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HOW MANY PEOPLE WOULD YOU KILL TO LIVE FOREVER?
Imagine a world where soldiers regenerate and continue fighting without pause, where suicide bombers live to strike again and again. This is the dream of Richard Ridley, founder of Manifold Genetics, and he has just discovered the key to eternal life: an ancient artifact buried beneath a Greek-inscribed stone in the Peruvian desert.
When Manifold steals the artifact and abducts archaeologist Dr. George Pierce, United States Special Forces Delta operator Jack Sigler, call sign King, and his “Chess Team” —Queen, Knight, Rook, Bishop, and their handler, Deep Blue—give chase. Formed under special order from President Duncan, they are the best of America’s Special Forces, tasked with antiterrorism missions that take them around the world against any threat, ancient, modern, and at times, inhuman. With cutting-edge weapons, tough-as-nails tactics, and keen intellects, they stand alone on the brink, facing the world’s most dangerous threats.
Ridley’s plan to create unstoppable soldiers has just made him threat number one. Tension soars along with the body count as the team faces high-tech security forces, hordes of “regens,” the horrific results of Manifold’s experiments, and a resurrected mythological predator complete with regenerative abilities, seven heads, and a savage appetite. The Chess Team races to save Pierce and stop Manifold before they change the face of genetics—and human history—forever.
Heart-pounding action combines with adrenaline-charged suspense in the first of Jeremy Robinson’s smart, sharp series featuring the Chess Team.
Imagine a world where soldiers regenerate and continue fighting without pause, where suicide bombers live to strike again and again. This is the dream of Richard Ridley, founder of Manifold Genetics, and he has just discovered the key to eternal life: an ancient artifact buried beneath a Greek-inscribed stone in the Peruvian desert.
When Manifold steals the artifact and abducts archaeologist Dr. George Pierce, United States Special Forces Delta operator Jack Sigler, call sign King, and his “Chess Team” —Queen, Knight, Rook, Bishop, and their handler, Deep Blue—give chase. Formed under special order from President Duncan, they are the best of America’s Special Forces, tasked with antiterrorism missions that take them around the world against any threat, ancient, modern, and at times, inhuman. With cutting-edge weapons, tough-as-nails tactics, and keen intellects, they stand alone on the brink, facing the world’s most dangerous threats.
Ridley’s plan to create unstoppable soldiers has just made him threat number one. Tension soars along with the body count as the team faces high-tech security forces, hordes of “regens,” the horrific results of Manifold’s experiments, and a resurrected mythological predator complete with regenerative abilities, seven heads, and a savage appetite. The Chess Team races to save Pierce and stop Manifold before they change the face of genetics—and human history—forever.
Heart-pounding action combines with adrenaline-charged suspense in the first of Jeremy Robinson’s smart, sharp series featuring the Chess Team.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 26, 2009
251 people are currently reading
5099 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Robinson
158 books2,567 followersJeremy Robinson is the New York Times bestselling author of seventy novels and novellas, including Apocalypse Machine, Island 731, and SecondWorld, as well as the Jack Sigler thriller series and Project Nemesis, the highest selling, original (non-licensed) kaiju novel of all time. He’s known for mixing elements of science, history and mythology, which has earned him the #1 spot in Science Fiction and Action-Adventure, and secured him as the top creature feature author. Many of his novels have been adapted into comic books, optioned for film and TV, and translated into thirteen languages. He lives in New Hampshire with his wife and three children. Visit him at www.bewareofmonsters.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
October 31, 2021
Lots Of Action!
Except for the prequel, this is the first book in the series. Jack Sigler and his “Chess Team” are on the job attacking criminals.
Manifold is a company that is trying to create immortality. They are experimenting on people who are unaware that they are being used for this purpose.
Those who aren’t considered a success are quickly and unconsciously murdered.
Jack and his team are out to get Ridley and his company before he sells his performance to the highest terrorist bidder.
This book is filled with pages of high speed action. You had better not hold your breath or you will be passing out from the strain.
Except for the prequel, this is the first book in the series. Jack Sigler and his “Chess Team” are on the job attacking criminals.
Manifold is a company that is trying to create immortality. They are experimenting on people who are unaware that they are being used for this purpose.
Those who aren’t considered a success are quickly and unconsciously murdered.
Jack and his team are out to get Ridley and his company before he sells his performance to the highest terrorist bidder.
This book is filled with pages of high speed action. You had better not hold your breath or you will be passing out from the strain.
December 28, 2014
This is the second book I've read by Robinson, and I can say I like his style. In Secondworld, he had neo-Nazis who have a sinister plan to destroy the world except for 'their kind'. In Pulse, he deals with an amoral billionaire whose plan is to live forever, and make money on the medical technology by selling it to the highest bidder. Throw in some Greek mythology and it's golden. Pulse is a good combination of high octane action and monster thriller.
I had no idea what to expect, and I honestly liked the tension as the story unfolded. It was a pleasant surprise at how things culminate, although this book has a seriously high body count and plenty of violent deaths.
I rooted for liked the Chess team, including its leader, 'King', Jack Sigler. Each member has something different to add to the team. I did wish there was more character development, but with the rapid pace of this novel, that would be pretty challenging. What I did get of the characters I did like. I especially liked Bishop, a team member with a tragic past and a serious anger problem, but deep at the heart, a true hero.
The villains were a bit underdeveloped for my tastes. I would have liked more viewpoint of Ridley and Reinhart. Ridley just came off as a very evil, self-absorbed guy with too much money. I think it would have been nice to see a flashback that revealed why he was so afraid of dying and was going to such extremes not to die. Reinhart just seemed like the bully type who started off abusing nerds on the playgrounds and who graduates to more heinous acts of bullying and villany. It would be interesting to see a flashback of the event that got him booted from the SEALs as well.
Overall, this was very good. The greek mythology foundation was fun and I loved where the author took it (minus the gory descriptions of the creatures rampages--could have done without that). I couldn't give it more than four stars just because I wish the author gave me more depth in the characters. But I tell you, this was a book that I didn't want to put down. It took me a while to read it because I'm really busy this month, not because of boredom. I'm looking forward to getting the Chess Team member ebook novellas and the other full length books in this series.
I'd recommend this book to fans of Matthew Reilly and James Rollins books.
I had no idea what to expect, and I honestly liked the tension as the story unfolded. It was a pleasant surprise at how things culminate, although this book has a seriously high body count and plenty of violent deaths.
I rooted for liked the Chess team, including its leader, 'King', Jack Sigler. Each member has something different to add to the team. I did wish there was more character development, but with the rapid pace of this novel, that would be pretty challenging. What I did get of the characters I did like. I especially liked Bishop, a team member with a tragic past and a serious anger problem, but deep at the heart, a true hero.
The villains were a bit underdeveloped for my tastes. I would have liked more viewpoint of Ridley and Reinhart. Ridley just came off as a very evil, self-absorbed guy with too much money. I think it would have been nice to see a flashback that revealed why he was so afraid of dying and was going to such extremes not to die. Reinhart just seemed like the bully type who started off abusing nerds on the playgrounds and who graduates to more heinous acts of bullying and villany. It would be interesting to see a flashback of the event that got him booted from the SEALs as well.
Overall, this was very good. The greek mythology foundation was fun and I loved where the author took it (minus the gory descriptions of the creatures rampages--could have done without that). I couldn't give it more than four stars just because I wish the author gave me more depth in the characters. But I tell you, this was a book that I didn't want to put down. It took me a while to read it because I'm really busy this month, not because of boredom. I'm looking forward to getting the Chess Team member ebook novellas and the other full length books in this series.
I'd recommend this book to fans of Matthew Reilly and James Rollins books.
August 31, 2018
**Still enjoyable on reread. It's escapist, over-the-top adventure pure and simple.**
Rook. Knight. Queen. Bishop. These are the call signs for members of a five person special ops team, one of the most elite Delta force teams in operation. The fifth member is their leader, Jack Sigler, call sign "King". Turning suicidal missions into successful outcomes is just how they roll. But when a well earned, two week R&R break winds up with King unexpectedly on the wrong end of a gun and genetic terrorism becomes a threat on a scale no one could have imagined, King knows it's time to call in his personal cavalry.
King didn't ask for help unless people were dead and someone had to pay for it.
I'd never heard of this series or this author. I picked up the book at the library on a whim, probably because it featured special forces team members as the main characters and I eat that stuff up, but I ended up really enjoying it. I've always been the type of girl who loves explosions, shoot outs, car chases, and high risk adventures. The type of high octane, over the top, suspension-of-disbelief-is-your-mantra action that belongs in a high budget summer action movie - the kind that is only meant for guilty pleasure consumption.
If Indiana Jones had been a highly trained military operative, it might look something like this, complete with old relics, shadowy organizations, and mythical/supernatural happenings. Admittedly the supernatural stuff threw me initially because I was expecting a more straight laced military story, but then I just sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed the ride. Along the way we get a little insight into the various members of this Delta team and I can only hope that more will be revealed. I loved their loyalty to each other and their banter. Will this story ever win major literary awards? I won't hold my breath, but for pure escapist fun it did its job and I can't wait to go on more odds-are-against-us covert missions with King and his awesome Chess Team.
Rook. Knight. Queen. Bishop. These are the call signs for members of a five person special ops team, one of the most elite Delta force teams in operation. The fifth member is their leader, Jack Sigler, call sign "King". Turning suicidal missions into successful outcomes is just how they roll. But when a well earned, two week R&R break winds up with King unexpectedly on the wrong end of a gun and genetic terrorism becomes a threat on a scale no one could have imagined, King knows it's time to call in his personal cavalry.
King didn't ask for help unless people were dead and someone had to pay for it.
I'd never heard of this series or this author. I picked up the book at the library on a whim, probably because it featured special forces team members as the main characters and I eat that stuff up, but I ended up really enjoying it. I've always been the type of girl who loves explosions, shoot outs, car chases, and high risk adventures. The type of high octane, over the top, suspension-of-disbelief-is-your-mantra action that belongs in a high budget summer action movie - the kind that is only meant for guilty pleasure consumption.
If Indiana Jones had been a highly trained military operative, it might look something like this, complete with old relics, shadowy organizations, and mythical/supernatural happenings. Admittedly the supernatural stuff threw me initially because I was expecting a more straight laced military story, but then I just sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed the ride. Along the way we get a little insight into the various members of this Delta team and I can only hope that more will be revealed. I loved their loyalty to each other and their banter. Will this story ever win major literary awards? I won't hold my breath, but for pure escapist fun it did its job and I can't wait to go on more odds-are-against-us covert missions with King and his awesome Chess Team.
April 23, 2017
4.25 Stars
May 26, 2016
It took me a long time to finish this first in the series. Much like James Rollins, this author has a talent for creating a science fiction historical novel, that packs a punch. However, my favorite is still James Rollins.
Similar to the Sigma Force Team, The Chess Team seems to also have a variety of special ops individuals who are out to save the world and keep it safe. This one is related to the historical Greek Gods and one in particular, Hercules. Having slain a triple headed serpent/dragon and lived to tell about it, makes one archaeologist, obsessed with the DNA of the species and searches for the burial site of the Hydra. Regeneration of the heads, or rather, in his mind, organs and limbs, the testing goes awry and we have mutants running amok. I was really drawn to the characters, King, Queen, Rook and Bishop, but you'll have to allow me time to remember their names after a few of these novels. I do remember what their strengths and weaknesses were and somehow it all seemed to work for the mysterious "Big Wig" of the Team called "Blue Boy", whom the team has never met, but has enough resources to help the Chess Team save the world.
I might find some time to pick up another in this series but I seemed to have bit off more than I could chew this year, starting many different series, and now I'm a little lost. My reading has slowed down quite a bit lately and I just can't decide what to read next.
Similar to the Sigma Force Team, The Chess Team seems to also have a variety of special ops individuals who are out to save the world and keep it safe. This one is related to the historical Greek Gods and one in particular, Hercules. Having slain a triple headed serpent/dragon and lived to tell about it, makes one archaeologist, obsessed with the DNA of the species and searches for the burial site of the Hydra. Regeneration of the heads, or rather, in his mind, organs and limbs, the testing goes awry and we have mutants running amok. I was really drawn to the characters, King, Queen, Rook and Bishop, but you'll have to allow me time to remember their names after a few of these novels. I do remember what their strengths and weaknesses were and somehow it all seemed to work for the mysterious "Big Wig" of the Team called "Blue Boy", whom the team has never met, but has enough resources to help the Chess Team save the world.
I might find some time to pick up another in this series but I seemed to have bit off more than I could chew this year, starting many different series, and now I'm a little lost. My reading has slowed down quite a bit lately and I just can't decide what to read next.
June 2, 2011
The story seemes to start in the middle. The characters have potential but only one or two of them get fleshed out beyond the "cardboard cut out" depth. The villains have more depth and are more interesting than the heroes. Missed opportunity for character building and developing relationships between the heroes.
The story starts fast and stays fast with plenty of action. One dimensional characters could use some depth. I liked the general flow of the story and didn't feel jerked around. The author is skilled at witty dialoug but the story and plot could have come from any "B" movie on SyFy.
The story starts fast and stays fast with plenty of action. One dimensional characters could use some depth. I liked the general flow of the story and didn't feel jerked around. The author is skilled at witty dialoug but the story and plot could have come from any "B" movie on SyFy.
August 29, 2012
Okay, so some books are well written and some not so much. This one grabbed you, placed you on a roller-coaster from hell and pressed the "full speed ahead" button. I like to enjoy my books and not over analyze them, especially when they are from the fiction section, so here goes:
One, I love the reference to chess. Love it. Don't ever stop it, ever.
Two, the "stunts" that were in this book were believable. I didn't get the "yeah right" moment that happens all too much in adventure novels. They might seem a little far fetched for the average person, but definitely not for the best of the best of the military.
Three, and this coming from someone who believes that all myths start from something real, the entire plot seemed like something that could actually happen. The government has so many secrets, it has secrets about its secrets...and something regarding regeneration (hello Resident Evil)is plausible in my opinion. And the Hydra, while a little hard to get used to the idea that it is real....I just imagine that dinosaurs once roamed the earth, why the hell not a many headed serpent?
Four - Please continue with Pawn. I want her to rock it. Please.
I did not want to go back to work after each break or lunch, nor did I want to sleep last night (yes only a day and a half to read and only because I had to work). The writing is fluid and completely intoxicating. Great job...I will definitely be reading more of the "chess team" moving forward!!
One, I love the reference to chess. Love it. Don't ever stop it, ever.
Two, the "stunts" that were in this book were believable. I didn't get the "yeah right" moment that happens all too much in adventure novels. They might seem a little far fetched for the average person, but definitely not for the best of the best of the military.
Three, and this coming from someone who believes that all myths start from something real, the entire plot seemed like something that could actually happen. The government has so many secrets, it has secrets about its secrets...and something regarding regeneration (hello Resident Evil)is plausible in my opinion. And the Hydra, while a little hard to get used to the idea that it is real....I just imagine that dinosaurs once roamed the earth, why the hell not a many headed serpent?
Four - Please continue with Pawn. I want her to rock it. Please.
I did not want to go back to work after each break or lunch, nor did I want to sleep last night (yes only a day and a half to read and only because I had to work). The writing is fluid and completely intoxicating. Great job...I will definitely be reading more of the "chess team" moving forward!!
September 24, 2011
Fun popcorn entertainment. Action with a touch of science and horror. I will definitely continue. Recommended for action seekers and fans of made for syfy movies.
May 20, 2011
Pulse by Jeremy Robinson is a combination thriller/action/adventure/science fiction novel and the first novel of Robinson's Chess Team series. The Chess Team is an elite Delta Force unit, led by handler Deep Blue, whose members each use a chess piece as their call sign - King, Queen, Bishop, Knight, Rook. This was pure action-packed entertainment.
In this debut outing, the Chess Team are called in to try to save Dr. George Pierce, who was taken hostage in Peru by forces for Richard Ridley, the head of Manifold, a genetics company. Ridley was after the legendary head of the Hydra. He plans to use Hydra DNA to create a serum that will make people immortal. Previous attempts at this have created "regens," people who can re-grow damaged body parts but who are also insane killers (like zombies, only healthy and fast).
Robinson's writing style is easy to follow and the plot guarantees it will be a page-turner. The chapters switch between the activities of various Chess Team members. In Pulse expect lots of adrenalin-packed action, including fighting. Although some things weren't quite fully explained, this is the kind of novel most readers will expect to suspend disbelief and take a few leaps of faith while reading.
Robinson had some pretty funny similes too, which I quite enjoyed. A few examples include:
"like a special ops whack-a-mole" (pg. 270)
"like a twisted game of hungry, hungry hippos" (pg. 294)
"like Axel Rose squealing on a scratched Guns N' Roses CD" (pg. 296)
Previously, I really enjoyed Robinson's Antarktos Rising, so I was looking forward to reading another one of his novels. Pulse did not disappoint me. It's great escapism. It's good to know that there are currently two more books in the series, Instinct and Threshold.
very highly recommended - for action junkies and fans of James Rollins; http://shetreadssoftly.blogspot.com/
Quotes:
Hundreds of feet pounded the dry soil, filling the air with the ominous sound of soldiers on the march. But these were not soldiers. They were followers, worshippers of the man whose strange ship had landed on the lush Peruvian shore only a week before, the man who now led them on a trek away from heir fertile homeland and across the arid, lifeless Nazca plains. opening
The big man smiled without a hint of malice for the first time. "The fountain of youth isn’t some waterfall out here in the jungle, Maddox," he said, then pointed at his chest. "I want to live forever, and the key to that treasure is locked away inside our DNA. In our genetics. And in our past." pg. 15
"The description of the creature in this purely historical text is nearly identical to the mythological description. Perhaps the feats of Hercules have been exaggerated through time and legend, but the details of the beast were so fantastic to begin with that no one in the past twenty- five hundred years felt the need to exaggerate its appearance or abilities. Because of this I am compelled to believe that many of the other aspects of the story are also real. Based on the details of the myth, finding the creature’s burial place may be possible. If the creature has been well preserved, recovering its DNA would change everything we know about physical regeneration. Mr. Maddox, we must find the Beast of Lerna’s final resting place and extract its DNA. The prize is eternal life."
"Lerna . . ." Maddox leaned forward, his eyes wide with realization. "My God. You’re talking about the Hydra." pg. 17
In this debut outing, the Chess Team are called in to try to save Dr. George Pierce, who was taken hostage in Peru by forces for Richard Ridley, the head of Manifold, a genetics company. Ridley was after the legendary head of the Hydra. He plans to use Hydra DNA to create a serum that will make people immortal. Previous attempts at this have created "regens," people who can re-grow damaged body parts but who are also insane killers (like zombies, only healthy and fast).
Robinson's writing style is easy to follow and the plot guarantees it will be a page-turner. The chapters switch between the activities of various Chess Team members. In Pulse expect lots of adrenalin-packed action, including fighting. Although some things weren't quite fully explained, this is the kind of novel most readers will expect to suspend disbelief and take a few leaps of faith while reading.
Robinson had some pretty funny similes too, which I quite enjoyed. A few examples include:
"like a special ops whack-a-mole" (pg. 270)
"like a twisted game of hungry, hungry hippos" (pg. 294)
"like Axel Rose squealing on a scratched Guns N' Roses CD" (pg. 296)
Previously, I really enjoyed Robinson's Antarktos Rising, so I was looking forward to reading another one of his novels. Pulse did not disappoint me. It's great escapism. It's good to know that there are currently two more books in the series, Instinct and Threshold.
very highly recommended - for action junkies and fans of James Rollins; http://shetreadssoftly.blogspot.com/
Quotes:
Hundreds of feet pounded the dry soil, filling the air with the ominous sound of soldiers on the march. But these were not soldiers. They were followers, worshippers of the man whose strange ship had landed on the lush Peruvian shore only a week before, the man who now led them on a trek away from heir fertile homeland and across the arid, lifeless Nazca plains. opening
The big man smiled without a hint of malice for the first time. "The fountain of youth isn’t some waterfall out here in the jungle, Maddox," he said, then pointed at his chest. "I want to live forever, and the key to that treasure is locked away inside our DNA. In our genetics. And in our past." pg. 15
"The description of the creature in this purely historical text is nearly identical to the mythological description. Perhaps the feats of Hercules have been exaggerated through time and legend, but the details of the beast were so fantastic to begin with that no one in the past twenty- five hundred years felt the need to exaggerate its appearance or abilities. Because of this I am compelled to believe that many of the other aspects of the story are also real. Based on the details of the myth, finding the creature’s burial place may be possible. If the creature has been well preserved, recovering its DNA would change everything we know about physical regeneration. Mr. Maddox, we must find the Beast of Lerna’s final resting place and extract its DNA. The prize is eternal life."
"Lerna . . ." Maddox leaned forward, his eyes wide with realization. "My God. You’re talking about the Hydra." pg. 17
January 25, 2011
This was my first taste of Jeremy Robinson and it left me wanting more of his work. Pulse erupts from the starting gate like a jet and never lets up, balancing tension and action with character input and intriguing plotlines. The characters never fully develop but are real enough to garner empathy, and the shadows of their personalities seem to blend well with their special-ops identities. The plot incorporates the fantastic in a (mostly) believable way without retreating into cliches, heightened with enough adrenaline to keep it interesting without overwhelming the reader. I found it a very quick, enjoyable read that I finished in two sittings, despite trying to put it down.
The story begins ominously. An unusual archealogical find calls George Pierce from Athens to Peru, and lands him in some very hot water. With Pierce's life in the balance, his almost-brother-in-law Jack "King" Sigler finds himself - and the rest of his team - drawn into an operation that could turn history on its head and threaten entire nations. What follows is a bloody but satisfying escapade from the Amazon to a Pacific atoll, Greece to an American campground. A trail of grisly discoveries uncovers a slippery villain willing to do anything to get what he wants, and willing to sell anything to the highest bidder. With a small army at his disposal, ultra high-tech gear, and the ability to make fearsome weapons out of anything that breathes, the chess team may have met their match.
If you want some gore and a good time, this is a great place to start.
The story begins ominously. An unusual archealogical find calls George Pierce from Athens to Peru, and lands him in some very hot water. With Pierce's life in the balance, his almost-brother-in-law Jack "King" Sigler finds himself - and the rest of his team - drawn into an operation that could turn history on its head and threaten entire nations. What follows is a bloody but satisfying escapade from the Amazon to a Pacific atoll, Greece to an American campground. A trail of grisly discoveries uncovers a slippery villain willing to do anything to get what he wants, and willing to sell anything to the highest bidder. With a small army at his disposal, ultra high-tech gear, and the ability to make fearsome weapons out of anything that breathes, the chess team may have met their match.
If you want some gore and a good time, this is a great place to start.
May 3, 2010
I was expecting way more Greek mythology and less military ops in Pulse. What a disappointment! It's well written, but is one of those military ops stories where a small band of uber humans can lower themselves into any situation and take out a group three times larger. It became comical in a superhero-Saturday-cartoon kind of way. Even though it's a quick read, it seemed like the story would never end. Go figure.
If you're thinking this will be a cool book heavy on the archaeology, history, myth, and monster, think again. I will not be reading the second book in the series.
If you're thinking this will be a cool book heavy on the archaeology, history, myth, and monster, think again. I will not be reading the second book in the series.
October 10, 2022
I just finished listening to this again, and it is such a good story. I am revisiting the Chess Team books, and this one kept my attention just as much this time around.
What a monstrous adventure! I loved this fast-paced techno thriller and can't wait to continue the series. I have already listened to 2 of the books further along in the series, so it is nice to start at the beginning and fill in some of the blanks. I love the character development in this story and the science mixed with mythology that went along with it. The audio version was excellent and I enjoyed listening .
What a monstrous adventure! I loved this fast-paced techno thriller and can't wait to continue the series. I have already listened to 2 of the books further along in the series, so it is nice to start at the beginning and fill in some of the blanks. I love the character development in this story and the science mixed with mythology that went along with it. The audio version was excellent and I enjoyed listening .
June 17, 2009
All I can say is, forget the summer blockbusters; pop some popcorn and settle in with this thrill ride. Pulse is the first novel to feature the Chess team, five elite military operatives named for, you guessed it, chess pieces and guided by the mysterious and seemingly omniscient figure known as Deep Blue. In their first outing, the mission is personal as King, the team leader, sets out to rescue his closest friend, archaeologist George Pierce, from the clutches of Richard Ridley, a megalomaniacal villain who needs Pierce to help him unlock the secret of a mythical monster that may hold the key to immortality.
The action moves around the globe as King and his team race to catch up with Ridley before he can decipher the genetic blueprint of the legendary Hydra, a creature capable of regenerating from any injury. But Ripley, armed with unlimited resources and the latest in technology and guarded by a team of testosterone crazed military wash-outs, manages to stay one step ahead of them, even as he unleashes the failed products of his experimentation on an unsuspecting world.
This novel is the perfect blend of monsters, myth and mayhem. It's a high-tech shoot-'em-up that doesn't go completely over the top (like some I won't name here) but stays grounded in plausible science, with good guys you care about and villains you love to hate. This weekend, skip the cinematic CGI and grab a copy of Pulse for a few hours of real entertainment. Just be careful to wipe the popcorn butter off your fingers before you turn the next page.
The action moves around the globe as King and his team race to catch up with Ridley before he can decipher the genetic blueprint of the legendary Hydra, a creature capable of regenerating from any injury. But Ripley, armed with unlimited resources and the latest in technology and guarded by a team of testosterone crazed military wash-outs, manages to stay one step ahead of them, even as he unleashes the failed products of his experimentation on an unsuspecting world.
This novel is the perfect blend of monsters, myth and mayhem. It's a high-tech shoot-'em-up that doesn't go completely over the top (like some I won't name here) but stays grounded in plausible science, with good guys you care about and villains you love to hate. This weekend, skip the cinematic CGI and grab a copy of Pulse for a few hours of real entertainment. Just be careful to wipe the popcorn butter off your fingers before you turn the next page.
May 3, 2010
As fun as a barrel of monkey... heads. A barrel of gore-soaked monkey heads.
Pulse is a B-movie in a book about the "Delta Chess Team", a super-elite paramilatary superteam (All their call-signs are of chess pieces. eg: Their leader is "King", the sole female member is "Queen", etc.) that fights evil etc. etc. In this book, the Delta Team must take on an evil corporation that is trying to use the genes of the mythical Hydra (it's real- surprise!) to create an army of regenerating super soldiers. Violence and mystery ensues. Lots of people die in horrible ways.
I believe that you have to measure a book by its own standards. This is not meant to Literature (with a capital L) or even deep genre fiction like Dune or Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. This is intended to be a short, fast, fun read, and generally it is, but it didn't quite come together for me for a few reasons:
1. With one exception (the brooding "Bishop") All the members of the Delta team seem to talk and act roughly the same which is like very clever sixteen year old boys. Even "Queen", the lone female member, acts and talks like a sixteen year old boy disguised as a sexy lady. Okay, maybe I'm being a little harsh here, but that's how I felt. This really struck me because these characters are supposed to be the best of the best- the military elite- but their delivered more along the lines of the 2008 election year phenomenon, Joe the Plumber and to my untrained eye would be more happy having a bottle of bud and watching a good NASCAR race than engaging in black-ops (or whatever they call that stuff). They're described as adults (at least in their late twenties and maybe their thirties), but they lack emotional depth.
2. The author/ narrator keeps expecting me to believe that the women in the book are sexy because he says so. I'm not sure that the author knows what sexy is. I'm not sure I know what sexy is but the female characters are essentially plot points with boobs. The lone exception is Queen who (see above) keep reminding me of a sixteen year old boy's tough-chick fantasy. She looks hot in a bikini and then she engages in locker room humor with her buddies and then she kills you!
3. The secondary characters (both good and evil) are more engaging than the dedicated heroes and villains (In had the same issue with "The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters"). It's in the supporting cast that the author allows himself to visit they gray shades of morality. We don't know which of the secondary characters will be allowed to live or die and that makes their stories all the more engaging.
Pulse is a B-movie in a book about the "Delta Chess Team", a super-elite paramilatary superteam (All their call-signs are of chess pieces. eg: Their leader is "King", the sole female member is "Queen", etc.) that fights evil etc. etc. In this book, the Delta Team must take on an evil corporation that is trying to use the genes of the mythical Hydra (it's real- surprise!) to create an army of regenerating super soldiers. Violence and mystery ensues. Lots of people die in horrible ways.
I believe that you have to measure a book by its own standards. This is not meant to Literature (with a capital L) or even deep genre fiction like Dune or Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. This is intended to be a short, fast, fun read, and generally it is, but it didn't quite come together for me for a few reasons:
1. With one exception (the brooding "Bishop") All the members of the Delta team seem to talk and act roughly the same which is like very clever sixteen year old boys. Even "Queen", the lone female member, acts and talks like a sixteen year old boy disguised as a sexy lady. Okay, maybe I'm being a little harsh here, but that's how I felt. This really struck me because these characters are supposed to be the best of the best- the military elite- but their delivered more along the lines of the 2008 election year phenomenon, Joe the Plumber and to my untrained eye would be more happy having a bottle of bud and watching a good NASCAR race than engaging in black-ops (or whatever they call that stuff). They're described as adults (at least in their late twenties and maybe their thirties), but they lack emotional depth.
2. The author/ narrator keeps expecting me to believe that the women in the book are sexy because he says so. I'm not sure that the author knows what sexy is. I'm not sure I know what sexy is but the female characters are essentially plot points with boobs. The lone exception is Queen who (see above) keep reminding me of a sixteen year old boy's tough-chick fantasy. She looks hot in a bikini and then she engages in locker room humor with her buddies and then she kills you!
3. The secondary characters (both good and evil) are more engaging than the dedicated heroes and villains (In had the same issue with "The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters"). It's in the supporting cast that the author allows himself to visit they gray shades of morality. We don't know which of the secondary characters will be allowed to live or die and that makes their stories all the more engaging.
July 8, 2024
I love books like this, just pure escapism. There is nothing to criticise because it is what it is. A rip roaring adventure written in such a fast pace you can’t stop for breath. Nothing like this could ever happen in the real world so just go along with the ride. It might be predictable in parts but it is such great fun it could be a Marvel Film. It is Action/Adventure, Fantasy and Sci-Fi all rolled together and I enjoyed it immensely. I look forward to reading more of the Chess Team! I have given a 4 but it could easily be a 5. Thanks Jeremy!
November 12, 2012
Probably 3.5 star book. I've read quite a few thrillers in the past several months and this was didn't have quite the breakneck speed of the others. Still a good read.
November 7, 2023
Some books you come across quite by chance and funnily they become one of the best ones you gave read. Or in my case a series of standalone adventures. That being said, the book, Pulse by Jeremy Robinson is one of them. It is the first book of the Jack Sigler Series. The book is about a group of Delta Operatives who go on missions that totally lost hope for others. The group is known as the Chessmen as all of their call sign comes from the chess pieces. The leader of the group Jack Sigler, Call Sign The King, Zelda Baker Calls Sign Queen, Shin Dae Jung, Call Sign Knight, Erik Somers Call Sign Bishop and lastly Stan Tremblay Call Sign Rook, assisted by another individual who seems like their handler, their guarding angel, their eye in sky call sign Deep Blue, an individual who provides them with valuable intel, support hardware and another kind of support they may need during tough situations while on any mission.
Now about the story, this is a mix of modern military warfare with a boatload of mythological elements that threaten the world's peace and harmony. This is like any other thriller that I have read the only thing that makes it stand out is, that this book was so good and gripping that it didn't let me think of anything else but to keep reading. This is the first time I am reading Robinson's work and I must tell you, it is fast, action-packed, and has lots of small bits and pieces of information that would make you stop and search the internet to know more about them if you do that kind of thing while reading. The pace of the book is set high, from the first page. And throughout the book, it doesn't slacken down. For me, this book and this series are a gem and I would definitely read the other works of Jeremy Robinson and watch out for the Chessmen.
Now about the story, this is a mix of modern military warfare with a boatload of mythological elements that threaten the world's peace and harmony. This is like any other thriller that I have read the only thing that makes it stand out is, that this book was so good and gripping that it didn't let me think of anything else but to keep reading. This is the first time I am reading Robinson's work and I must tell you, it is fast, action-packed, and has lots of small bits and pieces of information that would make you stop and search the internet to know more about them if you do that kind of thing while reading. The pace of the book is set high, from the first page. And throughout the book, it doesn't slacken down. For me, this book and this series are a gem and I would definitely read the other works of Jeremy Robinson and watch out for the Chessmen.
June 21, 2023
“Pulse” by Jeremy Robinson is the first book in the Jack Sigler Thriller series and is an action-packed adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Jack Sigler, callsign King, and his Chess Team as they chase after Richard Ridley, founder of Manifold Genetics, who has discovered the key to eternal life and has abducted archaeologist Dr. George Pierce.
The Chess Team, formed under special order from President Duncan, is the best of America’s Special Forces and is tasked with antiterrorism missions that take them around the world against any threat, ancient, modern, and at times, inhuman. With cutting-edge weapons, tough-as-nails tactics, and keen intellects, they stand alone on the brink, facing the world’s most dangerous threats.
In “Pulse,” Ridley’s plan to create unstoppable soldiers has just made him threat number one. Tension soars along with the body count as the team faces high-tech security forces, hordes of “regens,” the horrific results of Manifold’s experiments, and a resurrected mythological predator complete with regenerative abilities, seven heads, and a savage appetite.
Robinson’s writing is fast-paced and engaging, with well-developed characters and a plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. The audiobook version is narrated by Jeffrey Kafer, who does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and adding to the overall excitement of the story.
Overall, “Pulse” is a thrilling ride that will leave you wanting more. If you’re a fan of action-packed thrillers with a touch of science fiction and mythology, then this book is definitely worth checking out.
The Chess Team, formed under special order from President Duncan, is the best of America’s Special Forces and is tasked with antiterrorism missions that take them around the world against any threat, ancient, modern, and at times, inhuman. With cutting-edge weapons, tough-as-nails tactics, and keen intellects, they stand alone on the brink, facing the world’s most dangerous threats.
In “Pulse,” Ridley’s plan to create unstoppable soldiers has just made him threat number one. Tension soars along with the body count as the team faces high-tech security forces, hordes of “regens,” the horrific results of Manifold’s experiments, and a resurrected mythological predator complete with regenerative abilities, seven heads, and a savage appetite.
Robinson’s writing is fast-paced and engaging, with well-developed characters and a plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. The audiobook version is narrated by Jeffrey Kafer, who does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and adding to the overall excitement of the story.
Overall, “Pulse” is a thrilling ride that will leave you wanting more. If you’re a fan of action-packed thrillers with a touch of science fiction and mythology, then this book is definitely worth checking out.
February 19, 2022
Just okay, not my favorite Robinson book. I Unfortunately think it is more because I don't like the narrator than anything...sorry Jeffrey.
July 25, 2011
Buried in the Peruvian desert, sealed beneath a Greek-inscribed stone, lies a legendary relic which may hold the key to life itself, By extracting its DNA, Richard Ridley of Manifold Genetics hopes to bio-engineer the ultimate weapon – an army of soldiers who regenerate and continue to fight without stopping. The prefect killing machines…
Enter Special Forces commander Jack “King” Sigler and his “Chess Team” of highly trained operators. Under the president’s orders, they must intercept Ridley’s genetic terrorists – and stop the unstoppable – using all the fire power at their command. But even the Chess Team is no match for a legend the refuses to die…and an enemy that can’t be killed.
I have noticed an interesting trend over the last couple of years. When it comes to the thriller genre there is a definite lean toward including more fantastical elements in novels. Now it is true to say that some purists may find this cross-pollination unwelcome. I, for one, totally disagree with that. This change appears to have reinvigorated the genre and opened up whole new avenues of storytelling.
Pulse is a great example of this cross over writing. The novel blends together the high levels of action you would expect to find in a Hollywood blockbuster with some masterfully executed science fiction.
I think it is fair to say that the best fiction has its basis in fact. To take something as complex as the regenerative capabilities of a salamander and use that as the jumping off point for a story that spans thousands of years and multiple continents is no mean feat. There are also some wonderfully outlandish moments that made me love the book even more. At one point there is a pitched battle featuring a volcano and a submarine. This added a nice, almost vintage, James Bond-esque touch to proceedings and raised a wry smile.
The different members that make up the Chess Team are a great group of characters. Up front there is the enigmatic Deep Blue, and the heroic leader, King. Then follows the hard as nails Queen, and the brooding giant Bishop. Then at the rear the deadly Knight, and sardonic Rook. I defy anyone to read this novel and not have a favourite member of the team by the time you have finished. All of the team bring their own unique strengths to their mission. If I was forced to choose I would have to pick Bishop as a personal character highlight. The scenes involving him later in the novel are driven by pure adrenaline and this is coming from a novel where the action is non-stop from page one. Bishop is fuelled by a towering rage that he struggles to control. The events of the novel only make this situation worse and it is engrossing to watch his battles, both internal and external, as they escalate.
Sometimes I think that we are a bit hard done by in the United Kingdom when it comes to getting access to great thriller fiction. Pulse has been available in the UK since April 2010 yet the only reason I learned of it was via the author’s Twitter account. This book deserves a much wider circulation than it has currently. It is a great deal of fun and held my attention from cover to cover.
The good news is that there are already other Chess Team novels published, and I’ve already ordered the sequel, Instinct, based on how much fun I had with Pulse. It is worth pointing out however that, with the exception of Amazon UK, they do seem to be a bit tricky to come by in Britain. I do urge you to seek out his work however. Robinson has created a fantastically entertaining on-going series here and should be included right up there with the likes of Jonathan Maberry and James Rollins as prime examples of the modern thriller genre.
Enter Special Forces commander Jack “King” Sigler and his “Chess Team” of highly trained operators. Under the president’s orders, they must intercept Ridley’s genetic terrorists – and stop the unstoppable – using all the fire power at their command. But even the Chess Team is no match for a legend the refuses to die…and an enemy that can’t be killed.
I have noticed an interesting trend over the last couple of years. When it comes to the thriller genre there is a definite lean toward including more fantastical elements in novels. Now it is true to say that some purists may find this cross-pollination unwelcome. I, for one, totally disagree with that. This change appears to have reinvigorated the genre and opened up whole new avenues of storytelling.
Pulse is a great example of this cross over writing. The novel blends together the high levels of action you would expect to find in a Hollywood blockbuster with some masterfully executed science fiction.
I think it is fair to say that the best fiction has its basis in fact. To take something as complex as the regenerative capabilities of a salamander and use that as the jumping off point for a story that spans thousands of years and multiple continents is no mean feat. There are also some wonderfully outlandish moments that made me love the book even more. At one point there is a pitched battle featuring a volcano and a submarine. This added a nice, almost vintage, James Bond-esque touch to proceedings and raised a wry smile.
The different members that make up the Chess Team are a great group of characters. Up front there is the enigmatic Deep Blue, and the heroic leader, King. Then follows the hard as nails Queen, and the brooding giant Bishop. Then at the rear the deadly Knight, and sardonic Rook. I defy anyone to read this novel and not have a favourite member of the team by the time you have finished. All of the team bring their own unique strengths to their mission. If I was forced to choose I would have to pick Bishop as a personal character highlight. The scenes involving him later in the novel are driven by pure adrenaline and this is coming from a novel where the action is non-stop from page one. Bishop is fuelled by a towering rage that he struggles to control. The events of the novel only make this situation worse and it is engrossing to watch his battles, both internal and external, as they escalate.
Sometimes I think that we are a bit hard done by in the United Kingdom when it comes to getting access to great thriller fiction. Pulse has been available in the UK since April 2010 yet the only reason I learned of it was via the author’s Twitter account. This book deserves a much wider circulation than it has currently. It is a great deal of fun and held my attention from cover to cover.
The good news is that there are already other Chess Team novels published, and I’ve already ordered the sequel, Instinct, based on how much fun I had with Pulse. It is worth pointing out however that, with the exception of Amazon UK, they do seem to be a bit tricky to come by in Britain. I do urge you to seek out his work however. Robinson has created a fantastically entertaining on-going series here and should be included right up there with the likes of Jonathan Maberry and James Rollins as prime examples of the modern thriller genre.
March 12, 2012
This is quite likely the most ridiculous book I have ever read. I am surprised that I even finished it, having bought it as a way to further dive into the realm of Action/scifi, after having read Patrick Lee's Breech Trilogy (which I enjoyed).
If you like black and white good v evil types, that lack any ambiguity, then look no further, this book has that.
If you like books that have the James-Bond, mad-scientist-villain type with secret island bases, submarines, state of the art weapons and an infinite amount of spending ability, this book has that.
If you like books that when you read passages from it to your 8th grade honors class, causing laughter and some confusion over why their esteemed teacher would read such a work, this book has that.
If you like books that have passages like:
"And then, as she closed to within twenty feet she reached up and pulled back her white hood and goggles, letting her wavy blond hair flail in the wind like the tentacles of an enraged squid." or
"The green creature stomped its foot on the fallen regen's head several times, crushing it to the consistency of chunky peanut butter" or
"...they could heal like the X-men's Wolverine on speed." or
"King nodded. It went without saying. Manifold and Gen-Y had not only drawn first blood, but second blood, too. The only acceptable solution was to draw third blood...and much more of it." or
"What kind of creature could sustain a barrage like this and still have enough fight to whimper, let alone wail. It had to die, but it deserved respect."
this book has that.
If you like books that read like a screenplay to the next movie on the Syfy channel, a la "Sharktopus" and "Aztec Rex" and "Basilisk the Serpent King" this book has that.
Good luck.
If you like black and white good v evil types, that lack any ambiguity, then look no further, this book has that.
If you like books that have the James-Bond, mad-scientist-villain type with secret island bases, submarines, state of the art weapons and an infinite amount of spending ability, this book has that.
If you like books that when you read passages from it to your 8th grade honors class, causing laughter and some confusion over why their esteemed teacher would read such a work, this book has that.
If you like books that have passages like:
"And then, as she closed to within twenty feet she reached up and pulled back her white hood and goggles, letting her wavy blond hair flail in the wind like the tentacles of an enraged squid." or
"The green creature stomped its foot on the fallen regen's head several times, crushing it to the consistency of chunky peanut butter" or
"...they could heal like the X-men's Wolverine on speed." or
"King nodded. It went without saying. Manifold and Gen-Y had not only drawn first blood, but second blood, too. The only acceptable solution was to draw third blood...and much more of it." or
"What kind of creature could sustain a barrage like this and still have enough fight to whimper, let alone wail. It had to die, but it deserved respect."
this book has that.
If you like books that read like a screenplay to the next movie on the Syfy channel, a la "Sharktopus" and "Aztec Rex" and "Basilisk the Serpent King" this book has that.
Good luck.
May 29, 2016
3.5 STARS
There isn't a moment to take a breath with Pulse. It's jam-packed with action and the clever changes from one character's POV to another kept me flipping the pages well past my bedtime.
Robinson's writing style reminds me a lot of Matthew Reilly, perhaps my favourite action/adventure author, and his Jack West Jr Series. I only hope that Robinson explores the different personalities and relationships between the Chess team as well as Reilly does.
I love a good biological disaster/genetic modification plot, Crichton being up there among my favourites. Don't get me wrong, Pulse ticked all the boxes and was vastly entertaining but it became less realistic the further Manifold got to achieving its goal of 'reanimating' the mythical Hydra. While I thought the Hercules plot line was interesting, there were so many glaring holes and improbabilities in the science side of things it was impossible to lose myself completely in the story. All in all, a very enjoyable 3.5 stars.
There isn't a moment to take a breath with Pulse. It's jam-packed with action and the clever changes from one character's POV to another kept me flipping the pages well past my bedtime.
Robinson's writing style reminds me a lot of Matthew Reilly, perhaps my favourite action/adventure author, and his Jack West Jr Series. I only hope that Robinson explores the different personalities and relationships between the Chess team as well as Reilly does.
I love a good biological disaster/genetic modification plot, Crichton being up there among my favourites. Don't get me wrong, Pulse ticked all the boxes and was vastly entertaining but it became less realistic the further Manifold got to achieving its goal of 'reanimating' the mythical Hydra. While I thought the Hercules plot line was interesting, there were so many glaring holes and improbabilities in the science side of things it was impossible to lose myself completely in the story. All in all, a very enjoyable 3.5 stars.
August 5, 2009
This was an exciting book. I felt like I was reading a movie. It is almost non-stop action. While this isn't what I typically read, I did like it. The blend of explosive action/adventure, intriguing mythology, and a bit of the fantastical was very enjoyable. The Chess Team members were likable and interesting and the bad guy was satisfyingly villainous. I hope that there are more Chess Team adventures to come.
November 26, 2010
This is the German edition of PULSE, so I'm partial to it. :)
November 29, 2012
Not enough Hydra, that's all I have to say. Plus there seems to be no "pulse". And the first 2/3s of the novel is essentially a zombie novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2014
Highly recommended to any action/adventure fan!
October 4, 2014
One of my best books so far. Very interesting plot, good and interesting character development. Overall a very good concept.Will definitely read his next books.Chess team rules.!!!!
April 2, 2016
Can't wait to read the other books and series.
Jeremy Robinson rocks.
Just as Jeremy Bishop. Loved Refuge.
Jeremy Robinson rocks.
Just as Jeremy Bishop. Loved Refuge.
October 17, 2022
Good story! Reminded me a lot of the Joe Ledger books, which began about the same year I believe.
May 15, 2017
As one reviewer stated, this is like a B-movie in novel form. Lots of action, but underdeveloped characters and unpolished as a published book.
I have not read a book in years which had as many editing errors as this one. The author and editor (were they one and the same???) needs to learn the difference between lie and lay. There were many errors involving those words, but also many other errors, even spelling errors. Was this thing ever edited at all? How did it make it to print?
There were also a number of technical errors. Although these go unnoticed by many readers, the author mentioned military and genetics consultants in his Acknowledgments, so it must have mattered a little to him. Did he choose the wrong consultants, or did they simply not know their topics? A Boeing 747 must be refueled if flying more than 2000 miles? Its range is actually more than triple that. And a natural gas field that can explode underground? Come on people, do your homework or get knowledgeable consultants! The many errors in this book are distracting to informed readers. Taking artistic license is one thing, but these errors are laziness.
I have not read a book in years which had as many editing errors as this one. The author and editor (were they one and the same???) needs to learn the difference between lie and lay. There were many errors involving those words, but also many other errors, even spelling errors. Was this thing ever edited at all? How did it make it to print?
There were also a number of technical errors. Although these go unnoticed by many readers, the author mentioned military and genetics consultants in his Acknowledgments, so it must have mattered a little to him. Did he choose the wrong consultants, or did they simply not know their topics? A Boeing 747 must be refueled if flying more than 2000 miles? Its range is actually more than triple that. And a natural gas field that can explode underground? Come on people, do your homework or get knowledgeable consultants! The many errors in this book are distracting to informed readers. Taking artistic license is one thing, but these errors are laziness.
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