CREDENCE (Foundation #1)  by Marco Guarda-a review

CREDENCE (Foundation #1) by Marco Guarda-released May 2012

Credence (Foundation #1)  is a story set in a futuristic world of space travel and “believers”.  Detective Chris Trumaine is called in to solve the unexplainable murder of a renowned, award winning scientist, Aarmo Jarva and his wife.  Jarva was instrumental in developing the science of the believers at the Credence Foundation.  Basically, if you have enough who believe, it will become reality.  Whether it is moving spaceships from planet to planet or an individual from one place to another, Credence was big business.  And, if Trumaine can solve the case, he will be granted citizenship to Aquaria, a pristine planet where his wife now resides and works.

Trumaine enters the world of the believers and meets Benedict, who runs Credence.  It is determined that the only way to find the killer is for Trumaine to enter the believers’ chamber and tap into the “feed”.  Once Trumaine is in, things start to happen very quickly.  His boss, Captain Firrell is instrumental in getting him what he needs and clearance to do so.  Trumaine enlists the help of a believer, Faith, who plays a major role in helping Trumaine, until he thinks she is the one tainting the feed.

There is a lot that goes on in this book.  There is a suicide, which is determined to be another murder.  And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, there’s another twist.  We learn of a terrible tragedy in Trumaine’s recent past that he and his wife are trying to cope with, and has driven them apart.  I know that this book was originally written as a screenplay and, unfortunately it reads that way in a lot of places.  The vivid, lengthy descriptions of Trumaine’s surroundings are great for setting up a scene in a movie, but it made the story hard to read at times.  The story itself is a good one.  I just wish that there had been more story and not as much descriptive dialogue.  I did find myself wanting to know what happens next.  All in all, a good first effort.  And, the end surprised me, which doesn’t happen very often!

Copy supplied by author

Reviewed by Vickie M.

CREDENCE FOUNDATION was first developed as an original screenplay. It earned a finalist placement the same year I first submitted it, good sign that the project was in an advanced stage of development. I went through a lot of work to make it as challenging, meditative and thought-provoking as I could. I hope I have succeeded in my intent and that this book will be a truly satisfying read.

I’ve been writing consistently since 2006 and three of my screenplays have earned placements and a couple of prizes in various screeenplay competitions.

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