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SIMON VECTOR
MISCALCULATION: A Noir Tale of Skull Morgan
Skull Morgan sees things other people can't. His mind is a computer. Running the numbers, Morgan believes he's covered every possible permutation: He has conceived the perfect crime, a heist that will set him up for life. All that stands between him and his payday is a violent burglary that must progress with inhuman precision.
There is, however, another problem. Always calculating, always playing the odds, Morgan can't shake the nagging feeling in his gut that he's missing some critical variable. He's playing a game whose stakes are life and death… and even Skull Morgan isn't certain who holds the winning hand.
MISCALCULATION is one of four prequel novellas set in the SIMON VECTOR Universe. They are an exciting and well-priced way to explore additional background information about the characters and gain story insight not available to those readers that have only read SIMON VECTOR. These prequel novellas do not need to be read in any particular order; just pick one up and join in the action at any point, with no fear of getting lost.
There is, however, another problem. Always calculating, always playing the odds, Morgan can't shake the nagging feeling in his gut that he's missing some critical variable. He's playing a game whose stakes are life and death… and even Skull Morgan isn't certain who holds the winning hand.
MISCALCULATION is one of four prequel novellas set in the SIMON VECTOR Universe. They are an exciting and well-priced way to explore additional background information about the characters and gain story insight not available to those readers that have only read SIMON VECTOR. These prequel novellas do not need to be read in any particular order; just pick one up and join in the action at any point, with no fear of getting lost.
84 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Jak Holding
8 books17 followersJAK HOLDING is the pen-name for long time friends and collaborators, John Jackson and Ken Chapman (John And Ken).
They are the authors of the sci-fi book series, SIMON VECTOR. Current titles in the series include the novel SIMON VECTOR and the prequel novellas CORRECTION: A GERALD RUHMING TALE OF TERROR, CORRUPTION: A MARSHAL BOOTHE TALE OF JUSTICE, MISCALCULATION: A NOIR TALE OF SKULL MORGAN and DECEPTION: THE LAST BATTLE OF REX MASON. The novellas can be read in any order and provide an uncensored look at some of the exciting characters that inhabit the dark world of SIMON VECTOR.
In 2010, John and Ken teamed up with publisher Harper Voyager and author Adam-Troy Castro to create Z Is for Zombie: An Illustrated Guide to the End of the World and V Is for Vampire: An Illustrated Alphabet of the Undead.
Under the pen-name, Dante Savelli, John and Ken created CHOOSE YOUR DOOM: ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE, which they co-wrote with author DeAnna Knippling.
In addition to their writing, John and Ken are the founders of the publishing house, League Entertainment, which publishes many of their titles.
John devotes his off time mentoring at-risk youth in central Florida's juvenile detention facilities. When Ken is not trying to take over the world with John, he's busy safe-guarding it as a Commissioned Officer and UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot in the Army National Guard.
View John's Goodreads Profile.
View Ken's Goodreads Profile.
They are the authors of the sci-fi book series, SIMON VECTOR. Current titles in the series include the novel SIMON VECTOR and the prequel novellas CORRECTION: A GERALD RUHMING TALE OF TERROR, CORRUPTION: A MARSHAL BOOTHE TALE OF JUSTICE, MISCALCULATION: A NOIR TALE OF SKULL MORGAN and DECEPTION: THE LAST BATTLE OF REX MASON. The novellas can be read in any order and provide an uncensored look at some of the exciting characters that inhabit the dark world of SIMON VECTOR.
In 2010, John and Ken teamed up with publisher Harper Voyager and author Adam-Troy Castro to create Z Is for Zombie: An Illustrated Guide to the End of the World and V Is for Vampire: An Illustrated Alphabet of the Undead.
Under the pen-name, Dante Savelli, John and Ken created CHOOSE YOUR DOOM: ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE, which they co-wrote with author DeAnna Knippling.
In addition to their writing, John and Ken are the founders of the publishing house, League Entertainment, which publishes many of their titles.
John devotes his off time mentoring at-risk youth in central Florida's juvenile detention facilities. When Ken is not trying to take over the world with John, he's busy safe-guarding it as a Commissioned Officer and UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot in the Army National Guard.
View John's Goodreads Profile.
View Ken's Goodreads Profile.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 10, 2013
The Entrypoint novellas in the Simon Vector series are a lot of fun. I've always been a sucker for backstory -- for details that make a character seem more real. To me, every time you see a character in a novel, it should feel as if that person had a life before you encountered them, and will go on to have a life after you have left them (unless you see them die, of course). A novel is a window into a moment of existence in the lives of multiple people, and as you know from real life, people are complex. Every one of them has a saga, be it dull or interesting, sordid or inspiring.
The novellas Correction and Corruption were a horror tale and a sci-fi Western, respectively. They gave us the backstories of Gerald Ruhming, a minor but important villain in the full-length novel Simon Vector, and Jayson Boothe, an imperial marshal whose story touches on that of Ruhming's (and who makes what is essentially a cameo appearance in Simon Vector). Each story ends with the character in prison on Alpha Draconis, the setting of the full-length novel. Each of these three stories can be read in any order, independently of each other. Together they build a complex, dystopian, and corrupt future world whose central message could easily be, "People will screw you."
Never is that more apparent than in Miscalculation: A Noir Tale of Skull Morgan. With the third novella in the Simon Vector Entrypoint series, a pattern that could have been coincidence now emerges as obvious. I am not telling you anything you do not already know by saying that the novella ends with Skull Morgan in prison on Alpha Draconis. He has to end up there for the novel to occur. But who is Skull Morgan? What are his motivations? How did he end up in a prison largely reserved for murderers and serial rapists, when he is clearly much more intelligent than most of the other inmates?
Miscalculation answers those questions, and in the process paints a picture of a rogue and schemer who is actually very likable in his own way. Knowing Morgan's ultimate fate, it is almost a shame to see him in his element. He has so much potential and will fall so far that watching him do it is almost a tragedy. I say "almost" because, ultimately, Morgan's own actions are the cause of his undoing, and watching him get where he must go is the essence of a noir crime thriller like this one.
The novellas Correction and Corruption were a horror tale and a sci-fi Western, respectively. They gave us the backstories of Gerald Ruhming, a minor but important villain in the full-length novel Simon Vector, and Jayson Boothe, an imperial marshal whose story touches on that of Ruhming's (and who makes what is essentially a cameo appearance in Simon Vector). Each story ends with the character in prison on Alpha Draconis, the setting of the full-length novel. Each of these three stories can be read in any order, independently of each other. Together they build a complex, dystopian, and corrupt future world whose central message could easily be, "People will screw you."
Never is that more apparent than in Miscalculation: A Noir Tale of Skull Morgan. With the third novella in the Simon Vector Entrypoint series, a pattern that could have been coincidence now emerges as obvious. I am not telling you anything you do not already know by saying that the novella ends with Skull Morgan in prison on Alpha Draconis. He has to end up there for the novel to occur. But who is Skull Morgan? What are his motivations? How did he end up in a prison largely reserved for murderers and serial rapists, when he is clearly much more intelligent than most of the other inmates?
Miscalculation answers those questions, and in the process paints a picture of a rogue and schemer who is actually very likable in his own way. Knowing Morgan's ultimate fate, it is almost a shame to see him in his element. He has so much potential and will fall so far that watching him do it is almost a tragedy. I say "almost" because, ultimately, Morgan's own actions are the cause of his undoing, and watching him get where he must go is the essence of a noir crime thriller like this one.
April 8, 2013
One of the benefits of the science fiction genre is the flexibility it provides a writer. A setting involving advanced technology and progressive human evolution allows a storyteller the ability to incorporate other genre motifs with little difficulty. A splendid example is the latest Entrypoint novella from JAK Holding entitled Miscalculation. Holding infuses this story in the Simon Vector universe with shady, corrupt characters and crime noir circumstances which turns it into a highly engaging sci-fi tale.
Unlike the previous Entrypoint novellas (which examined Mars in this universe’s version of a Human-run Imperial government), this novella places the action on a dystopian Earth. The political corruption shown in previous stories (particularly the aptly-titled Corruption) is merely a symptom of a much deeper, systemic problem. Earth is a dilapidated, acid-rain soaked megalopolis; a place of slums and crime lords (who sometimes wear Imperial badges). One striking scene depicts a mutated animal scurrying about while dissolving from exposure to the ever-present acid rain. The setting reminds me of the best parts of the film Blade Runner and its metropolitan environment, drawing the reader into a world where the moral and political decay is so pervasive no one bothers to fight it and is reflected in the decrepit Detroit where the action takes place.
This story follows the origins of another of Alpha Draconis’ rogue’s gallery: Skull Morgan. When he is introduced in Simon Vector, he is an oddity in a prison primarily populated with hyper-violent serial killers and rapists. With his brain encased in transparent crystalflex, Morgan represents a seamless synthesis between man and machine. Miscalculation goes one step further; revealing a distant, analytically-gifted mind that stands incredibly close to machine-like rather than human. Morgan possesses an aloof personality but not in the flighty, effervescent sense. This man is driven to compute life’s variables in pain-staking detail and with an eidectic memory (think Moriarty with cybernetics). Like many who possess exceptional intelligence and/or mental faculties in literature, Morgan stands above and sneers down at everyone else.
Morgan operates as a criminal mastermind, the “man with a plan” in the crime noir genre. And no good noir tale would be complete without a bent cop, a role suited for Imperial Marshal Ellen Trame. Trame should be familiar as one of the antagonists of Corruption, serving in that story as a physical and psychological foil for Jayson Boothe. This novella takes place an indeterminate amount of time after the events of Corruption. Trame is a little worse for wear from her last escapade but she still possesses a violent streak as large as her chemically-enhanced body. Marshals in this world are given steroids and growth hormones, generally turning them into towering hunks of muscle with barely-contained tempers. Trame serves as the muscle to Morgan’s brains and reading these two hardened criminals bicker is a highlight of the novella.
The rest of the cast fill their roles well but this is all Morgan’s show. Reading Morgan play everyone step by step (and almost be a step or two ahead) is thoroughly enjoyable. The book is a quick read and can be finished in one sitting, allowing one to reread the story and pick up any details that may have been missed. Despite being a criminal, Morgan is an engaging rogue, capable of drawing in the audience and keeping their attention while they wonder if he will succeed or not. I refuse to spoil the ending but it has a classic noir twist finish that is both appropriate to the genre and fulfilling from a storytelling perspective.
The Entrypoint novellas have allowed JAK Holding to expand the universe first introduced with bloody aplomb in Simon Vector. Each successive story brings depth and nuance that future entries in the series will no doubt touch on. The world-building has been gradual, with each book adding a few layers here and there. Story seeds that pay off in Simon Vector are populated through the novellas. Consider them Easter eggs for those enjoy more serialized storytelling. These stories are stand-alone (as well as being part of a narrative whole), so one can read all four or just one and still get a classic sci-fi experience. By combining each novella with a different genre, JAK Holding has allowed their audience maximum accessibility to the universe. If someone enjoys horror, western, or crime noir (the descriptors for each of the Entrypoint novellas), one has access to an appropriate story that is deeply engaging. Check out Miscalculation if you’re a fan of crime fiction with a good sci-fi base.
Unlike the previous Entrypoint novellas (which examined Mars in this universe’s version of a Human-run Imperial government), this novella places the action on a dystopian Earth. The political corruption shown in previous stories (particularly the aptly-titled Corruption) is merely a symptom of a much deeper, systemic problem. Earth is a dilapidated, acid-rain soaked megalopolis; a place of slums and crime lords (who sometimes wear Imperial badges). One striking scene depicts a mutated animal scurrying about while dissolving from exposure to the ever-present acid rain. The setting reminds me of the best parts of the film Blade Runner and its metropolitan environment, drawing the reader into a world where the moral and political decay is so pervasive no one bothers to fight it and is reflected in the decrepit Detroit where the action takes place.
This story follows the origins of another of Alpha Draconis’ rogue’s gallery: Skull Morgan. When he is introduced in Simon Vector, he is an oddity in a prison primarily populated with hyper-violent serial killers and rapists. With his brain encased in transparent crystalflex, Morgan represents a seamless synthesis between man and machine. Miscalculation goes one step further; revealing a distant, analytically-gifted mind that stands incredibly close to machine-like rather than human. Morgan possesses an aloof personality but not in the flighty, effervescent sense. This man is driven to compute life’s variables in pain-staking detail and with an eidectic memory (think Moriarty with cybernetics). Like many who possess exceptional intelligence and/or mental faculties in literature, Morgan stands above and sneers down at everyone else.
Morgan operates as a criminal mastermind, the “man with a plan” in the crime noir genre. And no good noir tale would be complete without a bent cop, a role suited for Imperial Marshal Ellen Trame. Trame should be familiar as one of the antagonists of Corruption, serving in that story as a physical and psychological foil for Jayson Boothe. This novella takes place an indeterminate amount of time after the events of Corruption. Trame is a little worse for wear from her last escapade but she still possesses a violent streak as large as her chemically-enhanced body. Marshals in this world are given steroids and growth hormones, generally turning them into towering hunks of muscle with barely-contained tempers. Trame serves as the muscle to Morgan’s brains and reading these two hardened criminals bicker is a highlight of the novella.
The rest of the cast fill their roles well but this is all Morgan’s show. Reading Morgan play everyone step by step (and almost be a step or two ahead) is thoroughly enjoyable. The book is a quick read and can be finished in one sitting, allowing one to reread the story and pick up any details that may have been missed. Despite being a criminal, Morgan is an engaging rogue, capable of drawing in the audience and keeping their attention while they wonder if he will succeed or not. I refuse to spoil the ending but it has a classic noir twist finish that is both appropriate to the genre and fulfilling from a storytelling perspective.
The Entrypoint novellas have allowed JAK Holding to expand the universe first introduced with bloody aplomb in Simon Vector. Each successive story brings depth and nuance that future entries in the series will no doubt touch on. The world-building has been gradual, with each book adding a few layers here and there. Story seeds that pay off in Simon Vector are populated through the novellas. Consider them Easter eggs for those enjoy more serialized storytelling. These stories are stand-alone (as well as being part of a narrative whole), so one can read all four or just one and still get a classic sci-fi experience. By combining each novella with a different genre, JAK Holding has allowed their audience maximum accessibility to the universe. If someone enjoys horror, western, or crime noir (the descriptors for each of the Entrypoint novellas), one has access to an appropriate story that is deeply engaging. Check out Miscalculation if you’re a fan of crime fiction with a good sci-fi base.
April 20, 2013
Miscalculation: A Noir Tale of Skull
Morgan.
The third in a series of four "Entry
Point" prequel novellas for the Simon
Vector universe, Miscalculation follows the pattern set in the previous works by once again introducing another genre shift. So far, we've gone from Horror-Sci-Fi in Simon Vector to Criminal Minds/Serial Killer investigation-Sci-Fi in Correction, to Western Revenge-Sci-Fi in Corruption and now we've come to pause briefly on Crime Noir-Sci-Fi here in Miscalculation. With this much variety one wonders
what the fourth novella will have in store.
Our protagonist this go around is one of the characters from Simon Vector who I did feel was not explored nearly
enough. Skull Morgan, a man too smart for his own good, a "brainbender" with a custom designed cybernetically enhanced brain, striving to get ahead of the game and stopping just short
of the goal due to a small miscalculation.
It's always a struggle in these reviews to not give away too much of the juicy bits. So lets just say, that this novella is perfectly suited for any fan of Noir fiction, as it certainly has it all: twists, turns, reveals, and more betrayals than you can shake a stick at.
In this acid rain dripping future Detroit, you should never be stupid enough to trust someone. Those who have been following along will be glad to know we finally do get a good look at dear old Earth, after a lot of time spent off planet on Mars and various off world stations. Dear old Earth has certainly been transformed during the Empire's reign, but I don't think we've even begun to see the biggest changes yet.
Jak Holding has outdone himself on this story. Easily the quickest read of the prequels thus far. It appears that Holding
has hit his stride this time, telling a gripping tale that will keep the reader flipping pages. And never fear, as always Holding doesn't stint on the gruesome bits. Which is perfect, as I've always felt that a good pulp novel should be like a good steak, meaty, but not overdone, and plenty of blood on my knife as I cut into it.
Once again I must give my most heartfelt recommendation that you check out this story as well as the other works in this series. Bite in and chew on this pulpy goodness.
Morgan.
The third in a series of four "Entry
Point" prequel novellas for the Simon
Vector universe, Miscalculation follows the pattern set in the previous works by once again introducing another genre shift. So far, we've gone from Horror-Sci-Fi in Simon Vector to Criminal Minds/Serial Killer investigation-Sci-Fi in Correction, to Western Revenge-Sci-Fi in Corruption and now we've come to pause briefly on Crime Noir-Sci-Fi here in Miscalculation. With this much variety one wonders
what the fourth novella will have in store.
Our protagonist this go around is one of the characters from Simon Vector who I did feel was not explored nearly
enough. Skull Morgan, a man too smart for his own good, a "brainbender" with a custom designed cybernetically enhanced brain, striving to get ahead of the game and stopping just short
of the goal due to a small miscalculation.
It's always a struggle in these reviews to not give away too much of the juicy bits. So lets just say, that this novella is perfectly suited for any fan of Noir fiction, as it certainly has it all: twists, turns, reveals, and more betrayals than you can shake a stick at.
In this acid rain dripping future Detroit, you should never be stupid enough to trust someone. Those who have been following along will be glad to know we finally do get a good look at dear old Earth, after a lot of time spent off planet on Mars and various off world stations. Dear old Earth has certainly been transformed during the Empire's reign, but I don't think we've even begun to see the biggest changes yet.
Jak Holding has outdone himself on this story. Easily the quickest read of the prequels thus far. It appears that Holding
has hit his stride this time, telling a gripping tale that will keep the reader flipping pages. And never fear, as always Holding doesn't stint on the gruesome bits. Which is perfect, as I've always felt that a good pulp novel should be like a good steak, meaty, but not overdone, and plenty of blood on my knife as I cut into it.
Once again I must give my most heartfelt recommendation that you check out this story as well as the other works in this series. Bite in and chew on this pulpy goodness.
October 14, 2018
Of the novellas, this one is my favorite so far because of the Poe quote.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews