Category Archives: Science Fiction

Atoned: The Wardens: Book 1 by Steve J McHugh AUDIOBOOK REVIEW

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Today is my turn on the audiobook blog tour for Atoned: The Wardens: Book 1 by Steve J McHugh!

Version 1.0.0

You might think the book is familiar… it is.. I was lucky enough to review the paperback not to long ago so jumped at the chance to listen to the audio version!

Here’s the blurb

Civil War tore across the Union Empire, leaving countless dead in its wake. It was a war started by one man, once beloved by the Empire. His betrayal still lingers in the memory of those who lived through it.

Decades later, his son, Felix Drake, is a Warden tasked with both protecting the ruling members of the Union Empire and its Council, and bringing those powerful and influential people to justice should they break the law.

Drake protects the very Empire his father sought to destroy.

When two members of a Council family are murdered, Drake and his team investigate, only to uncover corruption, resentment, and yet more death.

As the case deepens, Drake is forced back into a life he’d left long ago, bringing with it the same disdain and anger from the very people he’s sworn to protect.

However, he’s no longer a helpless child, and the people who try to intimidate him now are about to discover that Drake is so very much his father’s son.

Review

As I’ve read the book and listened to the audio version so some bits of my review will overlap a little 😊

I want to focus straightaway on the audio aspect before going back to the plot.

I quite enjoy reading and listening to the same book, it’s a good chance to see how a voice can add to the written word. Tim Gerard Reynolds who narrated didn’t disappoint.. such a wonderful tone.. it was so easy just to while away a few hours ironing while enjoying the story. Tim definitely managed to add depth to the characters too which I always think would be hard to do… you’d have to get into the authors mind to really understand the characters so it’s a talent to be able to bring something extra into the mix.

Now about that plot…What a cracking start to a series! The book starts strong as we are quickly introduced to the two  main characters.. it’s a typical good versus bad yeh? Oh you are so wrong.. there’s so much more depth to this tale.

Many years ago there was a civil war… a civil war that nearly tore the world apart.. fast forward and we meet Felix Drake, a Warden.. tasked with protecting those his father tried to kill during the war.. he betrayed those Felix now protects..Felix wants nothing more than to forget the past.. he knows if anyone finds out who he actually is then he life will change drastically.. no one would trust the son of a traitor after all!

He’s remained hidden for a while but it’s time to return to the place he once called home.. his friends have been murdered but why?.. as soon as he arrives all hell breaks loose..

Felix knows Sabas Gossard has something to do with this but he needs to prove it.. Sabas was put in prison by Felix so how the hell is he already free? Yeh that’s right.. corruption..

It’s no surprise to me that there’s deceit from those in power but just who the players are shocks Felix..surely not? Plus there’s someone working in the shadows.. will we find out who is orchestrating these events? And what’s the endgame?

There’s lots of different characters and roles but everything is introduced nicely for the reader to take in, and the attention given to the development really helped this stroy come alive.

I particularly like Bokk, Felix’s security synth.. Bokk once belonged to his father, and I felt Bokk played a pivotal role which I hope gets expanded upon as there’s the interesting idea of these synth developing personalities.

The plot of the book develops at a swift but nice pace and hints there’s some good things to come. As setups go Atoned has it all, great characters and so much potential clear and ready to pour out.

There’s hints of past events becoming a focus.. were the events that played out during the war exactly as they seem? Or was there more to it? And what does this mean for Drake? He’s got his own sage abilities coming out.. but he seems special..and I’m excited to find out why!

This is my first foray into the authors imagination, and I was wonderfully impressed with the flow and development.

5/5 Stars

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Zoé @ zooloosbooktours.co.uk for having me on the tour! As I’m an audible member it was a pleasure to use my monthly credit on a treat of a story such as this!

Why not follow the tour?

Steve’s Bio

Steve is a bestselling author of Urban Fantasy and Science Fiction books. His novel, Scorched Shadows, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Award for best novel. He was born in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton.


Steve’s Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevemc79/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/hellequinchronicles

Twitter : https://twitter.com/StevejMchugh

Website : http://stevejmchugh.wordpress.com

Book Links

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197452731-atoned

Buy Links – https://mybook.to/atoned-zbt

The Ark by Christopher Coates

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Today I’m going to be reviewing The Ark by Christopher Coates

Here’s the blurb

The Earth as we know it is about to end.

Technology has developed to the point where a person can be placed in a Sleep State: a cross between suspended animation and a drug-induced coma.

Just as the trial of the new technology is being completed, an unusual comet is discovered approaching Earth, bringing with it radiation that will wipe out all life on the planet. Soon after, the government builds a sleeper facility to save humankind from extinction, taking drastic steps to maintain secrecy of the project.

But when the sleepers awaken, they discover that something has gone terribly wrong… and that the strange world around them is not the one they fell asleep in.

Review

I picked up The Ark as I was fancying something a little different to my normal choice of book. The synopsis stood out as it made me think a little of Deep Impact and Armageddon.. but the focus is changed from trying to save the world to figuring out how to rebuild after the event.

There’s a comet on it’s way by Earth.. it won’t hit, but radiation is detected that will change the landscape of the planet forever.

The government have a few options open to them but the most promising is a new technology. This new technology has the ability to put an individual to sleep, slow the body’s natural processes.. essentially they will be in suspended animation.. The issue is the technology hasn’t be perfected yet for a scale such as this and the government is need to find a suitable location under the extreme pressure of knowing they can only save a very small percentage of the population.

It’s a battle to keep the truth a secret.. if the news were to get out the whole world would panic and it’s likely no one would survive.. there would be riots.. death and destruction and that’s even before the comet passes.

In the run up to the event a few people do come a little close to the truth and the author explores the power and reach of those in charge as silence reigns..

Those chosen for the sleeper program each have skills but learn further skills to better set them up to rebuild after the event.. estimates show they will be asleep for around 20 years.. it’s a lot for those people to take in but they know they are the last ditch attempt at survival and if they are lucky it’s all one big error and they will all be able to go home soon..

At the same time the government put plans in place to build underground shelters.. it’s not going to protect many but at least some will have the chance to live in the hope that these “sleepers” will wake up and will help rebuild the world.

When the sleepers awake there’s a big problem… things haven’t gone to plan.. it’s not been 20 years…the radiation was much stronger than first thought… those in underground shelters only had a certain amount of supplies… did anyone survive? Do the sleepers have anyone to rebuild the world for?

I really enjoyed the plot and I loved the focus on the sleepers, the preparation needed.. the sacrifices made. All the preparation time really helped the development of the characters and I really found myself like liking the team and was investing in their survival, the pace also help set the mood well..you feel the nervous energy pouring off the page.

I also found how the author tackled the question about communication, and how they would keep the threat a secret very well thought out and plausible. I wouldn’t want to be in charge if there was a global threat on the way.

There’s a clear direction for the ply but the author still manages to add some twists and turns along the way.. like you know it’s not going to all go to plan… technology.. nothings ever easy.. but the twists are exciting and add an extra punch to the story.

I was very much sucked into this one.. so much so as soon as I finished I was checking in the hopes this might be a series.. I don’t do much research before picking up a book so was a little deflated at first.. The Ark is not part of a series… well actually it kind of is…while it’s not a series you can imagine my excitement to learn there’s a parallel story.. The Anvil… we see events from the viewpoint of those lucky enough to be brought into the underground shelters.. do they survive..and at what cost? I’ve already finished it and I’ve only good things to say… look out for that review coming too!

4/5 Stars

To find our more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Flash Gordon – War Of The Citadels by David Hagberg – Review

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Today I’m going to be reviewing War of the Citadels book 2 in the Flash Gordon series by David Hagberg.

Here’s the blurb

Sent on a rescue mission by the leaders of the planet Earth, Flash Gordon and his companions Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov find themselves involved in an intricate war plan which threatens the existence of the entire universe. Each step they take propels them further into the complex plots and counterplots of two warring worlds.

Review

This is the 2nd instalment in the series by David Hagberg. In the 1st instalment we learned of the ⁰reappearance of the Interstellar Exploration ship GOODHOPE.. with it’s crew all found dead. The ship had been launched 200 years prior and Zarkov was tasked with discovering what had happened aboard ship when suddenly the drive spools and our heroes are whisked away across the galaxy to a distant planet.

We soon learned of a war that has raged for thousands of years that could impact everyone..Flash, Zarkov and Dale decide to help.

While on the planet a ship from Citadel II appears.. the enemy..and all hell breaks loose.. they’re more advanced than first thought and this could mean the end of Citadel I and our heroes.

One hope remains.. The creators of Citadel I came from a planet called Centrus. The location of this planet has remained secret.. for everyone’s sake.. but they may still be alive, or at the very least have technology that can save them. Zarkov soon finds a way to locate Centrus and sets off in search of something to help them in their quest.

As with the previous instalment the author throws in some great twists alone the way leaving the reader wondering what the hell is going on.. gripped.. and excited..It’s not all smooth sailing and sometimes you can be left wondering who actually are the good guys in this? Is Flash backing the right team? Is this to save people or will it simply cause the war to continue?

Overall a really exciting read..I’m really enjoying the series. I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to get around to reading them.

If you can pick up a copy I highly recommend you do..old school SyFy.. what’s not to love!

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon. I also highly recommend AbeBooks if you want to find a copy :)

Rise of the Warlords by Brian K. Larson – Review

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg I’m reviewing Rise of the Warlords by Brian K. Larson

Here’s the blurb

Genre – Epic Fantasy/Science Fiction

Journey along with Gor’con of the Crimson Guild as he tells the stories of how his ancestors became the Warlords. Answering an urgent call from Empress Ruki’ Grey’con, Admiral Jedidiah Fitz and Colonel Race Jennings return to the Rising Star of Antares. When they arrive, their former Queen Danielle is told that the Kron’Shulooka has returned and so has the beast of the trenches – the deadly Antarian Dragon.

Empress Ruki’ reveals to them that several tombs were discovered empty when the Dragon’s screech returned to Serintin once again. Danielle’s Bron Vis’Ka was not successful as the scrolls foretold, sending Danielle, and Jed’s team, on a dangerous quest. Now they must unravel the mysterious disappearance of their missing dead and to harvest more of the dragon’s blood to partake of the blood spirit once again.

Review

Rise of the Warlords is book 4 in the Warlords series by Brian K. Larson. After the events of book three in the series you could be forgiven for thinking that was the end of the journey but with Brian K. Larson you know the end is never going to come that quick.. he has a talent for keeping a series going, so I was more than a little pleased when book 4 was released.

Just when Race and Danielle thought they could get back to life on Earth we find out that the blood lust will return to the Rising Star of Antares and the Warlords will once again rise unless Danielle partakes of the blood spirit one final time.

Once we are back in the thick of the action we learn of the disappearance of those we thought were dead.. including Dumakas and it’s time to look to the past to save the future.

Something I really enjoyed was the back story as we learn more about the history of the Warlords and how they came to be. Perfectly paced and with great detail made this the most riveting of the series yet..the author even managed to give time to describe some of the planets visited which made the tale come alive.

Brian K. Larson is clearly a fan of the epic fantasy/science fiction saga and I for one thoroughly enjoy his work..it’s fun and exciting and his style of writing is easy to read. Rise of the Warlords is a fast paced tale..take your time and enjoy the ride.

For me the word to describe this latest instalment is development..you can really start to see the bigger picture. Sometimes you can get sucked along for the ride, this time Brian gives you time to reflect and learn more..it’s a winner for me! I really enjoyed the character development too as we see emotional bonds tested. Loved it!

5/5 stars!

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Wild Sun by Ehsan Ahmad & Shakil Ahmad ARC Review.

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Next up for review is Wild Sun by Ehsan Ahmad & Shakil Ahmad

Here’s the blurb –

Genre – Science Fiction

On a world enslaved, the last embers of hope are fading into an unrelenting darkness. Conquered and broken, the natives are forced to ravage their own lush planet of its natural resources—all for the glory of a mysterious empire they’ve never seen and barely comprehend.

But not all light is lost. In the heart of one young woman alone, the gods have set a flame that cannot be extinguished. Cerrin remains as fierce and unyielding as the planet itself. And her chance to strike is fast approaching.

Above the skies of her home world, soldiers of the empire are welcoming their new civilian commander—a vicious nobleman blinded by hidden ambitions. When the new face of darkness turns its eyes on Cerrin, the fate of countless worlds will change forever.

Review

Wild Sun is an epic tale around slavery/domination and the fight for freedom.

The tale focuses around a few characters, one being Cerrin. She’s forced into servitude but yearns for freedom and will risk it all to get it.

Sonus is another of the unfortunates forced to serve the Vitaari, he’s smart..super smart. When his life is turned upside down it’s time to step-up and get revenge.

While these two have never met their paths are going to collide.

The Vitaari are a race who want only to dominate..they use technology to suppress those they feel are less than them but they are vain..and a little complacent at times..that will be their downfall.

Cerrin’s and Sonus’s path cross with the thanks to some allies.. the time to rebel is fast approaching.

I really enjoyed Vellerik, one of the Vitaari.. while he’s one of the bad guys he’s the best of the bunch..honourable.. when push comes to shove what we he do?

The plot was very good, clear, focused and with enough detail to paint a vivid image of what it must be like for those captives. The writing style meant the book flowed well..There’s a lot to take in at first but after the initial couple of chapters I was easily hooked…it kept getting better and better with every chapter.

I don’t often request books from NetGalley but im glad I requested this one in exchange for an honest review. Well worth reading!

My rating 4/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Blood Scroll of Antares (First Contact) (Warlords Book 3) by Brian K. Larson – Review

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Next up on David’s Book blug is Blood Scroll of Antares by Brian K. Larson!

Here’s the blurb :-

Genre – Science Fiction

In this third installment in the Warlords Series, The Empress must seek the missing Blood Scroll of Antares. Rescued after her crash, she is brought to the under-lands of ancient Earth by a band of Sasquatch. Join them on this magical quest in search for the ancient texts and discover the mysteries of the Kron’Shulooka, or Blood Spirit.Their hope is that the ancient writings will hold the clues of what must be done.

Former Emperor Dumakas, thought to be killed, is returned from Revein’sev, the sacred place where all Antarians believe their ancient ancestors reside. Now seeking to return to power, Dumakas has a stronger fortitude and plans to invade Earth. However, there is strong opposition to him retaking his seat; those closest to the Emperor continue to hold the Empress’ song within their hearts.

Will Dumakas succeed with his invasion plans, or will the Empress return to Antares in time to stop him?

Review

Former Emperor Dumakas is out for revenge in the 3rd instalment in the Warlords series by Brian K. Larson.

The Antarians are an alien race controlled by blood lust and their target is humankind. After Dumakas was defeated there’s a chance for the bloodlust to cease but Dumakas is only injured.. he’s going to return to take back his place as Emperor.

Many years ago the Blood Scroll of Antares were written and the empress must seek the scroll in order to understand the blood spirit and to find the means to defeat Dumakas once as for all!

The empress along with her allies attempt to locate these scrolls on Earth and a well-known mystery/myth  in our own history is explored which gives the book a good link to real life which I quite enjoyed.

The Antarian race is caught up with internal turmoil as the Empresses blood song wains. Some are still loyal to the Empress but others are loyal to the former Emperor. Throw in some power struggles within the human race also and you’ve got quite some conflicts going on.

The Warlords series is a fast paced wild space ride full of gadgets & ancient myths mixing past and present and at times throwing things completely on their head.

Blood Scroll of Antares develops the series well and is a fun read. As always the author has his own style of storytelling.. it’s such a complex plot with multiple angles which means it could be easy to lose your place but the writing style makes it easy to keep up and enjoy. It’s not too technical but the author clearly has fun making up jump sequences etc which give it a punch. With the fast pace and quick chapters sometimes it needed the throttle off the pace to absorb events and these moments did that but also added a little suspense to the tale.

Brian K. Larson is a fun author for me..I always enjoy his books and the style of writing means it’s easy for me to enjoy without overloading me..it’s just and easy, fun and exciting read.

Word of warning, Brian K. Larson likes to weave a long tale..set some time aside so you can really enjoy the series 🙂

My Rating – 5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Space Unicorn Blues by T. J. Berry – Review

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg is Space Unicorn Blues by T. J. Berry

Here’s the blurb

Genre – Space Opera Science Fiction

A misfit crew race across the galaxy to prevent the genocide of magical creatures, in this unique science fiction debut.

Having magical powers makes you less than human, a resource to be exploited. Half-unicorn Gary Cobalt is sick of slavery, captivity, and his horn being ground down to power faster-than-light travel. When he’s finally free, all he wants is to run away in his ancestors’ stone ship. Instead, Captain Jenny Perata steals the ship out from under him, so she can make an urgent delivery. But Jenny held him captive for a decade, and then Gary murdered her best friend… who was also the wife of her co-pilot, Cowboy Jim. What could possibly go right?

Review

With the tag line “humanity’s last hope…a murderous unicorn” I was instantly attracted to this book. I’ll admit..I bought it as a bit of fun..It not like I thought it would be a bad read but I had no preconceptions..As a bit of a change of pace I thought I’d I’ve the book a go.

That decision happens to be the best I’ve made in a long time. Space Unicorn Blues was one of the most fun and interesting stories I’ve had the pleasure to read in a long time.

The story follows Gary, a half-unicorn who was kept captive for his horn. Many years ago Unicorns came to Earth in peace but mankind took advantage and attacked and enslaved the unicorns and many other alien species as they started to explore the universe.

A unicorn’s horn holds great power and as such Gary’s mother took the decision to remove and hide Gary’s so even Gary himself would not find it.

After being held in prison for murder Gary is finally released.. and he wants his ship back…but humans don’t see his kind as equal and he doesn’t have any rights..he sets out to get his ship back but is forced to work with the person who had him sent to jail. It’s time for him to face his past.

A first I thought “this is crazy” everything is so out there and weird and wonderful..but it works..and I craved more.

The characters were fun and interesting, the plot engrossing, so much so that a pre-order for book 2 is already in!

Overall a remarkable tale…I bought this as a bit of a laugh on a whim and it’s turned out a real highlight in my 4 years of blogging.

Thoroughly enjoyed this one from the 1st page to the last.  5*..I can give no less.

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads.

Law and Crucible Saga by Ioana Visan – Review

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Next up we have a 3 for 1 review! I’m going to be reviewing the Law and Crucible Saga by Ioana Visan.

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Here’s the blurbs.

Genre – Science Fiction

Book 1 – No Port To Land

Nia is one of the few souls left aboard a drifting tomb known as The Pacific. The spaceship carries a deadly plague, and by the time they receive a distress call from an approaching shuttle, they are all close to losing hope they might ever escape alive. When the will of the shuttle crew and that of the survivors on The Pacific clash, Nia has to pick a side to save what she holds most dear.

Book 2 – Point of Origin

Suffering from neural degeneration, Thea is fading away in an asylum with no hope of ever leaving it.
When Captain Law offers her an opportunity to board his ship in return for her help, the astrophysicist is faced with having to learn to trust them or end up in another asylum with slim chance for recovery. And then her secret will be lost.
With a contract that they are desperate to obtain and a rogue asteroid in enemy territory, Captain Law and his crew must keep Thea free from harm, but a missing crew member and a band of misfits thwart their efforts and send them on a mission no one was prepared for.
Can Thea and Captain Law learn to work together for one goal or will long-held secrets and mistrust shake their resolve and destroy their efforts?

Book 3 – Bonds of Steel

On a routine trip across the asteroid field, the robot, Del, and unregistered AI, Vee, meet trouble. With Captain Law and his crew having been put into stasis, their only chance of survival will mean placing themselves at the mercy of what few resources they have. Without a human to assist them, Del and Vee will be vulnerable and so too will the ship and all the lives on board.
Despite their best efforts to avoid unwanted visitors, another ship is en route. Their arrival does not guarantee the safety of those on board, and may ultimately lead to their demise.
With his position on the ship on the line, can Del stave off an attack or are their deaths inevitable?

Review

The Law and Crucible Saga is made up of 3 short stories. The focus of each is different but one common factor is Captain Law and his crew.  Law’s gotten his hands on some information which could be quite valuable but he’s out looking for someone..but who and why?

I enjoyed the series more as I went along. At first I was a little confused as you arrive already into the action so to speak so it’s only as the author give you little bits of info that you piece events together.

When we get to the second book in the series we seem to have lost two of characters from the first book who joined the crew right at the end which through me a little if I’m honest.

The addition of Thea and Del in the later tales saved the series for me and really made me quite enjoy it.

Overall an interesting series which I feel would have worked quite well as full length novels. Just when things start the get interesting you’ve reached the end..I loved the plot but really wished for a bigger page count.

My rating 3/5 Stars

To find out more head to the info pages for book 1 in the series on Amazon or Goodreads

 

The Intervention by Patrick Gilbert-Roberts – Review

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Next up for review is The Intervention by Patrick Gilbert-Roberts.

Here’s the blurb –

Genre – Science Fiction

Pages – 257

My rating – 3/5 Stars

A young woman, alone on the Stuart Highway, 250 miles from Uluru in the centre of Australia, it’s 110 o, if you’re looking for remote and inhospitable, this is right up there with the best! What is she doing there? Jeff Ridsdale wonders the same thing as he pulls up beside her. Of course, he rescues her and, in so doing, sets in train the most extraordinary chain of events.
On his way to Sydney to begin a yacht delivery, Ridsdale, a down-to-earth, practical man, is certainly not the sort to believe in UFO’s or alien abductions. Imagine his stupefaction then when, having been knocked unconscious on the boat in a storm, he comes-to on board a Kareeti interstellar vessel.
The Kareet have plans for Earth that the human race is not going to like. They have selected Ridsdale to be a conduit for communication. Implanted with a ‘channel’ he is returned to Earth to somehow arrange a meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Kareet demand that Earth nominate a top line micro-biologist. Lena Sandmeier steps forward. Can she and Ridsdale do anything at all to thwart the alien’s devastating intent?

Review

The Intervention follows Jeff Ridsdale as he’s whisked away and an extraordinary life changing whirlwind of an adventure that will change the world as we know it.

While out driving Jeff picks up a young lady.. her story is a bit strange but she’s in the middle of nowhere so Jeff does the right thing and gives her a lift. She tags along on Jeff’s latest commission, delivering a yacht to its new owner.. when the seas start to get stormy it’s the start of a wild adventure.

The truth comes out..aliens are real..and they have use for Jeff..he’s going to be their conduit to speak to the UN Security Council.

I really liked the thought-provoking plot when aliens arrive to deal with the human race. They have seen what we’ve done to the planet and they are here to set things right..but not everyone on Earth will like what they have planned..

There’s not a great number of characters in the tale which makes it easy to follow but I never quite warmed to Jeff and how what seemed a quite random abduction turns out to be the best thing that could have happened as the aliens need to get in contact with the UN…while Jeff can’t do this directly he just so happens to have contacts who can get him the access he needs.. it just felt a bit too easy for me and I never really connected with him.

Overall it was very well written with a plot that I quite enjoyed. There will be a few people including myself who will see the issues the aliens raise as something we are ignoring currently, it’s really a book to make you stop and think.

There’s a little twist in the direction of the tale which I quite enjoyed..the humans don’t really like the options the aliens are offering and come up with what they believe is a better option..but will everyone agree?

Definitely an author I’d follow to see where his work takes him.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

My thanks go to the author for the chance to read/review their work.

Elji And The Galrass – By Colin Sinclair – Review

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Next up for review is Elji and the Galrass book one in the Essence Sagas series by Colin Sinclair.

Here’s the blurb

Pages – 250

Genre -Fantasy/Science Fiction

Elji, a boy from a village outside the city of Mehem discovers a “Galrass” a tool usually wielded only by those who understand its power. Perhaps it was left for him to find or perhaps it was just a random happening?

The Galrass embroils him in a struggle he never expected to be part of or even imagined existed. Dregar, a being from a different planet and galaxy ‘feels’ the boys interruption of the universal essence and takes him under his wing and so his journey begins.

Friendships are made and lost and many lives must be put in danger to usher the civilization into its rightful place among the Universal essence. Will Elji fulfill his potential and help save his world or will it fall into darkness?

Review

Elji is a young boy whose life is about to be turned upside down when he finds a strange stone. This is no ordinary stone though..it’s a Galrass which has unimaginable power.

Dregar senses Elji and his Galrass and takes him under his wing. He’s not the only one who has sensed the presence of the Galrass and we learn of beings, The Four, from far away who watch and influence the development of other worlds to one day see them reach the same enlightenment they have reached. They don’t wish to push a civilization before it’s ready so their influence is subtle and over many years.

We also learn of a dark power that is growing, Framin, once part of The Four now falling…

With one of The Four turned to darkness and one, Ichancha lost years ago this leaves just two to influence pivotal pieces on the chessboard to ensure Framin’s plot doesn’t come to fruition.

These chess pieces turn out to be very specific individuals, influenced slightly at times by the remaining members of The Four, Elgred and Charina. They assemble for one final battle.. or is it?

There’s twists and turns as we learn the true capabilities of The Four and Elji and I found the plot quite riveting at times.

For me the tale is fun and interesting but with the sheer number of characters and the fact the tale is so fast paced there’s a lot to take on board. I would have liked to see the progression of the tale be a little slower at times so more time could be spent on developing the characters so they become ingrained in your mind. I just didn’t feel like I got to know the characters as well as I would have liked.

Overall I enjoyed the book, the characters were interesting, the plot well thought out and those twists when thrown in really did make me go ooo as I dreamt up the possibilities myself. It’s was well written and clear to read so It’s a great start to what could be a fun series if developed well. I’d be interested to see where this goes.

My Raring – 3/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

My thanks go to the author for the chance to read/review their work.