Monday, December 27, 2021

Review: Starpassage: Cyber Plague by Clark Rich Burbidge

Today's 2nd review swings through time, mixing history with modern day twins...and pursuers, who can't be trusted. This is the 4th book in the series, and nope, I haven't read the other three. I loved the idea of mixing fact and science fiction. Plus, this series has won some awards. 

Ready to see where and when we'll go?


CYBER PLAGUE
StarPassage, Book Four
by Clark Rich Burbidge
Illustrated by Karl C Hepworth
Deep River Books LLC
YA Science Fiction
304 pages












In Book One, teenagers Tim and Martie are desperate to end their parents' downward spiral. Then an ancient Christmas ornament reveals its secrets, sending the siblings across the centuries on a search for hope. But Tim and Martie aren't the only ones hunting through time. They're being watched by dark figures-Trackers doomed to haunt history. These Trackers believe the teens' ornament is their key to freedom, and they will do whatever it takes to steal it.

In Book Two, Bobby and Mike are struggling after a tragic accident rocked their family. With the help of the Carson family, they go on a dangerous adventure to solve riddles, save lives, escape the stronger, faster Trackers, and experience some of the most dreadful and exciting moments in history.

In Book Three. Mike longs to help a struggling new patient who may hold dangerous secrets. An evil Tracker has escaped to the present, bringing with him plans to end the world. Our growing band of travelers work together to resist the powerful Trackers at every turn while trying to solve the relic's riddles and guard against the ever-growing risk of betrayal.

Now the Gold Medal winning saga continues with Book Four. Contemporary twin sisters are thrust into a compelling adventure with a mysterious warrior from the past who holds secrets even he does not understand. In the most dangerous adventure yet, our unlikely heroes are thrust into a dangerous and uncertain future where humanity is on the verge of extinction. Pulled from the pages of our modern world, a dangerous cyber plague, societal breakdown, and the relentless Trackers must be overcome to preserve the future. Our inexperienced new travelers must learn quickly to survive while overcoming a series of impossibly complicated and interwoven threats.


GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /   B&N   /   BOOK DEPOSITORY


MY TIDBITS

Historic facts and other true tidbits mix with an exciting tale, holding time travel, adventure, sibling love, and the determination to do what is right.

Tocho, a Native American, is on one of his first hunts, and while he succeeds, he's accidentally thrown into the future. Here, the twins, Callie and Courtney, have been dreaming of him and realize that they have a star, but aren't sure how to use it. With a powerful group chasing them and dangerous situations awaiting around every bend, the sisters do their best not only to escape but to save the world.

First off, I did not read the other books in this series, which is a mistake. The books, obviously, build on each other to enough extent, that there is background information missing, which makes it a little difficult to completely sink into this read. So, I don't recommend this one as a stand alone.

This is a quick-paced read, which thrills as it bounces between times. It's a lovely mix of reality, history, and science fiction impossibility. Starting in the past with Tocho, the forest and hunt draws in as true to life as possible, thanks to obvious research on the author's part. While the landscape and such aren't that rich in description, the author, instead, slips in facts about the animals, and these perfectly blend into the tale. The hunt scene builds tensions, introduces Tocho, and even brings along some history. Before it grows boring, the science fiction shoots in, and starts adventure pure. When this mixes with modern day scenes and tech, it gains familiarity...and yet, the author makes sure to keep feeding interesting facts the entire way through. 

The twins, Callie and Courtney, have a wonderful relationship and are both down to earth. They come across mostly natural and are the kind of girls readers wouldn't mind having as friends. Their decisions and actions are understandable, and their determination is golden. Not everything runs smoothly, but that's what makes them so interesting and easy to root for. 

The twists and turns are well laid, and with the Trackers on the heroine's tails, there's never a dull moment. There is quite a bit of action, and the messages are inspiring. This one is sold as a young adult read, but it reads more like an upper middle grade novel. There is a lack of depth in the scene building and characters, which suits this lower level better. So, that's where my recommendation goes. 

It's definitely an easy read with all sorts of goodness along with action and fun. 




And here he is...

Clark Burbidge's path to becoming an award winning author had distant beginnings. He received an MBA degree from the University of Southern California and a BS Degree in finance from the University of Utah. His career spans 31 years in banking, project finance, investment banking and more recently as Chief Financial Officer of three separate companies.

He has been actively involved in community and church service, including lay youth and adult ministry, for over 35 years. It has been his long-term dream to write and publish several works that have been kicking around in his mind for many years. His first book, Life on the Narrow Path: A Mountain Biker's Guide to Spiritual Growth in Troubled Times was released nationally in March 2011. His second book A Piece of Silver was published in July 2011 and is currently entering its 2nd edition. Clark enjoys life in the foothills of the Rockies with his wife, children and three grandchildren. He looks forward to this next phase of life's wonderful adventures.(from Goodreads)


1 comment:

Heather N. Quinn said...

It's always fun to find a good series, and this sounds like a good one. Thanks!