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Free Will or External Factors
Nephilim follows a PhD student who invents a machine that when it merges with a human, gives them incredible powers. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As a neurosurgeon, I’ve inserted augmentative technology into the brains and spines of patients. So, what if…
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I often wonder whether the choices we make are based on free will or external factors (natural or supernatural) which force our hand.
Secondly, it strikes me that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Are the greatest gifts, such as awesome power, worth the costs?
Perhaps, most importantly, I often wonder what makes us human. As a corollary, how much of a person can be replaced or augmented by a machine and have that person still remain human?
I felt that the science inserted in the fiction was well-balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?
The first few drafts weren’t so well balanced. It took intense effort not to ‘show off’ my new world. Ultimately, it came down to trusting the reader to ‘get it.’ I cut and cut and cut, until the story wasn’t bogged down by the sci-fi.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve been writing a series of medical murder mysteries, the main character being a neurosurgeon, Felix Hoenniker, who has a penchant for sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong. Felix’s third adventure, which I’m finishing up now, is called Muñeca. It’s a novella, around ninety pages, and should drop over the summer. Here’s the blurb:
Felix wakes up in slime-dripping catacombs with a busted jaw, only to be confronted by an insufferable blowhard, a little girl in a frilly princess dress who comes bearing gifts, and a sadistic entrepreneur with a penchant for dumping automobiles in the Gowanus Canal. Cracking his most other-worldly case yet takes Felix on a whirlwind ride; from the bowels of New York City’s outer boroughs to the depraved heights of Manhattan society…and even has him dodging a possessed horde of scorpions in the Hamptons.
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Before long, all the wrong people start to notice:
-A secret religious order, The Urialites, prophesy the dawning of the New Age of Nephilim.
-A clandestine unit of Chinese commandos believe they’ve stumbled upon an invincible weapon.
-Sean isn’t sure he wants any part of the new guest.
-As for the machine… well, it has its own ideas.
Nephilim
Nephilim by Marc Arginteanu introduces readers to the brilliant mind of Zdenek, a PhD student whose groundbreaking invention bestows incredible powers upon its user. The story unfolds with intrigue as Zdenek races to protect his creation after a failed experiment threatens its safety. However, what ensues is a thrilling chase as two formidable groups—the secretive Urialites and a squad of Chinese commandos—relentlessly pursue the weapon.
In an unexpected turn, Sean, a humble waiter, becomes entangled with the device, thrusting him into a world of danger and excitement. As the narrative unfolds, themes of technology, prophecy, and the human desire for power are expertly explored, offering readers a captivating journey through a realm of uncertainty. The novel skillfully weaves various subplots and characters, adding depth and realism to the story. While the pacing is brisk, it keeps the reader engaged, and including multiple side stories enriches the overall narrative experience.
Marc Arginteanu’s ability to intricately connect different elements of the plot is praiseworthy. Though the character development may feel slightly rushed at times, the diverse cast of characters adds layers to the story, reflecting the complexities of human nature. While some violent scenes may be intense, they contribute to the gripping nature of the narrative, adding to the sense of urgency and danger.
Nephilim by Marc Arginteanu delivers an electrifying tale of power, technology, and the human condition. With its gripping plot, diverse cast of characters, and intricate storytelling, the novel immerses readers in a world of suspense and intrigue. While the brisk pacing and occasional violence may not be suitable for younger audiences, adult readers will find themselves drawn into the heart-pounding action and thought-provoking themes.
Pages: 364 | ASIN : B0CZLWBJ54
Characters that Come to Life
of Paint and Pancakes follows the lives of several people who are brought together by a child’s brain injury and together learn what truely matters in life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I am a neurosurgeon who has cared for many such patients.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I leave that up to the readers to decide. I am particularly gratified after reading a wonderful review, such as yours. It lets me know that the characters came to life in someone else’s heart.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I tried to fill of Paint and Pancakes with big themes: Topics such as right to life, end of life, wealth and class, social mobility, sexual and emotional intimacy.
What is the next book that you’re working on and when can your fans expect it out?
I’m working on a series of short stories tied together with a theme of being paranormal medical murder mysteries. The main character is a neurosurgeon, Felix Hoenniker, next installment, Muñeca, should be out in a few months.
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Erin Gustino, the youngest daughter of a wealthy and influential family, suffers an awful brain injury. Mike saves her life. But healing from her physical wound is a walk in the park compared to recovering from her psychological trauma. Erin’s desperate parents turn to Jane, the child’s favorite teacher, for help.
Jane McCorvey, twenty-something and full of life, takes Erin under her wing. She’d been told that she’d never have kids of her own. Jane’s world comes crashing down, when, after a seizure, Mike diagnoses her with brain cancer. At the same time, she discovers she is three months pregnant. Mike insists her best chance for long-term survival is to terminate the pregnancy.In addition to being an author, Dr. Arginteanu is a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Mount Sinai in New York City and an Adjunct Professor of Psychology (Neuroscience) at Florida International University
of Paint and Pancakes
Marc Arginteanu’s of Paint and Pancakes presents a complex tapestry of lives intersecting in the wake of tragedy and ambition. At its core is Mike Silvers, a neurosurgeon whose dedication to his profession borders on the obsessive, often eclipsing all other aspects of his life. The Gustinos, a family whose immense wealth is surpassed only by their philanthropic ventures, are patrons of Mike’s hospital and pillars in the community. Jane McCorvey is the quintessential underdog, a young teacher with aspirations that stretch beyond her means. Their lives converge when the Gustinos’ youngest daughter, Erin, suffers a bicycle accident, thrusting them into an unconventional familial bond.
This novel is a poignant exploration of the fragile nature of life and the profound lessons gleaned from facing mortality. While the initial connection between Mike, the Gustinos, and Jane is through Erin’s accident, it’s Jane’s personal tribulations that draw them into an unexpected closeness. Arginteanu deftly portrays the characters with a realism that makes them relatable yet challenging; Mike and the Gustinos, Paul and Kelly, are exceptionally well-crafted, embodying traits that make them both unlikable and authentically human. Erin represents an innocence untainted by the complexities of adulthood, while Jane emerges as the moral compass and the heart of the narrative.
The novel delves deep into themes far beyond the superficial notion that money cannot solve all problems. It’s a profound meditation on the essence of what truly matters in life. As Mike and the Gustinos gradually shift their values from material wealth to human connection, Jane’s journey culminates in a poignant decision, reflecting the novel’s exploration of sacrifice, love, and the paths we choose. Each character is portrayed with striking realism, particularly within the medical world, showcasing Arginteanu’s insightful writing and adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
of Paint and Pancakes reflects life’s unpredictable journey and the unexpected ways people can become integral to our stories. The novel is a compelling read, drawing readers in with the desire to uncover the fate of each character. Despite its moments of darkness, the story concludes on a note of hope, offering a satisfying resolution to a journey marked by both profound loss and heartfelt discovery. This thoughtfully crafted tale resonates with truth and emotion, a testament to the intricate and often surprising nature of human connections.
Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0CLH12SPY
LITERARY TITAN 