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Viable
Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition of ASIN B00EBQYSHU here.
A brilliant young geneticist, desperately seeking a cure for the disease that took her father. A Nevada sheriff, charged with solving a crime that threatens the very existence of his small desert town. But when an unmarked van crashes in sleepy Hawthorne, Alison Stone and Lars Henrikssen find themselves looking for the same man. Only Carl Gant is not what he seems. And they are not the only ones looking for him.
A brilliant young geneticist, desperately seeking a cure for the disease that took her father. A Nevada sheriff, charged with solving a crime that threatens the very existence of his small desert town. But when an unmarked van crashes in sleepy Hawthorne, Alison Stone and Lars Henrikssen find themselves looking for the same man. Only Carl Gant is not what he seems. And they are not the only ones looking for him.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2013
158 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Hakok
6 books91 followersR.A. Hakok discovered writing while recovering from a lengthy legal career. His first novel, the techno-thriller Viable, was followed by Among Wolves, a chilling tale about a small group of schoolchildren who find themselves living inside a mountain after the world outside ends. The second and third books in the Children of the Mountain series are now available, and he is currently hard at work on the fourth. For more information and to download the free companion ebooks to the series please visit www.rahakok.com. While there you could swing by the contact page and say hi. R.A. Hakok loves getting emails from readers, and responds to all of them personally, and hardly ever in the third person.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 16, 2019
Excellent Thriller With SF Overtones
Takes off like a rocket and blasts through to its thrilling conclusion. Strong characters it's easy to care about and a twisty plot both Byzantine and propulsive. Stand alone story with sequel possibilities, but maybe better left unrealized.
Takes off like a rocket and blasts through to its thrilling conclusion. Strong characters it's easy to care about and a twisty plot both Byzantine and propulsive. Stand alone story with sequel possibilities, but maybe better left unrealized.
September 15, 2017
I bought this book many months ago. It sat on my Kindle since then and I'm so disappointed I've let it sit so long. This book was bitchin.
I don't want to give too much away, but we have a guy, Cody, who is very, very old despite the fact that he stays young. He finds that military life gives him the feeling of family that he's never been able to establish so he dies or disappears and then re-enlists when he feels it necessary.
There is a serial killer who is interested in harvesting the organs of a particular blood type that discovers Cody has this blood type and an operation is initiated to snag him. It goes bad and he gets away, but the Sheriff of the county discovers some anomalies the blood and sends them off to a geneticist at UC Berkely.
From here the book takes off and for the final ¼ of the book , it flies by so fast that you've really got to pay close attention. I couldn't put it down despite the fact that I had work to do.
I don't want to give too much away, but we have a guy, Cody, who is very, very old despite the fact that he stays young. He finds that military life gives him the feeling of family that he's never been able to establish so he dies or disappears and then re-enlists when he feels it necessary.
There is a serial killer who is interested in harvesting the organs of a particular blood type that discovers Cody has this blood type and an operation is initiated to snag him. It goes bad and he gets away, but the Sheriff of the county discovers some anomalies the blood and sends them off to a geneticist at UC Berkely.
From here the book takes off and for the final ¼ of the book , it flies by so fast that you've really got to pay close attention. I couldn't put it down despite the fact that I had work to do.
January 13, 2019
This definitely falls under the heading of unputdownable books.
The eugenics/engineered Superman theory has never been so tantalizing pieced together in one great book. And it moves a hundred miles an hour from the beginning to the end, leaving this read craving more and more.
Considering the origin of the main character's name in the book, I can imagine where the series may have lead. Sadly, it seems as if the book's series run stopped at one.
For whatever it's worth, and if the author is reading this, this is as potent as The Children of The Mountain, and is probably capable of merging with it. Just one fan's thoughts.
Great book! Check it out.
The eugenics/engineered Superman theory has never been so tantalizing pieced together in one great book. And it moves a hundred miles an hour from the beginning to the end, leaving this read craving more and more.
Considering the origin of the main character's name in the book, I can imagine where the series may have lead. Sadly, it seems as if the book's series run stopped at one.
For whatever it's worth, and if the author is reading this, this is as potent as The Children of The Mountain, and is probably capable of merging with it. Just one fan's thoughts.
Great book! Check it out.
December 27, 2018
Good, exciting read
It's difficult to find new authors who tell stories well. And now days, also have a good grasp of grammar and punctuation.
Us old farts (over 40) still remember the great authors who also believed that good stories are worth taking the time to write properly.
There were a few places where the story suffered from having to re-read because of lack of punctuation. What's so difficult about using commas?
It's difficult to find new authors who tell stories well. And now days, also have a good grasp of grammar and punctuation.
Us old farts (over 40) still remember the great authors who also believed that good stories are worth taking the time to write properly.
There were a few places where the story suffered from having to re-read because of lack of punctuation. What's so difficult about using commas?
January 31, 2020
Great start!
I found this book after reading “Children of the Mountain” series, which I found to be great as well.
This book took a bit to get up to speed, but was well worth it. I enjoyed the characters and their development. The story line was very original to me and quite fascinating. I will be reading anything that this author produces in the future! Hopefully Book 2 is around the corner!
I found this book after reading “Children of the Mountain” series, which I found to be great as well.
This book took a bit to get up to speed, but was well worth it. I enjoyed the characters and their development. The story line was very original to me and quite fascinating. I will be reading anything that this author produces in the future! Hopefully Book 2 is around the corner!
August 8, 2017
I started Viable on four different occasions before I could move through enough to be vested enough to read the book. At times the the writing delves into monologues of medical jargon, which was overwhelming.
Yesterday I watched The Amazing Spider-Man, and realized Viable has the same nugget of an idea of...
To read the full review go to www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com
Yesterday I watched The Amazing Spider-Man, and realized Viable has the same nugget of an idea of...
To read the full review go to www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com
June 6, 2019
Really good! A bit tedious at spots with the technical motorcycle and helicopter stuff, but I can see how someone more mechanically inclined would not find it so. Also heavy on the medical/genetics, but only a tad - and it's important to the story. If you like thrillers with some good twists, but not too many, this is excellent. Only bad thing is there is not a book 2 yet.
January 7, 2021
Great read
Once you get through the technical jargon the story really takes off. Glad I remembered some of my physiology classes! I really hope we can read more about Cody Doyle. This book has great characters, plenty of action and plot turns that kept me reading well past time for sleep.
Once you get through the technical jargon the story really takes off. Glad I remembered some of my physiology classes! I really hope we can read more about Cody Doyle. This book has great characters, plenty of action and plot turns that kept me reading well past time for sleep.
January 2, 2017
A little patience will pay off, just skim the info dumps to get to the good stuff. The main character is intriguing, with a mysterious background which is only partially revealed in this first book in the series. If you enjoy Medical Hi-Tech thrillers definitely dive into Viable.
September 5, 2017
Exciting, page turner ,!
I stayed up all night to finish this book then wanted more! It is well written and you can't wait to get to the next page, then the next and the next, etc.
I stayed up all night to finish this book then wanted more! It is well written and you can't wait to get to the next page, then the next and the next, etc.
April 26, 2021
More Please!
Fast paced, compelling characters, Hakok is a memorizing story teller. I'm looking forward to the next Cody Doyle installment AND the next Children of the Mountain book.
Fast paced, compelling characters, Hakok is a memorizing story teller. I'm looking forward to the next Cody Doyle installment AND the next Children of the Mountain book.
March 6, 2018
Genetics
I enjoyed the book ,but leaves you wanting to know what happened next,so looking forward to the next one to come out
I enjoyed the book ,but leaves you wanting to know what happened next,so looking forward to the next one to come out
August 19, 2018
A new favourite author
Loved the children of the mountains trilogy and Cody Doyle book 1 doesn't disappoint... Devoured it in a couple of days, cannot wait for book 2!!
Loved the children of the mountains trilogy and Cody Doyle book 1 doesn't disappoint... Devoured it in a couple of days, cannot wait for book 2!!
October 2, 2018
viable
the book held my interest to the end. good story. I would read book 2. different yet familiar without dragging on too long
the book held my interest to the end. good story. I would read book 2. different yet familiar without dragging on too long
April 6, 2021
Great read
I'm a big fan of the children off the mountain series but I loved this more and I can't wait for the next book. Could not put t his book down
I'm a big fan of the children off the mountain series but I loved this more and I can't wait for the next book. Could not put t his book down
June 16, 2021
Riveting
Wonderful book and plot. Kept me up reading it and I could not put it down. Please continue the story….
Wonderful book and plot. Kept me up reading it and I could not put it down. Please continue the story….
July 27, 2021
Good read
Loved the plot idea - kept me engaged with enough twists and turns to make me want more! The end.
Loved the plot idea - kept me engaged with enough twists and turns to make me want more! The end.
October 31, 2013
Viable by R.A. Hakok is a scientific thriller about a scientist looking for answers to the puzzle of Alzheimer’s and a mysterious man who may be the key to unlocking a cure. The author has woven scientific reality so seamlessly into this novel that the end result is a plot that feels totally plausible. From transgenics to stem cells, Viable takes the reader on a wild ride through modern medical research.
The main character is a mysterious man named Gant with an extremely rare blood type. The apparent victim of a kidnapping attempt, Gant slips out of the hospital just hours after a gunshot wound that should have left him incapacitated. The local Sherriff’s investigation leads him into danger himself as the story unfolds. The scientist, Alison Stone, is on a mission to cure Alzheimer’s, begun when her father was first diagnosed, she continues on even after his death. She is totally driven by her desire to find a cure and when a possible answer presents itself, she puts herself in danger to pursue it.
The writing is tight, conversations are realistic and the action is edge of your seat good. I love a book where the author does not “dumb it down” and it is obvious the author knows his/her stuff. I believe this is an indie book. I generally find indie books need editing, spell checking and proofreading, and mistakes bring me to a jarring halt while reading. This book was flawless; totally as polished as any mainstream scientific thriller I have read from a traditionally published author.
I hesitate to give a book 5 stars unless I think it truly exceeds my expectations. This book deserves all 5 stars! I could not put it down once I started. I hope to read more from this author in the future.
The main character is a mysterious man named Gant with an extremely rare blood type. The apparent victim of a kidnapping attempt, Gant slips out of the hospital just hours after a gunshot wound that should have left him incapacitated. The local Sherriff’s investigation leads him into danger himself as the story unfolds. The scientist, Alison Stone, is on a mission to cure Alzheimer’s, begun when her father was first diagnosed, she continues on even after his death. She is totally driven by her desire to find a cure and when a possible answer presents itself, she puts herself in danger to pursue it.
The writing is tight, conversations are realistic and the action is edge of your seat good. I love a book where the author does not “dumb it down” and it is obvious the author knows his/her stuff. I believe this is an indie book. I generally find indie books need editing, spell checking and proofreading, and mistakes bring me to a jarring halt while reading. This book was flawless; totally as polished as any mainstream scientific thriller I have read from a traditionally published author.
I hesitate to give a book 5 stars unless I think it truly exceeds my expectations. This book deserves all 5 stars! I could not put it down once I started. I hope to read more from this author in the future.
October 26, 2013
R.A. Hakok’s novel Viable was an intense book with bits and pieces of mystery, drama, and science fiction. A discovery of a rare blood type with potential to cure many ailments and diseases plaguing society would be great. That is what makes this novel interesting. Going on the journey that intertwines the lives of an up and coming scientists/professor Alison, small town Sheriff and a mysterious man Grant was a great adventure written by Hakok. Although the beginning of the novel dragged a little and was lacking much needed action to thrust it forward; if the reader sticks in for the long hold it pays off. The novel eventually picks up in pace and the puzzle pieces start to come together.
Hakok’s writing style is mixed in the beginning of the novel it seems to be just informational no action; an attempt to get the facts laid down. Towards the middle and end of Viable, Hakok’s writing style is influenced by many elaborate action and discovery scenes. The reader gets a better understanding of the main characters (Professor and Sheriff). Overall this was a pretty decent read. Great job Hakok.
Hakok’s writing style is mixed in the beginning of the novel it seems to be just informational no action; an attempt to get the facts laid down. Towards the middle and end of Viable, Hakok’s writing style is influenced by many elaborate action and discovery scenes. The reader gets a better understanding of the main characters (Professor and Sheriff). Overall this was a pretty decent read. Great job Hakok.
June 13, 2016
Viable Review
After reading all the 5 star reviews, I had very high hopes. However, I was disappointed. There are a ton of major errors. For example, Cody's gunshot wound changes location several times. There are also instances where names are given when they should not be and are unknown. For example, how can Character A just magically know the name of her captor when he has not been mentioned by name once the entire book? It also gets VERY confusing because many characters arent named outright until the end of the book. So you spend entire chapters wondering who's perspective youre reading. One character was even forgotten about entirely until the epilogue. I also found the extensive medical jargon and technical talk to be incredibly excessive. I want to know what Alison sees in the blood, without the entire history of hematopoietic cells and stem cell research cutting into the story every few paragraphs like a commercial break. The plot, action, and characters are there... it just needs more editing and polishing. It reads like a research paper until the very end.
After reading all the 5 star reviews, I had very high hopes. However, I was disappointed. There are a ton of major errors. For example, Cody's gunshot wound changes location several times. There are also instances where names are given when they should not be and are unknown. For example, how can Character A just magically know the name of her captor when he has not been mentioned by name once the entire book? It also gets VERY confusing because many characters arent named outright until the end of the book. So you spend entire chapters wondering who's perspective youre reading. One character was even forgotten about entirely until the epilogue. I also found the extensive medical jargon and technical talk to be incredibly excessive. I want to know what Alison sees in the blood, without the entire history of hematopoietic cells and stem cell research cutting into the story every few paragraphs like a commercial break. The plot, action, and characters are there... it just needs more editing and polishing. It reads like a research paper until the very end.
November 6, 2013
Alison Stone's father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's which eventually takes his life, and now she's on a mission to find a cure for the disease. She's presented with a man with a rare blood type that could help in her research, but first she must find the man. Although, she's not the only one looking for the man, and while she's looking for the man she finds herself putting her life in the line of danger.
The theme of this book of course is fiction, but the author writing style is seamless and well researched, you forget that it's just a story. It's clear the author did a great amount of research to make this book as successful as it is. It's great to read a book that has what seems like such an accurate and true story, even if it isn't.
The beginning of the book started off a bit slow, and I was anxious to get to the action already, but I stuck with it and my patience paid off, because later on the book is filled with action. I don't have any other complaints about this book. I greatly enjoyed reading it and would rate this book a 5/5
The theme of this book of course is fiction, but the author writing style is seamless and well researched, you forget that it's just a story. It's clear the author did a great amount of research to make this book as successful as it is. It's great to read a book that has what seems like such an accurate and true story, even if it isn't.
The beginning of the book started off a bit slow, and I was anxious to get to the action already, but I stuck with it and my patience paid off, because later on the book is filled with action. I don't have any other complaints about this book. I greatly enjoyed reading it and would rate this book a 5/5
August 1, 2015
Alison Stone lost her dad to Alzheimer’s. That is what enticed her to a career of finding a cure for it. When she is approached by Sheriff Henrikssen to evaluate a suspect’s blood sample, she could not believe the results she got from it. After identifying the owner of the blood sample, she researches into his background and discovers a secret that has been kept for nearly 100 years.
This story was full of action and suspense, with a riveting plot. The characters were very likeable and well-rounded. Although some explanation was needed to understand DNA and how the internal body functions, I think there was too much focus on that aspect. Learning some of it was fascinating, but it tended to get old fast. Otherwise, the story was easy to follow and very interesting. I was hoping for further connection between the two main characters, and maybe that will happen in a continuing story. I look forward to that.
This story was full of action and suspense, with a riveting plot. The characters were very likeable and well-rounded. Although some explanation was needed to understand DNA and how the internal body functions, I think there was too much focus on that aspect. Learning some of it was fascinating, but it tended to get old fast. Otherwise, the story was easy to follow and very interesting. I was hoping for further connection between the two main characters, and maybe that will happen in a continuing story. I look forward to that.
October 16, 2015
Original and enjoyable book
I really enjoyed this book and it kept me riveted. I didn't want to put it down and was really sorry when it ended. Can't wait for the next book. My only criticism is that some of chapters did not follow on smoothly -they jumped leaving the reader feel they had missed a chapter. For example the one where Alison makes the phone call to her mother - the next chapter leaves you feeling a chunk of f the book has been left out.
It is about a doctor researching a cure for Alzheimer's and some seemingly unlinked disappearances. I hope in the next books Cody and Alison`s characters, and may be a relationship, are developed more.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
I really enjoyed this book and it kept me riveted. I didn't want to put it down and was really sorry when it ended. Can't wait for the next book. My only criticism is that some of chapters did not follow on smoothly -they jumped leaving the reader feel they had missed a chapter. For example the one where Alison makes the phone call to her mother - the next chapter leaves you feeling a chunk of f the book has been left out.
It is about a doctor researching a cure for Alzheimer's and some seemingly unlinked disappearances. I hope in the next books Cody and Alison`s characters, and may be a relationship, are developed more.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
June 21, 2016
Dr.Alison Stone in Berkeley is desperately seeking a cure for the disease that killed her father, Alzheimer’s. Lars a sheriff in Nevada is searching for answers to a crime in his town. He comes to her for answers to a blood question her being a genetics expert. Carl Gant was severely injured and walked out of the hospital and both Alison and Lars want to find him.
Carl has fought in WW1 and in Vietnam and looks remarkably young. He is able to heal his body and seems not to age at all. I only wish the chapters where Alison talks about the medical stuff did not get so detailed. Most of us have no idea what she was talking about and it was not necessary to the story.
I recommend the book I really did enjoy it and the ending was quite a surprise.
December 21, 2015
Starts slowly, but ends with a bang
An exciting adventure that I nearly didn't read. The beginning is kind of muddled, and if I hadn't been reading in bed trying to get sleepy I probably wouldn't have finished the book. But events finally started to gel, and I found myself drawn into the mystery surrounding the main character, Cody Doyle.
Cody is a military man, who has been around for much longer than anyone knows. I don't want to give the plot away, though.
Lots of action, bad guys galore, no actual romance, though there is a female doctor involved.
Results: if you read on past the first third of this book, it's a pretty good action, medical, sci-fi thriller.
An exciting adventure that I nearly didn't read. The beginning is kind of muddled, and if I hadn't been reading in bed trying to get sleepy I probably wouldn't have finished the book. But events finally started to gel, and I found myself drawn into the mystery surrounding the main character, Cody Doyle.
Cody is a military man, who has been around for much longer than anyone knows. I don't want to give the plot away, though.
Lots of action, bad guys galore, no actual romance, though there is a female doctor involved.
Results: if you read on past the first third of this book, it's a pretty good action, medical, sci-fi thriller.
November 1, 2015
A good interesting book
It is, in general a good story. Some spoilers ahead.
I liked this book. It reminded me of a 60's TV show, The Immortal.
Essentially a very similar plot, a person with extraordinary capabilities that can be temporarily transmitted to others through blood transfusion. A good take on the story, though, as it makes it relevant and fresh for today's world and technology level.
Good characters and a good story that keeps moving and discovering new twists and turns as it progresses.
Well edited, a joy to read.
Worth the effort.
It is, in general a good story. Some spoilers ahead.
I liked this book. It reminded me of a 60's TV show, The Immortal.
Essentially a very similar plot, a person with extraordinary capabilities that can be temporarily transmitted to others through blood transfusion. A good take on the story, though, as it makes it relevant and fresh for today's world and technology level.
Good characters and a good story that keeps moving and discovering new twists and turns as it progresses.
Well edited, a joy to read.
Worth the effort.
December 4, 2015
Fantastic plot!!!
I almost put this book down because of all the medical lingo that totally confused and bored me due to my lack of understanding it but as I continued to read and the medical stuff became clearer it got real interesting and I couldn't put it down. So much suspense from that point on and wanting to know how the main character came to be kept me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend.
I almost put this book down because of all the medical lingo that totally confused and bored me due to my lack of understanding it but as I continued to read and the medical stuff became clearer it got real interesting and I couldn't put it down. So much suspense from that point on and wanting to know how the main character came to be kept me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend.
September 8, 2016
Good read
I was up and down with this one. The story was intriguing but it didn't grab me until about 30% in. The first few chapters jumped from character to character until you finally discovered how they tied in. Certain parts where over explained while others wrapped with a single sentence. I found that each of the main characters were very likeable, interesting and remained true throughout the book.
I was up and down with this one. The story was intriguing but it didn't grab me until about 30% in. The first few chapters jumped from character to character until you finally discovered how they tied in. Certain parts where over explained while others wrapped with a single sentence. I found that each of the main characters were very likeable, interesting and remained true throughout the book.
April 18, 2016
A great read.
For a first book this was excellent. Plenty of good characters who each added to the enjoyment of the story. A excellent mix of medical technology and information that really added to the story. For those with a medical background this is a must read book of fast action, and just plan fun. Enjoy
For a first book this was excellent. Plenty of good characters who each added to the enjoyment of the story. A excellent mix of medical technology and information that really added to the story. For those with a medical background this is a must read book of fast action, and just plan fun. Enjoy
November 28, 2015
Viable
The most intense and thrill packed action adventure mystery thriller I have ever read. From page one it didn't let go. The most intellectually balanced book I have read in years. Full of detail, loved it and you will too.
The most intense and thrill packed action adventure mystery thriller I have ever read. From page one it didn't let go. The most intellectually balanced book I have read in years. Full of detail, loved it and you will too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews