The Flight of the Schimmerplotz

Alias Brains and Brawn Book 1

Christian - Thriller
212 Pages
Reviewed on 02/27/2021
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Author Biography

Charles A. Salter has been a writer all his life. A professional member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, he has published about two dozen books and hundreds of articles in magazines and newspapers, as well as numerous U.S. Government Technical Reports. His adult mystery novels and juvenile non-fiction books have earned excellent reviews and won various awards. Currently retired, he served for 28 years as a Medical Service Corps officer in the United States Army.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

The Flight of the Schimmerplotz: Alias Brains and Brawn Book 1 by Charles A. Salter is a Christian thriller bursting with fun, excitement, and humor. This short work will have you speeding through the pages in no time, all the while entertaining you and keeping you invested in an interesting story of biblical proportions. The suspenseful mystery begins with a shimmering but deadly window hovering in Battery Park. It terrifies Brex, aka Dr. Brains Herndon, and his goddaughter Sara. Brex is the smartest human in the universe. Brex and his partner/bodyguard/best friend Agent Jacks "Brawn" Rigalto (Sara's father) work for the Cosmic Intelligence Group, which is part of the US Space Force, and together they find out that a hostile takeover of the world is underway, with origins that go back to the Tower of Babel. This window is a time-traveling window that transports them to different times in history, where they work to solve the conspiracy and conquer lethal creatures and humanlike giants in order to save the world.

Salter uses an energetic style to combine the ancient with the futuristic, resulting in a dynamic-duo tale that has you guessing and giggling all the way. This author's imagination is what really drives the story, and you'll find yourself caught up in the plot right away. The sense of humor sets this book apart from most other time travel/space fantasy adventures, which is a breath of fresh air. The unique characters are clearly defined and full of life and quirks, the pacing is just right for this type of story, and the suspense is well-timed. The fact that the story reaches back to the Tower of Babel will appeal to anyone familiar with the account and is the centerpiece of the story. I like that the plot is easy to follow and that the author takes time to introduce us to the characters and their families/home life, and of course BigBear their dog. The bond the characters have with one another is appealing, especially between Brex and Jacks--alpha male and diminutive genius are best friends. The Flight of the Schimmerplotz by Charles A. Salter is a great escape with heart and humor.

Pikasho Deka

The Flight of the Shimmerplotz is Book 1 of the Alias Brains and Brawn series by Charles A. Salter. Breslin Herndon, a.k.a. Brex, is the smartest man on the planet. Brex and his best friend and bodyguard Jack Rigalto work together for the US Space Agency's Cosmic Intelligence Group. A casual stroll to the local park with Jack's six-year-old daughter Sara goes haywire when, out of nowhere, a window to an infernal alternate reality opens up and engulfs Brex and Sara. After saving Sara from the humanoids, Brex uncovers a deeply rooted conspiracy involving ancient kings and generals fighting interdimensional battles and moving armies using the wormholes known as Scimmerplotz. His knowledge of the Origanis language also helps them uncover the enemies infiltrating the top-level agencies.

The Flight of the Schimmerplotz is a fun-filled, sci-fi action-adventure novel with an entertaining plot that breezes by without a single misstep. I gulped it down in one sitting. Charles A. Salter's dynamic duo of the mad genius Brex and his loyal and trusted bodyguard Jack is an absolute joy to read. Apart from the quirky and colorful characters, the fast-paced nature of the narrative and the thrilling action sequences make The Flight of the Schimmerplotz pure box office entertainment. I particularly adored the expository scenes where Brex goes off on one of his tangents explaining the science behind one of his new inventions. I felt primely entertained throughout the story, and I am looking forward to more adventures of the dynamic duo. I would recommend it to readers who love an action-adventure story.

Susan Sewell

A time portal opens in New York City, releasing soldiers from ancient Sumeria intending to subjugate the city's inhabitants. The only thing standing in their way is a genius and his bodyguard in the exciting adventure novel, The Flight of the Schimmerplotz (Alias Brains and Brawn: Book 1) by Charles A. Salter. Special Agent Jack Rigalto and Doctor Brex Herndon are part of the newly formed unit of the United States Space Force in the Cosmic Intelligence Group. When Brex and Jack inadvertently stumble upon a nefarious plan dating back to antiquity in which elite groups of government people enslave the world's population, they become entangled in a dangerous political power struggle. Select Members of the United Nations are transporting troops of primitive foot soldiers from ancient Sumeria through a time portal to support their evil scheme. Can Brex and Jack stop them before it is too late?

Traveling back to the Tower of Babel, The Flight of the Schimmerplotz (Alias Brains and Brawn: Book 1) by Charles A. Salter is a thrilling adventure story with a science-fiction twist. Filled with intrigue, evil villains, dramatic fight scenes, and terrifying monsters, the suspenseful plot captivates and holds the imagination from the breathtaking opening to the electrifying conclusion. Flawlessly written, this extraordinary novel combines a biblical story with futuristic technology. The main characters are engaging and are perfect foils for each other, but I have to admit that Brex, with his exceptional wit, is my favorite. With mythical creatures, lovable protagonists, and exciting action-packed fight scenes, the story promises to entertain those who relish time-travel stories dating back to history's earliest known civilizations. Although it will delight everyone from the ages of twelve and above, it is more appropriate for young adults ages sixteen and up due to sexual implications on the last page.

Peggy Jo Wipf

The Flight of the Schimmerplotz by Charles A. Salter is the first book in his Alias Brains and Brawn series. This duo is first seen in Death Do Us Part as one of the short stories in this collection. Brex Herndon is the smartest man known, even outwitting Einstein. Wisdom is his strength, but he lacks the physical strength to protect himself from those who would like to use his intelligence for mass destruction. Brex grew up with Jack Rigalto, who makes an excellent bodyguard. Jack’s wife and daughter are like family to Brex and help to keep him centered on the humanity of those around him. Together Brex and Jack make a formidable team as they face the man that weaves evil throughout generations. Can they stop him from turning their loved ones into pawns of a wicked game?

Charles A. Salter begins a new series of heroes that reveals the complexity and vast knowledge of the author. The Flight of the Schimmerplotz is just the start of the evil Brindisi can unleash on Brex and Jack, which allows the author to take his next novel in many directions. We see the characters race throughout generations quickly to ward off the mobs of devastation. This novel is fresh and creative as the author integrates historical events and characters to keep you turning the pages. The author’s descriptions of situations and vivid fantasy make this first-class paranormal suspense. I loved how the author gave Brex a quirky need to eat peanut M&Ms at the most crucial times.

Lesley Jones

In The Flight of the Schimmerplotz by Charles A. Salter, Breslin (Brex) Herndon, reputedly the most intelligent man in the world, and Jack Rigalto have been friends since childhood. Jack has been hired by a top-secret government department called Cosmic Intelligence as Brex's protection. As Brex, Jack, and Jack's young daughter Sara are enjoying an innocent walk in Battery Park, Manhatten, a mysterious window into a parallel reality materializes in the sky. The uniformed, menacing figure of General Bnindagen appears in the window and draws Brex and Sara towards him. Although Brex thwarts the capture attempt, he knows that another attack will follow. Brex and Jack uncover a horrifying plot that has been in preparation for thousands of years and now it is about to be executed. They uncover conspiracy at the highest level of government whose goal is a world without borders and a global government to end the conflict between nations. But first, they must destroy the strongest nation standing in their way, America. Using the shimmering window portal, the Schimmerplotz, the duo travels back and forth in time to discover who is behind the operation and stop them before the country they love is annihilated.

In The Flight of the Schimmerplotz by Charles A. Salter, the characters of Brex and Jack were incredible. They were the epitome of heroism and courage. Both men were flawed from past experiences and this made them even more relatable. They believed in justice and their country so deeply, they were prepared to sacrifice their lives to protect it. Their long-lasting friendship was apparent throughout, they knew each other so well and their dialogue exchanges were, at times, hilarious. Also, Jack's reference to General Bnindagen as General Big Guns was so witty and sharp. They were complete opposites, Brex with such incredible intelligence and Jack with his strength, but this partnership worked perfectly. I loved the relationship between Jack and little Sara, a most endearing father and daughter bond. I was also pleased Brex found a companion in Linda too, this was my favorite relationship because they were obviously soulmates but hadn't realized it. The action was nail-biting and constant, especially the battle scenes as they were so realistic and vividly described. There were some important mentions of historical conflicts and also powerful references to the work of the United Nations. This is a gripping read and any reader will be instantly hooked.