| Title | : | S.H.R.E.D: Gorgon Rising |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1954386036 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781954386037 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 298 |
| Publication | : | Published May 10, 2022 |
High above earth in a low orbit facility, an experimental clean energy project known as Erebos—which taps into the vacuum structure of space—destabilizes and is jettisoned into the planet's atmosphere.
Far below, unaware of the danger rocketing toward her, nineteen-year-old Sasha Kino goes night surfing to clear her head after a fight with her father. When Erebos crashes into the ocean the device fuses her DNA with that of an orca and Sasha is altered beyond recognition. She is stronger, can hold her breath longer, and can swim deeper and faster than any creature on the planet—but her newfound abilities may come at the cost of her humanity.
Captain Alric Jager, head of the U.S. Navy's Special Projects Division, is sent to clean up the Erebos situation. But when Jager learns of what the device did to Sasha he decides to steal them both. Driven by a dark and twisted legacy, Jager is determined to create the ultimate super soldier - no matter the cost.
Torn between the land and the sea, and ruthlessly hunted by Jager, Sasha must rediscover who she is and for what she is willing to fight.
S.H.R.E.D: Gorgon Rising Reviews
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I met Stu Jones at an expo last month (April '22) and acquired a copy of his latest book.
"S.H.R.E.D.: Gorgon Rising" is the first book of what could prove to be a promising action/adventure series, I believe. Two covert organizations, one civilian and one with military ties, are both desperate to get their hands on Sasha Kino, a teenage girl and avid surfer, who has been accidentally exposed to an experimental form of radiation. The exposure results in Sasha undergoing a radical mutation. Both organizations have agendas that see her as a viable weapon. However, Sasha has an agenda of her own, and she's wary of being used by others who may not have her best interests at heart or wish to use her in manner that violates her conscience.
Jones crafts an engaging story with characters that are likable and loathsome, and one or two that leave the reader unsure of their motives. I enjoyed the setting in Hawaii. The subplot involves a local police officer bent on discovering just what happened to Sasha, and it's full of conspiratorial intrigue. Whether reading a chapter devoted to the main plot or the subplot, I was always eager to get to the other. As a writer, he juggles them very well, and ties them together seamlessly. Sasha is particularly fascinating as her mutation turns her into a sort of seafaring humanoid, and the powers that accompany that transformation continue to augment gradually through the course of the story. The villain is wholly egotistical and power hungry; and her benefactor is a mysterious figure, who has a backstory waiting to be told.
I'm an action guy, and there's plenty here to be found. It's paced very well, serving the story. Jones is adept with military terms and explanations, and obviously from his bio, he knows and understands military tactical equipment and jargon, which lends to the realism. The fight scenes are powerful, though I would have liked a little more detail. (That's me. Most readers will tend more towards his writing style here.) Still, they're fun and well written, and certainly left me anticipating the next one. I will say that I was looking forward to a good underwater skirmish, but sadly, one never happened. (Next book, right?)
It's a fun, entertaining read and a great introduction to a female character who is self-reliant, but willing to accept the help she needs. There's nice character development as Sasha wrestles with who she and what she's become. And there's a lot that can be done with her aquatic powers as she develops and becomes comfortable with them in future stories. I encourage any interested readers to give this one a read. It's got a good flow, and will suck you in. (Hey, a water-based pun!) -
Interesting start to eh
I made it to 42% before throwing in the towel. I liked the idea of a woman who was already an environmental advocate and fighter who, through a scientific accident, became something more. But the dialogue is shaky, the 3 main characters aren't making smart decisions and the bad guys are caricatures.
*If she took on orca characteristics, did the orca take on human ones?
*She was nearly raped in the opening. Something that should have a warning in the blurb for, and something she completely forgets about immediately.
*She can emit electric impulses, or sonar blasts, or something similar, and they think a shock collar can control her? How does her new ability not disable it?
*The elite teams who are supposed to be watching her turn her loose on a ship with tools and no supervision, and she doesn't use her newfound swimming strength to leave them? She could have swam past the collar's effective boundaries in moments, used her new strength to remove it.
*Sure, she's a captive, her entire world just changed, but she doesn't ask once about her friends from the beach.
*They're on the ocean. Neoprene is a major fabric of almost all clothes and shoes for water researchers. How could they not fashion her a quick robe or suit to help hold in moisture so she isn't naked? Or, hell, just drape her in damp towels?
Like I said, the blurb outlined a really interesting concept. I just didn't enjoy the fleshing out. Which saddens me. The cover artwork is gorgeous and the plot outline seemed exciting. -
You would think that a book about a girl getting her DNA combine with that of an orca whale do He basically made doctors experiment would have so much fertile ground to run with but this just came off as very very choppy the writing I found very bland very dry I had no interest in the characters I was really looking forward to this but this is really really boring.
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As good as reviewers claimed.
This is an excellent Sci Fi story. For some reason it reminds me of old school science fiction with a healthy mix of modern times. I recommend this book to anyone that loves classic Sci Fi. -
From start to finish, I was on the edge of my seat. S.H.R.E.D. is a fast-paced read that will have your pulse racing, with characters you'll hold close to your heart.
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Engaging Female Hero!
This story is action-packed and character driven. Saha is a highly principaled teenager mixed up in rogue government antics. I enjoyed that for once, the Chinese are not the villains, and a cop is a good guy. I recommend this book! -
If you like an indie sci-fi book this is the one for you. Solidly written and feels like it was well researched. I had a hard time putting it down once I got started on it.
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a great read
I really enjoyed this book, the characters and the story. Sasha is a very strong young lady and her friends defiant but loyal to the core.
