The Mind of Many

Bridgers #4

by Stan C. Smith

Earth’s last refugees. A one-way trip. A world of terror.

Time is up. Earth is collapsing. Eight billion people and countless other living things will die. Bridgers Infinity Fowler and Desmond Weaver have one last chance to save a handful of refugees. And one last chance to have a life together.

Earthquakes and storms threaten to destroy humanity’s last hope—the SafeTrek bridging facility. With the building literally collapsing around them, Infinity, Desmond, and a small group of refugees manage to bridge out. Their destination: an alternate world similar to their own. A place that will be safe.

But something goes wrong, and they find themselves in a world unlike any they could have imagined. Their attempt to start a new life becomes a struggle to survive in a place where primeval violence rules, where nothing is familiar and everything is potentially deadly.

For the refugees, this is a one-way trip. There’s no going home. To survive, they must learn to work together. But something extraordinary exists here, something that could turn them all against each other. Something that could destroy the bond between Infinity and Desmond.

Genres: Science Fiction, Time Travel

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2018

Reviews

[Meenaz Lodhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Every world is paradise to some creatures and hell to others. You just have to be the right creature. Humans aren’t powerful or indestructible, but we are adaptable. That’s our strength.”
A biological creativity, with bizarre and frightening details, Stan has a prodigious imagination! Each installment is more gripping, gritty, with fascinating fearsome creatures, filling you with trepidation, edge of the seat and nerve wrecking scenes. Fast paced with no respite for the protagonists nor for the readers. Great world building and credibility. Excellent characters, full of resilience, perseverance, with a fearless and tough kickbutt heroine, Infinity. As much as this series scares me out, I’m more and more drawn to it. Hopefully , it’s not the last installment. This series has my highest recommendations! I received an early version of this book from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stan C. Smith's Bridgers 4: The Mind of Many is he fourth in his spectacular Bridgers series. The world is being destroyed by catastrophic earthquakes and hurricanes brought on by a side effect of an alien technology which allowed the building of a mechanism to transport people to parallel planets which diverged from our own at selected points in time. Rushing to save at least some of the human race, selected individuals are quickly sent (Bridged) to an un-researched world. The terminal earthquake interrupts the bridging and colony is made up of a few individuals who are totally unprepared for what they find and how to cope. The challenges of colonization are fascinating. There are no people. Just a terrifying near-empty landscape of giant and ferocious bugs! How can they possibly adapt and survive? Smith is a master of creating unknown environments and living creatures, and a genius at imaging survival and adaptation possibilities. I was given an ARC of this fantastic book and am posting an honest review.

[Rosemary Standeven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinity has bridged to a lot of inhospitable and dangerous versions of Earth, but this is certainly one of the most hazardous and most alien. Also, in the past, she has been able to bridge home after 36 hours, this time there is no going back. Earth is disintegrating, billions will die. Infinity and a specially selected group of 720 prospective colonists prepare to bridge out from the world’s last operational bridging facility. The world they are bridging to should have only diverged from Earth 20 years ago. They are expecting an advanced human civilisation, that they can slot into. The colonists can take nothing with them, not even clothes or body hair – but they are not expecting to need anything but their powers of persuasion. Something goes drastically wrong, and the first group of 20 land stark naked on a totally alien world – no humans, no mammals, no birds – not even reptiles. Only insects of mindboggling proportions that bear little resemblance to anything earthly – no trees or bushes, no recognisable plants except mosses, and seemingly, no safe shelter. First contact is anything but friendly.
Miraculously, most colonists survive their first confrontations with the predatory behemoth insects, but their next encounter – with the tiniest inhabitants – could pose an existential threat.
Humans are proud of their identities, of their individuality and diversity, of their free will (even if many chose not to use it). It is one of the main things that makes us human. We want to have at least a semblance of control of our destinies. Thus, a Borg like hive-mind is an anathema, and beyond our comprehension. How can you trust an entity that is unable to grasp the concept of individuals? However, resistance is looking increasingly futile. Should the colonists accept the much-needed protection of the hive in return for the abdicating all independence – or can Infinity and Desmond find another way? What can you do when life gives you hubcaps?
As with the previous books, Infinity and Desmond’s ingenuity in the face of potential annihilation is remarkable. Come the end of the world, these are people you definitely want on your side. Infinity’s forte is defence, Desmond’s is empathy and understanding. Can they together build a viable compromise with the hive?
There are many thought-provoking themes and questions in this book. Is it enough for humanity to just physically survive, or is living (or dying) free more important? If a dictator pledges safety, can it be held responsible for the unsolicited acts of violence of its minions? Can an entity used to having complete control ever be trusted? What forms can loneliness take? From Earth’s billions, whom would you save for a limited group survival colony? What skills will be needed if a) you are going to a similar version of Earth or b) you are heading into a big unknown? Should you prepare for both eventualities? Are highly educated specialists of any use if there is no technology? Do you need guaranteed healthy breeding stock? Does eugenics ever have a place? Should there be age/fitness/mental health limits? What do we as humans take too much for granted, and can we ever live without it?
I really enjoyed this book, as I have the whole series so far. The new world and its denizens are so well portrayed, that you feel (uncomfortably) right in there with Infinity, Desmond and the others. The book ends with new beginnings, so hopefully there is a lot more to come. Hubcap stew anyone?
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surrounded by disaster with the clock ticking, colony ST6’s first group of twenty refugees is set to bridge. Will they be the final group and the only hope to save a small portion of the human species or will others make it too? Will the desperate campers attempting to infiltrate the ranks of the refugees jeopardize the bridging process? At the last moment, four additional people unexpectedly join the group. Will they become assets or will they create unforeseen problems? The answers to these and many other questions can be found in Bridgers 4: The Mind of Many. This fourth book in Stan C. Smith’s Bridger’s series was so exciting, I devoured it quickly. The problem-solving skills of the main characters, the socio-dynamics of the refugees, and the unexpected plot twists added to the story’s suspense. I especially liked the perspective of one character, Hayley, when she said, “…never forget what made our civilization great….It was altruism….The tendency to behave in ways that benefit others, even at our own expense.” Whether you have read the other books in this series or not, you won’t want to miss book four.

[Grogan Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridgers 4: The Mind Of Many is the fourth book in the exceptional new Bridgers series by BookBub featured author Stan C. Smith. It is a great addition to this excellent series. It is a fascinating and exciting book with an original and thrilling plot that keeps your interest from first page to last. This is one of those dynamic books that keeps you up late into the night because you can't bear to put it down and not know what is going to happen next. Mr. Smith's world building is first rate. He makes the reader a part of a world that is alive and full of color. His characters are well-developed, real, and full of personality. Bridgers 4: The Mind Of Many is a scintillating story, full of excitement and heart stopping action that keeps the reader captivated from start to finish. It's a fantastic book that you don't want to miss.

[Auggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The literary equivalent of a movie with 15 minutes of plot and an hour and a half of explosions. But this time the explosions are really big bugs trying to kill people. I’m not against mindless entertainment (I love explosions) and I dislike bugs, but I felt a bit bad for all the giant bugs that died in the making of this plot. Perhaps because they were large enough that they became less “bugs” and more “creepy but possibly misunderstood animals”. I liked the ending of this one but I’m not quite sure I want to continue the series as each book is pretty much drama with just a tiny advancement of the overall story but this gives me a nice, complete potential end.

[Al Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stan Smith does it again. Review here - https://www.alwroteabook.com/2018/12/...

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome story with great characters. Despite the destruction of earth, despite bridging to an unexpectedly dangerous world, there is always hope!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unmissable! How on earth does this author think of these things? Actually, we know the answer, as this author's newsletter introduces us to the weird and wonderful animals we have on Earth, although he does tweak them somewhat to fit into his stories!
This time we have another 'Earth' that is entirely different to what we have expected, and to that which the colonists have tried to find. I am not going to spoil the surprise by telling you too much, but there are, as usual, a lot of unexpected twists and turns to this story, which is well written and will hold your attention to the detriment of all the other things you are meant to be doing!
Suffice to say, I was utterly astonished by the Earth the author had created, although, when you think about it, it was the perfectly logical extension of what had previously happened. Infinity, as usual, kicks ass.
I did not expect the ending to this book, although I can see why it has been made so, and I do look forward to reading more. However, it is not a cliffhanger, so you could perfectly well end this series now, although I don't imagine you will want to.
As before, this book could in theory be read alone, as there is enough information in the book to allow you to do so, but I really would recommend you read these books in order.

[Katia M. Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting a bit samey

I had hoped this number in the series would get things moving faster again, but it also seems to stagnate somewhat. By that, I mean it is becoming formulaic and repetitive plot wise. While it's not bad, it isn't as the exciting as the first couple in the series. There is a bit of hope at the end that might signal a change. I was about to give up on the series because I was getting bored, but I'll try the first few chapters of the next one to see if it improves.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

They just get better and better!

Bridgers 4; each book gets better and better. Infenity And Desmond abridge our for the last time. With Mr. Eagleton, Sasha, five guardsmen the president hey Lee her husband and her daughter Isabell and a few other people mostly technicians from fake tracks. They get transported to an alternate universe but due to earthquakes the machine messes up and send them to a really messed up alternative universe. Where all the animals are arthropods in a made of bodies with exoskeletons. There are no mammals, there is also a half that when it infiltrate your body becomes able to study you and talk just like you. I know this sounds crazy but this book is the best one so far..

After battling with strange arthropods and each other they finally settle down to start their new life on this strange planet. 18 months later as they sit to hear the announcement of the new baby coming infinity heroes Armando calling for colonist. As her and Desmond run to see who it is she sees Armando with some strange guardsmen and find out that they were able to use the code Desmond memorized and now could transport objects, closeAN mechanics. They can now use the bridging machine to transport infinity and Desmond back to the world were they left colonist to rescue them and make sure at the very least they are OK. This is the best book in the same race I loved it. I know I say I love every book by Stancy Smith but this one so far is my favorite. Cannot wait for Bridgers five. I suggest anyone who loves life I read s I-do

[Cbyarling · Rating 5 out of 5]

The death of earth is imminent and hoards of people have been congregating outside what appears to to be the only remaining SafeTrek Bridging facility on earth.

Infinity and her bridging partner Desmond, now her lover, are getting ready to leave earth on a one-way trip to a parallel earth, named ST6 only 20 years back in time. They carry with them information provided to them by aliens as a means of warning of the forthcoming danger of everyone on earth if they use bridging technology.

As killer tornadoes ascend on the SafeTrek facility, Infinity, Desmond, and the first 20 of the planned 718 people planning on leaving earth, are bridged to their intended target. However, their travel to a 20-year previous time period of present earth, was interrupted and they all actually landed on a totally different parallel earth - one with no humans at all.

Follow Infinity, Desmond and eighteen others of this first group of survivors chosen from earth's population as they attempt to survive on this different and unexpected parallel earth. However, their survival includes overcoming their encounter with some of the most unusual and almost unbelievable animals conceived by the most inventive mind of Stan Smith.

Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

[Walter Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent world-building and character development

I posted a five-star review for Infinity, the Bridgers prequel, and am waiting for Amazon to accept the newer version that does not have the Stan C. Smith web site link. Three weeks, so far.

As for The Mind of Many, Stan C. Smith’s imagination continues to soar, and as the single group of 20 humans are launched to an alternative version of Earth, as their Earth is in its final death throes, and as they immediately find themselves in a constant battle to deter deadly predators, and find water, and food, and shelter, you kind of forget that they landed on this site with no clothes, no hair, and vestigial finger-and -toenails.

And, because this is a Stan C Smith story, they are now in a world that is truly alien, but most of the “rules” that govern it eventually become clear, and there is an internal consistency. And, as soon as they do find water, and a source of food (yuck, but nourishing), and create shelter, and find ways to protect themselves from the local lifeforms - and it looks as if they have established the basis for a viable colony - there is an abrupt twist to the direction the plot was heading in, and Bridgers #5 (not quite ready for release at this time) becomes a must-read.

[Chris Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinity and Desmond finally leave their Earth for the last time as super tornadoes and earthquakes start to destroy everything. A planet that should be very similar to their Earth awaits but when they ‘bridge’ out they arrive at a world more alien than any they could have imagined. This book has a slightly different feel from the previous one and that’s due in most part to it being our ‘bridgers’ final journey. Whatever they find they will have to deal with. What they find is far beyond anything they could have expected and could threaten their very existence. Stan C Smith takes his already wonderful series in yet another fascinating and immensely entertaining direction with The Mind Of Many. The author's trademark knowledge of the natural world that is the basis for his alternate Earths and his great skill at writing a compelling story. I always want to read something different and original from what I’ve read before and this series fits the bill perfectly. What amazes me is the author's ability to make each instalment distinctive while still fitting perfectly within the series. Great writing and fascinating stories that I am happy to recommend.

[Paul Bennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book as part of a box set and the review below has been repeated as part of the review of that set.

With the Earth collapsing around them and about to implode Infinity and Desmond bridge out to a world that they are expecting to be similar to their own, this intending to be the last bridge with Earth being destroyed behind them. However, something goes wrong with the bridging machine and they find themselves bridged into a hostile world where they have to struggle to survive. Will they manage to connect with any beings on this world, and how will they survive? To answer these questions will give away too much about the story so I will leave you to find out the answers for yourself by reading the book!

This is another great read in the series with a tag at the end of the book that makes you want to read the next book in the series to see what happens next with our intrepid adventurers.

[Les Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been an incredible journey. Characters that we thought we knew, both in strengths and weaknesses, are further developed. This is a rarity in a multi-book series. It truly opens our eyes to the untapped power that many of us hold within. Once again, we see fairly ordinary human beings facing seemingly insurmountable threats to their lives and bonding together in a unified attempt to survive. I don't want to make it seem that this is simply a feel-good utopia. There are petty jealousies, stereotyped early judgments, serious disagreements, heartbreaking losses, and constant danger. This book (and the entire series) is a testament to the untapped power and resiliency of the human race. Thank you, Stan C. Smith.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I was as entertained by this book as much as the others in the series. My attention was grabbed once again as Infinity Fowler and Desmond Weaver took a group of people to an alternate world. I felt for the group as they were sent to a place they weren't meant to go due to some malfunction. I was amazed by the worldbuilding as I delighted in the creative and fantastic beings which populated this alternate world. I liked how the circumstances forced this group of people to become close. I thought Victoria Lynn Arbor's narration added to my enjoyment of the story. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as part of the Bridgers 4-6 boxed set. I am reviewing each of the Bridgers books separately as I work through both boxed sets. I am so thrilled I discovered these books and Stan Smith. These have been some of my favorite books ever. They each manage to combine at least some of my favorite themes including sci-fi, fantasy, post-apoc & dystopian, historical fiction and probably others. This book, #4 "The Mind of Many" was no exception. I was so engaged in reading that when it ended I was actually startled! I simply don't know what I am going to do when the series concludes. I suppose I will have to begin the remainder of Mr. Smith's books!

[Reads_Must · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mind of Many
Bridgers #4
Sci-Fi
Stan C. Smith
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• ʀɪꜱᴋꜱ • ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀ • ꜰʀᴇꜱʜ ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛꜱ •

I really liked this book. The world building was creative and didn't rely on info dumps.

The creatures were interesting and I liked how they all were different and mostly deadly.

The colonists worked well together but Eagleton annoyed me. He's a politician and always acted entitled and that didn't change in this book. If anything, after bridging to a new world, he became worse.

The pacing was good and the ending was nice. I wasn't expecting a surprise appearance from other characters and I'm looking forward to the next book

[Peter Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is just so much to love about this series and the way it is put together. At the end of book 3 I was surprised at where the story seemed to be heading. You'd have thought I'd have learnt by now as Stan C. Smith has more twists than a winding single lane alpine road - and with plenty of edge of the seat moments too. His other big strength is on show once again in this installment mixing science fact with extrapolation and speculation. I is also a nice feature to have a little Q&A at the end of each book. I can hardly wait to get into for book 5.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stan always brings something new and exiting in his books. Bridgers 4 is another great read. I don't usually read Sci-fi but Stan writes in a way that the story does not sound crazy or so unreal that I can't enjoy it. I could not put the book down and loved the ending. Can't wait to see where the story goes next. Highly recommend all his books. Stan even send you little notes on some of the animals in is books.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mind of Many is the fourth and final book in The Bridgers series. This should not be read as a standalone as you will have problems understanding the storyline if you have not read the previous books. There is violence. The Bridgers series is an imaginative wonder of new versions of earth and the creatures that inhabit them. The Mind of Many was a very fitting ending to the series. This is definitely worth reading.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the amazing first trilogy this was an interesting story, and the amount of research to talk to the "inhabitants" of this new word was intense and a little too creepy for me.

I knew is was another 3 set series, so i knew the story had to continue in some manner, but the twist at the end... never saw that comming, well done!

Fun way to think about how your world, other parallel worlds could be happening... so interesting.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite remarkable

One must remember that the reader is in the middle of a six book series, so it is difficult to stop and tell a new reader the delicious originality of this series. I am rushing to the next book and can only tell you that you will be missing out on an incredible journey if you choose to not read this series.

[jboyg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alt Worlds Series Still Holding Up

Book 4 offers a fascinating look at a hive mind curiously interested in the human refugees from earth who suddenly appear on their version of earth. Are they good or evil? Out to destroy the small human colony of to save it? A good read, very interesting aliens.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely Enjoyable

This series just keeps getting better and better. Desmond and Infinity are now fighting for there lives and the few colonists who have bridged to an unknown earth after a accident with the bridging device.
A superb story which is very difficult to put down

[Nicole Kiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth entry in the Bridgers series. Not as good as some of the previous books in my opinion but still a worthy read. Finishes in a very intriguing way and makes you look forward to the next one.

[BBJWEIHE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bizarre story-line that worked

The author is very imaginative in creating so many completely unique earth time-lines/ecosystems. Each universe seems less tolerable/desirable than the previous. I look forward to the storyline opportunities now that technology is allowed to bridge

[RAVEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the previous books was building up to this book and by far the most intense. As the book was coming to an end Armando shows up...ahh what? And start of new book #5 with the home the colonists made is coming to unexpected end. Get ready for another gripping book 💗

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Planet being destroyed, time is short. Only time for one group to cross the bridge to a new world. Will humanity survive? Only Stan C Smith knows. Find out in Bridgers 4.