Christopher Hodder-Williams (1926–1995)

Chain Reaction was written in 1959, 2 years after the Windscale nuclear disaster.

It's a nice piece of speculative fiction about the race to find the source of nuclear contamination of food in the United Kingdom, which is accidentally uncovered by a main who stores his photography paper in his wife's kitchen pantry. It just so happens that tins of baked beans were stacked on top of the paper - then when he went to use the paper he found exposure marks the exact size of the tins.

As the story unfolds the fictional Atomic Development Commission attempts to trace contamination and establish its source, and in doing so uncovers a large scale nuclear accident.

This was a good story written in the aftermath of Windscale when nuclear concerns about both civilian power, experimentation & atomic war were reaching their peak. It's certainly thought provoking in terms of the scale of problem that can unfold from a momentary straight forward error.… (más)

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Being honest, this is a case in which the cover totally hooked me.

2.5 stars, rounded up.

Synopsis: Nigel Yenn is a security expert who recently lost his job with a scientific research firm. He is recruited by a UN agent to investigate the firm’s Group Three branch, led by Dr. Stergen. The UN has received reports of inhuman research techniques being used by Group Three to develop a new weapon of mass destruction: bombs containing human brains. Dr. Stergen is creating a WMD by bonding brain waves with computer chips inside ballistic missiles. Nigel is key to revealing Stergen’s plan and stopping him before he starts a war.

Originally published in 1969, 98.4 is dated, of course. It does, however, successfully blend believable science fiction with the Cold War espionage of that age. The great fear during much of the Cold War was that the US or the USSR would develop and a powerful nuclear weapon against their enemy. Ultimately, the national security doctrine of Mutual Assured Destruction was developed and followed by both sides, based on the concept that deterrence would prevent complete annihilation. Even still, there were factions on both sides that continually attempted to circumvent the MAD security doctrine. While this is a sci-fi novel, this background is important to understand the plot of the book.

Even though it's dated, the main characters are believable as they react to the threat of this newly-developed weaponry and the potential for another world war. This book will appeal to those who enjoy classic science fiction and Cold War espionage.… (más)

The Chromosome Game by Christopher Hodder-Williams is a terrific sci-fi/fantasy tale that will keep you guessing throughout the book. The world is ready to end due to nuclear war but to prepare for this, corrupt officials make an advanced sub that will be the life boat for the world. Unfortunately, these same corrupt, racist officials have made sure the computers in charge are also geared for their agenda also. This is a story told from a very unique perspective. It is a story of those babies born and raised on this sub and have escaped when they have run low on food and water. The plot is very action packed and unique. Fast to steady paced. The characters are well developed. The perspective that the story is told from is one I will not give away but one the reader will not expect. Made me feel trapped in the environments he describes. Well done. I love his stories and this did not disappoint. I received this book for a honest review from NetGalley and it has no effect on my review or rating.… (más)