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Operator B
Science fiction, Lee-style. This critically acclaimed novella involves a U.S. Air Force test pilot recruited for a very special to fly an operational recovered UFO. Any test pilot s dream, right? Wrong. Special disfiguring surgery is required for anyone human who wants to fly the craft. This expertly plotted novella proves to detractors that Lee can write in many arenas, not just horror, and doesn t have to rely on the gross-out to keep readers enthralled. (Lee has implied that he may one day expand this project to novel-length, just as he hopes to expand his hard sci-fi TRIAGE novella 2202.) OPERATOR B made the Preliminary Ballot for 1999 HWA Stoker Award for Best Novella. Little known the working outline for this novella was a screenplay, which is also the case for his well-reviewed conspiracy/UFO novel THE STICKMEN.
148 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1999
8 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Edward Lee
268 books1,454 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Edward Lee is an American novelist specializing in the field of horror, and has authored 40 books, more than half of which have been published by mass-market New York paperback companies such as Leisure/Dorchester, Berkley, and Zebra/Kensington. He is a Bram Stoker award nominee for his story "Mr. Torso," and his short stories have appeared in over a dozen mass-market anthologies, including THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES OF 2000, Pocket's HOT BLOOD series, and the award-wining 999. Several of his novels have sold translation rights to Germany, Greece, and Romania. He also publishes quite actively in the small-press/limited-edition hardcover market; many of his books in this category have become collector's items. While a number of Lee's projects have been optioned for film, only one has been made, HEADER, which was released on DVD to mixed reviews in June, 2009, by Synapse Films.
Lee is particularly known for over-the-top occult concepts and an accelerated treatment of erotic and/or morbid sexual imagery and visceral violence.
He was born on May 25, 1957 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Bowie, Maryland. In the late-70s he served in the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division, in Erlangen, West Germany, then, for a short time, was a municipal police officer in Cottage City, Maryland. Lee also attended the University of Maryland as an English major but quit in his last semester to pursue his dream of being a horror novelist. For over 15 years, he worked as the night manager for a security company in Annapolis, Maryland, while writing in his spare time. In 1997, however, he became a full-time writer, first spending several years in Seattle and then moving to St. Pete Beach, Florida, where he currently resides.
Of note, the author cites as his strongest influence horror legend H. P. Lovecraft; in 2007, Lee embarked on what he calls his "Lovecraft kick" and wrote a spate of novels and novellas which tribute Lovecraft and his famous Cthulhu Mythos. Among these projects are THE INNSWICH HORROR, "Trolley No. 1852," HAUNTER OF THE THRESHOLD, GOING MONSTERING, "Pages Torn From A Travel Journal," and "You Are My Everything." Lee promises more Lovecraftian work on the horizon.
Edward Lee is an American novelist specializing in the field of horror, and has authored 40 books, more than half of which have been published by mass-market New York paperback companies such as Leisure/Dorchester, Berkley, and Zebra/Kensington. He is a Bram Stoker award nominee for his story "Mr. Torso," and his short stories have appeared in over a dozen mass-market anthologies, including THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES OF 2000, Pocket's HOT BLOOD series, and the award-wining 999. Several of his novels have sold translation rights to Germany, Greece, and Romania. He also publishes quite actively in the small-press/limited-edition hardcover market; many of his books in this category have become collector's items. While a number of Lee's projects have been optioned for film, only one has been made, HEADER, which was released on DVD to mixed reviews in June, 2009, by Synapse Films.
Lee is particularly known for over-the-top occult concepts and an accelerated treatment of erotic and/or morbid sexual imagery and visceral violence.
He was born on May 25, 1957 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Bowie, Maryland. In the late-70s he served in the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division, in Erlangen, West Germany, then, for a short time, was a municipal police officer in Cottage City, Maryland. Lee also attended the University of Maryland as an English major but quit in his last semester to pursue his dream of being a horror novelist. For over 15 years, he worked as the night manager for a security company in Annapolis, Maryland, while writing in his spare time. In 1997, however, he became a full-time writer, first spending several years in Seattle and then moving to St. Pete Beach, Florida, where he currently resides.
Of note, the author cites as his strongest influence horror legend H. P. Lovecraft; in 2007, Lee embarked on what he calls his "Lovecraft kick" and wrote a spate of novels and novellas which tribute Lovecraft and his famous Cthulhu Mythos. Among these projects are THE INNSWICH HORROR, "Trolley No. 1852," HAUNTER OF THE THRESHOLD, GOING MONSTERING, "Pages Torn From A Travel Journal," and "You Are My Everything." Lee promises more Lovecraftian work on the horizon.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 2, 2020
This hardcover is numbered 417 of 450 and is number 7 in the Cemetery Dance novella series, and is signed by Edward Lee.
The story concerns a U.S. Air Force test pilot recruited for a very special mission: to fly an operational recovered UFO. Special disfiguring surgery is required for anyone human who wants to fly the craft.
Lee has implied that he may one day expand this project to novel length.
“OPERATOR “B” made the Preliminary Ballot for 1999 HWA Stoker Award for Best Novella. Little known fact: the working outline for this novella was a screenplay, which is also the case for his well-reviewed conspiracy/UFO novel "The Stickmen".
The story concerns a U.S. Air Force test pilot recruited for a very special mission: to fly an operational recovered UFO. Special disfiguring surgery is required for anyone human who wants to fly the craft.
Lee has implied that he may one day expand this project to novel length.
“OPERATOR “B” made the Preliminary Ballot for 1999 HWA Stoker Award for Best Novella. Little known fact: the working outline for this novella was a screenplay, which is also the case for his well-reviewed conspiracy/UFO novel "The Stickmen".
February 15, 2015
This is Edward Lee, but not as we know it, this is actually a pretty good sci-fi thriller that comes down to an astounding voyage and an unanswerable plague.
Edward Lee is best known for his balls to the wall horror, forever pushing our boundaries that little bit further and our sanity. Operator B proves he can write some decent stuff away from all the cringe inducing gore and this story told in an almost simplistic, engaging style crosses Top Gun and Armageddon with a secret X-files type underground facility. In the realms of an Area 51 type setting.
And yes Aliens do exist, we've got one of their futuristic space craft, controlled by the mind. The only thing we need now is the best pilot in the world, enter left of stage newly promoted General Jack Wentz just 2 days from retirement and now with a major decision to make. Family or the U.S. Air Force and a new world, new civilisations, to boldly go where no man has gone before, this is the voyage of the …. (Shit lost it for a second there) a chance of dreams maybe even nightmares.
Just a little trip to Mars to save the U.S. government's embarrassment and quite possibly a few other minor details, simple really.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
Edward Lee is best known for his balls to the wall horror, forever pushing our boundaries that little bit further and our sanity. Operator B proves he can write some decent stuff away from all the cringe inducing gore and this story told in an almost simplistic, engaging style crosses Top Gun and Armageddon with a secret X-files type underground facility. In the realms of an Area 51 type setting.
And yes Aliens do exist, we've got one of their futuristic space craft, controlled by the mind. The only thing we need now is the best pilot in the world, enter left of stage newly promoted General Jack Wentz just 2 days from retirement and now with a major decision to make. Family or the U.S. Air Force and a new world, new civilisations, to boldly go where no man has gone before, this is the voyage of the …. (Shit lost it for a second there) a chance of dreams maybe even nightmares.
Just a little trip to Mars to save the U.S. government's embarrassment and quite possibly a few other minor details, simple really.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
February 18, 2015
A pretty dang cool little story. Fully fleshed characters for such a short read. I'll definitely look up Lee's other scifi-esque stuff.
February 14, 2015
Lee is an impressively smart guy. This is my second sci-fi experience with him along with In the Year of Our Lord: 2202 which can be found in Triage. Both stories were unlike anything else I've ever read. I'm anxious to start Stickmen and may go on a Lee binge in general for a while. I also love his hillbilly horror and his Lovecraft stuff. He hasn't disappointed me yet in any genre.
May 9, 2021
This is a great book and truly shows the range of Edward Lee. An excellent sci fi book written by an amazing horror author
October 18, 2022
A great read
This was a great read that was thoroughly enjoyable. Edward Lee altho known more for his amazing horror stories this book came as a welcoming change. I adore my horror but to read something different from an author such as Edward Lee always has my mind reeling. Will it be as good as his horror? And I can only say YES! This was exciting, fascinating, insightful and memorable. A pilot whom is well known in the world of testing as being the best or one of the best, dedicating his life to his profession and country. Regarded highly by many has some hard decisions to make. But it's time for retirement, and he has backed out before. Unless it's life or death he his hell bent on retiring, not wanting to let his son or wife down again. A great read that distracts you, and takes you into the world of flight and emotions. Recommended to anyone whom enjoys a good read.
This was a great read that was thoroughly enjoyable. Edward Lee altho known more for his amazing horror stories this book came as a welcoming change. I adore my horror but to read something different from an author such as Edward Lee always has my mind reeling. Will it be as good as his horror? And I can only say YES! This was exciting, fascinating, insightful and memorable. A pilot whom is well known in the world of testing as being the best or one of the best, dedicating his life to his profession and country. Regarded highly by many has some hard decisions to make. But it's time for retirement, and he has backed out before. Unless it's life or death he his hell bent on retiring, not wanting to let his son or wife down again. A great read that distracts you, and takes you into the world of flight and emotions. Recommended to anyone whom enjoys a good read.
October 1, 2011
I'm not at all an Ed Lee fan... I really can't stress that more. However, with that said, I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of sci-fi and government/alien conspiracy. I think any Ed Lee fan will notice that Operator B is a significant departure from his usual sex and gore fests.
Lee did a good job with character development, even for some of the minor characters (like General Wentz's family members). My only minor criticism of the General Wentz character was that his personality description (of an arrogant career fly boy) began to enter into the realms of caricature... although thankfully it did not fully crossover and be a complete farce. Lee provides the Wentz character with enough depth that you actually feel bad for him upon his realization of the government's betrayal.
Also, a real credit to Lee for effectively building suspense and tension surrounding Wentz' planned retirement and the massive disappointment of his wife and son if he were to let them down again by taking on a new mission and un-retiring. Frankly, the tension was so thick that I almost wanted to skip over any passages in which he might have to face his wife's wrath. Mercifully, Lee does not submit us to a potential cringe-worthy confrontation between Wentz and his family.
The overall plot was highly engaging, I was fully invested in the characters, and the ending wrapped things up nicely. Of all of Cemetery Dance's Novella Series novellas, this was one of my favorites. Perhaps Lee will write more sci-fi/horror without the gore mongering.
Lee did a good job with character development, even for some of the minor characters (like General Wentz's family members). My only minor criticism of the General Wentz character was that his personality description (of an arrogant career fly boy) began to enter into the realms of caricature... although thankfully it did not fully crossover and be a complete farce. Lee provides the Wentz character with enough depth that you actually feel bad for him upon his realization of the government's betrayal.
Also, a real credit to Lee for effectively building suspense and tension surrounding Wentz' planned retirement and the massive disappointment of his wife and son if he were to let them down again by taking on a new mission and un-retiring. Frankly, the tension was so thick that I almost wanted to skip over any passages in which he might have to face his wife's wrath. Mercifully, Lee does not submit us to a potential cringe-worthy confrontation between Wentz and his family.
The overall plot was highly engaging, I was fully invested in the characters, and the ending wrapped things up nicely. Of all of Cemetery Dance's Novella Series novellas, this was one of my favorites. Perhaps Lee will write more sci-fi/horror without the gore mongering.
February 14, 2015
An awesome book, the only reason it didn't get five stars is I was a bit disappointed in the ending. Not that the ending was bad, I just expected more. it had great characters though with well written emotions and all the flight talk shows that Edward Lee either did his homework or is very good at faking it. I don't think the oev (I think that's what they called it) could be any more badass than it was and even though I'm not an adrenalin junkie flyboy I could definitely feel his excitment at the opportunity presented to him to fly it.
September 22, 2014
A fun sci-fi novella from Edward Lee, an author generally known for writing literary sickfests. Apparently, in addition to torture and rape, Mr. Lee also knows a thing or two about airplanes, and his military background obviously served him well in penning this unique take on the whole Area 51 scenario. The book is well-written and paced like a brush fire, but there were certain elements of the plot I didn't find convincing, as though Lee were forcing the story ahead in ways that didn't seem natural. I wish Goodreads would allow me to give it an extra half-star...
October 8, 2014
I pretty much read "Operator B" in a single sitting. It was a good read!
The novella is a little out of line with what I have come to expect from Lee. It was sci-fi, not horror. And, it certainly wasn't splatter/gore or filled with deviant sex scenes, even though that was hinted at in the opening pages.
Very well done!
4 STARS
The novella is a little out of line with what I have come to expect from Lee. It was sci-fi, not horror. And, it certainly wasn't splatter/gore or filled with deviant sex scenes, even though that was hinted at in the opening pages.
Very well done!
4 STARS
July 17, 2023
Edward Lee is an author I admire for his guts to write such disturbing and visceral pieces of horror literature, so when he tackles other genres with a very different take from his usual affair it takes me somewhat by surprise, but also manages to convey just how flexible he is as an author and what he can truly be capable of. Operator B is one I've been interested in reading for a while, so when I saw it was finally released as a physical book over on Amazon, I knew I had to pick it up.
Operator A is dead. Why has Williard Farrington, the best pilot in the world committed suicide? Well, the truth is about to be revealed to Air Force General Jack Wentz, who is being forced to embark on a secret government mission to save the world. But what is the government really up to and what are they covering up? Do aliens really exist? All will be unveiled but Jack's life might very well be destroyed in the process.
Edward Lee has written a very mature and emotional government conspiracy-type of story on UFOs, Aliens, and contagions from other worlds. Jack Wentz really is put through to the test here as we see his family life dismantled by his own mistakes and the government. A very likable character who has to do the impossible to save the world. The characterization in this is fantastic and the ideas whilst simple are executed really well.
I will say however, this isn't a horror story at all, let alone one you could find in the splatterpunk genre. It's a mature science fiction tale with some really heart-wrenching scenes.
Overall: I'll admit, I did kind of expect more in the horror department but what I got instead was really good too. A strong emotional tale that I can absolutely see being adapted as a movie. 8/10
Operator A is dead. Why has Williard Farrington, the best pilot in the world committed suicide? Well, the truth is about to be revealed to Air Force General Jack Wentz, who is being forced to embark on a secret government mission to save the world. But what is the government really up to and what are they covering up? Do aliens really exist? All will be unveiled but Jack's life might very well be destroyed in the process.
Edward Lee has written a very mature and emotional government conspiracy-type of story on UFOs, Aliens, and contagions from other worlds. Jack Wentz really is put through to the test here as we see his family life dismantled by his own mistakes and the government. A very likable character who has to do the impossible to save the world. The characterization in this is fantastic and the ideas whilst simple are executed really well.
I will say however, this isn't a horror story at all, let alone one you could find in the splatterpunk genre. It's a mature science fiction tale with some really heart-wrenching scenes.
Overall: I'll admit, I did kind of expect more in the horror department but what I got instead was really good too. A strong emotional tale that I can absolutely see being adapted as a movie. 8/10
January 25, 2023
An Edward Lee book with no "extreme" scenes?
I can just hear the jokes: Like watching porn without sex scenes. Like a braille musical. A Wham concert without George Michael. Okay, maybe I need better examples.
The point remains though - when someone is well known for something, it's hard to think of them abandoning that and trying something different. Fortunately, Lee shows he isn't a one trick pony here. While there may not be gruesome creatures assaulting everyone in graphic details here, there is a very good, succinct tale that is just weird enough to allow Lee to do what he does best, describing details every bit as well as he could if those details were being ripped out of buxom co-eds.
After an opening that whets the appetite to see what could possibly be happening, we find ourselves with a military pilot who is one day from retirement (seriously). Well, we all know where that story goes, but it's a good time getting there, tying together Top Gun, Total Recall and The Colour Out of Space into a brisk sub-150 page novella.
If you've read a few books from Lee and want to see him tackle a straightforward Sci-Fi tale, this is a good read. Even those who don't like his normal ultra-violent style may find something to enjoy here.
I can just hear the jokes: Like watching porn without sex scenes. Like a braille musical. A Wham concert without George Michael. Okay, maybe I need better examples.
The point remains though - when someone is well known for something, it's hard to think of them abandoning that and trying something different. Fortunately, Lee shows he isn't a one trick pony here. While there may not be gruesome creatures assaulting everyone in graphic details here, there is a very good, succinct tale that is just weird enough to allow Lee to do what he does best, describing details every bit as well as he could if those details were being ripped out of buxom co-eds.
After an opening that whets the appetite to see what could possibly be happening, we find ourselves with a military pilot who is one day from retirement (seriously). Well, we all know where that story goes, but it's a good time getting there, tying together Top Gun, Total Recall and The Colour Out of Space into a brisk sub-150 page novella.
If you've read a few books from Lee and want to see him tackle a straightforward Sci-Fi tale, this is a good read. Even those who don't like his normal ultra-violent style may find something to enjoy here.
January 14, 2023
Seriously Insane!!
Jack has been serving the Air Force as one of the best test pilots ever. For 25 years he has been divorced from his family and married to the military and now he finally has a chance to retire.
Unfortunately for Jack, the military may have one more mission before he can try to repair the many years of damage he has done to his wife and kid.
But what is this very top secret mission? And will he survive it before he retires for good?
This was insane but this author knows how to make flip pages, great story!!
Jack has been serving the Air Force as one of the best test pilots ever. For 25 years he has been divorced from his family and married to the military and now he finally has a chance to retire.
Unfortunately for Jack, the military may have one more mission before he can try to repair the many years of damage he has done to his wife and kid.
But what is this very top secret mission? And will he survive it before he retires for good?
This was insane but this author knows how to make flip pages, great story!!
December 9, 2022
Lee, Edward - Operator “B”
Not bad SciFi thriller finds retiring test pilot offered a final gig.
A mission involving the highly experimental craft.
Novella is strewn with aeronautical and military jargon. No idea if any is accurate or if Mr. Lee is letting his imagination run wild. It works, though.
Like I said, not bad. Alright way to spend an hour.
What is bad is how Lee spends so much of his efforts in Horror where he seems a mid-tier talent.
Not bad SciFi thriller finds retiring test pilot offered a final gig.
A mission involving the highly experimental craft.
Novella is strewn with aeronautical and military jargon. No idea if any is accurate or if Mr. Lee is letting his imagination run wild. It works, though.
Like I said, not bad. Alright way to spend an hour.
What is bad is how Lee spends so much of his efforts in Horror where he seems a mid-tier talent.
March 8, 2017
That's the most fun I've ever had without being arrested!
:-)
Made me feel like a boy again!
Imagine being chosen to be the one to fly the first captured U.F.O!
Look out! Coming through! w00t! w00t!
Bwaaaahahahaha!
:-)
Made me feel like a boy again!
Imagine being chosen to be the one to fly the first captured U.F.O!
Look out! Coming through! w00t! w00t!
Bwaaaahahahaha!
July 19, 2017
Definitely not what you expect from Lee. Wentz is a wonderful character that you grow attached to by the end. Kept waiting for it to get gross, sexual, or weird but it never happens. Just a pretty decent sci fi tale.
August 31, 2018
Good read! Was hooked from start to finish. Loved the part when they had to operate on Wentz for him to operate as operator B. Teehee. This book also got me thinking, what if I was in Wentz's shoes? would I be selfless enough to also make the same decision?
I welcomed these interesting thoughts.
I welcomed these interesting thoughts.
May 12, 2017
Good Sci-Fi short story. Pretty straight-forward, but still a fun read. Buddy read with Addy - Thanks for suggesting this one!
June 29, 2011
For me, this is probably the most well conceived and fully formed story that Edward Lee has ever written. The lack of Lee's regular horror, gore, and sex might surprise long-time readers of his work, but the narrow focus of the story and the character's incredible situation will have you glued to each page. I was very impressed with Lee's restraint and hope he revisits what I think could be a continuing story.
Author Lee's research in medical science and military technology is meticulous and adds another layer of realism to the story. I could relate to the main character's drive for success, trying to balance his personal life with his career. "Operator B" is a great little suspenseful science fiction story that I'm thrilled to see back in print. The original hardcover publication only had 450 copies, so this new paperback will allow this gem to find a much larger audience. Highly recommended.
Author Lee's research in medical science and military technology is meticulous and adds another layer of realism to the story. I could relate to the main character's drive for success, trying to balance his personal life with his career. "Operator B" is a great little suspenseful science fiction story that I'm thrilled to see back in print. The original hardcover publication only had 450 copies, so this new paperback will allow this gem to find a much larger audience. Highly recommended.
October 5, 2012
I think this has been one of the books I have enjoyed the most reading in terms of easy/quick reading.
That said, the book , is short enough to keep you enthralled through out its whole extent and not short enough to leave you wanting more. As far as science fiction goes you could say it just holds a hint of it, enough for it to classify in the category but not enough for it to be the central subject despise how much the try to make it look so.
The story is completely focused in the main character, everyone else is just there for plot purposes, so if you are looking for a deeply built universe, you won't find it in this book. Having defined the focus of the book lies on the main character, take into account this book is more about the struggle of a man, his desires and his personal life with a hint of mystery and a bit of a forced issue.
Even with this small defects the book manages to come through strong enough to put a smile in you due to the pleasure of reading it.
That said, the book , is short enough to keep you enthralled through out its whole extent and not short enough to leave you wanting more. As far as science fiction goes you could say it just holds a hint of it, enough for it to classify in the category but not enough for it to be the central subject despise how much the try to make it look so.
The story is completely focused in the main character, everyone else is just there for plot purposes, so if you are looking for a deeply built universe, you won't find it in this book. Having defined the focus of the book lies on the main character, take into account this book is more about the struggle of a man, his desires and his personal life with a hint of mystery and a bit of a forced issue.
Even with this small defects the book manages to come through strong enough to put a smile in you due to the pleasure of reading it.
December 23, 2011
Ed Lee, one of the masters of writing well-executed, gross-out, hard-core horror novels (of which I am a fan), proves that his stories can be just as taut and tightly woven in the science-fiction/thriller realm with "Operator B," the tale of a cocky, yet thoughtful, Air Force test pilot who must decide between the ultimate sacrifice or the security of the nation.
With a shocking conclusion that will leave you breathless and a running commentary on what it really means to sacrifice one's life for one's country, forsaking family and friends, this is a well-crafted, unique tale stamped with Lee's hallmark style.
Don't let the size of this relatively short novella fool you. Lee makes every sentence and every word count. Equal parts science fiction, drama, and military thriller, "Operator B" will appeal to fans of the "X-Files," "Fringe," and "Ancient Aliens."
With a shocking conclusion that will leave you breathless and a running commentary on what it really means to sacrifice one's life for one's country, forsaking family and friends, this is a well-crafted, unique tale stamped with Lee's hallmark style.
Don't let the size of this relatively short novella fool you. Lee makes every sentence and every word count. Equal parts science fiction, drama, and military thriller, "Operator B" will appeal to fans of the "X-Files," "Fringe," and "Ancient Aliens."
May 31, 2012
This a great little departure from the master of disgusting literature, a nice detour into classic sci-fi from the days of Galaxy magazine and X Minus One. I really enjoyed it.
June 11, 2012
Very interesting old school Sci-Fi story. Well written, good character development and a nice twist at the end. I'm more of a horror reader but would read another sci-fi book by Edward Lee.
December 3, 2013
Amazing novella by Edward Lee!, highly recommended!
January 18, 2014
After a national secret is revealed to him, will a top pilot accept a vital mission, and abandon his family? This was a good story and well done.
August 16, 2016
Good little quick read. Not what I am used to by this author, but kept me interested.
July 15, 2014
Awesome Book!!!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews