Hello Terry,

 

As you know, as a writer and editor of books and poetry, I am very critical of anything and everything I read. My science background (Nuclear Scientist for the Department of the Navy, Astrogeophysical Data Analyst at Palahua Solar Observatory for the USAF/NASA, and Solar Forecaster and World Climate Meteorologist) made your book an enjoyable read, for me -- personally. 

 

Science Fiction is no easy task; there's always some critic out there (myself included) ready to point out the irrational premise of the writer's effort. Carl Sagen, Arthur C. Clarke, Jules Verne, Ron L. Hubbard, Issac Azmov and even Rod Sirling had to (I'm sure) refer often to a famous quote:  "Get your facts first. Then you can distort them as much as you please." Mark Twain ...

 

The basis of the 13th Power is as sound as any of the above mentioned SCI-FI authors. Exceed the speed of light? Turn lead into gold? Traverse the Milky Way? Rehabilitate a drug addict and whore (Kate)? Well -- winding up on the opposite end of a galactic star pool  may be easier than getting Kate to walk a straight line. I'd have killed off that bitch before she got out of prison.

 

I liked the Herrera family. I think you used them well throughout the book. Too bad they were all scum!

 

Curtis needs to lose the floppy hat and trench coat, especially in Mexico and Southern California; his "Linus Blanket"  was a bit much for me. 

 

I really liked your writing. I think you write some of the best action scenes in literature. Bravo!

 

When Boris walks -- with his bottle of Old Crow -- was a poignant scene. I can identify with him as a SCI-FI reader and ex-scientist. Personally, I would have been walking with a bottle of J&B Scotch...maybe today, a bottle of Merlot...

 

   All in all, an enjoyable read.  Star-Star-Star-Star-Star!

 

       

   "Into the 13th Power." The Most Dangerous Journey of All

 

    A sequel to "The 13th Power." The Most Dangerous Quest of All

 

Sincerely,

 

             Jim Halon