From Beyond by Jasper T. Scott & Nathan Hystad

Title: From Beyond
Series: From Beyond
Author: Jasper T. Scott & Nathan Hystad
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Anthem Press
Publishing date: July 1, 2022
ISBN: 9798839119581

Synopsis: Commander David Bryce’s routine mission to Mars takes an unexpected turn when he’s informed of a startling discovery approaching Earth. Simultaneously, Atlas Donovan becomes consumed by his pursuit of an artefact in Lake Como, Italy. As they get closer to their goals, they encounter a formidable secret organization that seems unstoppable. The book delves into the question of whether we are alone and reveals a history of prior visitations.

My Review:

“From Beyond” is a captivating novel written by Jasper T. Scott and Nathan Hystad. They masterfully weave a tale that combines two storylines:
The relentless pursuit of a tenacious treasure hunter and a space mission transcends all expectations.
An enigmatic presence approaching Earth. The question quickly becomes whether we are alone in the universe. As the protagonists, Atlas Donovan and Commander David Bryce, venture closer to their goals, they soon discover a clandestine organization working against them. This organisation is seemingly unstoppable due to their vast influence.

Scott and Hystad transport readers into a world where mystery and extraterrestrial encounters intertwine. We follow Atlas on his lifelong quest to unravel the significance of an old artefact and David’s mission to initiate a First Contact. Both plotlines unravel next to each other, providing an engaging narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The Earthbound action follows are more predictable trajectory without introducing any groundbreaking technology, but it efficiently sets the stage for the space adventure. The journey to the alien ship, albeit somewhat monotonous and lacking surprises, eventually leads to the heart of the story. The time spent within the alien vessel serves as the crux of the narrative, blending intrigue and chaos. Though this journey leaves many questions unanswered in the moment. The navigation through the ship leads from one crisis to another without deeper insight into the situation. It is in this realm that a true team would have planned better.

“From Beyond” delivers an exhilarating science fiction experience. The captivating premise of a mysterious alien entity and the exploration of first contact create a solid foundation for an intriguing story. With fascinating characters and a compelling setup, this first contact novel sets the stage for an enthralling series. For fans of the genre seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure, “From Beyond” offers an exciting journey into the unknown.

About the author:

Author text

Lock In by John Scalzi

Title: Lock In
(Series: Lock In #1)
Author: John Scalzi
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Tor Books
Publishing date: August 26th, 2014
ISBN: 9780765375865

Synopsis: A quarter of a century later, in a world shaped by what’s now known as “Haden’s syndrome,” rookie FBI agent Chris Shane is paired with veteran agent Leslie Vann. The two of them are assigned what appears to be a Haden-related murder at the Watergate Hotel, with a suspect who is an “integrator” – someone who can let the locked-in borrow their bodies for a time. If the Integrator was carrying a Haden client, then naming the suspect for the murder becomes that much more complicated.

My Review:

Lock In was the first novel by John Scalzi I read a while back and I recently reread it. I stumbled upon it the first time while browsing Audible. What initially caught my attention was its seamless integration of cutting-edge concepts like virtual reality and telepresence. This gives the story a refreshingly modern twist that sets it apart from traditional science fiction.

Blending elements of crime fiction and police procedural within a futuristic backdrop, Lock In managed to captivate even someone like me, who doesn’t typically enjoy detective novels. Scalzi’s skilful storytelling kept me engrossed, preventing me from prematurely unravelling the plot.

One aspect that impressed me was Scalzi’s deliberate decision to leave the gender of the main character open to interpretation. Throughout the narrative, there are no hints or indications, allowing readers to project their own vision onto the story. The audiobook, featuring separate narrations by Wil Wheaton and Amber Benson, further adds to the personalized experience. This enables listeners to choose between a male or female perspective.

Locked-in syndrome is both fascinating and terrifying to me. In Lock In, Scalzi delves into this haunting concept with remarkable finesse. He crafts a world that feels eerily plausible, where individuals are trapped in their own bodies, conscious but utterly powerless. The helplessness and inability to communicate create a morbid curiosity that transcends the bounds of science fiction, evoking deep contemplation about the nature of human existence.

What sets Lock In apart is Scalzi’s trust in the reader’s intelligence. He doesn’t spoon-feed the intricate details of his world. Scalzi trusts us to figure things out on our own or await explanations, fostering an engaging sense of discovery. The story delivers unexpected twists and turns, leaving me gasping with surprise on more than one occasion.
Although the climax may not have met my initial expectations, the story concludes with a satisfying documentary-style epilogue that brings added depth and vibrancy to the overall experience.

John Scalzi has created an extraordinary world within the pages of Lock In. This book is an absolute delight, seamlessly blending entertainment, humour, and thought-provoking storytelling. Lock In is an enjoyable read that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a blend of entertainment and thought-provoking storytelling. And don’t forget to savour the added bonus of the mini-novel at the end, which further enriches the already captivating world Scalzi has crafted.

In summary, Lock In is an enthralling and masterfully executed book that combines modernity with timeless themes. Scalzi’s storytelling prowess, coupled with his refusal to shy away from complexity, makes this a must-read for fans of science fiction and intelligent detective fiction alike. So dive into Lock In and let yourself be captivated by its compelling narrative and imaginative world.

About the author:

John Michael Scalzi II (born May 10, 1969) is an American science fiction author and former president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. He is best known for his Old Man’s War series, three novels of which have been nominated for the Hugo Award, and for his blog Whatever, where he has written on a number of topics since 1998. Lock In is a science fiction police procedural novel. The audiobook of the novel was released in two versions, one narrated by Wil Wheaton and one by Amber Benson.
Website | @scalzi