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Hybrid Helix #0
Zero Twist
Short story introducing the characters of the Hybrid Helix; free on StoryOrigin.
Rohan is having a hard time controlling his Powers in his new position as Tow Chief. Wei Li is trying to get rid of a troublesome fight promoter and his even more troublesome connections to organized crime.
Perhaps these two can help one another? If not, perhaps a teary eyed woman can rope Rohan into a martial arts tournament that will determine, once and for all, who the best fighter is on that particular night.
Rohan is having a hard time controlling his Powers in his new position as Tow Chief. Wei Li is trying to get rid of a troublesome fight promoter and his even more troublesome connections to organized crime.
Perhaps these two can help one another? If not, perhaps a teary eyed woman can rope Rohan into a martial arts tournament that will determine, once and for all, who the best fighter is on that particular night.
ebook
Published September 3, 2022
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 4, 2022
This novella was just handed to me for free.
What do I do with it?
Oh, read it, probably.
I don't know how, but JCM Berne has actually captured the essence of martial arts. I adore this little book. With a little intrigue involving the mob and taking falls for money, it reflects what can destroy a sport and what that means to people. Rohan is well-characterized too-I can see why he's the main star of the series-and I love Poko. He's the best. The action is really easy to keep track of, but fast-paced and exciting. I cheered a few times (inside, my wife didn't look at me like I was a crazy person, no, not at all.)
There are some not-to-subtle nods to the UFC and other rackets, which I enjoyed. Not to mention that there's possibly one of the funniest jokes I've ever read in a book, in a NOVELLA. BRB, going to buy all the author's books.
And you should too.
What do I do with it?
Oh, read it, probably.
I don't know how, but JCM Berne has actually captured the essence of martial arts. I adore this little book. With a little intrigue involving the mob and taking falls for money, it reflects what can destroy a sport and what that means to people. Rohan is well-characterized too-I can see why he's the main star of the series-and I love Poko. He's the best. The action is really easy to keep track of, but fast-paced and exciting. I cheered a few times (inside, my wife didn't look at me like I was a crazy person, no, not at all.)
There are some not-to-subtle nods to the UFC and other rackets, which I enjoyed. Not to mention that there's possibly one of the funniest jokes I've ever read in a book, in a NOVELLA. BRB, going to buy all the author's books.
And you should too.
November 16, 2022
Zero Twist is an incredibly fun and engaging short story set before the events in Wistful Ascending, book 1 of The Hybrid Helix series. While this can be read at any point in the series, it definitely serves as a wonderful introduction to the characters and world that you will get to enjoy in the main novels.
This is the story of how Rohan and Wei Li, who are an absolutely iconic duo in the main series, first met. Rohan has some troubles keeping his Powers and anger in check, while Wei Li is desperately trying to get rid of a fight promoter disturbing the peace on our favourite sentient space station, Wistful. Unlikely as it seems, they might just be exactly the person the other needs to solve both of their problems.
In just a couple of chapters, J.C.M. Berne shows off all his skills as an author. The plot is engaging, the character work is outstanding, the humour is laugh-out-loud funny and the action scenes are absolutely riveting.
Highly recommend checking out this quick little story! It truly packs a punch and I guarantee you that this will leave you hungering for more (in the best way possible).
Oh, and it's free on StoryOrigin, so what are you waiting for? Go check it out!
This is the story of how Rohan and Wei Li, who are an absolutely iconic duo in the main series, first met. Rohan has some troubles keeping his Powers and anger in check, while Wei Li is desperately trying to get rid of a fight promoter disturbing the peace on our favourite sentient space station, Wistful. Unlikely as it seems, they might just be exactly the person the other needs to solve both of their problems.
In just a couple of chapters, J.C.M. Berne shows off all his skills as an author. The plot is engaging, the character work is outstanding, the humour is laugh-out-loud funny and the action scenes are absolutely riveting.
Highly recommend checking out this quick little story! It truly packs a punch and I guarantee you that this will leave you hungering for more (in the best way possible).
Oh, and it's free on StoryOrigin, so what are you waiting for? Go check it out!
June 19, 2025
I was trying so hard not to shake with laughter at the end because my toddler was asleep on top of me at the time. As I’m typing this, she’s once again cuddled up to me and I’m trying not to do the same again as I remember reading this story.
Theoretically, this could be read first as a taste of the series and to see if the humor is something you vibe with. I feel like it reflects the narrative style of the first main book well. But I do think part of the reason I enjoyed it as much as I did was because I’d already read the first book and was familiar with some of the characters before I started this.
Theoretically, this could be read first as a taste of the series and to see if the humor is something you vibe with. I feel like it reflects the narrative style of the first main book well. But I do think part of the reason I enjoyed it as much as I did was because I’d already read the first book and was familiar with some of the characters before I started this.
November 11, 2022
4.5/5 Stars Rounded to 5 stars
Zero Twist is a short story and a fantastic introduction to The Hybrid Helix series.
Rohan struggles to control his powers in his new life as a tow chief. Meanwhile, Security Chief, Wei Li is trying to rid the station of a fight promoter with crime connections. As Rohan meets Wei Li for the first time, he get’s more than he bargained for.
This had a great mix of martial arts fighting, humour, high stakes, a diverse cast of characters and built great relationships all packed into a short story. The fight scenes were fast paced, and the story made it hard to put down.
JCM Berne demonstrates his skill at accomplishing a lot in few pages and pulls you into Rohan's life.
A binge worthy read and a great place to start in this Superhero Space Opera.
Zero Twist is a short story and a fantastic introduction to The Hybrid Helix series.
Rohan struggles to control his powers in his new life as a tow chief. Meanwhile, Security Chief, Wei Li is trying to rid the station of a fight promoter with crime connections. As Rohan meets Wei Li for the first time, he get’s more than he bargained for.
This had a great mix of martial arts fighting, humour, high stakes, a diverse cast of characters and built great relationships all packed into a short story. The fight scenes were fast paced, and the story made it hard to put down.
JCM Berne demonstrates his skill at accomplishing a lot in few pages and pulls you into Rohan's life.
A binge worthy read and a great place to start in this Superhero Space Opera.
November 15, 2023
Reading this story is 100 percent worth it!!! What a great ending! I am such a fan of this series. While I’ve read the first three in the Hybrid Helix I loved going back and being reintroduced to Rohan.
May 8, 2025
Great prequel for the series. It was nice to read about Rohan's first months on the station and his first interaction with Wei Li. For a short story it was very well structured.
August 18, 2025
Zero Twist is a witty and entertaining introduction to the world of super-powered Rohan, tow chief on the sentient space station, Wistful. It also introduces Security Chief Wei Li who is one of the main support characters in the series. The tone of this short story is very similar to that of the main series and it works well as a taster for anyone wanting to see if they might like the Hybrid Helix series.
December 11, 2024
Fun and enjoyable. Some funny moments and an interesting plot. Not fully my cup of tea but it was a solid novella.
March 31, 2023
Very fun, I just found the side character Belina to be annoying. Excited to move into the first book!
October 31, 2022
Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✻(4,25 out of 5 stars)
Full text review: https://vueltaspodcast.wordpress.com/...
Zero Twist is an introductory novella to the Twisted Helix series, an interesting superhero space opera created by the mind of JCM Berne. The whole series features one of the most different characters in the genre, Rohan, an Il Drach Hybrid, somebody with superpowers, which is working in the Wistful station as Tow Chief, with a turbulent past. My idea is to dive into the whole Twisted Helix during the next months, so I figured this was the best entry point.
Rohan has retired from his old life and it's working as Tow Chief in a spatial station, using his powers to work; he has some anger problems, but to be fair, it might just be the anger that everybody that has worked with customers might have at some point. Wei Li, the security chief of Wistful, informs him that soon a martial arts tournament will be celebrated at the station, something that doesn't make her feel comfortable; and well they start to know each other (in a ton of senses). By an unexpected twist, he gets enrolled in the competition, having the possibility to get an insane amount of money.
The premise is simple and serves also as an excuse to see how Rohan trains with other fighters and the current champion, Poko, with seriously well-written fight scenes. Poko is the kind of character you start appreciating soon after knowing him, and his manager, Belinda; but still our hero, Rohan, shows why he is the main star of our book, becoming a memorable character.
The development of the train and martial tournament is fun to read, and it's well done on many levels. Fighting scenes are fast-paced, but really well-written, with a multitude of carefully chosen details, even some funny winks to the UFC. Humour is also key in this book, something that honestly, I expected, but not at this level.
Zero Twist is a great entry point to the Hybrid Helix saga. It's short, but serves perfectly as an introduction to Rohan, and also to a character that I've told will be important in the saga as it is Wei Li. I will continue reading the saga during the next months, so I'm ready to have Rohan as companion for several books.
Full text review: https://vueltaspodcast.wordpress.com/...
Zero Twist is an introductory novella to the Twisted Helix series, an interesting superhero space opera created by the mind of JCM Berne. The whole series features one of the most different characters in the genre, Rohan, an Il Drach Hybrid, somebody with superpowers, which is working in the Wistful station as Tow Chief, with a turbulent past. My idea is to dive into the whole Twisted Helix during the next months, so I figured this was the best entry point.
Rohan has retired from his old life and it's working as Tow Chief in a spatial station, using his powers to work; he has some anger problems, but to be fair, it might just be the anger that everybody that has worked with customers might have at some point. Wei Li, the security chief of Wistful, informs him that soon a martial arts tournament will be celebrated at the station, something that doesn't make her feel comfortable; and well they start to know each other (in a ton of senses). By an unexpected twist, he gets enrolled in the competition, having the possibility to get an insane amount of money.
The premise is simple and serves also as an excuse to see how Rohan trains with other fighters and the current champion, Poko, with seriously well-written fight scenes. Poko is the kind of character you start appreciating soon after knowing him, and his manager, Belinda; but still our hero, Rohan, shows why he is the main star of our book, becoming a memorable character.
The development of the train and martial tournament is fun to read, and it's well done on many levels. Fighting scenes are fast-paced, but really well-written, with a multitude of carefully chosen details, even some funny winks to the UFC. Humour is also key in this book, something that honestly, I expected, but not at this level.
Zero Twist is a great entry point to the Hybrid Helix saga. It's short, but serves perfectly as an introduction to Rohan, and also to a character that I've told will be important in the saga as it is Wei Li. I will continue reading the saga during the next months, so I'm ready to have Rohan as companion for several books.
January 11, 2023
This is the first of J.C.M. Berne's works I've read, and I wasn't sure if I should start with this before Wistful Ascending, but I did it anyway. This story reminds me a lot of Mass Effect with a dash of Cobra Kai mixed in. Berne sets up a sci-fi world that I enjoyed. The one thing I wanted a bit more of was Rohan and Belina's relationship (even if it was casual) just to show more of who Rohan is as a person, but I'm sure I'll learn more about him in WA.
December 7, 2022
If you want a taste of this author’s writing style, then this is a great short story to introduce yourself to his world. We meet Rohan, our superhero human, and his future boss, Wei Li. Not to mention they live aboard a sentient ship, Wistful. The characters are engaging and the world building is a microcosm of the bigger world in the longer novels. And if you like a good amount of banter in your story, then you will most probably enjoy this book.
January 1, 2023
Not met Rohan yet? This is your chance. A great short story and introduction to Rohan and his life on Wistful.
A fantastic character and universe that is filled with action, humour, and great characters.
A fantastic character and universe that is filled with action, humour, and great characters.
December 17, 2022
Nice short story, starting Tow Chief Rohan.
February 28, 2023
This was a fun, quick introduction to Rohan in the days and months before the events of Book 1, Wistful Ascneding. We see him struggle with managing his Power and rage, the beginnings of his friendship with Wei-Li, and of course, his terrible jokes. Fills in some blanks and an enjoyable read.
November 26, 2023
Perfect for those who can’t get enough of the Hybrid Helix!
This novella includes all the things I love about the series, especially the humour! It was also nice to see the dynamic of characters before the events of Wistful Ascending.
A wonderful entry and quite worth the read!
This novella includes all the things I love about the series, especially the humour! It was also nice to see the dynamic of characters before the events of Wistful Ascending.
A wonderful entry and quite worth the read!
November 21, 2024
Fun at full force - and for free! This was a great little short story and my gateway into a series that I’m now very excited to dive into. Funnier than I expected and had some great action throughout, all while building out some interesting characters. I’m sold.
May 3, 2024
This short episode manages to pack all of the action and humor of the HYBRID HELIX series into a pretty short story, making it a great taste test for those who have not started their journey with Berne's writing as well as a quick fix for those who are already a fan of his work. Just be warned that things do get... a little weird.
DISCLAIMER: Though I am tempted to dock this story on points for the jarring lack of Berne's famed "space bears," I will give it a pass because it is set before the moment in which that species arrives on Wistful.
CONTENT
Set before the events of WISTFUL ASCENDING, "Zero Twist" weaves a quick sort of origin story for Rohan as he builds himself a new live on the sentient space station, Wistful. Along the way, we see him establish his friendship with Security Chief Wei Li, get sucked into an ever-more-complicated plan to ensure the station's safety, meet some characters who didn't appear in the original novel, and have a rather uncomfortable romantic entanglement with an alien monkey-lady. While I certainly could have done without the pseudo-furry romantic angle, it's worth noting that this never got too explicit, it was more so just conceptually disturbing (yes, I know Rohan isn't 100% human himself, but he presents as human and this alien monkey looked kind of like one of the characters from PLANET OF THE APES in my head). That piece aside, I quite liked this quick adventure. The stakes and scope are obviously much smaller than in the mainline novels, but I still found myself quite invested in the conflict that Rohan has to contend with. Everything is expertly paced in that it wastes no time at all and yet never felt rushed to me either. One scene flows effortlessly into another and I loved all the fun turns that the story took as Rohan reluctantly helps out some new friends while still trying to remain relatively incognito (for reasons that you'd have to read WISTFUL ASCENDING to understand). While I think people who are already fans of this series will likely get more out of this story than folks who haven't I think this can also serve as an awesome introduction to Rohan's character, Berne's writing and the series as a whole.
As sort of a random aside, I had complained about not liking the way that the Prologue was handled in WISTFUL ASCENDING. Even though Berne does basically the same thing here, where he offers a glimpse into the final conflict of the story, I think that worked a lot better for me in this case. Maybe it's because the prologue for this was much shorter, or that just took less time to get to that scene given the brevity of this piece, but it could also just be that I am a fickle man.
EBOOK QUALITY
As far as free short stories go, I think this is a pretty nice little package. The story is split up into a few chapters with some nice interior formatting. I also liked the simple, yet striking cover that Berne went with. I will also note that this is pristinely edited. Normally, I would not mention that, but since this is a free story, I though it was worth noting that this is all still very professionally done. I'm not entirely sure how long the story actually is. You could certainly blow through it in a single sitting, but I chunked it out since it was nice to have something on my phone where I could just read a quick chapter here and there. I do think this is on the longer end of a short story and may even fall into the shorter side of the novella spectrum or perhaps the "novellette" range (somewhere between a short story and a novella). Either way, there's a really nice amount of content here to quickly consume at whatever pace works best for you.
CONCLUSION
If you haven't tried out Berne's HYBRID HELIX series yet (starting with WISTFUL ASCENDING), then I would absolutely encourage you to give this quick story a shot because I think it will give you a pretty good idea for what you've been missing. If you're already a fan of Berne's then I think this can serve as a really nice bonus episode that explores the origins of some of the characters and their relationships with one another. This was very easy to get through and I think it honestly helped pull me out of a bit of a slump reading-wise.
(+) A short, but satisfying read that could be a great intro to Berne's writing as well as a fun bonus story for those who've already read his HYBRID HELIX novels.
(+) An interesting plot setup with some fun twists and turns along the way.
(+) It was cool to see Rohan's early days on Wistful and see his friendship with Wei Li begin.
(+) A really fun final sequence with hysterical commentary from two sports-caster characters.
( ) People who already know and love these characters will likely get more out of this than those that haven't even though it can absolutely serve as a great intro to the series.
(-) I could have done without the Furry-LITE content, personally.
DISCLAIMER: Though I am tempted to dock this story on points for the jarring lack of Berne's famed "space bears," I will give it a pass because it is set before the moment in which that species arrives on Wistful.
CONTENT
Set before the events of WISTFUL ASCENDING, "Zero Twist" weaves a quick sort of origin story for Rohan as he builds himself a new live on the sentient space station, Wistful. Along the way, we see him establish his friendship with Security Chief Wei Li, get sucked into an ever-more-complicated plan to ensure the station's safety, meet some characters who didn't appear in the original novel, and have a rather uncomfortable romantic entanglement with an alien monkey-lady. While I certainly could have done without the pseudo-furry romantic angle, it's worth noting that this never got too explicit, it was more so just conceptually disturbing (yes, I know Rohan isn't 100% human himself, but he presents as human and this alien monkey looked kind of like one of the characters from PLANET OF THE APES in my head). That piece aside, I quite liked this quick adventure. The stakes and scope are obviously much smaller than in the mainline novels, but I still found myself quite invested in the conflict that Rohan has to contend with. Everything is expertly paced in that it wastes no time at all and yet never felt rushed to me either. One scene flows effortlessly into another and I loved all the fun turns that the story took as Rohan reluctantly helps out some new friends while still trying to remain relatively incognito (for reasons that you'd have to read WISTFUL ASCENDING to understand). While I think people who are already fans of this series will likely get more out of this story than folks who haven't I think this can also serve as an awesome introduction to Rohan's character, Berne's writing and the series as a whole.
As sort of a random aside, I had complained about not liking the way that the Prologue was handled in WISTFUL ASCENDING. Even though Berne does basically the same thing here, where he offers a glimpse into the final conflict of the story, I think that worked a lot better for me in this case. Maybe it's because the prologue for this was much shorter, or that just took less time to get to that scene given the brevity of this piece, but it could also just be that I am a fickle man.
EBOOK QUALITY
As far as free short stories go, I think this is a pretty nice little package. The story is split up into a few chapters with some nice interior formatting. I also liked the simple, yet striking cover that Berne went with. I will also note that this is pristinely edited. Normally, I would not mention that, but since this is a free story, I though it was worth noting that this is all still very professionally done. I'm not entirely sure how long the story actually is. You could certainly blow through it in a single sitting, but I chunked it out since it was nice to have something on my phone where I could just read a quick chapter here and there. I do think this is on the longer end of a short story and may even fall into the shorter side of the novella spectrum or perhaps the "novellette" range (somewhere between a short story and a novella). Either way, there's a really nice amount of content here to quickly consume at whatever pace works best for you.
CONCLUSION
If you haven't tried out Berne's HYBRID HELIX series yet (starting with WISTFUL ASCENDING), then I would absolutely encourage you to give this quick story a shot because I think it will give you a pretty good idea for what you've been missing. If you're already a fan of Berne's then I think this can serve as a really nice bonus episode that explores the origins of some of the characters and their relationships with one another. This was very easy to get through and I think it honestly helped pull me out of a bit of a slump reading-wise.
(+) A short, but satisfying read that could be a great intro to Berne's writing as well as a fun bonus story for those who've already read his HYBRID HELIX novels.
(+) An interesting plot setup with some fun twists and turns along the way.
(+) It was cool to see Rohan's early days on Wistful and see his friendship with Wei Li begin.
(+) A really fun final sequence with hysterical commentary from two sports-caster characters.
( ) People who already know and love these characters will likely get more out of this than those that haven't even though it can absolutely serve as a great intro to the series.
(-) I could have done without the Furry-LITE content, personally.
January 29, 2023
4.5/5 I love the Rohan, give me more Rohan. This was a fun Hybrid novella romp. I enjoyed the fight scenes and new aliens/races. Provides a nice little amount of backstory and a helpful lesson in meditative breathing which I utilize myself in times of stress.
December 28, 2024
Fun intro into the series, which has me excited to check out the rest next year!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews