Infinity: A Bridger's Origin

Bridgers #0

by Stan C. Smith

Infinite worlds. Extreme danger. One fearless woman.
Passerina Fowler just wants to be a professional fighter. She has struggled for years to make a name for herself. But then her life abruptly changes when she's discovered by a recruiter from SafeTrek Bridging, a company that transports clients to alternate versions of Earth.

With nothing to lose, Passerina accepts a job as a bridger, an elite fighter who protects clients on excursions to alternate worlds. However, on her first day she witnesses a horrifying event and realizes bridging can be downright deadly.

In spite of the risks, she is determined to complete her training program. But she soon realizes the training is more focused on her fears than her strength and endurance. And for good reason—there is much to be feared when bridging to alternate worlds naked and unarmed. Passerina must steadily transform herself into a bridger, with a new name: Infinity.

Infinity grows impatient for the excitement and danger of her first bridging excursion. But when it finally comes, she finds herself in a world of vicious predators, and the danger becomes all too real.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Ebooks, Time Travel, Mystery, Fiction, Amazon

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2019

Reviews

[Meenaz Lodhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m afraid of living my whole life without being a part of something important.”
Infinity Fowler
A wonderful and amazing insight of Infinity’s life before and when she became a Bridger, an elite fighter who protects clients bridging to alternate versions of Earth. Perseverance, resilience, fast thinking define her instincts for survival. A combative and strong will attitude help her survive the unyielding and dangerous environment with its deadly and extraordinary predators. Excitement, action packed and edge of seat, nerve wrecking and heart pounding situations guaranteed! The world building is so realistic, it’s hair raising!
I received an early version of this book from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.

[Rosemary Standeven · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this is your first Bridgers’ book, then this is a good place to start. If, like me, you have already devoured books 1 – 4, then “Infinity” fills in the background of the main heroine of the other four books, and explains how she came to be an integral part of the SafeTrek bridging organisation.
Passerina Fowler’s life was going nowhere. She was a professional fighter, who did not get as many fights as she needed to make a viable career – mainly because she did not always keep to the rules, and could not keep her aggression under control. When scouts from SafeTrek come to her gym looking for new Bridgers, she is intrigued by their spiel – a full time job, with good pay, constant excitement and danger, and where her aggression and win-at-all-costs mentality will be an asset rather than a shortcoming. Both she and her friend Scottie quickly sign up.
Their training is short. Passerina takes on the Bridger name of Infinity, and all too soon, Infinity and Scottie (now Tequila) are bridged out with their trainer, Striker, and two anthropologists to a parallel world, in the hope that the scientists will be able to study early human evolution.
Infinity has to survive – because she is in the next four books. But who else will make it to bridge back after 36 hours is uncertain right until the end of the book. No-one has been to this version of Earth before, and all the dangers are unknown. Bridgers arrive in the new world hairless, naked and without even the most primitive of implements. They must create weapons and shelter from whatever comes to hand.
The story is very fast-paced and exciting – it was very hard to put it down, but at 3am I had to get some sleep (finished it the following morning). I just had to know how it would all play out, and was kept enthralled throughout. As with all the other books in the Bridgers series, I can highly recommend this book, and look forward to many more.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for Infinity: A Bridger's Origin (Bridgers, #0) by Stan C. Smith. I received and Advance Readers Copy of this book but am voluntarily posting an honest review. This book tells the backstory of how Infinity got involved and became a top Bridger. Having read all in the fascinating series so far, this was a welcome addition giving insight into how someone like Passie had what it takes to become a Bridger taking the name Incinity.

As guide and defender taking people to a divergent world, not knowing whom or what they will face, with no weapons, tools or even clothes, must be able to keep her group from harm, build shelter and assist them to accomplish whatever their purpose might be.

The time earth's history diverged from present could be selected any time before or after present. Her first Bridge is selected by the 2 anthropologists she guides is 50,000 years ago. The entire Bridging concept is amazing and perilous.

This book and series is highly recommended to anyone who likes adventures and thrillers with a sci-fi twist. Very exciting!

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read a book, I look for two things: characters that I can empathize with and a strong, fast-moving believable narrative with unexpected twists. In short, I want a book I can’t put down. Infinity: A Bridger’s Origin by Stan C. Smith wins on all counts as it follows the story of Passerina Fowler’s transformation into Infinity the Bridger! Even though all previous Bridgers have been men, Passerina’s tough Scrapyard background makes her a top-notch Bridger candidate. For those new to the series, Bridgers are people who must display a unique skill set and temperament as they work in teams of two to protect the lives of SafeTrek clients during 36-hour excursions to alternate universes. Infinity’s first bridge pairs her with Striker and Tequila as they accompany two anthropologists on a research-based mission to a version of Earth that diverged from ours 50,000 years ago. Arriving with no supplies and using only their wits, will the group survive until bridge back? The adventure in this book doesn’t let up.

[Nick Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Bridgers” are those that use technology to bridge the gap between alternative universes. Passerina Fowler is a semi-pro fighter and is selected to join the programme as a body guard to scientists researching those alternative universes.

As a prequel to the series we see her here training and going on her first mission, one that does not go well. These missions are not helped by the fact you can’t take anything with you, you even travel naked. So on arrival, anything can happen.

Enjoyed this, some interesting ideas and a bit of pace to it.

[Aviar Savijon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinity

Amazing, spectacular, thrilling and a excellent read! I Loved It!!!!!! A must read for all. An incredible author Stan C. Smith!!!

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinity is a small woman but she is a fighter with a tremendous amount of heart. This epic novel follows her journey to become an exceptional Bridger. She proves that size does not matter. Stan C Smith has created a world of many dimensions and his characters are superb.

[T.A. Burke]

DNF

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s SO Infinity! I love how the author is shaping her, filling her personality out and making her a real person. I also love how he is doing all this sensitive work on these characters while keeping me on the edge of my seat with excitement. 5 Stars!!

[Jaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received this book for free from BookBub for a limited time offer at* https://www.bookbub.com/books/infinit...

Original Gush:
Well, this was a pleasant surprise. Infinity: A Bridger's Origin by Stan C. Smith is the first book that was chosen for the BrisNano book club (because yes we don't just write bestselling novels 😂).

In this book, we follow Passerina a budding UFC fighter that can never get her big break. She then gets the opportunity of a lifetime to become a 'bridger' for SafeTrek (a time-traveling company).

She and her friend Scottie both sign up for this amazing opportunity and find that that the world is not as small as they once thought it was. They also had to learn to be comfortable in their own skin because when they time travel they have to go naked. This initially is a struggle for both of them but they learn to overcome their insecurities.

A couple of days after arriving Scottie and Passerina (who are now referred to as Tequila and Infinity as that is their 'bridging' names) have the task of bridging with two scientists to olden days America. They are assigned with Striker (their supervisor and the person who gave them this job).

On this expedition, many things occur (of which I'm not going to say because of spoilers and it is a really short book.

What I LOVED:
- It had a fantastic opening
- The dialogue was FANTASTIC and witty and really enjoyable/humorous to read.
- The sarcasm (kind of goes with the dialogue) but it was just really well done
- If this is a self-pub book then wow I am so happy I picked it up because I will certainly be reading more from this author if his other books are as good as this one.
-The constant action kept me on my toes the entire time
-The banter between Scottie and Passerina

What I didn't like:
-I couldn't really care for Scottie, even though him and Passerina's banter was fun to read without Passerina I really couldn't care less for Scottie
-In some ways, this book felt like a rip off of the hunger games (now I love the hunger games but I just feel like this book copied some of the elements too much).
-Passerina felt like a Mary Sue to me
-Some of the comments that Scottie had made throughout the novel made me feel uncomfortable since it is stated that Passerina is 25 and that Scottie is 35. It can be implied that Scottie does have romantic feelings for Passerina but I don't know it just made me feel weird.

Overall Thoughts:
-The action and dialogue was top notch
-I will be continuing on with the series (since this was the prequel to the original series that Stan C. Smith had written)
-This was a great read and I'm so glad that it was the first book selected for the BrisNano book club

[Les Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having used nearly every superlative in my vocabulary in reviewing the "Bridgers" series, it is difficult to describe “Infinity” without being repetitive. As always, excitement abounds... extreme danger and violent encounters with totally unpredictable results. Insights into human nature. Touches of humor that are sometimes joyfully silly, other times cuttingly acidic, but always intelligent. Totally believable creatures that rival any I have ever encountered in any genre. Note that these aren't the creations you encounter in a paranormal novel. Not witches and warlocks with special magical powers. These creature's roots are in what our world could have developed into, and Stan Smith's approach to science fiction firmly places you in their world.
Throughout the "Bridgers" series the reader is given clues to Infinity's background, but is always left wanting to know more. Many words can describe her, yet not define her. She can be frighteningly brutal, and many times appears to be pitiless in her relentless, unmerciful approach to her job's objectives. Yet we see glimpses of compassion, unparalleled loyalty, and even love. How did Infinity become this complex woman that we grow to intensely care for? "Infinity" provides us some answers, delving into the events that led her to be a Bridger, and her earliest struggles after recruitment. The story will make you want to both laugh and cry. It can simultaneously touch and torch your heart.
The only question I have is, would I have wanted to better know Infinity before reading the "Bridgers" series? Did some of the mysteries surrounding Infinity's background actually add to my reading experience? I genuinely cannot decide. What I do know is that after reading "Infinity" I want to read the entire "Bridgers" series again!

[Al Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bridgers series continues, but this time with an origin tale for our favourite badass bridger, Passerina. The author has done a good job of filling in much of her backstory over the course of the first four books, so this one chronicles how she became a bridger, and, of course, her maiden voyage to an alternate earth.
We find Infinity and her friend Scottie, a couple of good-but-struggling wannabe MMA fighters, doing a very bad job of staying out of trouble. They fall foul of some bad dudes, or more like they fell foul of Infinity, making life in Phoenix a little more dangerous for them. When Armando Doyle and and one of his bridgers show up at Infinity’s gym looking for recruits, our intrepid down-and-out heroes sign up despite their initial misgivings. Scottie and Passerina make it through their training and get to bridge for the first time. Sent to a world that diverged 50,000 years ago, things start badly, and then it’s all downhill from there.
I feel like I read this in about 10 minutes. While it’s not long, the plot rattles along at a fast pace, barely leaving one room for breath. This works well with the nature of the story, and the sense of danger is present throughout, despite it being obvious that Infinity survives. The author does a good job of presenting sides to Infinity that we haven’t seen yet, and “introduces” us (and Infinity) to some of the staples from the rest of the series. While it probably serves one better to at least read book one, I could imagine this novella piquing the interest of first time readers.

[Evan Nelson · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 17%. I cannot fathom how this book is averaging 4.23 stars right now.

The writing is horrendous. It's just one cliche after another thrown at the reader faster than Scottie can rattle off one of his quasi-clever gibes. I knew I was in trouble right from the very first line of the book: "Passerina Fowler knew trouble when she saw it".

The book reads like a UFC nerd decided to try their hand at writing. It feels like the story exists just as a vehicle for showing how *cool* and *badass* the characters are. Unfortunately it instead comes across as silly because it's not even realistic. Scottie, who weighs 145, gets punched in the stomach by a 275 pound thug, and he "hardly even flinched" because he "had already tightened his gut" -- badass, right?! Well, I'm an experienced martial artist and I can tell you *that is not how it works in reality*. When a 275 pound man hits someone half their weight in the stomach, I don't care if they've "tightened their gut"; they're going to be in a lot of pain, and the force of a punch with that much mass behind it will physically move them back.

I could pick quotes from every other page that made me cringe, but I'll spare you. Just, please, think twice before trusting that 4.23 average rating.

[Randy Harmelink · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the premise, the writing, the characters, and the action. However, if only living tissue can go across a bridge, meaning a loss of all hair, how do teeth survive the trips? How about fingernails and toenails? The body has a lot of tissue that isn't necessarily living. Wouldn't the body "decompress" when all of the non-living liquids and vapors suddenly go missing?

When Jeffrey Lord's Richard Blade series had a similar premise, they actually developed some weapons made up of living tissue (but maybe there it had to be surrounded by living tissue?). I would think that should have been a priority before doing any "bridging". Even simply bringing along something like living bamboo plants that could easily be formed into spears. Would some variation of razor sharp coral reef work?

Maybe these are addressed later in the series. I will be continuing...so the free prequel was a success in that regard. :)

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a surprisingly fun read. The premise is unique: hand-to-hand fighters are needed to protect scientists going to other earths because NOTHING but the living body transports over! They need people who have the right attitude to fight whatever attacks them and to do it naked!

Most of the story involves our main character's first mission. Even the author admits you must suspend disbelief, however the story is so well told and the characters so compelling that I bought into it. It is fiction. If one can write about "bridging" to alternate earths, the other unlikely aspects of the story could work as well. In other ways, it's very realistic, not all of the characters we like survive unscathed! In my opinion, the story is just as good as any mainstream SF story out there. Fabulous.

The writing is excellent, the characters are well developed, and the storyline is quite interesting. I recommend.

[Cbyarling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a back story of Infinity before she became a bridger. Her name: Passerina Fowler. It tells us what she was doing, how she was recruited, and takes her into her first adventurous bridge excursion a past of a parallel earth.

For this reason, Stan Smith’s fifth novel of the Bridgers Series is now called Book 0.

If a reader has not read any of the Bridger books, reading this one first is an excellent starter book that introduces the remaining four books. It’s not necessary, but it might be helpful to some readers.

Also, to a new reader, you will find Stan Smith inventing outrageous animals that are found in these parallel earths. They are surprisingly based on real animals. I can’t think of any other author with such an imagination.

And, since I’m such a fan, I’ve rated all of these books with five stars. You should definitely read all of them!

[Thom · Rating 4 out of 5]

SciFi meets UFC. Let the fight begin. To survive. If you can.

Passerina Fowler is about to leave her troubled life behind. Ahead is a whole different life. With it comes a new name. Now as Infinity, she is a Bridger. Where nothing is the same. And you have only your fists and wits to rely on. Seriously. Not even your clothes!

This origin book for Stan C. Smith’s Bridger series opens up a whole new dimension. It is here. It is now. Well, sort of. But it is different. And it is dangerous. Bridging. Like many of man’s new discoveries, we don’t know how it works or what we can learn. But like climbing mountains, we do it because we can. Infinity and her team lead us to rather unpredictable destination. Quick read. Great characters. Exciting adventure.

[Reads_Must · Rating 4 out of 5]

Infinity: A Bridger's Origin
Bridgers #0.5
Sci-Fi
Arden March
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• ᴀʟᴛᴇʀɴᴀᴛᴇ ᴜɴɪᴠᴇʀꜱᴇꜱ • ᴘʀᴇ𝚀ᴜᴇʟ • ᴛʀᴀɪɴɪɴɢ •

This was an interesting Origin story and I was glad to learn more about Infinity and how she became a bridger.

The characters were interesting. I liked how the two scientists that bridged with Infinity and Scottie were able to adapt and fight for their lives rather than become a burden. Scottie's humour was fun at first but after a few chapters, I found it a little annoying.

The friendship between Infinity and Scottie was quite sweet and I was glad that they became work partners.

The pacing was good and the fighting scenes were full of tension.

I've really enjoyed this series and I'll definitely be reading more books by this author.

[Bruce Von · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read in the series and it is brilliant and a must read page turner. Infinity is a heroine that I can really get into and I think I am in love with her. The story is brilliant and action packed from the first page I could not put it down and I am now planning to go back and read the rest of the books in the series and be eagerly awaiting the next one if you like action and a believable and fascinating premise, then this is a book you must read and because it is a prequel to all the others in the series it gives a great introduction to the concept of bridging. READ IT!!! You will thank me after you do!

[T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I gave this only three stars, I liked this book and will look for other books in the series. This book is a prequel to the Bridger series; hence it was fairly short but enjoyable. I really liked the main character (Passerina/Infinity) and the premise of the series.

It was not a time travel story; instead the characters traveled to an alternate timeline that was dependent upon when in the past the timeline diverged from the present timeline.

The travel method does not allow travelers to take anything with them so they are completely dependent upon their wits and whatever tools, weapons, etc they can make once they arrive to survive the 36-hour stay.

[RAVEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this book for over a year in half in my kindle Oasis. Was one of the first free books I downloaded. Yesterday decided to go back to the beginning of my downloads and mind you I have over 400 in my library waiting to be read. When I started the book within the first chapter I was hooked. I thought for the amount of pages there has to be a part two. I finished the book this evening and whoo hoo there is a whole series. Am super excited. When I read I have a great visual. Not only do I get a good read but also a movie that plays in my head at the same time. Started on book 1 officially of the series. Thank you Stan 💐

[Pete Ffrench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gem from bargain bookbub. The concept is familiar with travel to different timelines in Earth's past where evolution diverges from the human influence although the science part is left to the reader's imagination (some mumbo jumbo about isotopes) and how the actual timeline is targeted is not explained at all and I don't understand how hair and nails are left behind as non living part of the body (would teeth survive the trip) but the actual story is quite involving with action and pathos for the loss of comrades it sounds like a high risk occupation when they lose one Bridger per trip on average fortunately Infinity makes it back in one piece so the story can continue.

[Judy W · Rating 2 out of 5]

Multi verse travel is treated like a developing tourist/academia niche. Like the military would let that just lie. Anyway, I thought the idea was pretty original but our heroine Infinity (don't ask) was a pugnacious twit at times. I think the action sequences were the most trouble for me. It tales real finesse to write a believable action sequence. This was like the difference between watching an actual movie and having someone tell you the plot of a movie. Action can be a bit choppy and intense and the action here was much more monotone. Ilona Andrews is a great example of well written action scenes. I don't know if I'll continue with the series.

[Jody Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Stan Smiths books and always anxiously await the next one. His stories are so unique and adventurous and there’s always a great assortment of odd animals or creatures encountered by the Bridgers and their clients. He has great character development which is why I was happy to see a book which focused mainly on Infinity. She’s such a great character and with this story we get a deeper understanding of who she is. Now I can’t wait for the next book in the Bridgers series. I highly recommend this author.

[Mark Carnelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series opener!!

Love anything to do with time travel in all its variations. This is definitely a new take on that story. Great read, wonderful Main Character who is a tough as nails fighter gal with an unpredictable nature who is recruited in the Bridger program. Her job is to escort and protect clients on trips into the past where incidents have caused a divergence that creates an alternate timeline. Definitely a series that will be continued. Totally deserving of five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.

[Chris Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you’re new to the Bridgers series or somehow, like me, who has read each book this is a great read. Those new to the books will get a great introduction to this imaginative series. For the rest of us this works to fill in a little of Infinity’s life before the events of the books. Although shorter in length this book is not short on story and has all the things that make Stan C Smith’s such great fun to read. Imaginative, smart and thrilling, what more could any reader ask of an author?

[Suz-anne Midgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I thought I had already read this book but then after 3 or 4 paragraphs I realized that it was entirely new and different from the other bridger novels. Stan takes us on Passerina's journey to becoming Infinity in an exciting, thrilling, scary and even intimate way. We learn what created this amazingly tough woman and why she continues to do what she does. This was my favorite so far!!

[Grogan Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Addition To The Bridger's Series

Infinity: A Bridger's Origin is a great story. Learning about Infinity's past and how she became a Bridger makes the Bridger's Series even better. It is an exciting and fun read, full of action and adventure as are all the Bridger books. This book takes you on a wild ride with Infinity on her first bridge into the past. It is storytelling at it's best and a book you don't want to miss.

[Michelle L. Reeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Stan Smith. Passerina Fowler is working on becoming a professional fighter. It’s what she’s good at. Then her life takes a completely different turn when she hears a talk from a couple of men looking to recruit “guides” for bridging to other versions of earth. In the book we learn what shaped Passerina into the strong, capable, tough as nails woman that is Infinity. Follow the making of the first female bridger! Excellent book!

[Heather Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book and found it hard to put down. The story was intense and suspenseful. The characters were awesome especially Infinity/Passerina. It is definitely a different book from what I’m used to and I loved it. Passerina and her buddy Scottie go on one crazy adventure that is intense and you don’t expect what’s coming. I am planning on reading more books by the author and recommend reading this book. (I received this as an arc copy and am leaving a voluntary honest review)