Seer: Seer Series - Book One

by Larry Austin

What would you bring to the end of civilization as you've known it? How much of your humanity would you sacrifice in the name of survival? In 2028, a manmade nano-virus, crafted to meld plastic and steel, is used to create a material that is light, yet incredibly strong. While this new material revolutionizes thousands of products in everyday use, it also results in a new and deadly illness. Thirty-six year old Michael Macalister, the doctor heading up the government project to find a cure for the disease, comes to realize the impossibility of the task. His projections show that eighty percent of the world's population will die from it. As one civilization collapses, he and a band of colleagues seek to start a new one based in a colony in western Massachusetts, learning to survive and defend themselves, including against two rogue members who split off, only to return with a well-armed mob, seeking to seize control. Hopelessly outnumbered and outgunned, Macalister must find a way to ensure the survival of the colony. What's being said about SEER - "This exciting, dystopian view of the near future combines the suspense of Outbreak with the intrigue of Blade Runner. Mr. Austin has come up with a completely unique vision and lays out the story in an amazing fashion. A must read!" Ken Berris, author, Wild Cards "As a youngster I read George Orwell's 1984 with fascination, but disbelief. Many years later I live in a vastly different world and Seer has recaptured my imagination with its realistic view of the not-so-distant future. This could be a survival guide. I can't wait for the next book in the series." Jerry Cordasco, Security Consultant "When we read speculative fiction about the survival of humankind we see where the hard choices necessary for survival can make us question our humanity. Seer will have you asking those questions." John Foley, author, Guitar Music For the Mid-Life Crisis Larry Austin lives and works on Cape Cod, MA, is passiona

278 pages, Paperback

Published March 18, 2016

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seer was a pleasant surprise - I found I was unable to put it down, curious to see what would happen to this intrepid group of survivors. Typically, most science fiction or dystopian literature seems to focus on violence - while Seer did have its action, what I found to be most interesting was the process this group took to prepare for living off the grid while the world around them shuts down. I can't say that I wasn't un-nerved by the thought that this would be a totally reasonable scenario that could happen one of these days (and it made me realize that I should take some survival training!).

As a first time author, Larry Austin wove together a fascinating story. Some of the characters could have benefited from increased development, as there were many and some were confusing at points, but I found myself rooting for the main characters and becoming very interested in their stories.

I look forward to book #2!

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on what would happen if a global pandemic destroyed society as we know it today. I enjoy this topic so this was definitely interesting to me. A very easy read that kept me entertained till the end. I am looking forward to the next installment.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first book, easy to read and kept me interested. Lots if good detail that allows you to envision what a new world would look like.

[Roxanne Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book, Seer, has a well thought out storyline. I like the characters and their strong patriotic devotion to a free society. They mesh and work well together through the struggles. Austin does a very thorough job of describing the preparation needed to survive the breakdown of civilization. He provides in great detail the gathering and organizing of the necessary resources and the day-to-day lifestyle of living in a protected compound. The battle conflicts are well-written and exciting.

[Rozita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book during COVID times is NOT a good idea. It's quite real and practical.

[Larry Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously it's my book, so I give it five stars. I want to let prospective readers know a few things about SEER. It is not science fiction...more science fact. With a few exceptions, all the science in the book is either already available or is being researched and will likely be available within a few years. It was a pleasure to write this story, and even after 26+ readings of the manuscripts before publishing, and two more after it came out, I have never been bored. My wife has read it six or seven times and says the same thing. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it! Oh, and one more thing: there are no zombies!

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thought-provoking look at what our future might look like if a pandemic wiped out the majority of the world's population and civilization as we know it ended. The story was entertaining and definitely held my interest. I am looking forward to seeing what happens to the various characters as the series progresses!

[Marc Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was quickly drawn into this story of a deteriorating socially structured world - when all the usual things we mindlessly rely upon to live a life of safety and convenience are lost, gradually at best. Social evolution is reversed through a medical/industrial catastrophe - so humans are thrust back to a time when survival is all that counts, and cooperation with others is in short supply; but still with the early life experiences of having lived in a 21st century of modernity. The author clearly captures the moral twists to such a frightening world as seen buy the participants, with whom we can all identity. This story points out clearly that you truly do not appreciate what you have until you lose it. So this is a thought provoking engaging tale of our human experience.

There are exciting action parts and engaging relationship (including sexual) dramas conveyed by concise dialogue and description. My only criticism is that I could have done with less description of meals and farming details and that the heroes seemed at times too good. That is, the main character, for instance, seemed to come up with the best logical responses and plans too easily, and the group adopted his plans too readily, absent the expected relational and unconscious struggles that we all develop especially in such terrifying situations. A hero can be too good and his character may have appeared somewhat flat as a result.

All in all, a very good read that sticks to the ribs in that this portrayal of a crumbled society should make us value and nurture what we have, as problematic as it may be.