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Refraction: A Mind-Bending Thriller
DISTANCE IS NOW A THING OF THE PAST
This was Dr. Robert Chase’s achievement when he created decoherence: twelve military test subjects trained to span the globe with their minds and kill with a thought. This was Project Clearwater’s secret legacy at the end of the Cold War.
Today, only one descendant remains. One with a genetic connection to Clearwater’s past. One who holds the key to its future.
Meet Caitlyn Grey. She exposed the government’s misdeeds and caught a renegade killer. She can blink, separating her mind from her body. She should be a hero. Instead, she’s on the run, on the far side of the world.
Because what hunts her is an agency like no other. From the devices in our pockets to the media that shapes our perception, the Foundation has access to everything… and answers to no one.
Except Agent Michaels, an eccentric investigator who once walked its shadowy halls. He has the inside knowledge. Caitlyn has a skill worth billions. Alone, they won’t stand a chance. But together, they might have a shot at stopping an unthinkable new weapon, one that will shatter the very fabric of our world.
Both an unrelenting thriller and a tale of techno-horror, Refraction is a mend-bending descent into weaponized consciousness itself.
This was Dr. Robert Chase’s achievement when he created decoherence: twelve military test subjects trained to span the globe with their minds and kill with a thought. This was Project Clearwater’s secret legacy at the end of the Cold War.
Today, only one descendant remains. One with a genetic connection to Clearwater’s past. One who holds the key to its future.
Meet Caitlyn Grey. She exposed the government’s misdeeds and caught a renegade killer. She can blink, separating her mind from her body. She should be a hero. Instead, she’s on the run, on the far side of the world.
Because what hunts her is an agency like no other. From the devices in our pockets to the media that shapes our perception, the Foundation has access to everything… and answers to no one.
Except Agent Michaels, an eccentric investigator who once walked its shadowy halls. He has the inside knowledge. Caitlyn has a skill worth billions. Alone, they won’t stand a chance. But together, they might have a shot at stopping an unthinkable new weapon, one that will shatter the very fabric of our world.
Both an unrelenting thriller and a tale of techno-horror, Refraction is a mend-bending descent into weaponized consciousness itself.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2022
11 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Van Wey
20 books582 followersAndrew Van Wey was born in Palo Alto, California, spent part of his childhood in New England, and lived in South Korea for over a decade.
When he's not writing, Andrew can be found mountain biking, playing video games, or hiking with his wife and their sheepdog Arthas. He loves education, geeking out about D&D and fountain pens, and collecting tattoos.
Visit him online at: www.andrewvanwey.com to sign up for early previews and special offers!
When he's not writing, Andrew can be found mountain biking, playing video games, or hiking with his wife and their sheepdog Arthas. He loves education, geeking out about D&D and fountain pens, and collecting tattoos.
Visit him online at: www.andrewvanwey.com to sign up for early previews and special offers!
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 15, 2022
Review of Advanced Reader eBook Copy
As the Cold War drew to a close, only Project Clearwater, with its secret legacy, remained. Here, Doctor Robert Chase created decoherence, allowing any of the twelve military test subjects to travel the world with their minds and kill with a single thought.
But now only one remains, one connected to Clearwater, one holding the key to the future.
She’s the one who stopped the God’s Breath Killer, who exposed governmental transgressions. For her, a blink separates mind from body. Clearwater has morphed into the Foundation’s continuing research project Day’s Bane, hidden away on an oil rig in Alaska . . . and they want Caitlyn. They need to understand the difference between her mind and the minds of the other test subjects. Why is Caitlyn different?
And so the young woman runs. Joined by the Foundation’s one-time agent Michaels, the two set sail from Mauritius. When they reach Kenya, the hunters are waiting and they barely escape capture. But now they know the Foundation is searching for Caitlyn.
The two race to stop the technological horror that promises to shatter the very fabric of the world. With her unique skill set and his insider knowledge, they just might have a chance . . . if they can elude the relentless hunters that will stop at nothing to capture them.
Together, will Caitlyn and Michaels be able to stop the development of this heinous new weapon? Or will the all-powerful Foundation manage to bring about the dawn of mental warfare? Will they unleash war waged in shadows?
Or will it be something worse?
=========
Second in the author’s Clearwater Conspiracy series, “Refraction” picks up where “Blind Site” ended with more than enough backstory for those new to the series. [But readers should definitely consider reading the first book.]
As the imaginative, intriguing plot twists and turns, the ever-present undercurrent of tension keeps the suspense building. Readers will find themselves pulled into the story from the beginning; the machinations of those in power send the story in surprising directions. The revelations surrounding the development and use of decoherence are spellbinding; readers are sure to find the evolving story compelling.
The characters are well-defined [but not always likable]; readers will find themselves rooting for Michaels and Caitlyn to succeed. There’s a strong sense of place throughout the story that ties the science fiction thriller to familiar places and strengthens the credibility of the tale being told.
Despite a few gritty scenes within the telling of the tale, readers will find this book absorbing, daunting, and unputdownable.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from the author
As the Cold War drew to a close, only Project Clearwater, with its secret legacy, remained. Here, Doctor Robert Chase created decoherence, allowing any of the twelve military test subjects to travel the world with their minds and kill with a single thought.
But now only one remains, one connected to Clearwater, one holding the key to the future.
She’s the one who stopped the God’s Breath Killer, who exposed governmental transgressions. For her, a blink separates mind from body. Clearwater has morphed into the Foundation’s continuing research project Day’s Bane, hidden away on an oil rig in Alaska . . . and they want Caitlyn. They need to understand the difference between her mind and the minds of the other test subjects. Why is Caitlyn different?
And so the young woman runs. Joined by the Foundation’s one-time agent Michaels, the two set sail from Mauritius. When they reach Kenya, the hunters are waiting and they barely escape capture. But now they know the Foundation is searching for Caitlyn.
The two race to stop the technological horror that promises to shatter the very fabric of the world. With her unique skill set and his insider knowledge, they just might have a chance . . . if they can elude the relentless hunters that will stop at nothing to capture them.
Together, will Caitlyn and Michaels be able to stop the development of this heinous new weapon? Or will the all-powerful Foundation manage to bring about the dawn of mental warfare? Will they unleash war waged in shadows?
Or will it be something worse?
=========
Second in the author’s Clearwater Conspiracy series, “Refraction” picks up where “Blind Site” ended with more than enough backstory for those new to the series. [But readers should definitely consider reading the first book.]
As the imaginative, intriguing plot twists and turns, the ever-present undercurrent of tension keeps the suspense building. Readers will find themselves pulled into the story from the beginning; the machinations of those in power send the story in surprising directions. The revelations surrounding the development and use of decoherence are spellbinding; readers are sure to find the evolving story compelling.
The characters are well-defined [but not always likable]; readers will find themselves rooting for Michaels and Caitlyn to succeed. There’s a strong sense of place throughout the story that ties the science fiction thriller to familiar places and strengthens the credibility of the tale being told.
Despite a few gritty scenes within the telling of the tale, readers will find this book absorbing, daunting, and unputdownable.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from the author
November 11, 2024
Refraction - the Conspiracy continues
“Refraction" by author Andrew Van Wey is the 2nd book in the 'The Clearwater Conspiracy' series. I highly recommend that you read "Blind Site" Book 1 of the series. Not only is Book 1 excellent, but it is a primer for what you will encounter in "Refraction." If you were ever a fan of the TV show, The X-Files, or the movie Scanners, you definitely have the imagination to enjoy the extreme science in these books. In Book 1, we meet Catlin, a blind young woman who has psychic abilities far beyond the scope of accepted science. I won't give away the story, but let me say there are individuals who have taken remote viewing to a whole new level. "Refraction" continues the exploration of the science(-fiction?) of the ability and how it is used by agencies not listed on the internet. By the way, Book 3 is coming out in the near future.
There are Audible books narrated by Tom Jordan available. - Mr.Bill
“Refraction" by author Andrew Van Wey is the 2nd book in the 'The Clearwater Conspiracy' series. I highly recommend that you read "Blind Site" Book 1 of the series. Not only is Book 1 excellent, but it is a primer for what you will encounter in "Refraction." If you were ever a fan of the TV show, The X-Files, or the movie Scanners, you definitely have the imagination to enjoy the extreme science in these books. In Book 1, we meet Catlin, a blind young woman who has psychic abilities far beyond the scope of accepted science. I won't give away the story, but let me say there are individuals who have taken remote viewing to a whole new level. "Refraction" continues the exploration of the science(-fiction?) of the ability and how it is used by agencies not listed on the internet. By the way, Book 3 is coming out in the near future.
There are Audible books narrated by Tom Jordan available. - Mr.Bill
June 8, 2023
Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. The hauntingly gorgeous series continues as Refraction is an absolute creative, visual feast surrounding the secretive disturbing experiment taking place at Day's Bane, set upon a once decommissioned oil rig as The Foundation works to recreate and understand Caitlyn's abilities that allows the reader to question the true cost of scientific studies and experiments. Among this harrowing narrative is the personal journey of Caitlyn as she and Agent Michaels search for the secrets of how Caitlyn has survived thus far. A beautiful, gripping adventure populated with crafty, morally gray people. Highly recommended.
The audiobook version of Refraction, narrated beautifully by Tom Jordan is also highly recommended a the harrowing disturbing thread begun in Blind Site continues.
The audiobook version of Refraction, narrated beautifully by Tom Jordan is also highly recommended a the harrowing disturbing thread begun in Blind Site continues.
March 25, 2023
This is the second book in the Clearwater Conspiracies trilogy. That it has so few ratings it bordering on criminal in relation to his talent. If I could compare this series to anyone it would be Crichton-esque, as it is a thriller but with strong elements of sci fi and some horror. It makes great use of multiple POVs, spanning the globe and is obviously well researched.
I have no relation to the author, it’s just when you find someone whose work you admire, I feel it’s important to get the word out so others have the opportunity to see/read for themselves. I highly recommend his surreal horror novel Forsaken, which is an all time favorite of mine.
I have no relation to the author, it’s just when you find someone whose work you admire, I feel it’s important to get the word out so others have the opportunity to see/read for themselves. I highly recommend his surreal horror novel Forsaken, which is an all time favorite of mine.
August 14, 2023
Thank You Andrew Van Wey
One of My Top Selections this Year.
This Scifi novel is Thrilling Adventure that is Fast Pace.
Project Clearwater started off with great potential to help people, however it goes off the rails in the worst way. Can Days Bane be extinguished before it becomes like Chernobyl, it's up to the Reader to find out.
I Recommend This 5 star novel. The book draws you into it by attention to both detail and character development.
Biotechnology /Experiments
Scifi
Foundation Secret Organization
Political
Trigger Points
One of My Top Selections this Year.
This Scifi novel is Thrilling Adventure that is Fast Pace.
Project Clearwater started off with great potential to help people, however it goes off the rails in the worst way. Can Days Bane be extinguished before it becomes like Chernobyl, it's up to the Reader to find out.
I Recommend This 5 star novel. The book draws you into it by attention to both detail and character development.
Biotechnology /Experiments
Scifi
Foundation Secret Organization
Political
Trigger Points
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2022
Book one was GREAT and the second book pulled me in as well. Out of body experience. . .more like out of mind/life. . .what a scary yet great escape. Books I can get lost in are the best. Yes it is sci-fi but in this changing world isn't ANYTHING possible? EXCELLENT read!!! I'm ready and excited for book 3.
December 1, 2022
I think in general we expect the 2nd book in a trilogy to be the messy middle or more laden with exposition (and therefore slower, maybe even boring). Refraction totally exceeded my expectations! It was just as good a story and just as exciting as Blind Site. And it left me excited to see how the author will wrap up this unique and interesting trilogy!
October 14, 2024
So much imagination lend to a truly terrifying novel about what might be possible, what could go wrong, and all the horrifying ways such things could be utilized. In our world today, it feels both possible that something like this could occur and absolutely would be mishandled if it did. I will definitely read the last book in the trilogy. Kudos to the author.
March 12, 2025
DNF This book I just could not get into. I listened to the audiobook for over an hour and had no interest in it. I’ve tried to read a few of Andrew’s books, I think 4-5 and only found one I liked. Unfortunately his writing is just not what peaks my interest.
February 25, 2023
Good reading
I liked the first book better, but this was still a great story. I like this author, he reminds me of early S King.
I liked the first book better, but this was still a great story. I like this author, he reminds me of early S King.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews