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Pseudoverse #1
Cobalt
The multiple plots within our first thrilling novel in the Pseudoverse Series are fused with futuristic technology and genetic engineering running parallel with each other inside Cobalt until the very end. The American citizens and the military are subjugated becoming complacent by an unseen threat. Could this be a virus, biological agent, or worse, mind-control? The entire Pseudoverse Series lays out how we got to the point of artificial intelligence singularity and why. One man’s quest starts out as good intentions for one woman on the verge of death and turns into a final fight for the planet. In Cobalt, America is hijacked by the Tri-Presidents with the help of the failing United Nations. What they did not count on was an Army Officer with a unique code of quantum programming. Taking back the land she loves is going to require remarkable weapons, investigative skills, cunning, bravery, and an awful lot of Twinkies.
260 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2015
10 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 23, 2017
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This book had a few moments where I smirked to myself, this book has been done before. Genetically engineered super spy trying to take down a dystopian government. I found I had to push myself to complete the story.
Pros: The story was pretty fast paced. The easter eggs (little snippets that are added for the reader's benefit such as the USS Enterprise) were amusing. The story does not shy away from violence, which is always refreshing.
Cons: While it doesn't shy away from violence, it might be a little too violent. The main character really doesn't give a crap about who she kills, innocents and all. Which I find difficult. Additionally, I got confused by the world building. I didn't really understand the government, its history, and the plan to overthrow it.
2/5 stars for me; thank you for the opportunity to review.
This book had a few moments where I smirked to myself, this book has been done before. Genetically engineered super spy trying to take down a dystopian government. I found I had to push myself to complete the story.
Pros: The story was pretty fast paced. The easter eggs (little snippets that are added for the reader's benefit such as the USS Enterprise) were amusing. The story does not shy away from violence, which is always refreshing.
Cons: While it doesn't shy away from violence, it might be a little too violent. The main character really doesn't give a crap about who she kills, innocents and all. Which I find difficult. Additionally, I got confused by the world building. I didn't really understand the government, its history, and the plan to overthrow it.
2/5 stars for me; thank you for the opportunity to review.
March 1, 2016
Reviewed by David Bibby from Rochelle's Reviews
I received an Advance Reading Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As a lover of science fiction, action, and adventure, I was entertained with “Cobalt” by CG Blade. I found it to be imaginative, creative, with equal doses of serious and funny. It is the year 2076 and the United States is not the same as it used to be. Political corruption has taken hold and greedy business has dominated all of America. Patriotism barely exists anymore… Is there no one to stand up for an individual’s rights?
First Lieutenant Petra Kayden Dace, reborn in a test tube and made with the very unusual substance Cobalt, is America personified. Created by and under the guidance of General James S. Cooper, her mission to right the wrongs done to the country will not be an easy one. Mysterious suicide terror attacks have the people panicked, and spies are everywhere. She has her work cut out for sure. Fortunately she is equipped with the arsenal of an entire army, a built-in heads up display (HUD), and an A.I. named Terprise to keep her company as she carries out her orders.
I really enjoyed all the action in Cobalt, especially in the first two chapters. It reminded me of the “tutorial” levels in video games, and we get to experience how Petra uses her abilities and learn some of what her limitations are. Her conversations with Terprise are humorous, in the same way Iron-Man speaks with his A.I., Jarvis. I smiled as I read all the direct and indirect references to a wide variety of sci-fi works. While I didn’t find all the Easter eggs contained within the book (and there are MANY!), there were enough for me to appreciate. Finding out what happens to Microsoft had me laughing out of my chair, and for some reason I found myself caring about what happens to a peculiar set of drones.
Cobalt had me glued to my kindle, wanting to find out what happens next. Nobody is who they appear to be, and the story twists in a number of ways. I highly recommend for anyone who loves action, science fiction, puzzles, and a fast paced read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I look forward to reading Crimson next, and maybe I’ll find out why Petra has such an affinity to Twinkies.
See the original review at Rochelle's Reviews SPF
I received an Advance Reading Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As a lover of science fiction, action, and adventure, I was entertained with “Cobalt” by CG Blade. I found it to be imaginative, creative, with equal doses of serious and funny. It is the year 2076 and the United States is not the same as it used to be. Political corruption has taken hold and greedy business has dominated all of America. Patriotism barely exists anymore… Is there no one to stand up for an individual’s rights?
First Lieutenant Petra Kayden Dace, reborn in a test tube and made with the very unusual substance Cobalt, is America personified. Created by and under the guidance of General James S. Cooper, her mission to right the wrongs done to the country will not be an easy one. Mysterious suicide terror attacks have the people panicked, and spies are everywhere. She has her work cut out for sure. Fortunately she is equipped with the arsenal of an entire army, a built-in heads up display (HUD), and an A.I. named Terprise to keep her company as she carries out her orders.
I really enjoyed all the action in Cobalt, especially in the first two chapters. It reminded me of the “tutorial” levels in video games, and we get to experience how Petra uses her abilities and learn some of what her limitations are. Her conversations with Terprise are humorous, in the same way Iron-Man speaks with his A.I., Jarvis. I smiled as I read all the direct and indirect references to a wide variety of sci-fi works. While I didn’t find all the Easter eggs contained within the book (and there are MANY!), there were enough for me to appreciate. Finding out what happens to Microsoft had me laughing out of my chair, and for some reason I found myself caring about what happens to a peculiar set of drones.
Cobalt had me glued to my kindle, wanting to find out what happens next. Nobody is who they appear to be, and the story twists in a number of ways. I highly recommend for anyone who loves action, science fiction, puzzles, and a fast paced read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I look forward to reading Crimson next, and maybe I’ll find out why Petra has such an affinity to Twinkies.
See the original review at Rochelle's Reviews SPF
April 16, 2016
This is not a genre I usually like, but when I saw that it was loosely based on historical facts, I decided to try it. I am SO glad I did! Wow! Petra Dace finding out she has been "reborn" as a robot is awesome. I like the jibes between her and "TER" (her microchip?). General Cooper comes across as a true military man who believes in his country. I was on edge all through the book wondering who was real and who was not.
Well written and well developed!
I just wanted to add here that this book is a wake up call, this could happen. It holds a scary view of the future. Hopefully it will wake the world up and not be used as a lesson plan like 1984, Brave New World and The Giver
Well written and well developed!
I just wanted to add here that this book is a wake up call, this could happen. It holds a scary view of the future. Hopefully it will wake the world up and not be used as a lesson plan like 1984, Brave New World and The Giver
August 31, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book. The storyline was great as well as the characters. There were references made about different entities within government and how greed and politics makes strange bedfellows with a puppet master at the helm. Also, there were well known conspiracy theories being played out. Just imagine the US losing its identity through mind manipulation then waking up as from a dream having to fight to maintain its freedom. You never know who's on your side as the end of the book shows us. Great read!
March 6, 2016
I loved the style of this book. The characters slowly unfold and your not quite sure who is who. There are multiple stories happening at once that intersect at the end of the book. Great read and very imaginative and its scary to think that our country might succumb to this one day. The humor had me chucking and I loved the banter between the two main characters. Great read for any historical sci-fi lover. This novel reads like the old pulps and B sci-fi movies of the 60's and 70's!
May 4, 2016
I'm not a pseudosynth! !! lol. I just loved this book. There is a huge government cover up and cricked politicians that Petra must be unleashed. Who is she? No spoilers but get some twinkies ready lol. The plot and descriptions were extremely well written. CG Blade has a terrific sense of humor and I found myself cracking up a lot lol. This is a wonderful sci-fi book and excited to read part 2! I'm not a pseudosynth lol.
June 25, 2025
My local library had a table set up with one of those "blind date with a book" type situations in which the books were all wrapped up in paper except for the barcode. I hadn't done this in a little while, and chose this book on a whim, based on its blue-colored wrapping (fitting, lol) which was the color assigned to Science Fiction genre there.
I was turned off from the book from almost the very start. The book is in desperate need of editing. It's full of misspelled words, grammatical errors, and a heavy lack of punctuation. Many of the pages are also laden with long paragraphs that aren't properly split up for dialogue or new ideas.
Despite this, I continued reading the books in hopes that the story would get me interested, but that didn't happen, unfortunately. The premise behind it was interesting, I will say, but the excecution was incredibly lackluster.
To give a general synopsis: Petra, a US soldier who died in battle, is reborn as a robot with superhuman abilities. Her job is to remove the corrupt government in charge. By doing some bare-bones investigation in person, with lots of sections where she is downloading data and information, she is able to accomplish this.
There was a lot in this that I felt was unnecessary to the story, like Emily's and Bar's VERY fast romance that is really only touched on twice in the book and then essentially never again after helping Petra in the United Middle East States (really... lazy naming by the way). Also the conspiracy implications in the book are tiring, especially reading this after the pandemic. The basics behind the corrupt government is that robot doppelgangers have taken over by using vaccines with microchips in them that implant in the receiver's brain and then controled with mind control waves. The government also confiscated all firearms and rendered the second ammendment ineffective. Sounds pretty familiar with the complaints and conflicts we have been hearing about for the past decade now at this point.
I also found notes of xenophobia throughout the book and a touch of homophobia at the end. The negative commentary regarding the Middle East was distasteful, especially with Petra simply noting employees of (doppelganger) Ray Nelson's as simply "bad" without any sort of investigation other than that they are guarding a warehouse associated with the company. Note: having one ethnically Arab character on the "good" side and one Black character, who each show up for only a few chapters, does not contradict the rest of the negative commentary on race and ethnicity throughout the book.
Spoilers ahead while I address the homophobia: with Ray Nelson out of suspicion due to him being in cryosleep for over twenty years, the blame now rests on his daughter, Dreama who appears at the very end (in a confederate shirt, no less) kissing someone also named Emily. Villianizing lesbians is very old hat and in 2075, people are still rocking with the confederacy? Slight side note, but the supposed new villain wears a confederate flag shirt (author also notes her "large protruding breasts" [rolls eyes]) and a few chapters earlier, Petra dons one of her patriot drones with the "Don't tread on me" phrase — something here isn't consistent lol.
Anyways, I gave the book a chance and it was very much not for me. I don't plan on reading the other two, especially if they have the same level of unedited/unpolished material peppered with what I would call bigotry at its worst and ignorance at its best.
I was turned off from the book from almost the very start. The book is in desperate need of editing. It's full of misspelled words, grammatical errors, and a heavy lack of punctuation. Many of the pages are also laden with long paragraphs that aren't properly split up for dialogue or new ideas.
Despite this, I continued reading the books in hopes that the story would get me interested, but that didn't happen, unfortunately. The premise behind it was interesting, I will say, but the excecution was incredibly lackluster.
To give a general synopsis: Petra, a US soldier who died in battle, is reborn as a robot with superhuman abilities. Her job is to remove the corrupt government in charge. By doing some bare-bones investigation in person, with lots of sections where she is downloading data and information, she is able to accomplish this.
There was a lot in this that I felt was unnecessary to the story, like Emily's and Bar's VERY fast romance that is really only touched on twice in the book and then essentially never again after helping Petra in the United Middle East States (really... lazy naming by the way). Also the conspiracy implications in the book are tiring, especially reading this after the pandemic. The basics behind the corrupt government is that robot doppelgangers have taken over by using vaccines with microchips in them that implant in the receiver's brain and then controled with mind control waves. The government also confiscated all firearms and rendered the second ammendment ineffective. Sounds pretty familiar with the complaints and conflicts we have been hearing about for the past decade now at this point.
I also found notes of xenophobia throughout the book and a touch of homophobia at the end. The negative commentary regarding the Middle East was distasteful, especially with Petra simply noting employees of (doppelganger) Ray Nelson's as simply "bad" without any sort of investigation other than that they are guarding a warehouse associated with the company. Note: having one ethnically Arab character on the "good" side and one Black character, who each show up for only a few chapters, does not contradict the rest of the negative commentary on race and ethnicity throughout the book.
Spoilers ahead while I address the homophobia: with Ray Nelson out of suspicion due to him being in cryosleep for over twenty years, the blame now rests on his daughter, Dreama who appears at the very end (in a confederate shirt, no less) kissing someone also named Emily. Villianizing lesbians is very old hat and in 2075, people are still rocking with the confederacy? Slight side note, but the supposed new villain wears a confederate flag shirt (author also notes her "large protruding breasts" [rolls eyes]) and a few chapters earlier, Petra dons one of her patriot drones with the "Don't tread on me" phrase — something here isn't consistent lol.
Anyways, I gave the book a chance and it was very much not for me. I don't plan on reading the other two, especially if they have the same level of unedited/unpolished material peppered with what I would call bigotry at its worst and ignorance at its best.
July 6, 2017
“Cobalt Is Our Captain America Of The Future.”
Army 1st Lieutenant Petra Kayden Dace is critically injured on a combat mission, and her father’s best friend, General James Cooper, head of NIB has his lab synthesize her DNA to replicate her memory cells within the DNA, and grow a new body with the capability of using her mind like a computer. She trains her body to super human abilities, making her a formidable spy. It is 2076, and the world is a much different place. Our government consists of a tri-presidency, with three presidents in office, Helen Long, Mark Sheehan, and Dave Keller. It appears there is a government conspiracy with the aid of industrialist, Raymond Nelson. It’s up to super spy Petra Dace to uncover the plot, and neutralize the situation.
This was a fun read, and well written, though the story was slow. It could have been a much smoother read, but was a bit wordy and technical. The author could have included the action scenes of Petra’s training, which would have moved the story a little faster in the beginning; we’re told she put a couple martial arts instructors in the hospital. Don’t tell us. Show us. Think about Modesty Blaise and Willie Garvin training at the beginning of each story, moves that Modesty will use in a final fight scene at the end. That’s what we want to see. Action. Instead we were bogged down with too much detail and not enough action. There was a bit of humor, as Petra has an implant in her head that talks to her, and they have a running commentary throughout the assignment. Reminded me a lot of the old SF series, AGENT OF T.E.R.R.A by Larry Maddock (Jack Jardine); the main characters are Hannibal Fortune and his android, Webbley, a shape shifter who shoots barbs back and forth. Another fun thing about COBALT, the author leaves little Easter Eggs for the reader to watch for, like naming authors, and other little secrets. For instance, the main character, Petra Kayden Dace’s initials are PKD (Philip K. Dick, naturally). Since this is the first in the Trinity series, I’m hoping all the detail is used in this one, and we have more action in the rest of the series. Over all, it is a darn good read. Cobalt is our Captain America of the future. Highly recommended.
Army 1st Lieutenant Petra Kayden Dace is critically injured on a combat mission, and her father’s best friend, General James Cooper, head of NIB has his lab synthesize her DNA to replicate her memory cells within the DNA, and grow a new body with the capability of using her mind like a computer. She trains her body to super human abilities, making her a formidable spy. It is 2076, and the world is a much different place. Our government consists of a tri-presidency, with three presidents in office, Helen Long, Mark Sheehan, and Dave Keller. It appears there is a government conspiracy with the aid of industrialist, Raymond Nelson. It’s up to super spy Petra Dace to uncover the plot, and neutralize the situation.
This was a fun read, and well written, though the story was slow. It could have been a much smoother read, but was a bit wordy and technical. The author could have included the action scenes of Petra’s training, which would have moved the story a little faster in the beginning; we’re told she put a couple martial arts instructors in the hospital. Don’t tell us. Show us. Think about Modesty Blaise and Willie Garvin training at the beginning of each story, moves that Modesty will use in a final fight scene at the end. That’s what we want to see. Action. Instead we were bogged down with too much detail and not enough action. There was a bit of humor, as Petra has an implant in her head that talks to her, and they have a running commentary throughout the assignment. Reminded me a lot of the old SF series, AGENT OF T.E.R.R.A by Larry Maddock (Jack Jardine); the main characters are Hannibal Fortune and his android, Webbley, a shape shifter who shoots barbs back and forth. Another fun thing about COBALT, the author leaves little Easter Eggs for the reader to watch for, like naming authors, and other little secrets. For instance, the main character, Petra Kayden Dace’s initials are PKD (Philip K. Dick, naturally). Since this is the first in the Trinity series, I’m hoping all the detail is used in this one, and we have more action in the rest of the series. Over all, it is a darn good read. Cobalt is our Captain America of the future. Highly recommended.
July 6, 2017
In the last hundred years or so, the world has gone from a one-prop airplane to fly into space; machinery has taken over work people did; and one-day social functions may be taken over by AI, Artificial Intelligence or mostly known as Robots. These events happened because of imagination.
Mr. Blade's COBALT has that type of images embedded within his fast moving Si-Fi novel, First in a Trinity Series. Pushing present day politics to a plausible extreme, with its greed and globalist theme of World Order, he takes the USA into an open society run by three Presidents.
His main character, Petra, champion of the non-state of affairs, is kept alive to fight the evil of the 2080s. COBALT, an amazing formula, is what keeps her functioning at an unbelievable capacity that her opponents in battle are incapacitated and destroyed.
The adventures, strange confrontations, and side-kick antics with a mind-reading computer that helps Petra conquer situations are amusing and deadly.
The supporting characters are well developed, aiding her to meet goals.
The plot is fast-paced, dynamic, and full of caveats that the intelligent reader will understand and think about for days, as I have, since writing this review. Cobalt is full of surprises any reader will enjoy, even if you are like me who rarely buys this genre.
Mr. Blade's COBALT has that type of images embedded within his fast moving Si-Fi novel, First in a Trinity Series. Pushing present day politics to a plausible extreme, with its greed and globalist theme of World Order, he takes the USA into an open society run by three Presidents.
His main character, Petra, champion of the non-state of affairs, is kept alive to fight the evil of the 2080s. COBALT, an amazing formula, is what keeps her functioning at an unbelievable capacity that her opponents in battle are incapacitated and destroyed.
The adventures, strange confrontations, and side-kick antics with a mind-reading computer that helps Petra conquer situations are amusing and deadly.
The supporting characters are well developed, aiding her to meet goals.
The plot is fast-paced, dynamic, and full of caveats that the intelligent reader will understand and think about for days, as I have, since writing this review. Cobalt is full of surprises any reader will enjoy, even if you are like me who rarely buys this genre.
May 13, 2017
This story offers a little something for anyone who enjoys a good futuristic, sci-fi adventure with a comfortable blend of contemporary weapons and musical taste thrown in. Add in a likable, down-to-earth, gorgeous, Twinkie-eating superwoman who kicks butt and asks questions later, and top it all off with a sprinkling of anti-politician, pro-Constitution rhetoric, and you've got "Cobalt".
The dialogue is well-written and enjoyable. The language is descriptive and sets a colorful table for the reader to enjoy. The author has hidden "Easter Eggs" throughout the book for true sci-fi fans.
There's plenty of adventure and excitement as the reader is introduced to the future world of mind control, organ and limb regeneration, and moral conflict over how the world is run by those in power. Lt. Petra Pace is a likable character, even if I'm not 100% clear "what" she is...android, robot, AI unit, quasi-humanoid? One side note: I really enjoyed the intrigue in the first chapter, but have no idea what it has to do with the rest of the story.
I would recommend this book and look forward to the next book in the trilogy.
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The dialogue is well-written and enjoyable. The language is descriptive and sets a colorful table for the reader to enjoy. The author has hidden "Easter Eggs" throughout the book for true sci-fi fans.
There's plenty of adventure and excitement as the reader is introduced to the future world of mind control, organ and limb regeneration, and moral conflict over how the world is run by those in power. Lt. Petra Pace is a likable character, even if I'm not 100% clear "what" she is...android, robot, AI unit, quasi-humanoid? One side note: I really enjoyed the intrigue in the first chapter, but have no idea what it has to do with the rest of the story.
I would recommend this book and look forward to the next book in the trilogy.
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2018
CG Blade is a literary genius. I couldn't put Cobalt down finishing the book in one day. If you like futuristic, sci-fi political thrillers full of cyborgs, sarcasm and pop culture references then you will not only love this book but the entire series. I've read them all. I'm foaming at the mouth waiting to read his next installment from the Pseudosynthpress Universe, Indigo and plan on reading every book he writes. He's that good, believe me. You won't regret reading his books.
June 11, 2017
"Cobalt " by CG Blade is an intelligently written and complex tale of futuristic fantasy. I enjoyed reading about the characters and the plausible technology. As the first in the series, "Cobalt " unpacks a believable and imaginative world that keeps the reader moving right along effortlessly. I'm looking forward to the others in the series.
August 7, 2017
Another Amazon recommendation that sort of hit the right marks. This book is violent and unnerving. The government conspiracy angle has been done before, but Mr. Blade cranks it up to one hundred and fifty. It was a bit too much for me in spots, but the overall feel of the book was enjoyable. I think I'm going to continue on in the series, as it did hold my interest, in a weird and morbid way.
January 25, 2018
Absolutely Fabulous Sci-fi Thriller!!
A Futuristic, Political Thriller about what could happen when Liberals, Science and Brainwashed Military take over the US. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!!
A Futuristic, Political Thriller about what could happen when Liberals, Science and Brainwashed Military take over the US. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!!
February 18, 2017
I really liked this book, and I look forward to reading the rest of the trinity.
February 5, 2017
This book was gifted to me by a great friend...Thank you :)
That being said, it is not my genre of choice however I found it quite interesting but kind of slow in the beginning. Well written with quite an amazing imagination! I would definitely recommend it to those who love and appreciate the Sci-Fi genre!!
That being said, it is not my genre of choice however I found it quite interesting but kind of slow in the beginning. Well written with quite an amazing imagination! I would definitely recommend it to those who love and appreciate the Sci-Fi genre!!
April 21, 2017
Cobalt is futuristic tale about First Lieutenant Petra Kayden Dace who dies tragically during an Army mission. In this gripping tale, her father’s best friend, General James S. Cooper, transforms Petra into a Cobalt. A two-year process where she becomes the ultimate soldier. During this process the United States changes and it taken over by 3 Presidents. President Long is the main mastermind, so you think in the web of tales. Petra becomes a Patriot fighter to help America become what it used to be.
The book was a little slow for me to get into in the beginning, but one I got into it, I couldn’t put it down. The author built the characters well and I really enjoyed the relationship and banter between Petra and Ter. Towards the end of the book I was hooked and excited to see how the author would end it. I’m happy that he spun it in such a way that makes you want to run out and grab the second book right away!
Edited: I was asked to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I did rate this book a 4 stars, even though I wanted to rate it a 3.5. The author had an issue with my honest review and sent me a private message to make changes.
The book was a little slow for me to get into in the beginning, but one I got into it, I couldn’t put it down. The author built the characters well and I really enjoyed the relationship and banter between Petra and Ter. Towards the end of the book I was hooked and excited to see how the author would end it. I’m happy that he spun it in such a way that makes you want to run out and grab the second book right away!
Edited: I was asked to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I did rate this book a 4 stars, even though I wanted to rate it a 3.5. The author had an issue with my honest review and sent me a private message to make changes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2017
Robotic superhero saving people from corruption while looking stylish! Petra Kayden Dace fights for freedom in a dystopian world that has a touch of George Orwell combined with Issac Asimov.
C.G. Blade paints one future of America that is in need of people to fight for each other and to fight for their country that was once great. It is a fun read that explores where technology can take us and it is not necessary all good!
C.G. Blade paints one future of America that is in need of people to fight for each other and to fight for their country that was once great. It is a fun read that explores where technology can take us and it is not necessary all good!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews