Alpha Beta Gamma Kill: post-apocalyptic short stories: Cyberpunk - Chaos Halo 1.0
by Mark CassellPublish: Apr 30, 2016Series: Stand aloneAction & Adventure Science Fiction Book Overview
"An enjoyable sci-fi romp." - Amazon reviewer
Welcome to the Chaos Halo ...
In a disturbed future, remnants of the human race starve while a new world authority strangles freedom. Abigale – part human, part something else – escapes their control, and combating the militia she begins to uncover her origins, taking her beyond the city walls and into a scorched Earth.
With a blend of cyberpunk and science fiction, this dystopian future unearths secrets that other worlds needed forgotten.
Chaos Halo 1.0: Alpha Beta Gamma Kill is a collection of six stories, including the first episodes of a speculative fiction saga in association with Future Chronicles Photography.
Episode 0: Domino
Episode 1: Alpha Beta Gamma Kill
Episode 2: Patient Zero
Episode 3: Eye-Tech
Episode 4: Salamandrine Fires
Episode 5: Triber Kuo
"As I am already a fan of Mark Cassell's horror writing, I was curious how he wrote in the sci-fiction genre - just as well, it turns out. Chaos Halo 1.0 is a fast paced tale of a futuristic dystopian tech world. The lead character Abigale, who herself is not fully human, is trying to work out how to help the poor people who have been downtrodden by The Hilt, and suffering from some kind of virus. Throw in some ancient alien technology and a couple of interesting support characters, plus a bad guy who is made of fire, and you have an intriguing story." - Five-star reviewer.
"So, how does Mr Cassell deal with switching from horror to cyberpunk dystopian sci-fi? Very well I have to say. I have read quite a bit of his stuff now and have come to recognise a distinct style to his writing. None of it was evident in this though. It is totally different from anything I have read of his to date.
He makes the change very seamless though. You would not for one-minute think that he did not write in this genre all the time. His use of narrative when talking about the weapons and technology involved, makes you think that it all really exists, and more to the point, is possible. His use of descriptive passages to describe the world we are running around in is perfect in giving you a picture in your mind of how it might look. His, although limited because of how short the book is, back story of each character, builds them into solid and believable people. All in all, a damn fine job." - Four-star reviewer.
Interview with the author:
Can you give us a little bit of insight into these characters?
MC: I’ll talk about Abigale, the star of the ‘Chaos Halo’ series. From the outset, I settled comfortably into her boots. It’s fun painting her human, yet violent, image. She’s troubled by her Halo, that we’ve already established, but what are those strange glyphs that plague her periphery? Then there’s Quiver, her new buddy — indeed, her first real friend in that ruined city tight in the Hilt’s fist. There’s more to him than you’d think and more than even he’d be happy to admit. What do I love about them? Abi, because she’s more human than human, and Quiver because that dude could be seen as clueless but has a depth we’re yet to visit. I’m gonna have fun with him.
Which actor/actress would you like to see playing these characters?
MC: Really? You’re going to ask that when you already have some great models? I honestly have no idea, sorry. Maybe I’ll go old school and suggest Brigitte Nielson for Abi and Steve Buscemi for Quiver. Haha!
Anything more you'd like to tell us about this new science fiction series?
MC: Well, someone recently said it's like "Blade Runner meets Mad Max … with a cyborg chick." And I thought that was a pretty fair comment.
Categories for Chaos Halo 1.0: Alpha Beta Gamma Kill
- post apocalyptic
- dystopian sci fi
- cyberpunk
- short science fiction stories
- sci fi collections
- metaphysical & visionary
- apocalypse stories