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Coverted: A Sci-Fi Novella to Inspire
Unraveling myths is messy. But some lies have to die for humanity to survive.
Velia and Virgil have never met — yet their lives are moving along the same invisible track.
Born a decade apart in different cities, both are restless teenagers trapped in families that can't see who they really are. Velia's mother suffocates her with love. Virgil's father believes violence builds strength. Neither fits the life they've been handed. Both sense they're meant for something more.
They're right.
They just don't know how dangerous "more" can be.
A mysterious arcade game. A forced exile to a wilderness camp for troubled teens. What looks like punishment is something else entirely — a test designed by humanity's secret alien ally to determine whether they're ready for a role in a war they don't yet understand.
To pass, they must survive brutal trials, outwit a sadistic one-eyed hunter determined to break them, and accomplish what trained soldiers have failed to do: capture a high-value target tied to an alien empire preparing to conquer Earth.
But the most dangerous challenge isn't the mission.
It's the truth.
Everything they've been told — about their families, their identities, even their pasts — has been carefully engineered.
And the deeper they dig, the clearer it becomes: the war isn't just coming.
It's already shaping them.
Coverted is the gateway to the Subsumption series — a coming-of-age science fiction thriller about identity, manipulation, and humanity's place between two warring alien powers. Perfect for readers who love the strategic intensity of Ender's Game and the eerie, character-driven atmosphere of Stranger Things.
Velia and Virgil have never met — yet their lives are moving along the same invisible track.
Born a decade apart in different cities, both are restless teenagers trapped in families that can't see who they really are. Velia's mother suffocates her with love. Virgil's father believes violence builds strength. Neither fits the life they've been handed. Both sense they're meant for something more.
They're right.
They just don't know how dangerous "more" can be.
A mysterious arcade game. A forced exile to a wilderness camp for troubled teens. What looks like punishment is something else entirely — a test designed by humanity's secret alien ally to determine whether they're ready for a role in a war they don't yet understand.
To pass, they must survive brutal trials, outwit a sadistic one-eyed hunter determined to break them, and accomplish what trained soldiers have failed to do: capture a high-value target tied to an alien empire preparing to conquer Earth.
But the most dangerous challenge isn't the mission.
It's the truth.
Everything they've been told — about their families, their identities, even their pasts — has been carefully engineered.
And the deeper they dig, the clearer it becomes: the war isn't just coming.
It's already shaping them.
Coverted is the gateway to the Subsumption series — a coming-of-age science fiction thriller about identity, manipulation, and humanity's place between two warring alien powers. Perfect for readers who love the strategic intensity of Ender's Game and the eerie, character-driven atmosphere of Stranger Things.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2020
About the author
Luciano W. Pesci
3 books8 followersLuciano is an author, economist, and data scientist. In addition to being a highly loved professor at multiple higher education institutions, he’s the co-founder and CEO of Emperitas. With his wife Nicole, he has 5 boys and loves to hike the mountains of Utah with his lab named Maggie.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 5, 2021
Coverted by Luciano W. Pesci is the first prequel (Disclosure is the second) in the Subsumption series. Converted is an excellent introduction to the 2 main characters Velia and Virgil and the events that lead them into Subsumption.
The story revolves around Velia and Virgil who are unhappy with their lives, Velia raised by an overprotective mother and Virgil who is raised by his father a hard line disciplinarian. A video game and a camp for troubled youths send them on a journey they never dreamed would be possible.
A short story that gets right to the point, the author does a beautiful job of building the suspense as we discover that there is more here than we are being lead to believe.
The characters are fleshed out nicely, leaving much to be learned about them as the story progresses. The circumstances that Velia and Virgil start out with resonates with everyone as we all seek to make our own way, despite the valid advice or well wishes of those who walked the path before us. It is also worthy to note that Converted isn't just an introductory story to our characters, but it's also an introductory story to the world that Mr Pesci builds around the story. Plenty of tense moments make it a fast smooth read that will hold your attention right to the end.
While Subsumption makes for a solid standalone read, the over all story reads and feels much better when you read the 2 prequels.
The story revolves around Velia and Virgil who are unhappy with their lives, Velia raised by an overprotective mother and Virgil who is raised by his father a hard line disciplinarian. A video game and a camp for troubled youths send them on a journey they never dreamed would be possible.
A short story that gets right to the point, the author does a beautiful job of building the suspense as we discover that there is more here than we are being lead to believe.
The characters are fleshed out nicely, leaving much to be learned about them as the story progresses. The circumstances that Velia and Virgil start out with resonates with everyone as we all seek to make our own way, despite the valid advice or well wishes of those who walked the path before us. It is also worthy to note that Converted isn't just an introductory story to our characters, but it's also an introductory story to the world that Mr Pesci builds around the story. Plenty of tense moments make it a fast smooth read that will hold your attention right to the end.
While Subsumption makes for a solid standalone read, the over all story reads and feels much better when you read the 2 prequels.
September 1, 2020
Stranger Things meets X-Files
Coverted captures the nostalgia of classic Sci-fi movies and original story telling while packing an exciting punch. Set in the 80s and full of sci-fi Easter eggs, the book tells a story that’s layered in mystery and makes you want to tumble down the rabbit hole for more answers. Would definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys thrillers, mystery novels, or sci-fi.
Coverted captures the nostalgia of classic Sci-fi movies and original story telling while packing an exciting punch. Set in the 80s and full of sci-fi Easter eggs, the book tells a story that’s layered in mystery and makes you want to tumble down the rabbit hole for more answers. Would definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys thrillers, mystery novels, or sci-fi.
September 30, 2020
This is a fast read about two siblings that didn't know the other one existed. They now must pass the tests and decide to join a alien force. I really enjoyed this read and can't wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2020
Travel back in time and beyond...
This book starts out super fun but then turns kind of dark and serious. A must-read for any retro nerd, the nostalgia you will get from this is incredible. Two siblings in different decades meet in the middle of an epic universal battle.
This book starts out super fun but then turns kind of dark and serious. A must-read for any retro nerd, the nostalgia you will get from this is incredible. Two siblings in different decades meet in the middle of an epic universal battle.
March 16, 2021
I really enjoyed going on this journey, I really thought it was a well done scifi premise. I liked that it was unique take on scifi and I enjoyed getting to know the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2020
If you are a Sci-Fi buff and grew up in the 80s, this is an epic and nostalgic piece. So, that's me and I am really into this.
I really enjoyed it. This is a novella and an introductory story to the series. Now, I really want to know what would happen next and what happen to both Velia and Virgil Wolf. And I thought Agent Rylos is cool..and I imagine he is just like the MIB! Overall, the plot is good and keep me as reader hooked.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed it. This is a novella and an introductory story to the series. Now, I really want to know what would happen next and what happen to both Velia and Virgil Wolf. And I thought Agent Rylos is cool..and I imagine he is just like the MIB! Overall, the plot is good and keep me as reader hooked.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews