An interesting beginning
935718
A common pitfall that independently published authors fall into is a lack of plot. That is not a problem with this book. It is fast paced action right from the beginning and does a good job of pulling you in. Unfortunately, at times it feels like there is too much plot. Certain plot points and side issues get lost or dropped, and there are a lot of names to keep track of. There is a definite story here, with some interesting characters, but as it stands, this first novel in the series reads like a first draft. With some more heavy editing, this book has the potential to be something epic.
235730
Wizard Matthew Swift was murdered. Now he's been resurrected and wants to know why, and who killed him in the first place. Also, it seems he's come back with a odd guest in in head.

Griffin's novel is an interesting tale. At times it seems to meander and at times is seems a bit tongue-in-cheek but overall it's a great start to a new series.
241363
I enjoyed the characters although they could be more developed. This is the first book of the series and although the story was interesting it was simple to deduce what was going on. Who the murderer actually was had me guessing for a while which kept me reading but ultimately I knew before the ending. The story is a bit wordy with much inner thoughts which slowed the pace. All in all it is a good beginning for a developing series but unless it's a Kindle Unlimited book I would not pay for any further books in the series.
2438219
This was an interesting start to a story but it felt incomplete.  Too much foreshadowing makes it obvious whom the main rivals are to be.  There also isn't much of a plot in this book as we are just introduced to many of the main characters and races.  If I had to read this again,  I would have waited for the second book in order to get more of the plot.
1671591
The Prophet:Birth is a good start to a new series. The stage is set and action moves around the earth with the factions that nearly destroyed the world now settled in a uneasy peace. Each society is very different from the others, with the differences clear, but all share a fear of change within their population and none are free. Into this mix, a mysterious force is trying to enter our universe. Its followers are as rabid in their faith as the home grown groups. David builds the tension well, as the shadow group involved with this Unformed builds its strength under the radar of the leaders of the factions and their protective forces. Various characters are well developed.

The story kept my attention with building tension throughout.

I was given a free review copy in return for an honest review.
496627
I enjoyed this first book in the series, although i found a few things a little hard to swallow with it. Cor opened up to his new friends rather easily for bing someone that initially doesn't want friends at all, much less to ever be noticed. the villain was a good twist and all in all i enjoyed reading the book. i kept going back to it when i could, and will probably keep reading the rest of the series. there were a few funny lines as well.
4786952
Good start to the series with an interesting set of characters that I look forward to reading more about. While some reviewers found the start of the story to be a little slow I feel that the background provides a crucial understanding of how deep a divide exists between the wealthy inner city people are the dwells. To be provided with the opportunity to gain a life of previously unimaginable wealth and power. But at the cost of turning into something that you and everyone you love has hated and feared your entire life.
1764574
An interesting introduction to a well thought out magical realm that includes new words, foods and customs and is a great start to a compelling new fantasy series.
3809548
I enjoyed this book.  I think it's a good beginning to a new series, and I look forward to reading Book 2.
3471961
I wasn't quite as enthused about this one, but it did have a lot of good things going on.  Although I wasn't that fond of the characters, I really liked the World.  The style of writing is good.  The plot is interesting, especially for the first book in a series.  The book is a decent length, and ends well.

I don't know if I'd pay the normal pricing for this series;  but if I caught them at a discount I'd probably continue with the series, because I did like this one.
259327
A cool novella to start out a very interesting series. I liked the bit of suspense and mystery to it. Starts out with a bit of action and keeps goes from there. Works as a good introduction to the series. Written well enough that I will go find the next book. A quick entertaining story. Not a lot of character development but it is a novella starting a series so can't expect a lot.  I received a copy from the author and this is my honest review. I thought there was just enough plot, character development, and story line to it to make it interesting.
1074252
A complex interesting world,  I am not sure if the appeal of the world for the low working characters. Yes virtual reality is nice for the disabled the blind but why healthy people would grind out an existence mining is beyond me but accepting that and going with it it slightly depressed me that the clans and everyone seemed intent on hurting other players rather then helping them or ignoring them.  A good start to a series.  Where we will see good smart underdog do well
4003508
Interesting start to a series with potential
1319176
Smooth beginning to the story, leaves me wanting more.
3564792
In general, a nice introduction to the series, though a bit erratic at times. Alternating points-of-view, though they fit the author's purpose, weren't always as "clean" as a reader might like, and damaged the story's flow.
One of the more interesting "role playing" storylines, several of which take up the "NPC" cause.

I'll read the next book in this series, though I hope that the author improves areas of interpersonal communications, and plots out the book vs. series ARC's a bit better... (We) can also hope that the sequel is better than the initial book -- continuous improvement...
4263591
An introduction so maybe it will turn into something in future books.
4014594
A Promising Start to an Ambitious Series

  In the first of a planned six book series, P.J. Wetzel sets out with the ambitious goal of telling the tale of the messiah for an Earth hundreds of thousands of years in the future.  With Out of Crystal Ice, he has given his readers a most promising start.

  In the year 635,037 A.D., homo sapiens are extinct, replaced by six species battling for supremacy.  Among these six are the changed descendants of humans, and among these humans we find our protagonist Adam.  Adam lives with his family in the middle of a crushing ice age, scavenging for food and barely staying alive.  He and his younger sister Lissa hear voices, which may or may not be their ancestors guiding them on.  Into this sad and meager existence comes Revelstoke, an egotistical emissary bringing word that the ancient city of Rome, one of humanitys last bastions, has fallen before the Hoards of Armageddon.  But Revelstoke, it seems, needs Adam, who may very well be the long-prophesized Last Messiah favored by God.

  Wetzels writing is strong, at times verging on the lyrical, and he has set out to construct a vast and complex world.  Out of Crystal Ice ends just as Adam is discovering his true self, and leaves a number of plot threads unresolved and dangling, which may frustrate some readers.  But I found the book, as the first in a long series, to be quite intriguing, and I look forward to reading the rest of the tale.