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Recommend this book:
Core Melt
A Coruscant Novel (The Coruscant Series Book 3)
FX Holden
2022 Finalist
238 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Core Melt is a work of fiction in the science fiction and adventure subgenres and serves as the third installment in the Coruscant series. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience and was penned by author FX Holden. The book follows a machine named Emin Wei, a hunter who has been designed to pass for a human and given the singular purpose of hunting down terror suspect Kristen Newgard. His mission is deadly as the three hunters sent before him didn’t survive the attempt to eliminate Newgard, but the last attack by the suspect claimed over two thousand lives, so Emin knows he must do whatever it takes to find her.
This was an excellent demonstration of complex and nuanced lore that has been designed from the ground up to serve as a perfect backdrop for thrilling science fiction adventures. Author FX Holden’s world-building skills are matched by his gift for prose which brought the mosaic of cultures and social ideas to life in a way that made them feel as real as the chair I was sitting in whilst reading. The narrative that has been woven against this wonderful backdrop was a pleasure to read, asking important questions about the world of Coruscant, which paralleled important questions about our own world – a hallmark of excellent and thought-provoking science fiction. One of the greatest strengths of Core Melt, however, was the evolving characterization of its lead character Emin as his experiences throughout the investigation prompted him to develop and grow in interesting and exciting ways that constantly kept the story fresh.
Core Melt is a work of fiction in the science fiction and adventure subgenres and serves as the third installment in the Coruscant series. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience and was penned by author FX Holden. The book follows a machine named Emin Wei, a hunter who has been designed to pass for a human and given the singular purpose of hunting down terror suspect Kristen Newgard. His mission is deadly as the three hunters sent before him didn’t survive the attempt to eliminate Newgard, but the last attack by the suspect claimed over two thousand lives, so Emin knows he must do whatever it takes to find her.
This was an excellent demonstration of complex and nuanced lore that has been designed from the ground up to serve as a perfect backdrop for thrilling science fiction adventures. Author FX Holden’s world-building skills are matched by his gift for prose which brought the mosaic of cultures and social ideas to life in a way that made them feel as real as the chair I was sitting in whilst reading. The narrative that has been woven against this wonderful backdrop was a pleasure to read, asking important questions about the world of Coruscant, which paralleled important questions about our own world – a hallmark of excellent and thought-provoking science fiction. One of the greatest strengths of Core Melt, however, was the evolving characterization of its lead character Emin as his experiences throughout the investigation prompted him to develop and grow in interesting and exciting ways that constantly kept the story fresh.
Recommend this book:
Friendship City
Hanging by a Thread
Carl H. Mitchell
2022 Honorable Mention
288 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite
Carl H. Mitchell's Friendship City: Hanging by a Thread is a well-written science fiction novel set 36 years into the future. There, we find a murderous World Council group reuniting, this time led by Ishmael. After unleashing a deadly plague that threatens half the world's population, the evil council's leader then demands that the justice forces relinquish their power. Lenora Allison, the president of the United States of America, recognizes that she cannot win this war alone. She summons Nicholas Garvey, a remarkable NYPD agent with a well-deserved reputation as a tough, resilient guy who consistently succeeds in neutralizing the bad guys. Will Nick and President Lenora be able to put an end to the evil that threatens to undermine democracy and world peace? How will Nick show he is the best hitman in the world?
I believe that the best stories always introduce the reader to a new setting and characters and leave them with the impression that they have known them their entire lives. Carl H. Mitchell exceeds this standard, ensuring that the reader comprehends the underlying conditions in this futuristic world, the characters, and their inner motivations. It was clear from the start that Nick and President Lenora were competent and confident characters who were not afraid to put themselves in danger to get the job done. I enjoyed following their thought processes as they deciphered the clues and worked to stop the vicious acts sponsored by organized hate and evil. I particularly enjoyed how Nick's resoluteness assured me he would find a solution to any problem that arose, although I never knew how he'd do it or how each mission or event would play out. Reading each section was exciting. Mitchell's approach to storytelling is another aspect that I believe is worth mentioning. He remained in command of the flow, unfolding events at precise times. It worked well to resolve one problem at a time. There is nothing about Friendship City that I did not like. Although it is the second book in a series, Mitchell did an excellent job of making it a stand-alone novel. His talent is admirable, and I eagerly await the next installment.
Carl H. Mitchell's Friendship City: Hanging by a Thread is a well-written science fiction novel set 36 years into the future. There, we find a murderous World Council group reuniting, this time led by Ishmael. After unleashing a deadly plague that threatens half the world's population, the evil council's leader then demands that the justice forces relinquish their power. Lenora Allison, the president of the United States of America, recognizes that she cannot win this war alone. She summons Nicholas Garvey, a remarkable NYPD agent with a well-deserved reputation as a tough, resilient guy who consistently succeeds in neutralizing the bad guys. Will Nick and President Lenora be able to put an end to the evil that threatens to undermine democracy and world peace? How will Nick show he is the best hitman in the world?
I believe that the best stories always introduce the reader to a new setting and characters and leave them with the impression that they have known them their entire lives. Carl H. Mitchell exceeds this standard, ensuring that the reader comprehends the underlying conditions in this futuristic world, the characters, and their inner motivations. It was clear from the start that Nick and President Lenora were competent and confident characters who were not afraid to put themselves in danger to get the job done. I enjoyed following their thought processes as they deciphered the clues and worked to stop the vicious acts sponsored by organized hate and evil. I particularly enjoyed how Nick's resoluteness assured me he would find a solution to any problem that arose, although I never knew how he'd do it or how each mission or event would play out. Reading each section was exciting. Mitchell's approach to storytelling is another aspect that I believe is worth mentioning. He remained in command of the flow, unfolding events at precise times. It worked well to resolve one problem at a time. There is nothing about Friendship City that I did not like. Although it is the second book in a series, Mitchell did an excellent job of making it a stand-alone novel. His talent is admirable, and I eagerly await the next installment.
Recommend this book:
Soul Seeker, Gehenna Series, Book 1
Kaylin McFarren
2022 Bronze Medal
393 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Soul Seeker by Kaylin McFarren is a paranormal thriller with a nod in the direction of new adult and is the first book in the acclaimed Gehenna series, followed by book two, Annihilation. The book begins in a sleepy Illinois suburb with the family of Benjamin Poe. Secrets between him and his wife are exploited by the book's main character, a demon named Crighton Daemonium. This demon, who goes by the much simpler “Crighton,” is in the business of filling hell with what it needs: good souls gone bad. Poe is ensnared when trying to save his son, and Crighton ticks him off the list alongside another. But it is ultimately Crighton who gets ensnared when he is trapped with an angel named Ariel. Do you know what happens when a demon starts to get the warm fuzzies for an angel? All hell breaks loose.
Soul Seeker might be centered around the concept and actual culture Kaylin McFarren has crafted out of hell, but the storytelling is absolutely heavenly. I have read the Gehenna series in reverse order because the second book came to me first. Having now read the story that started it all, I feel like I'm better filled in. That said, the writing is so good that McFarren does not leave a reader who jumps in elsewhere confused. She is exceptionally skilled in both narrative and dialogue and it was amazing to dive back in. Crighton is a character that a reader would think they could never possibly root for...until we do, and it's pure mastery to be part of that evolution. The distinction between good and bad is not so clear-cut. Crighton is bad; Lucifer is worse. I liked Ariel but not more than Crighton. Given the choice between the two, the poor little angel would be roadkill. This is an adult book with adult themes and plenty of heated sex scenes. It's fun and scary and entertaining and sexy. Enjoy!
Soul Seeker by Kaylin McFarren is a paranormal thriller with a nod in the direction of new adult and is the first book in the acclaimed Gehenna series, followed by book two, Annihilation. The book begins in a sleepy Illinois suburb with the family of Benjamin Poe. Secrets between him and his wife are exploited by the book's main character, a demon named Crighton Daemonium. This demon, who goes by the much simpler “Crighton,” is in the business of filling hell with what it needs: good souls gone bad. Poe is ensnared when trying to save his son, and Crighton ticks him off the list alongside another. But it is ultimately Crighton who gets ensnared when he is trapped with an angel named Ariel. Do you know what happens when a demon starts to get the warm fuzzies for an angel? All hell breaks loose.
Soul Seeker might be centered around the concept and actual culture Kaylin McFarren has crafted out of hell, but the storytelling is absolutely heavenly. I have read the Gehenna series in reverse order because the second book came to me first. Having now read the story that started it all, I feel like I'm better filled in. That said, the writing is so good that McFarren does not leave a reader who jumps in elsewhere confused. She is exceptionally skilled in both narrative and dialogue and it was amazing to dive back in. Crighton is a character that a reader would think they could never possibly root for...until we do, and it's pure mastery to be part of that evolution. The distinction between good and bad is not so clear-cut. Crighton is bad; Lucifer is worse. I liked Ariel but not more than Crighton. Given the choice between the two, the poor little angel would be roadkill. This is an adult book with adult themes and plenty of heated sex scenes. It's fun and scary and entertaining and sexy. Enjoy!
Recommend this book:
Animal Lab
Bob Zeidman
2022 Silver Medal
133 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
Animal Lab, by Bob Zeidman, is the kind of compelling dystopian novel that classic 'what-if' sociopolitical fiction is made of. Imagine one day humans are gone, and only lab animals remain, waking up knowing how to reason and communicate. Left without human guidance or interference, the animals know they need to create structure and order in some way, where everyone knows the rules, rights, and responsibilities. When they learn of a failed socialist farm in England, they decide to avoid the same fate by making a constitutional democratic republic, complete with elections, symbols, a flag, leaders, a system of checks and balances, and a name: Animerica. The question is, how long will it last? Will their animal nature let it succeed?
Zeidman has crafted an award-winning, engrossing novel full of symbolism and meaning relevant for today. This cautionary tale sounds alarm bells of a possible, eventual failure of American society, culture, and freedoms, but does anyone care to connect the dots? Where is the future headed? Is humanity headed on a collision course, and, if so, how can a crash be prevented? Even if you don't agree with all the concepts in the book, the author offers powerful ideas to think about. You may be reminded of a George Orwell novel, but Zeidman puts his own stamp on this strong, important story. His insight and attitude are laser-sharp; delivered with talent and precision. The scenario presented is unsettling and provocative, designed to lead readers to think about what could be, what should be, and what is. No matter which side of the woke-culture fence you fall, Animal Lab by Bob Zeidman is a sobering blast of fresh air that needs to be read and shared--this generation's Animal Farm.
Animal Lab, by Bob Zeidman, is the kind of compelling dystopian novel that classic 'what-if' sociopolitical fiction is made of. Imagine one day humans are gone, and only lab animals remain, waking up knowing how to reason and communicate. Left without human guidance or interference, the animals know they need to create structure and order in some way, where everyone knows the rules, rights, and responsibilities. When they learn of a failed socialist farm in England, they decide to avoid the same fate by making a constitutional democratic republic, complete with elections, symbols, a flag, leaders, a system of checks and balances, and a name: Animerica. The question is, how long will it last? Will their animal nature let it succeed?
Zeidman has crafted an award-winning, engrossing novel full of symbolism and meaning relevant for today. This cautionary tale sounds alarm bells of a possible, eventual failure of American society, culture, and freedoms, but does anyone care to connect the dots? Where is the future headed? Is humanity headed on a collision course, and, if so, how can a crash be prevented? Even if you don't agree with all the concepts in the book, the author offers powerful ideas to think about. You may be reminded of a George Orwell novel, but Zeidman puts his own stamp on this strong, important story. His insight and attitude are laser-sharp; delivered with talent and precision. The scenario presented is unsettling and provocative, designed to lead readers to think about what could be, what should be, and what is. No matter which side of the woke-culture fence you fall, Animal Lab by Bob Zeidman is a sobering blast of fresh air that needs to be read and shared--this generation's Animal Farm.
Recommend this book:
Utopia Project
Everyone Must DIe
Billy Dering
2022 Gold Medal
342 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Utopia Project: Everyone Must Die is a work of fiction in the science fiction genre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Billy Dering. Set in the not too distant future where a string of disparate crises has brought countries all around the world to the brink, multiple governments have conspired together to create a new perfect society. But the society being offered is a lie, and a destructive weapon destroys most of the world’s population. Amongst the devastation, a few desperate survivors struggle to hold on to hope before humanity’s numbers dwindle below a point from which they could possibly never recover.
Dystopian fiction needs a big idea for how the world has gone to hell, and this book goes to a biblical scale in which almost everyone outside of the Utopia Project itself is killed in one strike. Having the survivors not only try to live in the ruins of the old world but actively be hunted through it by those who would kill them for daring to be alive is a harrowing backdrop to the story and keeps the tension and the stakes loftily high at all times. The faces of the survivors are Sara and Kid, who author Billy Dering creates and presents with enormous skill. Never are their needs and values simplified for plot convenience, they always feel like fully fleshed out and very real people. Utopia Project is a story of survival and quickly takes all limits off the table in order to ensure that readers buckle in for a wild ride. I would certainly recommend this book to any fans of dystopian literature.
Utopia Project: Everyone Must Die is a work of fiction in the science fiction genre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Billy Dering. Set in the not too distant future where a string of disparate crises has brought countries all around the world to the brink, multiple governments have conspired together to create a new perfect society. But the society being offered is a lie, and a destructive weapon destroys most of the world’s population. Amongst the devastation, a few desperate survivors struggle to hold on to hope before humanity’s numbers dwindle below a point from which they could possibly never recover.
Dystopian fiction needs a big idea for how the world has gone to hell, and this book goes to a biblical scale in which almost everyone outside of the Utopia Project itself is killed in one strike. Having the survivors not only try to live in the ruins of the old world but actively be hunted through it by those who would kill them for daring to be alive is a harrowing backdrop to the story and keeps the tension and the stakes loftily high at all times. The faces of the survivors are Sara and Kid, who author Billy Dering creates and presents with enormous skill. Never are their needs and values simplified for plot convenience, they always feel like fully fleshed out and very real people. Utopia Project is a story of survival and quickly takes all limits off the table in order to ensure that readers buckle in for a wild ride. I would certainly recommend this book to any fans of dystopian literature.
Recommend this book:
The First Robot President
Robert Carlyle Taylor
2021 Finalist
488 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Cecelia Hopkins for Readers' Favorite
The First Robot President by Robert Carlyle Taylor is a sparkling satire. Geraldine Jenkins is shocked to discover her son has purchased a robot wife. Powerless to change his mind, she insists he marry the android in a traditional ceremony. The robot is supposedly programmed to obey the husband in every way, but Thomas Jenkins purchased a model endowed with a college education. The robot desires to experience motherhood, so the couple immediately adopts a child. She also wishes to put her knowledge of political science and economics to use and desires to run for parliament. Thomas stalls her with support roles for some time but eventually has to agree. Esmerelda’s objectivity and refreshing candor result in a surprise election win and successful committee work. She is chosen as a candidate for vice president, and then the unthinkable happens; the president-elect dies, leaving Esmerelda in the highest office.
The First Robot President by Robert Carlyle Taylor is a political comedy the reader can enjoy whatever their partisan affiliation. The narrative is gentle and humorous, with a plot cleverly following the Greens, and a ridiculous robot candidate presented as an alternative to the two major parties. I enjoyed the ironic representation of political manipulation and maneuvering. I also liked the ambiguity that left me uncertain which group Carlyle was mocking the most; the Greens, Republicans, or Democrats! I could identify with the story even though I am an international reader, which proves the caricature has appeal beyond its reflection on domestic politics. I heartily recommend The First Robot President by Robert Carlyle Taylor for its entertaining qualities.
The First Robot President by Robert Carlyle Taylor is a sparkling satire. Geraldine Jenkins is shocked to discover her son has purchased a robot wife. Powerless to change his mind, she insists he marry the android in a traditional ceremony. The robot is supposedly programmed to obey the husband in every way, but Thomas Jenkins purchased a model endowed with a college education. The robot desires to experience motherhood, so the couple immediately adopts a child. She also wishes to put her knowledge of political science and economics to use and desires to run for parliament. Thomas stalls her with support roles for some time but eventually has to agree. Esmerelda’s objectivity and refreshing candor result in a surprise election win and successful committee work. She is chosen as a candidate for vice president, and then the unthinkable happens; the president-elect dies, leaving Esmerelda in the highest office.
The First Robot President by Robert Carlyle Taylor is a political comedy the reader can enjoy whatever their partisan affiliation. The narrative is gentle and humorous, with a plot cleverly following the Greens, and a ridiculous robot candidate presented as an alternative to the two major parties. I enjoyed the ironic representation of political manipulation and maneuvering. I also liked the ambiguity that left me uncertain which group Carlyle was mocking the most; the Greens, Republicans, or Democrats! I could identify with the story even though I am an international reader, which proves the caricature has appeal beyond its reflection on domestic politics. I heartily recommend The First Robot President by Robert Carlyle Taylor for its entertaining qualities.
Recommend this book:
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2HVØRHVNØT
To Have Or Have Not
Jared K Chapman
2021 Honorable Mention
490 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Reading dystopian YA novels always seems to be an escapist experience. The plot is typical of the scenario of a world that has fallen from grace, and it is often up to young people to make a difference, save the day, or beat the odds. In 2HVØRHVNØT (To Have Or Have Not), author Jared K. Chapman welcomes you to Fellowship City, a name that is ironic of what this city truly stands for. Here, segregation exists between those with superpowers (Mighties) and those who don’t (Normals), where the former enjoy far better social privileges. This could remind comic book fans of Marvel’s House of M storyline. The tale has a promising start as an ordinary young man named Mario has the rare opportunity to work in a restaurant owned by a Mighty called the Realizer. Trouble ensues for Mario when his employer is murdered and he becomes the prime suspect. From here, Mario becomes a fugitive as he tries to prove his innocence.
If the conflict of man versus society is the novel’s selling point, then it has a relevant twist that is enough to keep you turning pages. It has sufficient tools to dig into character motivation and explore options for a character fighting for self-preservation. Jared K. Chapman’s prose elevates Mario’s fight for survival above its horrific and melodramatic scenarios and in this has its bright moments. As the world continues its fight against a deadly pandemic as well other international tensions and crises, you might ask if the world needs another dystopian tale like To Have Or Have Not. I say why not? Times have changed, and so have the readers of dystopian YA novels. To Have Or Have Not has adapted with its fresh spin on dystopia, and therefore it’s worth giving it a shot.
Reading dystopian YA novels always seems to be an escapist experience. The plot is typical of the scenario of a world that has fallen from grace, and it is often up to young people to make a difference, save the day, or beat the odds. In 2HVØRHVNØT (To Have Or Have Not), author Jared K. Chapman welcomes you to Fellowship City, a name that is ironic of what this city truly stands for. Here, segregation exists between those with superpowers (Mighties) and those who don’t (Normals), where the former enjoy far better social privileges. This could remind comic book fans of Marvel’s House of M storyline. The tale has a promising start as an ordinary young man named Mario has the rare opportunity to work in a restaurant owned by a Mighty called the Realizer. Trouble ensues for Mario when his employer is murdered and he becomes the prime suspect. From here, Mario becomes a fugitive as he tries to prove his innocence.
If the conflict of man versus society is the novel’s selling point, then it has a relevant twist that is enough to keep you turning pages. It has sufficient tools to dig into character motivation and explore options for a character fighting for self-preservation. Jared K. Chapman’s prose elevates Mario’s fight for survival above its horrific and melodramatic scenarios and in this has its bright moments. As the world continues its fight against a deadly pandemic as well other international tensions and crises, you might ask if the world needs another dystopian tale like To Have Or Have Not. I say why not? Times have changed, and so have the readers of dystopian YA novels. To Have Or Have Not has adapted with its fresh spin on dystopia, and therefore it’s worth giving it a shot.
Recommend this book:
Liberty Bound
Nathaniel M Wrey
2021 Bronze Medal
348 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Liberty Bound by Nathaniel M Wrey is a dystopian novel. Civilization has ended with few survivors who are trapped as prisoners roam free. Finbarl-apcula is tasked with guarding Athenia, keeping the people safe, and punishing those who break the law. He is doing what he thinks is right, defending what is left of civilization and he will lay his life on the line to do so. When a fellow guard threatens a boy and his mother, Finbarl intervenes, setting in motion a chain of events that will bring the only life he has ever known crashing down around him. Questioning the system he once believed in so deeply, Finbarl sets off on a journey of discovery, one that will break his heart in the process as he learns that prison walls aren’t always visible.
Liberty Bound by Nathaniel M Wrey is an amazing story that turns the concept of the imprisoned and the free on its head, where the meaning of freedom means something else entirely. It is a well-written book, descriptive and flowing, drawing you into Finbarl’s world and taking you along for the ride on his journey to the truth. A gripping story, Nathaniel has created a unique plot with plenty of twists and turns and some fantastic characters. In many ways, we can draw some parallels between this story and the world we are all living in right now and it will get you thinking. There are a couple of slow parts but you will be so invested in this story you won’t notice – they certainly won't affect your opinion of the story at all. Great book, and highly recommended for all fans of dystopia and those looking for something that little bit different to read.
Liberty Bound by Nathaniel M Wrey is a dystopian novel. Civilization has ended with few survivors who are trapped as prisoners roam free. Finbarl-apcula is tasked with guarding Athenia, keeping the people safe, and punishing those who break the law. He is doing what he thinks is right, defending what is left of civilization and he will lay his life on the line to do so. When a fellow guard threatens a boy and his mother, Finbarl intervenes, setting in motion a chain of events that will bring the only life he has ever known crashing down around him. Questioning the system he once believed in so deeply, Finbarl sets off on a journey of discovery, one that will break his heart in the process as he learns that prison walls aren’t always visible.
Liberty Bound by Nathaniel M Wrey is an amazing story that turns the concept of the imprisoned and the free on its head, where the meaning of freedom means something else entirely. It is a well-written book, descriptive and flowing, drawing you into Finbarl’s world and taking you along for the ride on his journey to the truth. A gripping story, Nathaniel has created a unique plot with plenty of twists and turns and some fantastic characters. In many ways, we can draw some parallels between this story and the world we are all living in right now and it will get you thinking. There are a couple of slow parts but you will be so invested in this story you won’t notice – they certainly won't affect your opinion of the story at all. Great book, and highly recommended for all fans of dystopia and those looking for something that little bit different to read.
Recommend this book:
Red Right Hand
A Post-Apocalyptic Superhero Novel (The Murder of Crows Book 2)
Chris Tullbane
2021 Silver Medal
445 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Red Right Hand is a work of fiction in the post-apocalyptic, dystopian, action, and adventure sub-genres, and was penned by author Chris Tullbane. Written as the second novel in The Murder of Crows series, this work is suitable for mature audiences owing to the presence of gore, violence, scenes of a sexual nature, and the use of explicit language throughout. Back at the Academy of Heroes, loner Damian is determined to explore his murky past under a new identity. But as he works towards discovery and survival, this unusual superhero soon realizes that he may need more than a solo mission to complete his goals this time around.
Author Chris Tullbane blew the superhero genre out of the water with See These Bones, and this follow-up novel elevates the series and amps up the action once more. Sci-fi and superhero fans will love the fact that the work is conceptually tight, delivering an academy where the danger feels genuine and there is no perfect solution to life’s problems just because you have superpowers. Damian has always been a flawed hero, and I very much enjoyed his growth in this novel as the young man comes to terms with some difficult questions of identity, which will certainly resonate with readers and add emotive realism to this exciting science fiction and fantasy premise. Overall, I would highly recommend Red Right Hand to fans of book one, and the series in general to readers seeking accomplished writing, sleek action, and bold new thinking in the superhero genre.
Red Right Hand is a work of fiction in the post-apocalyptic, dystopian, action, and adventure sub-genres, and was penned by author Chris Tullbane. Written as the second novel in The Murder of Crows series, this work is suitable for mature audiences owing to the presence of gore, violence, scenes of a sexual nature, and the use of explicit language throughout. Back at the Academy of Heroes, loner Damian is determined to explore his murky past under a new identity. But as he works towards discovery and survival, this unusual superhero soon realizes that he may need more than a solo mission to complete his goals this time around.
Author Chris Tullbane blew the superhero genre out of the water with See These Bones, and this follow-up novel elevates the series and amps up the action once more. Sci-fi and superhero fans will love the fact that the work is conceptually tight, delivering an academy where the danger feels genuine and there is no perfect solution to life’s problems just because you have superpowers. Damian has always been a flawed hero, and I very much enjoyed his growth in this novel as the young man comes to terms with some difficult questions of identity, which will certainly resonate with readers and add emotive realism to this exciting science fiction and fantasy premise. Overall, I would highly recommend Red Right Hand to fans of book one, and the series in general to readers seeking accomplished writing, sleek action, and bold new thinking in the superhero genre.
Recommend this book:
Solar Fury
A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Novel (Shattered Sunlight Book 1)
E.A. Chance
2021 Gold Medal
352 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Scott Cahan for Readers' Favorite
Solar Fury by E. A. Chance is about the end of civilization as we know it as a result of a solar flare. The story follows a young mom named Riley and her teenage daughter Julia as they get stranded at a hotel in Washington DC after the solar flare hits. They are hundreds of miles from their home and Riley’s other two small children. This is the story of Riley and Julia’s journey through a broken world trying to reach the rest of their family. They are joined by a man named Coop that Riley met in DC before the flare. When disaster strikes the planet, she and Coop barely know each other but their friendship evolves as they help each other through one hardship after another.
I’ve read many books over the years with a similar scenario; the world falls apart and our hero or heroine must travel across the country to reach a particular destination. Solar Fury by E.A. Chance is easily the best of the bunch that I’ve read. There are two reasons why I think this book rises above the rest. One, the author is relentless in the way she gives her characters one trouble after another. Just when you think the danger is over, something else happens. This book kept me guessing from start to finish, wondering how the three main characters were going to survive. The second great thing about this book is the complicated relationships between the three main characters. The author did a great job of showing us how traumatic situations affect human beings both inwardly and outwardly. The strains put on the relationships among the characters are interesting and realistic. Solar Fury is a fast-paced story of fragile human beings working together to overcome overwhelming obstacles.
Solar Fury by E. A. Chance is about the end of civilization as we know it as a result of a solar flare. The story follows a young mom named Riley and her teenage daughter Julia as they get stranded at a hotel in Washington DC after the solar flare hits. They are hundreds of miles from their home and Riley’s other two small children. This is the story of Riley and Julia’s journey through a broken world trying to reach the rest of their family. They are joined by a man named Coop that Riley met in DC before the flare. When disaster strikes the planet, she and Coop barely know each other but their friendship evolves as they help each other through one hardship after another.
I’ve read many books over the years with a similar scenario; the world falls apart and our hero or heroine must travel across the country to reach a particular destination. Solar Fury by E.A. Chance is easily the best of the bunch that I’ve read. There are two reasons why I think this book rises above the rest. One, the author is relentless in the way she gives her characters one trouble after another. Just when you think the danger is over, something else happens. This book kept me guessing from start to finish, wondering how the three main characters were going to survive. The second great thing about this book is the complicated relationships between the three main characters. The author did a great job of showing us how traumatic situations affect human beings both inwardly and outwardly. The strains put on the relationships among the characters are interesting and realistic. Solar Fury is a fast-paced story of fragile human beings working together to overcome overwhelming obstacles.
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