A Buzz

#1 International BestSeller

In an ancient alternate history, four distinct regions of South America have merged to form one technologically advanced nation called The Land.

Twenty-one-year-old Commander Jaway Barbour leads his young crew on military missions against the final remaining holdouts against the empire—the exploited tribes of the Wild Territory. When a bomb explodes, damaging their ship, it sends the crew on unexpected adventures.

How will Jaway and the other youthful risk-takers navigate life and love in this dangerous, exotic world? How long can they evade the looming danger from the Wild Territory clans? And are they fighting on the right side to begin with?

A Buzz, the first volume of Jacob Lightman’s epic new science fiction series, delivers thrilling adventures in The Land that could have been.

Praise

“An engaging, romantically infused SF tale of an alternative-Earth empire.”
— Kirkus Reviews

“Readers looking for elaborately detailed world-building, intriguing futuristic tech, and sci-fi universes with a more upbeat tone will be quickly drawn into this creative work of speculative fiction.”
— SPR, ★★★★½

“Fans of team- and world-building will enjoy accompanying this ancient Earth SF epic’s inviting cast through the rainforest.”
— Publishers Weekly

“An imaginative and immersive plunge into a futuristic landscape set 6500 years in the past. The most impressive aspect of the novel is the depth of detail in everything from the visceral environment, savage wildlife, and odd culinary options to global history, societal organization, and the dynamic relationships between the main characters. This intensely creative future world is well thought out and undeniably unique, particularly when it comes to technological advancements. A Buzz is a striking vision of a futuristic alternate history.”
— Self-Publishing Review

“A high-stakes sci-fi adventure set in a technologically advanced South America.”
— Independent Book Review

What Readers Are Saying

“In A Buzz Volume 1, Lightman creates a vivid, immersive world with surprises around every corner. His characters are distinctive and real, and it’s a lot of fun to explore with them.”
— J. Hensler, Pittsburgh, PA

“I absolutely fell in love with the characters that Jacob Lightman created in this brilliant story filled with wild adventures that kept me on the edge of my seat! He seamlessly transported me to an alternate reality with vivid descriptions of various out-of-this world creatures in their natural habitats that were just as beautiful as they were dangerous! The surprise cliffhanger at the end has left me begging for the second installment to be released!”
— T. Tjaden, Portland, OR

“I loved being immersed in the universe of A Buzz. The world created by Jacob Lightman is unique with an interesting group of characters that was not only enjoyable but believable. I was drawn into the stories within and felt connected to both the heroes and the villains. It was a great escape from reality, and I couldn’t put it down. A very good read.”
— Julie, Canberra, Australia

“A Buzz plunges headfirst into the adventures of a lively, diverse band of soldiers fighting on behalf of The Land. Commander Jaway and his crew face danger, thrills, and the day to day responsibilities of military life. Through it all fine character shines through as compassion, love and empathy rules the day. For that reason, A Buzz is the perfect novel for young enthusiasts of science fiction; this fresh novel calls back to wholesome team-work journeys of years past like Captain Planet.”
— Trey C. Baltimore, MD

“A fun sci-fi ride in a lush landscape. It’s fun and easy to read, the characters are relatable and has an interesting setting.”
— Kevin H. Alexandria, VA

“An amazing read! I am floored with its quality. The attention to character detail that helps flush out the main and supporting characters as well as the rich descriptions of the jungle environment make for a fun adventure from beginning to end. I enjoyed the contrast between technology in the narrative and the environment they find themselves in. 500/5.”
— Justin D. Portland, OR

“I’m not a big sci-fi person, but I really liked Lightman’s writing style and the vivid world he created. The plants, animals, and tech are all described in such a way that you could believe they actually exist. The characters are real and relatable, and I enjoyed tagging along on their jungle adventures. I’m ready for Volume 2!”
— G.T. Pittsburgh, PA

“In A Buzz Volume 1, Jacob Lightman took me on intense adventures and created a world full of sci- fi futuristic elements. I was completely transported back in time to an ancient civilization that also had innovative technology. I loved feeling like I was actually hanging out with the characters in dynamic settings- they were like fun, adventurous friends and I also connected to the relatable side of the villains. I couldn’t stop reading it and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!”
— Valerie G. Stuttgart, Germany

“A great adventure. A team of soldiers was piloting a ship floating above a vast wild forest … A rebel bomb had just exploded, propelling some of the debris of the forest into the surrounding air, rocking the fleeing ship … Commander Jaway Barbour was exulting: he had accomplished his mission… A great adventure that tells the incredible story of a group of military explorers. The author’s detailed writing tells us about an exotic and astonishing universe in which a group of very endearing characters evolve. I really liked this story. I found the plot interesting. I hope there will be a sequel. I recommend.”
— Sentinelle T. Strasbourg, France