THE PRISMVERSE
Checkmate is the debut novel in the new Prism series written by Rich Simmons.
The characters, science and world created in this origin story will set the tone for a wider series of stories to follow, creating a larger series which will make up The Prismverse.
Checkmate introduces the scientists behind the Creative Research And Development Laboratory Enterprise, aka C.R.A.D.L.E. Isaac Wells, Clara Banks, Kenzi Nakamura and Arthur Kinsey are joined by a host of other engineers and scientists to take on the drug empire being run by The Grandmaster and his rogues' gallery of chess piece inspired thugs.
With discovery of a mysterious glowing meteorite in the Mojave Desert is about to change Isaac Wells life forever. In London, Isaac’s team at C.R.A.D.L.E are tasked with solving the mystery of the meteorite when its existence is brought to the attention of The Grandmaster, the shadowy figure behind London’s wave of crime and mutation inducing drugs.
Can our team of scientists overcome personal struggles and tragedies to battle back against the powerful Grandmaster and solve the mystery of the meteorite and the drug empire taking over London and be the heroes the city needs them to become?
The Prism, Checkmate is 67 chapters and 110,000 words. A finished manuscript is ready for review and open to publishing and representation opportunities. To read the first 5 chapters, please see below and to request the full book, please get in contact.
RICH SIMMONS
Rich Simmons is an acclaimed British artist, exhibiting in galleries and museums around the world.
After spending over a decade creating artwork, Simmons is taking his passion for storytelling and turning to the written word. Growing up with a passion for comic books and storytelling, Simmons childhood dream was to work as an animator, creating stories and characters through film. Turning his attention to fine art instead, Simmons found fame and success through painting. The passion for creating his own characters and stories continued to burn inside and the continued inspiration from childhood hero Stan Lee led Simmons to put down the spray paint and write a story instead.
The Prism is a combination of Simmons passion for science, engineering and mystery. This first book is a science fiction thriller, crossing into the world of superheroes and a hybrid of the comic book genre.
Simmons is 34 and has already achieved huge success with his art and this new chapter in his career is another example of his desire to challenge his creative abilities. Based in London, Simmons also runs an art therapy organisation called Art Is The Cure and is an advocate for mental health awareness and autism.
"I WANT TO CREATE A NEW KIND OF SUPERHERO STORY THAT BLURS THE LINES BETWEEN HEROES AND VILLAINS, POWERS AND DISABILITIES."
"THIS STORY WILL APPEAL TO ANYONE WHO LOVES BATMAN COMICS, DAN BROWN NOVELS OR SHERLOCK HOLMES STORIES."
TESTIMONIALS
“I like very much the visual component of The Prism, which I have always considered a fantastic wonder of nature. The connection between a meteorite found decades past with a shadowy drug in the present is a very interesting hook also. I am anxious to continue this series and discover where the plot leads next for our intrepid scientists.”
“Now that I have read your story completely through, I can say it was a thoroughly enjoyable tale. The characters are well-developed with their own motivations and alliances, yet you still provide surprises at key points throughout to keep the reader engaged and wondering what might happen next. The pacing is good as well with the narrative gaining intensity and urgency at about mid-point and proceeding briskly.”
“Within the structure of a mystery you have included elements of plausible science, science fiction, spy thrillers, and superhero genres. As I type this I have close at hand a very dear book from my childhood called "Tom Swift and His Tripihibian Atomicar" from 1962. This series provided hours of enjoyment for my generation, and you have captured much of the same experience for a modern audience. With the help of an editor to eliminate the grammar, punctuation and technical missteps you have the foundation of a very popular entry for the market segment mentioned. And not only for the initial installment but for additional stories including this cast of characters. ”
TESTIMONIALS
CONTACT
To request the full manuscript or to inquire about publishing or representation, please get in touch!