Reese Clawson’s work is mind-bending–literally. Her company specializes in global data analysis for an elite group of industry executives, and now a lucrative government contract is moving her into the realm of cutting-edge intelligence gathering. She is determined to crack the limits of consciousness–and in doing so, the boundaries of secrets and lies. But her experiment crashes as test subjects slide into a coma-like state. Reese is left scrambling to maintain control, drawing three disparate people into the search for answers–an adrenaline-amped thrill junkie with altered brain chemistry, an Italian scientist working on remote-viewing technology, and a math prodigy whose algorithms subvert
computer encryption.
Will this piecemeal team prevail when a government operative is sent to investigate? As the threads of perception and reality become tangled and even time itself twists in unexpected directions, one warning remains clear: what you don’t know can kill you.
With a concept so daring and writing so gripping, readers will swiftly fall under the spell of Thomas Locke’s endlessly creative mind. This thrilling psychological journey into the very nature of causation and consciousness will leave them turning the pages and grasping for solid ground.
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Sexual Content - 3/5
3/5
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Violence - 1/5
1/5
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Language - 0/5
0/5
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Drugs and Alcohol - 2/5
2/5
Summary
From: Isaac Scego
Book Title: Trial Run
Book Author: Thomas Locke
What do you like about this book:
Summery::
Once again, a brilliantly well-thought out concept has been obliterated by a poorly crafted story, with even more pathetic execution. Indeed, Trial Run could have been a fine piece of fiction, though it disappointingly falls short--no, miles from its amazing potential. What could have been a fantastic blend of action, thrills, romance, and mystery, was something totally different--a sprinkle of uninteresting, dare I say "lame" action, an inconsistent antagonist (the author just couldn't decide whether or not he wanted her to be a bad guy or a good guy), a dash of a constant, never-ending jumble of events, sickeningly corny subplots, and a massive smear of unnecessary sexual material. And even though some of the characters--some, I say--were interesting at times, they were placed in a story with no development of any kind, making them seem just as empty as the story itself. They deserved so much better. As did the idea.
Sexual Content::
As a child, Trent's mother has a bad habit of bringing men home with her. He hears multiple sounds from their room, indicating sex. And this isn't the only instance. There is implied sex at least three times in the book, however, we don't really know. This is headed by flirtatious remarks and actions (a stretching woman spreads her legs and eyes Charlie). There are quite a few love stories going on here, and although they don't kiss, they share some passionate moments. And some moments of sexual tension. When Shane and Trent share an apartment, Shane wears nothing but an oversized t-shirt and Trent wonders if she'd want to move in with him and imagines himself licking her ear. Ogling is nothing unusual here, either. Some women wear provocative clothing, and even when they don't, each woman in this book has been given at least a lustful twice-over, giving the story an overly sexed-up atmosphere (not that it would make the book better anyway). The trial subjects are offered anything they want in return for their cooperation, including "sex on command." Thankfully, we never hear of that happening.
Violent Content::
Trent dreams of his mother being in an abusive relationship and her boyfriend beats her--the author doesn't describe it, just the blood afterwards; Trent has the scars from when the man shot both him and his mother. Shane's parents are said to have been killed in a car accident. There are some bloodless action sequences.
Language::
None.
Drug/Alcohol Content::
A professor at the school is said to be addicted to prescription drugs. Many others are said to have drug addictions. Many injected medicines, but the organization specifically prohibits drugs. A woman is implied to have had a past smoking problem.
Recommendation:: 1.5/5
| PG-13 | Thematic material, sexual content, some violence and drug references
Your ratings of the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use on a scale of 1-5.
Sex:3
Violence:1
Language:0
Drug/Alcohol use:2