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Fused: Training Day
Having a body made of alien nanoparticles has its advantages. Figuring out how to use it is the problem.
A year ago, the world was almost destroyed by an alien artifact. Then the artifact went missing. It lies hidden somewhere, a ticking bomb of potential destruction. Bobby Truex knows exactly where it is.
Bobby is only sixteen, but he has seen more tragedy than most people will ever see. Now he just wants to be Bobby Truex. He wants to read books, explore the forest and river near his new home, maybe have a girlfriend. Most of all, he doesn’t want to hurt anyone.
But how can you live a normal life if your body is the most dangerous thing on Earth? Bobby realizes he needs to learn what he’s capable of and what he should never try to do. For this, he enlists the help of Ashley, the only girl who knows he is no longer human.
Bobby is a fast learner, but learning requires trial and error. If he succeeds, maybe he can make the world a better place. If he fails… well, anything could happen.
FUSED: TRAINING DAY is a novella for readers who love alien contact, mind-bending concepts, and coming-of-age stories.
A year ago, the world was almost destroyed by an alien artifact. Then the artifact went missing. It lies hidden somewhere, a ticking bomb of potential destruction. Bobby Truex knows exactly where it is.
Bobby is only sixteen, but he has seen more tragedy than most people will ever see. Now he just wants to be Bobby Truex. He wants to read books, explore the forest and river near his new home, maybe have a girlfriend. Most of all, he doesn’t want to hurt anyone.
But how can you live a normal life if your body is the most dangerous thing on Earth? Bobby realizes he needs to learn what he’s capable of and what he should never try to do. For this, he enlists the help of Ashley, the only girl who knows he is no longer human.
Bobby is a fast learner, but learning requires trial and error. If he succeeds, maybe he can make the world a better place. If he fails… well, anything could happen.
FUSED: TRAINING DAY is a novella for readers who love alien contact, mind-bending concepts, and coming-of-age stories.
69 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2020
12 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 2, 2020
This is a novella serving as a bridge between the Diffusion-Infusion-Profusion trilogy and a new series relating to Human-Lamotelokhai interactions. Since the ecologic and economic disaster that hit Puerto Rico in ‘Profusion, the all-powerful alien entity – known as Lamo for short – has been concealed in Bobby. Moreover, it has fused with Bobby’s being, so that Bobby is no longer human, and only remains in human boy form because it is easier on the other humans he is with. Bobby and the Lamo retain their own separate identities within the one ‘body’, and are able to communicate with each other. They are learning to work together (hence the subtitle ‘Training Day’), and in particular, Bobby needs to swiftly come to terms with what he can, can’t, should and should not do, with virtually unlimited power.
In too many books, films, comics featuring characters with superhuman powers (or even featuring countries with overwhelming firepower), there is little discussion about ethics and morality. Here, they take centre stage. For instance: if the animal trying to kill and eat you is an endangered and protected species, should you kill it before it kills you? If it were me, then I am sorry, but the animal is a gonner. And what if it is a human bent on your demise? Bobby and the Lamo, though, have more options, and with that comes much more responsibility, and requires more thought. They also have to be more aware of the possible catastrophic consequences of any of their actions.
This should be too much for a teenage boy to have to take on board. But, Bobby somehow manages (he may need centuries of therapy later though!).
Belize has been a sanctuary for Bobby, Ashley, Addison and the adults Quentin and Lindsey – a place to hide out, to save the world from the Lamo, and to save the Lamo from the world. But, suddenly it is no longer safe, and they must move on again – but where and how?
The new series for which this is the prequel, promises to be every bit as good as the Diffusion-Infusion-Profusion trilogy, and I can hardly wait until it is ready to read.
I received a Copy of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review
In too many books, films, comics featuring characters with superhuman powers (or even featuring countries with overwhelming firepower), there is little discussion about ethics and morality. Here, they take centre stage. For instance: if the animal trying to kill and eat you is an endangered and protected species, should you kill it before it kills you? If it were me, then I am sorry, but the animal is a gonner. And what if it is a human bent on your demise? Bobby and the Lamo, though, have more options, and with that comes much more responsibility, and requires more thought. They also have to be more aware of the possible catastrophic consequences of any of their actions.
This should be too much for a teenage boy to have to take on board. But, Bobby somehow manages (he may need centuries of therapy later though!).
Belize has been a sanctuary for Bobby, Ashley, Addison and the adults Quentin and Lindsey – a place to hide out, to save the world from the Lamo, and to save the Lamo from the world. But, suddenly it is no longer safe, and they must move on again – but where and how?
The new series for which this is the prequel, promises to be every bit as good as the Diffusion-Infusion-Profusion trilogy, and I can hardly wait until it is ready to read.
I received a Copy of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review
October 3, 2021
Great Prequel!
An enjoyable read from a great prequel. I was sorry to see the Diffusion series end so I am really happy to see the beginning of this spin-off series. I look forward to the rest of this series which I'm certain will be full of imaginative creations from the mind of Stan Smith.
An enjoyable read from a great prequel. I was sorry to see the Diffusion series end so I am really happy to see the beginning of this spin-off series. I look forward to the rest of this series which I'm certain will be full of imaginative creations from the mind of Stan Smith.
December 8, 2021
You know the old saying, “I couldn’t put it down….”? Well, I couldn’t put it down. The action just kept me riveted to the page. This novella might be categorized as “Young Adult”, but I really enjoy books aimed at teens, although I am in my 70s. I did not read the Diffusion series so I was a bit confused a couple of times, but I caught up and understood what was going on quickly. The premise is very innovative. I am an avid sci fi reader and haven’t read anything quite like this idea before. Especially when the protagonist is a 16-year-old boy. This fact gives the author more leeway to have the boy make silly mistakes in using his “gift”. I found those “mistakes” the funniest part of the story. The novella was short, but that little bite makes me want more. Bring on the next book!!
August 29, 2020
I'M A REALIST BUT INSTANTLY LOVED THIS SCI-FI PREQUEL!
I've been a lover of “true stories” for as long as I can remember. However, as I've gotten a little older, I have branched out and discovered a new love—the science fiction novels Stan C. Smith crafts. In fact, I was shocked at how much I liked them! Stan’s books capture me because he weaves believable stories that highlight the struggles we all face as we select guiding principles and the repercussions they bring. My first experience with Stan’s books came with his Diffusion trilogy where I first encountered the characters: Bobby, Ashley, Addison, Quentin, Lindsey, and the Lamotelokhai (Lamo). They all return in this prequel, Fused: Training Day. Some back story: in the Diffusion series, the Lamo fused with sixteen-year-old Bobby Truex. Thanks to the Lamo, even though Bobby appears to be human, he is not. Now Bobby has unlimited transformational abilities and world-changing powers. While Fused builds on the Diffusion-Infusion-Profusion trilogy, readers new to Stan’s sci-fi books can freely and easily jump into this new series. If you are on the fence about exploring science fiction stories, I recommend that you give this “alien contact, coming-of-age story” a try!
I've been a lover of “true stories” for as long as I can remember. However, as I've gotten a little older, I have branched out and discovered a new love—the science fiction novels Stan C. Smith crafts. In fact, I was shocked at how much I liked them! Stan’s books capture me because he weaves believable stories that highlight the struggles we all face as we select guiding principles and the repercussions they bring. My first experience with Stan’s books came with his Diffusion trilogy where I first encountered the characters: Bobby, Ashley, Addison, Quentin, Lindsey, and the Lamotelokhai (Lamo). They all return in this prequel, Fused: Training Day. Some back story: in the Diffusion series, the Lamo fused with sixteen-year-old Bobby Truex. Thanks to the Lamo, even though Bobby appears to be human, he is not. Now Bobby has unlimited transformational abilities and world-changing powers. While Fused builds on the Diffusion-Infusion-Profusion trilogy, readers new to Stan’s sci-fi books can freely and easily jump into this new series. If you are on the fence about exploring science fiction stories, I recommend that you give this “alien contact, coming-of-age story” a try!
July 27, 2020
Definitely startling to one’s imagination...
I hardly know what to say here. If you are familiar with Stan Smith’s writing and creativity, you’ll understand. His main character is an off-shoot from another series. He became incredible then and he is shown to be even more incredible now. Actually, Bobby is discovering what he can and shouldn’t do with his amazing abilities. They are so off the charts that he must learn to control them. Fortunately, a girlfriend, who understands his predicament lends a helping hand. Where will this all lead? We won’t know until Mr. Smith decides to embellish us by continuing the series. In the meantime, this is a fascinating foundation for possibly more wild adventures to come. I only wish that they would spend more time in Belize where I live. That was a pleasant surprise. Obviously, if you like the unusual and can forego disbelief, this book is for you.
I hardly know what to say here. If you are familiar with Stan Smith’s writing and creativity, you’ll understand. His main character is an off-shoot from another series. He became incredible then and he is shown to be even more incredible now. Actually, Bobby is discovering what he can and shouldn’t do with his amazing abilities. They are so off the charts that he must learn to control them. Fortunately, a girlfriend, who understands his predicament lends a helping hand. Where will this all lead? We won’t know until Mr. Smith decides to embellish us by continuing the series. In the meantime, this is a fascinating foundation for possibly more wild adventures to come. I only wish that they would spend more time in Belize where I live. That was a pleasant surprise. Obviously, if you like the unusual and can forego disbelief, this book is for you.
July 16, 2020
This may be short but that doesn't mean it's lacking in quality or entertainment. Also, it's a full story despite it's relatively short length. It features Bobby, who has the worlds biggest secret. He is part human and part... something more, something alien that could cause a lot of destruction. I'm trying not to give away any spoilers! Talking of spoilers, I understand this is kind of a 'what happened next' for Bobby and co. following on from the Diffusion series. I've not yet read that series and can say this works perfectly well without, there's not a need to have read them first and this story is 'self contained'. Having enjoyed a lot of this authors writing I was expecting the quality and enthralling story it delivers so well. It's short but it's immense fun and I recommend it.
July 19, 2020
Addison has been changed, Bobby is part Bobby, part Lamotelokhai and Ashley is Bobby's ex girlfriend.
They are living in Belize, by the river, where Bobby is trying to come to terms with the new Bobby. He is slowly coming to understand what he can do, and how to manipulate his surroundings, and himself. This means he is partly eaten by a crocodile, swimming long distances under water, and doing all kinds of thinks normal 16 year old cannot. Things like re growing an arm, or becoming invisible, or making copies of books.
The book gives you more information about the children, and what happened after they came back.
They are living in Belize, by the river, where Bobby is trying to come to terms with the new Bobby. He is slowly coming to understand what he can do, and how to manipulate his surroundings, and himself. This means he is partly eaten by a crocodile, swimming long distances under water, and doing all kinds of thinks normal 16 year old cannot. Things like re growing an arm, or becoming invisible, or making copies of books.
The book gives you more information about the children, and what happened after they came back.
April 20, 2022
I read all types of books but this type of SF is not my normal read. But, I received a free copy of this from the author so I figured "Why not?" I was pleasantly surprised. I am now anxious to get to the series (and the past series) to see how Bobby learns all about his new powers and how he learns to control them. Most of the story Bobby is just screwing things up because he can't control the powers. At one point, Ashley says (minor spoiler here) "Subduing two drug runners with a giant lizard? Who does that?" Should be lots of fun! (Enjoyed learning about some of the new environmental laws also)
July 21, 2020
Fantasy fans -- especially those who read the earlier series which introduced these characters -- will LOVE this new series! Smith is a talented writer of imaginative adventure stories, always grounded in nature and full of interesting animals / creatures / characters / situations. If you enjoy fantasy / adventure & have not yet read Smith's earlier novels, what are you waiting for? This is a short, fast read that is full of wonder.
November 30, 2021
Again, Stan C. Smith grabbed my brain and took it for a joy ride. This prequel helps us to get to know Bobby a little bit better, after his adventure with the Lamotelokhai in Puerto Rico, where they fused with Bobby and gave him super powers. Powers he needs to learn to deal with. Powers so great he can help the whole world, or he can destroy it, without even meaning to. Fused: Training Day sets the stage for Stan C. Smith's next book in the new Fused series, Fused: Rampage Ridge.
December 5, 2021
I've read each book of Stan Smith's last two series (Across Horizons and Bridgers), but this series will beat all of them.
Why? It's a great, original, and short prequel to a new series. And it's a different, more sci-fi than the others, and more close to our current home planet earth.
Read this and you will agree with me that you will wish the first book in the series is available to read - right now!
Why? It's a great, original, and short prequel to a new series. And it's a different, more sci-fi than the others, and more close to our current home planet earth.
Read this and you will agree with me that you will wish the first book in the series is available to read - right now!
July 18, 2020
This is not a long book but it is fast paced. A 16 yr old boy one year and the next a superpower nano boy. There is a lot that happens in a short amount of time and it is a troubling adventure for our young hero. He has to learn how to use his powers and that is the problem. This will become a really good series so don't miss out on the start.
August 12, 2020
What a different kind of book. An entity of a different species? In a young boys body but he's not sure what to do with it. Bobby tries things with his new body but they don't all work. This is a short story but great in stature, the writing and characters get your interest and you want much more. This goes along with the author's Diffusion series.
November 29, 2021
Are You Crazy?
This is a most amazing story! Stan C. Smith, an author I insist on following has written Fused: Training Day, a most unusual and original story about three kids and the Alamo who is fused with Bobby. I can’t wait to read more in the series as this short story has so many possibilities that Smith is so very good at exploring!
This is a most amazing story! Stan C. Smith, an author I insist on following has written Fused: Training Day, a most unusual and original story about three kids and the Alamo who is fused with Bobby. I can’t wait to read more in the series as this short story has so many possibilities that Smith is so very good at exploring!
December 10, 2021
This novella is a great intro to a new series that continues where an old series left off. Mr. Smith does a great job of writing books that tell a story that's part of a larger story, but stand on their own as independent episodes in the larger story. This novella is no exception. I want to read more to follow along with the characters' lives, not because the story stopped halfway through.
July 20, 2020
Bobby is learning to control his powers as the Lamo is part of him. He and his new family are in hiding and he doesn’t want to draw attention to them but he keeps messing up. He needs the help of his family to learn how to best utilize his new powers. Fast but fabulous read!
February 21, 2021
Fun start to a new series about a boy whose body fused with alien technology and he has to learn how to manage his new abilities. The story begins in Stan C. Smith's Fused series, but you don't need to read it to follow this new series. It's a really fun adventure, and I'm excited to read more!
May 8, 2022
Stan C. Smith writes stories that include aliens. This alien communicates with Bobby telepathically. After a previous event, Bobby is made up of nanoparticles and can transform himself into other shapes - and extract and use some of his particles for special reasons.
It's a short story but fun
It's a short story but fun
July 16, 2020
Fun novella as a follow-up to the Diffusion series. I was pleased to find the same characters, and found I had missed them. I look forward to more of Bobby and the Lamotelokhai!!
July 22, 2020
School's Out!
That was a fun read prequel, I enjoyed catching up with some of the characters from the original series. I'm looking forward to the new one.
That was a fun read prequel, I enjoyed catching up with some of the characters from the original series. I'm looking forward to the new one.
July 24, 2020
A good short story! Good ideas & a great peak into this writer & his series! I will look for more & do recommend! Liked it!
August 25, 2020
Not worth it
It's about a few disjointed words of not even a full preview, all it says is buy the book, why should you have to pay for this, it's a fraud.
It's about a few disjointed words of not even a full preview, all it says is buy the book, why should you have to pay for this, it's a fraud.
September 21, 2021
Tantalizing!
I've read all of your books. I really like where this one is heading. So no rest for you. Get your fingers flying.
Thanks!
I've read all of your books. I really like where this one is heading. So no rest for you. Get your fingers flying.
Thanks!
November 30, 2021
Fascinating, action packed young adult tale about a 16 year old boy who has become fused with an alien entity. Now all he has to do is figure out how to control it!
December 5, 2021
I liked this because it was kind of sweet, short and filled with a lot of seriously unintended chaos while the parents were away. It was funny. Great prequel.
December 9, 2021
Much like the author's other books this really draws you in with interesting concepts and likeable characters. A quick read that gives you a good taste of what is to come.
December 28, 2021
Great beginning to the series. Looking forward to reading more.
April 22, 2022
I have not read any of the books that this was the prequel to, but I found it quite odd and rather unpleasant. A very strange story.
November 30, 2022
Good concept, the heroine is a bit self-centered.
Read
March 22, 2023Interesting enough I've started the diffusion series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews