Synopsis

What if the Darkest Minds on Earth Discovered How to Subdue Future Generations?

When Californians start getting sick with flu-like symptoms, traumatized engineer Jake Bendel is once again forced to work with the FBI to discover the cause. With his new desalination plants behind schedule and searing pressure from the California Governor, Jake uncovers a secret network of vengeful terrorists planning catastrophic genetic modifications.

But before the engineer can find a way to cure the masses, he himself is injected with the virus, forcing him to dig deep to track down the leader of the terrorist group. Using strength from recent losses in order to save the lives of millions, Jake overcomes drone strikes and bunker bombs to discover the mastermind behind the plot, but not until the very end does he realize he’s been chasing someone who can’t possibly be caught.

Amazon * B&N * Indiebound

Praise

“The breakneck pace will surely thrill and delight many.” — Sarasota Magazine

“Bennecke was able to create a suspenseful story that was driven by an action-packed plot. The book pulled me in and left me eager for the next installment.” — OnlineBookClub.org

Review

This fast-paced thriller intrigued me, frightened me, and kept me on the edge of my seat. How would this virus affect the population and crops?

The crux of this story takes place over a few days, but the whole book spans about two weeks, from the initial chapter until the end. The story begins with Jake being kidnapped, leaving a diner, and injected with a drug that makes him susceptible to coercion, but he won’t remember anything that he said or did afterward. That is until weeks later when his project with a water plant starts to go awry. That is when everything starts unraveling.

While it isn’t necessary to read the first book by this author, Civil Terror: Gridlock, I think it would be very helpful. I will admit I was a bit confused at the beginning, not understanding the relationship between Jake and Viktor, how their lives intersected and why there was such animosity between the two. However, I did finally put the pieces together, but had I read the first book, I wouldn’t have felt discombobulated in the beginning.

The book does have some technical jargon peppered throughout, but I didn’t find it to be overwhelming or take away from the story. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their relationships with one another. There are some surprising twists in the story, so don’t think you have it all figured out! We do know who is behind everything early in the book and there is a surprise near the end that has me intrigued and ready to read the next book to find the answer.

This book hits a range of emotions and is well done. Sure, some of it may not be realistic, but that is the great thing about fiction: you can make anything possible, and in the future, it just might become a reality.

We give this 4 paws up.

About the Author

J. Luke Bennecke is a native Californian and veteran civil engineer. His first book, Civil Terror: Gridlock, became an Amazon Bestseller. Bennecke currently resides in Southern California with his wife of 30 years, whom he enjoys traveling with, and three spunky cats. Waterborne is his second novel.

Website * Twitter * Instagram * Goodreads

Facebook * LinkedIn * BookBub