OCULUS, peeps.

Oculus is the sequel written by Michael Offutt. Slipstream is the first book. You need to read it first.

The blurb:
"What is the oculus?"

Autumn has arrived in New York, and Jordan Pendragon is a freshman at Cornell University. Gifted in mathematics, he balances life as a research assistant with that of a student athlete.

But Jordan also has a quest. He must find the Black Tower, a monolithic edifice housing a thing that defines the very structure of the universe. Jordan believes it is buried somewhere in Antarctica under miles of prehistoric ice.

October finds Jordan earning a starting position with the Cornell hockey team. But a dark cloud gathers over his rookie season. Unexplained deaths, whispers of a cannibal cult, a prophecy, and a stone known only as the Oculus, cast a shadow over his athletic ambitions. It is the start of a terrifying journey down a path of mystery, murder, and to a confrontation with an Evil more ancient than the stars.

My Review:

Oculus is most definitely a sci-fi read. It's also fantasy. He's done an excellent job with characterization. And Michael's writing plops you right into the story, which takes place on earth, not on Avalon, as Slipstream did. Someone once said that science fiction is the improbable made possible. This is that science fiction.

The ride starts as Jordan (who plays hockey) meets Myd. The oculus is a stone around her neck. Since returning home and entering school, Jordan is studying ice samples to find the Black Tower in order to save the earth. I don't want to say too much for fear of saying too much. Yanno? 

The plot is riveting and the science is really scientific unlike some sci-fi reads. (Are you really a scientist, Michael?) :) This is not a story that you will read in a couple of hours. It's quite involved, so prepare to spend some time with it. Do you like paranormal? Then this is for you. 

Here's where to get it:

Amazon

Paperback

Nook