Imaginative and thoughtful "what if" !
357101
My book club read this book a few months ago and it still haunts me. Not in a frightening way, just in the incredible detail the author goes into as he describes different aspects of our planet and how it might change were we to vanish tomorrow. Lexington Avenue in NYC would become a river after the street collapses into the subway tunnels below which already require constant pumping to keep from flooding... future "visitors" might stumble across our city's fire hydrants in the middle of re-grown forests hundreds of years from now, because cast-iron is virtually indestructible, and maybe assume they were religious icons... etc. It is a wonderful blend of history AND scientific hypothesis, but all of it is based on events that have already happened and what we've learned from them. I didn't love EVERY single chapter (the one on a farm in England that analyzes and preserves soil went on longer than it held my attention), but the majority of it was fascinating and easy to read, which was great for us non-science types. I would suggest this for a unique read and something likely to stay with you for a long time.
1121464
I was intrigued by the description of this childrens Science Fiction/fantasy novel and couldn't resist reading it myself. Im glad I did!

This story is apparently based on bedtime stories the author originally made up and told her two daughters. It has a great range of characters, both good and evil - and some where using these categories youd be wrong as they aren't all what they seem and their motives make some actions considerably more understandable - but only when you're near the end of the book!

There are fairies, gnomes, heroes, heroines, magic, mystery, danger and double crossing to enthral children reading it. It is targeted at nine to twelve year old readers, though I suspect younger able readers will be equally entertained by it. It has a fast pace, with plenty of action, twist and turns to keep them interested. I can think of quite a few children Ive taught who would have loved this story and thats how I judge such books, would it encourage children to get lost in the story and in this case I believe it would.

There are a few aspects Id question as an adult (no spoilers but things like marriage contracts and magically created love) but I don't think these would worry most children. The way the perception of characters as good or evil changes as more is revealed is actually a brilliant consideration for children and could be used for some great discussions - sometimes someones actions may seem inappropriate until you know all the facts! Keep an open mind and enjoy escaping into this new fantasy adventure!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.
2567823
Given to me by a good friend who knows the author and thought I might enjoy it. I admit that I was a bit skeptical (my nature as a technical writer) but I ended up being most pleasantly surprised! What a great read! It was a wonderfully well done combination of mystique, excitement, history, science fiction, romance combining aspects of ancient history, the recent past, the present and the future. Not too complex nor too simple...but just right for a relaxing and enjoyable day trip into a world of well crafted imagination. And that's not the best part! The presentation of creationism as a more rational theory than the "time plus slime plus chance" theory we call evolution was very refreshing and spiritually uplifting. When I finished reading this, I felt as though I had wisely used my time and at the same time enjoyed something extraordinary that somehow made this world a little better place. If you're one that's constantly changing channels because there is "nothing worth watching" read this book - it'll make your day!
4190362
This novel is an imaginative look at an intriguing "what if". The author proposes a tear in the space-time continuum as the departure point from our contemporary time line. The modern state of Israel is sent back in time to 1940-from there, history changes. I thought the concept was imaginative and well thought out. The plot was really a collection of subplots, and didn't allow for much character development. The author kept my interest throughout. I was never bored. The editing was much more professional than many alternative histories.
4754994
Wow! What an imagination! Kyrathaba Rising is a superb sci fi fantasy, set in the far future. It starts simply enough as another take on how humans survive a nuclear holocaust and how they adapt to the after math. But it soon evolves into an intricate story that moves between different worlds and environments. Some of the clever plot twists completely blindside you, and soon you simply can't stop turning the pages. You just have to know what happens next.

Bryan Miller has a Tolkein like concept, albeit set in the future where there are different stories happening side by side, and you know that at the end all the many threads will entwine to form the final knot. The breadth and variety of characters is simply mind boggling. An absolutely fascinating read, vivid and detailed from character development and settings to the plot itself. Waiting to read the sequel!!!
3911567
Utterly surprised to be the first to have reviewed this. :| This book made me think about the possibility of alternate histories that could very well be proven true before the socially accepted histories.  As with everything, the "what ifs" take over and have you looking up things before you are finished reading the book.  Chances are if you are actually considering buying this book you like to take notes of some sort..if you don't..you should probably heed the warning (you will want to).  As with the 12th Planet, things that I have come across since reading this have made me question things I read within the pages, but it is a very stimulating read nonetheless.
4936970
This novel requires a "suspension of disbelief," as described by Coleridge, but if you can achieve that it will blow you away with its sheer imagination and stunning ending. It concerns the appearance - and periodic disappearances and reappearances - of someone called "The Man" at a NYC hospital on Easter with wounds apparently identical to those inflicted on Jesus Christ at the crucifixion.  What ensues involves a theory I all "God as Ancient Astronaut" - but don't give up! I was so impressed with this novel that I loaned it to many friends, all but one of whom were equally impressed. It has the potential to change your view of our world - and isn't that something to which a novelist should aspire? Well worth the read!
4091604
Truly imaginative, unique, and gripping -- I really really liked it!  Robin Winter has a gift for inventing a world we'd be interested in saving, characters we'd be enriched to meet, and ideas about the human condition we'd be wise to ponder.
1899904
L. E. Azer has combined two short stories in this unique book. Both stories are based on Biblical accounts. Both are plausible illustrations of ingenious "what if" story telling.

"The Crucifixion" is a creative, imaginative fictional account of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross and the impact this had on a Roman soldier who was there when Christ died and again when He rose from the dead.

"In the Beginning" is a fanciful story of Astaria, a world of light. Azer uses fictional names but the stories are based on the Word of God. Azer attempts to use fiction as a platform to help people understand the heart of the God of the universe. He takes the premise that if scientists can invent the theory of evolution, he can use Biblical knowledge to logically explain the existence of dinosaurs and the ice age.

Azer's writing is entertaining, thought provoking and his suppositions are believable. His characters evoke empathy and are credible. Azer delivers a strong message without using a discordant peachiness. Very compelling writing.
4325899
Very good! Descriptions were vivid and his imagination is a wonder that sweeps the reader away and doesn't set them down again until the final page! Quick and enjoyable read. I found out there will be a 3-day sequence movie next week. I'm excited!
4351769
Note: For some reason, the ADD TITLES feature of my Media Library will not allow me to add this book and I don't know why. I did not purchase it from Amazon so that could be why even though that is exactly what the ADD TITLES feature is for.

This book is one of the most imaginative and creative books I have read in a long time. The concept is derived from finding vintage photos & then creating a story around them. Because of this, I found this book delightfully strange yet filled with the wonder and magic of child's mind, eye & heart. This book is completely original from concept to execution and gives the reader a chance to be a kid again...

That being said, I would have liked to learn a little more about the children and I certainly would have preferred a slightly different ending. But, given the ending that takes place, I will not be surprised if there is a follow up.
527606
A very thoughtful approach to this alien world with the most powerful twist! Fantastic read!
4651705
This book is very thought provoking. Could this be an aspect of what the future may be like? Who really knows. I was immediately sucked in and read the book in one night. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to others.
3834328
I can identify with the reviewer that wrote she or he could not stop thinking about the book. I can't either but not because it was so good, which I must emphasize I think it was, actually because I cannot stop putting myself in this scenario. Extremely imaginative; it is curious that one not very nice magnate fixated on a sundry group of individuals just because he put up funds to rescue them from a hostage situation. He is portrayed as domineering and manipulative. Around this idea (the group) the whole storyline is centered. End of the world - we are indeed talking about an extinction story unless the children develop gills!
My copy is a paperback purchased from a local shop but "Ark" , the sequel (purchased today) is a Kindle edition.
I have read most of Stephen Baxter's books. The first was Coalescent and all the following books in the series. I like his writing style.
I found this book to be readable and fast going.
1194865
Reading this book was like casually walking down a street then, all of a sudden stepping into an open manhole, but being pleasantly shocked!  I sometime found it difficult to concentrate on the story as the content triggered my imagination and sent it wondering off with the thought of, what if!  What a great concept......if only.  Since this book was written mankind has come a long way with genetics so you never know.  The ending leaves a possible opening for a sequel, good versus evil to the ultimate end?  I hope that, having mentioned that the book has been looked at as a possible film, that they do it justice.  Talking of justice, read CRIME ZERO, this is also by Michael Cordy, another great concept.
388807
This series is imaginative and engaging as well as an enjoyable read.  Imagine what it would be like to meet an alien species with a culture and world-view so different from our own - and to see it through their eyes.  It really gets you thinking about diversity and inclusion; both the value of it and the difficulty in doing it.
2963500
I really enjoyed this book. The author has a unique imagination and poses intriguing scenarios which leave you pondering the possibilities long after you've finished the book. I would certainly recommend this book as well as City of the Yeti by the same author.