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Hadron #1
Dark Matter
Science fiction fans, it's time to take up arms!
Experiments using the Large Hadron Collider produce the verifiable discovery of dark matter. Within days of this momentous accomplishment, Earth is inundated with wave after wave of intense electromagnetic radiation. Scientists haven't a clue as to why.
Globally, power systems fail and modern communications cease to function. Civilization quickly falls into chaos as both food and freshwater supplies run short. All security becomes local. Survivors will be those who are willing and able to protect and feed themselves.
Small towns are cordoned off. City blocks become fiefdoms. Thousands of skirmishes take place on a daily basis in cities across the globe. Militaries, without clear orders from the top, take stand within their bases while only looking to defend themselves and their families. Without communications and order, national governments cease to exist.
This first book in the HADRON series follows one group of citizens as they make every effort to overcome the madness that ensues. Little do they know, their fellow Man is not their true enemy. A sinister species waits in the heavens above. For those who remain alive, the term survival-of-the-fittest will take on an entirely new meaning...
Experiments using the Large Hadron Collider produce the verifiable discovery of dark matter. Within days of this momentous accomplishment, Earth is inundated with wave after wave of intense electromagnetic radiation. Scientists haven't a clue as to why.
Globally, power systems fail and modern communications cease to function. Civilization quickly falls into chaos as both food and freshwater supplies run short. All security becomes local. Survivors will be those who are willing and able to protect and feed themselves.
Small towns are cordoned off. City blocks become fiefdoms. Thousands of skirmishes take place on a daily basis in cities across the globe. Militaries, without clear orders from the top, take stand within their bases while only looking to defend themselves and their families. Without communications and order, national governments cease to exist.
This first book in the HADRON series follows one group of citizens as they make every effort to overcome the madness that ensues. Little do they know, their fellow Man is not their true enemy. A sinister species waits in the heavens above. For those who remain alive, the term survival-of-the-fittest will take on an entirely new meaning...
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2015
1323 people are currently reading
1006 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Arseneault
156 books75 followersI came to this planet sixty some odd years ago. After exiting my mother's portal, the doctor slapped me around until I started breathing the oxygen. I'll admit, at the time, I had no idea what I was doing or where I was. Being an infant Human, I was completely reliant on the responsible actions of others. It was a time that I have largely forgotten.
I reside in Central Florida with the wife and children. After thirty years in engineering, my time is now spent chronicling the adventures of fictitious heroes. They are off-world, fighting the good fight. For me? I'm stuck here on this planet in this feeble existence that we Humans are all forced to endure.
So, I ask you this... do you wish to escape the bonds of this surly planet we call Earth? Are you looking for a bit more adventure than what the grocery store has to offer? Do you worry about being enslaved by alien androids or six-eyed alien goats with lasers? Pew, pew, pew!
Yeah, that's what I thought. Asking yourself those questions and getting back an answer is the first hurdle to cross in the race to get off this world. Sounds like you are ready to venture out, to put this place behind you.
So crack open one of my books. Take to the heavens and let me shout this out to those who remain: "Watch out universe! Another Human is on the loose!"
Take care and I hope you have a great day!
Stephen
I reside in Central Florida with the wife and children. After thirty years in engineering, my time is now spent chronicling the adventures of fictitious heroes. They are off-world, fighting the good fight. For me? I'm stuck here on this planet in this feeble existence that we Humans are all forced to endure.
So, I ask you this... do you wish to escape the bonds of this surly planet we call Earth? Are you looking for a bit more adventure than what the grocery store has to offer? Do you worry about being enslaved by alien androids or six-eyed alien goats with lasers? Pew, pew, pew!
Yeah, that's what I thought. Asking yourself those questions and getting back an answer is the first hurdle to cross in the race to get off this world. Sounds like you are ready to venture out, to put this place behind you.
So crack open one of my books. Take to the heavens and let me shout this out to those who remain: "Watch out universe! Another Human is on the loose!"
Take care and I hope you have a great day!
Stephen
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
May 19, 2017
Oh dear, why do so many American books seem to start with how big is my gun collection? And a buddy just happens to be ex-SpecIal Forces. And a neighbour happens to have a fortified house, which by chance we all happen to be at. Which is quite lucky really when the power grid fails and armed gangs quickly come calling. But no matter, because aforementioned secret arsenal of assault weapons in the house is up to any job. I lost the will to live.
November 21, 2016
I have just finished reading the seven books in the series. The story moves at a blistering pace and the character building is superb. After being hooked in by the first free books, I have spent probably £15 on the remainder, which has kept my entertained for a good three weeks. Even an old scrooge like me considers this to be fantastic value for money. I was disappointed to come to the end and keenly await the completion of the 8th book. In the meantime I could easily re-read the series. It was that good.
The first book starts with two of the main characters having a drink in a bar. Soon rioting breaks out heralding the start of an apocalyptic situation, where the Earth is fought over by a dozen various alien species. However, the aliens get far more than they bargain for, as the remnants of humanity fight back. If you are prepared to suspend disbelief and part with a few pounds of your hard-earned, then this is a very rewarding read. Well done Mr Arseneault.
The first book starts with two of the main characters having a drink in a bar. Soon rioting breaks out heralding the start of an apocalyptic situation, where the Earth is fought over by a dozen various alien species. However, the aliens get far more than they bargain for, as the remnants of humanity fight back. If you are prepared to suspend disbelief and part with a few pounds of your hard-earned, then this is a very rewarding read. Well done Mr Arseneault.
August 24, 2017
I got this book for free via BookBub.
This book is marketed as sci-fi, but isn't really. Other than a brief mention of the LHC and some alien spacecraft, this book's plot is such a cliche: something bad happens to the world (or is about to happen); society (American) breaks down; a group of people - who just happen to have the necessary and complementary skills - band together and fight all the bad people while trying to go somewhere safe. There are more gun battles and killing in this book than there is sci-fi.
I guess you have to be an American gun-lover to appreciate this type of story. If you're looking for some interesting sci-fi, this book isn't it.
This book is marketed as sci-fi, but isn't really. Other than a brief mention of the LHC and some alien spacecraft, this book's plot is such a cliche: something bad happens to the world (or is about to happen); society (American) breaks down; a group of people - who just happen to have the necessary and complementary skills - band together and fight all the bad people while trying to go somewhere safe. There are more gun battles and killing in this book than there is sci-fi.
I guess you have to be an American gun-lover to appreciate this type of story. If you're looking for some interesting sci-fi, this book isn't it.
November 21, 2018
I got Hadron Dark Matter as a freebie. It's the first in a series and it's a nice way for less well known authors to encourage readers to read their work. So will I be continuing with the series?
I'm afraid no. Firstly it's not Sci-Fi enough for my tastes. It's basically a road novel post society collapse in the spirit of the Walking Dead, but without the zombies.
The characters are likeable and even a little believable but very cliched. They are the good guys. And the bad guys are just plain bad guys.
The death count is massively excessive.They are blessed with unbelievably convenient abundant resources, a super arsenal of unimaginable proportions and even a helicopter for Pete's sake. Hokey old timer wisdom stories from college or army days are inserted at odd times for some reason I couldn't fathom.
Flaws aside it would make a good TV series for sure.
I'm afraid no. Firstly it's not Sci-Fi enough for my tastes. It's basically a road novel post society collapse in the spirit of the Walking Dead, but without the zombies.
The characters are likeable and even a little believable but very cliched. They are the good guys. And the bad guys are just plain bad guys.
The death count is massively excessive.They are blessed with unbelievably convenient abundant resources, a super arsenal of unimaginable proportions and even a helicopter for Pete's sake. Hokey old timer wisdom stories from college or army days are inserted at odd times for some reason I couldn't fathom.
Flaws aside it would make a good TV series for sure.
January 21, 2020
This was an excellent book I couldn't hardly put it down because I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I would highly recommend this book to any one who wants an excellent read and I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
March 1, 2018
Guns, blackouts and the "hood"
A couple of working class folks inherit a mansion and the money that maintains it. All the husband can think to do is run a dive bar to fill free time. It's a shaky start.
In the first couple of pages, the last of the four customers in the bar breezes in. There follows a conversation for the ages. The customer identified himself as Tres, as in uno, dos, tres, and he goes on to quickly explain that he doesn't have a drop of "Spanish blood". He's "one quarter indian". Native Americans that I've known self identify by tribe and aren't thrilled with the term Indian for some reason. One assumes he is now accepted as suitably white by the bartender. If someone claimed to be one quarter black, they would be "black". Funny how that works.
There are serious blackouts globally that might be connected to work done at the Hadron Collider in Bern. The bartender/owner takes all two remaining customers, and his waitress home to sit out the blackout. The writer then lovingly describes the ridiculous legal gun collection (about 90 pieces) he and wifey have. Since as his wife points out "you're all good people", they show off their illegal pieces. This is followed by two to three pages on gun safety and voila the guests are all trained.
The neighboring mansion sounds as if it's being burgled and our newly armed heroes rush over to rescue the older neighbors. There are five or six people holding the couple hostage, demanding money. Using silenced weapons, all the intruders are killed after having just enough time to have exchanges mentioning the hood and "Bring me some Sugar". I'm guessing the intruders were black. Apparently these denizens of the "hood" were ready to immediately take advantage of the blackout and race from their part of town out to this suburb to begin looting and robbery. I guess they must have done Boy Scouts when younger.
I'll leave it to you to decide if the gratuitous racism is just storytelling or is unacceptable. All of this happens in less than 12% of the book and I bailed at that point. I'll avoid this writer in the future.
A couple of working class folks inherit a mansion and the money that maintains it. All the husband can think to do is run a dive bar to fill free time. It's a shaky start.
In the first couple of pages, the last of the four customers in the bar breezes in. There follows a conversation for the ages. The customer identified himself as Tres, as in uno, dos, tres, and he goes on to quickly explain that he doesn't have a drop of "Spanish blood". He's "one quarter indian". Native Americans that I've known self identify by tribe and aren't thrilled with the term Indian for some reason. One assumes he is now accepted as suitably white by the bartender. If someone claimed to be one quarter black, they would be "black". Funny how that works.
There are serious blackouts globally that might be connected to work done at the Hadron Collider in Bern. The bartender/owner takes all two remaining customers, and his waitress home to sit out the blackout. The writer then lovingly describes the ridiculous legal gun collection (about 90 pieces) he and wifey have. Since as his wife points out "you're all good people", they show off their illegal pieces. This is followed by two to three pages on gun safety and voila the guests are all trained.
The neighboring mansion sounds as if it's being burgled and our newly armed heroes rush over to rescue the older neighbors. There are five or six people holding the couple hostage, demanding money. Using silenced weapons, all the intruders are killed after having just enough time to have exchanges mentioning the hood and "Bring me some Sugar". I'm guessing the intruders were black. Apparently these denizens of the "hood" were ready to immediately take advantage of the blackout and race from their part of town out to this suburb to begin looting and robbery. I guess they must have done Boy Scouts when younger.
I'll leave it to you to decide if the gratuitous racism is just storytelling or is unacceptable. All of this happens in less than 12% of the book and I bailed at that point. I'll avoid this writer in the future.
August 17, 2017
It's always the super rich that have every gadget ever made or even thought about that survives these end of time apocalypse type scenarios. Not only were they rich, world reknown sharp shooter, ever gun available, bullet proof rv and friends who could shoot or do something as amazing as well. Oh and a friend with a helicopter. I think I could survive if I had all the crap they had to. Otherwise I did enjoy. But I need to stop reading this genre because I am getting really cynical
May 20, 2017
I enjoyed reading Hadron Dark Matter. Being interested in being prepared for emergencies that are out of our control, this was an excellent read and finished in one day. It moves at a fast pace keeping the reader on their toes. The characters were memorable and was a nice blend bringing common people together for survival. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. Well done!
July 22, 2017
This American story is like the countries cuisine; it sounds tempting but after consumption you feel let down.
August 14, 2017
A waste of time. Too much killing in a prepper world. Mundane.
February 28, 2018
Hadron Dark Matter
Free download.
Starts off as apocalyptic event/prepper story.
Apparently, subsequent connected books are more sci-fi orientated, but there is not much evidence of that here.
It seems overly convenient that people living in a wealthy neighborhood would not only have all the tools, skills and weapons (and ammo) necessary to survive said event but also have/make friends with equally useful skills and supplies. All happen to be present when apocalypse event occurs. A fully armoured Rv, helicopter and boat along with multiple other vehicles are all part of their escape plan. Overkill.
Occasional mention of hiccup in helicopter performance but seemed odd that the EM interferance caused no problems with cars, electrical equipment or power tools. I thought that was a known issue.
Additionally, I find it hard to believe that society and all normal precepts would break down 'that' quickly. That might happen, eventually. But within a couple of weeks though? Literally, the events of this book occur in a two week period.
For most law abiding people I think there would be a significant time lapse between event, attempting to survive with what you have on hand, and subsequently looking for survival opportunities. Or going as far as marauding! A touch of reality would have been good there.
Too much talk (that didn't move the story forward).
Far too much killing (that served no purpose other than creating action for the sake of it).
Dialogue was mostly uninteresting, I think the talk of college days was supposed to make us care about the characters (it didn't).. and I wasnt looking for a history lesson about the civil war (several conversations).
Needed more of; how do we ration for our food sources?
How about rationing fuel? Helo went up every five minutes!
Not enough was said or done about how to create a community of survivors that is inclusive of those who are weaker and less survival skilled. If they weren't useful they were left out. They could learn. All people have value and skills not only the people with guns!
I thought it was telling that the #1 bad guy is a crime fiction writer. LoL author's avatar? Or was that Mace?
This book was a preppers wet dream which was all about weapons, power and survival of my prepper buddies.. And had very little to do with reality.
Two Stars
Free download.
Starts off as apocalyptic event/prepper story.
Apparently, subsequent connected books are more sci-fi orientated, but there is not much evidence of that here.
It seems overly convenient that people living in a wealthy neighborhood would not only have all the tools, skills and weapons (and ammo) necessary to survive said event but also have/make friends with equally useful skills and supplies. All happen to be present when apocalypse event occurs. A fully armoured Rv, helicopter and boat along with multiple other vehicles are all part of their escape plan. Overkill.
Occasional mention of hiccup in helicopter performance but seemed odd that the EM interferance caused no problems with cars, electrical equipment or power tools. I thought that was a known issue.
Additionally, I find it hard to believe that society and all normal precepts would break down 'that' quickly. That might happen, eventually. But within a couple of weeks though? Literally, the events of this book occur in a two week period.
For most law abiding people I think there would be a significant time lapse between event, attempting to survive with what you have on hand, and subsequently looking for survival opportunities. Or going as far as marauding! A touch of reality would have been good there.
Too much talk (that didn't move the story forward).
Far too much killing (that served no purpose other than creating action for the sake of it).
Dialogue was mostly uninteresting, I think the talk of college days was supposed to make us care about the characters (it didn't).. and I wasnt looking for a history lesson about the civil war (several conversations).
Needed more of; how do we ration for our food sources?
How about rationing fuel? Helo went up every five minutes!
Not enough was said or done about how to create a community of survivors that is inclusive of those who are weaker and less survival skilled. If they weren't useful they were left out. They could learn. All people have value and skills not only the people with guns!
I thought it was telling that the #1 bad guy is a crime fiction writer. LoL author's avatar? Or was that Mace?
This book was a preppers wet dream which was all about weapons, power and survival of my prepper buddies.. And had very little to do with reality.
Two Stars
February 23, 2018
Talk talk explain banter talk talk action talk explain talk talk banter talk talk talk action talk talk talk talk talk talk talk nothing much happening talk talk action...repeat.
If there were sudden unexplained power failures all over the world and because of that people all over the place went absolutely berserk, slaughtering, stealing, looting, and enslaving, and a few rich good people with amazing skills and amazing weapons (they just happen to have a bullet proof RV) go about slaughtering the bad guys, then this book is totally realistic and might be worth reading. Of course, that's ridiculous. If you would enjoy reading page after page of discussions that don't really move the story forward, if you would enjoy pages of discussion about how they're trying to fix the vehicle: We changed the spark plugs, dang, that didn't work, we changed the air filter, no, that didn't do it, let's try... then you might just like this book. It looks like sci-fi, but other than hints that the sequel MIGHT be science fiction, it's not. How this book ended up with anywhere near four stars, I have no idea.
If there were sudden unexplained power failures all over the world and because of that people all over the place went absolutely berserk, slaughtering, stealing, looting, and enslaving, and a few rich good people with amazing skills and amazing weapons (they just happen to have a bullet proof RV) go about slaughtering the bad guys, then this book is totally realistic and might be worth reading. Of course, that's ridiculous. If you would enjoy reading page after page of discussions that don't really move the story forward, if you would enjoy pages of discussion about how they're trying to fix the vehicle: We changed the spark plugs, dang, that didn't work, we changed the air filter, no, that didn't do it, let's try... then you might just like this book. It looks like sci-fi, but other than hints that the sequel MIGHT be science fiction, it's not. How this book ended up with anywhere near four stars, I have no idea.
October 6, 2018
Well, I was attracted by the cover illustration and title but this book was not at all what I expected. It was like The Walking Dead with rich and privileged heroes except that the walking dead were criminals, not zombies. The level of violence will not be for everyone nor were the battle outcomes believable. The heroes were almost invulnerable and unbelievably rich.
On a writing level there was far too much use of the passive tense for my liking. It rankled and pulled me out of the story. I wanted to be shown these things not be given them as a throwaway line. Having said that, there is plenty of fast paced action to make up for it.
I would have rated it higher but for the passive tense and the fact that it is more prepper story than sci-fi. I haven't tagged it as sci-fi for that reason. It will appeal to people who enjoy war hero stories, prepper tales, shooting guns and blowing things up. On the plus side, it had a strong woman character as the best shot. As for myself, I was disappointed that it had so little about the Hadron Collider or science.
On a writing level there was far too much use of the passive tense for my liking. It rankled and pulled me out of the story. I wanted to be shown these things not be given them as a throwaway line. Having said that, there is plenty of fast paced action to make up for it.
I would have rated it higher but for the passive tense and the fact that it is more prepper story than sci-fi. I haven't tagged it as sci-fi for that reason. It will appeal to people who enjoy war hero stories, prepper tales, shooting guns and blowing things up. On the plus side, it had a strong woman character as the best shot. As for myself, I was disappointed that it had so little about the Hadron Collider or science.
July 4, 2017
author is either a prepper or prepper fangirl. so many explanations of equipment! so, so much equipment to explain!!
silly to think that much lawlessness would happen so quickly- In a week or two? really? yes, I know, desperate people do desperate things. that phrase was used about a dozen times.
our heros were perfect law abiding 'merica Patriots. the villans were all mindlessly evil opportunistic maurauders. arent the days of such perfectly binary characters over? when does perfect good or perfect evil ever happen in real life? never.
I wasn't routing for the maurauders, I'd have just like to know a lot more about them. as it was, they just provided an excuse for the 'mericans to act tough and brave.
three stars because a shallow read is nice every once in a while.
silly to think that much lawlessness would happen so quickly- In a week or two? really? yes, I know, desperate people do desperate things. that phrase was used about a dozen times.
our heros were perfect law abiding 'merica Patriots. the villans were all mindlessly evil opportunistic maurauders. arent the days of such perfectly binary characters over? when does perfect good or perfect evil ever happen in real life? never.
I wasn't routing for the maurauders, I'd have just like to know a lot more about them. as it was, they just provided an excuse for the 'mericans to act tough and brave.
three stars because a shallow read is nice every once in a while.
June 17, 2017
Not for me
First the characters were introduced randomly at the beginning. Next you left the reader wondering what happened to the farm animals left to die of starvation and dehydration. And throughout the book was death destruction very little redemption. Oh one last thing it was hard to tell who was talking or who was doing such n such....
First the characters were introduced randomly at the beginning. Next you left the reader wondering what happened to the farm animals left to die of starvation and dehydration. And throughout the book was death destruction very little redemption. Oh one last thing it was hard to tell who was talking or who was doing such n such....
May 28, 2017
Captivating book bursting with action. Can't wait to get my hands on a next one in the series.
May 28, 2017
Good story, well written
Arseneault does complex and believable, visual settings, and tense situations that keep you turning the pages. Well done. Thank you, Stephen, for writing.
Arseneault does complex and believable, visual settings, and tense situations that keep you turning the pages. Well done. Thank you, Stephen, for writing.
July 4, 2017
Just another end of the world survival novel? And yet I could not put it down. Fast paced and good characters. An intriguing hint of sci-fi. Will have to read the next book in the series.
August 8, 2017
Fun read
After a break from reading for a couple years, this was fun and interesting. Will have to start the next one right away.
After a break from reading for a couple years, this was fun and interesting. Will have to start the next one right away.
April 26, 2019
Brilliant definitely 5 stars
Love the storyline. Quite realistic. Off to read the next book. Looks like a very good series to get into.
Love the storyline. Quite realistic. Off to read the next book. Looks like a very good series to get into.
September 14, 2020
Excellent Adventure
I love when I start a book and fall head first into it and can't put it down. The author's storyline just captured my imagination and his characters were awesome. The fast paced action and adventure made it easy to read and get deep into the story. I really liked this book and highly recommend it.
I love when I start a book and fall head first into it and can't put it down. The author's storyline just captured my imagination and his characters were awesome. The fast paced action and adventure made it easy to read and get deep into the story. I really liked this book and highly recommend it.
June 12, 2017
A good and well-written book that focuses on a dystopian society - running, hiding, bad roamer groups, living off the land. I admit the world will be tough not if, but when society breaks down. Imagine the real ramifications what would happen if we lost something as simple as power worldwide? Every man/women will have to fend for themselves. What would anybody do to feed their family? What boundaries could somebody cross, when their kids are hungry?
However, to me, the science side of this should have come first. The results of that experiment, the resulting dystopian society ramifications, would come second. Generating Dark Matter? Ouch, society is playing with fire. It's almost like the Star Trek movie First Contact. Where somebody outside our solar system's radar went off because we invented something extremely important. In Star Trek it was the Warp Drive, in Hadron Dark Mater, it of corse was Dark Matter.
This is a Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction styled book series 1 of 8.
However, to me, the science side of this should have come first. The results of that experiment, the resulting dystopian society ramifications, would come second. Generating Dark Matter? Ouch, society is playing with fire. It's almost like the Star Trek movie First Contact. Where somebody outside our solar system's radar went off because we invented something extremely important. In Star Trek it was the Warp Drive, in Hadron Dark Mater, it of corse was Dark Matter.
This is a Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction styled book series 1 of 8.
January 19, 2018
DNF @ 31%
March 10, 2016
I am a huge fan of Mr Arseneault's previous series, AMP and OMEGA. I really like it when they turn the bots and AI's loose to build things on a big scale. But that's not what this book is about.
In this series, the first book is The Apocalypse. We don't see spaceships and aliens and bots and AI's. We see the collapse of civilization, and medieval battles between hooligans and the good guys. The good guys conveniently have a mix of engineer, Ranger, and sniper - along with a lot of money. They try to set up a sustainable lifestyle while struggling.
The struggle comes in two waves - first the hooligans and second the people who were good but are starving and are desperate to feed their families.
I'll read the rest of the books because I've had such a great previous experience with this author's writing. But this particular book was long on "fi" and short on "sci" and I'm looking for a different balance.
Off to read the 2nd one!
In this series, the first book is The Apocalypse. We don't see spaceships and aliens and bots and AI's. We see the collapse of civilization, and medieval battles between hooligans and the good guys. The good guys conveniently have a mix of engineer, Ranger, and sniper - along with a lot of money. They try to set up a sustainable lifestyle while struggling.
The struggle comes in two waves - first the hooligans and second the people who were good but are starving and are desperate to feed their families.
I'll read the rest of the books because I've had such a great previous experience with this author's writing. But this particular book was long on "fi" and short on "sci" and I'm looking for a different balance.
Off to read the 2nd one!
April 3, 2018
Firstly, I expected some aliens not just allusions to some extra-terrestrial cause for the power problems.
Secondly, everything just works out for these people most of the time. They have a vast number of weapons, a convenient chopper to spot trouble, champion marksmen to remove said problems, a brewer to build a still, a science educator to assist with sulphur extraction, etc, etc.
Lastly, the introduction of the main bad guy, who I assume will be a recurring character, almost put me off the book. Coupled with the almost instant fall into anarchy (which I can believe, unfortunately) made the suspension of belief difficult and the book difficult to finish.
I will try the next book in this series but I’m not sure how far I’ll get....
Secondly, everything just works out for these people most of the time. They have a vast number of weapons, a convenient chopper to spot trouble, champion marksmen to remove said problems, a brewer to build a still, a science educator to assist with sulphur extraction, etc, etc.
Lastly, the introduction of the main bad guy, who I assume will be a recurring character, almost put me off the book. Coupled with the almost instant fall into anarchy (which I can believe, unfortunately) made the suspension of belief difficult and the book difficult to finish.
I will try the next book in this series but I’m not sure how far I’ll get....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2017
Hadron Dark Matter was a great read. I've read the AMP and SODIUM series, and I'm familiar enough with this author that I'm guessing the series will evolve over several books. I like how in this book the author didn't get too hung up on how science fiction'y it was. He just wrote a great story... I've read his comments that as the series continues the story takes on a more sci-fi feel; which is great. But I'm glad the author had the courage to not worry too much about that at least in the first book. Looking forward to #2 in the series.
December 4, 2018
Post apocalypse or not
If you wish to live through a possible apocalypse, these are the folks you will want to hang out with. Even though they did not classify themselves as preppers, they had very good ideas on how to survive near anarchy brought on by uncertainty about the future. Okay, so they were sometimes a little too "lucky" in their avoiding obstacles in their path. I still was happy to go along for the ride on their road to survival and found their tale to be engaging, entertaining and thought-provoking. Highly recommended.
If you wish to live through a possible apocalypse, these are the folks you will want to hang out with. Even though they did not classify themselves as preppers, they had very good ideas on how to survive near anarchy brought on by uncertainty about the future. Okay, so they were sometimes a little too "lucky" in their avoiding obstacles in their path. I still was happy to go along for the ride on their road to survival and found their tale to be engaging, entertaining and thought-provoking. Highly recommended.
February 6, 2018
A new and exciting twist on some old themes
Not what I was expecting of a Sci-Fi book, but absolutely brilliant!
As an introduction to a series Stephen has created a masterpiece of fiction depicting man's greed and stupidity in the face of disaster.
The characters are well written and their bonds become your own as you live through the first months after chaos ensues.
Now, to order the next book ....
Not what I was expecting of a Sci-Fi book, but absolutely brilliant!
As an introduction to a series Stephen has created a masterpiece of fiction depicting man's greed and stupidity in the face of disaster.
The characters are well written and their bonds become your own as you live through the first months after chaos ensues.
Now, to order the next book ....
October 15, 2018
Aside from the cause of a worldwide power and communication blackout (the characters speculate on an extraterrestrial source), this story is just another SHTF apocalyptic. That's not a bad thing, as the story is reasonably well written and moves along briskly enough to keep the reader's interest. Having completed this volume, I'm motivated enough to move right on to the next to see where the author takes the story.
June 17, 2017
Realistic Dystopian Novel.
Now, this was a good story on the fall of society. I could see things devolving just as depicted here, and the author has set up future stories well. An easy but entertaining read. Looking forward to reading how things develop. Yeah, I know aliens are involved, but hope the focus stays on how humans cope.
Now, this was a good story on the fall of society. I could see things devolving just as depicted here, and the author has set up future stories well. An easy but entertaining read. Looking forward to reading how things develop. Yeah, I know aliens are involved, but hope the focus stays on how humans cope.
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