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Ghostmaker
Dr. Adam Steele is a brilliant scientist/inventor who is down on his luck and about to give up, when chance drops an Angel into his lap. Not a literal angel, but the type that float through the corridors of business planting the seeds of hope in the heart of dreamers.
With her help, he turns the tides of fortune into a literal fortune, but the strings that come with the realization of his life's work, may shred his soul.
In time he knows that the price of his success, is simply what everyone else has already paid to use his invention.
A short story by the author of Atlas and the Winds.
With her help, he turns the tides of fortune into a literal fortune, but the strings that come with the realization of his life's work, may shred his soul.
In time he knows that the price of his success, is simply what everyone else has already paid to use his invention.
A short story by the author of Atlas and the Winds.
27 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2012
16 people want to read
About the author
Eric Michael Craig
22 books120 followersEric Michael Craig is a "harder-edged" Science Fiction writer living in the Manzano Mountains of New Mexico. He is the former Director of Research for a private consulting laboratory in Phoenix, where he experimented with inertial propulsion and power generation technologies.
Eric is a founding member of the SciFi Roundtable. The SFRT is an active online group dedicated to supporting indie and traditional authors by networking them with other writers and professional resources.
When not writing, Eric is active in Intentional Community Design, plays guitar and bass, occasionally dabbles in art of various forms. He also owns way too many dogs.
Eric is a founding member of the SciFi Roundtable. The SFRT is an active online group dedicated to supporting indie and traditional authors by networking them with other writers and professional resources.
When not writing, Eric is active in Intentional Community Design, plays guitar and bass, occasionally dabbles in art of various forms. He also owns way too many dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 2, 2016
Ghost Out Of The Machine
He'd discovered that getting money for science, was tougher than getting it for a three headed leper who wanted to have sex in public and call it art.
Alan Steele is a scientist with a crazy idea and no money, then an angel investor turns up who is also an attractive woman with whom he falls in love. Life is perfect, he develops his dream. But then things - of course - have to go wrong...
Naturally, considering who the author is, the science is futuristic and well founded. If you want to know how it might one day be theoretically possible to transmit matter - and people - directly over distance, this will tell you the kind of basis such science would need.
Every short story needs a twist and this one twists like a knife in the guts - you don't really see it coming until it impacts.
"So you're chasing Heisenberg uncertainly through the corridors of quantum indeterminacy?"
So what is not to like? Nothing for me, but those who read this author for his hard sci-fi might prefer to stay clear, this is definitely science fantasy not hard sci-fi.
I would totally recommend this short as a brilliant introduction to the writing of Eric Michael Craig, Although it is very different from his main 'Atlas and the Winds' series, it showcases the typically Craig narrative style and his command of language to tell a thundering good story.
He'd discovered that getting money for science, was tougher than getting it for a three headed leper who wanted to have sex in public and call it art.
Alan Steele is a scientist with a crazy idea and no money, then an angel investor turns up who is also an attractive woman with whom he falls in love. Life is perfect, he develops his dream. But then things - of course - have to go wrong...
Naturally, considering who the author is, the science is futuristic and well founded. If you want to know how it might one day be theoretically possible to transmit matter - and people - directly over distance, this will tell you the kind of basis such science would need.
Every short story needs a twist and this one twists like a knife in the guts - you don't really see it coming until it impacts.
"So you're chasing Heisenberg uncertainly through the corridors of quantum indeterminacy?"
So what is not to like? Nothing for me, but those who read this author for his hard sci-fi might prefer to stay clear, this is definitely science fantasy not hard sci-fi.
I would totally recommend this short as a brilliant introduction to the writing of Eric Michael Craig, Although it is very different from his main 'Atlas and the Winds' series, it showcases the typically Craig narrative style and his command of language to tell a thundering good story.
June 4, 2018
OMG! What an ending!
What a great little story this was! It was almost like The Sixth Sense on acid. 'I hear dead people' scenario. Adam is a scientist and inventor who is struggling to find a backer for project he has been trying to get off the ground. Along comes Luci, a vision of beauty, who offers Adam the funds that he needs to realise his dream. A few years down the line, the pair marry, and his project has made him famous the world over. It's when his invention is put to use that things start going wrong. Slowly, Adam starts to lose his mind, and the twist at the end...well! I.didn't see that coming. So twisted.
Overall, the story was very well written, and the characters, well conceived. I highly recommend this short book to all who like a good old fashioned ghost/scifi story.
What a great little story this was! It was almost like The Sixth Sense on acid. 'I hear dead people' scenario. Adam is a scientist and inventor who is struggling to find a backer for project he has been trying to get off the ground. Along comes Luci, a vision of beauty, who offers Adam the funds that he needs to realise his dream. A few years down the line, the pair marry, and his project has made him famous the world over. It's when his invention is put to use that things start going wrong. Slowly, Adam starts to lose his mind, and the twist at the end...well! I.didn't see that coming. So twisted.
Overall, the story was very well written, and the characters, well conceived. I highly recommend this short book to all who like a good old fashioned ghost/scifi story.
May 2, 2018
Dr Alan Steele needs funding for his scientific research which, if successful, could change the world. Getting it is harder than it seems, until one day one of those almost mythical Angel Investors comes into his life and everything starts going to plan. But there's something not right here. Something dark and disturbing that a future Dr Alan needs to remember...
A technological suspense story where the timeline is split like lines on a broken mirror. It feels disjointed which, while it could be a criticism, in this case it works perfectly to wrong-foot the reader and add a grim sense of foreboding. My only real criticism would be that shock ending; just right in how the subject matter is revealed but maybe a bit abrupt in execution.
A well written short story to give you goosebumps.
-I received a free copy of this ebook in a giveaway-
A technological suspense story where the timeline is split like lines on a broken mirror. It feels disjointed which, while it could be a criticism, in this case it works perfectly to wrong-foot the reader and add a grim sense of foreboding. My only real criticism would be that shock ending; just right in how the subject matter is revealed but maybe a bit abrupt in execution.
A well written short story to give you goosebumps.
-I received a free copy of this ebook in a giveaway-
August 30, 2017
Excellent use of a split timeline, it wasn't confusing or jarring and added a sense of unease. I enjoyed the science but felt the sex bits jarred with the overall story. Probably because I didn't expect them but also it read like a cliche as did the red Ferrari car choice. But that being said good story telling and a superb ending which I really want to talk about but I won't so as not to spoil it for others.
February 3, 2017
I've reviewed Eric Michael Craig's work before with the excellent Stormhaven Rising. That book is a fine example of how to weld scientific knowledge together with exciting storytelling to create a rollicking tale.
Here, Craig gently takes his foot off the accelerator when it comes to scientific fact, and delves into the realm of science fantasy.
A scientific genius is on a downward spiral. Frustrated by bad dealings with investors and his own bouts of depression, Adam Steele lucks out when an angel investor backs his research - which brings about the creation of teleporters that allow people to zap instantly from place to place.
But Adam isn't sure everything is as it should be - even as the company soars to success. He obsesses over minute details in the lab results, he spirals ever further downward into depression, amping up his medication and seeing hallucinations. Or are they... ghosts?
This really is a creepy tale, the likes of which would not sit out of place in a Twilight Zone episode or or on The Outer Limits. A particular hat off in the author's direction, though, for tackling the issue of depression seriously in the middle of a fantastic story - and that, for me, elevates this story beyond a good read to a great one.
Here, Craig gently takes his foot off the accelerator when it comes to scientific fact, and delves into the realm of science fantasy.
A scientific genius is on a downward spiral. Frustrated by bad dealings with investors and his own bouts of depression, Adam Steele lucks out when an angel investor backs his research - which brings about the creation of teleporters that allow people to zap instantly from place to place.
But Adam isn't sure everything is as it should be - even as the company soars to success. He obsesses over minute details in the lab results, he spirals ever further downward into depression, amping up his medication and seeing hallucinations. Or are they... ghosts?
This really is a creepy tale, the likes of which would not sit out of place in a Twilight Zone episode or or on The Outer Limits. A particular hat off in the author's direction, though, for tackling the issue of depression seriously in the middle of a fantastic story - and that, for me, elevates this story beyond a good read to a great one.
May 27, 2017
Adam Steel struck out to be his own man. To take his invention and change the world. Only problem with a startup is dealing with the investors. Until Lucy comes along and makes all of Adam’s dreams come true.
This short story delivers exactly what a tale in the short form ought to. Novels twine lots or related ideas and adventures while a good short story is a single strong strand, like a sea fishing line that can pull in a tuna. Foreshadowing, conflict, and theme all lead the reader to the twist ending.
I think that a world with Stargate like portals would initially be inhabited both by major fans and those who feared their use, even as Adam was hesitant to use the very device he created.
I forget if I caught this story for free from an Amazon promotion or if the author gave me a review copy. Unimportant really, because this story was a fun read with a surprise waiting that I would readily have paid a buck for. I voluntarily gave an awesome review for a couple reason. First, I like to impose my opinions on others, especially in the realm of speculative fiction. Keep up with my other reviews @S_Shane_Thomas on Twitter. Second, because it’s up to We the Reader to tell one another about great stories.
The supernatural element in the story was subtle and well played.
This short story delivers exactly what a tale in the short form ought to. Novels twine lots or related ideas and adventures while a good short story is a single strong strand, like a sea fishing line that can pull in a tuna. Foreshadowing, conflict, and theme all lead the reader to the twist ending.
I think that a world with Stargate like portals would initially be inhabited both by major fans and those who feared their use, even as Adam was hesitant to use the very device he created.
I forget if I caught this story for free from an Amazon promotion or if the author gave me a review copy. Unimportant really, because this story was a fun read with a surprise waiting that I would readily have paid a buck for. I voluntarily gave an awesome review for a couple reason. First, I like to impose my opinions on others, especially in the realm of speculative fiction. Keep up with my other reviews @S_Shane_Thomas on Twitter. Second, because it’s up to We the Reader to tell one another about great stories.
The supernatural element in the story was subtle and well played.
August 3, 2016
This is just a clever concept and so well executed. I've been trying to think of how to classify it and the best I can come up with is futuristic horror. It's a quick read, but it sticks with you. After all, when we're surrounded by technology every day, it's hard to forget the story to reminds you there's always a price to pay.
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March 31, 2018Eric Michael Craig delivers yet another great read! This story kept me on my toes the whole time. A young inventor on the verge of the fastest and most comfortable way to travel ever conceived just needs the cash to get it done. He receives all this and more in the most unexpected place. I recommend you keep all the lights on for this one!!
December 30, 2018
This is a wonderful story about a man, the woman he falls in love with, and the invention that he creates that revolutionizes the world. But the man is going slowly crazy because of his invention and what only he can apparently perceive. The twist at the end was refreshing and made a nice capstone for the story. Very much recommend this to anyone who loves a good sci-fi tale with a twist, reminiscent of the best Twilight Zone stories.
June 29, 2022
Wonderful entertaining listening 🎶🔰
Another will written fantasy Sci-Fi relationships between her and him adventure thriller short story by Eric Michael Craig about a man 🚹 whose wife is helping him run the company which turns too control when he is declared insane. Why? I would recommend this novella to readers of fantasy Sci-Fi novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa as I do because of eye damage and health issues. 2022 👒😊💑🏡
Another will written fantasy Sci-Fi relationships between her and him adventure thriller short story by Eric Michael Craig about a man 🚹 whose wife is helping him run the company which turns too control when he is declared insane. Why? I would recommend this novella to readers of fantasy Sci-Fi novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa as I do because of eye damage and health issues. 2022 👒😊💑🏡
February 27, 2021
Hell of a twist ending to a really intriguing tale. This is definitely outside of Craig's usual fare, and well-worth a read. Great short from a great author.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews