Reflex is a science‑fiction novel by American author Steven Gould, first published in August 2005 by Tor Books. It is the second installment in Gould’s Jumper series, serving as a sequel to the 1992 novel Jumper and preceding the 2013 novel Impulse.
Bibliographic Information
- Author: Steven Gould
- Country: United States
- Language: English
- Genre: Science fiction
- Publisher: Tor Books
- Publication date: August 2005
- Format: Print (hardcover and paperback)
- Pages: 384 (hardcover edition)
- ISBN: 0‑3128‑6421‑3 (hardcover), 978‑0‑8125‑7854‑6 (paperback)
- Dewey Decimal Classification: 813/.54 22
- Library of Congress Classification: PS3557.O8947 R45 2004
Plot Summary
Set roughly ten years after the events of Jumper, Reflex follows David Rice, a young man with the ability to teleport (“jump”) over both short and long distances. David is married to Millie and works intermittently for the National Security Agency (NSA), accepting only missions he deems morally acceptable.
During a meeting with his NSA handler, Brian Cox, the handler is killed and David is captured by a covert criminal organization with ties to the NSA. He is implanted with a device that can stimulate his vagus nerve, causing severe illness unless he obeys commands to “jump” to a specific painted box on the floor of a windowless cell. The device creates a conditioning loop that forces David to comply.
While David is held captive, Millie discovers that she has also developed the ability to jump after surviving a fall from a cliff‑side hideout. She embarks on a rescue mission aided by NSA and FBI personnel. David learns to manipulate his jumps, developing a technique he calls “twinning,” which allows him to occupy two locations simultaneously and communicate with Millie.
The narrative culminates in a confrontation at the captors’ facility, where Millie rescues David, they dismantle the conditioning device, and thwart a bomb plot orchestrated by their captors. The novel ends with David and Millie planning to start a family, despite lingering threats from the shadowy organization.
Characters
- David Rice: Protagonist with teleportation abilities; former NSA operative.
- Millie: David’s wife, who acquires jumping abilities during the story.
- Brian Cox: David’s NSA handler, whose death precipitates the kidnapping.
- Hyacinth Pope: A female operative of the criminal organization who attempts to seduce David.
- Lawrence Simons: Senior operative overseeing the conditioning program; ultimately defeated.
Series Context
Reflex is part of the Jumper series, which includes:
- Jumper (1992) – introduction of the teleportation premise.
- Reflex (2005) – sequel focusing on David and Millie’s continued adventures.
- Impulse (2013) – follows the next generation.
Additional related works include the short story “Shade” (2008), set between Reflex and Impulse, and the novella Griffin’s Story (2007).
Adaptations and Related Media
A film adaptation of Reflex was announced as a sequel to the 2008 Jumper movie, but as of the latest available information the project has not progressed to production. Elements from the Jumper series have been adapted into other media, including the video game Jumper: Griffin’s Story (2008) and the television series Impulse (2018–2019), which draws on later books in the series.
Reception
The novel received mixed to positive reviews for expanding the Jumper universe and exploring the psychological consequences of the protagonist’s powers. Critics highlighted Gould’s blend of speculative technology with thriller elements, while some noted that the conditioning device plot device was a departure from the more straightforward adventure tone of the original novel.
References
- Gould, Steven. Reflex. Tor Books, 2005.
- Publisher’s catalog and library records (ISBN 0‑3128‑6421‑3).
- Wikipedia entry “Reflex (novel)” (accessed 2023).