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From Filth & Mud
What happens when a scientist decides to play God? What happens when a megalomaniac CEO attempts to control that which can't be? What happens when Jacob, a recently retired Marine, is pushed to the brink? Well, action that's what, and it threatens to tear Jacob's world apart, and perhaps everyone else's, too.
Meanwhile thousands of miles away in Silicon Valley, a young research scientist toils, and suddenly after a myriad of failures, eureka! Dr. Emmanuel Monte-Alban has created a cure for the inevitable scourge of humanity, a cure which might also save Jacob’s son. But this cure may prove to be deadly effective, and in the possession of his employer, BioSyn, it most certainly will. While the young doctor is pressed into perfecting his creation, a few competing sovereign interests discover his work. Could his creation be weaponized? Enter the Dragon, the Eagle, and the Bear.
And when the good doctor disappears, Jacob is called to lead a highly-skilled team of contractors to find the doctor and his cure. There is just one catch. In doing so, Jacob must return to the site of his spiritual death, Basrah, Iraq in a quest for redemption. No outcome is certain, but Jacob's fate, his son’s, and perhaps the world’s hangs in the balance. Let’s hope Jacob is not found wanting.
Meanwhile thousands of miles away in Silicon Valley, a young research scientist toils, and suddenly after a myriad of failures, eureka! Dr. Emmanuel Monte-Alban has created a cure for the inevitable scourge of humanity, a cure which might also save Jacob’s son. But this cure may prove to be deadly effective, and in the possession of his employer, BioSyn, it most certainly will. While the young doctor is pressed into perfecting his creation, a few competing sovereign interests discover his work. Could his creation be weaponized? Enter the Dragon, the Eagle, and the Bear.
And when the good doctor disappears, Jacob is called to lead a highly-skilled team of contractors to find the doctor and his cure. There is just one catch. In doing so, Jacob must return to the site of his spiritual death, Basrah, Iraq in a quest for redemption. No outcome is certain, but Jacob's fate, his son’s, and perhaps the world’s hangs in the balance. Let’s hope Jacob is not found wanting.
485 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 30, 2017
This book doesn’t mess around. High-speed, low-drag indeed!!
Just like life in the Marine Corps, the world really is small. It is still difficult to imagine how people living in different parts of the world, walking in completely different circles, actually find their lives deeply entwined with each other. This book played heavily on that. If you’re around long enough, you’ll find connections with everyone. Looking back, it all makes sense now.
The extreme detail expressed in this story is amazing! I almost feel like I can splice DNA while avoiding RPGs. From bio-engineering to military efficiency to espionage to miracle cures… It’s all found within the pages of this book.
I was surprised by the level of emotions I experienced. I was sad and empathetic. I was worried. I was shocked. I was overjoyed. I was angry. I was confused. Ok, I was mostly upset. Life, death, betrayal. Show no weakness.
The common link I recognized was found in all the characters. Every one of them showed a light side and a dark side. Some of them weren’t quite as extreme. They were just trying to protect themselves. They would appear cold and aloof, but then return to warm and loving after the storm had passed. Others were blatantly obvious. Wine and dine, and then stab you in the back.
The big question… did I enjoy reading this book?? Of course I did!! I love books that take me to different places, both mentally and emotionally. There are parts I’m still angry about, but that’s what makes this book successful. I could hope, but I never knew what was going on until after it happened.
Just like life in the Marine Corps, the world really is small. It is still difficult to imagine how people living in different parts of the world, walking in completely different circles, actually find their lives deeply entwined with each other. This book played heavily on that. If you’re around long enough, you’ll find connections with everyone. Looking back, it all makes sense now.
The extreme detail expressed in this story is amazing! I almost feel like I can splice DNA while avoiding RPGs. From bio-engineering to military efficiency to espionage to miracle cures… It’s all found within the pages of this book.
I was surprised by the level of emotions I experienced. I was sad and empathetic. I was worried. I was shocked. I was overjoyed. I was angry. I was confused. Ok, I was mostly upset. Life, death, betrayal. Show no weakness.
The common link I recognized was found in all the characters. Every one of them showed a light side and a dark side. Some of them weren’t quite as extreme. They were just trying to protect themselves. They would appear cold and aloof, but then return to warm and loving after the storm had passed. Others were blatantly obvious. Wine and dine, and then stab you in the back.
The big question… did I enjoy reading this book?? Of course I did!! I love books that take me to different places, both mentally and emotionally. There are parts I’m still angry about, but that’s what makes this book successful. I could hope, but I never knew what was going on until after it happened.
December 20, 2017
Great read from talented author
The story is action packed with believable characters. It is obvious the author is a veteran who has experienced war. His character development is flawless, you feel you know the characters. I recommend this book highly to everyone. A lot of effort went into this masterpiece.
The story is action packed with believable characters. It is obvious the author is a veteran who has experienced war. His character development is flawless, you feel you know the characters. I recommend this book highly to everyone. A lot of effort went into this masterpiece.
June 19, 2016
From Filth & Mud was a journey. The story follows several people from around the world as they are brought together and caught in the crossfire of Lilith; a living organism created in a lab that is capable of curing cancer or wiping out the entire human race.
Jacob, the main protagonist, is an ex-marine who is struggling to get back on his feet when an old friend, John, comes to him with a job offer. As the story moves on, more and more characters are added into the mix, raising the stakes higher and higher.
One thing I absolutely loved about the story was how well it was put together. There was so much going on and yet it was organized in a way that made it easy to follow. Although I have to admit that it did get a little confusing at times... but it always cleared itself up.
There was a lot of detail in From Filth & Mud. I could tell that everything was researched and thought out carefully. Every character was developed, even the less important characters. This did get to be a little much at times, especially when there was a page or two describing a character that only appeared once. That being said, the description really helped me understand the motive of each of the characters, even if it was a bit much.
I really enjoyed From Filth & Mud. It is a great debut novel, and I can't wait for the next book from J. Manuel!
Jacob, the main protagonist, is an ex-marine who is struggling to get back on his feet when an old friend, John, comes to him with a job offer. As the story moves on, more and more characters are added into the mix, raising the stakes higher and higher.
One thing I absolutely loved about the story was how well it was put together. There was so much going on and yet it was organized in a way that made it easy to follow. Although I have to admit that it did get a little confusing at times... but it always cleared itself up.
There was a lot of detail in From Filth & Mud. I could tell that everything was researched and thought out carefully. Every character was developed, even the less important characters. This did get to be a little much at times, especially when there was a page or two describing a character that only appeared once. That being said, the description really helped me understand the motive of each of the characters, even if it was a bit much.
I really enjoyed From Filth & Mud. It is a great debut novel, and I can't wait for the next book from J. Manuel!
February 3, 2016
No spoilers here but what a great ending!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews