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The SynCorp Saga #1
The Lazarus Protocol
Mother Nature is mad as hell. Monster hurricanes … freak sandstorms … roasting wildfires. Species disappear every day. Is humanity next?
Though some believe our future lies among the stars, the American President funds the Lazarus Protocol—a last-ditch attempt to reverse Earth’s climate crisis through geoengineering. But the New Earth Order—a mysterious league of reactionary activists with sleeper agents around the world—pursues another outcome: the subjugation of mankind to nature itself.
A brilliant billionaire who wants to save the world. A lunar engineer called home to bury her father. A disgraced veteran haunted by yesterday's mistakes. A US Army colonel, desperate to save as many people as possible.
Four lives. One planet. And one last chance to save it…
Though some believe our future lies among the stars, the American President funds the Lazarus Protocol—a last-ditch attempt to reverse Earth’s climate crisis through geoengineering. But the New Earth Order—a mysterious league of reactionary activists with sleeper agents around the world—pursues another outcome: the subjugation of mankind to nature itself.
A brilliant billionaire who wants to save the world. A lunar engineer called home to bury her father. A disgraced veteran haunted by yesterday's mistakes. A US Army colonel, desperate to save as many people as possible.
Four lives. One planet. And one last chance to save it…
- GenresScience Fiction
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2018
289 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
David Bruns
67 books254 followersDavid Bruns (www.davidbruns.com) has served as an officer on a US Navy nuclear-powered submarine and traveled the world as a high-tech corporate itinerant. Today, he writes futuristic speculative fiction, contemporary thrillers, and everything in between.
He is the creator of the sci-fi/fantasy series, The Dream Guild Chronicles, the military sci-fi thriller Invincible, and co-author of The SynCorp Saga corporate sci-fi series. A graduate of the prestigious Clarion West Writer’s Workshop, his short fiction has appeared in more than two dozen spec fic venues, such as Compelling SciFi and Future Chronicles.
In his spare time, he co-writes national security thrillers with retired naval intelligence officer, JR Olson. Their next book, Rules of Engagement, will be released by St. Martin’s Press in June 2019.
He is the creator of the sci-fi/fantasy series, The Dream Guild Chronicles, the military sci-fi thriller Invincible, and co-author of The SynCorp Saga corporate sci-fi series. A graduate of the prestigious Clarion West Writer’s Workshop, his short fiction has appeared in more than two dozen spec fic venues, such as Compelling SciFi and Future Chronicles.
In his spare time, he co-writes national security thrillers with retired naval intelligence officer, JR Olson. Their next book, Rules of Engagement, will be released by St. Martin’s Press in June 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 20, 2021
Amazing start to a fantastic story!
Wow. Many books with two authors don't really work, but this one certainly did.
The story is told from the perspective of a variety of people, and it is hard at first to see exactly how they will all mesh together, but they soon do and the story explodes.
Unusually for me, I couldn't find a weak part of this book or even a weak character - they were all well written and believable. The story was well developed with plenty of back story on each main character, but written with an amazing brevity that keeps your attention. There were plenty of twists and turns, some science but with clear and concise explanations, and it ticks many boxes. The title describes it well as as dystopian and thriller, with a hint of scifi and there is some boardroom action, but mostly it was exciting and I couldn't put it down until I reached the end.
The end was certainly cliff-hanging - don't buy this if you want a standalone book, but do buy it if you want the exciting start to what I imagine can only be a brilliant series.
Wow. Many books with two authors don't really work, but this one certainly did.
The story is told from the perspective of a variety of people, and it is hard at first to see exactly how they will all mesh together, but they soon do and the story explodes.
Unusually for me, I couldn't find a weak part of this book or even a weak character - they were all well written and believable. The story was well developed with plenty of back story on each main character, but written with an amazing brevity that keeps your attention. There were plenty of twists and turns, some science but with clear and concise explanations, and it ticks many boxes. The title describes it well as as dystopian and thriller, with a hint of scifi and there is some boardroom action, but mostly it was exciting and I couldn't put it down until I reached the end.
The end was certainly cliff-hanging - don't buy this if you want a standalone book, but do buy it if you want the exciting start to what I imagine can only be a brilliant series.
September 17, 2018
This story is amazing! The world is in chaos and you are along for the ride in this fast paced story. The characters feel like they are real and you are reading a documentary.
I can’t recommend this story enough, you need to read this, you won’t regret it.
5 Stars!
I can’t recommend this story enough, you need to read this, you won’t regret it.
5 Stars!
April 23, 2019
Fun but scary
This was a scary good read. The ecological imbalance , the chaotic weather patterns, the rise in sea level, the mass evacuations, the death toll from disease, starvation and lack of water is stunningly realistic.
The number of organizations, motivations and players involved in attempting to implement carbon reduction or prevent it was a good model of how success or failure in correcting global warming might play out.
The major characters aren't over-the-top but are each frightening in their own way. It's a nice mix of intrigue, inability to develop effective policy, and a global population at the mercy of natural and human forces over which they have no control. The read is great with good writing and a solid model of that world's political/economic reality. I'm looking forward to the next volume.
This was a scary good read. The ecological imbalance , the chaotic weather patterns, the rise in sea level, the mass evacuations, the death toll from disease, starvation and lack of water is stunningly realistic.
The number of organizations, motivations and players involved in attempting to implement carbon reduction or prevent it was a good model of how success or failure in correcting global warming might play out.
The major characters aren't over-the-top but are each frightening in their own way. It's a nice mix of intrigue, inability to develop effective policy, and a global population at the mercy of natural and human forces over which they have no control. The read is great with good writing and a solid model of that world's political/economic reality. I'm looking forward to the next volume.
September 19, 2018
What is the solution?
Whether they are causing the Earth's demise or trying to protect it people are the real problem, but what is the solution? This book, the first of a series, gives a disturbing look at several different factions and it has left me still unsure as to who has the right idea. A great concept very well executed with a fascinating cast.
Whether they are causing the Earth's demise or trying to protect it people are the real problem, but what is the solution? This book, the first of a series, gives a disturbing look at several different factions and it has left me still unsure as to who has the right idea. A great concept very well executed with a fascinating cast.
September 17, 2018
Although a complex story, I was totally able to understand and enjoy it. The characters are perfect for the plot. Having two authors write together was brilliant. Received a free copy and reviewed because the book was outstanding.
September 17, 2018
A great worldbuild
What this book does is set up a world to support a great story line. We have been introduced to a number of characters and painted a very thorough image of th world they inhabit. I am looking forward to be next book of the series and seeing where they take us.
What this book does is set up a world to support a great story line. We have been introduced to a number of characters and painted a very thorough image of th world they inhabit. I am looking forward to be next book of the series and seeing where they take us.
September 27, 2018
High tension
A timely reminder that the global climate change we are currently experiencing will have dramatic impacts on life on Earth.
A timely reminder that the global climate change we are currently experiencing will have dramatic impacts on life on Earth.
September 30, 2018
Enjoyed!
This book had me from the first chapter. Engaging characters and a moving plot. I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
This book had me from the first chapter. Engaging characters and a moving plot. I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
April 4, 2019
The world in turmoil.
since I read Valhalla station it was nice to read the back story of your characters and how they came to be.
As a member of your crew I look forward to reading more from the two of you.
Keep up the good work.
since I read Valhalla station it was nice to read the back story of your characters and how they came to be.
As a member of your crew I look forward to reading more from the two of you.
Keep up the good work.
September 4, 2023
3.0 stars???
November 3, 2018
David Bruns' The Lazarus Protocol is a very exciting story of what happens when man's mistreatment of the environment has caused catastrophic weather events to increase in frequency and magnitude and what can be done about it to save Earth. This is the first book of The SynCorp Saga. I was given a copy and am voluntarily posting a review.
December 20, 2018
Great read!
This is a high action story with a very good plot. There were several surprises and the ending was a jaw dropper! If you enjoy action-packed sci-fi with a believable futuristic feel, this one is for you. I could not put down this book. I will be buying the sequel, I am a new fan!
This is a high action story with a very good plot. There were several surprises and the ending was a jaw dropper! If you enjoy action-packed sci-fi with a believable futuristic feel, this one is for you. I could not put down this book. I will be buying the sequel, I am a new fan!
September 16, 2018
A complex but very readable story. Although the characters are from only a few countries, you still feel the global affect and involvement. Realistic possibilities.
As always with Chris and David's writing, I did not want to put this book down.
Looking forward to book 2 and beyond
As always with Chris and David's writing, I did not want to put this book down.
Looking forward to book 2 and beyond
September 26, 2019
Good start to a pretty cool series, now expanded to two trilogies (I read SynCorp Saga #2 first, now I'm going back to read the first 3-book saga). And it starts here with "The Lazarus Protocol" - an attempt to bring the earth back from the brink of destruction (like raising Lazarus from the dead) due to climate change crisis and the wars and unrest that occur in the wake of the rise in natural disasters.
This is just the backdrop to the novel, folks - it's not a climate crisis manifesto or a political commentary, just a timely set-up for the rise of 5 manufacturing syndicate factions - and an evil world leader who seeks to control the solar system as humans expand beyond earth. Think "The Expanse" meets a corporate "Goodfellas." It's military sci-fi set in the near future and has lots of action and thrills and intrigue.
Currently this first novel is available as a free borrow for Amazon Prime members. It does contain adult situations, some gratuitous, imo - the story features a lesbian love affair, a fair amount of swearing, and some violence - which I don't really appreciate and so will give the book 4 1/2 stars instead of 5. Also, it's clearly part 1 of a trilogy, so you'll be disappointed if you are looking for a stand-alone space opera. Still, I recommend the two sagas if you enjoy this genre. Well done.
This is just the backdrop to the novel, folks - it's not a climate crisis manifesto or a political commentary, just a timely set-up for the rise of 5 manufacturing syndicate factions - and an evil world leader who seeks to control the solar system as humans expand beyond earth. Think "The Expanse" meets a corporate "Goodfellas." It's military sci-fi set in the near future and has lots of action and thrills and intrigue.
Currently this first novel is available as a free borrow for Amazon Prime members. It does contain adult situations, some gratuitous, imo - the story features a lesbian love affair, a fair amount of swearing, and some violence - which I don't really appreciate and so will give the book 4 1/2 stars instead of 5. Also, it's clearly part 1 of a trilogy, so you'll be disappointed if you are looking for a stand-alone space opera. Still, I recommend the two sagas if you enjoy this genre. Well done.
May 5, 2019
May I Please Have More?
I just finished reading The Lazarus Protocol and WOW! There is nonstop action as we move from Remy to Graves to Ming back to Remy but this time with Elise and on to Anthony. To some this might be confusing, to me it is like following a complicated maneuver whether in a game, a battle or a ballet. Everything that appears to be spinning out of control is slowly being brought together. We jump from the Vicksburg Mississippi to Phoenix Arizona, to LUNa City the Moon down to Alaska up to Mars back to the Arizona Desert, then to an orbit above the Earth and on to China. Again this is just the first seven out of twenty nine chapters. We watch the machinations of the rich and powerful as well as the sometimes horrific results of these actions upon the Earth and the people living there. The book leaves us wanting more. I know I have already started reading Cassandra’s War.
I just finished reading The Lazarus Protocol and WOW! There is nonstop action as we move from Remy to Graves to Ming back to Remy but this time with Elise and on to Anthony. To some this might be confusing, to me it is like following a complicated maneuver whether in a game, a battle or a ballet. Everything that appears to be spinning out of control is slowly being brought together. We jump from the Vicksburg Mississippi to Phoenix Arizona, to LUNa City the Moon down to Alaska up to Mars back to the Arizona Desert, then to an orbit above the Earth and on to China. Again this is just the first seven out of twenty nine chapters. We watch the machinations of the rich and powerful as well as the sometimes horrific results of these actions upon the Earth and the people living there. The book leaves us wanting more. I know I have already started reading Cassandra’s War.
October 2, 2022
My only gripe is that nothing is resolved in this book. I don't know that I've declared or acknowledged this before but I think I hate cliffhangers. Otherwise, I think this makes for pretty good sci fi/ thriller material. International business conspiracies and political fumblings give this a touch of realism (though where the CCP was during all of this is a mystery to me). Now I feel compelled to read the rest of the series (despite not being open to making that sort of commitment at the moment).
March 17, 2025
Earth is in conflict!
A view of the future, where climate change has taken over the Earth. We see disaster after disaster unfold. But scientists and engineers have found a way to reclaim the Earth from itself. Will humankind be saved? Or is there another outcome? Is someone trying to derail the process? The book moves rapidly from scene to scene, bouncing between Mars, the Moon, and Earth. There's boardroom intrigue, there's military action, and there's even a fighter pilot-style scene, using dogfighting tactics to best one another. Will the forces of evil take over?
A view of the future, where climate change has taken over the Earth. We see disaster after disaster unfold. But scientists and engineers have found a way to reclaim the Earth from itself. Will humankind be saved? Or is there another outcome? Is someone trying to derail the process? The book moves rapidly from scene to scene, bouncing between Mars, the Moon, and Earth. There's boardroom intrigue, there's military action, and there's even a fighter pilot-style scene, using dogfighting tactics to best one another. Will the forces of evil take over?
June 9, 2019
If this is what the future society is going to have to deal with, i wish them luck.
“Save the Planet” for political reasons or profit?
Beibg the first book of the series i expected and got a lot of disjointed stories which i expect will make more sense later.
The theiller part has already started as the political “ get me re-elected at all costs “ and don’t worry about the people. Politics are not my thing but i have bought book 2 to see how the story pans out
I hope the planet survives
“Save the Planet” for political reasons or profit?
Beibg the first book of the series i expected and got a lot of disjointed stories which i expect will make more sense later.
The theiller part has already started as the political “ get me re-elected at all costs “ and don’t worry about the people. Politics are not my thing but i have bought book 2 to see how the story pans out
I hope the planet survives
June 17, 2021
This rating reflects knowing ahead of time that there was more to the story and this would likely build the foundation for the story to come. If I had read this as a standalone, I likely would give it 3 stars. The characters were believable but none as fully developed as I would like, largely due to how much of the spotlight needed to be shared. I am looking forward to seeing some of the more prominent characters continue their development in the next one.
June 16, 2019
Whose side are you on?
This story is a lot more than you think it is. Business, family, love, betrayal and godforsaken politics. It's woven together as only these 2 can do. Chris Pourteau and David Bruns should be on EVERYONE'S reading list.
The Lazarus Protocol is an absolutely superb first book. Don't expect anything, and be surprised with what you get =D
This story is a lot more than you think it is. Business, family, love, betrayal and godforsaken politics. It's woven together as only these 2 can do. Chris Pourteau and David Bruns should be on EVERYONE'S reading list.
The Lazarus Protocol is an absolutely superb first book. Don't expect anything, and be surprised with what you get =D
August 25, 2019
Great future earth read!
Never heard of this title before but do bet glad i decided to pick it up. Sci-fi is a favorite genre of mine and i loved how the authors mixed high tech with an earth bound setting. I also enjoyed the feel of the corporate "game of thrones" vibe that is all over this book. Great read, I thoroughly enjoyed it
Never heard of this title before but do bet glad i decided to pick it up. Sci-fi is a favorite genre of mine and i loved how the authors mixed high tech with an earth bound setting. I also enjoyed the feel of the corporate "game of thrones" vibe that is all over this book. Great read, I thoroughly enjoyed it
January 3, 2022
This book is what the ministry for the future could have been if it was actually any good. It is a book about climate change that manages to avoid being boring and preachy. I think there are too many characters for the length. I found myself wanting to spend more time with each. The ending felt kinda rushed too.
Overall this is one of the better sci-fi novels about climate change
Overall this is one of the better sci-fi novels about climate change
August 18, 2019
Great story with well defined characters. Premise is possible in today's world of politics. Very interested in reading the rest of the series.
August 11, 2020
Solid 4 stars. I really can't fault it - good story, great writing. Something was missing though.
November 24, 2020
Loved it. Highly recommended.
April 3, 2021
Interesting character and an interesting plot. Today's preppers should eat this up.
March 9, 2022
DNF Not for me, only got 15% into it. Jumps around all over the place and characters aren't very clever.
January 26, 2024
Not my cup of tea I kept losing track of who was who
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews