Pelagia

Steve Holloway

Description

'Such an enjoyable read. You're plunged into the story from the first paragraph, and it's a thrill ride from that point onward.' Nancy Gabriel, Electrical Engineer, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyFormer special forces agent turned particle physicist Ben Holden is on the run.The New Caliphate will stop at nothing to get their hands on his wifes scientific research, which is believed to hold the key to unleashing chaos in the West and advancing their cause.But in reality its Bens biometrics that have the potential to unlock the information they so desperately need. Within the oceanic world of Pelagia, in the year 2066, Ben finds sanctuary among the sea settlers of the South Pacific Pelagic Territory, but his respite is short-lived.

Sujets

• Thriller

Informations

• Publié par: Lion Hudson
• Date de parution: 18 juin 2021
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781782643586
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 1 Mo

Extrait

This multilayered story focuses on the effect of relationships and community on personal and spiritual healing and growth. Throughout the story, conflict is laced with whimsy, humour, and stunningly vivid descriptions of fish behaviour beneath the water s surface. A great read that s hard to put down, Holloway s story presents a vision of the future where barriers are overcome through an emphasis on creativity, trust, and group effort. I m already hoping for the chance to spend more time in the company of these characters. Sequel, please!
Nancy Oster, freelance journalist, California
Members of the Pelagic Territory - a realistic yet futuristic network of communities who farm and ranch marine species in the South Pacific Ocean - give sanctuary to former special forces officer Ben. He and the Pelagic settlers are swept up in a clash of world views and must bring the crisis to a resolution. A riveting novel.
Norm Reichenbach, professor of biology, Liberty University, Virginia
Pelagia beautifully blends fast-paced thrills, complex characters, and compelling near-future science to deliver a terrific read. As a marine biologist and fisheries scientist, Holloway is able to paint a portrait of life on the oceans that is both realistic and hopeful. Present-day themes of radical Islamic terrorism are developed and extended to draw the reader into a dangerous world, where a revitalized Islamic caliphate threatens global catastrophe. Holloway s many years living in the Islamic world enable him to give rich detail to the characters, offering intriguing glimpses into the world view and thought processes of those we in the West so often misunderstand and fear. I know of no other book that so well combines the themes of science fiction, politics, and faith in a realistic, heart-pumping thriller. I m looking forward to the sequel.
Roger Martin, PhD, environmental and natural resource economist, California
An exciting adventure set in a near future, where technological and scientific advancements have enabled whole communities to make the oceans their home. In among the action and moments that had me on the edge of my seat, this story explores important and sensitive concepts: the impact of loss and trauma; the many stages of healing; the power of community; the influence of faith; and the way our hearts and our innermost motivations can shape our world. The characters we meet along the way are refreshingly genuine, natural, and believable. I found myself fully immersed in their world and thoroughly enjoyed this read. I would love to have stayed there for longer!
Stephanie Bryant, science-faith communicator, UK
A stunning mix of thriller, science fiction, and exploration of religious belief. Marvel at nature, technology, and the activity of God in this tale of people interacting with one another, pursuing their dreams, and seeking to create new communities.
Jonathan Andrews, researcher and writer on the Christian communities of the Middle East and North Africa
Pelagia is a such an enjoyable read. You re plunged into the story from the first paragraph, and it s a thrill ride from that point onward Descriptions of the harmonious interaction between the sea and characters are so poetic at times it leaves you aching for that kind of peace and stillness. A great book on so many levels.
Nancy Gabriel, electrical engineer (MIT), California
As a science-fiction enthusiast and oceanographer, it was a pleasure to read a book that combines both interests. The story moves along at a good pace, and at each stage left me wanting to know what would happen next. The story is set in the near future and the scientific advances it relies on are reasonable projections of current research directions, making the plot believable Pelagia is an interesting and enjoyable book to read.
Meric Srokosz, professor of physical oceanography,
National Oceanography Centre, UK
Pelagia is an intriguing story with page-turning excitement. I was amazed by the science within the story; wonders of the ocean depths and its other-worldly creatures. I was mesmerized by the science fiction within the story; fantastic futuristic machines and the things they can do. Pelagia even has love and romance. The characters are also well developed. You feel you know them in a short amount of time; both the good guys and the bad. A great read!
Jacqueline Wallace, author, California
If you like Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Robert Ludlum - with a little Jacques Cousteau thrown in - you ll enjoy reading Pelagia. It is a unique, original, fresh, and interesting vision of the not-too-distant future of mariculture, human culture, and the constant battle between good and evil. It is the story of a protagonist you are always pulling for - who has experienced a series of catastrophic personal setbacks that rocked him to his core - salvation, second chances, and those who helped lead him to redemption and healing. Each chapter leads into a new series of unanticipated events that culminate in a satisfying and realistic conclusion.
Rob Fitch, professor of biology, Wenatchee Valley College, Washington
PELAGIA
BETWEEN THE STARS AND THE ABYSS
STEVE HOLLOWAY
Text copyright 2021 Steve Holloway
This edition copyright 2021 Lion Hudson IP Limited
The right of Steve Holloway to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Lion Hudson Limited
Wilkinson House, Jordan Hill Business Park
Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 8DR, England
www.lionhudson.com
ISBN 978 1 78264 339 5
e-ISBN 978 1 78264 358 6
First edition 2021
Cover image Adam Holloway
Acknowledgments
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
To the steady star of my life, Kitty, whose encouragement, support, patience - and occasional prod - helped distil this book from a dream.
C ONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
A CKNOWLEDGMENTS
Fictional narratives are often conceived in scribbling solitude as the writer captures imagination within a net of words. However, it was connecting with a community of friends and other willing readers that breathed life into the story of Pelagia - helped shape it, refine the texture, colour, and character, and finally give it a sheen. These several dozen courageous individuals offered their time to engage deeply with the story, giving me the gift of objectivity which allowed me to view the narrative through their eyes. They sustained my motivation through the many drafts with their honest, encouraging, and insightful feedback.
I would therefore like to thank: Peter and Jan Aijian, Darcy Albers, Celeste Allen, Cheryl Anderson, William Barker, Paul Beam, David Bok, Maureen Chapman, John and Melanie Dodd, Courtney Duncan, Christine Eitzen, Barbara Essex, Rob Fitch, Ruth Forney, Nancy Gabriel, Margaret Graham, Rebekka Greenlee, James Hazleton, Kim Hesse, Eric Holloway, Gina Holloway, Laura Holloway, Martin Horton, Ken Howard, Jason Jones, Alicia Kronick, Jason Lawton, Jim Leftwich, Phil MacInnes, Steve Mack, Kristine Magee, Roger and Tammy Martin, Chris Maynard, Dominic Meering, Karen Miller, David and Nancy Oster, Norm Reichenbach, Mike Shelton, Meric Srokosz, Danial Sutami, Don Thomason, Liza West, Ron Williams, Karyn Wloczewski, The Writers Bloc of Chesham, and Robyn Yates.
I am also deeply indebted to the constructive and ruthless work of professional editors who guided me in polishing the manuscript. They include Fay Sampson, Jaqueline Wallace, Carol Holloway, Joy Tibbs, Mary Davis, and especially Fiona Veitch-Smith, who believed in Pelagia enough to recommend it to her publisher.
Of course, I am grateful for many, many others who have shaped my story simply because they have shared in my life journey.
C HAPTER O NE
2 July 2066, Forty-five miles south-west of New Caledonia, South Pacific
A lone gull swept through the last gleams of the day, high above the open sea. The gull dipped and turned on gusts of wind, wings white before the rising darkness of a storm. Below, a yacht s engines strained to stay ahead of the advancing blackness. A man at the helm pressed the throttle further forward, scanning the dials and repeatedly glancing behind.
The bird circled the boat in lazy arcs. Then it wheeled down and away, skimming the waves. Diving suddenly into an approaching swell, the gull left a ring of ripples in its wake.
The gale-driven swells increased. Blackness arched above, dwarfing the lone craft. Clouds of spray and foam swirled through the air, whipped from the waves. On deck, several figures scrambled, slipping about the cockpit as they secured the gear. The crew slammed hatches closed as rain swallowed the yacht in a deluge.
*
Ben felt lightness. His body was almost weightless, then rudely pulled down with a slam. Nausea assaulted him as his mind groped towards a twilit awareness.
A rhythmic roar drew his attention, thrumming through the floor and walls. An engine? The plunging and shuddering crashes. Waves. His mind began to recognize his environment. A boat.
His chest tensed: Somalia? No, no, that was long ago. The grip of that terror relaxed and withdrew into a dark memory