Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: The God Peak
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.patrickhemstreet.com/
CITY: Houston
STATE: TX
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-hemstreet-a68812a2/
RESEARCHER NOTES:
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| LCCN Permalink: | https://lccn.loc.gov/n2015070734 |
| HEADING: | Hemstreet, Patrick |
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| 040 | __ |a DLC |b eng |e rda |c DLC |
| 053 | _0 |a PS3608.E494 |
| 100 | 1_ |a Hemstreet, Patrick |
| 670 | __ |a The God Wave, 2016: |b ECIP t.p. (Patrick Hemstreet) |
PERSONAL
Married; children: sons.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Actor, neuro-engineer, comedian, Navy medic, entrepreneur, and author.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Prior to becoming an author, Patrick Hemstreet fulfilled various other careers, including acting, engineering, comedy, and medicine—the last of which took place during his time in the Navy. Hemstreet is the author of two science fiction novels.
The God Wave
The God Wave is the first of a series. It focuses on a brilliant scientist and his experimental charges as they attempt to stop a nefarious scheme from unfolding and preserve their lives in the process. At the start of the novel, Dice Kobayashi, Matt Streegman, and Chuck Brenton are working together to devise an important and innovative project. The two of them are able to combine their efforts to launch a laboratory/company that allows them to work on granting cyberkinesis—or the ability to use one’s mental power to manipulate machinery—to humanity. This project was inspired by their observations of the effects of the human mind on EEG equipment, as human brain activity forces the EEG spindle to waver up and down. The three begin to wonder whether this same effect can be expanded to fulfill other purposes—perhaps to an extraordinary level. However, the two partners view the project’s potential through two entirely different lenses. Chuck soon figures out that Matt is interested in furthering their goals solely for money, and the corporation he has partnered with has much more malicious purposes for their work than he ever envisioned. The corporation is known as “Deep Shield,” and they hope to utilize the abilities Chuck and his friends have crafted to strengthen their militaristic goals. Chuck sees the harm these motives could cause, and decides to take action as his project becomes more and more tightly controlled by Deep Shield. To protect his work and himself, Chuck partners with five individuals who have already been gifted with the powers he and Matt originally developed. It will be up to all of their powers to free themselves from corporate entrapment and keep the world from falling victim to an awful scheme.
In an issue of the Bookwatch, one writer recommended the book to fans of science fiction “who enjoy a powerful inspection of science and faith.” A Kirkus Reviews contributor called The God Wave “[a] flat-out astonishing debut.” A reviewer in an issue of Publishers Weekly remarked: “Hemstreet imbues his sprawling cast with depth and character.” Brandon Murray, a writer on the Booked Solids website, said: “If you like robots, martial arts, and superhuman brain powers, then give this book some serious thought.” RT Book Reviews contributor Leah Hansen wrote: “This is an astoundingly good debut novel.”
The God Peak
The God Peak serves as a follow-up to The God Wave. Chuck and the others relocated underground at this point, while a group of individuals gifted with the powers Chuck originally innovated has achieved an iron grip across the world. They first overthrew the administrators of Deep Shield before setting out on a quest to take the world for themselves. While their side seeks to end all war and create a pacifistic world, they do so by dangling their power over the heads of the entire population to force compliance. In the meantime, Chuck has found that he is not alone in terms of comradery or innovations. He and his group stumble upon a network of individuals much like them, who has also found a way to grant themselves powers that are similar to what Chuck has devised. This network is known as the “Benefactors.” Chuck immediately views them as a potent secret weapon, but finds they are reluctant to get involved with changing the world. Chuck is eager to stop the terrorist group, feeling responsible for their takeover of the world. He takes it upon himself to try to lead his group towards saving the world from the terrorists’ bloody reign. However, he is unaware of yet another threat lurking in the shadows who are willing to let the rebel terrorists continue their reign with the hopes of ushering in a new era of humanity. If Chuck is going to ever be able to hope to stop the rebels, he’ll need to delve further into his studies and grow his army.
One Publishers Weekly reviewer called the book a “fast-paced, thought-provoking techno-thriller.” Outer Place reviewer Chris Mahon felt that “the real strength of The God Peak lies in its imagination, solid plotting, and vision.” On the RT Book Reviews website, Leah Hansen remarked: “The best part of the book, though, is the moral conundrum at its core.” Dominic DeAngelo, a writer on the Post Gazette website, commented: “It’s easy to buy into the world of “The God Peak,” but you should still read “The God Wave” first because it adds to the climb you make with its broad cast of characters.” He concluded: “The view from the top is worth it.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Bookwatch, April, 2017, review of The God Wave.
Kirkus Reviews, November 1, 2014, review of The God Wave.
Internet Bookwatch, April, 2017, review of The God Wave.
Publishers Weekly, February 22, 2016, review of The God Wave, p. 71; June 12, 2017, review of The God Peak, p. 45.
ONLINE
Booked Solids, http://dallaslibrary2.org/ (April 1, 2017), Brandon Murray, review of The God Wave.
Outer Place, https://www.outerplaces.com/ (August 22, 2017), Chris Mahon, review of The God Peak.
Patrick Hemstreet Website, http://www.patrickhemstreet.com (April 6, 2018), author profile.
Post Gazette, http://www.post-gazette.com/ (October 21, 2017), Dominic DeAngelo, review of The God Peak.
Rising Shadow, https://www.rtbookreviews.com/ (March 26, 2018), summary of The God Wave.
RT Book Reviews, https://www.rtbookreviews.com/ (April 6, 2017), Leah Hansen, review of The God Wave; (March 26, 2018), Leah Hansen, review of The God Peak.
Patrick Hemstreet is a novelist, neuro-engineer, entrepreneur, special warfare-trained Navy medic, standup comic, and actor. He lives in Houston, Texas with his wife and sons.
The God Peak
Publishers Weekly.
264.24 (June 12, 2017): p45. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
The God Peak
Patrick Hemstreet. Voyager, $26.99 (384p) ISBN 978-0-06-241956-9
In 2016's TheGodWave, researchers discovered a way to unlock amazing mental abilities, only to have their project co-opted and subverted by a secret military program. This led to half the team fleeing while the other half barricaded themselves in a mountain stronghold. Now, in this solid sequel, the renegades threaten the world with their superpowers, demanding that all wars cease. Meanwhile, project originator Chuck Brenton and his people have found refuge with the Benefactors, members of a secret society who possess their own method of manifesting superhuman abilities. It's an uneasy alliance of convenience at best, and Chuck struggles to convince the Benefactors to intervene against his former comrades. As Hemstreet further develops his premise, he gives it a timely feel by introducing issues such as confronting ISIS and demanding universal health care. This fast-paced, thought-provoking techno-thriller maintains a level of plausibility even as the author bumps up the supernatural power levels considerably. The book moves the series plot forward significantly while still leaving several open threads. Agent: Emma Parry, Janklow & Nesbit. (Aug.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"The God Peak." Publishers Weekly, 12 June 2017, p. 45. Book Review Index Plus,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A495720668/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=4715d1e4. Accessed 26 Mar. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A495720668
1 of 6 3/26/18, 5:16 PM
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
The God wave
The Bookwatch.
(Apr. 2017): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2017 Midwest Book Review http://www.midwestbookreview.com/bw/index.htm
Full Text:
The God Wave
Patrick Hemstreet
Harper Voyageur
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299 9780062419521, $15.99, www.harpercollins.com
The God Wave blends fiction, spirituality and science in a story of speculative science fiction that considers the results of scientists who uncover the key to harnessing the dormant brain power occupying ninety percent of the human brain. This leads to abilities that are godlike in nature, and which hold not only implications for human evolution, but for discerning the very nature of God. As corporate and political interests become involved in this revolutionary discovery, a host of special challenges emerges that holds many implications for all of society. Sci-fi readers who enjoy a powerful inspection of science and faith will find this a revealing, compelling story.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"The God wave." The Bookwatch, Apr. 2017. Book Review Index Plus, http://link.galegroup.com
/apps/doc/A491583224/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS&xid=4a428c89. Accessed 26 Mar. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A491583224
2 of 6 3/26/18, 5:16 PM
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
Hemstreet, Patrick: THE GOD WAVE
Kirkus Reviews.
(Nov. 1, 2014): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2014 Kirkus Media LLC http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Hemstreet, Patrick THE GOD WAVE Manuscript (Indie Fiction)
In this sci-fi debut, a team of neuroscientists exposes new capabilities in the brain that may steer human evolution toward miraculous--and deadly--frontiers.Chuck Brenton, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience, has been researching ways to harness the energy of the human brain for basic physical tasks. Ideally, his work would aid the handicapped or perhaps space and sea exploration. His data on gamma waves, however, is missing a baseline reading of the brain that would propel the research forward. When mathematician Matt Streegman contacts Chuck with key data from a deceased loved one's EEG readout, the two quickly team up. They open a lab called Advanced Kinetics and soon have test subjects using their minds--via the Brenton-Kobayashi Kinetic Interface--to manipulate both computer software and construction equipment. But Matt and Chuck differ fundamentally on what kind of investors to take on: medical or commercial. Stronger-willed Matt wins out and finds himself courted by military interests. He keeps the involvement of Gen. Howard a secret from Chuck long enough to enmesh the company in complex, restrictive research, from which there's no turning back. Yet Chuck and the test subjects--Mike, Sara, Mini, Lanfen and Tim--realize that military control of their work will lead to disaster. Luckily they have a few secrets of their own. Author Hemstreet has prepared a hard- science feast in his riveting, immensely satisfying debut. The science is always clearly stated, as are the corresponding metaphors, like one that sums up the neuroscientists' take on burgeoning brain power: "You develop the muscles appropriate to the activity, and you learn how to use them most effectively"--essentially, "these people are...flexing mental muscles we didn't know they had." His characters are studies in pointed charisma, especially Matt, who'd like to "[kick] God in the teeth." Audiences will fear for them as the plot subtly, horribly coils tighter. Ultimately, Hemstreet polishes his ideals regarding individuality and creative passion while bowing to the action/sci-fi formula. The result should be absolute bliss for fans of everything from Star Trek to X-Men. He writes a mean cliffhanger, too, one that hints at a sequel full of further narrative triumphs.A flat-out astonishing debut.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Hemstreet, Patrick: THE GOD WAVE." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Nov. 2014. Book Review Index Plus,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A387951428/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=2f97d9e7. Accessed 26 Mar. 2018.
3 of 6 3/26/18, 5:16 PM
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
Gale Document Number: GALE|A387951428
4 of 6 3/26/18, 5:16 PM
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
The God Wave
Publishers Weekly.
263.8 (Feb. 22, 2016): p71. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2016 PWxyz, LLC http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
The God Wave
Patrick Hemstreet. HarperVoyager, $24.99 (400p) ISBN 978-0-06-241950-7
In a strong debut reminiscent of Ben Bova's classic work, Hemstreet crafts a tense tale of cutting- edge SF in which an ambitious experiment leads to unexpected results. Neuroscientist Chuck Brenton and mathematician Matt Streegman, both at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, join forces in a project designed to allow people to control machinery with their minds. Collaborating with other specialists and test subjects, they form a company and plunge headlong into their research, which yields astounding results: with enough practice, people can master the so-called zeta brain wave to interface with technology without a physical connection at all. Chuck wants to dedicate the company to humanitarian goals, but Matt sees profit, quickly securing an exclusive contract with a shadowy U.S. government agency called Deep Shield. When Chuck learns Deep Shield's true purpose, he and his friends are forced into a desperate struggle for freedom. This works well as a techno-thriller with a plausible premise, and Hemstreet imbues his sprawling cast with depth and character. However, it suffers from a plodding predictability--the ideological split between Chuck and Matt and the conflict with Deep Shield are overplayed tropes yielding few surprises. Agent: Emma Parry, Janklmv andNesbit. (May)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"The God Wave." Publishers Weekly, 22 Feb. 2016, p. 71. Book Review Index Plus,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A444400955/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=5dacabc6. Accessed 26 Mar. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A444400955
5 of 6 3/26/18, 5:16 PM
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MA...
The God Wave
Internet Bookwatch.
(Apr. 2017): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2017 Midwest Book Review http://www.midwestbookreview.com
Full Text:
The God Wave
Patrick Hemstreet
Harper Voyageur
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299 9780062419521, $15.99, www.harpercollins.com
The God Wave blends fiction, spirituality and science in a story of speculative science fiction that considers the results of scientists who uncover the key to harnessing the dormant brain power occupying ninety percent of the human brain. This leads to abilities that are godlike in nature, and which hold not only implications for human evolution, but for discerning the very nature of God. As corporate and political interests become involved in this revolutionary discovery, a host of special challenges emerges that holds many implications for all of society. Sci-fi readers who enjoy a powerful inspection of science and faith will find this a revealing, compelling story. Question and Answer
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"The God Wave." Internet Bookwatch, Apr. 2017. Book Review Index Plus,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A493274901/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=b1d28a0a. Accessed 26 Mar. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A493274901
6 of 6 3/26/18, 5:16 PM
Book Review: The God Wave, by Patrick Hemstreet
Posted on April 1, 2017 by Brandon Murray
So many devices today respond to voice commands, but what if you could control technology simply by using your mind?
This concept is the driving force behind Patrick Hemstreet’s 2016 novel, The God Wave, in which an idealistic neuroscientist named Charles “Chuck” Brenton, a cynical mathematician named Matt Streegman, and a brilliant roboticist named Daisuke “Dice” Kobayashi, combine their expertise to create a device called the Brenton-Kobayashi Kinetic Interface (BKI) or “Becky” that does just that.
These three academics, along with a team of engineers and programmers, use “Becky” as the basis to begin a start-up company called Forward Kinetics. “Becky” allows a user to wear headgear that lets him or her operate a computer or simple robots with the power of thought, by translating brain wave patterns into computer code instructions. Simply put, what you think, the connected device does.
Forward Kinetics begins employing professionals from different fields to test the ways in which “Becky” can be used: Sara Crowell a CAD/CAM engineer, Tim “Troll” Desmond a video game designer, Minerva “Mini” Mause a graphic designer, and Mikhail “Mike” Yenotov an expert in the operation of construction equipment. With their help, the company begins looking for ways to market the technology to the world.
Chuck has a vision for “Becky” that would create advances in space exploration, the medical field (including increased mobility for those with the physically disabilities), computer design applications, and more. Matt Streegman, on the other hand, believes that only by pursuing possible law enforcement/ combat applications can their technology truly find financial success.
Despite this ideological disagreement, all at Forward Kinetics is going as planned until the employees testing the technologies begin accessing the previously-unknown “zeta” brain wave with their minds, unlocking abilities beyond anyone’s expectations.
When Matt, driven by personal demons, secretly employs a kung fu expert named Chen Lanfen to demonstrate the combat effectiveness of this technology, Forward Kinetics finds itself at the mercy of a clandestine military agency run by the mysterious General Howard. The Forward Kinetics team is forced to wonder if “Becky” is a blessing or a curse.
Intended to be part of a trilogy, The God Wave is an interesting example of adult fiction, as it wears many proverbial hats, much like its first-time novelist author. Hemstreet is also a “neuro-engineer, entrepreneur, patent-pending inventor, special warfare-trained Navy medic, standup comic, and actor.” He uses his professional knowledge to immerse the reader in the intricacies of this fictional technology and how one markets a product in a start-up business.
While fans of hard science fiction may enjoy that level of technical detail, those who are looking for more thriller or adventure-based material will have to wait for the latter part of the book, as it seems the plot is built around the idea of a trilogy rather than providing clear story resolutions at the end of this first installment. That being said, if you like robots, martial arts, and superhuman brain powers, then give this book some serious thought.
This entry was posted in book reviews, fiction, science fiction, Uncategorized and tagged adult fiction, book recommendations, book reviews, brain waves, computer science, kung fu, neuroscience, robotics. Bookmark the permalink.
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The God Peak
(The God Wave Trilogy, #2)
by Patrick Hemstreet
Released: August 21, 2017
Type: speculative fiction
Genres: science fiction
The thrilling speculative techno-science epic begun with The God Wave continues in this explosive adventure in which a team of neuroscientists must face the consequences of playing God when the super-humans they’ve created threaten to annihilate humanity
“A bombshell of a thriller full of everything I love... I can’t wait to read what happens next.” — James Rollins on The God Wave
They started with the best intentions...
Chuck Brenton had a simple idea: if brain waves can make the needles on an EEG machine move, why couldn’t they be trained to move other things? He and mathematician Matt Streegman developed an astonishing program that enabled a group of highly select individuals — test subjects they called the Alphas — to use their brains to manipulate both physical and digital objects. Their goal was to increase man's potential and make the world safer.
But when their secret program was discovered, the military stepped in to take control — and unwittingly began a battle that could spell the end of humankind. A trio of renegade Alphas have used their enhanced powers to take the world hostage. Though they say they want world peace, the rebels seem willing to sacrifice countless innocents lives to achieve their goals.
Horrified by what he has unleashed, Chuck is determined to stop the monsters he’s created, no matter the risks. Coming out of hiding, he and his team must wield their own burgeoning abilities to defeat the increasingly unstable superhuman terrorists.
Yet not everyone believes what the Alphas are doing is wrong. A cadre of supporters sees them as the next phase in human evolution and are eager to watch them burn society down on their way to transcendence...
Edited by Seregil of Rhiminee (2017-08-21)
Review: 'The God Peak' by Patrick Hemstreet Walks the Line Between Sci-Fi and Techno-Thriller
Science Fiction Sci-Fi Books
Chris Mahon
Tuesday, 22 August 2017 - 2:08PM
Review: 'The God Peak' by Patrick Hemstreet Walks the Line Between Sci-Fi and Techno-Thriller
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Image credit: Harper Voyager
The God Peak is one of those rare, ambitious titles that runs the boundary between being a techno-thriller, hard sci-fi, and something new. Neuromancer springs to mind, but so does The Da Vinci Code. If you haven't read our interview with Patrick Hemstreet, the author, go ahead and read that first—it helps you understand where The God Peak is coming from, and the kind of future it's looking toward.
As the second book in the series (the first is The God Wave), The God Peak spends a lot of time sorting through the fallout of the first book: there's a lot of exposition, a lot of bridging the gaps to make sure we're all up to speed, and that's fine. As soon as I opened the book, I knew I was in the hands of an author I could trust. You can tell that this is a book written by a scientist with lab experience—the level of detail given to the team's experiments and tech grounds everything in the confident language of a life-long techie (or, in this case, a neuro-engineer). The actual plotting of the book is incredibly brisk, with every new chapter bringing a new angle to the intrigue and raising the stakes little by little.
At the beginning of Peak, the major players are Deep Shield, the rogue Alphas, Chuck Brenton, and his team. The relationships between Chuck, Mini, Chen, Eugene, and Dice are the tissue that holds most of the book together, and despite the large roster it has to work with, the book handles their banter, fears, and romances well. This is a story about people and their minds, scientifically and emotionally, and it's refreshing to see a protagonist who isn't a lone wolf, but rather a leader. Brenton and his team are more or less normal people thrown into an extraordinary situation, and it's interesting to see them try to tackle issues (like power-mad psychokinetic terrorists holding the world hostage) that they never signed up for.
On the other hand, Kristian Lorstad, the mysterious benefactor of Chuck and Co., was a bit of an issue for me. Kristian is something like a cross between Count Dracula and a doctor from Thomas Mann's The Magic Mountain: he's inhumanly calm, composed, and wrapped up in the not-so-subtle aura that there are things he's not telling the crew. His interest in and experiments with the Zetas' abilities also highlight just how much work Hemstreet has to do to keep the rules of his neuroscience-based sci-fi clear and believable. Some of the Zeta's abilities seem dangerously close to magic (Clarkes' Third Law applies here), and though Hemstreet puts a lot of effort into explaining them, the answer of "quantum physics" sometimes feels like a stretch. It's a moot point, really—the real strength of The God Peak lies in its imagination, solid plotting, and vision. On top of that, it's got strong characters, a lot of neuroscience, and semi-autonomous ninja robots. What else could you really want?
The God Peak hits stores today! You can grab a copy from Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and check out more from Patrick Hemstreet on his website.
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Science Fiction / General Science Fiction
Image of The God Peak: A Novel (The God Wave Trilogy)
RT Rating:
Genre:
Science Fiction, General Science Fiction
Published:
August 22 2017
Publisher:
Harper Voyager
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RT Ratings Guide
5 GOLD: Phenomenal. In a class by itself.
4 1/2: TOP PICK. Fantastic. A keeper.
4: Compelling. A page-turner.
3: Enjoyable. A pleasant read.
2: Problematic. May struggle to finish.
1: Severely Flawed. Pass on this one.
THE GOD PEAK
Author(s):
Patrick Hemstreet
The science is largely left behind in this sequel, while the action is ramped up considerably. This volume expands on the abilities of the telekinetic protagonists, adding an exciting element that was somewhat lacking in its predecessor. The best part of the book, though, is the moral conundrum at its core: The story asks several questions about totalitarianism and the price of peace. The telekinetic trio at the center of the quandary wavers between altruism and narcissism, blurring the line between noble intentions and fascism. Is a world without war truly “peaceful” if that peace is forced upon the citizenry through violent means?
Neuroscientist Chuck Brenton and his telekinetic team have escaped the clutches of shadowy paramilitary organization Deep Shield, but were forced to leave three team members behind. Tired of being used, the remaining trio stage an insurrection and (violently) kick out Deep Shield’s leader and his soldier minions. They then use their abilities to attempt to force humanity into world peace. Meanwhile, Chuck’s team is rescued by another shadowy group of people with powers of their own, and sequestered away to research how to replicate the team’s psychic abilities. (HARPER VOYAGER, Aug., 384 pp., $26.99)
Reviewed by:
Leah Hansen
Science Fiction / General Science Fiction
Image of The God Wave: A Novel (The God Wave Trilogy)
RT Rating:
Genre:
Science Fiction, General Science Fiction
Published:
May 17 2016
Publisher:
Harper Voyager
Buy Now!
Amazon:
Buy Now
Barnes & Noble: Buy Now
*This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and purchase an item from the vendor, we receive a percentage of the profit (even if you don't buy the item we've linked to). Thank you for supporting RT Book Reviews!
Book Reviews
All Genres
Top Picks!
Contemporary Romance
Historical Romance
Historical Fiction
Romantic Suspense
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Paranormal
Fantasy
Urban Fantasy
Young Adult
Inspirational
Mainstream
Science Fiction
Series
Erotica
RT Review Source
RT Ratings Guide
5 GOLD: Phenomenal. In a class by itself.
4 1/2: TOP PICK. Fantastic. A keeper.
4: Compelling. A page-turner.
3: Enjoyable. A pleasant read.
2: Problematic. May struggle to finish.
1: Severely Flawed. Pass on this one.
THE GOD WAVE
Author(s):
Patrick Hemstreet
This is an astoundingly good debut novel. Hemstreet has managed to take an old trope — tapping into the “unused” 90 percent of the human brain to essentially gain super powers — and turns it into an electrifying story, enhanced greatly by excellent character studies and a serious tone. However, while the science seems almost plausible, the antagonist — a shady militaristic group — is entirely unrealistic. How the organization managed to hire an army’s worth of personnel, purchase state-of-the-art technology and build a secret base under a mountain without attracting the attention of a single branch of government is a stretch too far.
Neuroscientist Chuck Brenton hypothesizes that if a human brain can move a needle on paper during an EEG test, it could move other things as well. Along with a team of gifted test subjects, he manages to stimulate telekinetic abilities. He hopes this skill can be put toward noble uses such as space exploration and medicine, but instead, a powerful and mysterious organization is the first investor, and they have their own nefarious ideas. (HARPER VOYAGER, May, 400 pp., $24.99)
Reviewed by:
Leah Hansen
2
'The God Peak': Part 2 of The God Wave Trilogy continues the mind-bending fun
Dominic DeAngelo
Oct 21, 2017
11:00 PM
Patrick Hemstreet continues his inaugural venture into fiction with “The God Peak,” the second installment in “The God Wave Trilogy.” While his first book, “The God Wave,” carries every bit of that first novel feel, its sequel takes a few more risks and gives its plot a little more polish that makes it an easy one to cruise through.
"THE GOD PEAK (THE GOD WAVE TRILOGY)"
By Patrick Hemstreet
Harper Collins ($26.99).
The term “god wave” references the new heightened brain wave discovered by the trilogy’s main protagonist, Dr. Chuck Brenton, a spiritually grounded neuroscientist. In the first book, his cranium code was cracked with the help of his then business partner, Matt Streegman, a mathematician from MIT. Better known as the zeta wave, this brain wave taps into the other 90 percent of your noggin and grants a person the power of telekinesis, causing powerful entities to salivate at its potential uses.
The first book ends with Chuck and his team escaping their pursuers, a mysterious government-like operation known as Deep Shield, whose goal was to weaponize Chuck and Matt’s program until they were stopped by the Alphas (three test subjects with zeta wave ability). Due to what happens, Matt is considered a traitor among his colleagues and is unaware of Chuck and his team’s whereabouts while the three Alphas are still hunkered down in the former Deep Shield headquarters, which happens to be in a mountain in rural Pennsylvania.
Knowing they’re in trouble with the outside world, The Alphas: Sarah, Tim and Mike, continue to cultivate their powers to frightening levels so much that they start disrupting global affairs. The trio’s intentions are initially good, but the old adage that “power corrupts” becomes a scary factor for the “heart over head” Chuck and he sees the need to make peace.
Although the first book eventually struggled to walk the tightrope between good character development and blockbuster action, Mr. Hemstreet practically skips across that high-wire in “The God Peak.” He strengthens the characters and relationships that we’re already familiar with and puts them into exciting conflicts. He adds several other characters that enhance the novel’s readability.
One surprising example of that is the inclusion of an extremely strong presidential character by the name of Margaret Ellis. Typically, my zeta waves tend to go omega when the government gets involved in my fantasy fiction (I refer you back to Deep Shield), but Mr. Hemstreet makes these political segments the most entertaining to read and creates a commander-in-chief that any reader could write a ballot for; a tough feat to accomplish during these polarizing times.
However, Mr. Hemstreet shows he’s still a bit of a greenhorn novelist in the writing of some of his players, particularly with a group known as the Learned. Unlike Chuck and his developers who organically discovered the zeta wave, the Learned are a secret underworld society who achieve similar powers by floating in “immersion tanks.” The primary duo in this group, Lorstad and Alexis, are about as science fiction conventional as you can get. Their involvement in the story oversaturates and cheapens the zeta wave fantastical we were already willing to buy into. It also doesn’t help that Chuck’s squad is shacked up with them for a healthy part of the book, invoking a “been there, done that” vibe we had with “The God Wave.”
It’s easy to buy into the world of “The God Peak,” but you should still read “The God Wave” first because it adds to the climb you make with its broad cast of characters. The view from the top is worth it.
Dominic DeAngelo is a freelance writer living in the East End.