Amazing debut in speculative fiction!
584843
This gripping story follows the (mis)adventures of Christopher Morgan, as he not only survives a prison riot, but is rather unexpectedly thrust back into the outside world, where he cannot escape his past in producing and selling illegal genetic enhancements. He has to confront conspiracy, romance, intrigue, violence, and a whole lot more on the way to reclaiming a bit of normalcy in his life.

The author excels at capturing the world that Christopher Morgan experiences, a Baltimore in the not-so-distant future. He manages to create a truly immersive atmosphere that perfectly complements the story and stops short of boring the reader with excessively detailed descriptions. The futuristic setting is very believable, with regard to the central biotechnological elements no doubt helped by the author's background in biomedical engineering. Importantly, the futuristic aspects only serve to enhance the story rather than stealing the spotlight away from it.

While the portrayal of the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist doesn't always quite measure up to the same standard, it retains sufficient depth to make Chris a very relateable character. The major characters he encounters are similarly more or less well-rounded -- while some are definitely either on the white or black end of the spectrum, none (with one very forgivable major exception) fall entirely into either category, and the antagonists have logical motives for their deeds. Indeed, the reader can never be quite sure what shade of grey a character might be until the very end.

This is reflected in the story itself, which leaves the reader (and Chris) guessing throughout, as befits a well-crafted mystery. As Chris uncovers more and more clues, they are never quite what the reader might have expected. Combined with the fast (but not rushed) pace of the novel, this makes it hard to put down. The author manages to avoid clichs, or addresses them head on when they come up by making the associated choices/events very understandable (e.g. your average protagonist not involving police when in danger, or choosing confrontation when retreat would be the smarter choice). The denouement is satisfying, with many pieces falling into place, but with enough minor questions unresolved to engage the reader even past the point of finishing the book.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. From an experienced author, I might only rate it four stars, but as a debut, this is fully deserving of five! I am already looking forward to discovering what other stories Anthony Melchiorri might have to tell in the future.
4291271
This book was amazing, and I think will be loved by fans of YA fantasy everywhere. It's such a strong debut, and leaves you wanting more. The main character is a Fireblood, a girl who has the elemental power to manipulate fire. She's never been able to control it, and is hunted by others (Frostbloods) who want to exterminate all the Firebloods, and when the book opens, have almost succeeded. That said, this is a very simple explanation...it's a far more complex situation than I've described here, and Blake has crafted a well-developed fantasy world to play with in future books. Honestly, when I finished the last page I found myself eager and impatient for the next book...I don't want to wait! On the other hand, the sequel is coming later this year, so I won't have to wait long. *grabby hands*
3648771
I was provided with an advance copy of the book from the author and was genuinely surprised that this is his first novel.  Evan managed to craft a new fantasy world with its own unique social environment and magic system that does not require the reader to make significant leaps of faith to understand how this world functions as a whole.

Within a couple of chapters, I was completely immersed in the storyline and characters.  In particular the character development for the main protagonist in the story, Tau, is a compelling character.  He is a flawed character that initially takes some effort to understand, and to even like, as his key discernable character traits appears to be just his perseverance and undying rage (after an appropriate rage enducing event).  As Taus story develops though, I found myself cheering him on similar to how I have followed other legendary protagonists of the genre  knowing they would more often than not succeed but legitimately interested in the narration of their struggle. Tau has great potential as a chacter as does his author, Evan Winter, who has managed to write a page turner of a novel which takes over in a rush of adrenaline about half way through the novel.

I am genuine interested in reading future books from this new author and believe he may have something here with this one.
2112435
Ethan Russell Erway's follow-up novel to his original short-story reveals a vibrant and surprising universe that will have steampunk fans wanting more. After teasing us in&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Blowing-Off-Steam-When-It-Rains-It-Pours/dp/B00DVZT7LE/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Blowing Off Steam - When It Rains It Pours</a>, Erway expands upon a solid background with a stunning new world and colorful characters. Readers who enjoy fantastic worlds and mechanical marvels won't be able to put down this book!
1531396
This story is very well told, and has a tremendous sense of balance between interesting characters and a unique sci-fi world. The great thing about the sci-fi genre is that anything is possible, which opens up readers' minds to endless possibilities and makes predicting what will happen impossible (and no one likes an ending you could spot a mile away!). The not-so-great thing is that some authors use it as an excuse to cross too far across "the line" separating interesting impossibilities and the land of just darn-right weirdness. Carissa expertly walked that line with this story, and kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what secrets this strange world held, and wanting to know what would become of these characters that I so quickly came to care about. I am impatiently looking forward to Book 2!
118080
Karin Lowachee has written a marvelous debut novel.  One of the most engaging and exciting debuts since _Ender's Game_, way back in the mid-80s.
In _Warchild_, Lowachee has written a startingly good mil-SF yarn.  I'll forgo any plot summary here.  I'm sure it's available elsewhere on this page.  Suffice it to say that Lowachee's novel is not only one of the best SF debuts in 2002, but it's one of the best SF novels of the year.
The plot is exciting.  Lowachee's aliens are fascinatingly different.  The three-way conflict between space pirates, aliens, and Earth Fleet is convincing and compelling.  Lowachee writes most of the novel in first-person, though the opening section is, daringly, written from a second-person perspective.  This is a compulsively readable book.  I was hard pressed to put it down.
By the end of the novel, I was ready for more.  Here's hoping there's a sequel!
2296112
This is a fantastic debut! Fast-paced, both tense and witty and with a sharp attention to the worldbuilding. Even though it's a novella we can sense that the whole mythology is already deeply established and that the author plans to take us on a grand surface run.
Looking forward to the next adventure!
3675775
Similarly to master mythmaker, the legendary JRR Tolkien this truly remarkable debut novel is a masterwork of refreshing originality and breathtaking scope. What the deftly woven narrative lacks in profundity and intricate details (as to the world-building), more than makes up in imaginative concepts and inventive ideas. The use of metaphorical nuance as an undertone to Kasper Beaumont's fantasy world is brilliant, as it enhances the believability and realistic `feel' to his creation. I was swept away into a mystical realm of Halflings and curious creatures; from Elves to Dwarves, Sorcerers and dark enemies (as found in "The Hobbit"). I felt sure that the author draws his inspiration and concepts from children's classic fantasy tales such as The Hobbit and Narnia, yet with a distinctly contemporary twist and idiosyncratic style.

Elven Jewel is the first instalment within `The Hunters of Reloria' trilogy and an exciting new edition to the genre, targeted towards the younger reader (middle-grade/ YA) and yet is something that can equally be enjoyed by adult alike. This fantastical creation containing myth, magic and fairies is an adventure story of a lifetime, which takes you on a dark perilous quest into the unknown that you'll never forget!

*The purity and simplicity of this story is what makes it stand out within such a crowded, hugely popular (and competitive) genre in which many self-published works can get overlooked.

As far-removed as one could possibly imagine from say for instance those darker, grittier fantasy novels like George RR Martin's epic sequence  `A Song of Ice & Fire' (which is something many fantasy readers of the 21st Century seem to expect these days). The light prose is slanted on the nave side, so as to appeal to the younger reader and so expectations are met if you seek a sensational `children's' fantasy that's wide reaching and extensive. This captivating and hugely entertaining, riveting read was a pleasant delight and one that I would highly recommend.

 *I would like to thank the author for providing me with an e-copy of his debut novel to read & review. *

[...]
140051
Wow! there is a lot of chatter about this book! I think it is interesting that there is such a vast difference of opinions! Personally, I'm very impressed that a first-time novelist was able to capture my imagination and intrigue right from the start, and keep me guessing as the story line progressed....(and, I might add, left me hanging over a cliff at the end of the book!!) Yes, there are editing issues, but those can easily be corrected in future printings. I am looking forward to continue the stretch of my imagination as I encoutner whatever happens next in this frantic search to save the planets. I'm also very curious to see what happens when the Book of Immortality is finally opened. I say congratulations to the author for this, his first amazing work of fiction. If you are looking for an intense, imaginative book, full of twists and turns that befall these genuine characters, you will be very well rewarded. I, for one, am looking forward to book #2 and the rest of the series!
4044915
I really warmed to Phantist and the odd collection of misfit friends he gains in his travels. Things begin to take on an ominous tone after a while and, what starts out seeming like a boy's quest to master his abilities tale takes on a much larger scale! To say that this book gives a fully-defined and strikingly original fantasy world would not do justice to how vivid and wonderful McMillan's creations are! I've read a number of fantasy novels and, while I normally gravitate toward things like Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire," I'm so glad that I gave this one a try!

The world setting is as unique as I've come across and truly feels like its own land rather than another Tolkein-esque world or Dungeons and Dragons type Europe: it's a strange blending of an almost fairytale land with steampunk incursions from the technologically-based country to the north. The same is true of the characters: all distinct and clearly drawn with no stock fantasy figures to be found. McMillan's mastery of voice and naturalistic dialogue make this a pleasurable read that has no profanity or strong sexual content, making it appealing to all ages!
3104383
Holy cow! This novel took me by surprise! I'm an avid reader of YA Fantasy and I really enjoyed that this debut novel was so well thought out and completely different from anything I've read before. I really enjoyed the world that he built, as well as the texts that he provided from the works of the world he built, they follow a holy text called the Cataclysmos. I think that added some extra flair that I wasn't expecting.

While most of the book focuses on multiple POV's, we mostly follow that of Nara - although we get a very well rounded story here. Nara has somewhat of a mysterious past, seeing as how she's adopted. Nara has never been a fan of secrets - so having these huge holes in her life doesn't really sit well with her. We start off the book with a ceremony of sorts - one that plunges our female lead into a world of secrets and truths; where she is willing to do just about anything to make things right.

I really enjoyed the journey these characters set out on; one of self-discovery, coming of age, and good versus evil. The pacing was good, balanced well with development. This book is very clean, a true YA read.
4775739
Wonderful debut fantasy novel, and the start to what I hope will be a grand adventure. Kova does a fantastic job with setting up a world and characters that I cannot wait to see more of.

The book has a somewhat slow start (only reason I did not give it five stars), but once it gets going IT GETS GOING. I am entranced by this world and these characters - especially Prince Aldrik. Kova did a wonderful job of crafting him into someone who is both a "bad boy" but also a character that the reader can sympathize with. The magic is intriguing and well thought out, and the history of the world as well.
410492
I was skeptical going into this book, knowing it was from a debut author, but I'm so glad I gave it a chance! I found myself wanting to find out what happened next, even as it got late into the night. It left me wanting more, and that's exactly what an intro book to a new series should do.

The characters were interesting, and the book gave just enough hints at what's to come that I can't wait to read the next book. The writing is top notch with a good balance of action and description. Though the use of internal monologue might not be for everyone, I enjoyed the style and the insight into the character's thoughts.

I've been looking for a space opera that broke the mold of humans leaving Earth and other far-future tales, and this fits the bill. I'll be anxiously awaiting to see where this series goes.
4674970
An absolutely brilliant debut novel from author James R. Wells that is jam packed with adventure, wonderfully crafted characters and set in an intriguing future where 7 large corporations control everything.  The main character, Evan McElroy is an exo-archeologist who currently works for Affirmatix, one of the 7 Sisters (largest corporations) on a Versari (a long extinct alien species) dig.  Evan finds an old Versari information cube that contains the location of hundreds of Glomes (hyperspace spheres).  Using the information, Evan checks out an unknown Glome that he suspects leads to the human inhabited planet of Kelter.  Unfortunately, Affirmatix thinks that he is absconding with the information, label him as an infoterrorist and try and kill him.  Thus begins a race between Evan and Affirmatix - Evan uses his wits to evade Affirmatix efforts to kill him and receives help from his friends, Mira and Kate in order to get the information out to all of humanity; while Affirmatix efforts are geared towards killing Evan, creating a True Story (another word for spinning a false story that they hope people will believe over the real truth) and prevent any loss of control and profit.  Wells has created a sobering future where seven large corporations control every aspect of human life - purchasing power is king, a person's descendents may be called upon to stump up millions of credits if their ancestor has neglected to pay any money owed to the controlling corporations, to think outside the norm is to be labelled an infoterrorist and True Stories are created to masked what is really going on - the corporations want humanity to believe its own sanitised version of events.  A highly recommended read.
3454362
Title: Warcross
Author: Marie Lu
Age Group: Teen/Young Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
Series: Warcross, book one
Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it.

Warcross was chosen as the November book for one of the library book clubs that I go to, and Im not gonna lie; I was stoked when I received the news. Id already had it in my stack earlier in the month, but I hadnt been able to finish it before I had to take it back. When I was told about it, I ordered it the night that I got home from the September meeting. I put it on the top of my stack the weekend before book club, so Id have ample time to read it. First of all: the cover! Its so pretty and futuristic-looking! Marie Lu is one of my favorite authors; she captured my heart with The Young Elites series, and so now, Ill pretty much read anything that she writes. (Cue Hopelessly Devoted to You!) Warcross is a series opener, a science fiction debut that explores themes such as the meshing of technology with real life, the true meaning of family, free will, and what it really means to be independent and how to stand on your own two feet.

Emika Chen is someone who has lived on the outskirts her whole life; ever since her fathers untimely death from cancer, she has become a scavenger, an outsider looking in. Never mind that she is a genius hacker and gamer. Desperate for cash and on the verge of being evicted from her apartment, she hacks into a game of Warcross; think of something like Warcraft and Minecraft mixed together and youve got something close to it, only it takes place in virtual realityliterally. When she is caught, the games creator, Hideo Tanaka, demands an audience. Expecting the worst kind of retribution, Tanaka offers her just the opposite: a job, all expenses and debts paid off, and the only catch is that Emika catch the mysterious fellow hacker that is determined to derail the international Warcross Championships. But the deeper that Emika digs, the more she realizes that everyone has something to hide, and some secrets are worth killing for

This book was a great series opener, and I really enjoyed it! It was a fun, colorful and unexpected departure from her usual dystopian futures and fantasy. The writing was beautiful, sharp, and descriptive, and the pacing was breakneck; I was glued to the pages and finished the book within two days. But even more than that, I was totally seduced by the futuristic Tokyo that Emika lives in, full of color, excitement, and next generation technology. And the way that games were incorporated into the book was really fun and exciting! And Hideo Tanaka! Oh my gosh, the romance between the two of them was heart-melting and had me fanning myself! I also really enjoyed the other characters, particularly Emikas competitors.  The added mystery of Zero, deep inside of the dark net, just added another great layer to the book. And that ending! Oh my God, Marie Lu, how could you do that to me?! I cant possibly wait another year for the sequel! The bottom line: A slick, futuristic series opener, Warcross captivated my mind and stole my heart, and I cant wait for the next book! Next on deck: Odd and True by Cat Winters!
1619624
Emily Durante's story captured me within the first ten minutes, and drew me in to her masterfully crafted fantastical universe. With a truly captivating story and brilliantly spun character development, I found myself pushing other tasks aside to be able to read more of her story.

If you are a fan of the fantasy genre and looking for a unique universe to get lost in, look no further! This book is a solid read and a series that will have you anxiously anticipating sequels!
2641536
For fans of Speculative fiction, dystopian societies or just really great writing, this is a must-read series. The concept is fresh and disturbing, and encourages pondering of the ethical questions regarding the balance between the value of human life and conservation of our natural world. The characters were engaging and sympathetic, and the action moves along quickly. I couldn't put it down, and I am glad I won't have to wait for the rest of the series!