I hope you find this review USEFUL.
What I would have liked to know before I bought this book. (minor spoilers)
1. What type of book is it: adventure, action, drama, etc? This is a high fantasy/contemporary tech future history military story. Wow. What a mouthful.
2. What is the story about, in general? The story is about the survivors of a nuclear holocaust on Earth, being transported to a world of magic. They have been expected for centuries as the fulfillment of a prophecy to topple the Emperor of Death, in an Everquest like world. I mean the last as a compliment to its complexity.
3. What/Who is the target audience? Teenagers, young adults and adults that enjoy a deep military story.
4. How is the proofreading? It's very good, but there are some switched words or missing words.
5. Is there character development or exploration? Some, but like most of the books from this author, the scenes change too often to encompass satisfying character development of any one individual. I don't think there is a main protagonist per-say. More like a group of equally important protagonists. Regardless of importance, all characters are one dimensional in their roles. Good guys are good guys. Bad guys are bad guys. Fools are fools. Jerks are jerks. What you see is what you get. There IS one exception, a nameless tertiary Neo Nazi who does an act of heroism on a side scene. That's it.
6. Are the characters likable? Sure. Many characters have pretty strict roles, and they felt two dimensional because of their lack of flaws, but their character synergy is pretty good. They communicate well in the face of monumental adversity.
7. Do you have to suspend disbelief? Millions of humans were transported into this new world. The story does NOT focus on those that can't handle it, but does mention them. Thus, my disbelief is ...somewhat... satisfied.
There is little conflict between the protagonists. But, given the preparation the gods have invested in having the correct people at the right time at the right place, it is within the scope of the world building.
Many scenes seem to fit together very simply: square peg into square hole. Again, the author creates believability by building on preparation. Many allies have been waiting for this moment. It is not outside the realm of probability that the gods have made sure some items were placed exactly where they are found, for exactly the right person to come along. I find the use of the `gods' a little heavy handed, but that's a personal nuance.
8. Does the story keep its pacing? I think it starts `ok' and gets better. Personally, I prefer the discovery of an unknown world, the feeling of awe and wonder. The preparation between the dimensions made the transition a tiny bit dull: killed some of the awe. The dialogue wasn't `who are you'. It was `we're glad you're here. You're expected' or `I believe him and not you, because I can see evil in you and goodness in him'. Convenient to have that power (Detect Evil?) but it gets through obstacles quickly. The author establishes a base for the quick transition of information in the very nasty first month of the `arrival'. It's not exactly my `cup of tea', but it does sort out the story very quickly.
9. Is the book worth the asking price? I paid $4, which is fairly cheap for the enjoyment.
In conclusion: A fun high fantasy/contemporary tech military book that offers action almost from the very beginning. There is no main protagonist. Instead we have a group of important protagonists. There is a lot of scene jumping and that harms character development, but keeps the large scope of the `arrival' fresh in mind. It's an `octopus' of a story, so it needs the scene jumping. There are no `deep' characters with multiple facets to their personality. Heroes are heroes. Villains are villains. Idiots are idiots. Jerks are jerks. What you see is what you get. No one will ever evolve from one to another. The proofreading is very good with one or two minor errors. The price is $4, which is fairly cheap for the enjoyment. This is exactly what I thought it would be: a straight up military book with a gaggle of tech and magic thrown into the mix. Avoid if you want something else.
3.8 Stars
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Stuart Burton
Fun mix of Sci Fi and Fantasy
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A bit Barmy ... But I like it
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