What do you think?
Rate this book
Fall of the Core: Netcast 03
NCN:World reporter Hanna Bohl's investigation into profiteering by Earth's mega-corporations in the wake of the bio-digital plague has taken an unexpected turn. She now finds herself in v-space, face to face with the mastermind behind the very virus that threatens to wipe out the human race.
At the request of Agent Oslo of Earth's International Counter-Terrorism Agency, Hanna must now try to outsmart the madman, while trying to discover anything that might help humanity avoid complete annihilation.
But the truths that Hanna discovers are not what she expected, and now, she must decide who to trust.
"Netcast:03" is a 14,000 word novella, and is the 4th episode in The Frontiers Saga:Fall of the Core.
"Netcast:04: is coming soon!
At the request of Agent Oslo of Earth's International Counter-Terrorism Agency, Hanna must now try to outsmart the madman, while trying to discover anything that might help humanity avoid complete annihilation.
But the truths that Hanna discovers are not what she expected, and now, she must decide who to trust.
"Netcast:03" is a 14,000 word novella, and is the 4th episode in The Frontiers Saga:Fall of the Core.
"Netcast:04: is coming soon!
- GenresScience Fiction
57 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2017
87 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Ryk Brown
58 books853 followersBorn in 1960 and raised on an overdose of television, NASA, and science fiction, Ryk Brown has worked as a cook, rock guitarist, stage lighting technician, and paramedic. He currently resides in Northern California with his wife, daughter, and cat. By day he fixes computers, and by night he creates stories.
Having spent his entire life "thinking stuff up", the advent of digital publishing has finally given him an excuse to write it all down and share it with others. ("Others" meaning someone other than his poor wife and daughter.)
A long-time fan of all things science and space, his goal is to write and publish an on-going series of sci-fi adventures. To be set in his own version of humanity's future, his characters will explore the vast reaches of the galaxy, and perhaps even the universe. He invites you all to join him on this journey through his vivid imagination.
Having spent his entire life "thinking stuff up", the advent of digital publishing has finally given him an excuse to write it all down and share it with others. ("Others" meaning someone other than his poor wife and daughter.)
A long-time fan of all things science and space, his goal is to write and publish an on-going series of sci-fi adventures. To be set in his own version of humanity's future, his characters will explore the vast reaches of the galaxy, and perhaps even the universe. He invites you all to join him on this journey through his vivid imagination.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 26, 2021
This is the 3rd in the Netcast Series that is the Prequel to the Frontiers Saga series. It makes a good little standalone series regardless of if you are actually a fan of the Frontiers Saga, but if you are reading the epic Saga that Ryk is creating, then this is most definitely worth reading.
In this 3rd instalment, the story really focuses on Hanna, with very little on Arielle or Graham or the other minor/major characters that have been in the story so far. The only exception of course is ‘Unknown’, the alleged offender behind the attacks and the supposed creator of both the Klavia and Twister viruses. That is what makes this such a fascinating story, as we move into a world in which we are now starting to become some technology dependent, a world in which for every person there is now more than 1 mobile phone each, let alone other electronic devices, and we look at ways to integrate these devices into our lives, how far is an implant away.
So when someone creates a plague that is both biological and technological – a true ‘Virus’ in every sense of the word that cannot be stopped, and spreads through people and technology unchecked, it is terrifying in its ramifications for a possible future. Brown builds such brilliant suspense as the full magnitude of this incident unfolds around those affected, and when it is related to what you know of the future in the Frontiers Saga, it is not only fascinating backstory, it is exceptional in how well the story is told, how well it all links together to build this incredible and amazing universe, both the present one that is falling apart in Netcast, and the one it leads to in the future.
As with his Frontiers Saga, Brown continues to write incredibly powerful characters as well, from journalists who are caught up in the moment and just don’t care about their lives, or can see the end, but just want to tell the story, as would really happen, to others who go catatonic at the state of the world, to yet others who go the other way and rage against the system in their final hours. In the middle of the maelstrom, are his main characters, trying desperately to do anything they can, as they slowly put this puzzle together, working out that it will be the end of life on Earth for the majority of Humanity – as well as the core world systems.
The story is just outstanding, extremely well written and told, and for anyone who is a fan, it is a must read. Even if you aren’t a fan of the Full Saga, this is worth a read just for the end of world scenario that Brown has created, as it is told so well. Can’t wait for the next part.
In this 3rd instalment, the story really focuses on Hanna, with very little on Arielle or Graham or the other minor/major characters that have been in the story so far. The only exception of course is ‘Unknown’, the alleged offender behind the attacks and the supposed creator of both the Klavia and Twister viruses. That is what makes this such a fascinating story, as we move into a world in which we are now starting to become some technology dependent, a world in which for every person there is now more than 1 mobile phone each, let alone other electronic devices, and we look at ways to integrate these devices into our lives, how far is an implant away.
So when someone creates a plague that is both biological and technological – a true ‘Virus’ in every sense of the word that cannot be stopped, and spreads through people and technology unchecked, it is terrifying in its ramifications for a possible future. Brown builds such brilliant suspense as the full magnitude of this incident unfolds around those affected, and when it is related to what you know of the future in the Frontiers Saga, it is not only fascinating backstory, it is exceptional in how well the story is told, how well it all links together to build this incredible and amazing universe, both the present one that is falling apart in Netcast, and the one it leads to in the future.
As with his Frontiers Saga, Brown continues to write incredibly powerful characters as well, from journalists who are caught up in the moment and just don’t care about their lives, or can see the end, but just want to tell the story, as would really happen, to others who go catatonic at the state of the world, to yet others who go the other way and rage against the system in their final hours. In the middle of the maelstrom, are his main characters, trying desperately to do anything they can, as they slowly put this puzzle together, working out that it will be the end of life on Earth for the majority of Humanity – as well as the core world systems.
The story is just outstanding, extremely well written and told, and for anyone who is a fan, it is a must read. Even if you aren’t a fan of the Full Saga, this is worth a read just for the end of world scenario that Brown has created, as it is told so well. Can’t wait for the next part.
December 31, 2017
Great short story series... Can’t wait to read more!!!
Focus Ryk... this is a beautiful start to an amazing story. Bring it up a notch so it has the opportunity to properly link up with the frontier saga. If the next installments continue to be this short / sparse, the probability of completing the story and giving it the space it deserves to properly mature before you retire is highly unlikely. And please, your pros are like gold - start charging more for your work and spend more time writing ;) This is all to say I highly recommend reading this great series!
Focus Ryk... this is a beautiful start to an amazing story. Bring it up a notch so it has the opportunity to properly link up with the frontier saga. If the next installments continue to be this short / sparse, the probability of completing the story and giving it the space it deserves to properly mature before you retire is highly unlikely. And please, your pros are like gold - start charging more for your work and spend more time writing ;) This is all to say I highly recommend reading this great series!
March 14, 2018
The next big reveal. Who is the mysterious Unknown, and why is the bio-digital plague happening? This is the one where we find out, but don't think that's the end. There's new twists and new threats, but a way to overcome them might just be available... if the cure isn't worse than the disease.
Bring on Netcast 04! It's a great story, but my impatience is killing me. Three stars and I call it a Leash-Tugging Read.
Bring on Netcast 04! It's a great story, but my impatience is killing me. Three stars and I call it a Leash-Tugging Read.
September 19, 2022
This short story is basically exposition through conversation, but it's interesting exposition, and a good conversation! We learn a lot more about the digital plague, and there are some interesting details which, having only read series 1 of the main saga so far, I feel might come into play in series 2…
Overall, these four books were a satisfying set of short stories. However, it didn't really tie up in the way I had expected from what, I thought, was a miniseries of sorts:
I'm very confused at this book ending on a cliffhanger with a promise of the next short story “coming soon” - and, 5 years later, there doesn't seem to be a next short story. My theory at the moment is that the conclusion to these short stories are (only) released in the, relatively recent, Fall of the Core collection that I thought only collected the four short stories in this season? I'm definitely going to have to buy it, just to check, but to avoid potential spoilers I'll first read series 2 of the main saga first.
Overall, these four books were a satisfying set of short stories. However, it didn't really tie up in the way I had expected from what, I thought, was a miniseries of sorts:
I'm very confused at this book ending on a cliffhanger with a promise of the next short story “coming soon” - and, 5 years later, there doesn't seem to be a next short story. My theory at the moment is that the conclusion to these short stories are (only) released in the, relatively recent, Fall of the Core collection that I thought only collected the four short stories in this season? I'm definitely going to have to buy it, just to check, but to avoid potential spoilers I'll first read series 2 of the main saga first.
October 2, 2018
How much does the government know?
I always enjoy the twists and turns in these smaller reads. I’m left wondering how much does the government know and how this ties to what we later see in the frontiers saga?
I always enjoy the twists and turns in these smaller reads. I’m left wondering how much does the government know and how this ties to what we later see in the frontiers saga?
February 6, 2019
Good read
Intriguing, even if it is short enough to read during a couple of lunch breaks. I've been going through the series as though it's one continuous book with good success. ,!
Intriguing, even if it is short enough to read during a couple of lunch breaks. I've been going through the series as though it's one continuous book with good success. ,!
March 2, 2019
Great novella series, I quickly read each book back to back. I have enjoyed the direction the series has gone and thoroughly enjoy all the characters. Looking forward to the next installment. I have not read any of the The Frontiers Saga series, might need to add that to the list.
January 1, 2018
Short but illuminating
Quick short read but starting to fill in some gaps that may link to the future story. Looking forward to the next one.
Quick short read but starting to fill in some gaps that may link to the future story. Looking forward to the next one.
January 1, 2018
AI and humanity
I would suggest reading a few snippets of 01 & 02 before reading 03.
Good setup for 04 just don't take to long getting the next book out!
I would suggest reading a few snippets of 01 & 02 before reading 03.
Good setup for 04 just don't take to long getting the next book out!
January 5, 2018
Good follow-up, but way too short!
February 2, 2018
Quick read
Characters were established and well developed,the story was almost completely believable and it followed known thoughts about an AI society.
Characters were established and well developed,the story was almost completely believable and it followed known thoughts about an AI society.
October 17, 2018
I'm enjoying this series, though not as much as the main series. He's writing them too slow for me, however. I forget what happens after each one and have to refresh my memory.
May 7, 2019
So nice to read the prequel! An amazingly great series. Kind of frightening as to what could happen to us in the future. Loved the book!!!!!
December 15, 2020
I good short story about the start of the series. I defiantly see possible connections to the future books and would love to see this series fleshed out.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews