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Perfect Circle: A Novel
Set in the impenetrable jungles of the African Congo, this fast-paced debut tells the tale of a world poised for ecological crisis–and the secret that could save it. From corporate profiteers to the natives who’ve been expecting them, here is a story that asks if man and nature are fated to clash–or if the right man can break the cycle. Heir to a mining dynasty, geologist Paul Reece has chosen a simple life over the scheming opportunism of the International Mining Company. But when IMC approaches him about their mysterious discovery miles beneath the rain forest, Paul is compelled to set aside the sordid event that drove him from his legacy. For the project requires not only a brilliant engineer but one gutsy enough to descend 20,000 feet of solid rock–into the heart of a miracle. With Paul’s expertise, IMC can unearth a windfall–unless Paul decides to bury them first. But Paul isn’t alone in his quest. Congo’s mystics have prepared for this day. Paul doesn’t realize it yet, but he’s been chosen to pilot a mission that will decide the fate of humanity.
498 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
2 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Carlos J. Cortes
5 books33 followersI write for the same reason I breathe: to carry on living.
From time to time I post snippets about myself and my work at:
http://www.carlosjcortes.com
http://carlos-odd-world.blogspot.com/
http://cortes-theprisoner.blogspot.com/
http://cortes-perfectcircle.blogspot....
Carlos J Cortes is the author of numerous unpublished novels and one of the World’s least influential people. After the dogged efforts of his indefatigable agent, his first SF thriller, Perfect Circle saw the light last year. The second, The Prisoner, another SF thriller, is scheduled for release 29 September 2009, both courtesy of Random House.
Carlos studied music, engineering, and a plethora of obscure subjects before turning his efforts to writing technical tomes on hilarious themes such as light physics, lighting science and fiber optics. Undeterred by failure when none of his published books ever reached the New York Times bestselling list, he co-wrote three books on Bridge.
The son of an absconded father and a seamstress, Carlos grew up in the streets of Madrid’s old quarter surrounded by an elite of hustlers and other intellectuals, the salt of the Earth, the kind of guys who would insist that you keep enough for bus fare after taking your wallet. These complementary perspectives and thirty years of wandering through six continents served as inspiration for his fiction work.
As a Bridge player, he overbids with imaginations, impasses his own hand and squeezes himself out of dummy, but never blames his partner.
Although he lives rough at present in Barcelona, fattening a piggybank with the loose change, he’s planning to try wooing US authorities into looking the other way so he can move to California full time.
Carlos’ woman,——fantasy writer S. J. Thomas—— collaborates on his research, edits his manuscripts, tries to knock into him the rudiments of this fiendish language and scrooges every cent she can lay her hands on to fetch her man over.
From time to time I post snippets about myself and my work at:
http://www.carlosjcortes.com
http://carlos-odd-world.blogspot.com/
http://cortes-theprisoner.blogspot.com/
http://cortes-perfectcircle.blogspot....
Carlos J Cortes is the author of numerous unpublished novels and one of the World’s least influential people. After the dogged efforts of his indefatigable agent, his first SF thriller, Perfect Circle saw the light last year. The second, The Prisoner, another SF thriller, is scheduled for release 29 September 2009, both courtesy of Random House.
Carlos studied music, engineering, and a plethora of obscure subjects before turning his efforts to writing technical tomes on hilarious themes such as light physics, lighting science and fiber optics. Undeterred by failure when none of his published books ever reached the New York Times bestselling list, he co-wrote three books on Bridge.
The son of an absconded father and a seamstress, Carlos grew up in the streets of Madrid’s old quarter surrounded by an elite of hustlers and other intellectuals, the salt of the Earth, the kind of guys who would insist that you keep enough for bus fare after taking your wallet. These complementary perspectives and thirty years of wandering through six continents served as inspiration for his fiction work.
As a Bridge player, he overbids with imaginations, impasses his own hand and squeezes himself out of dummy, but never blames his partner.
Although he lives rough at present in Barcelona, fattening a piggybank with the loose change, he’s planning to try wooing US authorities into looking the other way so he can move to California full time.
Carlos’ woman,——fantasy writer S. J. Thomas—— collaborates on his research, edits his manuscripts, tries to knock into him the rudiments of this fiendish language and scrooges every cent she can lay her hands on to fetch her man over.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 6, 2015
I picked this book up at our local library book sale. My criteria was a fast read for those rare summer days when I can uplug for a few hours. This is the first book by Carlos Cortes that I have read - it was a total "I liked the cover and the blurb on the back" choice.
Overall, the book meets my requirements. The plot is far-fetched and twisted - perfect summer fare. The main character, Paul Reece, is likeable and Mr. Cortes does an admirable job surrounding Reece with a good ensemble. The story glosses over some interpersonal exchanges that I wish had been more fully explored - the reconciliation of the grandson and his grandfather after a bitter feud should probably take more than a couple of paragraphs. But, the characters are interesting and moderately dynamic. My favorite character, Shermaine, is a particularly wonderful conundrum.
The plot is nice and twisty - big corporate intrigue, rogue governments, pygmies, a strange technology buried deep in the jungle. One of my few criticisms of the book - outside the ending - is Mr. Cortes' uneven handling of past events. Clearly, some events are pulled from other novels - and these ramble for pages. Others are very abbreviated. While I love a deep backstory, I felt like I was getting a marketing pitch for Mr. Cortes' other novels.
My biggest problem with the book was it's ending. I won't spoil the details. While the mundane events are wrapped up nicely with a bit too much effort to make it Hollywood happiness (a personal gripe of mine), the magical events crossed the line between good storytelling and proselytizing. I realize that Mr. Cortes is trying to draw parallels between the past and the present, but my recommendation to readers is tear the Epilog out of the book.
Overall, this is a fun summer read. I will keep an eye out for other books by Carlos Cortes, and I recommend Perfect Circle to those who like adventure stories.
Overall, the book meets my requirements. The plot is far-fetched and twisted - perfect summer fare. The main character, Paul Reece, is likeable and Mr. Cortes does an admirable job surrounding Reece with a good ensemble. The story glosses over some interpersonal exchanges that I wish had been more fully explored - the reconciliation of the grandson and his grandfather after a bitter feud should probably take more than a couple of paragraphs. But, the characters are interesting and moderately dynamic. My favorite character, Shermaine, is a particularly wonderful conundrum.
The plot is nice and twisty - big corporate intrigue, rogue governments, pygmies, a strange technology buried deep in the jungle. One of my few criticisms of the book - outside the ending - is Mr. Cortes' uneven handling of past events. Clearly, some events are pulled from other novels - and these ramble for pages. Others are very abbreviated. While I love a deep backstory, I felt like I was getting a marketing pitch for Mr. Cortes' other novels.
My biggest problem with the book was it's ending. I won't spoil the details. While the mundane events are wrapped up nicely with a bit too much effort to make it Hollywood happiness (a personal gripe of mine), the magical events crossed the line between good storytelling and proselytizing. I realize that Mr. Cortes is trying to draw parallels between the past and the present, but my recommendation to readers is tear the Epilog out of the book.
Overall, this is a fun summer read. I will keep an eye out for other books by Carlos Cortes, and I recommend Perfect Circle to those who like adventure stories.
May 25, 2009
*sigh* I read this book as quickly as I could because it was my first "First Reads" book, and I wanted to write a review so I could increase my chances of winning MORE books. But then I've been dilly-dallying over the review, because, honestly, what am I going to say? "If you enjoyed Sphere and Congo, you've already experienced the more enjoyable parts of Perfect Circle"?? Cortes declares himself an expert on mining, geology, international politics, the CIA, business, and indigenous societies for the purpose of this novel. Everything he says about pygmies in the whole book is laughable if not offensive. The conclusion to the central mystery is fine, I guess, but it's WAY too complicated to make a good conclusion. Yes, the premise is ok, but why do you end up with chapers and chapters explaining exactly how this conclusion could be plausible? And I cannot suspend my disbelief about the character introduced in the last chapters to do all of the endless explaining. If he's here, why didn't he just TELL everyone what was going on? And if he didn't know what was going on, why does he know everything else to explain the historical background behind what was going on? Bah. There are far better Sci-fi books out there. Go with those.
July 8, 2009
A mining company finds a hidden cavern 4 miles below the earth's surface. Paul, the grandson of the CEO, is chosen to lead a mining expedition to drill a narrow opening and build a tube that can take a single man down to explore. The initial analysis reveals strange technology. Could this be proof aliens visited our planet? Or is this a relic from an ancient race that inhabited earth? Whatever answers they find, it will surely bring major profit for the company.
Part I is a slow build-up as all the pieces of the mystery are brought together. At the end of this section, I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. The main character, Paul, seemed to suddenly gain a depth that is rarely seen in characters. His future--his fate--loomed ominously over him as he prepared to descend into the belly of the earth. But Paul stood to face it with solemn resolve. At that point, the pace was quick and the action thick. Carlos is a masterful storyteller, and it shines through in Part II.
But Part III fell a little flat, which is why I gave this 4 stars instead of 5. The long discussions in the temple and then the abrupt epilogue had too much telling and not enough showing. It was a great plot line. It just needed a bit more dramatization.
Part I is a slow build-up as all the pieces of the mystery are brought together. At the end of this section, I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. The main character, Paul, seemed to suddenly gain a depth that is rarely seen in characters. His future--his fate--loomed ominously over him as he prepared to descend into the belly of the earth. But Paul stood to face it with solemn resolve. At that point, the pace was quick and the action thick. Carlos is a masterful storyteller, and it shines through in Part II.
But Part III fell a little flat, which is why I gave this 4 stars instead of 5. The long discussions in the temple and then the abrupt epilogue had too much telling and not enough showing. It was a great plot line. It just needed a bit more dramatization.
May 19, 2017
I was looking for a light sci-fi read and this mostly fit that niche but overall an unsatisfying read. Characters looked interesting at first glace but ended up being pretty dry and two dimensional. The book might even make a decent outline for a disaster movie where special effects would be the star of the show. I would say some potential here but not sure i will ever return to this author to give them another chance.
December 29, 2022
Not for me!
July 30, 2022
4,5/5
May 12, 2017
First posted at SF Crowsnest Dec 2008.
In the middle of Africa, an ancient yet advanced artefact is discovered far beneath the Earth's surface and Paul Reece, heir to a huge mining corporation, leads the mission to uncover its mysteries. 'Perfect Circle' is an engrossing adventure that mixes ancient mysticism and philosophy with modern business and politics, intriguing characters and interesting relationships, mining technology and social observation. It's Cortes' first novel and I'm suitably impressed.
What struck me from the outset was the authority with which Cortes describes a variety of lands and culture from Central America to the heart of Africa. His descriptions of both the environment and peoples is compelling. The opening scenes switch from the Congolese jungle to the Honduran rainforest. I've never considered it before, but Cortes portrays the two as completely different, even though to you and me a jungle is just a jungle.
He employs some brilliant and often humorous descriptions and metaphors, particularly when introducing his characters. Paul Reece, in particular is an astonishingly complex creation. During the first few chapters we're given various glimpses of him that constantly forced me to re-evaluate my view of him. His motives and personality continue to develop throughout the book and particularly as events reach a climax during the expedition to reach the artefact.
The plot is complex and intriguing, involving numerous parties that interact and vie with one another. The more that's revealed the more it becomes evident how far reaching the behind-the-scenes plotting is and how cleverly Cortes has woven it all together. It's a non-stop ride incorporating intrigue and suspense, moments of humour, episodes of brutality and terror and the ever-present mystery of the buried artefact.
From the foregoing you've probably concluded that I enjoyed this book and indeed I did. Carlos Cortes has produced a first-rate SF adventure that satisfies to the end.
In the middle of Africa, an ancient yet advanced artefact is discovered far beneath the Earth's surface and Paul Reece, heir to a huge mining corporation, leads the mission to uncover its mysteries. 'Perfect Circle' is an engrossing adventure that mixes ancient mysticism and philosophy with modern business and politics, intriguing characters and interesting relationships, mining technology and social observation. It's Cortes' first novel and I'm suitably impressed.
What struck me from the outset was the authority with which Cortes describes a variety of lands and culture from Central America to the heart of Africa. His descriptions of both the environment and peoples is compelling. The opening scenes switch from the Congolese jungle to the Honduran rainforest. I've never considered it before, but Cortes portrays the two as completely different, even though to you and me a jungle is just a jungle.
He employs some brilliant and often humorous descriptions and metaphors, particularly when introducing his characters. Paul Reece, in particular is an astonishingly complex creation. During the first few chapters we're given various glimpses of him that constantly forced me to re-evaluate my view of him. His motives and personality continue to develop throughout the book and particularly as events reach a climax during the expedition to reach the artefact.
The plot is complex and intriguing, involving numerous parties that interact and vie with one another. The more that's revealed the more it becomes evident how far reaching the behind-the-scenes plotting is and how cleverly Cortes has woven it all together. It's a non-stop ride incorporating intrigue and suspense, moments of humour, episodes of brutality and terror and the ever-present mystery of the buried artefact.
From the foregoing you've probably concluded that I enjoyed this book and indeed I did. Carlos Cortes has produced a first-rate SF adventure that satisfies to the end.
January 6, 2013
It seems appropriate that I read this as my final book for 2012 as December 21, 2012 was the Mayan's predicted date as the end of the world & this book is about the excavation of an ancient artifact that could aid in the survival of mankind during a cataclysmic disaster. I didn't plan to read it as a tie-in to the end of life on earth. It just happened to work out that way. One of life's little coincidences.
I did enjoy the book and it's fanciful notion of ancient civilizations, aliens, world disasters that would re-start mankind, and the hunt for the answers. It's a book you can't take seriously because it's meant as a "fun-sit-on-your-couch-all-day-while-it-rains-outside adventure yarn." And the book fits that description. It follows an excavation team, drilling in the Congo to excavate an objct of unknown origin and purpose. The technical aspects of some of the story was a bit over my head as the author comes from an engineer's background and he details to some degree how mining works and some of the equipment used in the process. The nuts and bolts escription of some of the equipment didn't stop me from liking the intrigue and secret machinations of the American government. I almost skimmed those parts of the book, but I plowed on through.
The book is populated by interesting characters, has some nice twists and turns, and is appropriately nasty and grim at certain points. I'm glad this is the book I chose to end 2012 with. It's worth spending an afternoon with.
I did enjoy the book and it's fanciful notion of ancient civilizations, aliens, world disasters that would re-start mankind, and the hunt for the answers. It's a book you can't take seriously because it's meant as a "fun-sit-on-your-couch-all-day-while-it-rains-outside adventure yarn." And the book fits that description. It follows an excavation team, drilling in the Congo to excavate an objct of unknown origin and purpose. The technical aspects of some of the story was a bit over my head as the author comes from an engineer's background and he details to some degree how mining works and some of the equipment used in the process. The nuts and bolts escription of some of the equipment didn't stop me from liking the intrigue and secret machinations of the American government. I almost skimmed those parts of the book, but I plowed on through.
The book is populated by interesting characters, has some nice twists and turns, and is appropriately nasty and grim at certain points. I'm glad this is the book I chose to end 2012 with. It's worth spending an afternoon with.
May 22, 2009
With masterful storytelling, Perfect Circle takes us on a journey of adventure and intrigue set in the deep recesses of the jungles of Africa. When a drilling team discovers something unnatural buried deep in the earth, some dream of riches while others seek control. Crooked deals with brutal Warlords bring death and destruction that mirrors the atrocities not covered by news. Above all it becomes a journey of faith. Would you have the faith to trust an unknown, ancient civilization enough to act on their advice? Would you back that trust up with your life?
The characters in this book are real and engaging. The cultures are vivid and believable, heart wrenching at times. For a few moments I walked in the shoes (or bare feet as it were) of an African Pygmy, and brushed off Western standards of social behavior like so much fluff.
I was captured from the first chapter, and thoroughly satisfied by the end. Perfect Circle, was a pleasure to read.
The characters in this book are real and engaging. The cultures are vivid and believable, heart wrenching at times. For a few moments I walked in the shoes (or bare feet as it were) of an African Pygmy, and brushed off Western standards of social behavior like so much fluff.
I was captured from the first chapter, and thoroughly satisfied by the end. Perfect Circle, was a pleasure to read.
June 30, 2009
I only read the first hundred page or so, so maybe I can't leave a complete review. That said, I only read that much because goodreads gave me the book and I felt somewhat obligated to try to finish it. However, the book has nothing to set it apart from any other. I found it to be mediocre in every category, not really bad in any specific way, but nothing to keep me reading. The characters are boring, the plot interesting but not amazing and the writing completely unengaging. If you've got nothing else to read, maybe give this a try, otherwise leave it alone.
December 24, 2011
You can't ask for more in a book. Carlos has combined great writing with great storytelling to bring a magnificent story to the readers. He has a unique ability to educate you on technical details without boring you, and I find that truly enjoyable. The story takes many twists, few of them expected, but all of them logical. Each of the characters comes to life on the pages and by the end of the book you are feeling their joys and pains. This is a book I would highly recommend!
Jim Giammatteo
Jim Giammatteo
May 21, 2009
Carlos knows how to tell a story. He makes even the most mundane things sound interesting. I had a hard time closing the book right to the end.
I know more about drilling than I ever wanted to know after reading this book and I've learned more than I hoped about writing. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good story. Whether you enjoy science fiction or not, you can't help liking this story.
I know more about drilling than I ever wanted to know after reading this book and I've learned more than I hoped about writing. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good story. Whether you enjoy science fiction or not, you can't help liking this story.
June 7, 2011
This was a good read--fast-paced and interesting with well-developed characters. My only complaint would be that the end dragged on a bit too long and I felt that too much information was packed into the last pages. Otherwise I enjoyed it very much and resonated with the story line. Can't say more without giving away the mystery. I would recommend it to anyone who likes sci-fi.
August 21, 2014
Such a slow read. The story jumps around too much; very poor use of flashbacks and cut scenes. Very poor character development. 200 pages in and still learning about the hero.
The plot has so much potential, I keep waiting for it to pick up.
The plot has so much potential, I keep waiting for it to pick up.
Want to read
December 19, 2011Science Fiction
May 21, 2013
SAuthor seemed to have a hard time ending the book. It is also kind of tiring to hear how great the wealthy are at everything.
May 22, 2015
A mysterious artifact is discovered beneath the jungle in Africa"," and everyone wants it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews