Catapult - From Here to There Series

by Zev Paiss

Two futures collide in this optimistic sci-fi mystery from breakout author Zev Paiss

Danielle Woodson, a brilliant computer programmer, has created an AI powered program to solve the environmental challenges of urban living. In 2025, through a series of synchronistic events, she is offered the opportunity to implement her revolutionary program — until an unexpected event, she may have been responsible for, irreversibly affects her future and all those close to her.

On a parallel future timeline in 2065, a wise female governor leads her city towards a sustainable future. In addition to her public service role, she desperately seeks to uncover an explosive and mysterious family history—
One that involves an internationally-renowned interstellar scientist on the verge of an historic discovery. . .

With a vetted vision of a protopian future where humanity is both healing and healer, Catapult (Book One of the From Here to There Series), is an engaging syfy mystery that offers more than just entertainment — it sparks genuine hope!

399 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 8, 2023

About the author

About the Author

Zev is a lifelong observer of current events and global trends, with more than 40 years of experience as a nationally recognized educator and sustainability consultant. Throughout his career, he has worked tirelessly to advance practical solutions for a more resilient future championing sustainable land use, walkable communities, renewable energy, urban agriculture, low-carbon transportation, and local self-reliance.

Originally from Los Angeles, Zev has called Colorado home since 1985. In 2023, he relocated to Costa Rica, where he now consults on the development of a visionary eco-village and permaculture farm.

Zev’s emergence as an author of positive future mysteries and thrillers is a natural evolution of his lifelong values. He believes deeply in the power of protopian storytelling narratives that are both optimistic and grounded in reality to inspire meaningful change and help guide humanity toward a more hopeful, life-affirming future.

We invite you to explore his work and hope it sparks your imagination and your own vision for a better tomorrow.

Enjoy the journey!

Reviews

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Book Review: "Catapult: A Positive Science Fiction Mystery" by Zev Paiss 🚀

Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

Review:

👉"Catapult" takes you on a mind-bending journey through time and space, blending science fiction with a captivating mystery. Zev Paiss has crafted a narrative that's both thought-provoking and heartwarming. 📖💫

👩‍💻 Danielle Woodson, a brilliant computer programmer, offers a solution to our urban environmental challenges through her AI-powered program. This theme feels incredibly timely, given our real-world concerns. 🏙️🌍

🕰️ The story seamlessly weaves between two timelines: Danielle's world in 2025 and a wise female governor's leadership in 2065. The parallel storytelling keeps you glued to the pages, eager to uncover the connections between these seemingly separate threads. 📜🔍

🌌 The inclusion of a mysterious family history and an internationally-renowned interstellar scientist adds layers of intrigue to the plot, making it an irresistible mystery that unravels beautifully. 💥🌠

🌞 What truly sets "Catapult" apart is its optimistic vision of the future. It's a refreshing departure from the usual dystopian narratives in the sci-fi genre. Paiss paints a picture of a future where we not only address environmental issues but also heal and progress. 🌅🌱

📝 Paiss's writing style is engaging, and his characters are well-defined. The story isn't just entertaining; it challenges you to ponder the possibilities of technology, environmental sustainability, and the consequences of our choices on future generations. 🧐🌟

🚀 As the first book in the "From Here to There Series," "Catapult" sets the stage for an exciting exploration of science fiction, mystery, and our potential to create positive change. It's more than a book; it's an invitation to dream of a brighter future. 🚀📚

👉In conclusion, "Catapult" by Zev Paiss is a must-read for anyone who craves a captivating and optimistic sci-fi mystery. It captivates with its intricate plot, relatable characters, and a message of hope for a better world. Don't miss this epic journey into the unknown! 🌠📚✨

#BookReview #SciFiMystery #Catapult #ZevPaiss #PositiveFuture #MustRead #Bookworm

[Gee Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catapult is a science fiction book written by the author Zev Paiss, published in June 2023. It is the first book in the From Here To There series.
It's a fantastically intriguing optimistic sci-fi mystery with dual timelines. In 2025, Danielle Woodson, an amazing software engineer, develops a computer-based intelligence-driven program to solve the environmental problems of metropolitan life. Over a series of synchronistic events, Danielle is given the opportunity to implement her progressive program, until an unexpected event, for which she may have been responsible, irrevocably changes her future and everyone around her. Set in 2065, on an equal footing in the future, a smart female lead leads her city on its way to a more prosperous future. As well as her duties as a public official, she struggles to uncover the mysterious and explosive family background of a world-famous interstellar scientist who is on the verge of making an important discovery. This is an engaging book that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. It’s not light reading, it’s more of a thought-provoking read. The book is overwhelmingly positive, but it also discusses some of today's urban living issues. This is the best option for you if you like dual timelines. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys mysteries.

[Israel M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catapult by Zev Paiss is one of the rare sci fi books that dares to be hopeful without losing its edge. The dual timelines are expertly woven, and both Danielle and the governor are unforgettable. If you're tired of dystopian futures, this book delivers a protopian vision that's just what we need right now.

[Mark S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Catapult: From Here to There, Zev Paiss delivers a compelling narrative that dares to be hopeful. The vision of a "protopian" future where things get better by design is both inspiring and realistic. The characters are deeply human, and the mystery kept me turning pages late into the night. Can't wait for Book 2!

[Bertha J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zev Paiss’ Catapult isn't just another dystopian sci-fi. It's a mystery, a thriller, and a call to action wrapped into one. Danielle and the 2065 governor are unforgettable characters, and the way their stories eventually intertwine is truly brilliant. Highly recommend to fans of Emily St. John Mandel and Kim Stanley Robinson.

[Julio A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catapult is a rare combination of thrilling storytelling and meaningful reflection. Zev Paiss dares to imagine a protopian future where humanity heals and adapts. The suspense is gripping, the characters are strong, and the message is inspiring. This book entertains while offering a glimpse of possibility.

[Inez J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zev Paiss delivers a masterpiece in Catapult. The dual timelines kept me hooked and the themes of AI, leadership, and resilience resonated deeply. Danielle’s story is thrilling, the governor’s inspiring, and together they form a narrative that is both urgent and uplifting. Truly visionary science fiction.

[Irene B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catapult: From Here to There Series - Book 1 by Zev Paiss is breathtaking. Danielle in 2025 and the governor in 2065 are both powerful and inspiring. Their struggles feel urgent yet hopeful, reminding us that the choices we make now will shape generations. A luminous and unforgettable story of courage, technology, and vision.

[Bunni Lippard · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I found the storyline difficult to follow because of the bouncing back and forth. It didn't take long to figure out who the governor and Dr. Richardson were and how they were connected. The lack of good proofreading was very distracting!

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

catapult

This is quite an interesting view of what it might take to reverse the effects of climate change. Whether or not it could be done in today’s political climate is a big question. I suspect anyone in their right mind would try. But there aren’t a lot of those.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Catapult is a game-changer. Zev Paiss doesn’t just write about transformation he hands you the keys to make it happen. Clear, practical, and inspiring from start to finish. Highly recommended!

[Wanda L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catapult by Zev Paiss delivers an imaginative yet grounded story about AI, climate, and humanity’s potential. The characters are rich, the stakes are real, and the ideas are truly visionary. I haven’t read something this original since Station Eleven.

[Karen W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a genre full of dystopias, Catapult offers something rare: a believable, optimistic future. Zev Paiss gives us Danielle and the 2065 governor, two unforgettable women whose stories are as compelling as the world they’re trying to save. Highly recommended.

[Jerald A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zev Paiss’s Catapult is a gripping narrative that spans decades but never loses focus. The dual timeline kept me engaged, and the merging of personal struggle with societal transformation was masterfully done.

[Jesse T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catapult by Zev Paiss is more than just a techno-thriller. It’s a beautifully written exploration of humanity’s path forward. The way the timelines connect left me thinking long after I finished. Can’t wait for book two!

[Joseph M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zev Paiss blends suspense, science, and heart in Catapult. The transitions between 2025 and 2065 are seamless, and the stakes feel urgent. It’s rare to find science fiction that’s both thrilling and hopefu this book nails it

[Bernadette B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved The Glass Hotel or Station Eleven, you’ll find a new favorite in Catapult by Zev Paiss. With luminous prose and a timely message, it’s a refreshing take on where we might be headed and how we might still fix things.

[Ryan P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zev Paiss’s Catapult dares to ask the big questions about technology, leadership and survival. The AI storyline in 2025 felt terrifyingly plausible, while the 2065 plot gave me hope. A brilliant blend of science and humanity.

[Cora M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catapult is exactly what the sci-fi genre needs right now. Zev Paiss creates a world where innovation meets compassion and the result is nothing short of stunning. Danielle is a character I won’t forget anytime soon.

[James J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zev Paiss launches the From Here to There series with an impressive bang. Catapult delivers action, intellect, and emotional depth. The futuristic elements are imaginative, but it’s the human core of the story that truly shines.

[Rebecca E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away. The dual timeline structure kept me hooked, and I loved how both Danielle and the Governor were strong, complex women shaping the future. It’s rare to find a sci-fi novel that’s both hopeful and thrilling Zev Paiss nails it.

[Jadigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way Catapult blends cutting edge AI themes with political drama and deep character development. Zev Paiss brings a refreshing perspective to future fiction. The story had a couple of slow moments, but the payoff was well worth it.

[Kenneth E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way Catapult blends cutting edge AI themes with political drama and deep character development. Zev Paiss brings a refreshing perspective to future fiction. The story had a couple of slow moments, but the payoff was well worth it.

[Robin S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zev Paiss's Catapult is a luminous, thought provoking read. The female leads are strong, complex, and inspiring. I appreciated the climate themes and the realistic depiction of how technology and politics might evolve. Can’t wait for Book 2!

[Adrienne J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the premise of Catapult and Zev Paiss's vision of a more sustainable future, the switching between timelines was occasionally jarring. Still, the world building is excellent and the themes are timely.

[Todd B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t just another sci fi novel Catapult by Zev Paiss is a thoughtful exploration of how we might still turn things around. Danielle’s AI journey and the governor’s leadership in 2065 are beautifully paralleled. Highly recommended for fans of Emily St. John Mandel.

[Harold G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zev Paiss delivers a gripping mystery layered with tech, politics, and personal growth. Catapult feels incredibly relevant to today’s climate crisis. The time fracture twist caught me off guard in the best way.

[Sheri T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely drawn into Catapult from page one. Zev Paiss has crafted a story that not only entertains but also inspires. The emotional arcs of both main characters are compelling, and the ending left me craving more.

[Margaret D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the premise of Catapult by Zev Paiss, especially the eco political themes. However, I felt some of the futuristic elements were under explained. Looking forward to seeing how the series develops in Book 2.

[Leon B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

catapult is a thrilling,thought provoking ride. Zef Paiss blends science fiction mystery, and a hopeful vision for the future in a way that keep you hooked from start,relatable characters and protopian outlook, this book isn't just entertaining it makes you think about the world we can build