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The Drift
In the quaint little town of Crystal Falls, surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, a storm is brewing….
As the tightknit community fights to survive a blizzard like no other, more sinister threats, dark and duplicitous, lurk just out of sight.
Embarking upon his first official mission, Ra sees himself as a rescuer, a hero, a man whose selfless efforts will save untold lives and ensure a future where his people will flourish for generations to come.
As he carries out his duties, he’s forced to face the cruel duality of good and evil. Firsthand, he witnesses that actions, no matter how noble the intent, can trigger disastrous outcomes, some irreversible.
Struggling to undo what he’s done, Ra finds in himself a surprising capacity for empathy and discovers an emotion he’s willing to die for – love.
In this electrically charged page-turner, David Maxwell, author of the highly rated Rebirth, takes us into an all-too-possible dystopian world where one group’s solution for survival threatens to destroy the lives of another.
The Drift is a heart-pounding science fiction thriller where evolutionary decline and technological advancement collides with social justice and the innate desire for self-preservation.
As the tightknit community fights to survive a blizzard like no other, more sinister threats, dark and duplicitous, lurk just out of sight.
Embarking upon his first official mission, Ra sees himself as a rescuer, a hero, a man whose selfless efforts will save untold lives and ensure a future where his people will flourish for generations to come.
As he carries out his duties, he’s forced to face the cruel duality of good and evil. Firsthand, he witnesses that actions, no matter how noble the intent, can trigger disastrous outcomes, some irreversible.
Struggling to undo what he’s done, Ra finds in himself a surprising capacity for empathy and discovers an emotion he’s willing to die for – love.
In this electrically charged page-turner, David Maxwell, author of the highly rated Rebirth, takes us into an all-too-possible dystopian world where one group’s solution for survival threatens to destroy the lives of another.
The Drift is a heart-pounding science fiction thriller where evolutionary decline and technological advancement collides with social justice and the innate desire for self-preservation.
374 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2016
5 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
David Maxwell
2 books34 followersAward-winning self-published author David Maxwell was born and raised in Lake Station, Indiana, just a short drive from the windy city, Chicago, Illinois. Currently, David resides in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam where he lives with his beautiful wife and daughter writing prose and occasionally teaching Vietnamese children the English language.
David pursed his education in Computer Science and Computer Engineering at Indiana University and Purdue University. In 1990, he joined the United States Air Force, traveling the world as a Network Security Manager and holding a Top Secret SCI clearance. He served in Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, and the War on Terror. After a long and distinguished career in the military, he retired as a disabled veteran.
Shortly after his military service, David took a telecommunications position as a Data Collections Engineer (DCE) where, once again, he traveled the world, this time testing cellular service for all the major carriers through city streets, public transit, and major sport and entertainment venues. During his career as a DCE, he was featured in an article by CNET Magazine.
Both career choices proved to be highly rewarding, but Maxwell had dreamed of becoming an author since the early days of his childhood. As a boy, he collected comic books and read them religiously. As a teen, he fell in love with science-fiction novels. As an adult, he broadened his appreciation for a good book to thrillers, horror stories, classic literature, and even a few romance novels here and there. Some of his favorite authors include: Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Ray Bradbury, Johnathan Kellerman, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Michael Crichton, Charles Dickens, and Frank McCourt.
While in Baku, Azerbaijan testing cellular service as a DCE, David decided that if he was ever going to pursue his dream, now was the time. Giving his employer notice, he began writing full-time. In 2015, he published his first novel, the dystopian sci-fi thriller Rebirth. In August of 2016, he published his second novel, The Drift, another stand-alone thriller which currently holds a 5-star review rating on Amazon. Both novels earned the coveted Readers' Favorite 5-Star Seal.
Following the publishing of his first two books, Mr. Maxwell took a sabbatical from publishing new books to spend more time with family. Now, ready to get back to it and give his readers something new to rave about, he is in the editing stages on latest novel, The Wanderer: Origins, which will be a dark, antihero thriller set in the very near future. He wrote the first draft while laid up in a Vietnamese hospital with COVID-19 for a two-week quarantine. The new book will be released late summer or early fall of 2022.
David Maxwell's style of writing is rich and detail relatable characters and vibrant settings. David also does a vast amount of research to make his works of fiction more believable for the reader – the science, the authenticity, and the characters (personally interviewing doctors, psychologists, detectives, and whomever else fits one of his character profiles). His books provide readers a thought-provoking, mind-bending, thrilling ride in an immersive world.
David pursed his education in Computer Science and Computer Engineering at Indiana University and Purdue University. In 1990, he joined the United States Air Force, traveling the world as a Network Security Manager and holding a Top Secret SCI clearance. He served in Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, and the War on Terror. After a long and distinguished career in the military, he retired as a disabled veteran.
Shortly after his military service, David took a telecommunications position as a Data Collections Engineer (DCE) where, once again, he traveled the world, this time testing cellular service for all the major carriers through city streets, public transit, and major sport and entertainment venues. During his career as a DCE, he was featured in an article by CNET Magazine.
Both career choices proved to be highly rewarding, but Maxwell had dreamed of becoming an author since the early days of his childhood. As a boy, he collected comic books and read them religiously. As a teen, he fell in love with science-fiction novels. As an adult, he broadened his appreciation for a good book to thrillers, horror stories, classic literature, and even a few romance novels here and there. Some of his favorite authors include: Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Ray Bradbury, Johnathan Kellerman, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Michael Crichton, Charles Dickens, and Frank McCourt.
While in Baku, Azerbaijan testing cellular service as a DCE, David decided that if he was ever going to pursue his dream, now was the time. Giving his employer notice, he began writing full-time. In 2015, he published his first novel, the dystopian sci-fi thriller Rebirth. In August of 2016, he published his second novel, The Drift, another stand-alone thriller which currently holds a 5-star review rating on Amazon. Both novels earned the coveted Readers' Favorite 5-Star Seal.
Following the publishing of his first two books, Mr. Maxwell took a sabbatical from publishing new books to spend more time with family. Now, ready to get back to it and give his readers something new to rave about, he is in the editing stages on latest novel, The Wanderer: Origins, which will be a dark, antihero thriller set in the very near future. He wrote the first draft while laid up in a Vietnamese hospital with COVID-19 for a two-week quarantine. The new book will be released late summer or early fall of 2022.
David Maxwell's style of writing is rich and detail relatable characters and vibrant settings. David also does a vast amount of research to make his works of fiction more believable for the reader – the science, the authenticity, and the characters (personally interviewing doctors, psychologists, detectives, and whomever else fits one of his character profiles). His books provide readers a thought-provoking, mind-bending, thrilling ride in an immersive world.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 31, 2016
I’ve been fortunate to have read for review a string of top-notch novels for Reader’s Favorite the past several weeks and “The Drift” by David Maxwell earned its way to the top of that list. In this stunning science-fiction thriller the town of Crystal Falls is hit with a winter storm of unbelievable proportion and intensity. The townsfolk struggle to survive and assemble in the local clinic. Following a series of hair-raising events, characterized by great acts of bravery and determination, it looks like almost everyone has survived the worst… and that’s when the shite really hits the fan.
“The Drift” is a strong, character driven story that touches on several emotional themes and personal discoveries as the actors struggle within a dystopian world in which an advanced societies strategies for survival and rejuvenation of their dying world, infringes upon and enslaves another. Mr. Maxwell is expert in building and defining his characters. Regardless of their place in the story… major or minor actor… protagonist or antagonist, he brings them to life with an unparalleled sense of verisimilitude. These actors are true to life and unforgettable. “The Drift” is a refreshing view of a familiar (for sci-fi fans) theme, told in compelling fashion, perfectly paced with each scene meshing and setting the stage for the next. You’ll find little to no “tell” in this story; it’s almost entirely “show.” I easily visualized every scene. As applicable, I felt love, empathy, sympathy, dislike, and/or hatred for every character. If I could reduce this review to a single sentence, it would be this—If you read only one book this year, make sure it’s “The Drift” by David Maxwell.
“The Drift” is a strong, character driven story that touches on several emotional themes and personal discoveries as the actors struggle within a dystopian world in which an advanced societies strategies for survival and rejuvenation of their dying world, infringes upon and enslaves another. Mr. Maxwell is expert in building and defining his characters. Regardless of their place in the story… major or minor actor… protagonist or antagonist, he brings them to life with an unparalleled sense of verisimilitude. These actors are true to life and unforgettable. “The Drift” is a refreshing view of a familiar (for sci-fi fans) theme, told in compelling fashion, perfectly paced with each scene meshing and setting the stage for the next. You’ll find little to no “tell” in this story; it’s almost entirely “show.” I easily visualized every scene. As applicable, I felt love, empathy, sympathy, dislike, and/or hatred for every character. If I could reduce this review to a single sentence, it would be this—If you read only one book this year, make sure it’s “The Drift” by David Maxwell.
September 7, 2016
Okay, wow. I read David Maxwell’s first novel, Rebirth, and enjoyed it. With The Drift, the author has really won me over.
The plot was fantastic, well thought out and surprising. There were plenty of times during the course of the story that I had reservations (“How can this be?”) and I was afraid that the answers would either be unsatisfactory or completely missing (as sometimes happens in books). I was so happy to discover that all the questions that occurred to me throughout the book (and believe me, plenty of questions get raised!) ended up not only being answered, but answered in a way that was not just satisfying but perfect. And without being at all predictable.
Having said all that about the plot (and I refuse to say more because in this book it would be way too easy to give a spoiler), I don’t think I can say enough about the characterization. There are a lot of characters in this book, major and minor – a whole town’s worth. The author brings each of them their own personality and makes you feel you know them. Not only are the characters themselves vivid and believable, but the town of Crystal Falls is itself a character, fully and richly realized. In fact, the storm that descends on Crystal Falls at the beginning of the book is a well-wrought character in itself.
Oh yeah, and I cried at the end (happy tears). You know you’ve got me when I get that involved in a story.
The Drift was a journey well worth taking and I strongly recommend it to lovers of science fiction, intricate plotting and great characters. Well done!
The plot was fantastic, well thought out and surprising. There were plenty of times during the course of the story that I had reservations (“How can this be?”) and I was afraid that the answers would either be unsatisfactory or completely missing (as sometimes happens in books). I was so happy to discover that all the questions that occurred to me throughout the book (and believe me, plenty of questions get raised!) ended up not only being answered, but answered in a way that was not just satisfying but perfect. And without being at all predictable.
Having said all that about the plot (and I refuse to say more because in this book it would be way too easy to give a spoiler), I don’t think I can say enough about the characterization. There are a lot of characters in this book, major and minor – a whole town’s worth. The author brings each of them their own personality and makes you feel you know them. Not only are the characters themselves vivid and believable, but the town of Crystal Falls is itself a character, fully and richly realized. In fact, the storm that descends on Crystal Falls at the beginning of the book is a well-wrought character in itself.
Oh yeah, and I cried at the end (happy tears). You know you’ve got me when I get that involved in a story.
The Drift was a journey well worth taking and I strongly recommend it to lovers of science fiction, intricate plotting and great characters. Well done!
August 28, 2016
Science fiction at its best!
I really enjoyed David Maxwell’s first novel, Rebirth, and now he’s truly hit it out of the park with The Drift! There are futuristic technologies, relatable characters, apocalyptic circumstances, and emotional surprises. The writing pulled me in and kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt every minute of the fear, hope, anguish, and joy the characters experienced as the story unfolded. The settings were vivid and the personalities colorful.
One of the more interesting aspects to me was the notion that good and evil can be part of the same person and that situational challenges can create a very fine line between the two, at least in their own eyes. Stories within the story were compelling, particularly Holly’s and Jenny’s. I appreciated that this male author really captured the strength, intelligence, unique trials, and undeniable resilience of his female characters. Maddie’s “spit and vinegar” reminded me of my own grandmother and felt very real.
Beyond the gripping action, suspenseful turns, and intense emotional journey, this is a fascinating and complex story with undertones and overtones of societal challenges we grapple with today. Enveloped in this exciting technological thriller, there are messages of tolerance, loyalty, equality, personal responsibility, and the common threads that bind us to our communities and our world.
I’d love to see this one on the movie screen!
I really enjoyed David Maxwell’s first novel, Rebirth, and now he’s truly hit it out of the park with The Drift! There are futuristic technologies, relatable characters, apocalyptic circumstances, and emotional surprises. The writing pulled me in and kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt every minute of the fear, hope, anguish, and joy the characters experienced as the story unfolded. The settings were vivid and the personalities colorful.
One of the more interesting aspects to me was the notion that good and evil can be part of the same person and that situational challenges can create a very fine line between the two, at least in their own eyes. Stories within the story were compelling, particularly Holly’s and Jenny’s. I appreciated that this male author really captured the strength, intelligence, unique trials, and undeniable resilience of his female characters. Maddie’s “spit and vinegar” reminded me of my own grandmother and felt very real.
Beyond the gripping action, suspenseful turns, and intense emotional journey, this is a fascinating and complex story with undertones and overtones of societal challenges we grapple with today. Enveloped in this exciting technological thriller, there are messages of tolerance, loyalty, equality, personal responsibility, and the common threads that bind us to our communities and our world.
I’d love to see this one on the movie screen!
August 31, 2016
***** This review is an excerpt from Readers' Favorite (see link below) *****
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
"The Drift is a strong, character driven, magnificent story that touches on several emotional themes and personal discoveries as the actors struggle within a dystopian world.... Mr. Maxwell is expert in building and defining his characters. Regardless of their place in the story - major or minor actor, protagonist or antagonist - he brings them to life with an unparalleled sense of verisimilitude. These actors are true to life and unforgettable.
The Drift is a refreshing view of a familiar (for sci-fi fans) theme, told in compelling fashion, perfectly paced with each scene meshing and setting the stage for the next. You’ll find little to no “tell” in this story; it’s almost entirely “show.” I easily visualized every scene. As applicable, I felt love, empathy, sympathy, dislike, and/or hatred for every character. If I could reduce this review to a single sentence, it would be this: If you read only one book this year, make sure it’s The Drift by David Maxwell."
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
"The Drift is a strong, character driven, magnificent story that touches on several emotional themes and personal discoveries as the actors struggle within a dystopian world.... Mr. Maxwell is expert in building and defining his characters. Regardless of their place in the story - major or minor actor, protagonist or antagonist - he brings them to life with an unparalleled sense of verisimilitude. These actors are true to life and unforgettable.
The Drift is a refreshing view of a familiar (for sci-fi fans) theme, told in compelling fashion, perfectly paced with each scene meshing and setting the stage for the next. You’ll find little to no “tell” in this story; it’s almost entirely “show.” I easily visualized every scene. As applicable, I felt love, empathy, sympathy, dislike, and/or hatred for every character. If I could reduce this review to a single sentence, it would be this: If you read only one book this year, make sure it’s The Drift by David Maxwell."
October 11, 2018
Meh. Something made me keep on reading through to the end, but this book just didn't do it for me. The very end was predictable. The characters weren't engaging enough. The present and future were too incompatible. I didn't hate it, but I wouldn't read it again.
September 30, 2017
This was an enjoyable read on Kindle unlimited. Plenty of action and storyline even if a little too unbelievable at times
Read
March 11, 2021Trapped by a record blizzard, the residents of a small American town are rescued from death by time travellers.
The story opens with the town of Crystal Falls preparing for an unseasonal heavy snowfall. A range of well-developed characters are introduced as they try to help each other survive. It’s interesting and engaging stuff, but it does take a while to get to the science fiction content. Don’t panic, it eventually shows up and is pretty good when it arrives.
The writing is good, very readable throughout, with few editing errors.
Good characters and an interesting premise make for an enjoyable read. Expect some sexual references, death and violence.
The story opens with the town of Crystal Falls preparing for an unseasonal heavy snowfall. A range of well-developed characters are introduced as they try to help each other survive. It’s interesting and engaging stuff, but it does take a while to get to the science fiction content. Don’t panic, it eventually shows up and is pretty good when it arrives.
The writing is good, very readable throughout, with few editing errors.
Good characters and an interesting premise make for an enjoyable read. Expect some sexual references, death and violence.
September 18, 2016
Excellent stand alone book.
This story took several unexpected twists. It's unusual in that it has a strong finite ending. The characters were good people at heart and loyal to a fault.
This story took several unexpected twists. It's unusual in that it has a strong finite ending. The characters were good people at heart and loyal to a fault.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews