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Recommend this book:
The Death of Eve
Shaun Penney
2013 Bronze Medal
405 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
It has been barely a day since Carol arrived at the dome, and she already witnesses an eerie banishment scene of a Sashurai named Vanguard. Little by little, she will discover the conspiracy that involves the military leader General Kuromori and a woman named Eve. Author Shaun Penney delivers his stunning debut novel “The Death of Eve”, a story about the world’s post-apocalyptic future that drives mankind to isolation and struggles to maintain order.
Reading about a dystopian world is not always pleasant, but Mr. Penney definitely made it worthwhile and bearable. His deep knowledge about swords is evident; thus that part of the story was exceptionally well-written. The descriptions are very detailed: a writing quality that I always appreciate as a reader, leading to a futuristic world that is easy to imagine. On the whole, the plot is very well-thought-out and free from burdensome description. There are some explicit parts of this book that will be hard to read for some readers. The characters, main and secondary, are equally well-developed although I was mostly gravitated to Carol Jenn, as she was the most memorable one to me. I was disappointed with the fate of one of the characters in the story; even so I won’t spoil the content for the sake of other readers. A solid read that will satisfy sci-fi fans, and will continue to do so as the second volume of this intriguing saga is already available for quite a while.
It has been barely a day since Carol arrived at the dome, and she already witnesses an eerie banishment scene of a Sashurai named Vanguard. Little by little, she will discover the conspiracy that involves the military leader General Kuromori and a woman named Eve. Author Shaun Penney delivers his stunning debut novel “The Death of Eve”, a story about the world’s post-apocalyptic future that drives mankind to isolation and struggles to maintain order.
Reading about a dystopian world is not always pleasant, but Mr. Penney definitely made it worthwhile and bearable. His deep knowledge about swords is evident; thus that part of the story was exceptionally well-written. The descriptions are very detailed: a writing quality that I always appreciate as a reader, leading to a futuristic world that is easy to imagine. On the whole, the plot is very well-thought-out and free from burdensome description. There are some explicit parts of this book that will be hard to read for some readers. The characters, main and secondary, are equally well-developed although I was mostly gravitated to Carol Jenn, as she was the most memorable one to me. I was disappointed with the fate of one of the characters in the story; even so I won’t spoil the content for the sake of other readers. A solid read that will satisfy sci-fi fans, and will continue to do so as the second volume of this intriguing saga is already available for quite a while.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/freeheads&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Xl5CA0OOL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Freeheads" is the third book in 'The Dark Trench Saga'. I definitely recommend reading these books in order. "Freeheads" takes place in a society where some people are implanted with a sensor making it almost impossible for them to disobey a command. Tthey have instant access to all the information in the world.. Their owner can track them and bri...){kind=link}
Freeheads
Kerry Nietz
2013 Bronze Medal
352 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
"Freeheads" is the third book in 'The Dark Trench Saga'. I definitely recommend reading these books in order. "Freeheads" takes place in a society where some people are implanted with a sensor making it almost impossible for them to disobey a command. Tthey have instant access to all the information in the world.. Their owner can track them and bring them great pain if they do not obey. In book 2 Sandfly and HardCandy are on board the DarkTrench, a space ship. His mission is to explore Betelguese. They discover an Earth-like planet with an advanced civilization. Kerry Nietz wraps up this series in book 3. He ends this trilogy just as boldly and strongly as he began it. Once again we meet up with Sandfly and HardCandy. Sandfly is a debugger; that means he is forcxed to serve his master. The masters are Abduls. A Freehead is a person without an implant. Sandfly discovers the true identity of A3 and who A is not. Sandfly plans to return to Earth to see if his message was delivered. While he thinks he has been gone less than a year he has been gone over 40 years. A was sent to Earth to enslave the people but A3 is the one who bent to Earth to free man.
This book has strong Christian undertones. I found it fascinating. I am not giving anything away by revealing that A3 is the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The essence of this plot is good vs evil. While the story is very entertaining it has so much more to offer. There is a strong message in this book, a message you will not want to miss. I love this series! You won't want to miss this one.
"Freeheads" is the third book in 'The Dark Trench Saga'. I definitely recommend reading these books in order. "Freeheads" takes place in a society where some people are implanted with a sensor making it almost impossible for them to disobey a command. Tthey have instant access to all the information in the world.. Their owner can track them and bring them great pain if they do not obey. In book 2 Sandfly and HardCandy are on board the DarkTrench, a space ship. His mission is to explore Betelguese. They discover an Earth-like planet with an advanced civilization. Kerry Nietz wraps up this series in book 3. He ends this trilogy just as boldly and strongly as he began it. Once again we meet up with Sandfly and HardCandy. Sandfly is a debugger; that means he is forcxed to serve his master. The masters are Abduls. A Freehead is a person without an implant. Sandfly discovers the true identity of A3 and who A is not. Sandfly plans to return to Earth to see if his message was delivered. While he thinks he has been gone less than a year he has been gone over 40 years. A was sent to Earth to enslave the people but A3 is the one who bent to Earth to free man.
This book has strong Christian undertones. I found it fascinating. I am not giving anything away by revealing that A3 is the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The essence of this plot is good vs evil. While the story is very entertaining it has so much more to offer. There is a strong message in this book, a message you will not want to miss. I love this series! You won't want to miss this one.
Recommend this book:
Kafka Rising
I Am Automaton 2
Edward P. Cardillo
2013 Honorable Mention
234 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite
Edward Cardillo begins Kafka Rising, a thriller with science fiction in the mix, with a powerful opening that will wake up sleepy readers everywhere! Army Captain Carl Birdsall has a total of 52 terrorist kills in the near-future war against the worldwide Order for International Liberation. He works with the undead infantry drones who feed on the terrorists just killed in a cave. In this cave Carl Birdsall finds cameras, computers and other equipment that the OIL will use to rally their supporters around the world. Carl uses this equipment to make a recording that goes viral, telling the world that he will kill every terrorist and let his drones feed on their dead bodies. Army leaders feel that Carl might be too dangerous to be kept alive. Captain Fiona London has told them that Carl has a stabilized brain tumor that lets him communicate mentally, psychically with the drones, and that he is becoming faster, smarter and stronger. But Army leaders and the entire population of the United States are not convinced by the Infantry Drone Program. Detained at Guantanamo and demoted, Carl is fitted with a small button in his brain that will kill him immediately, but Carl's older brother, Peter, an Army Captain, is allowed to control the button to protect Carl. Now, Carl senses that his body somehow has a mind of its own and that his humanity is slipping away. But is it?
Kafka Rising is a thriller with scary overtones. Main characters Carl and Peter Birdsall truly care for each other and their father, Barry, but they are confronted with Carl's increased attraction to the thrill of hunting and killing people. The plot proceeds to the end with twists and turns that will boggle the reader's brain as Carl turns into someone unimaginable while Peter tries to stay a good soldier as he chases down his once geeky brother. Great action and unexpected plot turns make Kafka Rising a thriller for readers who like their action, their characters, and their storyline filled with drama and danger.
Edward Cardillo begins Kafka Rising, a thriller with science fiction in the mix, with a powerful opening that will wake up sleepy readers everywhere! Army Captain Carl Birdsall has a total of 52 terrorist kills in the near-future war against the worldwide Order for International Liberation. He works with the undead infantry drones who feed on the terrorists just killed in a cave. In this cave Carl Birdsall finds cameras, computers and other equipment that the OIL will use to rally their supporters around the world. Carl uses this equipment to make a recording that goes viral, telling the world that he will kill every terrorist and let his drones feed on their dead bodies. Army leaders feel that Carl might be too dangerous to be kept alive. Captain Fiona London has told them that Carl has a stabilized brain tumor that lets him communicate mentally, psychically with the drones, and that he is becoming faster, smarter and stronger. But Army leaders and the entire population of the United States are not convinced by the Infantry Drone Program. Detained at Guantanamo and demoted, Carl is fitted with a small button in his brain that will kill him immediately, but Carl's older brother, Peter, an Army Captain, is allowed to control the button to protect Carl. Now, Carl senses that his body somehow has a mind of its own and that his humanity is slipping away. But is it?
Kafka Rising is a thriller with scary overtones. Main characters Carl and Peter Birdsall truly care for each other and their father, Barry, but they are confronted with Carl's increased attraction to the thrill of hunting and killing people. The plot proceeds to the end with twists and turns that will boggle the reader's brain as Carl turns into someone unimaginable while Peter tries to stay a good soldier as he chases down his once geeky brother. Great action and unexpected plot turns make Kafka Rising a thriller for readers who like their action, their characters, and their storyline filled with drama and danger.
Recommend this book:
Perfection Unleashed
A Double Helix Novel
Jade Kerrion
2013 Gold Medal
253 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Perfection is the state of being free from all flaws or defects. Jade Kerrion offers a look at a society that seeks perfection. In “Perfection Unleashed”, Pioneer Laboratories has created perfection through clones; they were leading in the Genetic Revolution. Many of the clones were greater than “normal” humans. As in our society those that are different or not understood are feared. Guidelines and precautions were developed and put in place to protect the clones. However, guidelines and procedures rarely protect the innocent. The clones were thought of as less than human. Galahad was a clone but a superior clone; Galahad was perfection. His perfection made him a prisoner. He spent his days much like a lab rat. His desire was for freedom. Dr. Danayael Sabre had the life he wanted; he wasn’t overly concerned when he heard the report that Galahad was on the loose until they came face to face. We have two very different men but very alike. Danayael is a mutant with empathic powers; Galahad is a clone with superhero type powers. Their powers maybe different but they look just alike.
Jade Kerrion is a name you will want to remember for I believe we will be hearing it again and again as this series continues. “Perfection Unleashed” begins with high energy action and does not let up until the last word; the ending is a cliffhanger. Cliffhangers are frustrating for readers. However, I will be back for more. Kerrion is an extremely talented writer. Most of the plot is tight and the writing is sharp. The plot is on the cutting edge, unique and imaginative. There are a lot of characters in this book which is very simple and easy to read since this is the first book of a new series. Kerrion has successfully set up story lines that should promise action-packed future books. Jade Kerrion has already convinced me that I have to read the whole series.
Perfection is the state of being free from all flaws or defects. Jade Kerrion offers a look at a society that seeks perfection. In “Perfection Unleashed”, Pioneer Laboratories has created perfection through clones; they were leading in the Genetic Revolution. Many of the clones were greater than “normal” humans. As in our society those that are different or not understood are feared. Guidelines and precautions were developed and put in place to protect the clones. However, guidelines and procedures rarely protect the innocent. The clones were thought of as less than human. Galahad was a clone but a superior clone; Galahad was perfection. His perfection made him a prisoner. He spent his days much like a lab rat. His desire was for freedom. Dr. Danayael Sabre had the life he wanted; he wasn’t overly concerned when he heard the report that Galahad was on the loose until they came face to face. We have two very different men but very alike. Danayael is a mutant with empathic powers; Galahad is a clone with superhero type powers. Their powers maybe different but they look just alike.
Jade Kerrion is a name you will want to remember for I believe we will be hearing it again and again as this series continues. “Perfection Unleashed” begins with high energy action and does not let up until the last word; the ending is a cliffhanger. Cliffhangers are frustrating for readers. However, I will be back for more. Kerrion is an extremely talented writer. Most of the plot is tight and the writing is sharp. The plot is on the cutting edge, unique and imaginative. There are a lot of characters in this book which is very simple and easy to read since this is the first book of a new series. Kerrion has successfully set up story lines that should promise action-packed future books. Jade Kerrion has already convinced me that I have to read the whole series.
Recommend this book:
The Colony
Blaine C. Readler
2013 Silver Medal
320 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite
“The Colony” by Blaine C. Readler is a thriller of a different flavor. In this fascinating tale, a handful of farmers and one hitchhiker defend themselves from a vicious alien attack, in an isolated area of rural Wisconsin farmland. As events unfold, this alien species replicates and evolves, becoming larger and more intelligent with each passing hour, literally making evolutionary leaps of millions or even billions of years in mere hours, mimicking native life forms as they adapt to the planet’s environment. Ultimately, the handful of human survivors, using tactics largely proposed by a 13 year old boy, manages to defeat the alien horde. But the subsequent appearance on the scene of two “men in black” leads the hitchhiker to suspect that the “aliens” weren’t alien at all, but rather a top secret military experiment gone awry. His suspicions are ratcheted up a notch when they threaten him with a charge of treason before a military tribunal if he ever says a word to anybody about what he witnessed.
In good conscience I have to start with a warning: do not start reading this book if you have plans or obligations for the following several hours. You simply will not be able to fulfill your obligations until you finish reading it. Putting it down, unfinished, is not an option. I was absolutely captivated by this book! It is one of the better thrillers I have read in quite a while. It is very well-written, with characters as real as anybody you would meet on the street. There are characters you are happy to see survive, characters you are sorry to see die, and maybe even a character you are happy to see die – depending on your mindset toward real jerks! When the book ends, you still won’t know for certain whether these were aliens or some secret government experiment. What you WILL know is they are very, very bad. They are ruthless. They are incredibly resilient and adaptive foes. And they make for very good reading. I recommend "The Colony" by Blaine Readler to anybody looking for a top quality book to read. You will take a long time to find a better one.
“The Colony” by Blaine C. Readler is a thriller of a different flavor. In this fascinating tale, a handful of farmers and one hitchhiker defend themselves from a vicious alien attack, in an isolated area of rural Wisconsin farmland. As events unfold, this alien species replicates and evolves, becoming larger and more intelligent with each passing hour, literally making evolutionary leaps of millions or even billions of years in mere hours, mimicking native life forms as they adapt to the planet’s environment. Ultimately, the handful of human survivors, using tactics largely proposed by a 13 year old boy, manages to defeat the alien horde. But the subsequent appearance on the scene of two “men in black” leads the hitchhiker to suspect that the “aliens” weren’t alien at all, but rather a top secret military experiment gone awry. His suspicions are ratcheted up a notch when they threaten him with a charge of treason before a military tribunal if he ever says a word to anybody about what he witnessed.
In good conscience I have to start with a warning: do not start reading this book if you have plans or obligations for the following several hours. You simply will not be able to fulfill your obligations until you finish reading it. Putting it down, unfinished, is not an option. I was absolutely captivated by this book! It is one of the better thrillers I have read in quite a while. It is very well-written, with characters as real as anybody you would meet on the street. There are characters you are happy to see survive, characters you are sorry to see die, and maybe even a character you are happy to see die – depending on your mindset toward real jerks! When the book ends, you still won’t know for certain whether these were aliens or some secret government experiment. What you WILL know is they are very, very bad. They are ruthless. They are incredibly resilient and adaptive foes. And they make for very good reading. I recommend "The Colony" by Blaine Readler to anybody looking for a top quality book to read. You will take a long time to find a better one.
Recommend this book:
Peripheral Conflict
Shawn Cobb
2012 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Xamorus had waited centuries for the return of Lord Vearios. At last he had returned and was dwelling in the body of Raven, Xamorus’ dog. Vearios knew that this time he was up against a more advanced population of humans. Lumina had defeated Vearios before but this time he would be prepared. Suddenly the dark night sky was lit by a fireball from the sky. A massive beast, Torain, stepped out of the fire. But that wasn’t the only creature stirring in the cold snow fields. A group of soldiers led by Xamorus surrounded Torain. James Dozier was suspicious of Xamorus. For some reason Dozier’s grandfather left this acquaintance the family company and Xamorus was a very wealthy man but never spent money on himself. Something just didn’t add up. The Earth was endangered; it was up to Dozier to save it. Will Earth ever survive and if it does will it ever be the same?
S.C. Cobb offers readers an action adventure tale that will keep them on the edge of their seats. In "Peripheral Conflict" Cobb sheds much needed light on the wastefulness of mankind. In this book humans are willing to give trees, water, and other natural resources for a new “toy.” The characters of Torain and James Dozier are brilliantly developed. Xamorus shows misguided loyalties while Dozier shows the true state of mankind. The action begins on the first page and carries through at the same pace to the last page. The "Peripheral Conflict" is the first book in a new series. S.C. Cobb is a name to watch for in science fiction thrillers.
Xamorus had waited centuries for the return of Lord Vearios. At last he had returned and was dwelling in the body of Raven, Xamorus’ dog. Vearios knew that this time he was up against a more advanced population of humans. Lumina had defeated Vearios before but this time he would be prepared. Suddenly the dark night sky was lit by a fireball from the sky. A massive beast, Torain, stepped out of the fire. But that wasn’t the only creature stirring in the cold snow fields. A group of soldiers led by Xamorus surrounded Torain. James Dozier was suspicious of Xamorus. For some reason Dozier’s grandfather left this acquaintance the family company and Xamorus was a very wealthy man but never spent money on himself. Something just didn’t add up. The Earth was endangered; it was up to Dozier to save it. Will Earth ever survive and if it does will it ever be the same?
S.C. Cobb offers readers an action adventure tale that will keep them on the edge of their seats. In "Peripheral Conflict" Cobb sheds much needed light on the wastefulness of mankind. In this book humans are willing to give trees, water, and other natural resources for a new “toy.” The characters of Torain and James Dozier are brilliantly developed. Xamorus shows misguided loyalties while Dozier shows the true state of mankind. The action begins on the first page and carries through at the same pace to the last page. The "Peripheral Conflict" is the first book in a new series. S.C. Cobb is a name to watch for in science fiction thrillers.
Recommend this book:
The Immune
Doc Lucky Meisenheimer
2012 Gold Medal
342 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
At last Dr. Joseph Sengele had been captured. He was the epitome of a mad scientist: he had created the airwars which was responsible for killing tens of millions of humans. An airwar looked similar to a Man O’War with its painful stinging tentacles, but this creature could float in the air and was much larger. Its sting paralyzed a human, and then its tentacles would lift the human into the air where it was consumed. When the airwar was attacked it reproduced millions of offspring. The world was in a panic. A world government was formed and it was proved to be as inefficient as can be expected and the citizens began losing their individual rights. However, there is hope. A few people were born genetically immune to the stings of the monsters. A mission rests on the shoulders of a single immune man. He and he alone has what it takes to end the crisis.
"The Immune" by Doc Lucky Meisenheimer is a fantastic read. The action begins on the first pages and doesn’t end until the end. It would not surprise me at any time if something similar to this were to show up in the headlines, as in 1973 Herbert Boyer produced the first transgenic bacterial organism. Similar documentation continues throughout the years. Much of this book is un-politically correct and a bit cheeky. However, I was disturbed by the realism of the governmental actions and reactions. I saw truth in Meisenheimer’s words. This is Meisenderimer’s debut book. I am sure it will not be his last. He is a talented author able to create scenes that keep us on the edge of our seats and at the same time they will amuse and entertain us. Meisenderimer has set the bar high; I expect he can not only meet it but clear it next time.
At last Dr. Joseph Sengele had been captured. He was the epitome of a mad scientist: he had created the airwars which was responsible for killing tens of millions of humans. An airwar looked similar to a Man O’War with its painful stinging tentacles, but this creature could float in the air and was much larger. Its sting paralyzed a human, and then its tentacles would lift the human into the air where it was consumed. When the airwar was attacked it reproduced millions of offspring. The world was in a panic. A world government was formed and it was proved to be as inefficient as can be expected and the citizens began losing their individual rights. However, there is hope. A few people were born genetically immune to the stings of the monsters. A mission rests on the shoulders of a single immune man. He and he alone has what it takes to end the crisis.
"The Immune" by Doc Lucky Meisenheimer is a fantastic read. The action begins on the first pages and doesn’t end until the end. It would not surprise me at any time if something similar to this were to show up in the headlines, as in 1973 Herbert Boyer produced the first transgenic bacterial organism. Similar documentation continues throughout the years. Much of this book is un-politically correct and a bit cheeky. However, I was disturbed by the realism of the governmental actions and reactions. I saw truth in Meisenheimer’s words. This is Meisenderimer’s debut book. I am sure it will not be his last. He is a talented author able to create scenes that keep us on the edge of our seats and at the same time they will amuse and entertain us. Meisenderimer has set the bar high; I expect he can not only meet it but clear it next time.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/remnant&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41FR4Ude3jL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Remnant" consists of 3 stories, each of which could be titled "Remnant". The first, and the longest, story was 'All the Fallen Angels', a futuristic glimpse of a vacation resort planet, renowned for the innate sense of euphoria experienced by all who visit it. However, the permanent residents of the planet became overwhelmed and disenchanted with ...){kind=link}
Remnant
Roland Allnach
2012 Bronze Medal
216 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite
"Remnant" consists of 3 stories, each of which could be titled "Remnant". The first, and the longest, story was 'All the Fallen Angels', a futuristic glimpse of a vacation resort planet, renowned for the innate sense of euphoria experienced by all who visit it. However, the permanent residents of the planet became overwhelmed and disenchanted with the constant euphoria, requiring the Navy to intercede and quell rebellion. The Colonel in charge went a bit overboard, and was convicted of war crimes. Given a choice between death or submitting to experimentation, he chose the latter, never guessing how brutal that would be. Therein lies the story, which alternates between the present time and various periods of flashbacks. The second story was 'Enemy, I Know You Not', which again involved military intervention to quell rebellions, but on many planets, as needed. After a particularly deadly intervention, new recruits were installed to replace the casualties. The entire platoon then entered into a computer simulated training battle - basically a very interactive video game - in which all the senses are involved; when a "sim" gets shot, the actual soldier feels the pain. If killed in the simulation, they merely wake up and remove the game-activating helmet. But a computer glitch traps the platoon in the game, and fatalities in the simulation result in actual deaths of the soldiers. Story three is 'Remnant' in which a global plague kills virtually the entire planet Earth, leaving only 1 in 50,000 to carry on as a remnant population. It focuses on one man who needed to come to terms with the loss of his family, while he, though unworthy, survived.
This entire book was very well-written. The characters were well-developed and seemed like real people. It would be very difficult to read this without feeling a great deal of empathy for the characters. You will smile when good things happen to them, and feel their anxiety when bad things happen. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough; reading it will be an exceptional experience.
"Remnant" consists of 3 stories, each of which could be titled "Remnant". The first, and the longest, story was 'All the Fallen Angels', a futuristic glimpse of a vacation resort planet, renowned for the innate sense of euphoria experienced by all who visit it. However, the permanent residents of the planet became overwhelmed and disenchanted with the constant euphoria, requiring the Navy to intercede and quell rebellion. The Colonel in charge went a bit overboard, and was convicted of war crimes. Given a choice between death or submitting to experimentation, he chose the latter, never guessing how brutal that would be. Therein lies the story, which alternates between the present time and various periods of flashbacks. The second story was 'Enemy, I Know You Not', which again involved military intervention to quell rebellions, but on many planets, as needed. After a particularly deadly intervention, new recruits were installed to replace the casualties. The entire platoon then entered into a computer simulated training battle - basically a very interactive video game - in which all the senses are involved; when a "sim" gets shot, the actual soldier feels the pain. If killed in the simulation, they merely wake up and remove the game-activating helmet. But a computer glitch traps the platoon in the game, and fatalities in the simulation result in actual deaths of the soldiers. Story three is 'Remnant' in which a global plague kills virtually the entire planet Earth, leaving only 1 in 50,000 to carry on as a remnant population. It focuses on one man who needed to come to terms with the loss of his family, while he, though unworthy, survived.
This entire book was very well-written. The characters were well-developed and seemed like real people. It would be very difficult to read this without feeling a great deal of empathy for the characters. You will smile when good things happen to them, and feel their anxiety when bad things happen. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough; reading it will be an exceptional experience.
Recommend this book:
7 Scorpions
Revolution
Mike Saxton
2012 Silver Medal
532 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Paul Johnson for Readers' Favorite
The immoral Zodiac set off a fire storm throughout the world, setting off bombs that leveled cities and killing millions. After a rather large setback, he is now even more determined to unleash his final solution upon the shattered remnants of humanity. With his mostly lobotomized minions, the Grand Army, he will stop at nothing to accomplish his objective of world domination. The only thing that stands in Zodiac's way are the rebels of Militia 28 led by Night Viper, a man highly trained with heightened strength, speed, fighting skills, and mental powers that make him a very worthy opponent for Zodiac. But, Militia 28 is very small in comparison to the multitudes of the Grand Army. How can they hope to defeat a seemingly invulnerable foe like Zodiac?
Apocalyptic action adventures come in all shapes and sizes. This is a big book and the reader gets quickly drawn into the story. From the opening pages the reader is assailed with action, death and destruction. As with many sequels, the story takes off right where the last one left off. This can be good, and bad. It is good because the action continues, but it can be bad if the characters are not quickly and fully reintroduced. I feel the author could have spent a little more time reintroducing the players. Also, a few paragraphs, possibly in a flashback format, would provide the reader, one that possibly hadn’t read the first installment, with a little more understanding of the current situation. This in no way takes away from the quality of the story. Overall, "7 Scorpions: Revolution" is a well-written story that I really enjoyed.
The immoral Zodiac set off a fire storm throughout the world, setting off bombs that leveled cities and killing millions. After a rather large setback, he is now even more determined to unleash his final solution upon the shattered remnants of humanity. With his mostly lobotomized minions, the Grand Army, he will stop at nothing to accomplish his objective of world domination. The only thing that stands in Zodiac's way are the rebels of Militia 28 led by Night Viper, a man highly trained with heightened strength, speed, fighting skills, and mental powers that make him a very worthy opponent for Zodiac. But, Militia 28 is very small in comparison to the multitudes of the Grand Army. How can they hope to defeat a seemingly invulnerable foe like Zodiac?
Apocalyptic action adventures come in all shapes and sizes. This is a big book and the reader gets quickly drawn into the story. From the opening pages the reader is assailed with action, death and destruction. As with many sequels, the story takes off right where the last one left off. This can be good, and bad. It is good because the action continues, but it can be bad if the characters are not quickly and fully reintroduced. I feel the author could have spent a little more time reintroducing the players. Also, a few paragraphs, possibly in a flashback format, would provide the reader, one that possibly hadn’t read the first installment, with a little more understanding of the current situation. This in no way takes away from the quality of the story. Overall, "7 Scorpions: Revolution" is a well-written story that I really enjoyed.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/dark-pilgrim-rising&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/417RGW04YXL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Dark Pilgrim Rising" by Ralph Buttner (R Peter Ubtrent) is a whole universe within a book. It is the first in the 'Dark Pilgrim' series, so there is of necessity a lot of scene-setting since this promises to be an epic science-fiction series. It is a complex rather than complicated novel with many subplots and layers, and calls for concentration. ...){kind=link}
Dark Pilgrim Rising
Book One of the Dark Pilgrim Series
R. Peter Ubtrent
2012 Finalist
593 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Stephanie Dagg for Readers' Favorite
"Dark Pilgrim Rising" by Ralph Buttner (R Peter Ubtrent) is a whole universe within a book. It is the first in the 'Dark Pilgrim' series, so there is of necessity a lot of scene-setting since this promises to be an epic science-fiction series. It is a complex rather than complicated novel with many subplots and layers, and calls for concentration. It is a story of survival. Ailanthus and Tethys, human friends currently on a savage penal colony, are bent on surviving in a place where few last more than five years. The Imperium, the presiding body, is also trying to survive, now that its Emperor has been assassinated. It faces uprisings from the Church of the Blessed Prophets and also from the Noble Houses, which had all previously been powerful rulers. To complicate matters further, an ancient enemy returns to the fray.
Any book that opens with the sentence ‘The existence of earth is a myth’ is one that needs reading! It quickly becomes engrossing. This is a dystopian novel of corruption, brutality and despair, but ultimately of hope. The cast of alien species, including the Dwad-Mehstiv, Kroor, Druzni, Drek and H’chalks, is an intricately created and plausible one. Through their unique eyes we are given a satirical view of the human race with its faults and foolishness. But good qualities shine at times in Ailanthus and his fellow convicts. Occasionally the characters’ names are a little confusing in that there are many similar ones. There are also sadly more typos than you’d hope to see but this book is nonetheless an impressive achievement and one that is rewarding and fascinating to read.
"Dark Pilgrim Rising" by Ralph Buttner (R Peter Ubtrent) is a whole universe within a book. It is the first in the 'Dark Pilgrim' series, so there is of necessity a lot of scene-setting since this promises to be an epic science-fiction series. It is a complex rather than complicated novel with many subplots and layers, and calls for concentration. It is a story of survival. Ailanthus and Tethys, human friends currently on a savage penal colony, are bent on surviving in a place where few last more than five years. The Imperium, the presiding body, is also trying to survive, now that its Emperor has been assassinated. It faces uprisings from the Church of the Blessed Prophets and also from the Noble Houses, which had all previously been powerful rulers. To complicate matters further, an ancient enemy returns to the fray.
Any book that opens with the sentence ‘The existence of earth is a myth’ is one that needs reading! It quickly becomes engrossing. This is a dystopian novel of corruption, brutality and despair, but ultimately of hope. The cast of alien species, including the Dwad-Mehstiv, Kroor, Druzni, Drek and H’chalks, is an intricately created and plausible one. Through their unique eyes we are given a satirical view of the human race with its faults and foolishness. But good qualities shine at times in Ailanthus and his fellow convicts. Occasionally the characters’ names are a little confusing in that there are many similar ones. There are also sadly more typos than you’d hope to see but this book is nonetheless an impressive achievement and one that is rewarding and fascinating to read.
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