Memortality

by Stephen H. Provost

Overview

Minerva Rus can raise the dead. And it might get her killed. Minerva’s life has never been the same since the childhood car accident that paralyzed her and killed her best friend, Raven. But when the long-dead Raven reappears in her life, now as a very attractive grown man, she discovers that her photographic memory has the power to bring the dead back to life ... heal her paralysis ... and shape reality itself. Pursued by a rogue government agent who wants to eliminate her and her talents, Minerva must learn to control her powers to save herself and Raven. Because if she dies, he dies as well―again.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781610353076
Publisher:	Linden Publishing
Publication date:	02/01/2017
Series:	The Memortality Saga , #1
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	260
File size:	820 KB

About the Author

Stephen H. Provost is a journalist and writer living on California’s Central Coast. He is the author of Fresno Growing Up, and he frequently blogs on writing and current events at his website, stephenhprovost.com.

Editorial Reviews

11/21/2016
This creative yet clumsy contemporary fantasy opens with a fascinating scenario, but bogs it down with stock characters and predictable intrigue. A Los Angeles car accident left six-year-old Minerva Rus paralyzed from the waist down and killed her eight-year-old best friend, Raven. Fifteen years later, Raven returns to Minerva, apparently alive and all grown up. Minerva soon learns she is one of the gifted few who can bring people back to life—to an extent—through memories. This gift makes her a target of a secret government agency, and she and Raven are soon caught up in their dangerous machinations. Short chapters make the suspenseful plot speed along but also give it a choppy feel. Characters’ motivations and backgrounds are often unclear—in particular, not much thought appears to have been given to what Minerva’s life has been like in the 15 years since the accident, except that she’s become bitter and isolated. Provost’s debut novel shows promise but will frustrate readers seeking a deeper connection. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

"Opens with a fascinating scenario ... Provost's debut novel shows promise." —Publishers Weekly

"A fun and intriguing read with surprising twists and turns from the first to the last chapter ... Memortality is a page turner." —Chairmaine Coimbra

"Intriguing, captivating and mesmerising. I loved loved it and would recommend it to everyone. The book was completely original, beautiful and gripping. I can't wait to read more from the author." —Booklove

"Supernatural suspense about a young woman’s ability to shape reality ... its otherworldly aspects help it to race to its conclusion." —Kirkus Reviews

"Fans of The Running Dream will love Minerva, a feisty protagonist with a special gift for helping the dead, who embarks on an action-packed adventure as she attempts to save her loved ones." —Alexandria Constantiova Szeman, author of The Kommandant's Mistress

"Memortality was mind-blowing. There is no other way to explain what it does to the readers." —Annelise Lestrange

"Memortality is one of those books that is strangely fascinating, curiously thrilling, and absolutely so much fun to read." —Jazzy Book Reviews

"A well-paced adventure filled with horror, mystery, fantasy and a touch of romance. A well-written novel with modern prose and social concerns, the complex idea of mixing morality and mortality is a fresh twist on the human condition. The story does close with a satisfying conclusion, but given the vast possibilities of changing history and altering the future, readers will assuredly want—if not expect—more. Memortality is one of those books that will incite more questions than it answers. And for fandom, that's a good thing." —Ricky L. Brown, Amazing Stories

"Memortality by Stephen Provost is a highly original, thrilling novel unlike anything else out there. From the haunting prologue to the thrilling conclusion, Provost has crafted an engaging, brilliant yarn that will keep you glued to the page until the very end. Stephen is clearly an author at the top of his game." —David McAfee, bestselling author of 33 A.D., 61 A.D., and 79 A.D.

"Filled with action, conspiracy, and mystery with just a touch of romance ... Memortality is a story that stays in your mind and satisfies the imagination. I do hope there is more to come with Minerva. This book is definitely on my shelf for re-reading." —Green Egg Magazine

"A quick and enjoyable read. Provost shows a complete understanding of his craft ... The dialogue between characters felt very real and natural. If this is the kind of stories we can expect from him in the future sign me up." —Genre Book Reviews

"Memortality takes a concept we've all dreamed of and turns it into our worst nightmare. Innovative terror at its best." —Bram Stoker Award-winner Michael Knost, author of Return of the Mothman

"Punchy and fast paced, Memortality reads like a graphic novel. Its short chapters are exciting, well plotted, and compelling. Provost, a reporter, is a no-nonsense writer who delivers on the action ... his style makes the trippy landscapes and mind-bending plot points more believable and adds a thrilling edge to this vivid crossover fantasy."—Foreword Reviews

"This story blew my mind away. I really enjoyed going on this adventure with Minerva. A story that I couldn't put down for a minute. There was excitement on every page and couldn't wait to see what would happen next." —Stacey Schneller, Books, Dreams, Life

From the Publisher

2017-02-08
Provost (Fresno Growing Up, 2015, etc.) delivers a novel of supernatural suspense about a young woman's ability to shape reality. After a car accident at the age of 6 leaves her paralyzed from the waist down, Minerva Rus' life seems to be one long struggle. Not only did the accident confine her to a wheelchair and kill her dear friend Raven Corbet, it also left her at the mercy of her cruel mother Jessica Meyer, who doesn't possess the skill set to properly care for a disabled daughter. Fifteen years after the fateful accident, Raven suddenly appears in Minerva's bedroom. Although he's now apparently 23, he still wears his old Legend of Zelda T-shirt and shows a fondness for her. But is it really Raven or merely an apparition? Meanwhile, Jessica gets closer to a man named Bradley Carson that she met at the supermarket. He's no ordinary suitor, but actually an undercover operative whose real name is Anthony Biltmore, working for a secret government organization known as the Federal Intelligence Network. He's no stranger to covert operations or to the violence that they often require. It's soon apparent that Minerva possesses a power that's of great interest to Carson's organization—one that may get her killed. The narrative takes some time to gather speed, as it begins somewhat clumsily with a flashback to one of Carson's missions and a slow-paced scene that focuses on Minerva's difficulty returning to her classes after her accident ("School was different now"). Once things do get going, however, readers will find it hard to predict what will happen to Minerva, particularly as the characters mature and the plot developments blur the line between the living and the dead. Carson proves to be more than just a coldblooded agent, and later portions suggest that even Jessica is capable of change. Although Minerva's special ability isn't particularly riveting, the plot possibilities multiply after its revelation. An adventure that's slow to get started, but its otherworldly aspects help it to race to its conclusion.

Kirkus Reviews