Mind Trace
CreateSpace, November 16, 2012
Trade Paperback and Kindle eBook, 316 pages
CreateSpace, November 16, 2012
Trade Paperback and Kindle eBook, 316 pages
What would you do to possess unlimited knowledge and power?
Nineteen year-old Alice McArthur never had a choice. A shy girl from a small town, Alice has gained a reputation for her near-genius programming abilities, even getting the attention of EngineerCorp, a rising electronics empire. With her unique skill-set she is hand-picked to test their network security by hacking into their global mainframe.
But something goes terribly wrong.
The next thing Alice knows, she wakes up on the floor with a migraine, unnatural powers, a server’s worth of data in her head and the realization that this job was not what it seemed.
Now a fugitive from justice and on the run from the evil leader of a corporate empire, Alice doesn’t know who to trust or where to turn. She must find a way to secure her freedom and stop those who would keep her prisoner for life — or worse.
An Excerpt from Mind Trace
It was a clear evening and by her brain's estimate, her vision extended just under two miles into the distance. She was already identifying the buildings scattered about, comparing them to the campus map she held in her head. Her mind was reveling in all the information. She knew the floor plans of each building, the height and relative distance to her own location, and the endless geometric patterns she found in their positioning.
She barely even noticed the sunset, but now she turned her attention to its descent on the horizon. The sunset veiled the campus in a rose-colored hue, making it seem almost peaceful. Without realizing it, she had forgotten about Eric, took a deep sigh, and began to relax.
"It really is extraordinary, isn't it?"
The voice over her shoulder caused her to jump. Eric had approached her silently as she was wrapped up in her surroundings. She turned around and took two large steps back.
"You really shouldn't do that, you know. It's just creepy."
Eric laughed at her, but did not respond. The intensity of his gaze had lessened, but it wasn't completely gone. He joined her at the window again and looked out.
He spoke, but his voice was directed to the glass. "All of this... This is only the tip of the iceberg. I am the head of an empire, Alice. An empire that covers almost the entire planet. But, even I have limitations."
His voice grew deeper and more powerful. "Look out there, Alice. Can you see it all? The world could be ours. All you have to do is work with me. Think about it. Can you imagine the possibilities? With you at my side, nothing would stand in our way."
He turned his eyes on her again and she was terrified by the expression on his face. He seemed drunk with power and greedy for more. She could not help but step back. He started to approach her, prompting her to retreat further. Alice made it only a few steps when her back hit the wall. She found herself in a corner, with Eric rapidly closing the distance between them.
Alice was truly frightened then, of what he was capable of and what he would do. He smiled as he stood over her, placing one hand on the wall next to her head and leaning in so that his face was only inches away from hers.
"I'm ss-s-ure we can talk more effectively seated at the table," she offered weakly.
He smiled wickedly. She could feel his breath on her face and she was claustrophobic. Her fear temporarily clouded her mind and she fought to push it aside.
Eric had always been maniacal and power-hungry, but this was more than that. It almost seemed as if he had lost control of his carefully disciplined emotions in what appeared to be a fit of greed and lust for power. The effect was truly frightening. Even her mild attempt at humor had not elicited a response.
His voice was low and intense. "Alice, you will tell me…one way or the other."
It was a clear evening and by her brain's estimate, her vision extended just under two miles into the distance. She was already identifying the buildings scattered about, comparing them to the campus map she held in her head. Her mind was reveling in all the information. She knew the floor plans of each building, the height and relative distance to her own location, and the endless geometric patterns she found in their positioning.
She barely even noticed the sunset, but now she turned her attention to its descent on the horizon. The sunset veiled the campus in a rose-colored hue, making it seem almost peaceful. Without realizing it, she had forgotten about Eric, took a deep sigh, and began to relax.
"It really is extraordinary, isn't it?"
The voice over her shoulder caused her to jump. Eric had approached her silently as she was wrapped up in her surroundings. She turned around and took two large steps back.
"You really shouldn't do that, you know. It's just creepy."
Eric laughed at her, but did not respond. The intensity of his gaze had lessened, but it wasn't completely gone. He joined her at the window again and looked out.
He spoke, but his voice was directed to the glass. "All of this... This is only the tip of the iceberg. I am the head of an empire, Alice. An empire that covers almost the entire planet. But, even I have limitations."
His voice grew deeper and more powerful. "Look out there, Alice. Can you see it all? The world could be ours. All you have to do is work with me. Think about it. Can you imagine the possibilities? With you at my side, nothing would stand in our way."
He turned his eyes on her again and she was terrified by the expression on his face. He seemed drunk with power and greedy for more. She could not help but step back. He started to approach her, prompting her to retreat further. Alice made it only a few steps when her back hit the wall. She found herself in a corner, with Eric rapidly closing the distance between them.
Alice was truly frightened then, of what he was capable of and what he would do. He smiled as he stood over her, placing one hand on the wall next to her head and leaning in so that his face was only inches away from hers.
"I'm ss-s-ure we can talk more effectively seated at the table," she offered weakly.
He smiled wickedly. She could feel his breath on her face and she was claustrophobic. Her fear temporarily clouded her mind and she fought to push it aside.
Eric had always been maniacal and power-hungry, but this was more than that. It almost seemed as if he had lost control of his carefully disciplined emotions in what appeared to be a fit of greed and lust for power. The effect was truly frightening. Even her mild attempt at humor had not elicited a response.
His voice was low and intense. "Alice, you will tell me…one way or the other."
About Holly
I was born and raised in the Houston, Texas area, and have lived in Texas my whole life! (Gotta love humidity!)
Nothing makes me happier than settling down with a good book, but they aren’t always easy to find! Some of my favorites (in no particular order) include: Jane Eyre, The Blue Sword, Dracula, Ender’s Game, Heir to the Empire, and the Harry Potter series. I love a good scifi/fantasy book, but it certainly isn’t limited to that genre.
My first book was just published via CreateSpace, called “Mind Trace.” It is a science fiction/adventure novel, appropriate for all ages! It is currently available through Amazon.com (paperback and Kindle), Barnesandnoble.com (paperback), and the CreateSpace store.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads
Nothing makes me happier than settling down with a good book, but they aren’t always easy to find! Some of my favorites (in no particular order) include: Jane Eyre, The Blue Sword, Dracula, Ender’s Game, Heir to the Empire, and the Harry Potter series. I love a good scifi/fantasy book, but it certainly isn’t limited to that genre.
My first book was just published via CreateSpace, called “Mind Trace.” It is a science fiction/adventure novel, appropriate for all ages! It is currently available through Amazon.com (paperback and Kindle), Barnesandnoble.com (paperback), and the CreateSpace store.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads
Author Giveaway
5 Copies of Mind Trace (Print or eBook)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Interesting cover
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very exciting.
ReplyDelete