Resonance-A.J. Scudiere

Resonance
A.J. Scudiere
Griffyn Ink, Mar 2008, $9.99
ISBN: 0979951003

Isolated scientific researchers are working their projects separately at the same time, but each draws similar concerned conclusions on the phenomena they study. Geologist David Carter finds an anomaly that frightens him as his research affirms an isolated reverse polarity that he believes is the part of the natural magnetic polar shift that occurs every 65 million years or so. Biologist Becky Sorensen finds a strange frog species that has two extra hind legs in what the scientist wonders might be an abrupt evolutionary change and acts radically different than other amphibians as if they prepare for a radical shift; that is scary but it is her aviary and insect findings of changing migratory patterns in terms of direction and time that makes the scientist wonder if the planet’s magnetic poles are reversing. CDC medical researchers Jordan Abellard and Jillian Brookwood are looking into several similar but localized epidemics of sudden death syndrome amongst people of all ages; they so far have failed to find the hotspot link that ties the locations together and somehow not spread beyond a particular radius; as if being at the wrong place at the wrong time literally means death.

Soon each of them and others will understand the greatest crisis to hit humanity has begun. The poles are switching magnetism and none know how to stop. Time is running out on what may prove a natural disaster of dinosaur proportions.

This is an exciting science fiction thriller that for about three fourths of the story line sets up the magnetic shift catastrophic disaster. The four lead characters rotate perspective as each with their differing scientific expertise draw the same conclusions. The last part of the novel takes an odd spin (pun intended) with the description of the shifted earth feeling more metaphysical fantasy than post apocalyptic physical sci fi. Still with a strong science base that is not dumped down, A.J. Scudiere's well written thriller will resonate with the readers as the earth no longer spins on its axis like it has for the last 65 million years.

Harriet Klausner