The God Peak

In 2016’s The God Wave, researchers discovered a way to unlock amazing mental abilities, only to have their project co-opted and subverted by a secret military program. This led to half the team fleeing while the other half barricaded themselves in a mountain stronghold. Now, in this solid sequel, the renegades threaten the world with their superpowers, demanding that all wars cease. Meanwhile, project originator Chuck Brenton and his people have found refuge with the Benefactors, members of a secret society who possess their own method of manifesting superhuman abilities. It’s an uneasy alliance of convenience at best, and Chuck struggles to convince the Benefactors to intervene against his former comrades. As Hemstreet further develops his premise, he gives it a timely feel by introducing issues such as confronting ISIS and demanding universal health care. This fast-paced, thought-provoking technothriller maintains a level of plausibility even as the author bumps up the supernatural power levels considerably. The book moves the series plot forward significantly while still leaving several open threads. Agent: Emma Parry, Janklow & Nesbit. (Aug.)