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Shifter Evolutions #3
The Shifters of 2040
America 2040. Three Species. Divided Lovers. The Race is on for Planet Earth.
Set in Alaska in 2040, Melissa Marn and Bruce Wilder must work under the iron fist of the SCM, while still try- ing to maintain humanity. Discovering a world of shifters and hybrids, the scientists must struggle with human prejudice and betrayal. With the original ancestors, dubbed shifters, still living on earth, humans are in the midst of a fifteen year old war. As the eldest hybrids, Unseen and Diamond, learn about humans the hard way, with the loss of loved ones and sacrifices, love on planet earth proves challenging.
With underlining themes of how prejudice breaks human con- nections and animal/wildlife conservation, this novel which has received rave reviews will leave the reader flipping through the pages.
Set in Alaska in 2040, Melissa Marn and Bruce Wilder must work under the iron fist of the SCM, while still try- ing to maintain humanity. Discovering a world of shifters and hybrids, the scientists must struggle with human prejudice and betrayal. With the original ancestors, dubbed shifters, still living on earth, humans are in the midst of a fifteen year old war. As the eldest hybrids, Unseen and Diamond, learn about humans the hard way, with the loss of loved ones and sacrifices, love on planet earth proves challenging.
With underlining themes of how prejudice breaks human con- nections and animal/wildlife conservation, this novel which has received rave reviews will leave the reader flipping through the pages.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2010
5 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Ami Blackwelder
74 books381 followersM.Black is the author of ELECTRIC WORLD, EXOTIQA WORLD, SIM WORLD, GRAPH WORLD, QUANTUM STATE and more. She writes Dystopian Thrillers and can be found at http://MBlackDystopianThrillers.blogs...
Ami Blackwelder write Paranormal stories with a side of apocalypse. Elves, angels, vampires, zombies, mermaids, shifters. Found here: http://amiblackwelder.blogspot.com
Rebecca May is her pen name for The Day the Flowers Died, a World War II romanc.e
Ami Blackwelder write Paranormal stories with a side of apocalypse. Elves, angels, vampires, zombies, mermaids, shifters. Found here: http://amiblackwelder.blogspot.com
Rebecca May is her pen name for The Day the Flowers Died, a World War II romanc.e
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 28, 2011
This is the third in the Shifter Evolutions paranormal futuristic sci-fi series. While each book can be read separately or in series order, the author suggests starting with this book because it has the most information about the shifter and hybrid race. The other books take place either in the past or the future. Blackwelder does a very good job of providing an overall glossary/encyclopedic overview of the shifter race before the story begins.
This is a heart-wrenching story about what happens when aliens land and start to interact with humans and of course the military gets involved. In typical "shoot first ask questions later" fashion the military have decimated the alien population. Unbeknownst to the military, the shifter males have impregnated human females for the past 20 years so there are now hybrid shifters. This is the story of a small band of remaining shifters in Alaska 20 years after arriving on Earth. It is also a story about one such human female who is impregnated and her attempts to keep the knowledge from the military while learning all she can about the new species.
Melissa, the human female lead, is a military research scientist. Unlike her research assistant, she is military minded and wants to see the shifter race wiped out but she can't help being awed by their genetic makeup. She is definitely an "experiments first, humanity second" kind of gal but she's not totally conscienceless. And she can't help being drawn to Brendan.
Brendan, the shifter male lead, just wants to survive and see his babies born and safe as do the others of his race. He finds himself drawn to and loving Melissa.
Keenan and Diamond - a forbidden romance that might just get Diamond's family killed.
Upon finishing the story you have no qualms about labeling the humans the bad guys in this. As usual, fear of the unknown makes idiots and monsters of mankind.
Not having read books one and two of the series, I wasn't lost but did have some questions that I wonder if were answered there. The writing style is a bit unusual but I was quickly drawn in and broke out in tears a couple of times, which shows that the characters are so believable as to incite sympathy and caring. Once I started reading this I couldn't put it down. This is not what paranormal romance or urban fantasy fans are used to but I think they could enjoy the book.
This is a heart-wrenching story about what happens when aliens land and start to interact with humans and of course the military gets involved. In typical "shoot first ask questions later" fashion the military have decimated the alien population. Unbeknownst to the military, the shifter males have impregnated human females for the past 20 years so there are now hybrid shifters. This is the story of a small band of remaining shifters in Alaska 20 years after arriving on Earth. It is also a story about one such human female who is impregnated and her attempts to keep the knowledge from the military while learning all she can about the new species.
Melissa, the human female lead, is a military research scientist. Unlike her research assistant, she is military minded and wants to see the shifter race wiped out but she can't help being awed by their genetic makeup. She is definitely an "experiments first, humanity second" kind of gal but she's not totally conscienceless. And she can't help being drawn to Brendan.
Brendan, the shifter male lead, just wants to survive and see his babies born and safe as do the others of his race. He finds himself drawn to and loving Melissa.
Keenan and Diamond - a forbidden romance that might just get Diamond's family killed.
Upon finishing the story you have no qualms about labeling the humans the bad guys in this. As usual, fear of the unknown makes idiots and monsters of mankind.
Not having read books one and two of the series, I wasn't lost but did have some questions that I wonder if were answered there. The writing style is a bit unusual but I was quickly drawn in and broke out in tears a couple of times, which shows that the characters are so believable as to incite sympathy and caring. Once I started reading this I couldn't put it down. This is not what paranormal romance or urban fantasy fans are used to but I think they could enjoy the book.
June 13, 2011
While I read several reviews that referred to this series as paranormal, it is definitely more sci-fi than PR. Luckily, I enjoy both. Paranormal to me is vampires, werewolves and other types of shifters, basically characters that I don’t believe exist. Now aliens from other planets, I’m more open to the possibility of them, so why couldn’t they be shape shifters?
I do admit to being a bit overwhelmed with all the information presented at the beginning of the story. I think the glossary would have been a better fit at the back of the book rather than in the beginning. The massive list of alien characters was a bit overwhelming too but it always takes me a bit to settle into the first book of a series anyway. While the first book was not exactly an easy read, it was a fast paced exciting read and once I got about a 100 pages into it was unable to put it down. At this point, the book really took off for me.
One thing that bothered me was the level of total distrust and bias against the aliens. As this takes place a mere 25+ years in the future, I didn’t quite buy the pretty much government control of individuals and their loss of rights. I expect the prequels to this book will satisfy some of those questions though. While I’m one who HAS TO read a series in chronological order as I don’t want to learn a single detail till the timing is right, I love that this series is written Circular in time and after beginning with The Shifters of 2040, you can chose to read the past or the future. Awesome concept!
Blackwelder’s aliens were remarkable. They were fascinating and quickly grabbed your attention and horror to their hardships and persecution by the human population. This takes place in Alaska and the descriptions of the areas had me picturing the forests and wilderness with no problem at all. If you are in the mood for a great sci-fi read don’t hesitate to pick up this series. It will entertain you for hours and best of all there are already 3 books out with the rest to follow shortly. Nothing than I love better than to find a great series that I don’t have to wait a year between books for.
I do admit to being a bit overwhelmed with all the information presented at the beginning of the story. I think the glossary would have been a better fit at the back of the book rather than in the beginning. The massive list of alien characters was a bit overwhelming too but it always takes me a bit to settle into the first book of a series anyway. While the first book was not exactly an easy read, it was a fast paced exciting read and once I got about a 100 pages into it was unable to put it down. At this point, the book really took off for me.
One thing that bothered me was the level of total distrust and bias against the aliens. As this takes place a mere 25+ years in the future, I didn’t quite buy the pretty much government control of individuals and their loss of rights. I expect the prequels to this book will satisfy some of those questions though. While I’m one who HAS TO read a series in chronological order as I don’t want to learn a single detail till the timing is right, I love that this series is written Circular in time and after beginning with The Shifters of 2040, you can chose to read the past or the future. Awesome concept!
Blackwelder’s aliens were remarkable. They were fascinating and quickly grabbed your attention and horror to their hardships and persecution by the human population. This takes place in Alaska and the descriptions of the areas had me picturing the forests and wilderness with no problem at all. If you are in the mood for a great sci-fi read don’t hesitate to pick up this series. It will entertain you for hours and best of all there are already 3 books out with the rest to follow shortly. Nothing than I love better than to find a great series that I don’t have to wait a year between books for.
November 11, 2010
Just going to state this straight up: If you haven't read The Hunted of 2060, you can still read this before you read that one. Because hint hint it's a prequel! But this review is going to have really bad spoilers to 2060.
The Shifters of 2040 is a really great prequel to The Hunted of 2060 by Ami Blackwelder! It brings you more background into the original book in the series, and helps you understand more about the reasons Melissa gave up April and Arquet and who Bruce really is, which wasn't really stated that in depth in the first book.
Melissa Mauren, is a scientist for the SCM, and a good one at that. Together with Bruce during the course of the book develops a new "product" that will change the course of history forever, especially for national security. But what she doesn't know is that the man she brought home from Kinko Bar one night wasn't actually a man but a shifter. The alien species that invaded Earth on 2020, but were harmless till 2025 when they were found out. That man, gave her the one thing she never thought she would never have: a family, but in the end a deadly secret. Bruce her lab partner, and a man that wants to be more than just friends, is there every step of the way for Melissa through out the book. And is actually quiet a brave man at that compared to some others. Also there's Melissa's father, and about a ton of other generals, and soldiers involved in the story and taking down of the shifters race. But also there are a few other characters that also appear in 2040, like Unseen, Diamond and some of the other hybrids (but at this point their mostly under 5).
So check out Ami's book, The Shifter of 2040. It's a great book, and after reading The Hunted of 2060, gave me more information about this world that Ami has created. Ami is planning to next release The Hybrids of 2050, in this series, and I'm wondering who it will focus on this time (I'm hoping Arquet!).
The Shifters of 2040 is a really great prequel to The Hunted of 2060 by Ami Blackwelder! It brings you more background into the original book in the series, and helps you understand more about the reasons Melissa gave up April and Arquet and who Bruce really is, which wasn't really stated that in depth in the first book.
Melissa Mauren, is a scientist for the SCM, and a good one at that. Together with Bruce during the course of the book develops a new "product" that will change the course of history forever, especially for national security. But what she doesn't know is that the man she brought home from Kinko Bar one night wasn't actually a man but a shifter. The alien species that invaded Earth on 2020, but were harmless till 2025 when they were found out. That man, gave her the one thing she never thought she would never have: a family, but in the end a deadly secret. Bruce her lab partner, and a man that wants to be more than just friends, is there every step of the way for Melissa through out the book. And is actually quiet a brave man at that compared to some others. Also there's Melissa's father, and about a ton of other generals, and soldiers involved in the story and taking down of the shifters race. But also there are a few other characters that also appear in 2040, like Unseen, Diamond and some of the other hybrids (but at this point their mostly under 5).
So check out Ami's book, The Shifter of 2040. It's a great book, and after reading The Hunted of 2060, gave me more information about this world that Ami has created. Ami is planning to next release The Hybrids of 2050, in this series, and I'm wondering who it will focus on this time (I'm hoping Arquet!).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2011
Article first published as Book Review:The Shifters of 2040 by Ami Rebecca Blackwelder on Blogcritics.
In an interesting futuristic Science Fiction novel set in the beautiful backdrop of Alaska, a species of alien that had infiltrated the earth have now begun hybridization. While throughout most of the states these aliens have allegedly been eradicated, the pockets found in Alaska appear to be some of the last of the species. Known as shifters for their ability to change form, they are hunted exhaustedly by the Shifter Counterinsurgency Military, known as SCM. The SCM have set up a scientific community to study the changes and stay abreast of the possibilities. Dr.’s Melissa Marn and Bruce Wilder are the scientists in charge of the DNA investigation. Colonel Raul is the military voice behind the scenes pushing for the information.
There is something unhealthy about his excitement in the investigation; he enjoys the pain exhibited by the shifter during experimentation. Melissa believes he is trying to find a way to use their abilities for himself. She finds him distasteful and vindictive. He is not someone she finds she can trust. Her other problem with the whole situation is her father is also a part of the SCM, and his expectations for her are very clear. Her mother died while she was still quite young and she is in thrall to her father and his machinations of her.
In The Shifters of 2040, Ami Rebecca Blackwelder has brought us a new species of alien and given us a remarkable wilderness in which to place them. In Ami’s rendition, we find the aliens to be a very non confrontational and peaceful group, and yet they are pursued and persecuted for science. While there have been some incidents where humans were killed, in every incident it appeared as though the killing happened in self-defense. Yet Colonel Raul has twisted the facts to keep hysteria high, and to be able to continue into his own nefarious schemes. The hybridization however really is happening, the Shifters are looking for a way to survive the hostility, and find that if they can alter their DNA they will have a better chance to live. Mating with human women seems to be one of the most likely possibilities.
Bclackwelder has built a race of aliens that tug at you and capture your imagination. They are interesting and yet just different enough to cause a bit of caution. As usual when differences of the nature that are described in her story, the human race react with either welcome or in this case with caution, fear, and hostility. The few that take the time to know them are enthralled, but it is such a small faction as to be nonexistent.
In Melissa, Ami has given us a protagonist that certainly creates feeling. I at times liked her but many times did not. She has excuses for every nefarious thing she does that is requested, and does not stand up for what she actually believes to be right. She refuses to change the status quo, although she does not agree with the experimentation and basic murder of a species. The perfect foil for her own demons is Bruce Wilder. Bruce finds himself in love with Melissa. He is working hard at separating her from the job that is creating such a burden. He does not understand how she can continue what is asked of her in good conscious, and continuously works at her to understand the wrongness of the orders.
Children of the Shifters are not immune to the treatment, they are also poked and prodded, looking for more answers, and when Melissa finds an answer to some of the questions of DNA, she finally reacts in a more human way. What has she found that she is now hiding? Will she be able to separate herself from the military faction, or will she continue and damage her own psyche with the experimentation that continues?
If you love science fiction, you will enjoy this book. It is the second of a series and yet written to stand on its own. The series looks interesting and I am looking forward to what comes next with this small group of Shifters, the few left that are struggling for life. This is a thought provoking book and makes you think about differences and how others are often treated based off fear and lack of understanding.
The Shifters of 2040 is a fast-paced read, full of action and characters you can care about. Blackwelder has done a great job on her characters and world.
This book was received as a free download from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
In an interesting futuristic Science Fiction novel set in the beautiful backdrop of Alaska, a species of alien that had infiltrated the earth have now begun hybridization. While throughout most of the states these aliens have allegedly been eradicated, the pockets found in Alaska appear to be some of the last of the species. Known as shifters for their ability to change form, they are hunted exhaustedly by the Shifter Counterinsurgency Military, known as SCM. The SCM have set up a scientific community to study the changes and stay abreast of the possibilities. Dr.’s Melissa Marn and Bruce Wilder are the scientists in charge of the DNA investigation. Colonel Raul is the military voice behind the scenes pushing for the information.
There is something unhealthy about his excitement in the investigation; he enjoys the pain exhibited by the shifter during experimentation. Melissa believes he is trying to find a way to use their abilities for himself. She finds him distasteful and vindictive. He is not someone she finds she can trust. Her other problem with the whole situation is her father is also a part of the SCM, and his expectations for her are very clear. Her mother died while she was still quite young and she is in thrall to her father and his machinations of her.
In The Shifters of 2040, Ami Rebecca Blackwelder has brought us a new species of alien and given us a remarkable wilderness in which to place them. In Ami’s rendition, we find the aliens to be a very non confrontational and peaceful group, and yet they are pursued and persecuted for science. While there have been some incidents where humans were killed, in every incident it appeared as though the killing happened in self-defense. Yet Colonel Raul has twisted the facts to keep hysteria high, and to be able to continue into his own nefarious schemes. The hybridization however really is happening, the Shifters are looking for a way to survive the hostility, and find that if they can alter their DNA they will have a better chance to live. Mating with human women seems to be one of the most likely possibilities.
Bclackwelder has built a race of aliens that tug at you and capture your imagination. They are interesting and yet just different enough to cause a bit of caution. As usual when differences of the nature that are described in her story, the human race react with either welcome or in this case with caution, fear, and hostility. The few that take the time to know them are enthralled, but it is such a small faction as to be nonexistent.
In Melissa, Ami has given us a protagonist that certainly creates feeling. I at times liked her but many times did not. She has excuses for every nefarious thing she does that is requested, and does not stand up for what she actually believes to be right. She refuses to change the status quo, although she does not agree with the experimentation and basic murder of a species. The perfect foil for her own demons is Bruce Wilder. Bruce finds himself in love with Melissa. He is working hard at separating her from the job that is creating such a burden. He does not understand how she can continue what is asked of her in good conscious, and continuously works at her to understand the wrongness of the orders.
Children of the Shifters are not immune to the treatment, they are also poked and prodded, looking for more answers, and when Melissa finds an answer to some of the questions of DNA, she finally reacts in a more human way. What has she found that she is now hiding? Will she be able to separate herself from the military faction, or will she continue and damage her own psyche with the experimentation that continues?
If you love science fiction, you will enjoy this book. It is the second of a series and yet written to stand on its own. The series looks interesting and I am looking forward to what comes next with this small group of Shifters, the few left that are struggling for life. This is a thought provoking book and makes you think about differences and how others are often treated based off fear and lack of understanding.
The Shifters of 2040 is a fast-paced read, full of action and characters you can care about. Blackwelder has done a great job on her characters and world.
This book was received as a free download from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
April 29, 2011
The Shifters of 2040 is the first to be released of a six part story. Chronologically, it is the third book however the prequels are yet to be released. I think this is a great concept- you can choose whether to read the future or the past – very cool!
The Shifters of 2040, introduces the main (human) characters Melissa Marn and Dr Bruce Wilder who are both scientists who conduct experiments on (shape) shifters. They are employed by the SCM (Shifter-Contingency Military) which aim to eradicate the shifters from earth and to keep their plan active they maintain fear in the civilians about the danger that the shifters pose. The shifters invaded earth in 2020 and have the ability to turn into animals or humans for short periods of time but the hybrids (part human part shifter) have evolving DNA and this allows them to infiltrate with humans for longer and be unnoticed.
Melissa is a hard worker at SCM and risks her life everyday to conduct research on the shifters and is strictly monitored by her father, Major Marn. Since her mother died whilst giving birth, Melissa’s father has never been the same. His need to protect Melissa from a similar fate is carried out through controlling his behaviour and Melissa is struggles to make decisions for herself. At her father’s demand Melissa undergoes a procedure so that she can never bear children- and so he will not lose her the way he lost his wife.
After a difficult day at work, Melissa heads to Kino’s Bar to try and forget all about her worries for just one night. When she meets a tall, handsome stranger she forgets all about the shifter world and falls into his arms during one hot intimate evening. Only, this stranger turns out to be the one thing that Melissa has been trained to fear and despise- a shifter. Melissa feels betrayed and used and experiences a confusing mix of feelings towards him but tries her best to get on with life by throwing herself back into her work. Until she finds out she is pregnant. It seems that her arch enemy, a shifter has given her the one thing she thought she could never have- a baby.
Torn between her allegiance with the SCM and her connection with the life growing within her- Melissa chooses to continue with the pregnancy and keep it hidden from the military. Her colleague Bruce, who has always had strong feelings for Melissa, helps her keep the secret and they begin to fantasise about their future together as a family.
Despite the part shifter baby growing within her, Melissa’s training has infiltrated her mind and she struggles to view shifters as anything but a threat. But when hybrid children are caught and caged for experimentation at the SCM, she begins to soften. Melissa needs to figure out how she can protect her offspring without risking her life.
Ami has a talent for writing about real-life issues within a world of fantasy and futurism. The underlying theme of the Shifter Evolutions is the power of human prejudice and the influence of authorities in society.
At first glimpse the book outlines the character relationships and a glossary of terms and I found this a bit overwhelming! However, I was pleasantly surprised that it all seems to fall into place once you get stuck into the reading. I wouldn’t recommend reading over these pages first up as it can be a bit confusing, rather use it as a reference to go back to throughout the story- I did this and found it very helpful. Despite the many characters- human, shifters, animals I certainly was not lost at any point during the story. Ami had my attention captured from the very first chapter.
I like how Ami provides different voices and perspectives of the characters in the story- there are plenty of little sub-plots to keep you engaged. It is action packed and I never really knew what was going to happen next- which I love!
I really enjoyed this read and definitely want to know what happens next among the conflict ridden world of the humans and shifters. The next book in the Shifter Evolutions series, The Hybrids of 2050 was released in March 2011 and is available in paperback or e-book.
View this review and Ami's book blog tour at my blog
The Shifters of 2040, introduces the main (human) characters Melissa Marn and Dr Bruce Wilder who are both scientists who conduct experiments on (shape) shifters. They are employed by the SCM (Shifter-Contingency Military) which aim to eradicate the shifters from earth and to keep their plan active they maintain fear in the civilians about the danger that the shifters pose. The shifters invaded earth in 2020 and have the ability to turn into animals or humans for short periods of time but the hybrids (part human part shifter) have evolving DNA and this allows them to infiltrate with humans for longer and be unnoticed.
Melissa is a hard worker at SCM and risks her life everyday to conduct research on the shifters and is strictly monitored by her father, Major Marn. Since her mother died whilst giving birth, Melissa’s father has never been the same. His need to protect Melissa from a similar fate is carried out through controlling his behaviour and Melissa is struggles to make decisions for herself. At her father’s demand Melissa undergoes a procedure so that she can never bear children- and so he will not lose her the way he lost his wife.
After a difficult day at work, Melissa heads to Kino’s Bar to try and forget all about her worries for just one night. When she meets a tall, handsome stranger she forgets all about the shifter world and falls into his arms during one hot intimate evening. Only, this stranger turns out to be the one thing that Melissa has been trained to fear and despise- a shifter. Melissa feels betrayed and used and experiences a confusing mix of feelings towards him but tries her best to get on with life by throwing herself back into her work. Until she finds out she is pregnant. It seems that her arch enemy, a shifter has given her the one thing she thought she could never have- a baby.
Torn between her allegiance with the SCM and her connection with the life growing within her- Melissa chooses to continue with the pregnancy and keep it hidden from the military. Her colleague Bruce, who has always had strong feelings for Melissa, helps her keep the secret and they begin to fantasise about their future together as a family.
Despite the part shifter baby growing within her, Melissa’s training has infiltrated her mind and she struggles to view shifters as anything but a threat. But when hybrid children are caught and caged for experimentation at the SCM, she begins to soften. Melissa needs to figure out how she can protect her offspring without risking her life.
Ami has a talent for writing about real-life issues within a world of fantasy and futurism. The underlying theme of the Shifter Evolutions is the power of human prejudice and the influence of authorities in society.
At first glimpse the book outlines the character relationships and a glossary of terms and I found this a bit overwhelming! However, I was pleasantly surprised that it all seems to fall into place once you get stuck into the reading. I wouldn’t recommend reading over these pages first up as it can be a bit confusing, rather use it as a reference to go back to throughout the story- I did this and found it very helpful. Despite the many characters- human, shifters, animals I certainly was not lost at any point during the story. Ami had my attention captured from the very first chapter.
I like how Ami provides different voices and perspectives of the characters in the story- there are plenty of little sub-plots to keep you engaged. It is action packed and I never really knew what was going to happen next- which I love!
I really enjoyed this read and definitely want to know what happens next among the conflict ridden world of the humans and shifters. The next book in the Shifter Evolutions series, The Hybrids of 2050 was released in March 2011 and is available in paperback or e-book.
View this review and Ami's book blog tour at my blog
January 30, 2011
The Shifters of 2040
By
Ami Blackwelder
I was not familiar with the work of Ami Blackwelder until I read this book. Although my main genre of read is paranormal, my interest is mainly with vampires/werewolves. I have not read much about shape shifters but was open to it. I found I was a bit lost in the beginning but of no fault of Ami's because when I read a book that is not in my realm of interest, it takes me a bit to get off the ground with the book.
I was greatly impressed by Ami's imagination and creativity in The Shifters of 2040 and due to this, the book not only held my interest but became a 'can't hardly wait', page turner. I tried to put myself into the story and ask the question, " could something like this really come to pass?" Well, logic tells us no, but for me, I like to look beyond the 'norm' and 'logic' life has to offer and push the envelope. In doing so, I find life to be a lot more interesting.
"The shifters winced whenever their fluid bodies met with the water-jelly, as if an electrical surge shocked their systems. Though able to transform into any animal form on earth, in their alien form, Melissa could make out a soft malleable cylinder tube inside their shadowy frames from top to bottom. The cylinders directed currents of what appeared to be photons, at least to the scientists who studied the captive shifters, and the structure mimicked the shape of plant seedlings in growth. Encompassing the cylinder, a protective layer of jelly-skin, grey in color, felt like the insides of an oyster to the touch. This protective layer, as malleable as the cylinder, seemed to serve no real function other than to provide security for the cylinder and allow them to camouflage with their surroundings. The tubes of photons glowed intermittently as they spit off shards of light. The studies conducted on their design revealed the tubes also offered nourishment to the alien species by way of chlorophyll infused into the cylinder tube, converting light into sugar for energy, much like the plants on Earth. The studies concluded that Earth made a suitable abode for the life forms because of the plentiful supply of H2O and nearby sun." (excerpt from book) We think of aliens as being little green men with big eyes, but in The Shifters, they are described as really having no form until they came to earth and became shape shifters, taking on the form of a human or animal.
Melissa, wanting to take a break from the lab where she worked as a scientist, running tests on the aliens who invaded earth over 20 ago, goes to a bar for a drink. She meets a man and decides to take him home with her, insisting they not know each others names. To her horror she discovers after having had the most memorable sex ever, the man starts flickering and losing his human form. She takes out a gun and chases him out of her home. She doesn't realize it, but her whole life is about to change forever due to that one night of passion. Her worst nightmare is about to come true. The species that comes from a human and alien is called a hybrid and that is what the aliens are striving for in order to keep their kind alive. But Melissa has to hide her pregnancy from SCM and her father most of all. What would he do to her and/or her babies if he knew?
I would recommend this book and give it five stars. I once again want to give Ami Blackwelder a lot of praise and credit for her imagination, creativity, and realism in The Shifters of 2040. I will be looking forward to more from her.
*****five stars
Reviewed by
Nora Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/
By
Ami Blackwelder
I was not familiar with the work of Ami Blackwelder until I read this book. Although my main genre of read is paranormal, my interest is mainly with vampires/werewolves. I have not read much about shape shifters but was open to it. I found I was a bit lost in the beginning but of no fault of Ami's because when I read a book that is not in my realm of interest, it takes me a bit to get off the ground with the book.
I was greatly impressed by Ami's imagination and creativity in The Shifters of 2040 and due to this, the book not only held my interest but became a 'can't hardly wait', page turner. I tried to put myself into the story and ask the question, " could something like this really come to pass?" Well, logic tells us no, but for me, I like to look beyond the 'norm' and 'logic' life has to offer and push the envelope. In doing so, I find life to be a lot more interesting.
"The shifters winced whenever their fluid bodies met with the water-jelly, as if an electrical surge shocked their systems. Though able to transform into any animal form on earth, in their alien form, Melissa could make out a soft malleable cylinder tube inside their shadowy frames from top to bottom. The cylinders directed currents of what appeared to be photons, at least to the scientists who studied the captive shifters, and the structure mimicked the shape of plant seedlings in growth. Encompassing the cylinder, a protective layer of jelly-skin, grey in color, felt like the insides of an oyster to the touch. This protective layer, as malleable as the cylinder, seemed to serve no real function other than to provide security for the cylinder and allow them to camouflage with their surroundings. The tubes of photons glowed intermittently as they spit off shards of light. The studies conducted on their design revealed the tubes also offered nourishment to the alien species by way of chlorophyll infused into the cylinder tube, converting light into sugar for energy, much like the plants on Earth. The studies concluded that Earth made a suitable abode for the life forms because of the plentiful supply of H2O and nearby sun." (excerpt from book) We think of aliens as being little green men with big eyes, but in The Shifters, they are described as really having no form until they came to earth and became shape shifters, taking on the form of a human or animal.
Melissa, wanting to take a break from the lab where she worked as a scientist, running tests on the aliens who invaded earth over 20 ago, goes to a bar for a drink. She meets a man and decides to take him home with her, insisting they not know each others names. To her horror she discovers after having had the most memorable sex ever, the man starts flickering and losing his human form. She takes out a gun and chases him out of her home. She doesn't realize it, but her whole life is about to change forever due to that one night of passion. Her worst nightmare is about to come true. The species that comes from a human and alien is called a hybrid and that is what the aliens are striving for in order to keep their kind alive. But Melissa has to hide her pregnancy from SCM and her father most of all. What would he do to her and/or her babies if he knew?
I would recommend this book and give it five stars. I once again want to give Ami Blackwelder a lot of praise and credit for her imagination, creativity, and realism in The Shifters of 2040. I will be looking forward to more from her.
*****five stars
Reviewed by
Nora Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/
March 1, 2011
The Shifters of 2040 by Ami Blackwelder was gripping and brilliant.
Melissa Marn was a scientist working for the SCM. Shifters posed a threat to the military and it was her duty to test the captured shifters to find out how they worked. Melissa and Bruce put in many man hours, testing shifters and cloning soldiers at the demands of the new General Raul.
When they bring in children that seem more human than not, the stress builds. Melissa takes one night to just forget - about work, demands on her, who she is. After a mug of beer and meeting a new fellow, she allows herself a night of pleasure, only to find out he's a shifter. It was unacceptable and the very thing she was helping to destroy. How could this happen?
Weeks later she finds herself pregnant. Determined to keep it hidden, she plans for adoption after being unable to abort, her love growing for what was inside of her.
Meanwhile, Brenden, the shifter and father to Melissa's baby keeps a close watch on her. It had been his plan all along to help save his species. The Shifters already knew they could create a hybrid, by mating with a human. The Hybrids were more human-like and better able to save them, giving them a chance at survival.
When Melissa has the twins and takes them to an orphanage, Brenden and the other shifters plan to not chance the safety of the shifter babies to human hands and the war begins, blood is shed.
Blackwelder did such a magnificent job with The Shifters of 2040. I could only imagine how hard it may have been to write this story, as it was actually the first in the series but written second to the first introduction of The Hunters of 2060.
I did get a better understanding of The Hunters and the entire story was moving. I found myself mad at Melissa, loving Melissa, and I absolutely loved Brenden and Keenan. Keenan is one of the cloned soldiers, and technically #13. What they never expected after successfully cloning was that the clones might have free will. Even though they were brainwashed to hate, capture or kill shifters, Keenan finds his own way, even falling in love with Diamond, a shifter.
Colonel Raul, well I just wanted to strangle him myself. He was completely driven by hate and it so clouded his mind.
All in all, this title was well written, the characters were likeable, or hateable, and it was a pleasure to see how Ami's grown in her writing since The Hunters of 2060.
I give this title ***** (5) Stars and I cannot wait for The Hybrids of 2050. ~BK Walker
Melissa Marn was a scientist working for the SCM. Shifters posed a threat to the military and it was her duty to test the captured shifters to find out how they worked. Melissa and Bruce put in many man hours, testing shifters and cloning soldiers at the demands of the new General Raul.
When they bring in children that seem more human than not, the stress builds. Melissa takes one night to just forget - about work, demands on her, who she is. After a mug of beer and meeting a new fellow, she allows herself a night of pleasure, only to find out he's a shifter. It was unacceptable and the very thing she was helping to destroy. How could this happen?
Weeks later she finds herself pregnant. Determined to keep it hidden, she plans for adoption after being unable to abort, her love growing for what was inside of her.
Meanwhile, Brenden, the shifter and father to Melissa's baby keeps a close watch on her. It had been his plan all along to help save his species. The Shifters already knew they could create a hybrid, by mating with a human. The Hybrids were more human-like and better able to save them, giving them a chance at survival.
When Melissa has the twins and takes them to an orphanage, Brenden and the other shifters plan to not chance the safety of the shifter babies to human hands and the war begins, blood is shed.
Blackwelder did such a magnificent job with The Shifters of 2040. I could only imagine how hard it may have been to write this story, as it was actually the first in the series but written second to the first introduction of The Hunters of 2060.
I did get a better understanding of The Hunters and the entire story was moving. I found myself mad at Melissa, loving Melissa, and I absolutely loved Brenden and Keenan. Keenan is one of the cloned soldiers, and technically #13. What they never expected after successfully cloning was that the clones might have free will. Even though they were brainwashed to hate, capture or kill shifters, Keenan finds his own way, even falling in love with Diamond, a shifter.
Colonel Raul, well I just wanted to strangle him myself. He was completely driven by hate and it so clouded his mind.
All in all, this title was well written, the characters were likeable, or hateable, and it was a pleasure to see how Ami's grown in her writing since The Hunters of 2060.
I give this title ***** (5) Stars and I cannot wait for The Hybrids of 2050. ~BK Walker
May 30, 2011
In 2020, the earth is invaded by an alien species that had the ability to briefly morph into animals or humans. However, as time passed, these “shifters” have hybridized. Now part shifter and part human, these hybrids can pass for humans longer and without notice, therefore infiltrating the population.
Jump ahead two decades and enter Melissa Marn and Bruce Wilder, a couple of scientists in charge of a DNA investigation of these “shifters.” Melissa and Bruce work tirelessly for the SCM, or Shifter-Contingency Military, an organization that aims to rid the planet of the shifters.
After a difficult day at the lab, Melissa heads off to a bar and ends up spending one torrid night with a sexy stranger who turns out to be the one thing she has worked to purge the world of—a shifter.
Problems arise when Melissa finds that she is pregnant, despite the fact she had previously undergone a procedure to keep her from ever conceiving a child, at the urging of her controlling father (Melissa’s mother died in childbirth and he does not want Melissa to suffer the same fate).
The real conflict of the novel centers on Melissa’s alliance to the SCM and to unborn alien-child. She must try to figure out a way to protect her child, while also protecting herself.
My little summary does not do this wonderfully constructed plot justice. Set in the frigid beauty of Alaska, Ami does an awesome job of creating a believable futuristic, fantasy world where, just like the world in which we live, is awash in prejudice and too much governmental power.
Ami brings a lot of life to her heroine, Melissa. Her inner turmoil is evident, but not overdone. Her personality is multi-dimensional and there were a few times when I thought she was a little annoying—I kept asking “why doesn’t this girl stand up against these assholes?” Overall, it works well, as I don’t enjoy over-the-top protagonists, anyway. They just aren’t as believable and interesting.
The complex characters are among the strongest points of the book–from the villain, Colonel Raul, a sadistic piece of work who gets off on tormenting shifters during experimentation, to Bruce Wilder, Melissa’s co-worker and (not so) secret admirer.
There are also interesting subplots, especially the one following hybrid-shifter, Diamond and her love for Keenan, a soldier who has been trained to kill shifters.
This book is action-packed and Ami’s talent for vivid description and strong, flowing prose is showcased throughout. Highly recommended for fans of science fiction of even paranormal young adult.
Jump ahead two decades and enter Melissa Marn and Bruce Wilder, a couple of scientists in charge of a DNA investigation of these “shifters.” Melissa and Bruce work tirelessly for the SCM, or Shifter-Contingency Military, an organization that aims to rid the planet of the shifters.
After a difficult day at the lab, Melissa heads off to a bar and ends up spending one torrid night with a sexy stranger who turns out to be the one thing she has worked to purge the world of—a shifter.
Problems arise when Melissa finds that she is pregnant, despite the fact she had previously undergone a procedure to keep her from ever conceiving a child, at the urging of her controlling father (Melissa’s mother died in childbirth and he does not want Melissa to suffer the same fate).
The real conflict of the novel centers on Melissa’s alliance to the SCM and to unborn alien-child. She must try to figure out a way to protect her child, while also protecting herself.
My little summary does not do this wonderfully constructed plot justice. Set in the frigid beauty of Alaska, Ami does an awesome job of creating a believable futuristic, fantasy world where, just like the world in which we live, is awash in prejudice and too much governmental power.
Ami brings a lot of life to her heroine, Melissa. Her inner turmoil is evident, but not overdone. Her personality is multi-dimensional and there were a few times when I thought she was a little annoying—I kept asking “why doesn’t this girl stand up against these assholes?” Overall, it works well, as I don’t enjoy over-the-top protagonists, anyway. They just aren’t as believable and interesting.
The complex characters are among the strongest points of the book–from the villain, Colonel Raul, a sadistic piece of work who gets off on tormenting shifters during experimentation, to Bruce Wilder, Melissa’s co-worker and (not so) secret admirer.
There are also interesting subplots, especially the one following hybrid-shifter, Diamond and her love for Keenan, a soldier who has been trained to kill shifters.
This book is action-packed and Ami’s talent for vivid description and strong, flowing prose is showcased throughout. Highly recommended for fans of science fiction of even paranormal young adult.
June 25, 2011
My thoughts:
The characters in this book stand out as what drives the story. They are creatively developed and offer a whole new look at shifters. Ami's shifters vary in many ways from what you think of when you hear shifter. These have the ability to assimilate a variety of forms from human to more than one animal, but each has a dominate form that they can easily shift into. Their original form is more of an energy than an actual creature. The children - hybrids - are limited in that they each have one animal they can shift into and remain in human form until later in life. I enjoyed the descriptions, she is very detailed. It was interesting to me that they had different colored skin that had mottled colors as well. I liked how she ties the story theme into modern prejudices that we still face even today.
The military link is frightening - a thing of nightmares and as a reader I pray is just science fiction. The control of the high up military personnel is terrifying. I found my heart going out to Bruce in his attempts to get Melissa to break free of the hold of both the military and her father. At the same time I found myself both angry with and feeling sorry for Melissa. Sorry that her very identity and sense of self worth were so tied into her work and her father's opinion, and angry that she couldn't seem to dredge up the self confidence to stand up for what she truly believed in and wanted.
This is an incredible story of the unwillingness of the human race to accept another group of beings because of their own fear and the shifters differences, and the struggle of the shifters to coexist and survive in a world where they are persecuted, hunted, and tortured.
This is the story of choices, consequences, desire, fear, hatred, power, control, passion, love, and sacrifice. The emotional intensity of the characters as they deal with their lives is amazing. The theme that children are the future is paramount in this story.
This was my first Ami Blackwelder shifter read and I can't wait to read the rest of the series! My only question now is: Do I start with the past and read 2020 or do I look to the future and read 2060? Don't miss the rest of The Shifter Evolutions series!
The characters in this book stand out as what drives the story. They are creatively developed and offer a whole new look at shifters. Ami's shifters vary in many ways from what you think of when you hear shifter. These have the ability to assimilate a variety of forms from human to more than one animal, but each has a dominate form that they can easily shift into. Their original form is more of an energy than an actual creature. The children - hybrids - are limited in that they each have one animal they can shift into and remain in human form until later in life. I enjoyed the descriptions, she is very detailed. It was interesting to me that they had different colored skin that had mottled colors as well. I liked how she ties the story theme into modern prejudices that we still face even today.
The military link is frightening - a thing of nightmares and as a reader I pray is just science fiction. The control of the high up military personnel is terrifying. I found my heart going out to Bruce in his attempts to get Melissa to break free of the hold of both the military and her father. At the same time I found myself both angry with and feeling sorry for Melissa. Sorry that her very identity and sense of self worth were so tied into her work and her father's opinion, and angry that she couldn't seem to dredge up the self confidence to stand up for what she truly believed in and wanted.
This is an incredible story of the unwillingness of the human race to accept another group of beings because of their own fear and the shifters differences, and the struggle of the shifters to coexist and survive in a world where they are persecuted, hunted, and tortured.
This is the story of choices, consequences, desire, fear, hatred, power, control, passion, love, and sacrifice. The emotional intensity of the characters as they deal with their lives is amazing. The theme that children are the future is paramount in this story.
This was my first Ami Blackwelder shifter read and I can't wait to read the rest of the series! My only question now is: Do I start with the past and read 2020 or do I look to the future and read 2060? Don't miss the rest of The Shifter Evolutions series!
January 21, 2011
* Contains sprinkles of a spoiler here and there, but, not too much *
Read per author's request....
Okay, I was given an e-copy of this book by the author herself which was really cool of her to share with me...And I've been behind trying to read so many things at the same time....So here are my thoughts...I have not read the first book in this series so I kind of felt out of the loop when I began this story...While the author gives detailed descriptions of what all of the different characters are and what their "species identification" is I still felt pretty lost throughout the first 22 pgs...I was like whoa, there's a lot going on here hybrids, clones, experimentation who's Melissa, who's Bruce...etc...What are these things that she is experimenting on..And then I got to the bar scene where Melissa first comes into contact with what we think is a handsome young man...And then from there the story developed more...I probably would recommend that anyone who reads this should attempt the first book first...
I don't want to put spoilers into this interview so I have to keep this light...It wasn't my kind of book...I read sci-fi and fantasy, but, at heart I am mostly a paranormal romance girl...Fantasy can get way too out there for me sometimes...My thoughts to anyone who reads this review is if you are into futuristic, sci-fi filled with several types of alien hybrid, shifter, mutant, clone characters, and how human beings are responding to these beings inhabiting the earth you can possibly think of with a very brutal telling, than you will love this book...I think, personally, I'm a little to romantic and sensitive for this type of book, it is definately not for the faint of heart...And a lot of the content made me very uncomfortable while trying to read it...Especially the detailing of Melissa's pregnancy...But, it has dahes of romance here and there, but, just a lot going on...My thinking was this type of book should be for those who like, "The Host," by: Stepanie Meyer, but, way darker and much more visceral...I wish Ms. Blackwell much success with her novels and hopes that she finds a good true sci-fi base to take her books to the top...
Read per author's request....
Okay, I was given an e-copy of this book by the author herself which was really cool of her to share with me...And I've been behind trying to read so many things at the same time....So here are my thoughts...I have not read the first book in this series so I kind of felt out of the loop when I began this story...While the author gives detailed descriptions of what all of the different characters are and what their "species identification" is I still felt pretty lost throughout the first 22 pgs...I was like whoa, there's a lot going on here hybrids, clones, experimentation who's Melissa, who's Bruce...etc...What are these things that she is experimenting on..And then I got to the bar scene where Melissa first comes into contact with what we think is a handsome young man...And then from there the story developed more...I probably would recommend that anyone who reads this should attempt the first book first...
I don't want to put spoilers into this interview so I have to keep this light...It wasn't my kind of book...I read sci-fi and fantasy, but, at heart I am mostly a paranormal romance girl...Fantasy can get way too out there for me sometimes...My thoughts to anyone who reads this review is if you are into futuristic, sci-fi filled with several types of alien hybrid, shifter, mutant, clone characters, and how human beings are responding to these beings inhabiting the earth you can possibly think of with a very brutal telling, than you will love this book...I think, personally, I'm a little to romantic and sensitive for this type of book, it is definately not for the faint of heart...And a lot of the content made me very uncomfortable while trying to read it...Especially the detailing of Melissa's pregnancy...But, it has dahes of romance here and there, but, just a lot going on...My thinking was this type of book should be for those who like, "The Host," by: Stepanie Meyer, but, way darker and much more visceral...I wish Ms. Blackwell much success with her novels and hopes that she finds a good true sci-fi base to take her books to the top...
November 22, 2010
In this vividly-imagined future world, alien shape-shifters have invaded earth and martial law has been declared in America to deal with the threat they pose to its inhabitants. But are they a threat - or are they the ones who are misunderstood, mistreated and suffering unnecessarily at the hands of the indigenous population?
We follow the stories of an American woman scientist who carries out research on the shape-shifters; the shifters themselves; and the cloned marines who have been created to search out and destroy them.
This is a fast-paced, compelling story that deals with some big themes - parenthood, the treatment of our enemies, the corruption of power, the ethics of scientific research, and intolerance towards those who are different to ourselves. If that sounds like a lot, the story doesn't feel crowded - the themes and questions posed by the book arise naturally from the situations the characters find themselves in.
The logic of the world the author has constructed holds up well and the characters and the decisions they have to make are genuinely involving. Everyone is a prisoner of their environment to some extent, whether they are in a cage or not.
I first read The Hunted of 2060. This prequel gives some background to that story; how hybrids came into the world. Like The Hunted of 2060, this book contains some wonderful illustrations, this time in the form of manipulated photographs which illustrate the appearance of different characters in the book and help the reader to keep track of them all.
The physical beauty and special powers of the shifters/hybrids, their position as outsiders in society and their impotence when pitted against evil-doers in authority means that this book is likely to appeal particularly to young adults, though its big themes mean it is also suitable for older readers.
We follow the stories of an American woman scientist who carries out research on the shape-shifters; the shifters themselves; and the cloned marines who have been created to search out and destroy them.
This is a fast-paced, compelling story that deals with some big themes - parenthood, the treatment of our enemies, the corruption of power, the ethics of scientific research, and intolerance towards those who are different to ourselves. If that sounds like a lot, the story doesn't feel crowded - the themes and questions posed by the book arise naturally from the situations the characters find themselves in.
The logic of the world the author has constructed holds up well and the characters and the decisions they have to make are genuinely involving. Everyone is a prisoner of their environment to some extent, whether they are in a cage or not.
I first read The Hunted of 2060. This prequel gives some background to that story; how hybrids came into the world. Like The Hunted of 2060, this book contains some wonderful illustrations, this time in the form of manipulated photographs which illustrate the appearance of different characters in the book and help the reader to keep track of them all.
The physical beauty and special powers of the shifters/hybrids, their position as outsiders in society and their impotence when pitted against evil-doers in authority means that this book is likely to appeal particularly to young adults, though its big themes mean it is also suitable for older readers.
March 16, 2011
See the full review at:
Read My Mind
My Review:
Ami Blackwelder has created a rich and enthralling world in THE SHIFTERS OF 2040. Also, a deadly and frightening one for the alien race of shifters that had come to the planet Earth in 2020. Her novel explores deeper themes of the human spirit and what we are capable of, when we allow total fear and prejudice to control our actions.
There are a multitude of characters in which the reader is allowed to experience their life and point of view. Though it might seem disorienting to switch from character to character for some readers, I liked the affect. Blackwelder has chosen her characters, so that each kind of "player" in her field gets a chance to influence the reader. From the scientist that feels that her experimentation is the only way to combat the "shifter" invasion, to the military general whose rhetoric and power comes close to despotic, to the shifters themselves that don't seem as dangerous as the humans believe them to be.
I would point out that this novel is heavy on the science. In fact, some of the experimentation that the doctors are doing, as well as the shifter DNA dynamics are so well discussed that I could only guess at the research that was done by the author. This did not put me off in any way. I enjoy reading science-fiction, and the world shown in THE SHIFTERS OF 2040 is very like the one we live in, so much so, that it seems all the more frightening for the possible reality that it portrays. This is the perfect novel for someone who enjoys a detailed look into the human reaction and offensive toward a species that did nothing more than come to our planet.
4.5/5 for plot
4.5/5 for characters
4/5 for language
My Rating: 13/15 (4 stars) Highly Recommended
My Review:
Ami Blackwelder has created a rich and enthralling world in THE SHIFTERS OF 2040. Also, a deadly and frightening one for the alien race of shifters that had come to the planet Earth in 2020. Her novel explores deeper themes of the human spirit and what we are capable of, when we allow total fear and prejudice to control our actions.
There are a multitude of characters in which the reader is allowed to experience their life and point of view. Though it might seem disorienting to switch from character to character for some readers, I liked the affect. Blackwelder has chosen her characters, so that each kind of "player" in her field gets a chance to influence the reader. From the scientist that feels that her experimentation is the only way to combat the "shifter" invasion, to the military general whose rhetoric and power comes close to despotic, to the shifters themselves that don't seem as dangerous as the humans believe them to be.
I would point out that this novel is heavy on the science. In fact, some of the experimentation that the doctors are doing, as well as the shifter DNA dynamics are so well discussed that I could only guess at the research that was done by the author. This did not put me off in any way. I enjoy reading science-fiction, and the world shown in THE SHIFTERS OF 2040 is very like the one we live in, so much so, that it seems all the more frightening for the possible reality that it portrays. This is the perfect novel for someone who enjoys a detailed look into the human reaction and offensive toward a species that did nothing more than come to our planet.
4.5/5 for plot
4.5/5 for characters
4/5 for language
My Rating: 13/15 (4 stars) Highly Recommended
November 6, 2010
This is fresh energetic writing from a young American author on the way up.
Recently written as a prequel to Ami Blackwelder's "The Hunted of 2060", "The Shifters of 2040" Kindle edition builds on the former's clever scenario.
This time, things are further improved by the addition of a helpful glossary, character list and photos.
Again set in the future, "2040" in fact deals with some serious themes which might relate to the older, rather than younger teen.
From its electric-blue cover and typically free-flowing, "The Shifters of 2040" is paced briskly and easy to read. From the world she created in "2060", Blackwelder again has taken the time to develop her own plausible science (and) fiction incorporating speculation about nano-science and ideas such as "steering wheel ID".
With themes of the paranormal, race, prejudice, relationships and hybrid pregnancies, I feel that this busy novel best suits the older teen market.
Blackwelder's series should not in any way be confused or bracketed with the current plethora of teen-vampire novels.
Weighing in at a substantial 315 pages, and with more books in this series promised, "The Shifters of 2040" will be worth a fictional investment.
"You're one of them, aren't you?"
April 28, 2011
I feel like it is my duty to begin my review by saying that although I enjoy books with paranormal elements, I am usually a skeptic about them. Also, amongst paranormal books, I usually stick to "vampires", and the occassional "werewolf" story. "Shape shifters" have never been a priority of mine. And yet, despite my hesitations, and my hang-ups, author Ami Blackwelder has exceeded whatever expectations I had from this book.
Set in the year 2040, as the title suggests, the story is situated in Alaska, and Shifters have invaded the Earth. Mistreated, and misunderstood, these shifters are hunted like animals. A war has ensued, and the government wants them eradicated from this planet. The subject is dark, and real, and one cannot help but think of the current immigration issues.
You can tell that author Ami Blackwelder is genuinely invested in her characters, and writes with true passion. I loved that throughout the book, she speaks of important and political issues, and yet was able to infuse romance into the storyline. All in all, without giving away any spoilers, I'd say that this book is DEFINITELY worth a read, because its an intelligent commentary to current events, and yet, an incredibly interesting paranormal romance.
Set in the year 2040, as the title suggests, the story is situated in Alaska, and Shifters have invaded the Earth. Mistreated, and misunderstood, these shifters are hunted like animals. A war has ensued, and the government wants them eradicated from this planet. The subject is dark, and real, and one cannot help but think of the current immigration issues.
You can tell that author Ami Blackwelder is genuinely invested in her characters, and writes with true passion. I loved that throughout the book, she speaks of important and political issues, and yet was able to infuse romance into the storyline. All in all, without giving away any spoilers, I'd say that this book is DEFINITELY worth a read, because its an intelligent commentary to current events, and yet, an incredibly interesting paranormal romance.
September 6, 2011
SHIFTERS OF 2040
Ami Blackwelder
Melissa Marn, a scientist for the SCM (Shifters Counterinsurgency Military), is overworked and having second thoughts about some of her research. After a one night stand with a man, who turns out to be a shifter, Melissa discovers that she is pregnant. Melissa, now, has some very tough decisions to face. Because she works for the organization that is trying to exterminate the shifters, an alien race, Melissa is in greater danger than an ordinary person of being discovered. Meanwhile, the shifters and their hybrid children struggle to survive in a harsh, dangerous world.
SHIFTERS OF 2040 is an enjoyable paranormal story with action-packed scenes, great world-building, and a lot of romance. The characters are multi-dimensional and the plot is unique. While I enjoyed the book, greatly, the character of Melissa annoyed me at times, but I can understand her struggles. Since Melissa sought her father's approval and was almost brain washed into a military mind-set, her actions are understandable. I grew to care for the shifters and the hybrids and to root for them to overcome and survive. However, I'm hesitant to read the next book in the series, for fear that many of them won't survive.
August 15, 2011
The Shifters Of 2040 by Ami Blackwelder is a sci-fi with a paranormal element to it. It is set in America in 2040 and tells the story of the fight between humans and the shifters that invaded the planet around 20 years earlier. The book tells the story from both sides and there’s even a romance side to the storyline which I liked.
To be honest this is not the usual type of book I go for but once I got around to reading it I couldn’t stop! Seriously I was hooked from the first paragraph onwards, which is completely amazing as I thought I would struggle with it as I usually hate this kind of book with a passion!
It really is a great book, well written and has a plot that will keep you interested right to the end, and for 86p on Kindle it is well worth the money.
So if you are looking for a new book to read and have stumbled across this one then I would say definitely give it a go. If your anything like me you will love it. I for one am going to recommend it to my friends and family who enjoy reading!
To be honest this is not the usual type of book I go for but once I got around to reading it I couldn’t stop! Seriously I was hooked from the first paragraph onwards, which is completely amazing as I thought I would struggle with it as I usually hate this kind of book with a passion!
It really is a great book, well written and has a plot that will keep you interested right to the end, and for 86p on Kindle it is well worth the money.
So if you are looking for a new book to read and have stumbled across this one then I would say definitely give it a go. If your anything like me you will love it. I for one am going to recommend it to my friends and family who enjoy reading!
December 8, 2010
What stands out to me with Ms. Blackwelder's work is her passion for nature/the environment. This is very clear from the rendering of the themes and setting/descriptions in the book. There's something very real and genuine which comes across to the reader, which I have always appreciated (nothing worse than something gimmicky/fake!!).
The author's style of PNR (paranormal romance) features several twists throughout the plot too (don't want to mention too many spoilers), and I like how the concept of DNA was handled, lol. It's something I can "wonder" about from time to time, when reading paranormal fiction, so I certainly appreciate it when an author includes these elements in their work, instead of taking the easy way out and totally avoiding and/or skipping around the issue. The attention to these concepts is also carried through to the end of the story, which adds to the overall cohesion of the book. Nicely done!
The author's style of PNR (paranormal romance) features several twists throughout the plot too (don't want to mention too many spoilers), and I like how the concept of DNA was handled, lol. It's something I can "wonder" about from time to time, when reading paranormal fiction, so I certainly appreciate it when an author includes these elements in their work, instead of taking the easy way out and totally avoiding and/or skipping around the issue. The attention to these concepts is also carried through to the end of the story, which adds to the overall cohesion of the book. Nicely done!
December 9, 2010
This book is the prequel to The Hunted of 2060 which followed the coming of age of nineteen-year-old Alaskan student April into her shifter characteristics, her reunion with her sister (whom she was separated from since early childhood), and the start of a romance between April and the mysterious Arken. This prequel takes us back 20 years to the time when April was conceived. It fleshes out those early times and we learn more about her human mother and her shifter father, and details of the separation from her twin sister. We are taken into a dark time reminiscent of Orwell's 1984, where the authorities can do whatever they want.
Ami Blackwelder entertains us by talking us back into the past to explore the beginnings of the hybrids. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the prequel which I believe will take us back further, to the time when the shifters arrived on earth and thus to the very start of this dystopian paranormal fantasy.
Ami Blackwelder entertains us by talking us back into the past to explore the beginnings of the hybrids. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the prequel which I believe will take us back further, to the time when the shifters arrived on earth and thus to the very start of this dystopian paranormal fantasy.
December 6, 2010
What stands out to me with Ms. Blackwelder's work is her passion for nature/the environment. This is very clear from the rendering of the themes and setting/descriptions in the book. There's something very real and genuine which comes across to the reader, which I have always appreciated (nothing worse than something gimmicky/fake!!).
The author's style of PNR (paranormal romance) features several twists throughout the plot too (don't want to mention too many spoilers), and I like how the concept of DNA was handled, lol. It's something I can "wonder" about from time to time, when reading paranormal fiction, so I certainly appreciate it when an author includes these elements in their work, instead of taking the easy way out and totally avoiding and/or skipping around the issue. The attention to these concepts is also carried through to the end of the story, which adds to the overall cohesion of the book. Nicely done!
The author's style of PNR (paranormal romance) features several twists throughout the plot too (don't want to mention too many spoilers), and I like how the concept of DNA was handled, lol. It's something I can "wonder" about from time to time, when reading paranormal fiction, so I certainly appreciate it when an author includes these elements in their work, instead of taking the easy way out and totally avoiding and/or skipping around the issue. The attention to these concepts is also carried through to the end of the story, which adds to the overall cohesion of the book. Nicely done!
February 19, 2011
This is not a light read. While fantasy, the subject matter is all too real and often dark. An alien species called the Shifters have invaded earth. Rather than taking the time to get to know these foreign beings, all governments want them destroyed. I couldn't help but make comparisons to current immigration issues here in the U.S. Blackwelder holds a mirror up to society and gives us a look at our reflection. Prejudice and intolerance stare back at us.
While the issues in this book might make some uncomfortable, I thought Blackwelder handled them with ease. She makes no judgments and no accusations. She shows both sides without forcing us to lean in either direction.
The only problem I had was keeping all the characters and their species straight. There are many and, in the beginning, it was a little overwhelming. This book requires a slow stroll, rather than a quick jog through the pages. Stick with it and you'll be rewarded with a powerful tale.
While the issues in this book might make some uncomfortable, I thought Blackwelder handled them with ease. She makes no judgments and no accusations. She shows both sides without forcing us to lean in either direction.
The only problem I had was keeping all the characters and their species straight. There are many and, in the beginning, it was a little overwhelming. This book requires a slow stroll, rather than a quick jog through the pages. Stick with it and you'll be rewarded with a powerful tale.
May 14, 2011
SCI/Para Romance/YA
This is the first reading of this type of genre for me and I would normally have steered clear after reading 'True Blood' and becoming seriously bored after book 5, but after hearing about it from a couple of readers on the 'GoodReads' circuit I decided to give it a go.
I am certainly very glad I did and only very disappointed that I left it so long to read after receiving it.
Do not be deceived, it may be in the para romance genre but it is not a slushy nor simple read it is an intelligent, complex (though not mind boggling geeky complex read) and realistic, believable read. There are several story lines running through from the shifters and hybrids themselves, to the scientists, and the military clones. There's scientific and genetic experimentation, alien pregnancy and much much more.
Will I read anymore of the series, most certainly yes I will !
This is the first reading of this type of genre for me and I would normally have steered clear after reading 'True Blood' and becoming seriously bored after book 5, but after hearing about it from a couple of readers on the 'GoodReads' circuit I decided to give it a go.
I am certainly very glad I did and only very disappointed that I left it so long to read after receiving it.
Do not be deceived, it may be in the para romance genre but it is not a slushy nor simple read it is an intelligent, complex (though not mind boggling geeky complex read) and realistic, believable read. There are several story lines running through from the shifters and hybrids themselves, to the scientists, and the military clones. There's scientific and genetic experimentation, alien pregnancy and much much more.
Will I read anymore of the series, most certainly yes I will !
February 27, 2012
I don't normally read books with paranormal elements but this year I have decided to try genres outside my comfort zone and this book did not disappoint.
It was obvious to me as a reader that the author is passionate about what she is writing about and to me this helps to made the novel more enjoyable. I feel that all the characters were well thought out and written with such passion that they jumped from the page.
The only flaw I have with this novel is at times there is a lot of species and characters at the one time and this can become confusing in keeping tract of who is who. Overall I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more work from Ami Blackwelder.
A copy of this book was recieved for free and all thoughts are my own through reading this book.
This review was first published on http://everybookhasasoul.wordpress.com
It was obvious to me as a reader that the author is passionate about what she is writing about and to me this helps to made the novel more enjoyable. I feel that all the characters were well thought out and written with such passion that they jumped from the page.
The only flaw I have with this novel is at times there is a lot of species and characters at the one time and this can become confusing in keeping tract of who is who. Overall I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more work from Ami Blackwelder.
A copy of this book was recieved for free and all thoughts are my own through reading this book.
This review was first published on http://everybookhasasoul.wordpress.com
July 26, 2011
I received this book from Ami when she visited the Book Swap of New Tampa at the grand opening. First, I would like to thank Ami again for the gift of this book.
As for the book - This book is an amazing read. Once I started it, I simply could not put it down. The focus of the different relationships (shifter-shifter, shifter-human, parent-child) is refreshing to see. When events happen, they aren't just happening around the characters - they are in the middle of it and experiencing it. The emotional stresses and fears are conveyed realistically. I won't go into the story much because you just need to read it to get the full understanding of it all. It is a great book, I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys the paranormal/paranormal-romance genre(s).
As for the book - This book is an amazing read. Once I started it, I simply could not put it down. The focus of the different relationships (shifter-shifter, shifter-human, parent-child) is refreshing to see. When events happen, they aren't just happening around the characters - they are in the middle of it and experiencing it. The emotional stresses and fears are conveyed realistically. I won't go into the story much because you just need to read it to get the full understanding of it all. It is a great book, I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys the paranormal/paranormal-romance genre(s).
September 22, 2011
I found this to be a compelling read. The story line is exciting and contains many elements to make it believable. There is love and romance in the book as well as jealousy, power induced madness and action.
As this is book 3 you can choose to go forward or backward in this series. I have to know what happens to the children. I am unbelievably invested in them. I will probably go all the way to the final book before returning to the beginning. For a more in depth review please see my blog review at http://www.alaskanbookcafe.com/2011/0...
* I received this book from the author for review. I was not compensated for the review. The opinions in this review are based on my honest feelings about the book.
As this is book 3 you can choose to go forward or backward in this series. I have to know what happens to the children. I am unbelievably invested in them. I will probably go all the way to the final book before returning to the beginning. For a more in depth review please see my blog review at http://www.alaskanbookcafe.com/2011/0...
* I received this book from the author for review. I was not compensated for the review. The opinions in this review are based on my honest feelings about the book.
December 15, 2010
Ami has found a new voice in this novel, giving her characters a life that grasps the reader, bringing them into a troubled Alaska of the future. A future that is not welcoming to the aliens that have secretly intergraded themselves into the Alaskan population, and in the years that they have lived here, they have produced a new breed of man. A cross between alien and human, making a new breed of man with powers beyond belief.
Once you start this novel you will not want to put it down, and when you finish you will certainly want more.
Shawn Weaver – Author Dragon’s Chest
Once you start this novel you will not want to put it down, and when you finish you will certainly want more.
Shawn Weaver – Author Dragon’s Chest
October 29, 2011
I found this to be a compelling read. The story line is exciting and contains lots of elements to make it believable. There is love, romance and jealousy, madness and action.
The characters are well written and inspire sympathy for the shifters and hybrids. You become concerned about the welfare of the Hybrid children. You begin to understand Melissa and Bruce even though you get frustrated by her decisions. As this is the 3rd book in the series you can choose to go either forward or backward, but I am going back to the beginning to “The Invasion of 2020” and go through the entire series.
The characters are well written and inspire sympathy for the shifters and hybrids. You become concerned about the welfare of the Hybrid children. You begin to understand Melissa and Bruce even though you get frustrated by her decisions. As this is the 3rd book in the series you can choose to go either forward or backward, but I am going back to the beginning to “The Invasion of 2020” and go through the entire series.
May 23, 2011
** For my full review please check out http://backofthebookreviews.com/ **
This is the 3rd book in the series. The BT team were recommended to begin here from Ami Blackwelder herself. It works well as a stand alone book/start of a series.
The only thing I didn’t like was the way that some of her conversations were written.
I would say that people should keep an eye out for Blackwelder as she will go far!
This is the 3rd book in the series. The BT team were recommended to begin here from Ami Blackwelder herself. It works well as a stand alone book/start of a series.
The only thing I didn’t like was the way that some of her conversations were written.
I would say that people should keep an eye out for Blackwelder as she will go far!
Read
September 3, 2011Shapeshifters (or technically shapeshifting Aliens) aren't the usual supernatural beings featured in a Paranormal or Science Fiction books, so it was refreshing not to see vampires or werewolves.
Overall the characters are well written and defined, with a wonderful detailed world.
I absolutely loved this book, I couldn't put it down!
To anyone who loves the Science Fiction and Paranormal genre this is a book for you.
Overall the characters are well written and defined, with a wonderful detailed world.
I absolutely loved this book, I couldn't put it down!
To anyone who loves the Science Fiction and Paranormal genre this is a book for you.
June 19, 2011
I loved this book and cannot wait to read The Hybrids of 2050.Ami Blackwelder is an amazing writer .The Shifters of 2040 will captivate you and you will fall in love with the characters and world that the author has created .A thrilling read with lots of suspense and action its a great read .
Want to read
January 19, 2011See my feature about this novel at
http://www.herladyshipsquest.com/2011...
http://www.herladyshipsquest.com/2011...
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