Book Jacket

 

rank 1204
word count 31913
date submitted 30.08.2010
date updated 06.09.2010
genres: Fiction, Thriller, Science Fiction,...
classification: moderate
incomplete

Nexus

Stephen Mould

A Sci-fi detective story about the vagaries of memory and the differences between man and machine.

 

Nexus is a sci-fi story with shades of pulp detective fiction. Although it is a complete novel, only the first 20 of 36 chapters are presented here so far.
When a series of suspicious accidents are revealed as something more sinister, it’s up to Detective Devon McKinley to solve the case. And when the victims are revealed to be volunteers to join Nexus, the human-computer hybrid that governs the country, the case becomes increasingly urgent.
But with the computer partner in his head, a genetically engineered super-boy and the calling cards of a supposedly dead serial killer to deal with, the revelation that Nexus itself might be implicated in the deaths could be enough to send Devon over the edge.
As the last subject of an experiment that went horribly wrong and with a history of severe depression, Devon knows all about madness and death. Which is fortunate, as madness and death is precisely what Nexus has in store for him.

 
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tags

, computer, crime, detective, distopia, murder, sci-fi, utopia

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40 comments

 

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aldousremoved wrote 519 days ago

Without wishing to diminish the uniqueness of this it feels like Blade Runner meets Children of Men. It also feels authentic, scary, compelling and confronting. Your style has a literary tone to it, but it isn't a sycophantic read, it works. For example, I liked a lot "two's company, three's a breakdown" and comparing Albion to a hard drive is simply great writing. Although I've still some way to go, this has bollocks. Your editing is sharp, I'm not sure I spotted any grammar, spelling or syntax errrors (not that I was looking, as your story had me hooked in). You should feel rightly proud of what you've accomplished thus far, I'm hoping you've finished it and that this isn't a toe in the water like so many of the other reads on this site? Best of luck with it. Backed with the hope and confidence in seeing it on a real bookshelf some day soon. Cheers, Anthony

CarolinaAl wrote 524 days ago

A clever science fiction thriller. Vivid settings. Empathetic characters. True-to-life dialogue. Insightful. A riveting, fabulous read. Backed.

Andrew Burans wrote 524 days ago

You have written a very interesting and unique storyline, which I do like, and created a most memorable main character in Devon. The dialogue is realistic and well written and the pace of your story flows well. All of this along with your descriptive writing makes your work a pleasure to read. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

Kid A wrote 523 days ago

What can I say after siting here and reading all eighteen of your Chapters in one day? This is quite simply brilliant. Your writing is wonderfully clean, your dialogue believable, your exposition close to flawless. I would buy this at the drop of a hat. Nexus is a story that gives anything written by Philip K. Dick a run for their money. Anyone reading this that thinks this is just a typical authonomite's hyperbolic "If I gush and sing about your book enough you might back mine" comment, think again. If you like smart, tech-savvy Science Fiction, coupled with tightly plotted murder-mystery worthy of The Wire, then you need to read this book.

AshNau wrote 137 days ago

I adore this! I've backed it before and wanted to give it another read and another turn on my shelf. This book captures the beauty of sci-fi noir perfectly! Your characters draw me in right away and I want to be right there with them!

WendyMSR wrote 502 days ago

42 reminded me immediately of two things...Bob from The Dresden Files tv show, and the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything.

The opening is wonderful. It's brief, it provides enough detail to establish setting, mood, and the MC's situation...dedicated cop with AI in his brain, grieving a lost love, and being transferred. I want to follow him to Albion and find out exactly what Nexus has done with his brain.

Good job, and good luck!

Wendy
January Black

Linda Lou wrote 513 days ago

NEXUS-Stephen Mould
hullo Stephen. not too much into sci-fi but the sort of dual personalities between your MC and his 42 are cool. Already shelved and backed.
Please take a look at my book if you have not and thanks for that.
Linda Lou Long
Southern dis-Comfort
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=11421

wespollet wrote 515 days ago

Hi Steven, It hooked me, not a sci-fi person but this kept me turning the pages therefore I BACK the book! Harold Alvin(ICON)Wesley

memphisgirl wrote 515 days ago

This is a tight-fisted, gripping start gearing up for a thrill ride. I'm invested to read to the end.

Memphisgirl
Ashes By Now

Lara wrote 515 days ago

It must be difficult to write crime fiction without it being samey but the sci-fi addition moves it notches. I dipped in to 11 and found it very well written, flowing smoothly. The outcast character does pin the whole together nicely and ensure that the human element remains memorable in the story.
Lara
Good for Him

K.Z. Freeman wrote 516 days ago

Very engaging, good conversations and solid characters.

Elizabeth Wolfe wrote 516 days ago

Dear Stephen,
Your writing is so immediate, so compelling and descriptive. It's right in your face - that is hard to do! I read your opening chapter and felt drawn into the story without hesitation. Excellent!

BACKED
Elizabeth Wolfe (MEMORIES OF GLORY)

IrieKarma wrote 518 days ago

This is the first book I've read since coming back to the site. So glad i picked this first. Sci-fi is alive and well. Popped you on my shelf, good luck:)

Eveleen wrote 518 days ago

Nexus
A lot is happening in the first chapter, one wants to read on
Backed
Eveleen
(Turning a new leaf)

aldousremoved wrote 519 days ago

Without wishing to diminish the uniqueness of this it feels like Blade Runner meets Children of Men. It also feels authentic, scary, compelling and confronting. Your style has a literary tone to it, but it isn't a sycophantic read, it works. For example, I liked a lot "two's company, three's a breakdown" and comparing Albion to a hard drive is simply great writing. Although I've still some way to go, this has bollocks. Your editing is sharp, I'm not sure I spotted any grammar, spelling or syntax errrors (not that I was looking, as your story had me hooked in). You should feel rightly proud of what you've accomplished thus far, I'm hoping you've finished it and that this isn't a toe in the water like so many of the other reads on this site? Best of luck with it. Backed with the hope and confidence in seeing it on a real bookshelf some day soon. Cheers, Anthony

KW wrote 520 days ago

Hell, the title alone makes me want to back this as well as the cover. Of course, the combination of SF and detective thriller forces me to do so. Simply, I love the description: "smelt of ozone and madness." Lawler dancing on the edge of a roof with a knife, and 42 "twittering excitedly" in Devon's head makes for a Philip Dick kind of story. I love this. Who or what is Nexus and why is Devon one of its "little pet projects?" If he doesn't do it, they will take his gun, pension and half his brain. No doubt that includes 42. But can he leave Helen, although dead, and London? I'll be back to read more once I get a little more time. Maybe having a 42 would help. Backed for now.

The Collector wrote 521 days ago

Stephen sounds good. hsv eadded to WL and will read later this w/end

David
The Collector of Tales

The Collector wrote 521 days ago

Stephen sounds good. hsv eadded to WL and will read later this w/end

David
The Collector of Tales

missyfleming_22 wrote 522 days ago

Very interesting and thought provoking science fiction. The scariest parts of sci-fi to me are wondering how close we are to it being reality. You give us a vivid view of this world, and the characters in it. I like the tension and mystery you build, it makes me want to keep reading. This really impressed me! Awesome job!

Missy
Mark of Eternity

Pims wrote 522 days ago

Good stuff.
Typos and a bit of grammatical correction needed but I really enjoyed the style and story progression. What 's the ETA on the rest??

Anyway, the first novel I've backed since joining :)

Kid A wrote 523 days ago

What can I say after siting here and reading all eighteen of your Chapters in one day? This is quite simply brilliant. Your writing is wonderfully clean, your dialogue believable, your exposition close to flawless. I would buy this at the drop of a hat. Nexus is a story that gives anything written by Philip K. Dick a run for their money. Anyone reading this that thinks this is just a typical authonomite's hyperbolic "If I gush and sing about your book enough you might back mine" comment, think again. If you like smart, tech-savvy Science Fiction, coupled with tightly plotted murder-mystery worthy of The Wire, then you need to read this book.

Kid A wrote 523 days ago

1. Nice start. Very clean, unfussy writing. I like the juxtaposition between Devon and 42 on the roof and the realization that they're sitting at the desk watching the scene. I like that Devon's an outcast. I'm assuming that he's the only one with a 42 in his head. Walking passed the other cops and them all stopping what they're doing was cool. Kind of reminded me of Robocop. Small Typo: "I've got new orders for you McKinley..." There should be a comma after McKinley.
2. "Two's company, three's a breakdown." Nice wordplay. Ditto for your imagery (Shanty towns, graveyards, particularly the corpses of cars). Liking the distant-but-possible feeling of this, the synchronized laughter in the carriage.
3. Small typo: 'Francis lead the way again." Lead should be led.

Right. Three Chapters in and I'm loving this. Other than the positives I've pointed out already, I like the way you drip-feed information about your future world through your exposition without being overly verbose or throwing it down your reader's throat. Seriously, good stuff, as good as anything I've read up here. Awesome. I'll be back to read more (and add to my chapter notes for your future edits).
4. All fine.
5.“They have lived their entire lives behind walls.” Maybe: “They have lived their entire lives behind closed doors.”?
6.“One death, of a head-gamer playing a legal game whose head-case had burnt out and melted turned his brain into hot ice pudding.” Maybe a comma after melted. Definitely change turned to turning. Like where this is going, particularly the AI element with Michael.
7. "Very good sir, you're free to proceed." Comma in front of sir. I would proof read the paragraphs under this one. It happens about three times.
9. Paragraph starting: "I've been ordered to look after you...": "If you give be any bother..."
10. Couple of little things: "Are we going to your work now?" he asked, watching the other customers going in and out." The next time Mike speaks: ""I know," Mike said turning from the woman." No woman is specified when Michael asks the question. Later on: "...Mike glanced around him nervously." Himself? Later on "I know a lot about you Chief Inspector..." Should have a comma after you.
11. "All due respect officer..." Ditto
13. "Accidents are easy..." The rest of this paragraph is in the past tenths, so are should be were. Later: "Fine, leave it until you here back from..." Hear. Later "Interview room four is free sir," Comma after free. Next sentence, same thing.
14. End of 14: Bom Bum Bom! Drama!
15. In Malcolm's office. He uses the word up-grades. Upgrade is one word.
16. From "Domestic sir..." As this conversation progresses, there're multiple missing commas before an addressed name (sir, etc). The end of this Chapter: Bom Bum Bom! Drama!
17. "It doesn't mean anything Devon," Insert ,! S[each beginning "He was clever..." "It's network..." should be its. Paragraph beginning: Take him to HQ.." You use the word lead instead of led. Later: "We need to move quickly Devon." Add ,
18: Everything is fine. A "cherry-picker" comment will follow.

yasmin esack wrote 523 days ago

Very polished writing and well constructed drama.

Great read

The Mind Setter

CarolinaAl wrote 524 days ago

A clever science fiction thriller. Vivid settings. Empathetic characters. True-to-life dialogue. Insightful. A riveting, fabulous read. Backed.

Andrew Burans wrote 524 days ago

You have written a very interesting and unique storyline, which I do like, and created a most memorable main character in Devon. The dialogue is realistic and well written and the pace of your story flows well. All of this along with your descriptive writing makes your work a pleasure to read. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

Frank James wrote 524 days ago

To Stephen Mould (Nexus),

This is a well thought out story, well written, some good humour and well paced. I like what I've read, so far, and will BACK you. Nexus is on my bookshelf. Good luck.

Frank James (The Contractor)

zan wrote 524 days ago

Nexus

Stephen Mould

"A Sci-fi detective story about the vagaries of memory and the differences between man and machine." Interesting short pitch and even more interesting long pitch. Shades of Isaac Asimov flickered as I read.
"The rain was a thousand frozen needles jabbing at my face and blinding my eyes" was a good sentence to start with. I tried to imagine this and really, I had a sensation of the raindrops feeling like exploding grenades in my mind's eye. Your writing style is very individualistic which is a good sign. The world was a raging torrent of confusion and madness. The voice in my head was calm. What exactly is going on here? I wondered. Why is 42 twittering and jabbering in his head? I find your plot, your writing unusual and clever and I love the intrigues of Nexus's plans for Devon - the fact that Nexus has in store madness and death for Devon - but what is more intriguing, and also fortunate at the same time, is that Devon knows all about madness and death. Pity he would have to leave London and Helen - although her earthly remains were long swallowed by the river. It didn't matter that she wouldn't know he was gone, or care. It was enough that he'd be gone . . . Sad note here, but lots of excitement to come so I'll come back for another fix soon. Pleased to have backed this - well deserving.

Christian Piatt wrote 524 days ago

Stephen:
This is a twist on the sci fi genre I haven't seen before, and your author's voice stands apart too. I'm not generally a voracious fan of science fiction, but good writing merits support, regardless of style.
Best of luck with your book. Backed.
Peace,
Christian Piatt
PULLING THE GOALIE

name falied moderation wrote 524 days ago

Dear Stephen


I have started to read your writing and must say that it is compelling. Already you have established your animated characters in my head, ( they are not leaving soon) and i feel strongly to back your book now. I do wish to be part of your climb to the top on this site. CONGRATS and I will comment more as I read more

BACKED BY ME FOR SURE.
Please take a moment to look, COMMENT which is important to me, and BACK my book. if not that is OK also

The VERY best of luck to you

Denise
The Letter

Benjamin Dancer wrote 524 days ago

I jumped into ch 10 for the adventure of it. Good sense of humor, good pacing, believable dialogue. Without context, because of my rash jump into ch 10, I wondered if 42 was an allusion to Hitchhiker's Guide. I guess I'll have to come back for more to know. In any case, I backed the story already--yesterday. Good luck with it!

Walden Carrington wrote 525 days ago

Stephen,
The reader is drawn into Nexus from the first paragraph with your exquisite descriptions and is soon swept away as the enthralling plot is unraveled. Backed with enthusiasm.

Jack Hughes wrote 525 days ago

An impressive opening. I've only read a little but I can see that this is a good story with an intriguing premise and strong characters. Backed with every confidence, good luck Stephen.

Jack Hughes
Dawn of Shadows

CamilleS wrote 525 days ago

Polished and well written. I want to find out what Albion is like! Backing!

Camille
Curse of the Golden Fly

PATRICK BARRETT wrote 525 days ago

This is really absorbing and I have not come across the idea of the computer voice inside a head before. The scenes where '42' speaks and Devon answers, sometimes forgetting that he is the only one to hear the voice are inspired and can be the cause of either confusion or enlightenment later in the book. Well done. Paula Barrett (Cuthbert-how mean is my valley)

Barry Wenlock wrote 525 days ago

Hi Stephen, I read chapter one and was impressed. the opening is tense and straight in there with some action and credible dialogue.
McKinley is already establishing himself as a strong character and we find out lots about him from your astute writing. His internal dialogue with 42 is particularly intriguing and I look forward to hearing more on that. Expressions such as 'the Sully girl's face' helped create the feeling of tension, danger and disgust and was a card well played. McKinley's transfer and his inner 42 response is a good lead in to the hook line.
I'll read more when I have time.
Backed with pleasure,
Barry
LITTLE KRISNA AND THE BIHAR BOYS

BJ Otto wrote 525 days ago

This is a great read with a very strong writing ability. You have a way with the descriptive that lends itself well to your story. Well Done. Backed.

celticwriter wrote 525 days ago

Hi Stephen, nice consistent structure, good way you string sentences logically one right after the other. Nice read! Backed.

blessings,
jim
jack & charmian london

SusieGulick wrote 525 days ago

Dear Stephen, I backed your book 6 hours ago & have finally had time to read & comment on it. I love #42 because it reminds me of Agent 99 in Get Smart. :) I love detective stories & read all of Nancy Drew's in high school. :) Would like to have seen the end of your story. :) Your pitch drew me in to read & your tight dialogue & paragrahps, including your suspense kept me reading. :) Hope you'll take a moment to back my 2 memoir books. :) I would be ever so grateful. :) Thank you. :) Love, Susie :)

This is information from authonomy (so beware of any other untrue information you may receive that is spam & not quotes of authonomy):
"When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved"
"Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs."

Herschel Shirley wrote 525 days ago

Good story and well written. Backed.

Craig Ellis wrote 525 days ago

Good sci-fi, with the ubiquitous 42. Still not sure what it is, but it's endearing enough to keep me reading. You've left us a case with a question mark hanging over it, and a transfer. Great way to draw a reader to the next chapter.

Good dialogue and narrative throughout.

In the sentence that contains "blurted suddenly." you could lose the "suddenly, and in the next sentence, "eventually" could also also be taken out. As I've been told on here a thousand times, adverbs are the anti-christ.

Great read. Backed.

Craig Ellis
The Sun and the Saber

SteveMould wrote 525 days ago


Cheers for that.

Steve.

In your short pitch, where you have "vaguries" I think you mean "vagaries".

Regards,
Kevin Clark
(Will of God)

KClark64 wrote 526 days ago

In your short pitch, where you have "vaguries" I think you mean "vagaries".

Regards,
Kevin Clark
(Will of God)

lizjrnm wrote 526 days ago

Well written so far and easy to back!

Liz
The Cheech Room
A Fine Pickle

SusieGulick wrote 526 days ago

:) comment to follow - read & commented on 6 hours later :)

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