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Virion #1
The Black Cell
Earth is Death...
In the early 21st century, Earth was ravaged by an unstoppable virus known as the Black Cell. After famine, bloody war, and government collapse, mankind rebuilt, but only with the aide of a spacefaring species known as the Revente.
The year is 2475. We have conquered the Solar System, unified Earth, cured diseases and made an ally of the Revente. But the virus still plagues Earth and war still remains.
After a ruthless and bloody conflict between Earth and the colony of Mars, Alan McKenna, a tired Mars Detective, is chosen by the Earth Council to investigate the massacre of a high clearance medical research facility in Freedom City on Earth. But the investigation will put him toe to toe with massive corporations, ghoulish mutants, shady information brokers, undercity gangers and psychopaths. He will uncover secrets that not only threaten Freedom City, but Earth itself.
In the early 21st century, Earth was ravaged by an unstoppable virus known as the Black Cell. After famine, bloody war, and government collapse, mankind rebuilt, but only with the aide of a spacefaring species known as the Revente.
The year is 2475. We have conquered the Solar System, unified Earth, cured diseases and made an ally of the Revente. But the virus still plagues Earth and war still remains.
After a ruthless and bloody conflict between Earth and the colony of Mars, Alan McKenna, a tired Mars Detective, is chosen by the Earth Council to investigate the massacre of a high clearance medical research facility in Freedom City on Earth. But the investigation will put him toe to toe with massive corporations, ghoulish mutants, shady information brokers, undercity gangers and psychopaths. He will uncover secrets that not only threaten Freedom City, but Earth itself.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2018
11 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
R.L.M. Sanchez
5 books17 followersR.L.M. (Robert Louis Martin) Sanchez is an American science fiction author and author of the Virion series. At an early age, Robert took an amazing interest in film, falling in love with such films as The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, Apocalypse Now, Blade Runner, and All Quiet on the Western Front. His interests and studies into military history fill his other passions, as you will occasionally find him neck deep in research in the non-fiction section. You can also find him in the Texas wilderness on a daring hike or at a good steak restaurant with friends and family.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 12, 2020
One part post-SF-apocalypse, one part investigatory mystery, and one part Mars commando a-la Leviathan Wakes. This book aims for a particular SF niche. I personally see it as a post-military tribute to plague-transformed societies, with just a small taste of an alien-invested social structure.
And oh, yeah, let's not forget the mindless hoards. It's definitely a noir/mil-SF and quite decent.
It'll definitely scratch a lot of SF itches out there for those who want more of this type!
And oh, yeah, let's not forget the mindless hoards. It's definitely a noir/mil-SF and quite decent.
It'll definitely scratch a lot of SF itches out there for those who want more of this type!
September 28, 2018
This was a good one and I definitely want to read the next one. There is a lot going on and different stories within the one that all point back to the main story. It is well written and entertaining and it definitely held my attention when I decided to focus on the story more. I read this on the Kindle and I tend to only read the Kindle when I go to bed. Once I was further into the story, I wasn't only reading this at bed time.
The characters are well thought out and I found the main protagonist likeable. Most everyone else didn't like him in the story, but he is a likeable kind of guy. He is a Martian, born on Mars and there are not many that like Martians and not many that like him as he got a bad name in the war. He is a fighter, heartbroken and really seems to be a decent guy. It will be enjoyable to get to know him better in the second book.
There are many twists and turns in this story and many different things happening all at once. It definitely held my interest. It really left me hanging at the end and wanting more. I find that is a good way to end a book, even if it is frustrating to me as a reader!
All in all this was a solid read for me that I thoroughly enjoyed and I will definitely be purchasing the next book. I thought the author did a great job writing without making it too complicated. It was enjoyable and intriguing. There is a lot going on so I didn't lose interest at all.
The characters are well thought out and I found the main protagonist likeable. Most everyone else didn't like him in the story, but he is a likeable kind of guy. He is a Martian, born on Mars and there are not many that like Martians and not many that like him as he got a bad name in the war. He is a fighter, heartbroken and really seems to be a decent guy. It will be enjoyable to get to know him better in the second book.
There are many twists and turns in this story and many different things happening all at once. It definitely held my interest. It really left me hanging at the end and wanting more. I find that is a good way to end a book, even if it is frustrating to me as a reader!
All in all this was a solid read for me that I thoroughly enjoyed and I will definitely be purchasing the next book. I thought the author did a great job writing without making it too complicated. It was enjoyable and intriguing. There is a lot going on so I didn't lose interest at all.
February 7, 2018
"Let's make them say hello to the Space Angels."
I am not the kind to write a review and give away spoilers. Therefor, I will keep my thoughts to a minimal.
In the winter of 2035 the cold and flu season come with a virus called the black cell. By 2042 anyone who met with the virus were killed and by 2084 the Earth as we know it today is unrecognizable. Millions of humans have been wiped away. That is when we meet the Auroran's who come from a different Sol System who saves Earth... or do they?
Without giving anything away; man lives not only on Earth, but also Mars and other planets and alongside them Auroran's.
You meet the protagonist, Captain Alan McKenna, who starts off as a war hero and a cop on Mars. However, there are stories about McKenna causing him to look like a "bad man". After an incident that happens on Mars McKenna is ordered to go to Earth for the first time to solve another incident where many were killed in order to hide something...
Guns, spaceships, space battles, comedy, friendship, courage, whit, aliens, a virus, a girl, an underground city, and much much more! There is absolutely nothing missing in this new series written by R.L.M. Sanchez. This is Sanchez's first published novel but you would not be able to tell. Sanchez knows his stuff and as you read The Black Cell you can really tell how passionate he is to this series.
Even though Virion is 100 percent its own style, if you like Bladerunner, Mission Impossible, Robocop, Total Recall, or Terminator you will love this James Bond meets World War Z meets Star Wars.
There are a couple things I wish were explained in this book, but I am sure that in the next three books the author will explain everything we need to know.
I am not sure I can wait until the second part of the year (2018).
I could sit here and talk about this book for hours.
I highly recommend this book if you are a sucker for Sci Fi novels, great character building, and world building.
I am not the kind to write a review and give away spoilers. Therefor, I will keep my thoughts to a minimal.
In the winter of 2035 the cold and flu season come with a virus called the black cell. By 2042 anyone who met with the virus were killed and by 2084 the Earth as we know it today is unrecognizable. Millions of humans have been wiped away. That is when we meet the Auroran's who come from a different Sol System who saves Earth... or do they?
Without giving anything away; man lives not only on Earth, but also Mars and other planets and alongside them Auroran's.
You meet the protagonist, Captain Alan McKenna, who starts off as a war hero and a cop on Mars. However, there are stories about McKenna causing him to look like a "bad man". After an incident that happens on Mars McKenna is ordered to go to Earth for the first time to solve another incident where many were killed in order to hide something...
Guns, spaceships, space battles, comedy, friendship, courage, whit, aliens, a virus, a girl, an underground city, and much much more! There is absolutely nothing missing in this new series written by R.L.M. Sanchez. This is Sanchez's first published novel but you would not be able to tell. Sanchez knows his stuff and as you read The Black Cell you can really tell how passionate he is to this series.
Even though Virion is 100 percent its own style, if you like Bladerunner, Mission Impossible, Robocop, Total Recall, or Terminator you will love this James Bond meets World War Z meets Star Wars.
There are a couple things I wish were explained in this book, but I am sure that in the next three books the author will explain everything we need to know.
I am not sure I can wait until the second part of the year (2018).
I could sit here and talk about this book for hours.
I highly recommend this book if you are a sucker for Sci Fi novels, great character building, and world building.
March 5, 2018
Set in the very distant future, a deadly virus has caused fear and panic for the people of Earth. And now the virus has evolved, causing mutations of those who breathe the deadly air. The mutants are now causing havoc in the streets of the populated futuristic cities, forcing the Earth Council to hire a veteran of a deadly war and now detective to uncover the reasons behind a massacre in a research facility uncovering details about the deadly virus.
A nice read for science fiction fanatics. Story was overall well balanced with plenty of back story behind the virus and the main character. This is only the first book of the series and the ones to follow should allow a bit more explanation for a few things.
A few errors in grammar, narration, and interior design were spotted but it could be forgivin on account of the overall story. So if your a fan of sci-fi, give this one a read.
A nice read for science fiction fanatics. Story was overall well balanced with plenty of back story behind the virus and the main character. This is only the first book of the series and the ones to follow should allow a bit more explanation for a few things.
A few errors in grammar, narration, and interior design were spotted but it could be forgivin on account of the overall story. So if your a fan of sci-fi, give this one a read.
December 26, 2018
The author has successfully created a mysterious, action-filled, and thought-provoking narrative that will captivate readers from start to finish. For a debut novel, the detailed nature of the author’s writing is a welcome surprise. It is extremely tough to develop believable and interesting characters for readers to become invested in; Virion: The Black Cell not only does that but, also, effectively takes on the daunting task of using space and a twisted new version of Earth as its setting. There is such an obvious dedication to creating a credible and authentic storyline in this novel—each piece of technology, action scene, historical fact, etc. that the reader comes across, though fiction, is clearly well-thought out and written based on real research. Readers will not want to put this book down because every chapter contains a plethora of new and important information that builds onto the ever-weaving and intriguing narrative. The overall storytelling throughout this novel is truly brilliant. Some minuscule grammatical errors are present, but they do not detract from the reading experience. The next installment of this series is sure to be just as rewarding as the first.
September 19, 2019
This book was good. Really good. I don’t like to start new series, I took a chance with this one based on the synopsis and I am glad I did. The story starts in a research facility in the distant future and at times it seems like it will be just another version of the zombie apocalypse. Then things break down like they are destined to do and what unfolds is a very interesting conspiracy, mystery, and post-apocalyptic jaunt through old destitute Earth. But not a zombie book. I love that it isn’t a zombie book. This is just the first book of four, but now I need to get the rest. I got the audio book and the narration was absolutely fantastic. Luis Bermudez did one of the finest narration performances I have heard in a long time.
This audio book was given to me at my request for my free and unbiased review.
This audio book was given to me at my request for my free and unbiased review.
February 28, 2020
I am hooked on McKenna and the fate of his universe. This book provides an interesting take on a post-apocalyptic future and I'm exciting to see how it expands in the rest of the series. A few editing errors in my paperback copy. Would definitely recommend to anyone who likes sci-fi, mystery, or post-apocalyptic themes.
February 15, 2025
It was aiight. I am real big on characterization, and it seems to jump around to several characters without knowing what or why I care about the next character in the story. McKenna was one of the main characters and Boboo seems to get really good flow going with the main character in the middle of story. Then, the mass of who are we talking about now is what it went back to in the end. May try to see if next story has improvement, but I am a history buff with lots of history to unfold.
February 24, 2025
The Black Cell kicks off a four part series within the world of Virion. Set in the distant future of 2475, Earth's history is not unlike that of ours, but has since recovered from from a civilization cataclysm brought on by a mutated strain of the common cold, dubbed "The Black Cell", almost 500 years ago. With literally only millions left on Earth, governments a thing of legend, help came from the most unexpected of places, the stars. The Revente Empire made landfall in 2084, helping humanity rebuild from nearly scratch over the next 400 years. Their Empire serving as Galactic peacekeepers, they graciously helped humanity in their time of strife.
Fast forward to 2475, the Revente Empire maintain a presence in the Solar System, but faithfully left humans to govern the Solar System, their only duty now to observe and report to the Galactic community outside of the system. As the Solar System still recovers from a interplanetary war between Earth and the military society of Mars, we are introduced to the main protagonist, Detective Alan McKenna.
An ex-Martian Shock Trooper turned colonial detective, he is shunned by both Earth and his own people for rumors and decisions he made in the Solar War. Confused and stricken by grief after losing his love in the war, he is very much a man who is lost and unsure of how to move on, and for that matter, never learning how to live a life outside of war. But his last promise to her was that being that he would find a way.
Unexpectedly, McKenna is recruited by the Earth Council of Governments, the new governing body over the entire Solar System post-war. He is asked to take the mantle of the most feared and and revered entities of the law, a Council Marshal. McKenna is given a case, that being to investigate the slaughter of a highly restricted medical research facility within Freedom City on Earth. The Black Cell virus, still present on Earth, has mutated and created a string of feral mutations, slowly spreading throughout the city, however the mutations may hold a cure to the Black Cell itself. But when such a cure is within sight, the Revente scientist and the facility's staff are killed and the sample taken, all by a secretive group of advanced paramilitary commandos, the cure after 500 years, seemingly denied. McKenna's mission is simple, find the paramilitary and stop them.
This novel sets the backdrop for the series. And while McKenna has a straightforward objective, he is new to Earth and its customs, a vastly different place from the colonies. He is partnered with an Interpol veteran detective, one who is very much jaded by life on the planet. While the super-skyscrapers hold peace and beauty among the clouds, the lower undercities rot with crime and cults.
"The Black Cell" introduces us to a vast conspiracy among interplanetary medical and industry giants, militaries, and illegal information brokers that all are vying for power, and that power is the cure. However, the various characters we are introduced to in this novel are ones that I personally like to view as the plot itself. While the novel covers a vast scope of themes, yet ultimately the major being someone who is controlled by their past. Many characters carry a great deal of pain, shaping who they are today, and finding a way to be just in an indecent time and a world that tries at every opportunity to drag them to haunting states of mind.
While this introduction to the Virion series has action, technology, levity, and mystery, it is sometimes I feel a drama masquerading as a Science Fiction novel and one that ultimately has narrative that will keep all manner of reader enthralled.
Fast forward to 2475, the Revente Empire maintain a presence in the Solar System, but faithfully left humans to govern the Solar System, their only duty now to observe and report to the Galactic community outside of the system. As the Solar System still recovers from a interplanetary war between Earth and the military society of Mars, we are introduced to the main protagonist, Detective Alan McKenna.
An ex-Martian Shock Trooper turned colonial detective, he is shunned by both Earth and his own people for rumors and decisions he made in the Solar War. Confused and stricken by grief after losing his love in the war, he is very much a man who is lost and unsure of how to move on, and for that matter, never learning how to live a life outside of war. But his last promise to her was that being that he would find a way.
Unexpectedly, McKenna is recruited by the Earth Council of Governments, the new governing body over the entire Solar System post-war. He is asked to take the mantle of the most feared and and revered entities of the law, a Council Marshal. McKenna is given a case, that being to investigate the slaughter of a highly restricted medical research facility within Freedom City on Earth. The Black Cell virus, still present on Earth, has mutated and created a string of feral mutations, slowly spreading throughout the city, however the mutations may hold a cure to the Black Cell itself. But when such a cure is within sight, the Revente scientist and the facility's staff are killed and the sample taken, all by a secretive group of advanced paramilitary commandos, the cure after 500 years, seemingly denied. McKenna's mission is simple, find the paramilitary and stop them.
This novel sets the backdrop for the series. And while McKenna has a straightforward objective, he is new to Earth and its customs, a vastly different place from the colonies. He is partnered with an Interpol veteran detective, one who is very much jaded by life on the planet. While the super-skyscrapers hold peace and beauty among the clouds, the lower undercities rot with crime and cults.
"The Black Cell" introduces us to a vast conspiracy among interplanetary medical and industry giants, militaries, and illegal information brokers that all are vying for power, and that power is the cure. However, the various characters we are introduced to in this novel are ones that I personally like to view as the plot itself. While the novel covers a vast scope of themes, yet ultimately the major being someone who is controlled by their past. Many characters carry a great deal of pain, shaping who they are today, and finding a way to be just in an indecent time and a world that tries at every opportunity to drag them to haunting states of mind.
While this introduction to the Virion series has action, technology, levity, and mystery, it is sometimes I feel a drama masquerading as a Science Fiction novel and one that ultimately has narrative that will keep all manner of reader enthralled.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews