The Midas Effect

A Technothriller (English edition)

Fiction - Supernatural
504 Pages
Reviewed on 05/10/2021
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Manuel Dorado was born in La Mancha, Spain, in 1969. He is an aerospace engineer and writer. His stories have been included in books such as the anthologies "La carne despierta" (Gens Ediciones, 2013), "Segunda parabola de los talentos" (Gens Ediciones, 2011), "Plaza de Oriente" (COPSA, 2009), as well as literature magazines "THELunes" and "La Gran Belleza" in Spain and "Interpretextos" in Mexico.

Dorado has been awarded several literary prizes, such as "Vila de Mislata" Literary Award; "Patricia Sánchez Cuevas" International Short Story Award; honourable mention at "Julio Cortázar" Montevideo, Uruguay International Award; Finalist at Museum of Words International Literary Contest.

"The Midas Effect" is his first novel. It was selected and awarded as finalist at the literary section of the Sitges international Fantastic Film Festival .

Find more about the author at www.manueldorado.es/english

    Book Review

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

The Midas Effect has a very different premise, but it delivers. Author Manuel Dorado turns it into something that is a welcome alternative to the standard superhero and techno-thriller fare. The main protagonist, a young academic named Miguel Le Fablec, is formidable, yet he does not know it. The thing is that he possesses an ability to manifest his wishes, no matter how implausible they are. Those who have been monitoring his moves call him a Midas. Le Fablec is practically a god in human form, and the only thing he cannot do is destroy his own ability. As he attracts the interest of agencies to use him in their own agendas, Monica Eveleigh, a psychologist and mathematician, fakes a chance encounter with Le Fablec. Spending time with her subject, Monica will soon discover that she has a hand in what Midas is capable of doing.

The Midas Effect is a challenging concept, but in terms of storytelling, Manuel Dorado manages to give it a techno-thriller vibe, explaining the phenomenon of Le Fablec’s superpower with scientific panache. It flows, resulting in a storyline that is fast-paced action amplified by the charisma of its characters. Sure, the idea of an individual with special abilities who attracts the attention of the government has been done to death, but The Midas Effect provokes anyone who attempts to write this clichéd theme by offering a new twist and a resolution that goes straight off the edge. This is the type of novel that is likely to attract an adaptation from Netflix—and l am hoping for such a possibility. Dorado gives you a twist and gives you something unexpected. This is why you must read his work.

K.C. Finn

The Midas Effect is a work of fiction in the paranormal genre. It is aimed at mature readers and was penned by Manuel Dorado. The book explores the impact of incredible power entrusted to flawed human beings through the story of Miguel Le Fablec. Miguel is an ordinary young man who begins exhibiting the power to turn his imagination into reality. Initially oblivious to this new ability, it isn’t long before Miguel draws the attention of the US government, who start using him to solve all of their problems, despite the signs he is becoming overwhelmed. But can such a powerful person ever be controlled?

Author Manuel Dorado has delivered a fast-paced thriller novel set in the paranormal sub-genre. One of the things that I found most enjoyable about this story was the multi-faceted plot that combined police work, subterfuge, and religion to create a three-dimensional and original tale. I enjoyed the subtext within the relationship the protagonist had to those he met along the way, which only served to deepen the psychological exploration of Miguel being pushed to his limits. The Midas Effect will keep you on the edge of your seat as you keep up with the many twists and turns, all of which are hinted at along the way and make sense in relation to the plot. The book felt like a nod to the original fable, whilst taking the general theme and turning it into something modern, original, and thoroughly engaging. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this novel to fans of paranormal thriller stories, and those looking for books that are not afraid to comment on some controversial themes.

Christian Sia

The Midas Effect: A Technothriller by Manuel Dorado is a great story with a strong appeal to fans of the paranormal and international intrigue. Miguel Le Fablec is a University professor, a man with incredible powers he is barely aware of. In fact, he can transform his imagination into reality — like a god. It is the Midas effect. He attracts the attention of government agencies such as the CIA and NASA, who are just as excited to bring him to the US. Miguel Le Fablec quickly finds himself pulled into a world of international intrigue and an environment where everyone wants a piece of him. The consequences of his power can be far-reaching, and, incidentally, devastating. Does he or anyone else have what it takes to control the Midas Effect?

This is a gorgeously written novel with hints of crime, intrigue, and science fiction. Manuel Dorado's story features characters that are well-developed and that held my attention, including the protagonist, of course, Monica, Castillo, Vladimir Gorlov, and others. The writing is fluid, filled with vivid descriptions and intelligently written dialogues that help to enhance the plot while deepening characterization. This is a compelling, twisty story with a solid dose of humor; it is cleverly plotted and the unpredictable plot transforms it into a page-turner. It is addictive and the protagonist is so carefully crafted and elaborately developed that I found it hard to take my eyes off him. The Midas Effect: A Technothriller is a satisfying read, one of the few stories that keep me turning the pages through the night.

Ruffina Oserio

The Midas Effect is a spellbinding paranormal thriller by Manuel Dorado, a tale that will be adored by fans of technothrillers. Miguel Le Fablec is a professor at a European university and a man with the unique ability to manifest his desires and wishes. It is a gift that quickly attracts the attention of agencies like the CIA and NASA. Brought to the US by those interested in his skills, Miguel discovers that everyone wants a piece of him and it is not long before he finds himself at the center of international intrigue, scientific conspiracies, and more. Can he gain full control of his powers and navigate the murky waters of the power struggle and intrigue that surround him?

The story is fast-paced and gripping with characters that are well-developed. While there are exceptional characters in the novel, these three caught my attention and had me wanting to discover their motives and what became of them — Monica, Castillo, and Vladimir Gorlov. These characters are so well-written and fleshed out, and I loved how the author writes their roles in the story. The Midas Effect is exceptionally plotted and brimming with action. The prose is very descriptive and I loved the focused scenes and the author’s ability to write interesting details without losing the attention of the reader and without drifting away from the main plot points. The twists are manifold and they come at unexpected moments; it is a riveting story that is as entertaining as it is mind-boggling, one of those stories with the important question: What would you do if you had the power of a God? The answers that are reflected in some of the characters will startle readers.

Rabia Tanveer

The Midas Effect: A Technothriller by Manuel Dorado is the story of Miguel Le Fablec. Miguel always knew he was different, but he tried to ignore it. Being a university professor kept him occupied enough, but everything changed when NASA approached him. It turned out, Miguel was not only different, but he was also special. He could turn his imagination into reality. However, NASA was not the only organization after him. Some very powerful people wanted Miguel and his powers. They wanted him and his capabilities all for themselves. Could Miguel run away from them? Or was there even a chance that his powers were not real at all? Was there anyone he could trust?

The Midas Effect is one of the most fascinating and incredible detailed stories I have read so far this year. Manuel Dorado played with foreshadowing and kept the reader guessing until the very end. The narrative was mind-blowingly good. The pace was fast from the very beginning, and the author didn’t let the momentum slow down until the end. Each character had their story to tell, and the author created opportunities for the characters to tell their story firsthand. Take Monica, for example. She is on the edge of good and evil, but readers don’t hate her. She had her reasons, and she shared them with readers, which made it easier for me to connect with her and sympathize with her. The descriptions were vibrant, the narrative was smooth, and the story's overall feel was incredible. I loved it!