Quite an unusual book in one respect, and that it involves an artefact which has been misused in the past, but has been given to an author who, it was thought, would be very much more careful with it, but he does make mistakes that make him much more cautious. The emphasis, however, is on who is seeking the object for themselves, including a mass murderer and the military. It becomes much more about finding a safe place for it. It is a lively read with good action in it. Could be an author to look out for, with inventive ideas that could be said to be centred on the pen being mightier than the sword! ( )

It is easy to see where Mr Gates get his inspiration from, you just have to read his bio! This book was outstanding. It was one of the few action thrillers that truly kept my attention throughout the book. The story was riveting... I could not put the book down until the last page was finished.

The only problem was that I was a bit confused in the first few pages, but that solved itself as I read more of the book. I kept thinking and still feel that this will make an excellent movie! The ending left itself open for another book.... Who knows, hopefully we will not be hearing the last of our 2 writers and maybe they will be following the trail of another object?

I ws given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ( )

*A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, which follows.

A mystifying package arrives in the mail of New York writer, Nic Stiles. Inside the package, Nic finds an old-fashioned fountain pen made from the remains of an ancient meteorite enclosed inside a carved wooden box. Accompanying the mysterious artifact is a message, which explains that the user of the pen has the capability to change destiny.

Nic uncovers a horrific plot instigated by Robert Polanski, a retired assassin and a previous owner of the pen, who was recently acquitted of murdering hundreds of people, by using the pen to rewrite destiny in his favor. Not believing the power that exists within the ancient artifact, Nic begins to write using the unusual pen. The results are devastating.

Desperate for solutions, Nic teams up with Phil Beasley, (a.k.a. Grayson Fallon), a rival author, who once owned the strange pen himself. Together the two men enter the world of quantum physics looking for answers on how the pen could have the ability to change a person’s destiny with a single written thought. However, they are not alone. The CIA is after the artifact too. Suddenly the issue crystallizes because; whoever uses the pen controls the destiny of the world.

I thoroughly enjoyed the fast-paced suspense in this novel. My favorite part was the research that Nic did into the ancient artifact’s origin. In addition, I enjoyed the unlikely friendship that developed between the two authors, as they teamed up to stop Polanski from his terrible task.

The fact that Outsourced dealt with current issues about government surveillance and even the evils in the publishing industry seemed to weave a thread of truth into the entire storyline for me. The characters were not afraid to stand up for what they believe in. That resolve made me like the characters even more with all their flaws included.

I found the plot, and the characters to be well thought out in the sequence of events. Eric Gates effectively switched the points of view of some of the characters in the beginning of the book. I found this to be a great tool for understanding the plot and getting into the minds of the characters. Overlook the typos, and you will find yourself wrapped up in a story of intrigue and magic that is hard to put down.

For me, the philosophical elements of “destiny versus fate,” that Gates used to illustrate the magic behind the use of the artifact was delivered with stunning accuracy. Destiny seems predetermined and inevitable, while fate represents the consequences, or a result of something. Eric Gates explored these issues, all the while making the pen have a life all its own.

If you love suspense, non-stop action, literally sprinkled with paranormal mystery, Outsource will lead you on a journey that will leave you questioning the world as you know it.

RATINGS
Realistic Characterization: 4/5
Made Me Think: 4/5
Overall enjoyment: 4/5
Readability: 4/5
Recommended: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.5 ( )

Outsourced by Eric J. Gates

Nic Stiles a New York writer, receives a package in the mail. Soon he realizes what he holds will change his life forever. Many people want what he has, even though he is not sure he wants it. A high tech Intelligence Agency is after him to retrieve what he has. For Nic it becomes a race against time, and he must use his quit-wit to outsmart (them) and save himself.

A fast paced page-turning thriller. The plot is original, the pace is rapid and the action/thrills are very intense. Nic is very likable. He is smart, educated and a nice guy. He is shocked at what he finds out. Not knowing who to trust, and the suspense of watching Nic having to think fast and act quickly to save himself is exhilarating.

There was plenty of action, thrills and suspense to keep my interest. Overall I found Outsourced to be an enjoyable read. I feel those who like fast-paced thrillers will enjoy this story. ( )

(This book was giving to me by the Author in exchange for my honest review)

4 Stars

This was a whirled wing of crazy.

Every time I thought I had this mess (not in a bad way) figured out I was twisted around.

This was a different read for me. It had a tab bit of the paranormal, and in truth is reminded me of the popular anime Death Note I made the connected almost right away, and I couldn't stop from there on.

I don't want to say to much, this is the type of mystery that has many twisted and turns and it's hard to pint point the best. The first few chapters are fast and very drawing. But It did slow down, and I found that it was a sort of a pattern. But again, not in a bad way.

I recommend this book, it's a suspenseful mystery that will have you thinking, What if that was me, what would I do

I would like to that Mr. Gates for letting me read this mind blowing mystery.

Happy Reading.

-Emily ( )