Book Review: The Scarab by Scott Rhine

Description from Amazon

The Scarab is a PG, first-person, near-future, Science Fiction thriller that fans of Speed Racer will enjoy.

There are very few problems that can't be solved with a little help from your friends and the proper application of high explosives. Hemophiliac and ace mechanic Ethan Hayes had risen to the top of the computer gaming circuit as the Scarab. When he invented a device that made him rich over night, he and ex-girlfriend, Mary Ann, were able to enter SimCon, the simulated European road race.

When Ground Effect Vehicles became common, prototypes were too dangerous and expensive to build outright. Instead, each year, major designers competed in the Super Bowl of virtual races – SimCon. The vehicles needed speed, skill, and weapons to get ahead. The winners in each class got millions in production contracts and advertizing.

Ethan made a lot of enemies in his first professional race, including a cyber-criminal named Kali. The challenges of a week-long trek across Europe are nothing compared to the dirty tricks, murder, and kidnapping that took place off the track. Being a severe hemophiliac meant Ethan had to keep his temper under control, and think. When someone kidnapped Mary Ann, it was up to the Scarab to save her.

Review

Overall Feedback: A fast passed, adrenaline pumping read from cover to cover. The author draws us in and holds us hostage in this Virtual Racing World that he has created. Unbelievable action and suspense all wrapped in a tightly woven story. This is a "Do Not Miss" read for the year.

Point of View: You follow Ethan on his trek to overcome his obstacles and save the race.

Voice: A plus to drawing in anyone into the gaming world. A bit of the jargon may catch you off guard but the author does well to explain.

Character Development: Finely tuned just like the Virtual Racers.

Plot: The next step in gaming evolution.

Dialogue: Due to the jargon you may get lost but stay steady and the end will be there.

Pacing: Races through your imagination and fuels your brain with high voltage dreams.

Setting: Virtual Reality is here.

Continuity: Not a loose spot in the story.

Where to Find
Amazon
Smashwords
Sony