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Virus
Rachel Cummings, the young Chair of a university biology department is confronted with a problem that modern science says can't exist, but it does exist and may be deadly. Rachel is accused of being an alarmist, but she won't be pushed aside. She knows that the situation could be disastrous if not resolved.
Rachel recruits Barry Protoc, a highly credentialed neuroscientist and microbiologist to help her find the truth. What they find puts them in the middle of a horrible nightmare that could possibly destroy civilization if left unchecked.
The problem confronting Rachel and Barry started with the beginning of life on earth. The first life on earth existed in the form of cells. But there was a group of cells that could absorb new information, make decisions, take a directed action and multiply. They came together as "The Council" and they dominated the other cells.
"The Council" wanted to control the surface of the planet, but they knew that was impossible in their current form. They had to evolve on the surface as a dominant species. They set evolution in motion. One among them, a renegade cell called VIRUS, didn't agree.
VIRUS felt they were dominant enough and could control the surface as they were. "The Council" tried to talk him out of it, but he wouldn't listen. VIRUS breaks away from "The Council" and threatens to destroy everything they create, regardless of how long it takes.
"The Council" has monitored and defeated VIRUS at every turn over the ages. They have become complacent, and VIRUS has taken advantage of that complacency by taking a host and building a following. VIRUS' host is a small boy by the name of Barry Protoc.
If "The Council" allows VIRUS and his followers to continue, all life as we know it will be destroyed along with the future. They must stop VIRUS.
"The Council" sends Traveler, their best agent, to the present to confront and defeat VIRUS. But Traveler doesn't exist in the present. He can't accomplish anything on his own. To defeat VIRUS Traveler must work through a surrogate. That surrogate is Professor Barry Protoc.
Barry being host and surrogate has set up a serious problem for Traveler, and could cost Barry his life, unless Rachel can somehow come up with an answer.
VIRUS is a thrilling story that sets ancient vendettas clashing in the present providing the reader with an exciting story and an unexpected ending.
Rachel recruits Barry Protoc, a highly credentialed neuroscientist and microbiologist to help her find the truth. What they find puts them in the middle of a horrible nightmare that could possibly destroy civilization if left unchecked.
The problem confronting Rachel and Barry started with the beginning of life on earth. The first life on earth existed in the form of cells. But there was a group of cells that could absorb new information, make decisions, take a directed action and multiply. They came together as "The Council" and they dominated the other cells.
"The Council" wanted to control the surface of the planet, but they knew that was impossible in their current form. They had to evolve on the surface as a dominant species. They set evolution in motion. One among them, a renegade cell called VIRUS, didn't agree.
VIRUS felt they were dominant enough and could control the surface as they were. "The Council" tried to talk him out of it, but he wouldn't listen. VIRUS breaks away from "The Council" and threatens to destroy everything they create, regardless of how long it takes.
"The Council" has monitored and defeated VIRUS at every turn over the ages. They have become complacent, and VIRUS has taken advantage of that complacency by taking a host and building a following. VIRUS' host is a small boy by the name of Barry Protoc.
If "The Council" allows VIRUS and his followers to continue, all life as we know it will be destroyed along with the future. They must stop VIRUS.
"The Council" sends Traveler, their best agent, to the present to confront and defeat VIRUS. But Traveler doesn't exist in the present. He can't accomplish anything on his own. To defeat VIRUS Traveler must work through a surrogate. That surrogate is Professor Barry Protoc.
Barry being host and surrogate has set up a serious problem for Traveler, and could cost Barry his life, unless Rachel can somehow come up with an answer.
VIRUS is a thrilling story that sets ancient vendettas clashing in the present providing the reader with an exciting story and an unexpected ending.
159 pages, Paperback
Published February 27, 2018
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 21, 2018
Have you ever considered what could possibly be strong enough to destroy human civilization as we know it? Perhaps nuclear war? Famine? Disease and pestilence? The possibilities are many, and not very pleasant to ponder. When thinking about such a weighty topic it is unlikely that microscopic cells entered your mind. Indeed, most individuals would probably have visions of a giant mushroom cloud in their head instead. Be that as it may, cells are the building block of all living things and there are trillions of them which exist within every human body. However, what if these smallest living organisms actually had intelligence and decision-making abilities? What if they were able to control humanity as we know it by transforming into different forms and then mobilizing? As long as their intentions were good I am assuming all would be fine. Nevertheless, what if there were dissenters in this mobilization of cells? Those who would like nothing better than to destroy the very forms they have become. If you are a fan of intelligent Science Fiction which will explore such provocative concepts, then Virus by author Norton Beckerman will provide what you seek!
Essentially, the novel revolves around the quest of a malevolent cell by the name of Virus. He feels betrayed and shunned by the ruling council of cells who against his wishes sought to dominate the planet in something other than their "cell like" form. Virus vows revenge! By gathering a huge group of followers, Virus plans to destroy all life on the planet. Recognizing this as potentially catastrophic, the council sends their best "Cell Agent" by the name of Traveller to thwart the plan. The catch is that Traveller needs the help of the measly humans to accomplish this feat. This is where neuroscientist and microbiologist Barry Proctor comes in. Traveller will use Barry to enact his plan and stop Virus. However, Barry is not alone as he has an entire team of his own, which includes the very attractive Chair of the University biology department by the name of Rachel Cummings. Can Traveller maneuver this group to truly stop the evil plans of Virus and his followers? Or are Barry and the surface beings of the planet doomed to face total annihilation?
I found the plot of this novel to be very interesting and quite unlike anything I have read. There is an excellent combination of factual information which is coupled with. imaginative events. The author obviously knows his subject matter! It is also a story which you have to read very carefully or you risk getting lost in the details. A few times I had to go back and re-read passages or entire chapters to properly ascertain the story events. While that may not be everyone's "cup of tea", I found it to be challenging as opposed to distracting. There can be little doubt that when you get into the flow of this book, the plot is both exciting and engaging. The good versus evil theme is clearly prevalent and well supported with many unique story details.
As for the characters, the two main protagonists were developed quite well. We were able to gain access to their innermost thoughts and feelings while watching them grow throughout the novel. Their love relationship with each other was also touching and became increasingly convincing as we were more accustomed to the characters. Indeed, when that had fully taken place, the two seemed as if they were actually made for one another. That is no easy feat considering the obvious age difference which exists.
Overall, I found this to be a very engaging and entirely unique story. There was not always the natural flow that I am accustomed to when reading novels, but that is due in large part too the subject matter. Due to this factor, and some scenes of a sexual nature, I would recommend this novel to adult science fiction readers.
4 out of 5 Unique Stars for this one! ****
Essentially, the novel revolves around the quest of a malevolent cell by the name of Virus. He feels betrayed and shunned by the ruling council of cells who against his wishes sought to dominate the planet in something other than their "cell like" form. Virus vows revenge! By gathering a huge group of followers, Virus plans to destroy all life on the planet. Recognizing this as potentially catastrophic, the council sends their best "Cell Agent" by the name of Traveller to thwart the plan. The catch is that Traveller needs the help of the measly humans to accomplish this feat. This is where neuroscientist and microbiologist Barry Proctor comes in. Traveller will use Barry to enact his plan and stop Virus. However, Barry is not alone as he has an entire team of his own, which includes the very attractive Chair of the University biology department by the name of Rachel Cummings. Can Traveller maneuver this group to truly stop the evil plans of Virus and his followers? Or are Barry and the surface beings of the planet doomed to face total annihilation?
I found the plot of this novel to be very interesting and quite unlike anything I have read. There is an excellent combination of factual information which is coupled with. imaginative events. The author obviously knows his subject matter! It is also a story which you have to read very carefully or you risk getting lost in the details. A few times I had to go back and re-read passages or entire chapters to properly ascertain the story events. While that may not be everyone's "cup of tea", I found it to be challenging as opposed to distracting. There can be little doubt that when you get into the flow of this book, the plot is both exciting and engaging. The good versus evil theme is clearly prevalent and well supported with many unique story details.
As for the characters, the two main protagonists were developed quite well. We were able to gain access to their innermost thoughts and feelings while watching them grow throughout the novel. Their love relationship with each other was also touching and became increasingly convincing as we were more accustomed to the characters. Indeed, when that had fully taken place, the two seemed as if they were actually made for one another. That is no easy feat considering the obvious age difference which exists.
Overall, I found this to be a very engaging and entirely unique story. There was not always the natural flow that I am accustomed to when reading novels, but that is due in large part too the subject matter. Due to this factor, and some scenes of a sexual nature, I would recommend this novel to adult science fiction readers.
4 out of 5 Unique Stars for this one! ****
October 27, 2018
Exciting and interesting read
I enjoyed reading Beckerman's work. At first, you think the title "VIRUS" is your typical end of the world or some kind of apocalypse story, but this story is anything but typical. Well, VIRUS is a renegade dangerous cell. That's all I am giving away, but the story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Filled with adventurous twists and turns, and entrance into the realm of science fiction, this story keeps the reader turning the pages, with unpredictability at each turn. A very exciting read, indeed. I will definitely read more of Beckerman's work.
I enjoyed reading Beckerman's work. At first, you think the title "VIRUS" is your typical end of the world or some kind of apocalypse story, but this story is anything but typical. Well, VIRUS is a renegade dangerous cell. That's all I am giving away, but the story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Filled with adventurous twists and turns, and entrance into the realm of science fiction, this story keeps the reader turning the pages, with unpredictability at each turn. A very exciting read, indeed. I will definitely read more of Beckerman's work.
May 4, 2018
VIRUS is a well written, engaging story that incorporates romance with a deadly problem that modern science says can't exist. The book begins with a gradual buildup between the two protagonists Rachel Cummings and Barry Protoc taking the reader into a mystery that shouldn't exist, but it does and must be resolved . The story leads the reader to what they expect to be the ending, but that ending could be a disaster. Another ending must be found. Rachel is the only one that can find it. It's an intriguing and entertaining read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews