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Fuse #1
Origin: Fuse, Book 1
Ethan Pierce is just another tech support rep when he gets electrocuted, allowing him to generate electricity. As he recovers from his accident, he and his girlfriend, Emma, witness a drive-by shooting in the city of Olympia. They soon learn it was related to the Martelli crime family. The ruthless Martellis run the city and don't like to leave loose ends.
Fearful of the threat of the family, Ethan and Emma try to lay low, but it's no use. When Emma is attacked, Ethan uses his newfound lightning abilities to become Fuse, Olympia's "man in black."
Fueled by vengeance and empowered by his new abilities, Ethan vows to find the man who attacked Emma and get justice. But will his powers be enough to save her?
Fearful of the threat of the family, Ethan and Emma try to lay low, but it's no use. When Emma is attacked, Ethan uses his newfound lightning abilities to become Fuse, Olympia's "man in black."
Fueled by vengeance and empowered by his new abilities, Ethan vows to find the man who attacked Emma and get justice. But will his powers be enough to save her?
Audible Audio
Published March 11, 2019
53 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
David Neth
66 books261 followersDavid Neth is the author of the Fuse series, the Under the Moon series, the Small Town Christmas series, and other stories. He lives in Batavia, NY, where he dreams of a successful publishing career and opening his own bookstore.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 2, 2017
The story is a Superhero story following a guy named Ethan Pierce, who is a tech geek at a company, doing ok for himself, has a nice girlfriend (who has just been made his boss though), but works for people who don’t see his true potential. He lives with his brother Cale, who is barely home as he is always staying at his girlfriends house, as they both lead very busy lives, he a reporter, she working for a Politician.
Ethan is working late one night, when during a massive thunder storm, he happens to be plugging in a dodgy lap top for a client, when a thunder bolt strikes the building, the resultant surge through the buildings system happens to strike Ethan, just as Ethan’s fingers slip and hit a power plug of the dodgy lap he is trying to plug in.
This is not a light hearted happy hero story, this is a deep and dark story, one that follows along with the likes of Batman, or Dare Devil (the comic, not that dreadful movie), with a city that has a sick, cancerous underbelly, full of the Mafia that is slowly spreading and taking control of all that used to be good of a once great city.
Into this comes Ethan, who witnesses something he shouldn’t, and this leads to a series of events. Being that this is an ‘Origin’ story, there are several events that occur that define Ethan, obviously he gains his ability, to draw in electrical energy from around him and then discharge that energy from his hands in a powerful blast, potentially being lethal. There is the tragic event, that I won’t divulge, that defines our hero, and this is really a defining moment, because for a lot of stories it's at this point a person with super human abilities, struck down with something terrible has two directions really, they can seek vengeance and become the thing that caused the tragedy in their lives, or, they can rise above it, and whilst they might still seek vengeance, they can do it in a manner that is less about vengeance and more about justice, where they take the path of the hero.
Neth takes us on a journey, exploring the character, and the possibilities of both of these paths as he struggles with his new found abilities, and the trauma that has been unleashed on his life.
For the most part, there is some really good character writing in this book, the main character is well thought out, and his internal struggle is extremely well verbalised, both with the other characters, but also with his internal monologue. The other characters are also well written, although there are a few parts in which I thought the dialogue between Dean (Ethan’s friend) and Ethan was not quite right. This was easily forgivable though for the first book, and also when compared to other dialogue between Ethan and Emma’s Sister, in which this dialogue was incredibly powerful and realistic.
It is obvious that Neth has done a lot of research to create this story, to bring the elements together of the seedy underbelly, the mafia and his very clear understanding of their inner workings, as well as the mythology around superheroes and their origin stories.
This is a great read, of a young man who gets a gift, but struggles with how to use it. It is very well written.
Ethan is working late one night, when during a massive thunder storm, he happens to be plugging in a dodgy lap top for a client, when a thunder bolt strikes the building, the resultant surge through the buildings system happens to strike Ethan, just as Ethan’s fingers slip and hit a power plug of the dodgy lap he is trying to plug in.
This is not a light hearted happy hero story, this is a deep and dark story, one that follows along with the likes of Batman, or Dare Devil (the comic, not that dreadful movie), with a city that has a sick, cancerous underbelly, full of the Mafia that is slowly spreading and taking control of all that used to be good of a once great city.
Into this comes Ethan, who witnesses something he shouldn’t, and this leads to a series of events. Being that this is an ‘Origin’ story, there are several events that occur that define Ethan, obviously he gains his ability, to draw in electrical energy from around him and then discharge that energy from his hands in a powerful blast, potentially being lethal. There is the tragic event, that I won’t divulge, that defines our hero, and this is really a defining moment, because for a lot of stories it's at this point a person with super human abilities, struck down with something terrible has two directions really, they can seek vengeance and become the thing that caused the tragedy in their lives, or, they can rise above it, and whilst they might still seek vengeance, they can do it in a manner that is less about vengeance and more about justice, where they take the path of the hero.
Neth takes us on a journey, exploring the character, and the possibilities of both of these paths as he struggles with his new found abilities, and the trauma that has been unleashed on his life.
For the most part, there is some really good character writing in this book, the main character is well thought out, and his internal struggle is extremely well verbalised, both with the other characters, but also with his internal monologue. The other characters are also well written, although there are a few parts in which I thought the dialogue between Dean (Ethan’s friend) and Ethan was not quite right. This was easily forgivable though for the first book, and also when compared to other dialogue between Ethan and Emma’s Sister, in which this dialogue was incredibly powerful and realistic.
It is obvious that Neth has done a lot of research to create this story, to bring the elements together of the seedy underbelly, the mafia and his very clear understanding of their inner workings, as well as the mythology around superheroes and their origin stories.
This is a great read, of a young man who gets a gift, but struggles with how to use it. It is very well written.
April 24, 2018
A thriller to read like the super powers in this book good read
June 1, 2021
Having listened to David Neth’s Heat series and knew when I got chance to listen to the Fuse series I was going to jump on that opportunity. This origin story for Fuse was very entertaining. The character development and story line were well done. I’m looking forward to listening to the second book in this series. Once again Nicholas P Dunker’s narration took a very good story and elevated it to a higher level.
September 21, 2018
Couldn't be more full of played out, hackneyed, and yes, offensive tropes if the author deliberately tried. Not a book to be set aside lightly -- it should be hurled across the room as forcefully as possible, and if it happens to land in the fireplace? All the better.
March 28, 2020
An outstanding story as always. The main character was just perfectly matched for the plot. Loved it.
March 22, 2019
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, and found it very entertaining. One strike of lightning or one moment in the wrong place can change your life forever, as Ethan discovers . His very normal life is turned upside down and his goals change drastically as he learns to control his new powers. This tale is filled with interesting characters, suspense, lots of action and some humour, making it very enjoyable. I wasn't expecting it to end the way it did, so I'm looking forward to Book 2.
October 8, 2017
Ethan was a run of the mill IT guy, till he plugged in a computer during a storm. After witnessing a murder his life changes dramatically. Origin is just the beginning of a fabulous new series featuring Fuse.
Well written and fun to read, this set is certain to be a hit. David Neth has created a fantastic new hero!
Well written and fun to read, this set is certain to be a hit. David Neth has created a fantastic new hero!
July 5, 2018
Not great, but a very good origin story. Pretty good characterization as well as action.
February 26, 2020
I actually had the audiobook edition. It has the pace and feel of a short story without the author compromising details or story understanding. Ethan is introduced and electrocuted in chapter 1, out of the hospital by 3 and well into mob guys and murder by chapter 5. There’s just enough description of the characters or events to make things stand out without getting too bogged down with details. This is particularly appreciated when Ethan indulges soul searching, or whining, depending on your point of view. The narrator has a pleasant voice and does well on making the men’s voices sound distinctive. The female characters sound slightly off though. The ending was a surprise, that had me reaching for book 2 right away, and I was driving at the time!
January 21, 2023
An interesting story. Ethan working late on a laptop is electrocuted but lives through the ordeal. However, his body mutates and he developes extra powers. But being a witness to a murder begins a period of being hunted my criminal elements. His girfriend is taken captive and beaten into a coma. Now Ethan wants revenge but what can he do. Help comes from some unexpected sources but will they be enough to find out who beat up his girlfriend and what action can he take to take then out. Well worth reading..
November 20, 2017
I am really struggling with this book, I find the writing very juvenile and the main character more a sobbing wimp than a mainstream hero. The book is slow and the plot fragmented. At the present time I am 1/2 way into the book but have had to have a break from it for a few days however will try again to finish it today. Pity really as the idea was good with the possibility of the main character being a likeable person in the vein of the Marvel characters.
August 23, 2020
I listened to this book in Audio. Narrator did well. Loving the book series covers.
When listening to this story, the narrator and author kept me interested. I have a few ideas on certain characters and who they are or playing out to be. I don’t trust said character. But time will tell. I am a little saddened over another’s characters unexpected ending, but I guess it was more expected than not. I’m enjoying the theme and the flow of the story. Starting book 2 today.
When listening to this story, the narrator and author kept me interested. I have a few ideas on certain characters and who they are or playing out to be. I don’t trust said character. But time will tell. I am a little saddened over another’s characters unexpected ending, but I guess it was more expected than not. I’m enjoying the theme and the flow of the story. Starting book 2 today.
May 7, 2019
This is the first book by this author that I have read, or well listened to and I must say that the characters and world building are very entertaining. The rise of a new super hero surrounded by suspense and a ton of action made it enjoyable. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
October 28, 2023
I must admit that I am not a big fan of science fiction or super hero novels. So this book did not impress me. The story did not always make much sense and the main character is a weak man whose actions are foolish and unbelievable. I got the feeling that the author did not really know where he was going with this book and it wonders around aimlessly. Not a good book.
November 8, 2020
The story was simple enough to follow. I would have liked to see more time spent on honing the electricity and the training. The many failures in Ethan in this book are cringe worthy. The ending was a complete surprise to me.
December 24, 2017
Sorry
Sorry, I was going to give this book a good review, but I am sad to say that is not the case.
Sorry, I was going to give this book a good review, but I am sad to say that is not the case.
July 10, 2018
Fridging the girlfriend. Predictable LGBT reversal.
April 24, 2019
Nice book about the rise of a new superhero. As with any new series, the first part is setup with the second being the take down.
March 21, 2020
Very far fetched
Had trouble buying the premise. I found I never really engaged with the story. I won't be reading any more in this series.
Had trouble buying the premise. I found I never really engaged with the story. I won't be reading any more in this series.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews