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Humanity 2.0 #1
Emergence
AN ANCIENT TRIGGER GENE buried deep in humankind's DNA is sporadically activating, evolving some humans into something superhuman. Influenced by comic-book culture, many of these 'chimerics,' as they have been dubbed, have taken on costumes and adopted codenames. Organizations have risen to either train, exploit, or police these chimerics, and the entire world is at odds about their very existence.
In this open-ended series, Ragnarok gathers authors to write superhuman fiction in a shared universe. It begins here with book #1, Emergence, shipping in fall 2016. Look for book #2, Chimeric, featuring stories by Dan Wells, Rob Duperre, Steve Diamond, and more, in 2017.
Emergence collects nine tales, each with a unique perspective on what it might be like to be superhuman in the modern age.
"From the Barrel of a Gun" by Jeff C. Carter
"Whiplash" by Tim Marquitz
"Never Go Half Supervillain" by C.T. Phipps
"We Can Be Heroes" by Eloise J. Knapp
"Perennial" by Edward M. Erdelac
"The Other" by Rob J. Hayes
"Avenger" by G.N. Braun
"Bring It On, Hero" by J.M. Martin
"(They Call Me) Epilogue" by Steve Diamond
In the Humanity 2.0 cosmology, the stories are set in a shared universe. Characters cross over, events have impact, establishments are consistent. It's an open-ended series and the stories, like the chimerics of H2.0, will continue to evolve.
In this open-ended series, Ragnarok gathers authors to write superhuman fiction in a shared universe. It begins here with book #1, Emergence, shipping in fall 2016. Look for book #2, Chimeric, featuring stories by Dan Wells, Rob Duperre, Steve Diamond, and more, in 2017.
Emergence collects nine tales, each with a unique perspective on what it might be like to be superhuman in the modern age.
"From the Barrel of a Gun" by Jeff C. Carter
"Whiplash" by Tim Marquitz
"Never Go Half Supervillain" by C.T. Phipps
"We Can Be Heroes" by Eloise J. Knapp
"Perennial" by Edward M. Erdelac
"The Other" by Rob J. Hayes
"Avenger" by G.N. Braun
"Bring It On, Hero" by J.M. Martin
"(They Call Me) Epilogue" by Steve Diamond
In the Humanity 2.0 cosmology, the stories are set in a shared universe. Characters cross over, events have impact, establishments are consistent. It's an open-ended series and the stories, like the chimerics of H2.0, will continue to evolve.
450 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2016
221 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Martin
33 books162 followersJoe is a multi-talented creative with a background in the comic industry. He worked at Caliber Press in the mid-90s where he contributed to various projects including a collectible card game based on Todd McFarlane's Spawn universe, designed covers and advertisements, managed the company's art archives, lettered comics, and wrote a 17-issue run of a fantasy comic series. From 2001 to 2005, he was the managing editor of Privateer Press, where he edited and wrote RPG game supplements, illustrated maps, and managed a team of writers. He served as the managing editor for syndicated magazine YOUnique from 2006 to 2008, interviewing local personalities and guiding the direction of articles. Joe is the author of the Dead West series and has written several short stories, and is also the editor of the award-winning Blackguards: Tales of Assassins, Mercenaries, and Rogues. From 2013 to 2017, he served as Creative Director and later Publisher at Ragnarok Publications, where he edited for various indie authors and companies such as Simon & Schuster and Procter & Gamble.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 22, 2016
Review copy
Emergence: A Humanity 2.0 Novel, edited by J.M. Martin, is a shared world anthology where an ancient trigger gene buried deep in humankinds's DNA is sporadically activating and evolving some humans into something superhuman. What these "chimerics" do with their new powers is up to them. Some become heroes, others villains.
From the Barrel of a Gun by Jeff C. Carter - A former military sniper is brought to trial for killing Anchor City's superheroes. His motive for the crimes may surprise you.
Never Go Half Supervillain by C.T. Phipps - Charles' approach to the anthology seems to be less than serious, with supervillains having names like the Human BBQ, Inside-Out-Man, and Penmanship, really, Penmanship? The title does give some good advice though. You didn't go full-supervillain, Freelancer. You never go half-supervillain. You need the hideouts, the henchmen, and the constant breaking out. You try to live the white-picket fence and marriage, you get busted.
We Could Be Heroes by Eloise J. Knapp - A nice, solid, story which makes good utilization of the shared world aspect of the anthology. Russian chimeras who want to flee to America and become superheroes. This one has a good twist, too. Overall, one of the better stories in the collection. Well-told, with plenty of drama.
Whiplash by Tim Marquitz - Another excellent story, making good use of the shared world concept. Someone is introducing young chimeras into a life of crime and Whiplash is bent of finding the culprit
The Other by Rob J. Hayes - Things are picking up as Rob delivers a complex tale of a research scientist going to great lengths to protect himself from chimeras, with very interesting results.
Perennial by Edward M. Erdelac - This story could have been a standalone novel. Layered, with many elements. The primary storyline is a kid's show called Peter 'N Wendy where one of the producers is a pedophile and the actor playing Peter actually becomes a superhero called Pan. There was quite a bit that I liked about this story, but at the same time the author changed some names of places and things and left celebrities with their actual names, which seemed odd to me. Like Hillywood for Hollywood and Tweeter for Twitter, but leaving references to Johnny Depp and Tim Burton. This just didn't work for me.
Avenger by G.N Braunn - Probably my favorite story in the collection. Leon Stoner, former special-ops agent and current security guard, is recruited into a secret organization which combats evil chimerics. A more serious approach to the material and the result is a very good story.
Bring It On, Hero by J.M. Martin - Hero, Noah Jensen, is in for a bit of a surprise when he has to meet with a therapist. Another solid tale with nice cross-references to the other stories.
(They Call Me) Epilogue by Steve Diamond - As you may have figured out by now , most chimerics are born out of times of great stress. For the Human Shield, it was when he tried to save the life of industrialist, Ted Ross. He failed that day, but since then he's saved many lives. Not good enough for Ted's wife.
I found Emergence: A Humanity 2.0 Novel to be somewhat choppy. Some good stories, some average, and a few great tales. The plan is to develop this as a series, if that happens I hope they take more time to work on the shared world aspects of the anthology.
By the way, comic book artist, Patrick Brown, brilliantly captures the feel of the book with his cover art for this first volume of stories.
Emergence: A Humanity 2.0 Novel should be available any day, in both paperback and e-book formats, from Ragnarok Publications.
Emergence: A Humanity 2.0 Novel, edited by J.M. Martin, is a shared world anthology where an ancient trigger gene buried deep in humankinds's DNA is sporadically activating and evolving some humans into something superhuman. What these "chimerics" do with their new powers is up to them. Some become heroes, others villains.
From the Barrel of a Gun by Jeff C. Carter - A former military sniper is brought to trial for killing Anchor City's superheroes. His motive for the crimes may surprise you.
Never Go Half Supervillain by C.T. Phipps - Charles' approach to the anthology seems to be less than serious, with supervillains having names like the Human BBQ, Inside-Out-Man, and Penmanship, really, Penmanship? The title does give some good advice though. You didn't go full-supervillain, Freelancer. You never go half-supervillain. You need the hideouts, the henchmen, and the constant breaking out. You try to live the white-picket fence and marriage, you get busted.
We Could Be Heroes by Eloise J. Knapp - A nice, solid, story which makes good utilization of the shared world aspect of the anthology. Russian chimeras who want to flee to America and become superheroes. This one has a good twist, too. Overall, one of the better stories in the collection. Well-told, with plenty of drama.
Whiplash by Tim Marquitz - Another excellent story, making good use of the shared world concept. Someone is introducing young chimeras into a life of crime and Whiplash is bent of finding the culprit
The Other by Rob J. Hayes - Things are picking up as Rob delivers a complex tale of a research scientist going to great lengths to protect himself from chimeras, with very interesting results.
Perennial by Edward M. Erdelac - This story could have been a standalone novel. Layered, with many elements. The primary storyline is a kid's show called Peter 'N Wendy where one of the producers is a pedophile and the actor playing Peter actually becomes a superhero called Pan. There was quite a bit that I liked about this story, but at the same time the author changed some names of places and things and left celebrities with their actual names, which seemed odd to me. Like Hillywood for Hollywood and Tweeter for Twitter, but leaving references to Johnny Depp and Tim Burton. This just didn't work for me.
Avenger by G.N Braunn - Probably my favorite story in the collection. Leon Stoner, former special-ops agent and current security guard, is recruited into a secret organization which combats evil chimerics. A more serious approach to the material and the result is a very good story.
Bring It On, Hero by J.M. Martin - Hero, Noah Jensen, is in for a bit of a surprise when he has to meet with a therapist. Another solid tale with nice cross-references to the other stories.
(They Call Me) Epilogue by Steve Diamond - As you may have figured out by now , most chimerics are born out of times of great stress. For the Human Shield, it was when he tried to save the life of industrialist, Ted Ross. He failed that day, but since then he's saved many lives. Not good enough for Ted's wife.
I found Emergence: A Humanity 2.0 Novel to be somewhat choppy. Some good stories, some average, and a few great tales. The plan is to develop this as a series, if that happens I hope they take more time to work on the shared world aspects of the anthology.
By the way, comic book artist, Patrick Brown, brilliantly captures the feel of the book with his cover art for this first volume of stories.
Emergence: A Humanity 2.0 Novel should be available any day, in both paperback and e-book formats, from Ragnarok Publications.
Read
August 20, 2016I am the editor, so FIVE STARS! Am I right? Darn tootin'.
November 9, 2016
The basic idea of this collaboration is good, albeit not original in any way. Based upon the comic books heroes, we have yet another version of a world in which there are super-evolved humans waging war upon each other. Easy to read and fun for a YA audience and fans of comic books. For me however, the quality of the writing was not good enough, sometimes bordering on amateurish. Some of the story lines explored are interesting, but the execution is sub-par. The book will succeed or fail based on the 'Perennial' episode, given that this story forms up half of the word count. This tale was far too reliant on real world events for my liking and just left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
February 2, 2017
These novella length stories are longer than short stories so you can get the feel of the full story, characters, and world.
Each story is different but set as a braided story in the same world. There are mentions of other characters from stories in them as you go, but nothing that would take from the story if you didn't read it.
Overall it's an enjoyable set of novellas based on people who come into super powers. But how will they use it? And how will the world be touched by them? Good? Bad? You decide.
****FULL REVIEW****
*I was offered a copy of this book from the author or publisher for review.
These novella length stories are longer than short stories so you can get the feel of the full story, characters, and world. Each story is different but set as a braided story in the same world. There are mentions of other characters from stories in them as you go, but nothing that would take from the story if you didn't read it.
Overall it's an enjoyable set of novellas based on people who come into super powers. But how will they use it? And how will the world be touched by them? Good? Bad? You decide.
From the Barrel of a Gun by Jeff C. Carter
I wasn't sure where this story was going as we watch the court case of Timothy Hathcock for killing 23 chimerics (super-beings). When I was about ready to say I was bored, the story took a twist and Hathcock decided to take the stand. That's when things cleared and made me thing.
We get this story from Lars Wilson, superhero known as The Red Wraith, point of view. He's stood by and watched his friends killed and had a target on his own head. Hathcock has his own story too. We get both here. Now we try to decide who is in the right. Or are they both wrong? Does two wrongs make a right? In this case, it's a slippery slope. Interesting.
Never Go Half-Supervillain by C.T. Phipps
David makes a living helping villains in his home town Motor Hills. But part-time as he's living a life as a husband and father too. David, The Freelancer, is drawn into the conspiratory world of who's in charge and who's doing right, to find he needs to decide what he wants to do.
C.T.'s humor with science fiction/fantasy is the top of my favorite list. So many quick remarks that I get! And they make me smile. I enjoyed seeing David be on his own side through the story. And make his decision. It was quite a dangerous adventure for David, but I didn't get overly worried for him because of his ability, though it's not always right...
We Could Be Heroes by Eloise J. Knapp
Vlad and Lucy are eighteen year old chimerics trying to get by in Russia under the thieving hand of a cruel man. They want to be heroes, not the thieves they have to be for Cheslav. One day, they will find a way to break his hold on them and escape to America.
I liked the way this story gave us a past and present view. Almost like two stories in one. It tells of what happened in the past to bring Vlad to be who he is today, and how he got to today. Vlad and Lucy work to get away from one life in Russia, to fall into another in America. Is it better and what they wanted? Hmm, you'll have to read to find out.
Whiplash by Tim Marquitz
Whiplash is working through college, but finds herself helping against the crime in her home city. Chimeric in their teens are popping up and attacking and stealing from stores. Vivian doesn't think it's a coincidence, there is a pattern. She puts the pieces together and goes after these kids, to find a bigger danger behind the acts of the kids. Monger.
I found this story fun with the headbanging and metal-head references. But what I like is that Whiplash, or Vivian, does get beat up. It's not that she's beat up that I like, but that she takes a beating and keeps going. She does get hurt, but she'll fight on. She keeps going back to stop what's happening. She wants to stop the person behind it too. That's strength. That's power. I like that draw to Whiplash as a character.
The Other by Rob J. Hayes
David wants to remain safe from the crime and chimerics employed to do crime, so he's modified his body. Working at Biotiq prosthetic's lab helps with the new and improved items.
This story is one of my favorites. I really like how it reads and makes me curious and interested in David. And The Other. Interesting story with The Other and what he's trying to do while meeting another chimeric and what she's up to.
Perennial by Edward M. Erdelac
Nico and Pan are tracking Zita, a baby-napper for hire. Pan's goal, to find the babies that didn't go through the illegal adoptions. But he learns more about himself and fights through more than he expected.
This is one of the longest stories in the book, page wise.
The story was okay for me. I really wanted to love it more with one character named Pan, after Peter Pan, and to learn why. I enjoyed some sections, but others dragged. I think the one thing that slowed the story for me was all the back stories. This is something in short stories that slows the story for me and frustrates me. Someone else may well enjoy this story more than I.
Avenger by G.N. Braun
Leon Stone, a security guard at the mall, finds a delivery van with blood on the side door. When he looks inside, he can't believe what he sees! Blood. And death. Then he has to fight the creature that caused it. This one incident draws him into the strange and deadly world of chimerics.
This story had me from the beginning with what Leon found in the van. This is in first person, but I felt I liked the feel from the first sentence. Leon's personality really comes through.
This story feels like it could be a prequel to a series. A series I'd be curious and interested in reading!
Bring It On, Hero by J.M. Martin
Where Avenger stopped, this one picks up from another person's point of view. It's like a braided world. Hero goes in to investigate where the others left. This draws Hero's memories to when had to talk about events lived through and what went wrong.
The story shares, through Hero, the memory of leaving TCA, when first developed powers, and more. The story started really good for me, then I got mixed up in the memories on where and who Hero was in the story.
(They Call Me) Epilogue by Steve Diamond
Kennedy Ross's husband is being honored with a statue. The news press pushes on for more answers and her thoughts on Human Shield not coming into his powers until after he failed to prevent her husbands death...
This is probably the shortest story of the anthology, and I loved it. It had me curious from the get go. What happened to Kennedy's husband to die? Even the true feelings Kennedy has, as you know she's holding back. Oh, I love Kennedy!
This story references the previous ones here, but not based on them. But answers a question from one of the earlier ones. (Who's behind this?)
Each story is different but set as a braided story in the same world. There are mentions of other characters from stories in them as you go, but nothing that would take from the story if you didn't read it.
Overall it's an enjoyable set of novellas based on people who come into super powers. But how will they use it? And how will the world be touched by them? Good? Bad? You decide.
****FULL REVIEW****
*I was offered a copy of this book from the author or publisher for review.
These novella length stories are longer than short stories so you can get the feel of the full story, characters, and world. Each story is different but set as a braided story in the same world. There are mentions of other characters from stories in them as you go, but nothing that would take from the story if you didn't read it.
Overall it's an enjoyable set of novellas based on people who come into super powers. But how will they use it? And how will the world be touched by them? Good? Bad? You decide.
From the Barrel of a Gun by Jeff C. Carter
I wasn't sure where this story was going as we watch the court case of Timothy Hathcock for killing 23 chimerics (super-beings). When I was about ready to say I was bored, the story took a twist and Hathcock decided to take the stand. That's when things cleared and made me thing.
We get this story from Lars Wilson, superhero known as The Red Wraith, point of view. He's stood by and watched his friends killed and had a target on his own head. Hathcock has his own story too. We get both here. Now we try to decide who is in the right. Or are they both wrong? Does two wrongs make a right? In this case, it's a slippery slope. Interesting.
Never Go Half-Supervillain by C.T. Phipps
David makes a living helping villains in his home town Motor Hills. But part-time as he's living a life as a husband and father too. David, The Freelancer, is drawn into the conspiratory world of who's in charge and who's doing right, to find he needs to decide what he wants to do.
C.T.'s humor with science fiction/fantasy is the top of my favorite list. So many quick remarks that I get! And they make me smile. I enjoyed seeing David be on his own side through the story. And make his decision. It was quite a dangerous adventure for David, but I didn't get overly worried for him because of his ability, though it's not always right...
We Could Be Heroes by Eloise J. Knapp
Vlad and Lucy are eighteen year old chimerics trying to get by in Russia under the thieving hand of a cruel man. They want to be heroes, not the thieves they have to be for Cheslav. One day, they will find a way to break his hold on them and escape to America.
I liked the way this story gave us a past and present view. Almost like two stories in one. It tells of what happened in the past to bring Vlad to be who he is today, and how he got to today. Vlad and Lucy work to get away from one life in Russia, to fall into another in America. Is it better and what they wanted? Hmm, you'll have to read to find out.
Whiplash by Tim Marquitz
Whiplash is working through college, but finds herself helping against the crime in her home city. Chimeric in their teens are popping up and attacking and stealing from stores. Vivian doesn't think it's a coincidence, there is a pattern. She puts the pieces together and goes after these kids, to find a bigger danger behind the acts of the kids. Monger.
I found this story fun with the headbanging and metal-head references. But what I like is that Whiplash, or Vivian, does get beat up. It's not that she's beat up that I like, but that she takes a beating and keeps going. She does get hurt, but she'll fight on. She keeps going back to stop what's happening. She wants to stop the person behind it too. That's strength. That's power. I like that draw to Whiplash as a character.
The Other by Rob J. Hayes
David wants to remain safe from the crime and chimerics employed to do crime, so he's modified his body. Working at Biotiq prosthetic's lab helps with the new and improved items.
This story is one of my favorites. I really like how it reads and makes me curious and interested in David. And The Other. Interesting story with The Other and what he's trying to do while meeting another chimeric and what she's up to.
Perennial by Edward M. Erdelac
Nico and Pan are tracking Zita, a baby-napper for hire. Pan's goal, to find the babies that didn't go through the illegal adoptions. But he learns more about himself and fights through more than he expected.
This is one of the longest stories in the book, page wise.
The story was okay for me. I really wanted to love it more with one character named Pan, after Peter Pan, and to learn why. I enjoyed some sections, but others dragged. I think the one thing that slowed the story for me was all the back stories. This is something in short stories that slows the story for me and frustrates me. Someone else may well enjoy this story more than I.
Avenger by G.N. Braun
Leon Stone, a security guard at the mall, finds a delivery van with blood on the side door. When he looks inside, he can't believe what he sees! Blood. And death. Then he has to fight the creature that caused it. This one incident draws him into the strange and deadly world of chimerics.
This story had me from the beginning with what Leon found in the van. This is in first person, but I felt I liked the feel from the first sentence. Leon's personality really comes through.
This story feels like it could be a prequel to a series. A series I'd be curious and interested in reading!
Bring It On, Hero by J.M. Martin
Where Avenger stopped, this one picks up from another person's point of view. It's like a braided world. Hero goes in to investigate where the others left. This draws Hero's memories to when had to talk about events lived through and what went wrong.
The story shares, through Hero, the memory of leaving TCA, when first developed powers, and more. The story started really good for me, then I got mixed up in the memories on where and who Hero was in the story.
(They Call Me) Epilogue by Steve Diamond
Kennedy Ross's husband is being honored with a statue. The news press pushes on for more answers and her thoughts on Human Shield not coming into his powers until after he failed to prevent her husbands death...
This is probably the shortest story of the anthology, and I loved it. It had me curious from the get go. What happened to Kennedy's husband to die? Even the true feelings Kennedy has, as you know she's holding back. Oh, I love Kennedy!
This story references the previous ones here, but not based on them. But answers a question from one of the earlier ones. (Who's behind this?)
September 27, 2018
Several authors have banded together to write tales of changed humans living among the rest of us. The book reminds me of a Champions universe series of adventures written up for the reader to enjoy. You have criminals ripping of worst criminals, revenges being taken, epic battles where brains win out over brawn, and emotions ringing true. A nice collection of tales sharing a common setting but each being an original story. I would enjoy spending more time in this universe sometime.
August 29, 2016
I tend to love superhero stories but most didn't seem to fit the genre that well. I was looking for something more on the lines of marvel or DC but this didn't have the same flare or draw.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews