The Engineer's Assistant

by Adam Middlemas

Verified Purchase, Le Quest
"A new Author who writes science fiction with a twist. What a great story! Even at full paper-back price this would have been a bargain read but at a few pence this is a must for anybody out there who likes a touch of classic science fiction with a cross between HG Wells and Steven King. Written in a light very readable style, I thank you Adam for your imagination and gift to us in your authorship."

My life was a treadmill. Long hours, soul-destroying work, barely keeping up with the mortgage on the home we bought to start a family. By the time we could afford kids, we’d be too old to have them. Modern life eh? Chasing carrots with strings attached.

But my life turned around, turned upside down, when Pete, retired chief engineer, moved in next door. Forty years on ships, tinkering, experimenting. Time to create a device that would change the if he could get it to work. Almost there, showing an apparently magical effect. So close to something so amazing. As close as he would ever get.

He became my mentor and friend. I was a software engineer with fading dreams, a man in need of a cause. Applying my digital skills to Pete’s genius mechanical wizardry, we smashed through the barriers of metallurgical limits. We brought about the breakthrough that Pete proclaimed would realize a new golden age for mankind. It didn’t. Quite the opposite.

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2016

Reviews

[Lucinda Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

INTERESTING BUT TECHNICAL
Science fiction is not my usual genre, but the author was recommended, so I thought I would give it a try. The earlier part of the book when Adam and Peter were constructing the space ship was very technical and I admit I speed-read some of the pages but I found it more interesting in the second half. Well written in places that heightened the tension leasing to a satisfactory ending.

[victor turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant !

I normally read history alongside sci-fi books and whilst this book is neither it does raise the question 'what if' - or as Rene Descartes said
" I think therefore I am" . . . But what this book proposes is 'am I real ?'
-on top of that, this book is a damn good easy read. Roll on it's follow-up.

[Chris Bullock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - an interesting style and ideas. I liked the concept. There were a few 'dark' bits in the storyline, which were stated and then seemingly glossed over; but generally it was quite light-hearted. Also there were a few minor typos which fortunately didn't detract from the story.
It certainly held my interest and I would look forward more stories in this vein.

[Natalie Jordan Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of many parts, that would make a great TV series.
What it lacks in description in makes up in action.
I liked it.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book. The third and final update : ‘The full story’ moved on and improved the original ending 100%

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the writing style, mostly written in the first person. The change to third person was carefully separated by chapter which worked well, the plot had several "factions" and unexpected turns.
At the start I thought it was going to be a quick, lighthearted read. It became deeper and darker as the plot progressed. I found some of it disturbing, some of it scary.
The end was satisfactory but there obviously needs to be more. I hope there will be. For me, best read this year, but the darkness won't suit some.

[Sadie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting story / plot which I found very engaging. Sci-Fi lovers will enjoy this new writer - I will definately read a follow-up book.