Robert Troy

Katherine Murkowitz had difficulties in her former job and it took a while to become employed. She's flattered with the job offer from a small electronics firm.

Two scientists run the firm. They had worked at a university lab and discovered a way to solve the world's energy needs. They understand that if they announce their discovery, the university will get the rights and money. As a result, they keep the discovery secret until it is proven and they find the right bidder.

The high bidder is a Chinese corporation. They should have been aware that China is a repressive country so they might be putting themselves at risk. However, the promise of riches blinds them. When the company informs them that payment is based on the company's employees coming to China and perfecting their discovery, warning bells should have gone off.

Of the characters, Katherine is a pleasant person to follow. She is one of the few characters with a sense of morality, questioning the ethics of keeping their discovery a secret.

The Americans learn of the Chinese plot to use the discovery to rule the world. In politics, deceipt is everywhere and the United States hatches their own scheme to stop the Chinese.

This is an original story and interesting plot. I found it difficult to imagine that scientists who made a world changing discovery would not have been rewarded if they made their discovery public in the United States. However, the author is a physics instructor and would know more than this reader.

The last portion of the story lacked intensity and could have used more tension but considering that this is a first novel, Robert Troy did a fine job. The book shows what someone can do when they self-publish. It also shows what publishers and agents are missing.… (altro)