!
I received a copy of this book free from Kregel Publishing. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A "what if" story that spreads its wings and soars. I found this novel to be absolutely fascinating. There is so much history, plausible or not, built into this book. So much to ponder. As a child myself during WWII, my interest deepened throughout. Growing up, I learned as others did, that there were many secrets, experiments, agendas, so to me, this book did have an abundance of historic fact, fiction, what-if.... Yes. What if Roger Greene had not crashed in his plane and lived only to be captured? What if German scientists had discovered a way to appease Hitler's plan for the Thousand Year Reich? What if one experiment actually worked? Herein lies the mystery, the complexity of the story.

The author, Rick Barry , has given us a full-blown history of one man's fight to return home to Indiana. This history is decades in the making. In the beginning there were seven, Roger was Number 7. When the lab is demolished by heavy bombardment only Roger remains alive among the seven captives. What does this mean? Will he be rescued? One of his captors, indeed the scientist himself, eventually loosens up enough to provide the airman with reading material which included a Bible. His world opening up and giving him hope through many different writings provides enough to keep him sane, but for how long?

This is an adventure story unlike others. No dashing around, he is in a cage. But he has plans, and God on his side. And he is exactly the same in appearance as he was 70 years ago when he was captured. He is not even aware that the war is long over. On the other hand, is it really over for him? The opportunity he has been waiting for suddenly arises and Yes! he is free, at least he may be free, if he can just get out of Germany and to the US, but will anyone believe his story? This story has everything a person could want. A mix of everything: sci fi, romance, war, history, humanity, inhumanity, christianity, excitement, adventure, a book that will keep you reading as the world takes him through changes, terror, and more. A wonderful, entertaining and thought-provoking book with a surprise ending.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a WW II novel with a captivating twist. I really liked it.

Roger Greene was shot down over Nazi Germany in 1943. He was taken prisoner and became part of a bazaar experiment. Called the Methuselah Project, an eccentric scientist injected Roger and six others with chemicals and submitted them to treatments.

Roger was the only one who survived. He's lived for decades in a basement cell. And he has never aged. He's been lied to by his caretakers and believes the war is still going on, although at somewhat of a stalemate. The only thing that has kept him from going crazy is the Bible he reads.

After some 70 years of captivity, one of his caretakers turns sympathetic and there is a chance for an escape. But could he ever be free or would the organization holding him captive hunt him until they could take him out? And when he meets a woman who offers to help him, how does he know he can even trust her?

This is great fiction. We have bazaar experiments going on in the last months of the Nazi regime. We have a secret organization of Nazi war survivors who hid their experiments, and Roger, from the Allies. That organization continues today with nefarious intentions and operatives in several countries. And Roger, even if he could escape and get free, how could he ever convince anyone he was nearly a hundred years old, looking like a young man?

The characters are well done. Roger is a well crafted guy out of the forties. He talks like one and acts like one. The gal he meets is a well crafted character too. She is a little naive about the secret organization her uncle has convinced her to join, but she has a good heart.

There is lots of action in the novel. I liked the way the plot developed, as the narrative goes back and forth from WW II to today. Barry has made a conspiracy organization and a bazaar experiment into a believable and very readable story. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me captivated from the get-go! Roger is a pilot in the Air Force in WWII - roger that? (A little book humor) He gets shot down over Germany's Third Reich during a air raid, and becomes number seven in the science experiments Dr. is conducting. The goal, a body that will generate new cells quickly, heal itself, and live a very long life. In that way, the elite will become even more intelligent and able to conquer the world.

After years of living in a cell, Roger finally finds way to escape. He has no idea how the world has changed, believing that all these years the world was still at war. He knows no one and has no where to go. Meanwhile... somewhere in America, there is an elite society, the HO. Few people are eligible to become members, those who do are sworn to secrecy and must past the most rigid of testing to move up in the ranks. Katherine, a beautiful and intelligent young woman is part of this organization. Mostly due to her uncle and the memory of her parents and what they wanted for her. Her most recent assignment - Roger. Little does she know what all this involves and how dangerous it can get.

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. It started out fast paced, slowed just a little for me in the middle, but that may just have been because I was so eager to get him out of that cell and see what was going to happen to him. Honestly, I had a hard time putting it down. My house work suffered for a few days. The author was creative and fun with Roger's outdated vocabulary and knowledge of the current year and modern times. I enjoyed the reference to God and the Bible. I felt while the author did a great job incorporating faith without making it overbearing.

What can I say? You will not want to miss this one. This is the first time I have read a book by Rick Barry, but it won't be the last I hope.

This book was provided by bookfun.org and Kregel in exchange for my honest review.

[Jennifer Davids · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Captain Roger Greene crashes his fighter plane in Nazi Germany during World War II, he resigns himself to the fact he won’t be going home for a while. But he never imagines that ‘a while ‘ will end up being seventy-two years later and that he won’t have aged a day since he was captured.
I genuinely enjoyed reading Rick Barry’s The Methuselah Project . Captain Roger Greene jumped – or I should say, flew – right off the page as I was immediately immersed into a World War II dogfight. Rick’s attention to historical detail is superb from the twists and dives of Roger’s P-47 to the 40’s era lingo that raises a few eyebrows in 2015.
Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go…” is beautifully put into action in the spiritual development of Roger’s character. When he is first imprisoned and experimented upon he turns to his memories of his childhood Sunday school teacher who always admonished him and his classmates to pray. It is from that foundation that Rick builds Roger’s spiritual arc, taking him from indifferent God-fearer to devout Christian. Particularly touching is Roger’s regret over how the world has changed since he last saw it. “Being here feels like going to see an old friend, only to find a stranger living in the house.” (The Methuselah Project, pg 257)
Katherine Mueller is an admirable heroine, hard as nails yet feminine and will not disappoint a female reader. While learning martial arts and the nuances of surveillance, she still longs for a love life and independence. And while she is a bit too trusting about her uncle – understandable since he raised her – she doesn’t hesitate to eventually see ‘the Organization’ for what it is and stand behind Roger.
The Methuselah Project was an enjoyably unique read and I wouldn’t object to seeing what else the 21st century holds for Roger Greene and Katherine Mueller.

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction with a bit of science fiction twist to it. That is how I would categorize The Methuselah Project. This is the fictional work of an imaginative mind taking us into the realm of Nazi Germany during the Third Reich when Hitler was trying to rid the World of undesirables and promote his pure and super race. Hitler's goal (fact here) was to make sure his perceived pure race of Germans would continue unabated throughout the World. Now venturing into the fictional arena, the author has Third Reich scientists using captured soldiers with all the "right" qualities, on which to experiment and test their alteration of the genetic makeup of these individuals to ensure Methuselah type length-of-life.

Imprisoning seven of these men and subjecting them to the experiments, only one survived and exhibited the qualities they were seeking. That was the male protagonist in our story, Roger Greene. Alas, a bombing took out the lab killing the main scientist and destroying the majority of his records.

Seventy years later, Roger Greene escapes his captors and enters the modern, perplexing world. His life is in danger from many corners and he must seek to find proof of who he really is.

This is a pretty far fetched premise, but many scientific ideas have previously been in the realm of the unattainable and are now fact.

I found the story entertaining and providing reflection on some of the atrocities that were and may have been committed during that period of time. The Christian aspect was there, but not overwhelming. The touch of romance that developed between Roger and Katherine is certainly well within what is acceptable for Christian fiction. A good book to recommend.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique, intriguing, captivating. This book snatched my attention from the first page and held it to the very end. Reminiscent of the Mel Gibson classic film Forever Young with the heart of Steve McQueen's The Great Escape, this author is the one to watch.

Roger Greene loves two things: to fly and to serve his country. Those dreams end when his plane gets shot down over enemy territory and he's imprisoned by Nazi scientists experimenting on POWs. Roger quickly learns his part in the Methuselah Project is successful when he becomes the sole survivor of an air raid and his wounds heal within hours. The project's creator dies in the bombing and the scientists that take over must recreate the formula by studying still-imprisoned Roger--for years.

It's now 2015, and Roger has found a way to escape. He seizes the opportunity only to be thrust into a world remarkably different than the one he knew. With the help of new acquaintance Katherine Mueller, Roger attempts to remain incognito while starting a new life. He finally convinces her of his story, only to discover she works for the very organization he's hiding from.

This book had it all for me--action, suspense, romance--but it also spoke to my patriot heart. Roger was the perfect hero with a strong love for his country and his "old-fashioned" values that should still be valued in this modern world. The Methuselah Project was a great reminder of how tough the American spirit is when put to the test.

[Tina Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being from Indiana it is fun to read a book that has references to places in the area in which I live. Roger Greene is a WWII pilot from Plainfield, IN. Katherine Mueller is a present day freelance editor in Atlanta, Georgia. This book is a nice blend of historic fiction, sci-fi, romance, and a little humor. It is well researched and contains just the right amount of description so that you don’t get lost in the details. There is also pilot lingo that adds to the authenticity. Roger is shot down over Germany and becomes a guinea pig for fountain-of-youth experiments done by the Nazis. Rick doesn’t waste time with technical details on the actual Methuselah project. Everything is from Roger’s perspective so you are getting the important details from him…how he feels, what he thinks, how he copes. You can feel his anguish, his frustrations, his sorrow. At first it seems there is no real connection between Roger and Katherine until the “aha” moment concerning “the organization.” Things start happening when the past and the present collide. It’s fun to read Roger’s reactions to the modern world. No, Roger, a cell number has nothing to do with jail!!! The romance is subtle but definitely building. There are also references to the Bible, again, subtle, not in-your-face, but definitely there. If you like a book with twists and turns and moments when you say, “NO WAY!” then this book is for you!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredibly wild story! Roger Greene was a pilot during World War Two. During a mission over Germany he gets shot down and taken as a POW. Now this is when it really starts to go crazy. He and a bunch of others are taken to a facility where they are used for medical experiments. The entire objective is see if it possible to rejuvenate someone's cells so they can live as long as Methuselah. If people could live for forever they could take over the world's governments. Fortunately or unfortunately the experiment succeeded on Greene. He was locked up for the next seventy years and used as a lab rat. He remained as youthful as when he was in his twenties. Eventually a woman by the name of Sophia feels sorry for him, helps him escape and on a plane for America. Unfortunately she gets killed for her efforts.

Katherine is a young woman, of Germanic background, who lives with her uncle in the United States. Her uncle is deeply involved with the Heritage Organization but he is very secretive about it. Katherine is beginning to be involved and asked to find out more about Roger. All to soon she learns that the Organization, who are secret Nazis, is determined to kill Roger and she is shocked and disappointed to learn more about her uncle's involvements since she had thought she could trust him. This book is full of danger and excitement. I hope there are more adventures of Roger and Katherine on the horizon.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a fan of sci-fi, but the concept of this book intrigued me, and I am so glad that I read it. The book starts with all kind of war action, and as the blip in the back of the book explains, our hero Roger Greene is shot down. He has a remarkable survival rate even before the atrocious actions of the Nazis, the amazing way he lands his disabled plane, and then the lock up.
I can’t imagine being in a cell, no matter how nice for seventy years, no way, but he found a way to survive and keep his sanity. He also finds God, although he has always been there with him, he leans to acknowledge and lean on Him and it makes all the difference. I loved the people God puts in front of Roger, and how he makes it to the present.
I loved the fast pace of this book, the suspense and intrigue, there doesn’t seem to a dull moment, and the pages quickly fly. There is a bit of romance, and you will wonder whom he should trust, and hopefully he will be right. Don’t miss this book, it will really make you think, and be appalled and wonder if there are really Organizations like the Heritage that really exist, we can sure hope not.
I received this book from the Publisher Kregel, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Haley S · Rating 1 out of 5]

What do you think I said when I saw the synopsis of this book? “Wow! This looks like a super interesting book! I am so going to read this.” Well, I didn’t say those exact words, but it was something like that.

I am very, very sorry to say that I didn’t not enjoy this book at all. Sure, the story line was cool. BUT, the guy didn’t mean the girl until like…chapter 36 and there were only 46 (again, I am guessing) chapters! I don’t mind books without love stories. Some of my favorite books don’t have love stories. But if the book has a love story, it should be throughout at least half of the book, not a quarter of it.

So, yeah, overall I didn’t really understand or like the book. Rick Barry had a really good idea with the whole “Methuselah Project” plot, but the book could have been written just a little bit better.

The cover deserves 2 stars. It was okay.

As for the book, once again, I am so sorry to say that it deserves 1 star. I was not at all impressed. This is the worst part about book reviews. I have to be honest.



Title: The Methuselah Project

Author: Rick Barry

Author’s Website: http://rickcbarry.com/



This review is written in my own opinions and words.

[Callie Domingues · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an interesting story! Once I got deeper into the story the more I had to read to find out what was going to happen. Ooooh, how I love a good suspense story! This ones fits the bill. Add in a

Rick Barry lays a wonderful foundation for the story and reels you in with the emotional despair of the main character Roger. I become so wrapped up in the story that there was no option for me other than to complete the entire book.

I cheered. I cried. And I had more moments of "oh no!" than I have with any book recently.

I loved the intricate details that Roger shared about his past and that his one hope upon escaping was to make it "home".

The book was a twisting, turning, mind-boggling experience that any lover of suspense will enjoy. The historical details were a wonderfully well done touch that made the story truly come to life. The Christian aspect of the story was so well laid out. The deeply held convictions made for some interesting talk among the characters. Well done!

* I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion and review. No other compensation was given. *

[Sarah Harden · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if, during WWII, Nazi scientists conducted an experiment that was somehow secretly continued long after the war? What if, in modern times, the project was nearly uncovered? How would those involved (both then and now) react to what they discover?

The Methuselah Project is an intriguing tale of just such a scenario. I don’t read a lot of science-fiction, but I really enjoyed this hypothetical story. With likable characters and evil at play, I found myself pausing occasionally to imagine myself in various roles within the story. How would I handle what the characters had to face?

I did feel the story bogged down a bit in the middle, but the action soon picked up and maintained a good pace through the end. (So don’t quit in the middle. It’s worth finishing!)

If you’re ready for a new twist on the WWII era, The Methuselah Project is a fascinating spin.

(This review was first published on my blog -- sarahruut.com. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.)

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is also posted on Book by Book.

The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry is one book that surprised me in the best of ways. This unique novel, spanning from World War II to the present day, combines a bit of nearly everything into one story: history with speculative imaginings, adventure, suspense, surprising humor, and even a touch of romance. All together, these elements create a completely addicting read, and I had a hard time putting it down. From start to finsih, I completely enjoyed it and could easily recommend it to interested reads.. Fans of historical fiction would not be disappointed with The Methuselah Project.

Thanks to Kregel Publications, I received a copy of The Methuselah Project and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Marissa Shrock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Methuselah Project is fast paced and full of intrigue; there’s also a thread of romance. I found myself agonizing over the main character’s plight. Plus I enjoyed that this book has history, suspense, and even a touch of science fiction. I couldn’t put the book down, so I highly recommend this novel.

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captain Roger Greene is an American fighter pilot during WWII. In 1943, his plane is shot down in Nazi Germany. Roger is captured and becomes a POW, but the “camp” he’s sent to is not the usual Nazi prison. He is experimented on by a mad scientist, who somehow manages to change Roger’s body so that he doesn’t age normally. Imprisoned for almost 100 years, Roger doesn’t look a day over 24. Finally managing to escape with the help of an unlikely friend, he makes it to the US only to discover that everything has changed. On the run from the secret organization whose held him prisoner for an entire lifetime, Roger once again finds an unlikely ally through Katharine, a freelance editor with familial ties to the organization Roger’s running from. But is she friend…or foe?

Okay, going into this book I was really, really excited. I mean, doesn’t it kind of have a Captain America/Steve Rogers vibe? I love history, and I especially love books that combine historical with modern day. Although I really enjoyed this story, I don’t think I loved it as much as I could have. Having said that, let me tell you what I enjoyed about The Methuselah Project, and what I didn’t.

My favorite part about this book had to be Roger himself. He was funny, even going through the worst of times he had a wicked sense of humor that made me laugh. He was a true American gentleman, chivalrous and heroic to boot. He was just an awesome main character. (Plus it probably helped that I pictured him as Steve Rogers the whole time. *giggles*) The next thing I liked was the plot–it had historical and sci-fi aspects, but it wasn’t at all implausible to imagine that something like this could’ve really happened. You can absolutely tell the author is a history expert. I could imagine the scenes with perfect ease, so kudos to the author’s masterful writing skills!

Keep in mind that the things I didn’t quite love about this book could be the things you like most about it. But for me, what I didn’t like so much was that three quarters of the book were spent on Roger’s captivity. I wanted more action, more something, that I didn’t get until the end of the book. It was a little bit anticlimactic and slow. And while I admire so many different and interesting qualities about this book, I couldn’t connect to the characters in a way I can rave about. For example, Katherine was never someone I understood or even liked. And character relationships and dynamics are a big deal for me.

All that being said, The Methuselah Project is unlike any book I’ve ever read. It mixes genres like historical, contemporary, action, suspense, sci-fi and romance. It’s really a good read for both guys and girls of all ages. If you’re interested in history and WWII, this should definitely be on your TBR.

*I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.

http://www.willbakeforbooks.com/2015/...

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

* 2.5/5 stars. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via a Goodreads giveaways

The Methusaleh Project by Rick Barry is told in two alternating perspectives- first, Roger Greene is an American WWII pilot turned prisoner when his plane is shot down over Nazi Germany. His chapters revolve around his decades in captivity, and the dangers he faces upon release. Second, Katherine Mueller is a present day American freelance editor based in Georgia. Her chapters revolve around the "Heritage Organization," an admittedly cult-like group that generations of her family have been involved in, and the assignment they assign her to upon Roger's escape.

While the description of this book sounded exciting, I feel like it was slightly misleading. Aside from the first few chapters, the actual experiment and it's side effects (aside from the lack of aging) are never really discussed. While Roger's escape is specifically mentioned on the back of the book (hence eliminating suspense over whether it will happen), over half of the book is Roger's tedious life in captivity; eventually, I started skimming some of his chapters in order to get to the point. Once he escapes, only the first two or three pages actually detail his amazement at modern society, and it's changes from the eyes of a 1940s man. Within the week, Roger is completely comfortable in 2015, driving a car and even instructing Katherine (a modern day millennial) to take the battery out of her phone to avoid GPS detection. The only things less believable than Roger's sudden acclimatization are the awkwardly written dialogue between Katherine and her uncle, and the supposed love story between Katherine and Roger.

Although I did think most of this book was ridiculous (Katherine had no suspicions that something might be off about the HO? Really?), I really did enjoy the ending. The way the author ends the story and positions Roger's future was actually really well thought out, tied perfectly in to the beginning and was the most plausible part of the book. Also, I thought the author did a good job tying in the religious elements that classified this as Christian fiction- I can imagine how much fans of this genre will appreciate that, but as someone without those beliefs, I can confirm that this will not detract for readers like myself.

As per the glowing reviews for this book here on Goodreads, I am obviously in the minority in not really liking this book, so perhaps this just wasn't my type of book.; I am sure other readers will enjoy it more.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

World War II and the present day collide in an intriguing way in this new novel by Rick Barry. Our story opens in 1943, when fighter pilot Roger Greene is shot down while flying a mission over Germany. Against his will, Roger becomes part of a Nazi scientific experiment - an experiment that leaves his body functioning at a higher rate than ever seen before. With his cells able to rapidly regenerate, Roger stops aging and is a medical marvel. Even as the doctors overseeing the project grow old and die, Roger remains a youthful prisoner trapped in an underground bunker.

The story alternates between Roger's decades in captivity and a contemporary plot involving Katherine Mueller, a young woman whose rich uncle is pressuring her to become part of a secret organization which exists to make the world a better place. Even as Katherine goes through the training to advance in the Heritage Organization, she doesn't understand what exactly this group is all about. Why is everything so secret? Surely her uncle - whom she loves even if he is eccentric and controlling - couldn't be involved in anything that would be alarming. She just needs to trust him and trust the HO.

The excitement keeps building as you know Roger is going to get out of that bunker eventually, whether by release or escape, and cross paths with Katherine. In a world that has vastly changed over the past 70 years, you wonder how Roger will be able to adapt and if anyone will possibly believe his crazy story. The pace moves quickly and tension is high as the twists and turns unfold.

There was so much to enjoy with this book! I liked the way the plot was split between the past and the present, and felt like the tale of Roger's captivity was very realistic, his faith touching as he learned to take comfort in God alone. The mix of history, action, and speculative science was pleasant to my reading palate, and I had no idea how the book would end until the final pages. This is one I'd definitely recommend!

I received my copy of the book in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.

This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com

[Meghan Carver · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry is a dual time-period book, with part beginning in 1943 and part in the current day. WWII pilot Roger Greene is shot down over Nazi Germany and, as a prisoner of war, is forced to undergo a strange and unique medical test called the Methuselah Project. Captive for seventy years, when he does manage to escape, he still appears as youthful as the day of his capture. Obviously, the world has changed greatly in those seventy years, and Roger has a lot of catching up to do. As he tries to avoid being re-captured, he's forced to trust Katherine Mueller. But Katherine has some difficulties of her own to face. Can she trust Roger? Is he telling the truth? What is this organization that she seems to be a part of?

It is an intriguing premise that compelled me to read the book in two sittings.

The attention to detail is incredible. By the end of the book, I felt like I'd had a whole course in flying and pilot lingo in the most imaginative and entertaining way possible. Rick is an avid WWII buff and has spent many hours gleaning detailed information from pilots. He even has a uniform he wears to book events.

As far as the suspense element of the book, I had my suspicions about Katherine Mueller, the female character, and her uncle. I can't read suspense without trying to figure out who the bad guy is and why he's the bad guy. I suspect most suspense readers enjoy that challenge. What's particularly fun is when I figure it out before the characters. I like that, when I have knowledge that is still hidden from a character. Then, the nail-biting includes questions like when will she see the truth? How will it affect her? What will the outcome be?

Now that I've finished the book, my 15yo is ready to snatch it up. She'll probably have it done by tomorrow.

I received this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.