Here is the BookTrib Review link of

The Glass Planet 
by Christopher Zyck 
CJZ Media Island, 456 pages, (paperback) $16.99,
(Reviewed: January 13, 2023 by Wyatt Semenuk) 
The following is a link to the most recent review of THE GLASS PLANET from BookTrib ~ It lists the EPUB page count as 579, but the PAPERBACK IS 456 pages: https://booktrib.com/.../expansive-sci-fi-adventure.../

     Is anyone interested in the prospects of a better future? Cheers 😀All politics aside, you’re correct about the use of electricity and gas as a strain, or a stain, on the environment. 

     The next two steps forward are 1) tapping into alternative energies expanding on ‘green energy’ like kinetic electricity, harnessing hydro geothermal and plankton, and 2) nuclear fusion energy, which is expected to be developed for everyday life in about forty years ~ my book examines these advances as well as social philosophy under a model of Capitalism economics the Economic Theory of the Human Will (ETHW) that is economy based on ‘goodwill’.

     Development of the cislunar space for the ever-expanding human population,  impacted by the Condorcet Procedure to extend life spans exponentially, inspires commercial ventures to accumulate a 'space station network'. 

     The range of space stations is comprehensive including energy production, entertainment, hospitality, innovation, and communications infrastructure. 

     Spacecraft services, repairs, docking, and safety response are all profitable labor jobs. The Zealot Centinels provide protection and serve the progressive Glass Planet Population Journal (GPPJ).

    Another lucrative position is as a member of RAKLAV, the Reconnaissance Assessment of Knowledge for Legal, Authorized Validation. 

    Personal preferences to identify efficient production of items to best conserve and protect the environment exemplify the fair access to professional opportunities for GPPJ citizens. Innovators and entry-level personnel can enjoy horizontal and vertical employment as desired.

Here is the blue ink Review of

The Glass Planet 
by Christopher Zyck 
CJZ Media Island, 456 pages, (paperback) $16.99,
(Reviewed: August, 2022) 
In Christopher Zyck’s debut novel—a grand-scale science fiction narrative set in the 24th century— two amnesiac “time refugees” regain consciousness almost 350 years in the future. 
The story focuses heavily on the economic philosophy of humankind’s future society, which is to help facilitate “the ‘wellbeing’ of the human condition.” It begins with two people, a man and a woman, waking in a cave located in what looks like the jungles of the Amazon. The characters—who eventually realize they’re named Catherine and Jurgen —make it back to civilization only to discover a wildly technologically advanced world that has outlawed greed-fascism and has begun conquering the stars. But as the story evolves, readers learn that the seeming utopia isn’t as idyllic as it seems. 
The sheer vastness of the story’s scope is noteworthy, comparable to Vernor Vinge’s shelf-bending, mind-blowing Zones of Thought novels (A Fire Upon the Deep, et. al.). The depth of world-building and scientific speculation is also a strength (the terraforming of Earth via revolutionary filtration and irrigation advances, for example). 
Ultimately, this is a visionary and deeply speculative science fiction epic . . .

Christopher Zyck
CJZ Media Island (Editor)
SusansArt (Designer)
CJZ Media Island (Sep 9, 2022)
Softcover $16.99 (456pp)
979-898689280-1

Clarion Rating: 4 out of 5

The Glass Planet is a philosophical science fiction novel set in a semi-utopian future where corruption still takes hold despite altered human priorities.

In the future of Christopher Zyck’s science fiction novel The Glass Planet, a centuries-long lifespan shifts the human zeitgeist toward environmental conservation and economic prosperity.

A woman and a man wake up in a strange cave with no memory of who they are and how they got there. More excited than nervous to explore their environment, the two set off, observing and navigating the vibrant, biodiverse jungle beyond the cave. They meet a few human inhabitants who reveal that the couple, Jürgen and Catherine, are archaeologists who time-traveled to this miraculous place—Earth as it is three hundred years from their original timeline—to assimilate into its society. Catherine and Jürgen enroll in training, befriend a few exuberant locals, and become the obsession of a corrupt philanthropist, Patrick, who aims to use their uncommon origins to his benefit.

The year 2339 is much different from 2005: adults go through a procedure to extend their lifespan at the age of twenty-five; a two-child policy prevents overpopulation; climate change has been reversed and rain forests have been restored and reconfigured; and all education, science, and technological advancements exist to further the “wellbeing of the human condition” in regard to peace, morality, and economic equity.  

(review continued next column)

At one point, Catherine critiques the difference between promoting something for the “wellbeing” of the human condition versus for the “greater good,” resulting in ominous tension. As the plot progresses, the reality of that difference becomes more stark. While most people thrive in this new world, many do not feign the belief that they’re living in a utopia, instead choosing to recognize that fostering fierce self-sufficiency in a five-hundred-year lifespan leads to loneliness. The cultural attitude also discourages independent thought.The book’s immense and detailed universe—all three hundred years of new history are accounted for—results in a vast and intricate reading experience. However, the nuances of the plot are often sacrificed in favor of this world-building. The book’s exposition trends toward the physically descriptive, and conversations dominate the narrative, with philosophical exchanges about technology, intelligence, memory, and what “wellbeing” really means. The most tension comes from villainous Patrick’s exploitation of Catherine and Jürgen to expand his controversial tourism business venture, as well as Catherine’s and Jürgen’s distorted memories and the mystery of their true purpose in this future. The characters, and therefore the audience, discover the truth of what’s happening as the story progresses; the potential for danger is the driving force that propels the narrative.Despite the length of the book, the pace is swift, a result of the combination of the immersive story, absorbing language, and intriguing cast. Some characters’ sexual appetites and their attempts at minimizing them lead to distracting scenes that run counter to the enlightened philosophical ideology they purport. But Catherine’s heroism at the book’s end is inspiring, even as humanity faces the consequences of its mistakes.The Glass Planet is a philosophical science fiction novel set in a semi-utopian future where corruption still takes hold despite altered human priorities.Reviewed by Aimee Jodoin  September 13, 2022

THE GLASS PLANET
A timely and relevant story of human occupation and the oppressed rising, THE GLASS PLANET is a metaphysical journey into human self-consciousness and the collective consciousness of an 'advanced' human civilization.

By 2339 to 2352 AD, humankind had irresponsibly short-changed themselves as the destructive forces of greed-fascism exploited our home for its perceived riches at the sacrifice of the ’wellbeing’ of the human condition. 

The battle to preserve the Glass Planet Space Station (GPSS) from Minister Riverstrike and the human forces who seek dominance and wealth over the masses is on the shoulders of the two archaeologist time-travelers from the 20th century who gained celebrity as the first known time-travelers in history. 

They inspire the Zealot Sentinels, led by Commander Janalake, a trusted advisor to Minister Riverstrike who is the celebrated innovator of the Space Station Network (SSN). Janalake harbors a mysterious past with an affection for the proletariat, and the power of influence rivaling second only to the Minister's. 

The existence of all civilizations of freedom with liberty is dependent on the connectivity of the collective consciousness enabled by the GPI, an embedded interface to the brain's neurocognitive system enhancing and modifying human behavior to the moral categorical imperative of the 'wellbeing' of the human condition. 

Through fully immersive virtual reality utilizing artificial intelligence to project vector shields creating isolated atmospheric ‘vivariums’ across Earth allows for the stabilization of peace in a marginalized coexistence. The GPSS is the technological heart that sustains the human population of twenty-two billion habitants from the Earth to the Moon, the SSN in between, and the Martian Metropolis City-State outpost.  

At stake is the future of the existence of the human race if the progressive utopian advancements are compromised, forever altering the arc of social justice, a cataclysm of mass extinctions will occur! 

"The book’s immense and detailed universe—all three hundred years of new history are accounted for—results in a vast and intricate reading experience . . . the pace is swift, a result of the combination of the immersive story, absorbing language, and intriguing cast. ~ Aimee Jodoin, CLARION REVIEW September 13, 2022

  "The sheer vastness of the story’s scope is noteworthy, comparable to Vernor Vinge’s shelf-bending, mind-blowing Zones of Thought novels (A Fire Upon the Deep, et. al.). The depth of world-building and scientific speculation is also a strength (the terraforming of Earth via revolutionary filtration and irrigation advances, for example). Ultimately, this is a visionary and deeply speculative science fiction epic . . ." ~ blue ink Review August/2022

This Youtube  link is a sizzle reel  produced for $5 , using a freehand style of capture with a DSLR camera in public areas, the crowdfunding project was on Indie Gogo in 2012. https://youtu.be/eo7EOBKlop8

Fiction - Thriller- Conspiracy

Buy on Amazon Buy Locally 

• Publisher: C J Z Media Island
• Publication Date: July 12, 2023
• Number of Pages: 342
• ISBN-13: 979-8986892887
• ASIN: B0C9SHBQ69

Mosaic Caverns by Christopher Zyck is the first book in the Vivarium Chronicles and a wonderful read that features adventure, an intriguing archeological quest, and strong social and political conflict. It is 2005 and the cocaine cartels are holding sway in Colombia. The US Green Berets fight to eliminate the drug trade, but something even more powerful is happening. Two archeologists make a startling discovery excavating the Inca Empire tribal artifacts —an ancient power that might be behind most of the chaos plaguing society. What is the link between the power of an ancient God and the political turmoil that has been characteristic of Colombia’s social reality?

This is an engaging story and the reader is instantly pulled in by the first-person narrative voice, a voice that is playful yet compelling. Zyck features characters that readers will enjoy and these characters are thrown into a setting that is rocked with conflict. The cultural elements of the setting are brilliantly explored, from food to clothing to fundamental beliefs. The intersection between myth and contemporary social realities is intelligently examined. The author excels are writing engaging dialogues and exploring relationships between the characters. I loved the vibe between Jürgen and Catherine, and the narrator has a unique connection with the niece, Zoe, and has always loved to have lunch with her at Burrito Shack at least once a month during the work week. The scenes are well-crafted and focused and the writing is infused with strong social and political commentaries. Christopher Zyck has crafted a fascinating story that examines the link between social upheaval and myth.

   Posted on August 1, 2023 by theprairiesbookreview.com 

An original and intricate tale of adventure, folklore, and archeological quest…

Two archeologists make a shocking discovery while excavating an ancient empire in Zyck’s original, intriguing series kicker in the Vivarium Chronicles series. 2005. Colombia is in chaos. The country is rocking with violence, courtesy of drug cartels determined to keep their drug trade afloat as the US Green Berets step up to take an active part in fighting and eliminating the cocaine trade and with it the cartels who run it. The archaeologists, Catherine and Jürgen, are heading a team from the American Archaeologist Society to excavate Inca Empire tribal artifacts and arrive in Colombia. As they begin their excavation, they discover the unthinkable: an ancient power might be behind most of the chaos plaguing the nation. Will their investigation be able to unravel the motive behind the conquests, destruction, and exploitation of the ongoing war? Zyck blends folklore, mythology, an intriguing archeological quest, intense socio-political conflict, and actual historical events to deliver an intriguing story. In addition to being superbly paced and plot-driven, the book features a fully fleshed-out cast. “Giving” is the word that never gets old in the sensitive and magnanimous Catherine’s dictionary. The driven and spirited Jürgen’s sarcastic and often cynical take on existence makes him an endearing counterpart to Catherine. The sweet Zoe, the curious and passionate Victor, Ikel, and Viera, and the greedy, malevolent Riverstrike, all come alive on the pages. Featuring detailed depictions of the ancient civilization and its religious practices, Zyck’s assured prose goes in heavy with an exploration of the metaphysical while delving into complex themes of democracy, religion, the nature of blind faith, and how it affects not only those who exhibit it but also the ones around, mental illness, hierarchy, discrimination, destruction, freedom, transcendence, and what it means to live in the moment and being present emotionally. Intriguing storyline and a winding central conflict captivate. The first-person narration jumps between the two main characters, delving deeper into the characters’ individual stories. Catherine’s relationship with Zoe is endearing, and her chemistry with Jürgen adds to the intrigue. This complex story spans centuries, traveling to far-reaching corners of a richly imagined ancient world and dipping into the mind of an all-powerful ancient entity. Even though the story’s later descent into the metaphysical becomes a bit heavy and some obvious plot twists distract, this is overall a mind-expanding must-read. Lovers of sociology, political science, archeology, and historical thrillers will want to take a look.

MOSAIC CAVERNS
(The Vivarium Chronicles Book 1)
Christopher Zyck (Author), Susans Art (Illustrator)
C J Z Media Island

Buy now
Pub date July 12, 2023
ISBN 979-8986892887

Christopher Zyck
CJZ Mediaisland
(258pp)
979-898689284-9

Clarion Rating: 4 out of 5

Scientists explore the unknown in the intriguing thriller Mosaic Caverns, in which the truth of human history is buried deep in the South American jungle.

Christopher Zyck’s mystical adventure novel Mosaic Caverns follows a pair of scientists on a jungle expedition where they come face to face with the origins of the human race.

Catherine, a bioarchaeologist, is alerted to a dig site whose finds have great implications, changing scholars’ understandings of early hominids. The dig helps Catherine to reconnect with Jürgen, a fellow scientist, with whom she shared a romantic past two decades ago. Catherine and Jürgen’s discoveries point to the migration of an extinct human species. And when they enter the fascinating Mosaic Cavern deep in a South American jungle, they learn not just more about humanity’s deep past but receive an unexpected glimpse into its future.

Catherine is a brainy academic whose risk-taking and love of life make her a compelling heroine. She is on a quest to understand humanity and is so immersed in these goals that even her passing conversations turn into deep discussions of the nature of God and Christianity. She wants to understand (“subtext is my self-critique,” she notes), and that yearning leads her to take amazing risks, including a dive off the Colombian coast during which she encounters a submerged body. And Jürgen is a kindred soul, present to complement her search, though their early conversations are awkward as they try to reconnect after many years apart. In time, they meet a third central figure—a fascinating presence with much to reveal.

Still, the narrative prioritizes people’s musings on God and science, in addition to its archaeological mysteries; its characters’ relationships are a secondary concern. Intrigue develops as Catherine and Jürgen make their way to the caverns; the environment is described in dark terms that evoke danger and discomfort, in which they work to keep “chunks of iguanas from splattering” into their boots. Warfare is constant in this locale, in which struggling villagers are left to die.

As the scientists move closer to their fate, the novel’s violent scenes increase, as do the book’s intellectual thrills. Surrounded by men with guns, Catherine and Jürgen begin to understand what they’ve found, and their earlier discussions about the nature of God and human beings take on fresh urgency. In the novel’s final, satisfying moments, they struggle to come to grips with their new reality—and their growing love for each other.

Scientists explore the unknown in the intriguing thriller Mosaic Caverns, in which the truth of human history is buried deep in the South American jungle, making a more holistic, hopeful depiction of God possible.

Reviewed by Jeremiah Rood
August 2, 2023

        Set in Colombia in 2005, amid Plan Colombia, the United States Green Berets stepped up participation from a military advisement role to an active fighting force to destroy cocaine production and cartel activity to eliminate the drug trade. The conflict rages from the rainforest to the shorelines. Travel at your own risk!

     The combat is no deterrent to the protagonists, two archaeologists, who are heading a team from the American Archaeologist Society to excavate Inca Empire tribal artifacts and discover a headstone from a mass grave with a mysterious message. 

They organize an expedition to locate the legendary Mosaic Caverns.

The leftist guerillas are producing cocaine in makeshift factories and utilizing several smuggling routes by land and sea from this location in Colombia's Southern Amazon rain forest.

The gunfire and grenade explosions from a special forces attack on a factory two miles from the scientist's camp near Mosaic Caverns foreshadow pending danger, yet they are not moved from their work analyzing the geological makeup and taking a photolog of the location.

They are discovered and a melee ensues resulting in unexpected twists and turns throughout the exploration of Mosaic Caverns.

When a dialectic occurs regarding the motives behind the conquests, destruction, and exploitation of war, their journey underscores the hierarchal social and economic class distinctions that plague the impoverished in the face of the freedoms allowed by the natural world.