Speed of Light

by Lee Baker

Living the life of his dreams, and married to his longtime sweetheart, Pierce Black has been selected to be the first to pilot the Speed of Light plane. He is destined to make history like John Glenn and Neil Armstrong. Pierce’s idyllic world screeches to a halt when, three weeks before the historic flight, his wife is killed in a tragic car accident. Determined to carry on with the groundbreaking flight in spite of his grief, Pierce is changed forever when, during the flight, his body is transformed into light. The shock throws Pierce into a deep coma and when he wakes time is not relevant to his mind. Suddenly able to step into visions of the past, Pierce struggles to make sense of what he sees as he learns that his wife’s death was not an accident, but murder and the murderers are still after him. As Pierce and the beautiful attorney, Vanessa Trace, sort through the bizarre attacks on Pierce and his vivid visions of the past, they cannot substantiate any evidence to his claims. In a frantic race to stay alive, Pierce and Vanessa find themselves matching wits with a conspiracy with seemingly endless resources and a police department convinced Pierce is a murderer, while at the same time they question whether or not Pierce himself is crazy. Standing out from traditional suspense novels, Speed of Light is fast-paced, intelligent and intricately layered with mind expanding concepts. Larry King of CNN said the following about Speed of “Speed of Light by Lee Baker is a terrific read that takes you on a fast-paced, thrilling experience and journey with twists and turns that surprise and entertain! It’s a book you won’t want to put down. Lee Baker makes a strong impact with his first novel, and reveals himself as a master storyteller!” —Larry King, CNN

Genres: Suspense, Fiction, Science Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been awhile since I read a good thriller so as soon as I read the premise of this book, I knew I wanted to read it. And it certainly fulfilled my expectations. What a thrilling ride this book took me on!

Pierce Black works as a pilot for Paralight Technologies, a high-end company experimenting with a secret project to test flight a speed of light jet. When Pierce agrees to be the first human to travel the speed of light, he actually survives the test, and soon discovers that he becomes light and his mind changes. But with this change comes tragedy and danger. Someone wants him dead, and Pierce has to discover what the conspiracy is as he adapts to his newly acquired and superhuman strengths and skills.

I have to say that the fantastical element of being able to travel at the speed of light by stepping into visions of the past was so well-written and seamlessly incorporated within the plot so as to be plausible even as it was incredible. It was such a cool concept because it wasn't explored in a futuristic or galactic setting but rather a contemporary normal one. Pierce Black was a regular guy who experienced an amazing transformation while remaining very human. I was fascinated by this and couldn't put the book down.

As a matter of fact, what I liked most about Speed of Light was that its main character was very human. As he suffers his losses, especially that of his wife who was murdered, the gravity of them takes a toll on him. We experience his anguish, his fear and his frustration, but also his will to survive. This really pulled me into the story as the suspense builds and he is being chased. Some thrillers have their characters go through harrowing situations and yet they come out of it emotionally unscathed, which only adds to the incredulity. I didn't feel that with Speed of Light. I really liked Pierce Black. He was unpretentious and kind. He loved his mentally disabled son and he felt regret for his past mistakes. Most of us could relate to him.

This was such an engaging book with concepts that were different and fun to explore. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I especially liked the author's exploration of how the mind can work on different levels. This is a topic that fascinates me on a scientific level. Lee Baker has just made it to my list of favorite authors. I will definitely look for this author's work in the future.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I could see this made into a movie someday. I liked the original storyline and the character development. The only thing I would change is I felt the ending wrapped up a little too quickly. I would've loved the read more about the court case. I look forward to book 2.

[Rachel D. · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not good literature. I thought it would be a good read for my sophomores, but the characters are not well-developed at all. Definitely not one I would recommend.

[BrighamS · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book that I read this term is, "The Speed of LIght" by Lee Baker. This story is a science fiction book. Just a basic overview of the plot of the book is the main character, Pierce Black, is preparing to fly in a plane that goes the speed of light. As he prepares for the test flight he never looked at what could go wrong when he went through the test flight of the plane. When the test flight actually happens, Pierce is turned into light and his mind expands during the flight. After that he is pushed back into his body and he falls into a coma. When he wakes up, time isn't relevant in his head and he walks into and out of visions of the past and learns that the death of his wife three weeks before the test flight wasn't an accident and the people who killed his wife are after him.
I can kinda relate to what Pierce felt three weeks before the test flight and losing a loved one. That's the only thing that I can think of that I can relate to. Because throughout my life I had lost a lot of great people in my life that I loved in my family and it's not a great feeling. So that's what I can relate with Pierce from the story.
I enjoyed the book. The even though I'm not very big into science fiction, this book also adds in some mystery because after the test flight and he wakes up from the coma he is being hunted by the people who killed his wife. My favorite part of the book is the actual test flight because the author gives so much detail in what Pierce is seeing, feeling, during the test flight. And also that's what the author did well also, perspective, which was a crucial thing in this story because it was being told through Pierce's perspective. I don't think the author needs to change anything to make his writing better.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes an action packed story that includes some science and mystery into the mix. Or if your just looking for an interesting book to read then here you go. And for those of you who want to be pilots or engineers for planes then this book can give you an idea of what your probably going up against.
I read 75% of the book.

[John M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read, but you need to exercise a lot of willpower to get there. The first couple chapters read like an absolutely miserable middle school creative writing assignment gone wrong. Writing in the first person, the author comes across as egotistical and stuck in dreamland. However, it was like the author aged five years between chapter 2 and chapter 3. The storytelling does not rise to the level of awe inspiring fine literature, but the quality is remarkably better. Even with that said, I would still say that you should not expect much out of this book. It will entertain you, but it is far-fetched and almost ridiculous in doing so. It feels like a fun movie, if you like action movies. You know, the type that are "movies for guys who like movies." If that is not your thing, skip this book.

[Emily Weston ( Frosty ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The author did an amazing job at the details and keeping your attention. The only reason I give it a 4 out of 5 star is because near the end I felt that it was just rushing to hurry and finish the book. I mean it was great! And I loved it! But it felt rushed.
Spoiler* I would like to understand how Vanessa can now see what Danny is saying… I was confused on that part. I wish there was more to that then just her being able to now understand Danny.

[Ben Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was tropey and the ending was very anti-climactic, especially since the beginning of the book teased what was going to happen. I ended up asking myself why Pierce, the main character, didn't take the action that cleared his name 10 chapters earlier even though he could have.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different story I loved it

[James Schisler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Far from the worst book I've picked up on recommendation of one of my siblings! Flawed, but an interesting enough premise and a quick enough read.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extraordinarily intense read from start to finish, Speed of Light is a roller coaster ride of extremes.

Imagine being in a a plane that can travel the speed of light - imagination the transformation that one's body would endure during such an adventure - the purification, the bliss, the horror. That is what Pierce Black experiences within Speed of Light, and so much more.

With science and technology today, the sky's the limit (or galaxy) when it comes to new endeavors and possibilities. Amazing? Yes. Enlightening? Yes. Mind-blowing? Oh yes. Mortal danger and greed? You have no idea. Lee Baker's story is a tale of Science Fiction (or is it?), that will leave the reader's mind reeling with questions and reading long into the night for want of finding out what is going to happen next. I truly loved Speed of Light and found it to be an amazingly quick and engrossing read. Mr. Baker has an incredible talent for taking readers to the edge of their belief system, opening their minds and tossing one heck of a fireball within.

Pierce Black is a very likable character and this fact allowed me to reach within him and feel as though I was experiencing what he was experiencing - the excitement, heartbreak, horror, fear and determination. The visions that Pierce experiences after his speed of light flight are fascinating and I loved how the author interwove these scenes in with what was currently happening within the story.

Speed of Light is truly a unique reading experience and whether or not you are a fan of this genre, I highly recommend that you check it out. With so many twists, turns, emotions and the intricate story line, there is never a moment when you will want to put this book down. I greatly look forward to more work by Lee Baker!

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book from Costco where the author was doing a signing. Since I am a sucker for time travel stories, I thought I'd give it a try. I'm glad I did. I enjoyed the book, but in a different way than I thought I would. Rather than reading a science-fictiony mystery like I was expecting, I found myself reading and superhero(ish) action/thriller.

In terms of a superhero origin story, this is a great book. A normal stand-up type guy gets some amazing mind powers and uses them to fight evil. What's not to like? The characters and good, the pacing is quick, and there are some very suspenseful moments.

My biggest gripes center around the fact that the science and technology elements are almost completely ignored. The book focuses heavily on the action. Also, the main character is intelligent and capable but never really seems to grasp the enormity of the power he now has. With the ability to see the past/present/future events, I kept waiting for him to lay an intricate trap for the "bad guys" but he seemed to always be a step behind. It was disappointing for me. I'm sure that *I* would have done a better job with those powers. :-)

Anyway it was a quick read and I enjoyed it. Well done Mr. Baker!

P.S. There is a point in the story where I thought it was going to turn "supernatural" and, given the awesome descriptions of the beasts, I think that aspect of it is worth exploring in a second book!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pierce Black was a troubled man. His wife and her brother are busy building a case against his employer, Paralight Industries. They supposedly embezzled millions into the Scarlet project. Millions meant for conventional airplanes, hovercrafts, etc. Scarlet – well, Scarlet was another thing entirely.

Pierce is set to fly the craft they named Stormlight in a few days. On their anniversary he and Catherine were hit broadside by a SUV and she was killed. Days after that event, Pierce and Stormlight take to the heavens to fly the speed of light. Something never done.

Pierce wakes up two and a half months after his flight in a mental hospital. Things have changed but he did it! He flew the speed of light and survived! Released to his own devices, he returns home to his son, Danny, who is severely handicapped. Danny can’t talk at all or do much else. But Pierce can now talk to Danny with his mind – and Danny responds!

That is the beginning but far from the end of this story. I wasn’t too enthused at first and thought I would have to “plod through the thing” to get the review done in time but things changed and I found myself taking it everywhere with me until I finished it. What a story! Bad guys, black shadowy guys, love, pain, death…you name it, it’s in here somewhere. Want to know the best part of all? This is Book 1.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Speed of Light was an enjoyable read. It was actually a pretty fresh idea for a book. Also pretty different from what I have read lately. While Speed of Light initially looks like a science fiction novel, it is so much more than that. There is a mystery to be solved and Pierce is going to use his abilities to solve it.

After his wife is killed, Pierce becomes the first human being to travel at the speed of light. He comes out of a coma 4 months later and discovers that he has come out of the experience whole, but different. He figures out that he can come out of his body and move through time to see the past, present and future. He also finds out that there is a conspiracy in the company he works for. Risking his life and those he loves he sets out to find out the truth behind his wife's death and his brother-in-law's disappearance.

As I was reading, I kept thinking this would be a good idea for a movie. The special effects alone would be very cool. If you are looking for something different to try out, give this one a shot.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a truly trippy book. It's at times hard to follow, but still gripping. The book deals with Pierce Black, an advanced pilot, who has been chosen to test the ability of flying faster than the speed of light in a new flight test. Everything changes when Pierce's wife is killed in a tragic accident. After this things start to get strange for Pierce. He wakes up in a strange place with everyone looking at him as if he's about to explode. He starts to realize that he's not safe, and that his wife's death might not have been an accident. As the danger he's in grows more real and strong despite his initial thoughts of being paranoid, he begins his tie the pieces together between his personal life and his super top secret responsibilities at his work. Suspenseful, action packed, and science based. A very interesting read and appropriate for all ages, but possibly quite confusing at times for younger ages.

[Colby Preslar · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm absolutely baffled as to how this book received such a high rating. This is one of the worse books I've ever read, right up there with James Patterson. Here's what kept distracting me as I was reading the book: I saw the writer struggling to write the novel. When this image is bigger than the story and the characters, the writer didn't do his job. The characters were flat and lifeless and the dialogue was wooden and spurious. I couldn't finish it, it sucked so bad. There must be some politics involved with the rating (like getting all of your friends on Facebook to give this book a good rating); otherwise my concern in people's taste for good literature--and well-written prose--is a close second to the decline of literacy in the world.

[Taylor David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very great read, and it showed me one of my now most favorite writers. I don't usually read books because I find most of them boring, but Lee Baker has captivating writing that had me from the start.

The protagonist is Pierce Black, who is living the life of his dreams. He is married and has a great job. He is one of the first people to be selected to fly a new type of plane, one that can travel at the speed of light. a little bit before he goes in to work to fly the prototype plane, he gets into a car accident which kills his wife (happens very early in the book), and then he goes into a coma.

I had a great time enjoying the journey of Pierce Black as he tries to figure out who killed his wife, and I hope you will too.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sister-in-law bought this at Costco (complete with author visit/autograph) for my then-7 year old, who is a very avid reader. My father-in-law also got a copy and after reading it said it was too mature for a 7yo. I saw the author at Costco another time and chatted with him at his booth. He said his 8yo read it, and would love to have a 7yo give a review for his website. I read it to see what I thought, and I would say it IS too mature for a 7yo. There are murders in it, some described with some detail. All that aside, I actually really liked the story. I'll read the next book when it comes out.

[Meg · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this book up at Coscto because the author was there. It turned out to be more of a mystery with a bit of fantasy and sci-fi thrown in. I enjoyed the book okay, but I wanted to like it more. I felt like it was a little shallowly written and was frustrated by the main characters lack of awareness of what the after-affects of speed of light travel meant for him and for society as a whole. And at the end there was a weird acquistion of "power" in one of the characters without any explanation (other than to create a warm and fuzzy ending...)
Recommended as a summer/beach read.

[Rocky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read. The suspense and action makes you want more and keeps you reading. Each event you read about leaves you with a question that keeps you reading for an answer and helps you be more engaged in the story. The characters could have been developed better but you can still see the relationships between characters and the different things that make each character unique very clearly, which is awesome. The story had a couple things that I thought weren't very good but were still alright. I recommend this to anyone into thriller/suspense novels and love a good read.

[Terrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the death of his wife, Pierce Black becomes first man to travel the Speed of Light. One of the side affects of this is that he is able to disassociate his mind from his body. During one of his "visions" he realizes that his wife was murdered, and his friend (brother-in-law and co-worker) is missing. Pierce finds himself caught in the middle of a cover-up and uses his newfound abilities to solve the mystery. This is a fast-paced, thrill a minute, adventure. OK for YA.

[Curtis Gibby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the concept of this book was intriguing, but mediocre characterization and clunky constructions dragged it down. Also, Baker pulled a kind of "Deus Ex Machina" ending to wrap things up instead of having his protagonist actually get the evidence to solve the mystery. There were also several places where I found writing errors that a competent editor would have fixed, so it was obviously self-published.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am about 1/2 way through this book. Really good storyline, interesting & intriging. So what is wrong with this book? The writing is a bit immature. I feel like I am reading a creative writing paper from a high school student. And that is being derogatory to the student.

I guess a sequel is in order. Doubt I will read it.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started a little slow for me, it wasn't until Pierce took the test flight before I really got interested, then things picked up and I found myself wanting to read more. A conspiracy unfolds and I found it entertaining and wanted to keep reading more. I liked this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this book up at costco when the author was doing a signing and I'm glad I did. Interesting and fast read. I think this book would make a great movie. Lot's of conspiracy and intrigue. I will probably read the next book when it comes out.

[Mama · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another YA book. Quick-paced. I thought the whole "going the speed of light" gives you unique powers idea would be too much for me, but Baker pulls it off pretty well. It's a bit dark in places. Murder and mayhem. I'll recommend it to more mature student readers.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast and interesting sci-fi and what happens when you go the speed of light. An original and creative book.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay read, not very memorable. I postponed reviewing this book and I had to look it up to remember what it was about.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Original and interesting story concept, but couldn't give it 5 stars because some of the writing was only so-so.

[Kent Amott]

Enjoyed the suspense and loved the idea of light being a kind of collective conscience. Great job Lee!

[Spencer Kimball]

Awesome book