Slipstream [Kindle Edition]

Michael Offutt (Author)

Book Description

“Last night I died for the third time this week...”

Jordan Pendragon is crazy good at fixing situations that have gone bad. It’s a talent prized by his high school ice hockey team. However, when a car accident puts Jordan in the hospital, he wakes up with more than just an amazing slapshot in his toolbox. Jordan can manipulate space-time and in just a few weeks, he’ll depend on it to save his life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Michael Offutt's debut science-fiction novel "Slipstream" is a fascinating blend of hard science, science fiction, mythology, theology; mystery with the thrills and chills, along with a touch of romance that kept me entertained long after the final page was turned. If you enjoy reading your stories that combine multiple genres than you will enjoy this book. The ending will leave you wondering when the next installment of this exciting trilogy will arrive on your Kindle." -- Kindle Book Review

"The science and the fiction employed here were drawn as skillfully as the characters. The entire 'slipstream' aspect was completely believable...Avid readers [of science fiction] should be just fine. The fiction elements that make up the other half of the genre were, in one case, genius." -- Shelly's LGBT Book Reviews

About the Author

Michael Offutt writes speculative fiction books that have science fiction, LGBT, and paranormal elements. His first book, "Slipstream" has received some critical acclaim and was published by Double Dragon in the spring. The sequel, "Oculus" came out in November 2012. He has one brother, no pets, and a few roots that keep his tree of life sufficiently watered. By day, he works for the State of Utah as a Technical Specialist. By night, he watches lots of t.v., writes, draws, and sometimes dreams of chocolate.

Michael Offutt graduated from the University of Idaho in 1994 with a Bachelor's degree in English.

He keeps a blog and would appreciate a visit or two even if all you want to do is say hi.

Product Details

• File Size: 474 KB
• Print Length: 324 pages
• Publisher: Double Dragon eBooks (April 3, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007R5DN8W
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Not Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #241,264 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A UNIQUE NEW WORLD April 5, 2012

By Donna Hole

Format:Kindle Edition

Slipstream was a brilliantly written, YA sci-fi novel. Once I started reading, it was hard to put down. The main character Jordan Pendragon is a little difficult to appreciate at first; he is extremely intelligent and a superior athlete, with a self centered attitude and emotionless demeanor that can be a bit off-putting, despite the tragedy of the story beginning. As the story progresses, however, so does Jordan's emotional growth. I attribute the early lack as the author allowing his character growth potential; and that is well done because there is distinct growth.

I have to admit I was more drawn to the alternate world of Avalon and the overall story plot than I was to the characters. The characters were excellenty portrayed; but the world and its unique technologies and concepts carried the story. Surgically implanted electronic and mechanical devices replaced the mystical natures of the vampire and succubi and aguments the currency and addiction aspects of the story with the ingenius discovery of Life Green; and an artificial intellegience (AI) stands in place of an all knowing God.

Each new concept introduced was fully explained by the intervention of science; and yes, it all made perfect sense. The author's ability to describe his settings and gadgetry in minute detail made the word vivid, imaginative, and quite real.

The overall story plot progresses through a complex structure of introducing the characters, the importance of their roles in resolving the crisis the AI's split personality (a literal split in two), explaining ramifications to both worldS (Earth and Avalon) if the AI is not ultimately cured of its insanity, and the development of trust relationships between all the chosen hero's. I was impressed with the story's level of intrigue.

I would have liked the story to focus more on Jordan's use of the slipstream to resolve the overall story plot, but as this is the first book in a series, I understand the focus on world building. And of course there is romance; what hero would be complete without a love interest to make saving two worlds more than just a task to be completed. The middle of the story has a slow down where the relationship issues between Jordan and the sexy bad boy Kolin navigate their way through tumultous issues of age, celebrity, and for Jordan, first love; but it picks up again once the romance plot is resolved. Jordan's twin, Kathy, also finds her heart captured by the combat veteran Dylan, and his puma familiar.

Overall, this was an exceptional integration of science, social issues, romance, theology, and enough action to intrIgUe any James Bond/Dr Who enthusiast. While I had grivances with some of the author's stylistic choices (pov and consistent use of pronouns), I highly recommend this novel with a five star rating for creativity, and I look forward to the next installment: Oculus.

........dhole

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible Debut Novel April 5, 2012

By Jeff

Format:Kindle Edition

Slipstream focuses on brother and sister Jordan and Kathy Pendragon who live in Salt Lake City. After a car accident, Jordan, a star hockey player on his high school team, starts to exhibit a strange power-it appears as though he can manipulate time and he sees things that look like they're from this world, except their not. He's also being followed by a young British guy. Turns out the British guy, Kolin, is from an alternate Earth (called Avalon), a place that was devastated in 1945 when the first atomic bomb was detonated on Earth. Avalon was saved from complete devastation by an artificial intelligence, which rebuilt civilization giving what remained of the population a safe place to live. Jordan and his sister, along with Kolin, end up on Avalon where Jordan finds out its his destiny to fix the AI's insanity and that he's got more work to do to ensure the continued existence of the sister worlds.

Michael Offutt builds both of his worlds with rich detail. Of course, we know what present day Earth is like, but Avalon is a strange, vicious and overpopulated and he gives us all of the amazing, and sometimes horrific, insight. I envisioned something between "Blade Runner," "The Running Man" and "The Matrix" with a little bit of "Tron." The characters, however, are the core of what makes this book work. Jordan is a typical teenager in some moments and at others supersmart guy spouting off physics (I'm happy I watch the "The Big Bang Theory" because I could reference that I'd heard some of it before). He's also a good hockey player and, of course, what's not to like about a hockey player in a book, especially when the hockey he ends up playing is of the ultra-violent and possibly deadly variety. Kathy is also quite something. Initially she came off as the ditzy, but caring, sister. She quickly evolved in the parallel world to quite the badass. Kolin is another great character as he goes from protector of these two to falling head over heels in love. You can't help but to root for these people.

What makes this book a tremendous read is not knowing where it's going. There are twists from start to finish and, thankfully, they all make sense inside the story. With all the plot threads he introduces, Offutt manages to not lose track of anything. I'll admit, I don't like all the choices the characters made, but to show flawed people the characters do need to make mistakes so.

There is a line at the end of the book that I found quite profound, and oh so true in the world we live in today: "It's difficult to distinguish the voice of the Creator from the falsehoods told by man." Sci-fi often casts a light on the issues facing the world and this is a great example.

"Slipstream" is the first part of the "A Crisis of Two Worlds" series. I'm looking forward to reading part two because I need to know what becomes of Jordan, Kathy, Kolin and the others working to solve the crisis.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A thrilling debut! April 5, 2012

By Cherie Reich

Format:Kindle Edition

Michael Offutt's SLIPSTREAM is a thrilling debut to this new series!

After Jordan Pendragon awakes from a car accident, he discovers he has unusual abilities to manipulate space-time. Those abilities quickly become his answer to life or death when he, another man, and his sister are sucked into a parallel universe. In Avalon, nothing is as it seems, and Jordan must find a way to use his powers once again to save both their worlds.

SLIPSTREAM is a complex book filled with strong elements of science fiction and hints of fantasy with its creatures and mythologies. The characters are well-thought out, and I enjoyed Jordan's character development the most as he becomes who he truly is. The plot is intricate and kept me guessing and reading. The novel uses scientific principles and mythology (particularly Mesoamerican with some Arthurian) to create this fascinating world of a science fiction Avalon. Offutt must've done some major research to craft his novel. The only downside to SLIPSTREAM is the over-description, which caused me to skim some sections and slowed down the pace, yet the adventure to the story kept me reading even during the slower parts.

SLIPSTREAM by Michael Offutt is unlike any book I've ever read. I love the elements of mythology combined with science to make a wonderful read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

More About the Author

Michael Offutt writes speculative fiction books that have science fiction, LGBT, and paranormal elements. His first book, "Slipstream" has received some critical acclaim and was published by Double Dragon in the spring. The sequel, "Oculus," came out in November 2012. He has one brother, no pets, and a few roots that keep his tree of life sufficiently watered. By day, he works for the State of Utah as a Technical Specialist. By night, he watches lots of t.v., writes, draws, and sometimes dreams of chocolate.

Michael Offutt graduated from the University of Idaho in 1994 with a Bachelor's degree in English.

He keeps a blog and would appreciate a visit or two even if all you want to do is say hi.