Part 1 of my novel, Phantom City, and other works.

[Jesse G. Barnes]

After the completion of my short film, Thieves (thread here: http://forum.objectivismonline.com/index.php?showtopic=22826 ), I decided to finally make a site for my novel, Phantom City, a cyberpunk opera that takes place 80 years after the events in Thieves. Phantom City has been a long time passion project of mine years before I had any idea I would eventually be writing and directing a short film taking place in the same universe.

Specifically, my blog site focuses on Phantom City, but it also acts as a resume of sorts, collecting all of my most proud work, including short stories, short films, game design, graphic design, music, essays, reviews etc. For this thread, however, I'd like to keep the topic focused on Phantom City.

Here is part of the Plot Summary and an excerpt follows to whet your appetite...

October 12, 2137-

After the Ghost War had reduced the planet to ruin, civilization finds shelter in the massive ocean vessel of Phantom City. After several years of unstable revival, the assassination of a beloved political figure turns the government on its head and law enforcement into a ghost chase. A misfit group of smugglers inadvertently is reeled into the conspiracy when their biggest client accidentally chases a shady prospect into their mitts who might just be the elusive assassin.

This excerpt is from the first page of the Prologue, Rook Takes Bishop...

The silvery blue smoke climbs from the cauterized hole in his forehead as if his soul dances onward to the heavens. His eyes happily frozen in the reflection of the confetti drizzled air that celebrates his reelection that will now never happen. The sound of fans cheering seeps away as time pulls it into a weightless descent...

The hand of his handsome blue-eyed competitor grasps his lifeless shoulder trying desperately to reverse the violent tragedy as Legion security droids surround them in the precise grace of their programming, sweeping the crowd with cold black battle rifles that blend into their own armored anatomy.

Reelect Commander Barone!

...the holo-banner reads, projected proudly above the crowd that is ensnared in a near time locked state of shock and dismay.

More than a mile away, perched upon an anonymous tower, the empty podium where the Commander stood only a moment prior, phases out in the visor of a sniper rifle. The scope clicks back and sinks into shoulder guard. The barrel twists and slides into the weapon. A broken ballet of clicks and clacks deconstructs the frame of the rifle, transforming it into a slim portable case as a pair of boots touchdown on the roof and begin their approach. A glove, coursing with radiant digital patterns matching the design of the case, retrieves the package and secures it to a utility sash.

The figure dives off the tower's edge into the neon horizon.

To read the rest of Part 1 and other works by me: http://jessegbarnes.blogspot.com/ I encourage you to read the "Plot Summary & FAQ" when you first visit the site to get an idea of what exactly Phantom City is, why I wrote it, and where my style came from.

I welcome your thoughts and hope to hear from you soon!

[Eiuol]

I read the plot summary and FAQ, and it intrigued me. I'm definitely reminded of the book "Snow Crash" in some of what you wrote in terms of some plot elements, and a tiny bit of your writing style is like that book. I noticed also how you're a Heinlein fan, too - I was about to suggest you read him, until I saw you mention "Stranger in a Strange Land". In any case, the usual cyberpunk stuff are present in here, so it should appeal to anyone who likes that technology.

I went to read the prologue. The web page background makes it difficult for me to read comfortably, and thus affecting my evaluation. Can you possibly upload it elsewhere?

Edited April 29, 2012 by Eiuol

[Jesse G. Barnes]

Thanks for checkin it out! Snow Crash I actually own, but have only read very little of it so far. I've been swamped with reading lately. I've been reading my little behind off and Snow Crash is around the corner.

For right now, I would like to refrain, if I can, from uploading it elsewhere. I significantly darkened the background in hopes to sharpen the contrast between the text and the image behind it. I hope that will be good enough for you. If not, then I'll consider uploading a totally new backdrop.