Yes, dear friends, I finally got myself an e-reader. It has been a long time coming, but I finally succumbed to it about two weeks ago. Why now? Simple: I just couldn’t go on without reading the work of some of my fave authors, like this spotlighted fellow who’s been at it for quite some time now. Ever since I entered his world via his first mainstream published work, THE RED CHURCH (from Pinnacle), I’ve been following his career. Six mass market paperbacks later, a big twist occurs: the guy changes gears by self-publishing. A bold move, but one that ultimately pays off. However, for the old school readers like myself this does not sit well. Gone are the affordable soft-covers with his name on them. Now it’s the e-book way or no way. Not really, but the only other avenue is the trade paperback editions, and those cost more. Hence my newly purchased e-reader which finally enables me to enjoy his many books at a cheaper price.
AFTER: THE ECHO is his latest self-published baby (available wherever e-books are sold). It is the continuing story of survivors amid a massive solar disruption that turns most people into killing machines. They are called Zapheads, and with good reasons: they act as though any common sense had been totally wiped out of their minds. Although in this second installment, Nicholson implies that all is not what it seems. Are they really the enemy? Or are they just a new and improved bunch out to surpass what is left of the human civilization? Only the author knows, but since part three will only be available next fall (but rejoice, a prequel will be up and about this spring) one can’t help but speculate.
In the meantime, I hope this teaser makes you want to get involved, for it is a worthy read. Once again, the author succeeds in enticing you with his well-defined characters and plot, making AFTER: THE ECHO a finely-tuned yarn despite its short stance (about 160 pages on my e-reader). And if you’re a Nicholson fan you already know that there’ll be a recurrent religion theme of good against evil, though the author clearly holds back in this one. But it’s interesting to note that the involvement factor is just as strong whether you agree with his views or not. Just as long as the tale leaves you feeling satiated, and judging by this Scott Nicholson’s latest, it probably will. So go on, indulge, and see what the fuss is all about.
Until next post—Martin
