| Flashpoint |
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| Posted by Cheryl Russell |
08:00 AM Saturday, 03 November 2007 |
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But as Dave starts forward, a stranger, dressed in an oilskin duster and thick soled boots, approaches the soldiers. A long braid swings behind his back like a metronome, keeping time with his every step. Commanded to stop, the stranger's response stuns Dave. He touches his fingers to his forehead, then spreads his arms. The air between them vibrates and tosses military men left and right. Dave watches the drama unfold in front of him as the braided man executes more mysterious maneuvers, eventually disabling all of the peacekeepers. The stranger introduces himself as Legacy. As he fries their imbedded ID chips, which unknown to Dave and Jen were equipped with tracking devices, he quickly explains their next moves. They can't stay where they are, because more peacekeepers will arrive soon. A Hack friend will tamper with the security cameras placed outside the bridge to block their movement into a getaway vehicle. They will then switch to a second truck which is equipped to smuggle them past Ward checkpoints, to their new home. As they travel, Dave and Jen learn about this new world they've entered. Legacy is a "sandman" -- muscle for the Body of Christ. He's called a sandman because he puts people to sleep with tranquilizer darts. But what to do with Dave and Jen? As they escape through the city streets, Jen's knowledge of com-visions, both hardware and software, comes to light. Legacy is pleased; her talents will be a great asset to the Body. Dave, though, feels like a loser when compared to his intelligent sister. His only skill is winning com games. Can the Body really use the skills he's acquired through his hobby? Or will he be a liability instead.
Flashpoint, written by author Frank Creed, is the first in the books of the Underground series. The novel is set in the year 2036 where "patriotism meets tyranny and the Patriot Act waxes Stalin-esque." Told in first person through Dave/Calamity Kid's eyes, the novel takes on the personality of its strong main character. The addicted to gum Calamity Kid tells it like he sees it, which is sometimes funny, other times heartbreaking, but not boring. His world ripped apart by betrayal, he's forced to leave behind all he's known --including his name -- and enter a world of danger and intrigue, where the smallest mistake can cost many their freedom.
To get a feel for Calamity Kid, check out his profile . Flashpoint is the winner of the 2006 Elfie for best science fiction novel (but the sci-fi part doesn't overwhelm the story) and Yellow 30 Sci-Fi's July feature book and a 2008 Pluto nominee. |
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Fugitives Dave Williams and his sister Jen are crouched under
a Chicago
overpass, out of sight of the government security cameras, waiting for the help
promised by their father. But as the cold night gives way to a grey dawn, four
military Humvees squeal to a stop below their hiding spot. When a uniformed man
staring at flip-com screen exits the vehicle, Dave knows help is too late. He
emerges from hiding, prepared to give himself up in the hopes his sister will
remain free.
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