Undersea [Paperback]

Geoffrey Morrison (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2, 2011

In a world flooded and irradiated by a nearly forgotten cataclysm generations passed, all that remains of civilization clings to life in two war-torn, city-sized submarines. For fifty years, the only peace between them has come from separation. Now, young councilwoman Ralla Gattley has uncovered mysteries that will bring these two factions face-to-face, setting in motion events that will forever change their undersea world. Along the way she meets Thom Vargas, a bored fisherman and aspiring drunk who merely wants to climb one rung on the social ladder. Little does he know that single step may well put the fate of the world in his hands.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Geoffrey Morrison is a tech writer and freelance journalist based in Los Angeles. He was Editor in Chief of Home Entertainment magazine and before that, Technical Editor of Home Theater magazine. He currently writes reviews and features for CNET, Sound+Vision magazine, HDGuru.com, BigPictureBigSound.com and other Web and print publications. His articles have appeared in Men's Journal, Popular Photography, PC World, Robb Report, Consumers Digest, Channel Guide, and many others.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Geoffrey Morrison (November 2, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 098477792X
• ISBN-13: 978-0984777921
• Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 5.9 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,858,060 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Geoffrey Morrison is a tech writer and freelance journalist. He was Editor in Chief of Home Entertainment magazine and before that, Technical Editor of Home Theater magazine. He currently writes reviews and features for CNET, Sound+Vision magazine, HDGuru.com, and other Web and print publications. He has written for Men's Journal, Popular Photography, PC World, Robb Report, Consumers Digest, Channel Guide, and many others.

Undersea is Geoffrey's debut novel. He is based in Los Angeles.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Over the Moon about Undersea November 16, 2011

By Chris Boylan TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've been a SciFi fan for many years, but haven't read as much lately as I haven't found too many authors whose work or voice really captivated me. But that changed with Geoffrey Morrison's debut novel, "Undersea." The author paints a highly detailed and gorgeous visual tapestry of a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is just scraping by on massive submarines and in undersea domes while a terrible and long-lasting catastrophe topside has made the world above the water unliveable. Carrying the torch of an old conflict between nations, two city-sized submarines race inexorably toward a final conflict that could spell doom for the human race. In spite of the danger and uncertainty (or perhaps because of it) an unlikely relationship blossoms between two people of vastly different worlds.

While the advanced yet decaying technology is fascinating (and surprisingly plausible), and the descriptions of the various craft and structures make you feel as if you are there (or at least, that the author was), it's the human interactions that give the story its substance. The characters are, for the most part, complex: likeable (at times detestable), heroic (at times cowardly) but most of all imperfect, just like you and me. Each major character is motivated by his or her own agendas, some hidden, some not; some grandiose, some petty. And over the course of several months, a story unfolds that is both petrifying and uplifting. The intense action interspersed with interpersonal interaction and scientific discourse will keep you on the edge of your seat in suspense and may rob you of a few hours of much-needed sleep (as it did me).

If you're a fan of science fiction and are looking for a new voice in the genre, Mr. Morrison's "Undersea" is definitely worth a read.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Reads like a good Clive Cussler novel August 10, 2012

By Mike Wood

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

After a few interesting character introductions, the action in Undersea really picks up steam and never gives up. To say that it stays at that pace throughout the rest of the book is an understatement. I'm a huge Clive Cussler fan. I love the intriguing environments and nonstop action of his books, and this one is on par with Cussler's novels, if not better. Morrison does a great job of creating characters with depth, too, which makes the action even more suspensful. You're invested in the characters and want to know if they survive (and with this author, you're never quite sure). The plot is intriguing and clever, as well, with plenty of surprises and interesting takes on current political and environment events. It was great fun to read. I seriously couldn't put it down until I reached the end.

I found the premise to be incredibly creative, too. I've read or scene plenty of sci-fi, where the future is either in a desert, or on another planet, or even ON the water, but never one underwater, floating around in submarines. Morrison makes everything seem new and interesting, while at the same time his descriptions leave you feeling appropriately cramped and moldy. You would think that it would be hard to imagine a world that was so foreign, and yet his descriptions are incredibly vivid and detailed.

I can't recommend this book enough. If you're a fan of Harlequin Romances, well, you probably won't get enough of that, but if you enjoy either sci-fi or action (and especially both) then I would definitely say to read UnderseaUndersea.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A sci-fi page-turner December 12, 2011

By luv my 20D!

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a classic work of sci-fi, a compelling, character-driven story in a surprisingly plausible post-apocalyptic setting. The characters feel real and the tech side is incredibly well thought out. I loved immersing myself in Morrison's invented world - the social structure, the history, the workings - just as much as I enjoyed the same experience in "Blade Runner."

Unlike a lot of sci-fi authors, Morrison really took the time to think this story through in every last detail. There are no plot holes, no important matters left unexplained, no ridiculous pseudo-physics, no deus ex machina.

Best of all, there's loads of action and intrigue with barely a slow page, much less a slow chapter. LOTS of stuff blows up.

I read most of it in three sittings.