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The Breakthrough Trilogy #1
Breakthrough: The Adventures of Chase Manhattan
The Information Age is moving at breakneck speed. Breakthroughs in areas of science that were once fodder for science fiction are now becoming part of our everyday life.A group of graduate students from Massachusetts Institute of Technology has stolen a breakthrough in opening and stabilizing Einstein-Rosen Bridges, commonly known as wormholes, that allows them to instantly transport people from one location to another. Their goal is to assassinate any powerful politician and executive controlling the world’s banking system that would use this technology for their own greedy gain rather than the advancement of mankind.In south Orange County, California, young Chase Manhattan, part of a new breed of modern-day discovery seekers, seeks to leave behind his life of danger and adventure and settle down as an associate professor of physics at University of California-Irvine. He also desires to build a lasting relationship with a beautiful woman he has not seen since high school.His idyllic plan is postponed when he soon uncovers the diabolical scheme on the other side of the country. He realizes he is the one person who can prevent more murders from happening and either control or destroy the technology. Once the M.I.T. group understands Chase and his friends have the ability and motivation to not only take the technology from them, but also thwart more killings, Chase finds himself in their crosshairs, the top-of-the-list target on their assassination agenda.As the death toll mounts, Chase and his friends must battle this group of misled zealots from M.I.T. on both coasts and in cyberspace in a thrilling, desperate race to determine the outcome of this monumental, once in a millennium discovery that will drastically change life as we know it—for better or worse.Breakthrough, the first book in the Adventures of Chase Manhattan series, begins with a big bang and offers the audience exciting, unique, and diverse heroes and villains. The result is a fresh suspense thriller series integrating elements of greed, betrayal, passion, lust, unconditional love, coming of age, and hope. The action is swift. There are numerous red herrings, twists and turns, that will keep the reader turning the pages and wanting more.
- GenresScience FictionThriller
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2008
10 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Tremp
6 books129 followers2015 A to Z Co-Host: Stephen Tremp writes Speculative Fiction and embraces science and the supernatural to help explain the universe, our place in it, and to write one of a kind thrillers. His novels are enhanced by discoveries, breakthroughs and current events in many fields of science. Understanding Albert Einstein’s famous equation E=MC2 explains how the natural and the supernatural co-exist and compliment each other.
Stephen Tremp has a B.S. in information systems, an MBA in Global Management and a background in information systems, management, and finance. He draws from this background to write one of a kind thrillers. He lives in Orange county, CA with his wife and two daughters, a maltepoo dog, parrot, and hamster.
Target Readers: My books will have strong appeal to 18-44 year old men and women with some college education. In addition, since the novel is written in an amalgam of genres, it will please a wide variety of audiences including thriller, science fiction, suspense, young adult, and even a little romance.
Stephen Tremp has a B.S. in information systems, an MBA in Global Management and a background in information systems, management, and finance. He draws from this background to write one of a kind thrillers. He lives in Orange county, CA with his wife and two daughters, a maltepoo dog, parrot, and hamster.
Target Readers: My books will have strong appeal to 18-44 year old men and women with some college education. In addition, since the novel is written in an amalgam of genres, it will please a wide variety of audiences including thriller, science fiction, suspense, young adult, and even a little romance.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 9, 2013
Exciting science fiction with a reluctantly heroic protagonist, Stephen Tremp’s Breakthrough looks at the downside of a great scientific breakthrough given into the wrong hands. Thoroughly detailed science is paired with carefully elucidated character descriptions, backstories and conversations, making the storyline easy to visualize—a whole TV series in a book perhaps. But of course, like so many TV series these days, it ends unfinished, inviting the reader to look for the sequel.
A lecture on wormholes sets the scene, introducing the concepts fairly simply but probably causing frustration for serious students of the subject. Dialog is natural and complete, as are the actions. Carefully choreographed fight scenes invite equally careful reading (maybe TV’s easier), and well-constructed backstories ensure the characters are well-rounded and their actions fully and convincingly motivated. “Sweet butter-basted Main lobster” makes the mouth water, while occasional prayer invites meditation and “the element of total shock and awe” accompanies sudden destruction. Motivations are pleasingly complex and wounded by betrayal, damage is detailed down to the contents of “the gelatinized brain,” and chess masters are only abused in the metaphor once. (Aghghgh—can you tell I like chess?)
In all, it’s a long detailed novel with fast action and slow buildup, a fascinating premise very carefully explained, and enjoyable characters, recommended for sci-fi enthusiasts who like a touch of modern politics and social networking.
Disclosure: I’d been looking forward to reading this for a while and was lucky enough to find it when it was free.
A lecture on wormholes sets the scene, introducing the concepts fairly simply but probably causing frustration for serious students of the subject. Dialog is natural and complete, as are the actions. Carefully choreographed fight scenes invite equally careful reading (maybe TV’s easier), and well-constructed backstories ensure the characters are well-rounded and their actions fully and convincingly motivated. “Sweet butter-basted Main lobster” makes the mouth water, while occasional prayer invites meditation and “the element of total shock and awe” accompanies sudden destruction. Motivations are pleasingly complex and wounded by betrayal, damage is detailed down to the contents of “the gelatinized brain,” and chess masters are only abused in the metaphor once. (Aghghgh—can you tell I like chess?)
In all, it’s a long detailed novel with fast action and slow buildup, a fascinating premise very carefully explained, and enjoyable characters, recommended for sci-fi enthusiasts who like a touch of modern politics and social networking.
Disclosure: I’d been looking forward to reading this for a while and was lucky enough to find it when it was free.
June 24, 2017
Not my usual fare but adventure and wormhole seems to good to pass up. What I good surprise, a solid action-adventure with a great story hook (the wormhole technology), fluid writing and deep characters. The "somewhat" sci-fi action scenes are very well written and makes for some kick-ass excitement. The pace is great but the author gives many mondain scenes that might be filler for some people, but here it's used to flesh the characters. The jump from mondain to action scenes, to story moving sequence gives the feeling of a long running TV series. The author style is easy-to-read and really makes the book fly-by. Usually I look for (space-opera, fantasy) reads full of action and not too much world-building, but this book as more world-building and character driven moments then I am use too and I did not mind at all. I will be on-board for the rest of the series.
May 4, 2017
I don't read a lot of sci-fi--some of it is confusing with the terminology and the setting and descriptions don't always pull me in--but this tale held my attention. On one side is a group of students who manipulate wormholes and are possible assassins, and then there's Chase Manhattan and company who will fight them to do what's right. The amazing action will have readers turning pages.
January 10, 2014
It took me a long, long time to finish this book, but that was only because I started it, read a few chapters, and then read lots of other books before picking it back up. Anyway ... here's my review.
Story:
I read another review that summed the story up quite well - it's sort of a James Bond deal but with sciencey nerdiness (which I love!) culminating in wormholes. Yes, they exist and they are safe to use (if you only know the trick of how). But the story involves a struggle between the "good guys" and the "bad guys" on who is going to wrest control of this new, world-changing technology and how they'd make use of it if they did get hold of it. The book actually ends on a total cliffhanger with pretty much nothing resolved, because there is a Book #2.
My thoughts:
I think this would make a brilliant action movie a la Bond films. I'd definitely go see it if it came out in cinemas. However, I have to admit that the writing style just didn't do it for me. I think it was more a matter of me thinking the book could have used at LEAST one more edit before being published. It wasn't just formatting errors (like a large chunk of one chapter which was all in bold, and the occasional sudden switch to a much larger font in the middle of a chapter - as opposed to just at the beginning of one), but it was also various punctuation errors, for instance various lines of dialogue that failed to begin with the opening speech mark, and characters asking questions that were often not followed by a question mark. There was also occasional confusion between tenses, with one line in a paragraph being present tense. Occasionally this could possibly work, but most of the time it just sounded wrong.
I think the writing could use work, basically. All the stars in this review go to the story, even though parts of it annoyed me. I can say that Chase wasn't perfect, which is a good thing, because nobody's perfect. He did irritate me on quite a few occasions, and I thought it was really stupid of the "side kicks" not to tranquilise Staci once again while leaving her alone with Bennie. Seriously, what were they thinking?
Anyway, I can say that Stephen Tremp's villains are truly contemptible, even if occasionally you get the feeling they might have some good points to make about how greedy corporations would use the wormhole technology if it got into their hands, and also made some good points about how society currently works (i.e. in a bad way). Still, I spent much of this read dying to see Staci and Nicky get their comeuppance - and being continually disappointed when they DID NOT. I really hope that in the 2nd book, they both die horrible deaths as they deserve (in my opinion).
And I call myself a pacifist!
Story:
I read another review that summed the story up quite well - it's sort of a James Bond deal but with sciencey nerdiness (which I love!) culminating in wormholes. Yes, they exist and they are safe to use (if you only know the trick of how). But the story involves a struggle between the "good guys" and the "bad guys" on who is going to wrest control of this new, world-changing technology and how they'd make use of it if they did get hold of it. The book actually ends on a total cliffhanger with pretty much nothing resolved, because there is a Book #2.
My thoughts:
I think this would make a brilliant action movie a la Bond films. I'd definitely go see it if it came out in cinemas. However, I have to admit that the writing style just didn't do it for me. I think it was more a matter of me thinking the book could have used at LEAST one more edit before being published. It wasn't just formatting errors (like a large chunk of one chapter which was all in bold, and the occasional sudden switch to a much larger font in the middle of a chapter - as opposed to just at the beginning of one), but it was also various punctuation errors, for instance various lines of dialogue that failed to begin with the opening speech mark, and characters asking questions that were often not followed by a question mark. There was also occasional confusion between tenses, with one line in a paragraph being present tense. Occasionally this could possibly work, but most of the time it just sounded wrong.
I think the writing could use work, basically. All the stars in this review go to the story, even though parts of it annoyed me. I can say that Chase wasn't perfect, which is a good thing, because nobody's perfect. He did irritate me on quite a few occasions, and I thought it was really stupid of the "side kicks" not to tranquilise Staci once again while leaving her alone with Bennie. Seriously, what were they thinking?
Anyway, I can say that Stephen Tremp's villains are truly contemptible, even if occasionally you get the feeling they might have some good points to make about how greedy corporations would use the wormhole technology if it got into their hands, and also made some good points about how society currently works (i.e. in a bad way). Still, I spent much of this read dying to see Staci and Nicky get their comeuppance - and being continually disappointed when they DID NOT. I really hope that in the 2nd book, they both die horrible deaths as they deserve (in my opinion).
And I call myself a pacifist!
October 16, 2010
Okay, so I'm biased. Here we go:
A scientific breakthrough of such magnitude it could radically alter the future of humanity—for better or worse—is in the wrong hands.
The Information Age is moving at breakneck speed. Breakthroughs in areas of science that were once fodder for science fiction are now becoming part of our everyday life.
A group of graduate students from Massachusetts Institute of Technology has stolen a breakthrough in opening and stabilizing Einstein-Rosen Bridges, commonly known as wormholes, that allows them to instantly transport people from one location to another. Their goal is to assassinate any powerful politician and executive controlling the world’s banking system that would use this technology for their own greedy gain rather than the advancement of mankind.
In south Orange County, California, young Chase Manhattan, part of a new breed of modern-day discovery seekers, seeks to leave behind his life of danger and adventure and settle down as an associate professor of physics at University of California-Irvine. He also desires to build a lasting relationship with a beautiful woman he has not seen since high school.
His idyllic plan is postponed when he soon uncovers the diabolical scheme on the other side of the country. He realizes he is the one person who can prevent more murders from happening and either control or destroy the technology. Once the M.I.T. group understands Chase and his friends have the ability and motivation to not only take the technology from them, but also thwart more killings, Chase finds himself in their crosshairs, the top-of-the-list target on their assassination agenda.
As the death toll mounts, Chase and his friends must battle this group of misled zealots from M.I.T. on both coasts and in cyberspace in a thrilling, desperate race to determine the outcome of this monumental, once in a millennium discovery that will drastically change life as we know it—for better or worse.
Breakthrough, the first book in the Adventures of Chase Manhattan series, begins with a big bang and offers the audience exciting, unique, and diverse heroes and villains. The result is a fresh suspense thriller series integrating elements of greed, betrayal, passion, lust, unconditional love, coming of age, and hope. The action is swift. There are numerous red herrings, twists and turns, that will keep the reader turning the pages and wanting more.
A scientific breakthrough of such magnitude it could radically alter the future of humanity—for better or worse—is in the wrong hands.
The Information Age is moving at breakneck speed. Breakthroughs in areas of science that were once fodder for science fiction are now becoming part of our everyday life.
A group of graduate students from Massachusetts Institute of Technology has stolen a breakthrough in opening and stabilizing Einstein-Rosen Bridges, commonly known as wormholes, that allows them to instantly transport people from one location to another. Their goal is to assassinate any powerful politician and executive controlling the world’s banking system that would use this technology for their own greedy gain rather than the advancement of mankind.
In south Orange County, California, young Chase Manhattan, part of a new breed of modern-day discovery seekers, seeks to leave behind his life of danger and adventure and settle down as an associate professor of physics at University of California-Irvine. He also desires to build a lasting relationship with a beautiful woman he has not seen since high school.
His idyllic plan is postponed when he soon uncovers the diabolical scheme on the other side of the country. He realizes he is the one person who can prevent more murders from happening and either control or destroy the technology. Once the M.I.T. group understands Chase and his friends have the ability and motivation to not only take the technology from them, but also thwart more killings, Chase finds himself in their crosshairs, the top-of-the-list target on their assassination agenda.
As the death toll mounts, Chase and his friends must battle this group of misled zealots from M.I.T. on both coasts and in cyberspace in a thrilling, desperate race to determine the outcome of this monumental, once in a millennium discovery that will drastically change life as we know it—for better or worse.
Breakthrough, the first book in the Adventures of Chase Manhattan series, begins with a big bang and offers the audience exciting, unique, and diverse heroes and villains. The result is a fresh suspense thriller series integrating elements of greed, betrayal, passion, lust, unconditional love, coming of age, and hope. The action is swift. There are numerous red herrings, twists and turns, that will keep the reader turning the pages and wanting more.
October 29, 2012
As a thriller, Mr. Tremp's "Breakthrough" kept me engaged from beginning to end. The two best developed characters are Chase Manhattan and Staci, but many of the side characters have their own unique spin. I enjoyed the fight scenes which were numerous and well written, and Staci makes an excellent villain.
This book has ninjas, super science, terrorism, and a few pop culture references. If I were to offer any criticism, it would be that this book needs a legitimate ending, stop making villains monologue, and that there be more purpose in taking the briefcases which are the crux of the super science in the book.
Allow me to explain. Chase is a professor in California and goes to the east coast and steals a suitcase to take back to the west coast. Then the people from the east coast steal it back. Chase goes back with his buddies to the east coast and steals it again and hides it with his ninja master who we suspect is a badass but is killed swiftly. Oh and after he's killed, it's back to the east coast again with said item that has ping-ponged from one side of the country to another. This time they take Chase. The book ends with Chase in possession of said item and presumably headed back to the west coast again.
I was left shaking my head. The villain monologues and tells his entire plan to Chase...why do villains do this? I saw it in the Incredibles, and Pixar actually makes fun of this to great success. But without the villain monologuing about all of his evil nefarious plans, Chase would have no direction. I just think there'd be a better way to do this.
Still, I enjoyed the book. I would have liked more closure but "Breakthrough" is clearly a story that is designed to take more volumes to tell. I just hope there's no more ping pong in the next book.
This book has ninjas, super science, terrorism, and a few pop culture references. If I were to offer any criticism, it would be that this book needs a legitimate ending, stop making villains monologue, and that there be more purpose in taking the briefcases which are the crux of the super science in the book.
Allow me to explain. Chase is a professor in California and goes to the east coast and steals a suitcase to take back to the west coast. Then the people from the east coast steal it back. Chase goes back with his buddies to the east coast and steals it again and hides it with his ninja master who we suspect is a badass but is killed swiftly. Oh and after he's killed, it's back to the east coast again with said item that has ping-ponged from one side of the country to another. This time they take Chase. The book ends with Chase in possession of said item and presumably headed back to the west coast again.
I was left shaking my head. The villain monologues and tells his entire plan to Chase...why do villains do this? I saw it in the Incredibles, and Pixar actually makes fun of this to great success. But without the villain monologuing about all of his evil nefarious plans, Chase would have no direction. I just think there'd be a better way to do this.
Still, I enjoyed the book. I would have liked more closure but "Breakthrough" is clearly a story that is designed to take more volumes to tell. I just hope there's no more ping pong in the next book.
November 11, 2010
Breakthrough is sort of a scientific James Bond book. Chase Manhattan has money, brains, beautiful evil women who have sex with him, then try to kill him, the martial arts skills and quick thinking to equal his adversaries, and a crew of friends willing to back him up and even go into the fire with him.
You don’t have to worry that you might get lost in the technology of wormholes. Tremp keeps it understandable and since the M.I.T. group has already accomplished transporting through space, there are no long passages explaining Einstein-Rosen Bridges.
Tremp has come up with a new twist on the action-adventure and given this modern-day Bond a team with the expertise to back him up. Chase Manhattan has the knowledge and skills to go up against the M.I.T. gang.
I would have liked more background on Chase and his life as a “discovery-seeker” so I could understand how he came to be so skilled in martial arts, wealthy, and passionate about righting wrong.
Another thing that bothered me is that although I knew this was part of a series (“The Adventures of Chase Manhattan”), I expected it to be a stand-alone within the series, with a beginning and a wrap-up. It is not. It is an installment that continues in the next book.
So, I’ll be looking forward to the next book and finding out how Chase stops the beautiful assassin, kills the main bad guy and then decides what to do with this amazing, yet potentially earth-shattering technology.
Since this is the first in the series, I give Breakthrough a Hel-O.
You don’t have to worry that you might get lost in the technology of wormholes. Tremp keeps it understandable and since the M.I.T. group has already accomplished transporting through space, there are no long passages explaining Einstein-Rosen Bridges.
Tremp has come up with a new twist on the action-adventure and given this modern-day Bond a team with the expertise to back him up. Chase Manhattan has the knowledge and skills to go up against the M.I.T. gang.
I would have liked more background on Chase and his life as a “discovery-seeker” so I could understand how he came to be so skilled in martial arts, wealthy, and passionate about righting wrong.
Another thing that bothered me is that although I knew this was part of a series (“The Adventures of Chase Manhattan”), I expected it to be a stand-alone within the series, with a beginning and a wrap-up. It is not. It is an installment that continues in the next book.
So, I’ll be looking forward to the next book and finding out how Chase stops the beautiful assassin, kills the main bad guy and then decides what to do with this amazing, yet potentially earth-shattering technology.
Since this is the first in the series, I give Breakthrough a Hel-O.
March 25, 2013
It's now possible to travel through a wormhole. It's a scientific breakthrough that will change everything. IF it falls into the right hands. Chase Manhattan is determined to see that the wrong people don't get a chance to use it for nefarious purposes. He meant to help out a respected professor framed for murder and ends up caught in a plot to bring down the greatest powers in the world. With the help of his friends, Chase must fight for possession of the suitcases that act as anchors for a wormhole against an arrogant genius, a beautiful assassin, and their fanatical followers. He'll be lucky if he can make it through the day with all his limbs intact.
A great science-fiction tale based on the possibility of wormholes and what would happen if someone figured out how to create them. There is a lot of science involved in this story. A few parts ramble on, but it's a fascinating read. Along with the science and socio-political rants, there's tons of action packed into the plot. Stephen Tremp paints movie-like scenes with vivid details and amazing blow-for-blow fights.
Chase Manhattan is an intriguing character. He's a ladies' man with a past full of danger. Yet he's also a physics professor with a sharp mind. Like James Bond with a PhD. His group of friends are a great supporting cast, but I'm equally as captivated by Staci as I am with Chase. She's an assassin with a big IQ, and she believes she's on the right team. I think she might be the wild card, though. I can't wait to read more in the next book.
A great science-fiction tale based on the possibility of wormholes and what would happen if someone figured out how to create them. There is a lot of science involved in this story. A few parts ramble on, but it's a fascinating read. Along with the science and socio-political rants, there's tons of action packed into the plot. Stephen Tremp paints movie-like scenes with vivid details and amazing blow-for-blow fights.
Chase Manhattan is an intriguing character. He's a ladies' man with a past full of danger. Yet he's also a physics professor with a sharp mind. Like James Bond with a PhD. His group of friends are a great supporting cast, but I'm equally as captivated by Staci as I am with Chase. She's an assassin with a big IQ, and she believes she's on the right team. I think she might be the wild card, though. I can't wait to read more in the next book.
October 23, 2010
In a world about to be radically changed by a scientific discovery that will trump for good or evil purposes, a power-play struggle unfolds with breakneck speed and riveting drama in Stephen Tremp’s novel, Breakthrough. Young, handsome, worldly, smart, and a heroically capable swashbuckler, Chase Manhattan, and his team risk their lives and match wits with an equally talented and formidable band of opponents. Using the very scientific breakthrough being fought over to their exclusive advantage, the murderous plotters are bent on killing anyone and everyone who gets in the way of their plans. Through more twists and turns than a tangled knot of pretzels, the plot eventually finds Chase Manhattan as their number one, top-of-the list target. He must persevere and win out, because he knows that only he has a shot—one last shot—before the world as we know it is headed down a frightening path.
Filled with intrigue, romance, betrayal, action scenes that have you gripping, some spiritual contemplation and quandary, emotions that run deep and strong, and packed with a multi-faceted cast of varied and multi-dimensional characters, Breakthrough is a novel you will find next to impossible to put down once you start reading. Five stars from this author ... I found it fascinating.
Filled with intrigue, romance, betrayal, action scenes that have you gripping, some spiritual contemplation and quandary, emotions that run deep and strong, and packed with a multi-faceted cast of varied and multi-dimensional characters, Breakthrough is a novel you will find next to impossible to put down once you start reading. Five stars from this author ... I found it fascinating.
December 7, 2010
My Thoughts: I was fortunate to review chapter 58 of this novel about a month ago and from what I read, I was addicted. From the very first chapter until the end I was mesmerized. The action keeps going and going like an Energizer Bunny.
I like books with a lot of action but I think the best thing about the novel was the things I learned about science. Tremp talks about complex subjects explored by Einstein and make them fascinating. Parallel universes and time travel. How it could work and how it can't.
Another thing I liked about the novel was that he spent many chapters in the POV of the villains. It made me relate to him/her in a way that I often found myself rooting for them.
If you're looking for a fast-paced, exciting science fiction novel, pick this one up. Hmmm, I should also add that this is the first book in the trilogy so although it does solve some of the issues, many have not been cleaned up. Do I want to pick up book two? YES!
A Warning For Readers: This book is a thriller and contains some violent scenes. Some may find it a bit gruesome.
I like books with a lot of action but I think the best thing about the novel was the things I learned about science. Tremp talks about complex subjects explored by Einstein and make them fascinating. Parallel universes and time travel. How it could work and how it can't.
Another thing I liked about the novel was that he spent many chapters in the POV of the villains. It made me relate to him/her in a way that I often found myself rooting for them.
If you're looking for a fast-paced, exciting science fiction novel, pick this one up. Hmmm, I should also add that this is the first book in the trilogy so although it does solve some of the issues, many have not been cleaned up. Do I want to pick up book two? YES!
A Warning For Readers: This book is a thriller and contains some violent scenes. Some may find it a bit gruesome.
November 22, 2013
Breakthrough: The Adventures of Chase Manhattan by Stephen Tremp is a fun, modern day science fiction story. As all described seems to be practically possibly, it left me with the eerie feeling that such events could happen right now, even though many people would quickly dismiss the story as nothing more than fantasy.
Although they run together, the story seems to come in two parts; at first it is described how a small group of sinister scientists at MIT are using stolen technology to manipulate events in their favor and cause crimes, even murders at the highest levels of government. Next, we watch as Professor Chase Manhattan, from southern California, is pulled into the mess by Dr. Nicholas Fischer, who is asking Chase to prove it is not he who is responsible for the misuse of his work.
I enjoyed this book. It has the right mix of what seems real and what seems like fantasy to make me step back and look at the world in a different light. I am somewhat interested in taking a look at this Book’s sequel.
Although they run together, the story seems to come in two parts; at first it is described how a small group of sinister scientists at MIT are using stolen technology to manipulate events in their favor and cause crimes, even murders at the highest levels of government. Next, we watch as Professor Chase Manhattan, from southern California, is pulled into the mess by Dr. Nicholas Fischer, who is asking Chase to prove it is not he who is responsible for the misuse of his work.
I enjoyed this book. It has the right mix of what seems real and what seems like fantasy to make me step back and look at the world in a different light. I am somewhat interested in taking a look at this Book’s sequel.
July 1, 2013
There's enough adrenaline-pumping action in this book to keep any reader interested. There's martial arts-filled fights, wild chases, mysterious murders, and danger out the wazoo... oh, and did I mention the assassin who wreaks havoc with the help of a ... wormhole? Fascinating stuff, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
To be perfectly honest, I might have scored this book higher if I weren't such a nitpicker. I found the writing to be a tad stiff and awkward in spots, and there were also some minor spelling, grammatical, and formatting errors that could have been eliminated with additional editing. But all in all, those things, while somewhat annoying to a nit-picker like me, weren't enough to take away from the overall enjoyment of the book.
If you enjoy a good action story... with a wormhole twist!... you'll love this one. As for me, I will definitely read the rest of Tremp's books.
To be perfectly honest, I might have scored this book higher if I weren't such a nitpicker. I found the writing to be a tad stiff and awkward in spots, and there were also some minor spelling, grammatical, and formatting errors that could have been eliminated with additional editing. But all in all, those things, while somewhat annoying to a nit-picker like me, weren't enough to take away from the overall enjoyment of the book.
If you enjoy a good action story... with a wormhole twist!... you'll love this one. As for me, I will definitely read the rest of Tremp's books.
March 14, 2010
For a thriller, this book is ok. The writer obviously loves writing in this genre and spent a lot of time researching his subject. However, I found the fight scenes way overdone which overrode the suspense chapters a bit. I also thought he failed to develop his secondary characters to a level where you had a clue what they were about. In fact, the only two characters he did spend time on were Chase & Staci, and he could have done much more with Staci. My biggest issue with this book is the ending. Without giving it away, let me just say that the writer needs a great deal of help learning how to give his readers closure. I understand this is the first book in a series on the subject matter, but you still have to end each book before you can begin the next one.
April 2, 2013
Stephen Tremp's first novel in The Adventures of Chase Manhattan, 'Breakthrough,' is a fast paced read, filled with technical espionage, martial arts, guns, love, sex, murder and the desperate struggle of three couples as they try to overcome a crazy man and his team of intellectual misfits from committing further atrocities, to keep a newly developed technology from being exploited by a corrupt corporate world.
Chase Manhattan, is a egregious character, which one just can't help but fall in love with. He developes two nemesis in this novel, Nicky Jnr and Staci.
A great read and one I recommend to anyone who enjoys a bit everything tossed in to a novel! I am looking forward to reading the second book.
Chase Manhattan, is a egregious character, which one just can't help but fall in love with. He developes two nemesis in this novel, Nicky Jnr and Staci.
A great read and one I recommend to anyone who enjoys a bit everything tossed in to a novel! I am looking forward to reading the second book.
November 25, 2010
Chase Manhattan is a young physics professor at UC-Irvine who gets himself into interesting and dangerous situations, like a modern day Indiana Jones. He and his circle of friends travel the continent to stop a group of M.I.T. students who are using a breakthrough in physics to murder, and change the world as we know it.
Chase and his friends take you on a roller coaster ride of intrigue, romance, fights, murder and technology that keep the pages turning. This book starts at a fast pace and keeps it flowing throughout, you won't be able to put it down.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one in the trilogy. :)
Chase and his friends take you on a roller coaster ride of intrigue, romance, fights, murder and technology that keep the pages turning. This book starts at a fast pace and keeps it flowing throughout, you won't be able to put it down.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one in the trilogy. :)
June 19, 2011
Full of heart-stopping action! Lots of chasing, suspense-filled book. If you love Angelina Jolie's Lara Croft, you'll see a few Lara Croft-like women in this novel by Stephen Tremp. Chase Manhattan, the main character, is surrounded by them.
What makes it interesting is how well-researched the book is. It is amazing how it tells about parallell universes, wormholes, time and space. It left me wondering, asking myself the 'hows' and 'what-ifs.' I love this kind of story. It's fast-paced. Yes, the kind that will take you to the edge of your seat. I know it's a cliche but how else would you describe an exciting book such as this?
What makes it interesting is how well-researched the book is. It is amazing how it tells about parallell universes, wormholes, time and space. It left me wondering, asking myself the 'hows' and 'what-ifs.' I love this kind of story. It's fast-paced. Yes, the kind that will take you to the edge of your seat. I know it's a cliche but how else would you describe an exciting book such as this?
July 6, 2012
I really enjoyed this first novel in the Breakthrough trilogy. Mr Tremp has pulled off a first-rate thriller with action scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat, and the book is paced well so although things keep moving forward, the high-octane thrills are not so constant as to be overwhelming. It is true that the book ends very suddenly, and I was expecting something more of a resolution, however I now can't wait to read the next book! I also found the science elements to be intriguing, and explained in a way that is comprehensible to the average reader while not getting in the way of the story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
August 24, 2011
To say this book is action packed doesn't begin to do it justice. Breakthrough is an amazing novel of suspense, intrigue and martial arts entertainment. The character of Chase Manhattan (yes that's his real name) reminded me of Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones character. He's a professor of physics by day and a wild rip roaring action adventure hero by night (or when not in the classroom). This novel, the first in a series, is a thrilling roller coaster ride across America. I enjoyed this book and can't wait for Mr. Tremp's next book in the series.
August 29, 2011
Wow, what an action-filled novel! It started with a bang, and the gripping scenes just kept on coming. While I'm not generally a reader of action-based books, Tremp hooked me in and I kept turning the pages for more. I can definitely see this novel as a popular movie - it's brimming with heroes and high stakes. I definitely recommend 'Breakthrough' for those who like their fiction with a fast-paced plot.
December 20, 2012
I will admit I didn't come close to finishing this book. After 11 of the 78 chapters I simply gave up. Every paragraph might as well be an entry into the annual Bullwer-Lytton Fiction Contest it's so poorly written. Even after having read that far I couldn't tell you what the premise of the book is, though I could easily espouse on the stilted, puerile dialogue and the vapid exposition. Beyond yawn.
March 4, 2011
This was a fast moving book with great plot twists, a lot of realistic action, and wonderful tension. Tremp convincingly displays expertise in domains of physics, martial arts, and a number of others.
Characterisation was a little 'Hollywood' for my taste (everyone is beautiful, good at everything and highly desirable), but it was certainly a pageturner!
Characterisation was a little 'Hollywood' for my taste (everyone is beautiful, good at everything and highly desirable), but it was certainly a pageturner!
February 13, 2010
This is a really smart adventure ride. Reminds me of Bourne Identity. Great action with a futuristic theme. I also love the fact that while it is the adventures of Chase Manhattan, there are other great characters.
April 23, 2015
I read it for free. I want some money back
The concept was good but sorry the writing was horrible.
I only got about 1/2 way through and couldn't finish. Sorry.
The concept was good but sorry the writing was horrible.
I only got about 1/2 way through and couldn't finish. Sorry.
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