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The Locus Series #1
Unfathomed
The M/S Atlantica, one of the most advanced cruise ships in the world, is lost.
Land has disappeared. Fuel, food and hope begin to dwindle.
After months recuperating in hospital, US Marine Jack Cohen hoped a Caribbean cruise would help him recover from the horrific injuries he sustained fighting in the Middle East. Instead, when the ship is attacked, he is once again thrust into battle to protect Atlantica against the ruthless enemy hunting her, and the insidious threat already aboard.
On these mysterious and uncharted seas, where even the compass shows the sun rising to the west, Atlantica's salvation may lie with a Navy warship which is as lost as they are. Together, they must pool their resources and use every means available to defend themselves while discovering what has happened to them.
And the rest of the world.
Unfathomed, a military science fiction thriller which will appeal to anyone who enjoyed Lost, BSG or The Last Ship.
From the international best-selling author of Endeavour and Erebus.
Land has disappeared. Fuel, food and hope begin to dwindle.
After months recuperating in hospital, US Marine Jack Cohen hoped a Caribbean cruise would help him recover from the horrific injuries he sustained fighting in the Middle East. Instead, when the ship is attacked, he is once again thrust into battle to protect Atlantica against the ruthless enemy hunting her, and the insidious threat already aboard.
On these mysterious and uncharted seas, where even the compass shows the sun rising to the west, Atlantica's salvation may lie with a Navy warship which is as lost as they are. Together, they must pool their resources and use every means available to defend themselves while discovering what has happened to them.
And the rest of the world.
Unfathomed, a military science fiction thriller which will appeal to anyone who enjoyed Lost, BSG or The Last Ship.
From the international best-selling author of Endeavour and Erebus.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2016
385 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 22, 2019
3.5 stars...
It seemed like it took me forever to read this book. I think because the story didn't fully reel me in for quite some time so I'd find myself surfing the net and shopping or playing my Hogwarts Mystery game. : )
I was also not expecting the turn of events and direction that the story took with the whole "Locus" storyline. The author managed to pull it off though- so far anyways. We'll see how this all plays out in the next book, if I decide to continue on.
It seemed like it took me forever to read this book. I think because the story didn't fully reel me in for quite some time so I'd find myself surfing the net and shopping or playing my Hogwarts Mystery game. : )
I was also not expecting the turn of events and direction that the story took with the whole "Locus" storyline. The author managed to pull it off though- so far anyways. We'll see how this all plays out in the next book, if I decide to continue on.
June 9, 2018
This was a decent story about ships being lost and the good vs evil theme going on as they battle each other for food and weapons, all the while trying to figure out how to get home to the America that seems to have disappeared. It kept my interest but we’ll have to see if I continue with the series. (See Narration.)
I did like our hero, Jack Cohen. He was recovering from losing his leg in battle and working on using his prosthetic better and decided to take a cruise and ended up being head of security on the cruise ship. He was a little insecure about it at first but when everything went to hell he got over those feelings.
There was no sex, just one kiss, and the F-bomb was used 24 times.
As to the narration: If it hadn’t been such an interesting storyline I would have stopped listening to this book. And since Michael Kramer narrates all three books I will probably not be moving on. His voice is somewhat deep and he does nothing to sound the least bit feminine when a woman talks. Laurie, Commander Heather Slater, Grace “Mack” McNamara and Carrie were the 4 women who were mostly in this story and every one of them sounded like a man. It was just terrible. His men were fine as were his emotions but his women’s voices totally sucked. Don’t let the higher reviews fool you.
June 6, 2018
Could be interesting
I thought the cover art was of two space ships and after realizing that it wasn't, I still expected space ships. I figured out that it was about sailing ships but still expected space ships to appear. I realized that it was a Bermuda Triangle story but still expected space ships.
The writing was fine, if a little slow but then it was early chapters. The characters weren't very developed but they had promise and it was early chapters. About a fifth of the way in I bailed. It wasn't a bad book but I couldn't get space ships out of my head and gave up.
I am going to read another of his series. That one has space ships.
I thought the cover art was of two space ships and after realizing that it wasn't, I still expected space ships. I figured out that it was about sailing ships but still expected space ships to appear. I realized that it was a Bermuda Triangle story but still expected space ships.
The writing was fine, if a little slow but then it was early chapters. The characters weren't very developed but they had promise and it was early chapters. About a fifth of the way in I bailed. It wasn't a bad book but I couldn't get space ships out of my head and gave up.
I am going to read another of his series. That one has space ships.
November 28, 2019
It was a quick read that started as something of an espionage/naval story and quickly turned sci-fi. Interesting idea.
February 16, 2020
On the plus side:
+ Interesting premise - an assortment of boats and ships end up in what seems to be some sort of alternate reality, where the modern world does not exist and land masses are not where expected.
+ Vivid characters with distinct personalities, all responding differently to unexpected circumstances.
+ Clever reveal of what is actually going on, and it's something that catapults the characters -- and the readers -- into what one hopes will be a fascinating book #2.
On the minus side:
- Gratuitous romance going on. I don't need it.
- Signals at the end that the next book might involve spy-novel type intrigue. Hope that's resolved quickly, as what really interests me is the SHTF aspect.
- Some odd, unnatural dialogue. Not excessive but it bugged me a bit. For example, who says "Hence why ...." ? Two people said it in this novel.
Overall I found it a good read. I'll definitely be giving the next book a try.
+ Interesting premise - an assortment of boats and ships end up in what seems to be some sort of alternate reality, where the modern world does not exist and land masses are not where expected.
+ Vivid characters with distinct personalities, all responding differently to unexpected circumstances.
+ Clever reveal of what is actually going on, and it's something that catapults the characters -- and the readers -- into what one hopes will be a fascinating book #2.
On the minus side:
- Gratuitous romance going on. I don't need it.
- Signals at the end that the next book might involve spy-novel type intrigue. Hope that's resolved quickly, as what really interests me is the SHTF aspect.
- Some odd, unnatural dialogue. Not excessive but it bugged me a bit. For example, who says "Hence why ...." ? Two people said it in this novel.
Overall I found it a good read. I'll definitely be giving the next book a try.
May 7, 2020
Are you getting ready to take a cruise somewhere after the real worlds crisis settles down? Well, why not read this book before you go and see what an adventure is in store for you! Of course, your cruise ship will know where it’s going and probably get there OK, and you won’t be attacked by pirates, but you never know.
For this particular cruise, you’re aboard the M/S Atlantica outbound from Nassau, in the Bahamas, heading to Bermuda, an island in the North Atlantic, on Earth. If you happen to be one of the passengers, say Jack Cohen, a or former Marine Sergeant, you’re looking for a restful period of several weeks. Jack is a veteran of Syria and some pretty rough fighting. He’s here to unwind and continue his recuperation from the loss of the bottom half of his left leg. Unfortunately, Jack isn’t going to get much rest for awhile.
It all starts when the Atlantica’s Staff Captain has to get Captain Solberg out of hosting an evening dinner to report that this huge modern cruise liner was lost! Every single navigation aid available to the Atlantica was down, not working and wouldn’t boot up no matter how many diagnostic fixes they tried. And, even their ship compass was showing something entirely strange. According to the compass, they were headed in the opposite direction then what they thought they were sailing! Yes, this very expensive cruise liner was stuffed full of modern day navigation aids, all electronic and computer driven, but they were all dead. Now even the simple compass was some how showing Captain Solberg, his ship was heading the wrong way! Oh, and did I mention that they had no communciations, with anyone!
So, what’s to do, well, how about just turning the ship 180 degrees and heading back the way you came! And that’s what the Captain orders when ot long after that they receive a distress call. The ship has to respond to the call from a ship not far from their new reverse course. While the Captain was compelled to do this, he wasn’t so sure about who was on this strange ship in the middle of the Atlantic. He dispatches the Staff Captain Kendricks down below decks to assist in helping whomever needed assistance from the approaching small ship. It turns out that ship was what it was supposed to be and a serious attack to place below decks against some ruthless pirates. Yeap, this will be the Atlantica’s first encounter with this pirate group, a group that turns out to be pretty substantial and very bothersome.
If you’re with me so far, this doesn’t sound like a typical science fiction story. Well, it really is but you have to wait until almost the end of the book to find out just where and when all of this action is taking place. It’s well worth the read, I guarantee. The suspense and action is well written and there are several characters that have some really good parts. While I’ve never been on a cruise ship, I can’t image something this big sailing the seas all by itself with very little on-board protection. Considering that and what I’ve just read, I don’t think I’ll be taking a cruise anytime soon.
For this particular cruise, you’re aboard the M/S Atlantica outbound from Nassau, in the Bahamas, heading to Bermuda, an island in the North Atlantic, on Earth. If you happen to be one of the passengers, say Jack Cohen, a or former Marine Sergeant, you’re looking for a restful period of several weeks. Jack is a veteran of Syria and some pretty rough fighting. He’s here to unwind and continue his recuperation from the loss of the bottom half of his left leg. Unfortunately, Jack isn’t going to get much rest for awhile.
It all starts when the Atlantica’s Staff Captain has to get Captain Solberg out of hosting an evening dinner to report that this huge modern cruise liner was lost! Every single navigation aid available to the Atlantica was down, not working and wouldn’t boot up no matter how many diagnostic fixes they tried. And, even their ship compass was showing something entirely strange. According to the compass, they were headed in the opposite direction then what they thought they were sailing! Yes, this very expensive cruise liner was stuffed full of modern day navigation aids, all electronic and computer driven, but they were all dead. Now even the simple compass was some how showing Captain Solberg, his ship was heading the wrong way! Oh, and did I mention that they had no communciations, with anyone!
So, what’s to do, well, how about just turning the ship 180 degrees and heading back the way you came! And that’s what the Captain orders when ot long after that they receive a distress call. The ship has to respond to the call from a ship not far from their new reverse course. While the Captain was compelled to do this, he wasn’t so sure about who was on this strange ship in the middle of the Atlantic. He dispatches the Staff Captain Kendricks down below decks to assist in helping whomever needed assistance from the approaching small ship. It turns out that ship was what it was supposed to be and a serious attack to place below decks against some ruthless pirates. Yeap, this will be the Atlantica’s first encounter with this pirate group, a group that turns out to be pretty substantial and very bothersome.
If you’re with me so far, this doesn’t sound like a typical science fiction story. Well, it really is but you have to wait until almost the end of the book to find out just where and when all of this action is taking place. It’s well worth the read, I guarantee. The suspense and action is well written and there are several characters that have some really good parts. While I’ve never been on a cruise ship, I can’t image something this big sailing the seas all by itself with very little on-board protection. Considering that and what I’ve just read, I don’t think I’ll be taking a cruise anytime soon.
April 2, 2024
Series review - This is a series where you don't have to work, and you are entertained. The author does a good job. For the most part, the characters are believable. A little over the top now and again.
A broken Marine, and an-over-the top soldier, who, for me, is a little fuzzy with all the groups he has been attached to because of his "skills". The Marine comes out as an average grunt who is exceptional in hand-to-hand.
A storyline that is intriguing: controlled and purposeful time travel to save humanity by some wealthy, world tech giants. (villains or saviors?) A pervasive question is, did this cabal "save" or are they mass murderers? The Soldier and the Marine are fairly well done. A few places I question, or flat out say that would never happen, but this is a light read, and these are fictional characters in a fictional story. Not too heavy on the MM, or weapons tech, average COD player would get just enough to keep moving.
You do need all three books, book one is literally introduction stage setting etc. Book two explains a lot of questions and Book three brings it to a head. The style is easy, and fun.
I recommend this author.
A broken Marine, and an-over-the top soldier, who, for me, is a little fuzzy with all the groups he has been attached to because of his "skills". The Marine comes out as an average grunt who is exceptional in hand-to-hand.
A storyline that is intriguing: controlled and purposeful time travel to save humanity by some wealthy, world tech giants. (villains or saviors?) A pervasive question is, did this cabal "save" or are they mass murderers? The Soldier and the Marine are fairly well done. A few places I question, or flat out say that would never happen, but this is a light read, and these are fictional characters in a fictional story. Not too heavy on the MM, or weapons tech, average COD player would get just enough to keep moving.
You do need all three books, book one is literally introduction stage setting etc. Book two explains a lot of questions and Book three brings it to a head. The style is easy, and fun.
I recommend this author.
January 23, 2019
Enjoyed it, will read the next one
The military scenes could have been a bit better researched in that the Marines used Army Apaches and uh-60 Blackhawks and had a medic instead of Cobras, CH-46's or 53's, and a Navy Corpsman respectively. Also a Marine Staff Sergeant wouldn't refer to himself as Sergeant like in the Army. A few other little annoying things like that like finding one spot on a Destroyer that would take out so many systems with one small explosive. They have a lot of redundancy because they are designed to take hits. All that said I did like the premise and the characters. Maybe the author tried to hard on the plots within plots right at the end. If it turns into a bad spy novel instead of just a group of people trying to survive a new world I'd be less interested in the sequels. We'll see.
The military scenes could have been a bit better researched in that the Marines used Army Apaches and uh-60 Blackhawks and had a medic instead of Cobras, CH-46's or 53's, and a Navy Corpsman respectively. Also a Marine Staff Sergeant wouldn't refer to himself as Sergeant like in the Army. A few other little annoying things like that like finding one spot on a Destroyer that would take out so many systems with one small explosive. They have a lot of redundancy because they are designed to take hits. All that said I did like the premise and the characters. Maybe the author tried to hard on the plots within plots right at the end. If it turns into a bad spy novel instead of just a group of people trying to survive a new world I'd be less interested in the sequels. We'll see.
February 24, 2020
An action packed adventure in time!
An original view of apocalypse.
This story had many twists and turns that kept me turning the pages.
I finished it in three sittings.
I normally read to my father who is book blind, but this one I read myself after just looking at the first couple of chapters.
I really enjoyed all the action, intrigue and politics involved with the strange situation the characters found themselves in.
Even the ships were characters in themselves.
Wonderful work by Mr. Kern.
I wholeheartedly recommend this tale to anyone who enjoys great science fiction!
Five stars all the way!
Starting book two, Expedition right now!
An original view of apocalypse.
This story had many twists and turns that kept me turning the pages.
I finished it in three sittings.
I normally read to my father who is book blind, but this one I read myself after just looking at the first couple of chapters.
I really enjoyed all the action, intrigue and politics involved with the strange situation the characters found themselves in.
Even the ships were characters in themselves.
Wonderful work by Mr. Kern.
I wholeheartedly recommend this tale to anyone who enjoys great science fiction!
Five stars all the way!
Starting book two, Expedition right now!
December 18, 2016
Great sci-fi
I have always loved sci-fi movies and tv but have never read any books of this type but what perfect book to chose for my first. Honestly at first I couldn't tell if the story about aliens or the world changing because man doing something
There are a lot of characters in the story so you need to carefully read the parts of the story where new characters are discussed. All of the characters are well developed and the ending is unexpected
I understand the author is planning on writing additional books on this storyline. I will be looking forward to these.
I have always loved sci-fi movies and tv but have never read any books of this type but what perfect book to chose for my first. Honestly at first I couldn't tell if the story about aliens or the world changing because man doing something
There are a lot of characters in the story so you need to carefully read the parts of the story where new characters are discussed. All of the characters are well developed and the ending is unexpected
I understand the author is planning on writing additional books on this storyline. I will be looking forward to these.
April 26, 2018
A Different View
This is a well written book. Sometimes it me a while to keep track of who was who but I finally did. There were good guys put in bad positions and bad guys put in good positions but all had to make choices good or bad and live with them as honorably as they could. The scenes were well thought out and action kept you on the eggs. I look forward to reading future books of this story and some of the author,s other books. I couldn’t find or see the apostrophe sorry. I highly recommend this author and his book
This is a well written book. Sometimes it me a while to keep track of who was who but I finally did. There were good guys put in bad positions and bad guys put in good positions but all had to make choices good or bad and live with them as honorably as they could. The scenes were well thought out and action kept you on the eggs. I look forward to reading future books of this story and some of the author,s other books. I couldn’t find or see the apostrophe sorry. I highly recommend this author and his book
February 25, 2021
outstanding cruise ship wormhole trip
there are no zombies or sicknrss, but a whole bunch of people are very displaced. I enjoyed the choice of characters and how they cope with the long term problems they face. conflict is inevitable when you mix in modern pirates and devious spies. I was excited by the ending, great planning ahead for future books. I love this new universe and will follow him there. I hope more passenger stories work in, and with such a huge batch of people of all nationalities we can see who can cope and find a use for their skills.
there are no zombies or sicknrss, but a whole bunch of people are very displaced. I enjoyed the choice of characters and how they cope with the long term problems they face. conflict is inevitable when you mix in modern pirates and devious spies. I was excited by the ending, great planning ahead for future books. I love this new universe and will follow him there. I hope more passenger stories work in, and with such a huge batch of people of all nationalities we can see who can cope and find a use for their skills.
May 6, 2019
this is the first good fiction i have found in a while. it's unexpectedly well crafted (if derivative) SHTF scifi.
there is an awful lot of the last ship, destroyermen, and the final countdown in here, but it feels authentic and new.
characters and dialog make sense. pieces of the plot are discovered at unexpected points.
a little short on action and long on discussion for a book of this genre, but what there is, is exciting and not the usual cringeworthy fare.
there is an awful lot of the last ship, destroyermen, and the final countdown in here, but it feels authentic and new.
characters and dialog make sense. pieces of the plot are discovered at unexpected points.
a little short on action and long on discussion for a book of this genre, but what there is, is exciting and not the usual cringeworthy fare.
April 15, 2018
Excellent book!
I really enjoyed reading Unfathomed. Couldn't put it down because every section kept me wanting to read more. Interesting from a scientific perspective too. New twist to the post apocalyptic fiction I have been reading. Family and sleep took second place for a day! And I just found out that there is a second book so I am diving back into my shell to read!
I really enjoyed reading Unfathomed. Couldn't put it down because every section kept me wanting to read more. Interesting from a scientific perspective too. New twist to the post apocalyptic fiction I have been reading. Family and sleep took second place for a day! And I just found out that there is a second book so I am diving back into my shell to read!
May 15, 2018
Einstein would have loved this book.
Right from the start this story grabs you and wrings the emotion right out of you. Love the story line but will not go into detail so as not to spoil it, but buy the book you will like it I promise. Going to get the next one and see where they go.
Right from the start this story grabs you and wrings the emotion right out of you. Love the story line but will not go into detail so as not to spoil it, but buy the book you will like it I promise. Going to get the next one and see where they go.
May 23, 2018
Cruise Into Great Adventure
I'm going on a cruise out of San Francisco two months from now. So I thought this book would be timely. Now I'm a little worried..... no spoilers here so I'll be brief. Great read, fast paced, hard to put down. Can't wait to read the next installment. I'm also excited I have found a new author. Great job Mr. Kern!!!
I'm going on a cruise out of San Francisco two months from now. So I thought this book would be timely. Now I'm a little worried..... no spoilers here so I'll be brief. Great read, fast paced, hard to put down. Can't wait to read the next installment. I'm also excited I have found a new author. Great job Mr. Kern!!!
August 23, 2018
Thought provoking
I just finished this book and was stunned by the surprise ending. I truly liked this book, well written, great characters and the twist at the end make for a book that you can't put down. A book that takes you on an adventure where it makes you really think about what the future world would be like. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
I just finished this book and was stunned by the surprise ending. I truly liked this book, well written, great characters and the twist at the end make for a book that you can't put down. A book that takes you on an adventure where it makes you really think about what the future world would be like. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
September 21, 2018
I was in the Navy, stationed on a DDG out of Mayport, FL, so when my brother told me about this book (even though I'm not really into military sci-fi) I had to read it. It is well written and was easily able to keep my attention as I tried to figure out what happened. I look forward to reading more in the series.
May 28, 2020
This book was a great read. I enjoyed the story immensely, especially the fact that you aren't quite sure what event caused the ships to arrive in their unusual circumstances until the end when it's explained. There are some great plot twists near the end that guarantee reading of the next book. Can't wait to see where they go from here.
June 5, 2021
Extremely slow plot line that really doesn’t go anywhere
Author writes like all those other international best authors wherein the plot line starts slow, stays slow then ends with a dissatisfied finale or cliffhanger. The utmost question during the entire reading is… “why did I buy this book again?”
Author writes like all those other international best authors wherein the plot line starts slow, stays slow then ends with a dissatisfied finale or cliffhanger. The utmost question during the entire reading is… “why did I buy this book again?”
May 20, 2017
One of the few books that I've truly loved, a wonderful piece, Mr. Kern really captures the confusion and exploration. This book has a lot of the elements in the Destroyermen series, my current favourite. This comes in a close second!
October 1, 2017
Excellent story
This is an exceptionally well written story with great characters and fantastic plot twists. The battles with the pirates will keep you on the edge of your seat and an ending that will shock you.
This is an exceptionally well written story with great characters and fantastic plot twists. The battles with the pirates will keep you on the edge of your seat and an ending that will shock you.
November 7, 2017
Good read
In some ways it reminded me of the 1980's movie "The final count down." The characters are diverse but I'm having trouble with the protagonists change of conscious from bad to good that appears to me to be too easy. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
In some ways it reminded me of the 1980's movie "The final count down." The characters are diverse but I'm having trouble with the protagonists change of conscious from bad to good that appears to me to be too easy. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
February 14, 2018
Very enjoyable read.
Really enjoyed this book. Would have liked a little more about the how and why in the end
, but it certainly didn't spoil the story. Would recommend this book to anyone who likes sci-fi
Really enjoyed this book. Would have liked a little more about the how and why in the end
, but it certainly didn't spoil the story. Would recommend this book to anyone who likes sci-fi
April 27, 2018
Intriguing and compelling
A mark of a good story is making one want to read it as quickly to find out what happens, yet not wanting it to end. This story has that quality in spades. Can't wait for the next volume.
A mark of a good story is making one want to read it as quickly to find out what happens, yet not wanting it to end. This story has that quality in spades. Can't wait for the next volume.
June 7, 2018
Sailing straight into something
The cruise ship is doing just fine until all communication is lost. Then they are lost. Now they see another ship coming at them fast. They are under attack. Mayday is sent out. Who will come?
The cruise ship is doing just fine until all communication is lost. Then they are lost. Now they see another ship coming at them fast. They are under attack. Mayday is sent out. Who will come?
June 20, 2018
An interesting take on an old concept
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing where the series takes me. Well thought out with good character development and pacing the book kept me reading until I finished it in one sitting.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing where the series takes me. Well thought out with good character development and pacing the book kept me reading until I finished it in one sitting.
December 27, 2016
Original
I enjoyed the original plot of this book. It was not at all predictable. I am eager to read a sequel.
I enjoyed the original plot of this book. It was not at all predictable. I am eager to read a sequel.
February 18, 2017
A very intriguing premise and enjoyable book.
April 23, 2018
Really good.
I thought at first that this was going to be a Bermuda Triangle type story but it is way weirder and more exciting than that!
I thought at first that this was going to be a Bermuda Triangle type story but it is way weirder and more exciting than that!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews