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Recommend this book:
The Fight for Immortality
Peter Arthur
2014 Silver Medal
576 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite
Appealing to the masses and especially to the youth of the world through the promise of adventure, education, and a future with endless possibilities, an alien force has easily began to overtake Earth without shedding a drop of blood in The Fight for Immortality by Peter Arthur. Though the aliens have taken on human form and have easily drawn in the vast majority of youth with their extraordinary ability to fulfill the basic desires for a proper lifestyle, career and family goals, there is one youth, Jack Cousins, who isn’t fooled by any of it. With the leaders of the United States government scrambling to get a hold on what is going on and attempt to stop it, Jack not only has the proper amount of skepticism about the true motivations of DE corporation, but has an extraordinary skill of his own that will help him fight back against overwhelming forces. He is forced to accept a challenge which borders on the impossible and he must win the fight for immortality or die in the process.
The Fight for Immortality is a brilliantly thought out novel with enough realism to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Peter Arthur expertly shows how an alien force, understanding the common thinking of humans and the things that it is correct and morally right to pursue, can become not only the stumbling block, but the means of eliminating us. Packed full of suspense, intrigue and realism, it is an enormous comfort that The Fight for Immortality is a work of fiction. I hope.
Appealing to the masses and especially to the youth of the world through the promise of adventure, education, and a future with endless possibilities, an alien force has easily began to overtake Earth without shedding a drop of blood in The Fight for Immortality by Peter Arthur. Though the aliens have taken on human form and have easily drawn in the vast majority of youth with their extraordinary ability to fulfill the basic desires for a proper lifestyle, career and family goals, there is one youth, Jack Cousins, who isn’t fooled by any of it. With the leaders of the United States government scrambling to get a hold on what is going on and attempt to stop it, Jack not only has the proper amount of skepticism about the true motivations of DE corporation, but has an extraordinary skill of his own that will help him fight back against overwhelming forces. He is forced to accept a challenge which borders on the impossible and he must win the fight for immortality or die in the process.
The Fight for Immortality is a brilliantly thought out novel with enough realism to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Peter Arthur expertly shows how an alien force, understanding the common thinking of humans and the things that it is correct and morally right to pursue, can become not only the stumbling block, but the means of eliminating us. Packed full of suspense, intrigue and realism, it is an enormous comfort that The Fight for Immortality is a work of fiction. I hope.
Recommend this book:
Seven Beyond
Stella Atrium
2014 Bronze Medal
250 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite
Seven Beyond by Stella Atrium is a fantasy lover’s fantasy. The world of Seven Beyond is so detailed and vivid that the reader can truly escape to another plane. Seven Beyond will tolerate any degree of scrutiny, giving back just as much as the reader wishes to put in. Here you will find ample fodder for linguistics study, model building, costume play, gaming (Tsing Tse, the glass bead game) or an annual convention - this work reveals itself in layers and will continue to reveal itself as long as one keeps reading and re-reading. Seven Beyond has a distinctly medieval (specifically, Chaucerian) feel, with one delightful ‘tweak’: the story is peppered with references to things modern - travel on the Concorde, the New York fashion industry, and contemporary TV personalities, to name a few. It is as if the world of Seven Beyond is evolving around us - next to us - as opposed to being removed by time or distance.
The plot of Seven Beyond spans generations, worlds, and ideologies and is therefore far too intricate to fully convey in a brief review. Taken on the most simplistic level, it is a quest novel; in broader terms, it is a sociological cautionary tale with many tongue-in cheek references to the vagaries and injustices of contemporary society. As Dr. David Christopher Meenins sets off with Lady Drasher Elizabeth Tasgneganz, Dr. Virgil Augustus Grammario, and the mysterious Linda Deemer to make contact with the Longists (whose life span exceeds 800 years) we find ourselves on an odyssey rich with symbolism and metaphor in a world where little is what it appears to be at first glance.
Much like the fabled VSOP brandy produced at the monastery, Stella Atrium’s Seven Beyond is intoxicating and represents a lifetime of wisdom and talent distilled into a single draught of ambrosial liquor. Perhaps Lady Drascher Elizabeth Tasneganz says it best: “And now we should have a story,” she suggested. “A fanciful tale that will transport us to another time. Full of simile and metaphor, a broad-shouldered allegory elastic enough to convey some great truth in our lives.”
Seven Beyond by Stella Atrium is a fantasy lover’s fantasy. The world of Seven Beyond is so detailed and vivid that the reader can truly escape to another plane. Seven Beyond will tolerate any degree of scrutiny, giving back just as much as the reader wishes to put in. Here you will find ample fodder for linguistics study, model building, costume play, gaming (Tsing Tse, the glass bead game) or an annual convention - this work reveals itself in layers and will continue to reveal itself as long as one keeps reading and re-reading. Seven Beyond has a distinctly medieval (specifically, Chaucerian) feel, with one delightful ‘tweak’: the story is peppered with references to things modern - travel on the Concorde, the New York fashion industry, and contemporary TV personalities, to name a few. It is as if the world of Seven Beyond is evolving around us - next to us - as opposed to being removed by time or distance.
The plot of Seven Beyond spans generations, worlds, and ideologies and is therefore far too intricate to fully convey in a brief review. Taken on the most simplistic level, it is a quest novel; in broader terms, it is a sociological cautionary tale with many tongue-in cheek references to the vagaries and injustices of contemporary society. As Dr. David Christopher Meenins sets off with Lady Drasher Elizabeth Tasgneganz, Dr. Virgil Augustus Grammario, and the mysterious Linda Deemer to make contact with the Longists (whose life span exceeds 800 years) we find ourselves on an odyssey rich with symbolism and metaphor in a world where little is what it appears to be at first glance.
Much like the fabled VSOP brandy produced at the monastery, Stella Atrium’s Seven Beyond is intoxicating and represents a lifetime of wisdom and talent distilled into a single draught of ambrosial liquor. Perhaps Lady Drascher Elizabeth Tasneganz says it best: “And now we should have a story,” she suggested. “A fanciful tale that will transport us to another time. Full of simile and metaphor, a broad-shouldered allegory elastic enough to convey some great truth in our lives.”
Recommend this book:
, is at peace, in Once Humans by Massimo Marino. But things are not exactly as they appear. Humans are undergoing a transformation into becoming greater beings (transgenic beings that were created by the Moirai, which took over the planet). They are closely watched by a gr...){kind=link}
Once Humans
Daimones Trilogy
Massimo Marino
2014 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite
At first it seems that the world, Eridu (Earth, as it is known by the Moirai), is at peace, in Once Humans by Massimo Marino. But things are not exactly as they appear. Humans are undergoing a transformation into becoming greater beings (transgenic beings that were created by the Moirai, which took over the planet). They are closely watched by a group called the Selected. As long as they are supported by the alien Moirai, the communities of transgenic beings grow, thrive, and are secure. All this is suddenly threatened by saboteurs called Kritas who have been in conflict with the Moirai for millennia. These aliens hope to undermine the work that the Moirai have done and control the new human race themselves. Dan Amenta, a transgenic being, is the only hope for Eridu and the transgenic community. He must pursue the Kritas through the labyrinth of tunnels and prevent them from carrying out their destruction - but first he must successfully complete the maze of logic which exists in the minds of the aliens.
The suspenseful, thrilling plot of Massimo Marino’s work in Once Humans is very well designed and is presented in great detail. The development of the characters, their emotions, and the way they react to each other makes the story move in a way that appeals to all members of the human race. The reader will find that there are many questions to be answered and many possible answers presented in a very thought-provoking manner, making this novel one to challenge the mind and draw the reader to look deeper. The reader will often feel like they are functioning within Dan’s mind and seeing what he sees. This is an excellent sci-fi thriller which is not only well thought out and very imaginative, but thrilling and captivating as well.
At first it seems that the world, Eridu (Earth, as it is known by the Moirai), is at peace, in Once Humans by Massimo Marino. But things are not exactly as they appear. Humans are undergoing a transformation into becoming greater beings (transgenic beings that were created by the Moirai, which took over the planet). They are closely watched by a group called the Selected. As long as they are supported by the alien Moirai, the communities of transgenic beings grow, thrive, and are secure. All this is suddenly threatened by saboteurs called Kritas who have been in conflict with the Moirai for millennia. These aliens hope to undermine the work that the Moirai have done and control the new human race themselves. Dan Amenta, a transgenic being, is the only hope for Eridu and the transgenic community. He must pursue the Kritas through the labyrinth of tunnels and prevent them from carrying out their destruction - but first he must successfully complete the maze of logic which exists in the minds of the aliens.
The suspenseful, thrilling plot of Massimo Marino’s work in Once Humans is very well designed and is presented in great detail. The development of the characters, their emotions, and the way they react to each other makes the story move in a way that appeals to all members of the human race. The reader will find that there are many questions to be answered and many possible answers presented in a very thought-provoking manner, making this novel one to challenge the mind and draw the reader to look deeper. The reader will often feel like they are functioning within Dan’s mind and seeing what he sees. This is an excellent sci-fi thriller which is not only well thought out and very imaginative, but thrilling and captivating as well.
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:
Perfection Unleashed
A Double Helix Novel
Jade Kerrion
2013 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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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:
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:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/freeheads&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71tXUMtTAPL._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
Kindle Edition
Check current price
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:
The Death of Eve
Shaun Penney
2013 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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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:
Reader
Daughter of Time: Book 1
Erec Stebbins
2013 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
Ambra Dawn is a Reader, able to look back into the past as well as get glimpses of the future. Yet her ability is more like a curse than a blessing – she is kidnapped and her parents killed, modified and enslaved. However, Ambra discovers that there are worst things that have and WILL happen; there are more complicated lessons she has to learn and understand. Her most important discovery of all is that humans and other beings of the universe secretly place their hope and fate on her shoulders.
I dare say that “Reader” engaged me with its story quicker than any other sci-fi novels than I have read before. It was as if I was reading a personal diary meant just for me. The novel was narrated from the perspective of only one character, Ambra Dawn, and author Erec Stebbins brilliantly used this focal point to shed new light upon the universe and Earth itself in ways that I could never imagine before. Emotionally, I was deeply connected with the protagonist Ambra. Some of her painful experience was hard to read, but this shows how effortlessly the story engaged me. This is a science fiction novel with stunning originality and is unquestionably a classic, one of the best ever written in the genre. Book 1 from this 'Daughter of Time series' made a loyal fan and a believer out of me, and I can’t wait to 'meet' Ambra again in Book 2.
Ambra Dawn is a Reader, able to look back into the past as well as get glimpses of the future. Yet her ability is more like a curse than a blessing – she is kidnapped and her parents killed, modified and enslaved. However, Ambra discovers that there are worst things that have and WILL happen; there are more complicated lessons she has to learn and understand. Her most important discovery of all is that humans and other beings of the universe secretly place their hope and fate on her shoulders.
I dare say that “Reader” engaged me with its story quicker than any other sci-fi novels than I have read before. It was as if I was reading a personal diary meant just for me. The novel was narrated from the perspective of only one character, Ambra Dawn, and author Erec Stebbins brilliantly used this focal point to shed new light upon the universe and Earth itself in ways that I could never imagine before. Emotionally, I was deeply connected with the protagonist Ambra. Some of her painful experience was hard to read, but this shows how effortlessly the story engaged me. This is a science fiction novel with stunning originality and is unquestionably a classic, one of the best ever written in the genre. Book 1 from this 'Daughter of Time series' made a loyal fan and a believer out of me, and I can’t wait to 'meet' Ambra again in Book 2.
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
Check current price
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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