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Reviewed by Reader: TLK September 20, 2018 5.0 stars out of 5
Review: This book was ac tually recommended to me by a friend who promised I would love it, even though I don’t usually read science fiction. I’m so happy that I took a chance on Virus! The first thing I noticed was how different the author’s writing style was – really easy to follow and understand (unlike other sci-fi’s I’ve read). The story held my interest, and I found myself more and more intrigued with each chapter! As I was reading, I was thinking that I could picture this book being made into a movie.
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Reviewed by Reader: B. Ball, September 21, 2018 Definitely 5 stars
Review: Just want to thank you for a great read. Loved Virus. What a page turner from beginning to end. I liked the way they were dancing with danger and the unknown. But they pulled it off. I did not see what was coming in the end. It was an exciting read. Thanks.
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Reviewed by Reader: M. Fantucchio, October 3, 2018 I’d give it 5 stars
Review: ‘VIRUS’ is an exciting read – with a very unusual plot twist. The characters are colorful and interesting, and the story moves along quickly. While I’m not usually a science fiction fan, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it highly. __________________
Review by: Leonard Tillerman, writer, blogger, reviewer October 21, 2018 4 out of 5 Unique Stars for this one! ****
Have you considered what could possibly be strong enough to destroy human civilization as we know it? Perhaps nuclear war? Famine? Disease and pestilence? The possibilities are many, and not very pleasant to ponder. When thinking about such a weighty topic it is unlikely that microscopic cells entered your mind. Indeed, most individuals would probably have visions of a giant mushroom cloud in their head instead. Be that as it may, cells are the building block of all living things and there are trillions of them which exist within every human body. However, what if these smallest living organisms actually had intelligence and decision-making abilities? What if they were able to control humanity as we know it by transforming into different forms and then mobilizing? As long as their intentions were good I am assuming all would be fine. Nevertheless, what if there were dissenters in this mobilization of cells? Those who would like nothing better than to destroy the very forms they have become. If you are a fan of intelligent Science Fiction which will explore such provocative concepts, then Virus by author Norton Beckerman will provide what you seek!
Essentially, the novel revolves around the quest of a malevolent cell by the name of Virus. He feels betrayed and shunned by the ruling council of cells who against his wishes sought to dominate the planet in something other than their “cell like” form. Virus vows revenge! By gathering a huge group of followers, Virus plans to destroy all life on the planet. Recognizing this as potentially catastrophic, the council sends their best “Cell Agent” by the name of Traveler to thwart the plan. The catch is that Traveler needs the help of the measly humans to accomplish this feat. This is where neuroscientist and microbiologist Barry Protoc comes in. Traveler will use Barry to enact his plan and stop Virus. However, Barry is not alone as he has an entire team of his own, which includes the very attractive Chair of the University biology department by the name of Rachel Cummings. Can Traveler maneuver this group to truly stop the evil plans of Virus and his followers? Or are Barry and the surface beings of the planet doomed to face total annihilation?
I found the plot of this novel to be very interesting and quite unlike anything I have read. There is an excellent combination of factual information which is coupled with. imaginative events. The author obviously knows his subject matter! It is also a story which you have to read very carefully or you risk getting lost in the details. A few times I had to go back and re-read passages or entire chapters to properly ascertain the story events. While that may not be everyone’s “cup of tea”, I found it to be challenging as opposed to distracting. There can be little doubt that when you get into the flow of this book, the plot is both exciting and engaging. The good versus evil theme is clearly prevalent and well supported with many unique story details.
As for the characters, the two main protagonists were developed quite well. We were able to gain access to their innermost thoughts and feelings while watching them grow throughout the novel. Their love relationship with each other was also touching and became increasingly convincing as we were more accustomed to the characters. Indeed, when that had fully taken place, the two seemed as if they were actually made for one another. That is no easy feat considering the obvious age difference which exists.
Overall, I found this to be a very engaging and entirely unique story. There was not always the natural flow that I am accustomed to when reading novels, but that is due in large part too the subject matter. Due to this factor, and some scenes of a sexual nature, I would recommend this novel to adult science fiction readers.
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Reviewed by: Amy Shannon on Oct. 27, 2018 : 5.0 out of 5 Exciting and interesting read
I enjoyed reading Beckerman’s work. At first, you think the title “VIRUS” is your typical end of the world or some kind of apocalypse story, but this story is anything but typical. Well, VIRUS is a renegade dangerous cell. That’s all I am giving away, but the story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Filled with adventurous twists and turns, and entrance into the realm of science fiction, this story keeps the reader turning the pages, with unpredictability at each turn. A very exciting read, indeed. I will definitely read more of Beckerman’s work.
(review of free book)
Reviewed by: Midwest Book Review Previewed in November issue of “Small Press Bookwatch” science fiction shelf
Synopsis: Rachel Cummings, the young Chair of a university biology department is confronted with a problem that modern science says can’t exist, but it does exist and may be deadly. Rachel is accused of being an alarmist, but she won’t be pushed aside.
Rachel knows that the situation could be disastrous if not resolved. She recruits Barry Protoc, a highly credentialed neuroscientist and microbiologist to help her find the truth. What they find puts them in the middle of a horrible nightmare that could possibly destroy civilization if left unchecked.
The problem confronting Rachel and Barry actually started with the beginning of life on earth. The first life on earth existed in the form of cells. But there was a group of cells that could absorb new information, make decisions, take a directed action and multiply. They came together as “The Council” and they dominated the other cells. “The Council” wanted to control the surface of the planet, but they knew that was impossible in their current form. They had to evolve on the surface as a dominant species. They set evolution in motion.
One among them, a renegade cell called VIRUS didn’t agree. VIRUS felt they were dominant enough and could control the surface as they were. “The Council” tried to talk him out of it, but he wouldn’t listen. VIRUS breaks away from “The Council” and threatens to destroy everything they create, regardless of how long it takes.
“The Council” has monitored and defeated VIRUS at every turn over the ages. They have become complacent, and VIRUS has taken advantage of that complacency by taking a host and building a following. VIRUS’ host is a small boy by the name of Barry Protoc.
If “The Council” allows VIRUS and his followers to continue, all life as we know it will be destroyed along with the future. They must stop VIRUS.
“The Council” sends Traveler, their best agent, to the present to confront and defeat VIRUS. But Traveler doesn’t exist in the present. He can’t accomplish anything on his own. To defeat VIRUS traveler must work through a surrogate. That surrogate is Professor Barry Protoc.
Critique: Written by an author with a genuine flair for unique and inherently engaging, narrative based storytelling, “VIRUS” by Norton S. Beckerman is a intrinsically riveting saga of a novel with more plot twists and turns than a Coney Island roller coaster. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Science Fiction collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated science fiction fans that “VIRUS” is also available in a digital book format on Kindle ($2.99) and Smashwords.
Review by: Jeff Sanders October 21, 2018 5.0 stars out of 5
Review: Wow! Talk about getting sucked in! The author did a great job at setting the scene…creating the believable characters and knowing how to build anticipation. I found myself always wanting to read the next page before I was done with the current page just so I could see what happens. The ending was definitely not what I expected. Very creative! Loved it!
Review by: T. Alba 5.0 out of 5 stars June 7, 2018
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Great book! It took me longer than it usually takes me to read a book, but that is because I had to pay attention this time! Nort Beckerman’s style of writing is very unique and pulls you in to the story. The ending was a surprise to me, but I won’t give anything away and say why. Read this!
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