Find out the latest indie author news. For FREE.

ADVERTISEMENT

Monica Abbott
Author
The Surge
The Surge is an action-packed, Christian speculative fiction novel set in the present day. The high-concept theme is an adventurous dip into the world of deep underground scientific experiments culminating in the development of super-soldiers and the rewriting of human DNA. An EMP anomaly brings about the atmospheric, electromagnetic change that sets the DNA rewriting into motion. All around, humans are enhancing into A.I. hybrids. Except the protagonist, Rayner, his two children, and his cousin. They along with others don’t have the covert nanobot in their bodies to facilitate the rewriting. That nanobot, D-11, was added to blood and plasma transfusions, and to all vaccines in the year 1984. This puts Rayner et al. in a select group targeted for extermination. Non-enhanced humans are not welcome in this new paradigm. Fast-paced and adventurous, the story enlists the help of reject government experimental characters: an ‘ultimate super-soldier’, and a ‘human electromagnetic sound specialist’ whose heart is to save humanity and honor that mighty powerful name… Jesus. The cousin’s love interest, a health-conscious chiropractor, joins the team as well. On the other side, four-foot gray aliens called Shorts, and their superiors, tall insectoid-type aliens called The Executives, team up with a power hungry general and a corrupt scientist along with the engineered super-soldiers to eliminate all non-enhancing humans. The ultimate plan: rule over a robotic, A.I. population. The dialogue is crisp; the ticking clock is imminent. The backdrop setting of the Sedona, AZ vortexes gives visual richness to the story while exploring unseen science in the way of magnetic anomalies. The Surge is a unique blend of science and faith, futuristic scenarios and ancient history. At its core, it celebrates the innate beauty of being simply human and valuing life, freedom of choice, and human compassion. It’s a story for the whole family, the faithful, and those considering faith.
Plot/Idea: 7 out of 10
Originality: 8 out of 10
Prose: 8 out of 10
Character/Execution: 7 out of 10
Overall: 7.50 out of 10

Assessment:

Plot/Idea: Fast-paced and action-packed, The Surge shines when Rayner’s personal family drama intersects with the looming extraterrestrial threat to humanity, but is less effective when examining a central message about faith versus science.

Prose: Adapted from a screenplay, the crisp, plot-focused prose keeps the story moving at breakneck speed toward the pulse-pounding climax. Key specific details distinguish the large cast of characters, such as Rayner’s love of Flamin' Hot Cheetos, or Danielle’s endearing habit of “mothering” her siblings and cousins.

Originality: Blending together several popular science fiction tropes– genome science, the threat of AI, super soldiers, and aliens– with grounded family drama sets The Surge apart from many action-packed, sci-fi adventures before it.

Character/Execution: Rayner shines as a dedicated father guided by his strong conviction, but a lack of internal reflection somewhat limits the reader’s connection to his character.

Date Submitted: April 19, 2024

ADVERTISEMENT

Loading...