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The Prometheus Effect
Deep in the Nevada desert…
…lies a secret futuristic world.
Would Jack’s technology save humankind?
It started with Jack’s discovery, but he feared it was a power too great. All around the globe, energy reserves are dangerously low. Superpowers brace for battle over what remains.
Should Jack share his energy solution?
He thinks it’s too dangerous.
The power potential is as important as Prometheus discovering fire and giving it to man. There must be a way to use what he knows, but he’s conflicted. Maybe the brilliant mind of Mykl can solve the puzzle?
Mykl is five.
Is the answer worth the cost?
You’ll love this Dystopian Science Fiction, because the world building is brilliant, the technology is fascinating, and the story keeps you turning pages. And don’t be fooled…
…this isn’t for kids.
Get it now.
…lies a secret futuristic world.
Would Jack’s technology save humankind?
It started with Jack’s discovery, but he feared it was a power too great. All around the globe, energy reserves are dangerously low. Superpowers brace for battle over what remains.
Should Jack share his energy solution?
He thinks it’s too dangerous.
The power potential is as important as Prometheus discovering fire and giving it to man. There must be a way to use what he knows, but he’s conflicted. Maybe the brilliant mind of Mykl can solve the puzzle?
Mykl is five.
Is the answer worth the cost?
You’ll love this Dystopian Science Fiction, because the world building is brilliant, the technology is fascinating, and the story keeps you turning pages. And don’t be fooled…
…this isn’t for kids.
Get it now.
- GenresScience FictionDystopia
500 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2017
181 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
David Fleming
1 book11 followersDavid has yet to become successful enough to talk about himself in the third person, so he's just going to ramble briefly in first person. If this bio eventually switches entirely to third person, you'll know his writing career is doing well:
At the encouragement of my friends, I have become an author. It will take a few more published works before I consider myself a writer. The Prometheus Effect is my debut novel. Like all things on the first try, I surely made some mistakes. It was a valuable learning experience and my future tales will be better for it.
I hated reading at an early age. Writing? Even more so. Not my circus, not my monkeys. It was boring. Then I found my niche in science fiction and discovered that I loved to read. Writing? Nope. Still hated it. I had nothing to say. Fast forward a few decades and my life experiences, opinions, and outlook on the world evolved. Most people only have one worst day in their life. I've witnessed too many of these to count in my twenty plus years as a firefighter. I do my best to make things better. Good or bad, I now have stories to tell, and a passion for writing.
So, as far as my future books and characters go, this is my circus, and these are my monkeys.
Cheers.
At the encouragement of my friends, I have become an author. It will take a few more published works before I consider myself a writer. The Prometheus Effect is my debut novel. Like all things on the first try, I surely made some mistakes. It was a valuable learning experience and my future tales will be better for it.
I hated reading at an early age. Writing? Even more so. Not my circus, not my monkeys. It was boring. Then I found my niche in science fiction and discovered that I loved to read. Writing? Nope. Still hated it. I had nothing to say. Fast forward a few decades and my life experiences, opinions, and outlook on the world evolved. Most people only have one worst day in their life. I've witnessed too many of these to count in my twenty plus years as a firefighter. I do my best to make things better. Good or bad, I now have stories to tell, and a passion for writing.
So, as far as my future books and characters go, this is my circus, and these are my monkeys.
Cheers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 9, 2022
Re-Read 2022: Re-read this as it was selected as a book club book. Stands up well on re-read and I enjoyed visiting with Mykl and company again. There's some good foreshadowing that I picked up on in this re-read.
There's a lot to love about this book, so let's focus on those first. First thing to note is this is a debut novel and for a debut novel I think it's fabulous. It's well edited and there are very few, if any, grammatical mistakes or other issues of that sort to pull you out of the narrative. The plot moves along well, the pacing is generally good, there are characters with real heart to them, and a lot of genuinely interesting ideas and philosophical questions you're left to chew over.
Our setting is a near-future dystopian take on the world, mostly centered around the city of Las Vegas. This is a book told from multiple points of view, but the main character who we spend the most time with is Mykl, an extremely precocious and intellectually gifted 5 year old.
It's hard to get too deep into a discussion of the plot of this book without getting into serious spoiler territory. I will instead say there's a bit of a murder mystery/thriller plotline, a voyage of discovery section, and an international politics/spy type storyline. There are bits that will appeal to fans of stories ranging from Ender's Game to The Bourne Identity. There are also some chuckle-worthy bits of humor to lighten up an otherwise heavy story.
As to the things I didn't like, I thought the antagonists/representatives of the antagonist government felt a bit flat/two dimensional, they had no real redeeming qualities or sympathetic traits. It was way too easy to write them off as villains that deserve whatever fate they get. I also thought our "good guys" may have had things a little too good; they weren't just one or two steps ahead of the villains, they were light years ahead. I would have liked to spend more time in The City and exploring some of the ramifications/uses of all the cool technological things that we only got to see briefly.
All that being said, it's an exciting, interesting, enjoyable read and I encourage you to give this new author a try! I happily anticipate reading future books by this author!
There's a lot to love about this book, so let's focus on those first. First thing to note is this is a debut novel and for a debut novel I think it's fabulous. It's well edited and there are very few, if any, grammatical mistakes or other issues of that sort to pull you out of the narrative. The plot moves along well, the pacing is generally good, there are characters with real heart to them, and a lot of genuinely interesting ideas and philosophical questions you're left to chew over.
Our setting is a near-future dystopian take on the world, mostly centered around the city of Las Vegas. This is a book told from multiple points of view, but the main character who we spend the most time with is Mykl, an extremely precocious and intellectually gifted 5 year old.
It's hard to get too deep into a discussion of the plot of this book without getting into serious spoiler territory. I will instead say there's a bit of a murder mystery/thriller plotline, a voyage of discovery section, and an international politics/spy type storyline. There are bits that will appeal to fans of stories ranging from Ender's Game to The Bourne Identity. There are also some chuckle-worthy bits of humor to lighten up an otherwise heavy story.
As to the things I didn't like, I thought the antagonists/representatives of the antagonist government felt a bit flat/two dimensional, they had no real redeeming qualities or sympathetic traits. It was way too easy to write them off as villains that deserve whatever fate they get. I also thought our "good guys" may have had things a little too good; they weren't just one or two steps ahead of the villains, they were light years ahead. I would have liked to spend more time in The City and exploring some of the ramifications/uses of all the cool technological things that we only got to see briefly.
All that being said, it's an exciting, interesting, enjoyable read and I encourage you to give this new author a try! I happily anticipate reading future books by this author!
October 15, 2017
While this is the author’s debut novel, it is a well-crafted story that finds its proper pace throughout varied scenes that range from touching, gentle and funny moments to thrilling and suspenseful action.
For a debut, readers will be pleased to see how well the author has developed his main characters and how well he managed the interplay and dialogue between the characters both major and minor. The author leads his main character, Mykl, a five-year-old with an exceptional mind, on a journey of discovery from a dystopian Las Vegas orphanage to a place beyond imagination to all but those select few who have held incredible knowledge since World War II.
He provides descriptive details in his scene set up that are appropriate for the intended pace of the novel, and at no point is the descriptive language ponderous or distracting. Rather, the author crafts his words and phrases with significant intent, and if the reader is paying attention, they may gather a hint or two around a few mysteries and twists that are woven into the storyline.
If there are any areas for improvement, it likely exists with the depth and backstory in crafting the villains. The political situation and players could also use more baselining as this near future world is still a few decades ahead of today’s world.
This is not a book that readers will put down for long, as they will want to find out what happens to the characters with whom they have become completely invested. Ultimately, this debut is an enjoyable read for all those who like Sci-Fi, dystopian fiction with some conspiracy theory thrown into the mix.
For a debut, readers will be pleased to see how well the author has developed his main characters and how well he managed the interplay and dialogue between the characters both major and minor. The author leads his main character, Mykl, a five-year-old with an exceptional mind, on a journey of discovery from a dystopian Las Vegas orphanage to a place beyond imagination to all but those select few who have held incredible knowledge since World War II.
He provides descriptive details in his scene set up that are appropriate for the intended pace of the novel, and at no point is the descriptive language ponderous or distracting. Rather, the author crafts his words and phrases with significant intent, and if the reader is paying attention, they may gather a hint or two around a few mysteries and twists that are woven into the storyline.
If there are any areas for improvement, it likely exists with the depth and backstory in crafting the villains. The political situation and players could also use more baselining as this near future world is still a few decades ahead of today’s world.
This is not a book that readers will put down for long, as they will want to find out what happens to the characters with whom they have become completely invested. Ultimately, this debut is an enjoyable read for all those who like Sci-Fi, dystopian fiction with some conspiracy theory thrown into the mix.
August 2, 2017
This is a great book! I absolutely love the characters and the creative world. It's hard to say what I want to, without spoilers, but I'll do my best. I intended to read for a few hours before bed, but ended up reading for more than half the night. I couldn't put this book down! I was too tired to even write this review the next day--talk about a book hangover! It's been a long time since I've felt so drawn to so many characters in a novel. I wanted to pull some of them right out of the pages to hug. The dystopian setting they live in feels all too plausible, and I think it really helped draw me in to the story, considering the current state of our world. And the technological wonders in this book were thought provoking on so many levels! I can't say much more without risk of major spoilers, since everything is so intricately woven throughout the plot. Overall, I would say this is a must-read!
September 29, 2020
I have to be honest, I feel a bit duped by my fellow Goodreaders here. The reviews were all pretty solid but I have to say, I thought it was dire. (Sorry if the author reads this, which I’m sure he won’t). But let me flesh out my critique:
1) Descriptions of female characters were one dimensional and focused solely on their appearance and/or what they were wearing eg Mykl’s mother being dressed like a stripper. Yes it’s explained more later on so I could have let that go. However we then move to Jessica, who is also described incredibly sexily when trying on her red dress. We also see the pink of another lady’s panties. Lori is the demon goddess from hell. Women seem to be monsters or whores in this book, and as a reader it grows tiresome reading the same tropes from male authors.
2) The characters themselves were one dimensional. When Mykl discovers some of his family links such as finding his father, I feel nothing. I do not feel particularly engaged with this supremely smart child. Equally when he loses someone, it is not as impactful as I feel it could be.
3) The story is convoluted and seems to just centre around Jack’s god complex. An understandable one yes, but a god complex nonetheless. And he requires a super-smart child to confirm his biases. It’s a very bizarre turn of events. The ending of the book is massively rushed and doesn’t feel well thought out.
4) Sebastian is an inherently unlikeable character and I find his side plot strange and unnecessary. I guess it’s to reinforce Jack’s god complex because people like Sebastian need to be eradicated due to their selfishness. I’m not really sure. Either way, it’s a tenuous tale at best.
All in all, the story itself could have been really good if fleshed out better, but the characterisation was poorly handled and I won’t be reading a second (if there is one).
1) Descriptions of female characters were one dimensional and focused solely on their appearance and/or what they were wearing eg Mykl’s mother being dressed like a stripper. Yes it’s explained more later on so I could have let that go. However we then move to Jessica, who is also described incredibly sexily when trying on her red dress. We also see the pink of another lady’s panties. Lori is the demon goddess from hell. Women seem to be monsters or whores in this book, and as a reader it grows tiresome reading the same tropes from male authors.
2) The characters themselves were one dimensional. When Mykl discovers some of his family links such as finding his father, I feel nothing. I do not feel particularly engaged with this supremely smart child. Equally when he loses someone, it is not as impactful as I feel it could be.
3) The story is convoluted and seems to just centre around Jack’s god complex. An understandable one yes, but a god complex nonetheless. And he requires a super-smart child to confirm his biases. It’s a very bizarre turn of events. The ending of the book is massively rushed and doesn’t feel well thought out.
4) Sebastian is an inherently unlikeable character and I find his side plot strange and unnecessary. I guess it’s to reinforce Jack’s god complex because people like Sebastian need to be eradicated due to their selfishness. I’m not really sure. Either way, it’s a tenuous tale at best.
All in all, the story itself could have been really good if fleshed out better, but the characterisation was poorly handled and I won’t be reading a second (if there is one).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2017
Prometheus... I honestly have mixed feelings about this novel.
4 stars because I liked it. The ideas are there, it's intriguing and seems originally thought out. It does not fall into the sci-fi disaster; It has a readable and understandable first 5 chapters. There are twists and moments of ah hah! but there is SO MUCH GOING ON!
My friend (also the one who told me to read the book) told me to give a detailed response... so here I go!
~~~~~~~~~Okay spoilers below~~~~~~~~~~
I am being nitpicky but with the way the author writes, he could definitely push the story further. The details are great! Oh man, the imagery is beautiful. I completely want a room I can change at a touch on the wall. There are so many wonderful moments that make the story great!
4 stars because I liked it. The ideas are there, it's intriguing and seems originally thought out. It does not fall into the sci-fi disaster; It has a readable and understandable first 5 chapters. There are twists and moments of ah hah! but there is SO MUCH GOING ON!
My friend (also the one who told me to read the book) told me to give a detailed response... so here I go!
~~~~~~~~~Okay spoilers below~~~~~~~~~~
I am being nitpicky but with the way the author writes, he could definitely push the story further. The details are great! Oh man, the imagery is beautiful. I completely want a room I can change at a touch on the wall. There are so many wonderful moments that make the story great!
April 28, 2018
I’m not a big sci-fi fan, but this book was recommended to me by a friend so I decided to check it out. I was immediately engulfed in the story being unfolded (although much of the detail may have been lost on my lack of understanding all things technical, scientific or futuristic 😊). This was mainly due to the author’s incredible ability to provide a smooth and descriptive flow throughout the book. Each chapter left me hanging just enough to want to keep going. The story itself was thought provoking, poignant and actually quite relevant. If there was any criticism I could offer it would be that I felt there was just a bit too much packed into this tale. I also had a difficult time bonding to any particular character(s), possibly because so many were so meticulously developed that I found myself dancing back and forth between them. Taking into consideration that this is the author’s debut novel (which is unbelievable!) I can completely understand the desire to include every bit of detail. Overall an enjoyable read epitomizing the idea of hope and highlighting the most fundamental & genuine aspect of human nature.
December 4, 2017
I have this friend and he wrote a book. He told me about the book, so being a friend, I bought it. Little did I realize how enthralled I would become with the characters and plot of the book. It is such a good book that I read it within the week of purchase. Since I also know the book cover artist, I bought both the kindle and paperback editions. This book has great ideas and many of them could be happening in our current world. The current landscape of our society could lead to the exact same plot outlined in the book. I am amazed at the depth of the characters and the way the author brought them to life in my imagination.
If you want a good, solid, entertaining, heart tugging, murder mystery, sci-fi, well written book, this one is for you!
If you want a good, solid, entertaining, heart tugging, murder mystery, sci-fi, well written book, this one is for you!
January 3, 2018
A surprisingly vapid and confusing starter, it managed to get better, to the point where I was reading for enjoyment rather than just because I'd already invested so much time. Of course the whole ethos of the work is a little grating, and that combined with the flighty nature of the threads toward the beginning stopped it being a strong contender.
November 28, 2021
This book raises a long simmering question in Science Fiction, are vigilantes a good or a bad thing?
According to Wikipedia, “Vigilantism is the act of enforcement, investigation or punishment of perceived offenses without legal authority.” Reading this book the week after the verdict in the Ahmaud Arbery trial, vigilantism has left a very bad taste and connotation.
However, I was raised on comic books full of vigilantes; Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Popeye. Even Daddy Warbucks fought for little orphans. The list goes on and on. In the comics vigilantes were always full of honor, doing good for humanity with no thought to reward or self-interest. Sadly this is seldom the case in the real world.
Our news reports are full of examples showing the; helplessness, self-centeredness, or corruptness of our businesses, government, police, and military. So where else do we turn but to the ideal of an unselfish vigilante to save us and secure our future. Extend this idea into a dystopian world full of shortages of energy, food, and money and we would long for any savior at all.
The Prometheus Effect by David Fleming is full of all sorts of wonderful, caring, and selfless people trying to help society. We are introduced to the champion savior on the first page when a nineteen year old Jack Smith tells the president that following the events of World War II the future of the world can no longer be entrusted to world leaders. Instead we need a secret group, working undetected and without scrutiny, to protect humanity from ourselves.
Fleming has written an entertaining, exciting, action-packed book full of great characters. In addition to Jack we have Mykl, a precocious five year old stuck in an orphanage that would make Anne’s look like paradise. Then we have his friends; James, an intellectually challenged seventeen year old and Dawn, a blind girl with a heart of gold. This author certainly knows how to create characters that tug at your heartstrings.
And then there are the villains; sadistic childcare workers, evil Chinese government agents, American Presidents seeking only power and re-election. Fleming gives us a book full of bad guys as counterpoint to the pure and good hearted.
All of that said, this is a fun book to read. Good guys to love, bad guys to hate, an endangered world to save and science that is the stuff of fantasy. Just like in my childhood comics, the good vigilantes are here to save the world.
So, if you are looking for an entertaining read, this is the book for you. I certainly enjoyed reading it. But, like in the Wizard of Oz, don’t peek behind the curtain as you may find that the truth is rather disappointing.
According to Wikipedia, “Vigilantism is the act of enforcement, investigation or punishment of perceived offenses without legal authority.” Reading this book the week after the verdict in the Ahmaud Arbery trial, vigilantism has left a very bad taste and connotation.
However, I was raised on comic books full of vigilantes; Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Popeye. Even Daddy Warbucks fought for little orphans. The list goes on and on. In the comics vigilantes were always full of honor, doing good for humanity with no thought to reward or self-interest. Sadly this is seldom the case in the real world.
Our news reports are full of examples showing the; helplessness, self-centeredness, or corruptness of our businesses, government, police, and military. So where else do we turn but to the ideal of an unselfish vigilante to save us and secure our future. Extend this idea into a dystopian world full of shortages of energy, food, and money and we would long for any savior at all.
The Prometheus Effect by David Fleming is full of all sorts of wonderful, caring, and selfless people trying to help society. We are introduced to the champion savior on the first page when a nineteen year old Jack Smith tells the president that following the events of World War II the future of the world can no longer be entrusted to world leaders. Instead we need a secret group, working undetected and without scrutiny, to protect humanity from ourselves.
Fleming has written an entertaining, exciting, action-packed book full of great characters. In addition to Jack we have Mykl, a precocious five year old stuck in an orphanage that would make Anne’s look like paradise. Then we have his friends; James, an intellectually challenged seventeen year old and Dawn, a blind girl with a heart of gold. This author certainly knows how to create characters that tug at your heartstrings.
And then there are the villains; sadistic childcare workers, evil Chinese government agents, American Presidents seeking only power and re-election. Fleming gives us a book full of bad guys as counterpoint to the pure and good hearted.
All of that said, this is a fun book to read. Good guys to love, bad guys to hate, an endangered world to save and science that is the stuff of fantasy. Just like in my childhood comics, the good vigilantes are here to save the world.
So, if you are looking for an entertaining read, this is the book for you. I certainly enjoyed reading it. But, like in the Wizard of Oz, don’t peek behind the curtain as you may find that the truth is rather disappointing.
August 17, 2018
This is not the type of book I typically read. I was skeptical that the premise of the book would hold my attention. Thankfully I gave the book a chance, and found it to be a delightful read.
The opening vignettes grabbed my attention immediately, and I enjoyed seeing how the pieces gradually fit together to form a story. I appreciated the varied pacing that allowed the story to speed up during moments of excitement and action, and to slow down at times to enhance the worldbuilding effect.
The author paints a vividly descriptive world. I liked how the dystopian elements of the authors society were revealed gradually, as you begin to see the implications of humanities choices. By far the most frightening aspect of this world is how plausible this reality is, and how we are likely already on the path that will lead to this reality. Despite the dark consequences of this future, I enjoyed exploring Fleming's atmosphere. The descriptions were crisp, clear, and coherent. As someone who struggles to form mental images in my mind when I read, I was able to easily picture Flemming's characters and settings.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters, who become more complex as the book progresses. I would like to see the author play with increasing character flaws and perhaps even constructing an anti-hero in future books. Perhaps my biggest surprise was becoming emotionally attached to a non-human character, who quickly became my favorite.
The ending of the book surprised me. Without giving anything away, all I can say is that it provoked self-reflection and a general concern for humanities well-being. Don't worry, the book is only SLIGHTLY psychologically damaging.
The opening vignettes grabbed my attention immediately, and I enjoyed seeing how the pieces gradually fit together to form a story. I appreciated the varied pacing that allowed the story to speed up during moments of excitement and action, and to slow down at times to enhance the worldbuilding effect.
The author paints a vividly descriptive world. I liked how the dystopian elements of the authors society were revealed gradually, as you begin to see the implications of humanities choices. By far the most frightening aspect of this world is how plausible this reality is, and how we are likely already on the path that will lead to this reality. Despite the dark consequences of this future, I enjoyed exploring Fleming's atmosphere. The descriptions were crisp, clear, and coherent. As someone who struggles to form mental images in my mind when I read, I was able to easily picture Flemming's characters and settings.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters, who become more complex as the book progresses. I would like to see the author play with increasing character flaws and perhaps even constructing an anti-hero in future books. Perhaps my biggest surprise was becoming emotionally attached to a non-human character, who quickly became my favorite.
The ending of the book surprised me. Without giving anything away, all I can say is that it provoked self-reflection and a general concern for humanities well-being. Don't worry, the book is only SLIGHTLY psychologically damaging.
March 7, 2025
I'd have liked to give this book five stars, but as much as I enjoyed it, reality means I need to leave room for books I'd rate higher than this, (any of Iain M Banks Culture books for instance). Prior to listening to this audiobook, (it must be 15 years at least since I could comfortably read even a large print hard copy) I'd abandoned the previous three books before getting to the end, so this was a very welcome surprise. I am not sure if is classified as for 'Young Adults' as several children are central to the plot, including a genius five year old. Just about all of the characters are sympathetic, and the rest more like over the top pantomime baddies who the ready can't wait to see their inevitable demise. There some clever plot twists, my favourite being one that had an already highly likeable character reveal a superpower (not literally) making him more likeable still. Another I did see coming, and I think most other readers will do the same.
I came here hoping to find more books in the series, if there is one, or at least other titles by the author. So a very welcome surprise, and one I would hesitate to recommend.
[EDIT] Well that's sad. It looks like David has only written this one book, and that was 10 years ago. I have changed my rating to five stars because we need to do everything we can to persuade David to write some more.
I came here hoping to find more books in the series, if there is one, or at least other titles by the author. So a very welcome surprise, and one I would hesitate to recommend.
[EDIT] Well that's sad. It looks like David has only written this one book, and that was 10 years ago. I have changed my rating to five stars because we need to do everything we can to persuade David to write some more.
January 3, 2025
I’ve always loved sci-fi for making me consider impossible solutions to humanity’s fate. As much as one would like to believe a solution of the kind offered in this novel, it’s far too implausible.
Nonetheless, I have truly enjoyed the characters! Yes, the plot has been woven intricately and really well - perhaps all the loose ends are too neatly tied in for my liking. Despite that, the plot has been driving me relentlessly forward to the end. I just couldn’t get enough and yearned to get back to it every time I had to put the book down. The best part for me are the characters - they are what makes the novel really worth reading.
Overall a very good, engaging read.
Nonetheless, I have truly enjoyed the characters! Yes, the plot has been woven intricately and really well - perhaps all the loose ends are too neatly tied in for my liking. Despite that, the plot has been driving me relentlessly forward to the end. I just couldn’t get enough and yearned to get back to it every time I had to put the book down. The best part for me are the characters - they are what makes the novel really worth reading.
Overall a very good, engaging read.
October 21, 2022
Please read my review at the following link:
https://escapistbookcompany.com/2022/...
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, happy reading and Stay Great!!
https://escapistbookcompany.com/2022/...
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, happy reading and Stay Great!!
October 16, 2017
Listen, the plot of The Prometheus Effect will not be what you remember from this book, the characters will be. I always find that long after I’ve read a book, after the main plot points fade from my memory, certain ideas and themes are what I retain. The bits of the story I shared above are only a taste of what this book has to offer, if only you have the patience to seek it.
Find my full review on my blog: https://wordpress.com/post/lesbookrev...
Find my full review on my blog: https://wordpress.com/post/lesbookrev...
April 25, 2022
8/10: Excellent read, well written, fell right into the fictional world created.
As long as there were sirens, it meant people were willing to risk their lives to make the world a better place.
As long as there were sirens, it meant people were willing to risk their lives to make the world a better place.
August 26, 2020
This book seemed promising at the beginning. Like most scifi, it starts off with some decent ideas.
Unlike much scifi, it has some interesting characters. The best is Jessica, the girl who consistently refuses to break her promises and keeps getting shafted for it--and yet (tiny spoiler) through this she's actually being groomed for something earth-shaking. I really liked that part. The 5 year old genius kid whose name is a funny spelling of "Michael" is ok too, I guess, but I wish the author had spent more time on Jessica and less on the kid.
What bothered me about this scifi was the sci part. My eyes are still hurting from all the rolling they did. (Ok, not really, but there was some eye rolling.) The idea of the secret society is cool, the idea of the five year old wunderkind who knows far more than could be expected is cool (less plausible), the kid discovering he's related to somebody important is cool, the serial killer stopped by the kids is fine (I guess; that was less interesting to me). But I stopped being able to believe it at some point. Maybe one of those ideas would work well, maybe several, but all of them thrown together? They don't quite fit, together they seem absurdly improbable, and I just couldn't suspend disbelief anymore. I suppose a good scifi story could start with some absurdly improbable things that seem disconnected, and gradually show you how in fact they are simply the logical consequence of something simple. But this story doesn't do that, or at least I didn't feel that it succeeded.
More on what I thought was implausible. SPOILER ALERT: I can't describe what I thought was bad without telling you what it was....
I think the illusion of reality finally broke beyond repair when the author described the scale of what the secret society had accomplished. An enormous city, underground, with technology far in advance of what the people above ground have? But then it gets worse. The boy's mother gets kidnapped and taken off to Antarctica for no reason that I can see other than the author needed her to be revivable because... I'm not sure why, actually, since I don't see that it serves much point in the story. I guess he just thought it would be cool. In my reading experience, however, random resurrections usually do not make novels better.
And then there was the alien stuff... oh my. The next time somebody talks about an alien virus that heals us, I'm going to throw up. It's absurdly implausible from biological, evolutionary, and any other grounds. However, this is far from the first book to make that mistake. Even well known authors seem to have been sucked in by the apparent charm of that idea. So if you're an author and are reading this, take it from a friendly science curmudgeon here: ALIEN VIRUSES WILL NOT GIVE US IMMORTALITY. Thanks for listening.
Unlike much scifi, it has some interesting characters. The best is Jessica, the girl who consistently refuses to break her promises and keeps getting shafted for it--and yet (tiny spoiler) through this she's actually being groomed for something earth-shaking. I really liked that part. The 5 year old genius kid whose name is a funny spelling of "Michael" is ok too, I guess, but I wish the author had spent more time on Jessica and less on the kid.
What bothered me about this scifi was the sci part. My eyes are still hurting from all the rolling they did. (Ok, not really, but there was some eye rolling.) The idea of the secret society is cool, the idea of the five year old wunderkind who knows far more than could be expected is cool (less plausible), the kid discovering he's related to somebody important is cool, the serial killer stopped by the kids is fine (I guess; that was less interesting to me). But I stopped being able to believe it at some point. Maybe one of those ideas would work well, maybe several, but all of them thrown together? They don't quite fit, together they seem absurdly improbable, and I just couldn't suspend disbelief anymore. I suppose a good scifi story could start with some absurdly improbable things that seem disconnected, and gradually show you how in fact they are simply the logical consequence of something simple. But this story doesn't do that, or at least I didn't feel that it succeeded.
More on what I thought was implausible. SPOILER ALERT: I can't describe what I thought was bad without telling you what it was....
I think the illusion of reality finally broke beyond repair when the author described the scale of what the secret society had accomplished. An enormous city, underground, with technology far in advance of what the people above ground have? But then it gets worse. The boy's mother gets kidnapped and taken off to Antarctica for no reason that I can see other than the author needed her to be revivable because... I'm not sure why, actually, since I don't see that it serves much point in the story. I guess he just thought it would be cool. In my reading experience, however, random resurrections usually do not make novels better.
And then there was the alien stuff... oh my. The next time somebody talks about an alien virus that heals us, I'm going to throw up. It's absurdly implausible from biological, evolutionary, and any other grounds. However, this is far from the first book to make that mistake. Even well known authors seem to have been sucked in by the apparent charm of that idea. So if you're an author and are reading this, take it from a friendly science curmudgeon here: ALIEN VIRUSES WILL NOT GIVE US IMMORTALITY. Thanks for listening.
November 15, 2024
Remarkable first novel
David Fleming’s ‘The Prometheus Effect’ is an apocalyptic novel unlike any I’ve ever read. First, it’s primarily about what leads up to the end of the world, vice the usual post-nuclear, survival in the destroyed landscape tale. In fact, the story starts some 80 years the apocalypse, and when the end comes it’s with more a whimper than a bang.
It’s also a book less about the events than about the characters responsible for or affected by them, and especially about a five year old boy, along with the young blind girl and the developmentally disabled boy he lives with in a particularly abusive Nevada orphanage.
But it’s not really a book about children— they’re simply important characters. Other important characters include the head of a government agency so secret that it doesn’t have a name, a sleazeball determined to sell top secret information to whichever foreign bidder will pay the most, some violence-prone Chinese thugs, and Noah, a white mouse with a serious pistachio habit.
This, Mr. Fleming’s first novel, is of a level of quality I normally associate with people I consider to be some of best writers of the last century, authors such as Arthur C. Clarke, Ursula LeGuin, and Iain Banks, while yet being a completely original voice. I am sorry that it is a first novel, as it means that I can’t read more of his work right away. Meanwhile, while I read the book for free from Kindle Unlimited, I am now going to purchase it— it’s a book I shall want to own and reread in years to come.
David Fleming’s ‘The Prometheus Effect’ is an apocalyptic novel unlike any I’ve ever read. First, it’s primarily about what leads up to the end of the world, vice the usual post-nuclear, survival in the destroyed landscape tale. In fact, the story starts some 80 years the apocalypse, and when the end comes it’s with more a whimper than a bang.
It’s also a book less about the events than about the characters responsible for or affected by them, and especially about a five year old boy, along with the young blind girl and the developmentally disabled boy he lives with in a particularly abusive Nevada orphanage.
But it’s not really a book about children— they’re simply important characters. Other important characters include the head of a government agency so secret that it doesn’t have a name, a sleazeball determined to sell top secret information to whichever foreign bidder will pay the most, some violence-prone Chinese thugs, and Noah, a white mouse with a serious pistachio habit.
This, Mr. Fleming’s first novel, is of a level of quality I normally associate with people I consider to be some of best writers of the last century, authors such as Arthur C. Clarke, Ursula LeGuin, and Iain Banks, while yet being a completely original voice. I am sorry that it is a first novel, as it means that I can’t read more of his work right away. Meanwhile, while I read the book for free from Kindle Unlimited, I am now going to purchase it— it’s a book I shall want to own and reread in years to come.
June 1, 2024
For a debut novel I think this was fantastic, but as a general book I had some problems.
First, I think this book could have EASILY lost ten thousand or so words/ a hundred pages because it felt unnecessarily long. The whole beginning felt almost unnecessary, as there really wasn't anything that carried over to the last third of the book.
The characters, while interesting, are difficult to accept in some ways. The main villain arc in the first third felt too unrealistic, even with the parameters of the world. I understand that the themes are supposed to carry over to the finale, however, that is lost when the finale is rather jarring and feels like it came out of left field. If you are able to suspend disbelief that it makes it a lot easier to swallow, but I found myself scratching my chin more than a few times.
That said, it is interesting, and has a unique plot that I haven't encountered yet. Some of the diction made the characters seem misogynistic to a degree, with the main character calling several women "bitch" (despite being five years old). At times, it felt that the author consistently needed to tell us that this was a child, but it was difficult to accept purely because the explanation does not get revealed until far too late in the book.
In sum, I think if the book wasn't so bloated with extra subplots that really didn't seem necessary, some of the individual voices were honed in, and some of the late reveals came earlier, it would be a far superior book in my eyes. But, no matter how you slice it, this book as a debut novel was absolutely incredibly, and I really look forward to future books from David Fleming.
First, I think this book could have EASILY lost ten thousand or so words/ a hundred pages because it felt unnecessarily long. The whole beginning felt almost unnecessary, as there really wasn't anything that carried over to the last third of the book.
The characters, while interesting, are difficult to accept in some ways. The main villain arc in the first third felt too unrealistic, even with the parameters of the world. I understand that the themes are supposed to carry over to the finale, however, that is lost when the finale is rather jarring and feels like it came out of left field. If you are able to suspend disbelief that it makes it a lot easier to swallow, but I found myself scratching my chin more than a few times.
That said, it is interesting, and has a unique plot that I haven't encountered yet. Some of the diction made the characters seem misogynistic to a degree, with the main character calling several women "bitch" (despite being five years old). At times, it felt that the author consistently needed to tell us that this was a child, but it was difficult to accept purely because the explanation does not get revealed until far too late in the book.
In sum, I think if the book wasn't so bloated with extra subplots that really didn't seem necessary, some of the individual voices were honed in, and some of the late reveals came earlier, it would be a far superior book in my eyes. But, no matter how you slice it, this book as a debut novel was absolutely incredibly, and I really look forward to future books from David Fleming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2021
Several chapters into this book I wondered why I’d picked it. Probably the blurb and a good price on BookBub.
I give the author credit for a carefully thought out story that extends far beyond most sci-fi novels. That said, it jumped the shark early and there were only a few times I could relax into the book without shaking my head. This is futuristic to the nth degree set inside a contemporary world that is ignorant of how its functioning is being manipulated.
The author addresses some important and/or interesting issues. Yet, I found it difficult (impossible) to suspend belief and really enjoy the journey. That’s unusual for me, (I love fantasy, dystopian, and sci-fi novels). Maybe others will find it easier to set aside disbelief. At least it is action packed, with twists and turns that should entertain younger readers.
To the author, I would say the writing is strong, the innovation strong and well-thought out. I read to find myself in other worlds or realities, and this book left me an outsider.
I give the author credit for a carefully thought out story that extends far beyond most sci-fi novels. That said, it jumped the shark early and there were only a few times I could relax into the book without shaking my head. This is futuristic to the nth degree set inside a contemporary world that is ignorant of how its functioning is being manipulated.
The author addresses some important and/or interesting issues. Yet, I found it difficult (impossible) to suspend belief and really enjoy the journey. That’s unusual for me, (I love fantasy, dystopian, and sci-fi novels). Maybe others will find it easier to set aside disbelief. At least it is action packed, with twists and turns that should entertain younger readers.
To the author, I would say the writing is strong, the innovation strong and well-thought out. I read to find myself in other worlds or realities, and this book left me an outsider.
October 12, 2024
Hard to know where to begin….. starts with orphaned or unwanted children in a home (called an asylum) and the mystery of a child serial killer. Mykl is 5 but a (n unbelievable ) child genius . James is autistic…. Until later in the book it turns out he has just been pretending and fooled everyone apart from another child who is blind…. (Of course he is the one who saves a child friend from the serial killer) Then there is Jack and his family and his secret city who has been controlling essentially the whole world including all satellites. Finishes with Jack and Mykl (the 5 year old genius) wiping out human civilisation by releasing a virus which makes everyone sterile. The only survivors are the people Jack chose to place in a state of cryofreeze.
Other random characters like Sebastian and Jessica who were unbelievable and pointless. Then a random unexplained alien artefact which never really played a role in the overall story.
Overall some good concepts and ideas but put altogethe I thought it was a mess and characters annoying or unbelievable
Other random characters like Sebastian and Jessica who were unbelievable and pointless. Then a random unexplained alien artefact which never really played a role in the overall story.
Overall some good concepts and ideas but put altogethe I thought it was a mess and characters annoying or unbelievable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2024
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:
Equal parts Eureka and Tomorrowland, this story had a fascinating premise, but unfortunately, poor execution.
I'm not going to spoil any of the plot in case you don't heed this warning, but the story becomes more ridiculous with each page. And, I'm all in for crazy sci-fi fun, but everything is too convenient. There is a technology, agent, or answer for every problem. There isn't any real peril at any point, making it feel more like a kid's book than a novel. It just lacked any real tension.
It's a cheap read if you want to take the chance, but otherwise...
Skip it!
Equal parts Eureka and Tomorrowland, this story had a fascinating premise, but unfortunately, poor execution.
I'm not going to spoil any of the plot in case you don't heed this warning, but the story becomes more ridiculous with each page. And, I'm all in for crazy sci-fi fun, but everything is too convenient. There is a technology, agent, or answer for every problem. There isn't any real peril at any point, making it feel more like a kid's book than a novel. It just lacked any real tension.
It's a cheap read if you want to take the chance, but otherwise...
Skip it!
June 10, 2018
Hope there are more to come!
This was a great book, especially for a first time author. If I'm honest the first few chapters were a little difficult to get into, but I'm so glad I persevered - it's well worth it! David draws you into the lives of the characters he creates, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested in them. The whole book keeps you guessing until the end, so I'd definitely recommend it!
This was a great book, especially for a first time author. If I'm honest the first few chapters were a little difficult to get into, but I'm so glad I persevered - it's well worth it! David draws you into the lives of the characters he creates, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested in them. The whole book keeps you guessing until the end, so I'd definitely recommend it!
July 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. There seemed to be an amount of predictably to the way the story goes, but then fool you. We have everything for you, cute kids, Chinese spies, deranged killers, and every government agent and body guard getting in the way that possibly can. Even with this cast of what can appeared be thousands, doing a hundred things at once, with all the twist and turns it is not hard to keep up. Good job.
January 14, 2022
Reads easily. Earth is in peril and who can aid it? A 5 year old? What's going on? Why are there controls everywhere? Why a kind of children's home that is more a torture house? Is earth going to be alright and how will it end? You'll have to read it yourself. I never give spoilers. So... a very good book...
May 18, 2022
Not A Bad Start.
Congrats on your first book: Mr. First-time Author. I enjoyed the first part more than the second, but overall an admirable effort. Got a little smarmy toward the end but I kept on reading til the last dog was hung. Kinda liked it but I'm not raving about it. Probably read your next one to see how things are going. Good luck.
Congrats on your first book: Mr. First-time Author. I enjoyed the first part more than the second, but overall an admirable effort. Got a little smarmy toward the end but I kept on reading til the last dog was hung. Kinda liked it but I'm not raving about it. Probably read your next one to see how things are going. Good luck.
July 8, 2023
This dystopian tale is a scary taste of how life could easily fall into this potentially tragic end. There are several characters that you bond with, not just one main character. This one book shares two stories that fuse perfectly in the end. The author knows Vegas area well and it showed. Highly recommend this book and hope there will be another spin off story to follow up in the future!
July 15, 2025
A must read!
This rare of a book was so good that I didn't want it to end! I felt like I was emerged in the story from the beginning, until the end!
Make sure you have plenty of time for this story because, you won't be able to put it down until its done, and then you'll want more! Please say that their is a book 2 in the works?!
This rare of a book was so good that I didn't want it to end! I felt like I was emerged in the story from the beginning, until the end!
Make sure you have plenty of time for this story because, you won't be able to put it down until its done, and then you'll want more! Please say that their is a book 2 in the works?!
April 4, 2019
New scifi concept - finally
Well developed characters, descriptive language, and a fantastic plot list of all. Really enjoyed the solid, GOOD characters, instead of your typical grey - while still portrayed realistically.
Well developed characters, descriptive language, and a fantastic plot list of all. Really enjoyed the solid, GOOD characters, instead of your typical grey - while still portrayed realistically.
July 12, 2019
Great read
Well written with so many amazing characters and an ever twisting story line which although is fictional the behaviour of humans in it is all to real...if only one day we could truly have peace
Well written with so many amazing characters and an ever twisting story line which although is fictional the behaviour of humans in it is all to real...if only one day we could truly have peace
December 7, 2020
Holy...
I'm embarrassed that I'm just now reading this book. This has to be, by far, the most amazing first project that I've ever had the pleasure of picking up.
David, don't stop writing. Ever.
I'm embarrassed that I'm just now reading this book. This has to be, by far, the most amazing first project that I've ever had the pleasure of picking up.
David, don't stop writing. Ever.
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