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Harmonics #1
Rise of the Magician
They built what could not be constructed. A weapon lightyears ahead of its time. A weapon so superior it defied the known laws of physics. Seven years ago, they were on the verge of unleashing its power. Then...they lost it. Now they are on a desperate hunt to reclaim what they stole. Following the trail of unexplainable deaths, they frantically search for what may become their ultimate demise. But what if the project doesn't want to be reclaimed? Join their hunt wading through political power-plays, corporate corruption, domestic terrorism, and the greatest enigma of their time- the infamous assassin known only The Magician.
278 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2010
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360 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 9, 2011
Not very often to you find a self-published work that can rival those of the big publishing houses. This book by Collin Earl grabbed my attention from the beginning and the adventure kept going straight through the end. Obviously the first in a series, the book ends with many questions unanswered, but even still, it was a great read.
I will not lie though; it was sometimes difficult to keep track of the multiple story lines. The story of Samantha was the most developed, but the lack of answers with the Professor and the Magician was a bit frustrating. There are large portions that focus on an element known as Harmonicum and "experiments" at MESA but that portion if the story is left much unfinished in the reader's mind. I'm sure book two will shed more light on the matter and provide some closure.
The science in the book was very impressive and well explained. I am by no means a physicist, but I was glad I had some understanding of things like mechanical resonance and string theory for the science to not be completely over my head.
And the world is quite interesting. Earl creates a possible future of the United States and the world that may very well come to pass with collective totalitarian governments complete with technological convergence and the use of the cloud.
I look forward to the sequel and learning what comes next for Samantha and this mysterious silver box she carries.
I will not lie though; it was sometimes difficult to keep track of the multiple story lines. The story of Samantha was the most developed, but the lack of answers with the Professor and the Magician was a bit frustrating. There are large portions that focus on an element known as Harmonicum and "experiments" at MESA but that portion if the story is left much unfinished in the reader's mind. I'm sure book two will shed more light on the matter and provide some closure.
The science in the book was very impressive and well explained. I am by no means a physicist, but I was glad I had some understanding of things like mechanical resonance and string theory for the science to not be completely over my head.
And the world is quite interesting. Earl creates a possible future of the United States and the world that may very well come to pass with collective totalitarian governments complete with technological convergence and the use of the cloud.
I look forward to the sequel and learning what comes next for Samantha and this mysterious silver box she carries.
January 6, 2011
Originally posted on avidreader15.wordpress.com:
This is the first work I have ever read by Collin Earl, and I must say, he has left me wanting more! This story seems to me as more of a "Prequel" to the storyline he is working. Most of the book doesn't seem to make any sense for the first two or three chapters, until the "camera" per-say settles on the main storyline, that of Samantha Montgomery of Academy City 676's life. It was her last year of high school, and her life gets flipped upside down. Her school was attacked by 3 different groups all at once. One, a Research Lab who from my take on the story, has created a human of supernatural talents that, I am not positive but I believe, has the ability to split compounds into their elements, and recombine the elements into whatever they want. This is what it seems the element Earl has coined "Harmonicum" can do, from the various little tidbits given about MESA Lab's involvement with it at least, and the"Experiment" escaped from MESA Labs. Although this book has left a few open strings in anticipation for the next book, all in all I would say it tells a fascinating intro to a whole new world of Earl's which we will all come to love as the story progresses. Only time will tell, Until then we must wait for the release of his Next book in the series.
I don't know about other readers, but I for one can not wait to get my hands on the next book Collin Earl publishes in this story.
-Gavin Chester
This is the first work I have ever read by Collin Earl, and I must say, he has left me wanting more! This story seems to me as more of a "Prequel" to the storyline he is working. Most of the book doesn't seem to make any sense for the first two or three chapters, until the "camera" per-say settles on the main storyline, that of Samantha Montgomery of Academy City 676's life. It was her last year of high school, and her life gets flipped upside down. Her school was attacked by 3 different groups all at once. One, a Research Lab who from my take on the story, has created a human of supernatural talents that, I am not positive but I believe, has the ability to split compounds into their elements, and recombine the elements into whatever they want. This is what it seems the element Earl has coined "Harmonicum" can do, from the various little tidbits given about MESA Lab's involvement with it at least, and the"Experiment" escaped from MESA Labs. Although this book has left a few open strings in anticipation for the next book, all in all I would say it tells a fascinating intro to a whole new world of Earl's which we will all come to love as the story progresses. Only time will tell, Until then we must wait for the release of his Next book in the series.
I don't know about other readers, but I for one can not wait to get my hands on the next book Collin Earl publishes in this story.
-Gavin Chester
June 2, 2013
Geek girls, I’m going to warn you right now about Chris Snelgrove and Collin Earl’s Harmonics: Rise of the Magician — if, from the title of this book, you were expecting magic, you’re going to be sorely disappointed. There is no wand waving or spell casting anywhere in this book. The titular Magician is actually the name of an infamous assassin, and instead of spells and potions, you’ll find a lot of physics, technobabble, and weapons of mass destruction.
The other thing I should warn you about is that, despite this review being on a website dedicated to women in geek culture, there are only three female characters in this book with speaking roles, and these characters do not come off well at all. In fact, though Sam is ostensibly the protagonist of the story, she is neither a strong nor complex character. Instead of taking agency over her own life, Sam is usually a passive character: she doesn’t make things happen, things happen to her.
Complete review: http://www.paperdroids.com/2013/05/07...
The other thing I should warn you about is that, despite this review being on a website dedicated to women in geek culture, there are only three female characters in this book with speaking roles, and these characters do not come off well at all. In fact, though Sam is ostensibly the protagonist of the story, she is neither a strong nor complex character. Instead of taking agency over her own life, Sam is usually a passive character: she doesn’t make things happen, things happen to her.
Complete review: http://www.paperdroids.com/2013/05/07...
July 14, 2011
I finished the book in a few days; I honestly found it difficult to put the book down and stop reading. Science fiction and fantasy are my favorite genres and they really nailed a great mid point. There's enough science for it to be "science fiction" without being the "hard science fiction" that would appeal to a narrower audience and just prompt a lot of nerds to call out the authors on physics issues or something similar.
Overall, I enjoyed the characters and found them fairly fleshed out. I was surprised at several points but it never felt like the authors just tossed in a dues ex machina resolution or hadn't fully planned out the story. I'm looking forward to the next book and the chance to find out more of the main story and how some of the other minor characters play into the big picture.
Overall, I enjoyed the characters and found them fairly fleshed out. I was surprised at several points but it never felt like the authors just tossed in a dues ex machina resolution or hadn't fully planned out the story. I'm looking forward to the next book and the chance to find out more of the main story and how some of the other minor characters play into the big picture.
May 16, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. I liked how it is based in the future, but I could still connect with that world. This text is well thought-out, character driven and has a good balance of comic relief and fun action. I liked the interactions with the characters, and the story kept me on the edge of my seat. Additionally, it has a YA feel to it. The story is set in high school, and the author did a great job of connecting the reader with that type of environment. I look forward to seeing what happens in the rest of the books in this series. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, clean story with a lot of action.The only thing that this book left me wanting was more. I would have loved for the story to keep going and I will definitely read the next book.
March 29, 2012
great book completely original, your eyes will be glued, its an emotional rollercoaster with great characters and thrilling story and the cliff hanger will make you scream where is the second book i must read it now. it was a good thing i didnt start reading this series till after the second book was out
August 11, 2012
I rarely put a book down without finishing it, but this one was a loser. Just could not find anything of interest in the first 18% of the book. Even now I cannot tell you what it's about, and I have read this far twice. Don't waste your money.
May 6, 2011
Great storytellers. I can't wait for their next book.
October 3, 2019
Harmonics:Rise of the Magician (Harmonics Series Book One)
This was a very good book how ever I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting.I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
This was a very good book how ever I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting.I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
October 27, 2012
Two projects, weapons of a sort but not titled as such, stolen from an impenetrable base and a magic bomb is left to remove any remains. Five years later, Dr. Shu's guard is blindly attacked and someone takes the computer/human interface doctor. Scott, the man on video security never thought he'd make this call that's out of proto-call as requested for a favor. A voice tells him what to do. Two days later Dirk, a relic hunter in a Sacred temple in the burning plains doesn't realize he's being followed by Roman. Roman learns of Shu's death and try to warn another. The other is trying to get information from a man that is assassinated. The news marks the assassinations as being done by a magician.
Then we get to the meat of the story of Dr Thurman being brought aboard an interface lab and projects that are of his original theory work and was 'borrowed.' Hoping to turn Recover of Project to a Termination of Project, along with those who stole and unleashed it. Then we find ourselves with Samantha a simple girl from Partical Palace who's not fitting in with the High Track (rich) or Low Track (poor) kids. She suddenly seems to become popular, or at least noticed by others after she finds a mysterious tin box floating in the lake on her way to class. Something has changed, she has changed. Then when the school goes on lock down with a potential threat, every corner could mean death without the help of one friend.
This story is well planned out with all the details and connections. You see how the people over time that are assassinated are all connected in some way, not knowing that they all are affiliated with each other. And the mysterious plan used with planted people, someone had been working on this idea for some time - the assassin. We get a view from the victims and the special investigators of the lost project, and appretences to the crime and have no idea how the tiny pieces they assist with fit into the bigger plan.
We meet our current day characters Sam, Cammie, Richard, Coda, and Adam at school in Academy City 676. We learn of the "classifications" based on money. The world is different as it's broken up and reorganized into groups. We have technology here as well. There are holograms and computer/human interface. A future world feel with a dash of dytopian past. I'm curious how all fits together in the story to come.
This book feels like there is a broad story started here a the beginning. I was nervous at the beginning with so much back story. But by the end it's start to narrow in and connect. We see the ties through out, but still want the narrower vision to who is what and what they are all after. I'm left more curious about Richard, whom I've come to love, and Sam, who is more than we know and still want to know. This of all the other kids too!
Shame on Collin and Chris leaving me with such burning questions in the end. Good thing I have book two. I'm looking forward to all the pieces coming together in the next books.
I don't know which versions have it, they may all have it, but in the print book I have there is an excerpt from Book 2, and I say go ahead and read it. It'll answer a few questions for you at the end of this one. I really like that this chapter was added to ease my mind some.
This is a Young Adult read, but with the depth of the story and connecting the characters and happenings I would say this is for older Young Adults.
Then we get to the meat of the story of Dr Thurman being brought aboard an interface lab and projects that are of his original theory work and was 'borrowed.' Hoping to turn Recover of Project to a Termination of Project, along with those who stole and unleashed it. Then we find ourselves with Samantha a simple girl from Partical Palace who's not fitting in with the High Track (rich) or Low Track (poor) kids. She suddenly seems to become popular, or at least noticed by others after she finds a mysterious tin box floating in the lake on her way to class. Something has changed, she has changed. Then when the school goes on lock down with a potential threat, every corner could mean death without the help of one friend.
This story is well planned out with all the details and connections. You see how the people over time that are assassinated are all connected in some way, not knowing that they all are affiliated with each other. And the mysterious plan used with planted people, someone had been working on this idea for some time - the assassin. We get a view from the victims and the special investigators of the lost project, and appretences to the crime and have no idea how the tiny pieces they assist with fit into the bigger plan.
We meet our current day characters Sam, Cammie, Richard, Coda, and Adam at school in Academy City 676. We learn of the "classifications" based on money. The world is different as it's broken up and reorganized into groups. We have technology here as well. There are holograms and computer/human interface. A future world feel with a dash of dytopian past. I'm curious how all fits together in the story to come.
This book feels like there is a broad story started here a the beginning. I was nervous at the beginning with so much back story. But by the end it's start to narrow in and connect. We see the ties through out, but still want the narrower vision to who is what and what they are all after. I'm left more curious about Richard, whom I've come to love, and Sam, who is more than we know and still want to know. This of all the other kids too!
Shame on Collin and Chris leaving me with such burning questions in the end. Good thing I have book two. I'm looking forward to all the pieces coming together in the next books.
I don't know which versions have it, they may all have it, but in the print book I have there is an excerpt from Book 2, and I say go ahead and read it. It'll answer a few questions for you at the end of this one. I really like that this chapter was added to ease my mind some.
This is a Young Adult read, but with the depth of the story and connecting the characters and happenings I would say this is for older Young Adults.
February 13, 2012
This is a very action packed book and all out fun!!! There are several story lines going on in this book and it sometimes does get a little confusing.
The one I really like is Samantha, her friends and the box. Samantha, aka Sam is a very likable character and is just to be normal after her move the Academy 676. Her best friend Cammie is really funny, considering the fact that she is only concerned about the latest fashions and Coda :-) And then there is Richard (Sam's best friend and protector :-)), he really is a complex character; which makes him more intriguing than the others.
The second story line I believe is the magician, who is an all out kick ass guy; who is going around destroying government facilities. I believe the very first chapter of the book is the sense of how he actually escaped. But, I am not 100% since there are so many story lines going on.
Finally, there is MESA; they are a lab that is really out to use the Professor to further their research in Harmonics matter. Little does the Professor know; they have already used his early work to start other projects? MESA is trying to keep the Professor from finding out the truth, while using him to make them more money. I can’t wait to see how far the Professor gets, since in the latter part of the book; he was getting suspicious.
So, overall; I personally can't wait to get the 2nd book :-) I would like some more of the questions that were brought up in the first book to be answered. I will have to wait awhile before I buy the 2nd book since it is a little high.
The one I really like is Samantha, her friends and the box. Samantha, aka Sam is a very likable character and is just to be normal after her move the Academy 676. Her best friend Cammie is really funny, considering the fact that she is only concerned about the latest fashions and Coda :-) And then there is Richard (Sam's best friend and protector :-)), he really is a complex character; which makes him more intriguing than the others.
The second story line I believe is the magician, who is an all out kick ass guy; who is going around destroying government facilities. I believe the very first chapter of the book is the sense of how he actually escaped. But, I am not 100% since there are so many story lines going on.
Finally, there is MESA; they are a lab that is really out to use the Professor to further their research in Harmonics matter. Little does the Professor know; they have already used his early work to start other projects? MESA is trying to keep the Professor from finding out the truth, while using him to make them more money. I can’t wait to see how far the Professor gets, since in the latter part of the book; he was getting suspicious.
So, overall; I personally can't wait to get the 2nd book :-) I would like some more of the questions that were brought up in the first book to be answered. I will have to wait awhile before I buy the 2nd book since it is a little high.
January 3, 2013
I really loved this book! The characters have depth and are so relatable. There's intrigue, and mystery surrounding them which makes it a real page turner. I love their humor during high stress situations and the way that they interact with each other. From the adults in the book to the teenagers you will find characters that you love, hate, adore and despise. The perfect book for a fan of the fantasty genre. I just couldn't put it down.
The authors, Colin Earl and Chris Snelgrove give this explanatory note at the beginning of the book which really gives you an idea of how this book, and the others in the series are going to be laid out. "Harmonics, Rise of the Magician is the first book in a series told in a style that moves from character to character, story to story. This style of writing intertwines many different plot lines, character interactions, and perspectives to give the reader a braod view of this incredible tale." That sums it up really well, so forgive my use of their own words in my review if that offends you.
I can't wait to read the sequel, it's one of those books where when you reach the end of it you find that you are hooked like a fish at the end of a fishing pole, and you'll find yourself wishing for the sequel like the fish longs for the water it was just pulled from.
The authors, Colin Earl and Chris Snelgrove give this explanatory note at the beginning of the book which really gives you an idea of how this book, and the others in the series are going to be laid out. "Harmonics, Rise of the Magician is the first book in a series told in a style that moves from character to character, story to story. This style of writing intertwines many different plot lines, character interactions, and perspectives to give the reader a braod view of this incredible tale." That sums it up really well, so forgive my use of their own words in my review if that offends you.
I can't wait to read the sequel, it's one of those books where when you reach the end of it you find that you are hooked like a fish at the end of a fishing pole, and you'll find yourself wishing for the sequel like the fish longs for the water it was just pulled from.
July 11, 2013
This is a very complex book. There are so many scenes going that I wasn't sure what was the main scene or protagonist in the book. It was about halfway through the book till you are introduced to the main characters. Each chapter leading up to the revelation is background and white noise to the main story. Then it ended abruptly with a cliff hanger making you want to know what happens and why. The total environment to the main story is set in such vivid color that everything going on around the world is in essence a character in itself and actually gets as much page time as the protagonist. Very frustrating and confusing to my simple mind and I found myself skimming over all the wordiness of it all. I liked Sam and Richard as characters but there was not enough of their story, and a lot of the environmental situations could have been reduced to provide more page time for them. The series of books appears to be written wordy such that multiple books could be written forcing the reader to buy all three to get a conclusion. So much could have been done making this series more by finishing the story of Sam instead of leaving the reader hanging.
November 4, 2015
There's an extensive introduction in the beginning chapters of the book, building mystery to a scientific project involving harmonicum, a rare metal with "a peculiar tendency to harmonize with other elements" in its proximity. These information are somehow related to the book's urban legend, the "magician". The Magician is so called because he supposedly only kills using magic. To some, the Magician is "the world's greatest freedom fighter" , and to others he is "the most notorious assassin". Although, there isn't anything specific about the magician's real identity.
While reading the current day chapters, I had a feeling that I might be reading a different story because it was hard finding a connection with the two parts. How does this Magican and the clandestine organizations relate to Samantha Montgomery of Academy 676, whose worries include History, English, Physics, and a crush on a foreign transfer student? Clearly, this first book does not answer all the questions, but serves instead as a big overview of things to come, an action-packed sequel. Book 1 might be a bit confusing, yes, but after I pushed through, it didn't feel like a wasted effort.
While reading the current day chapters, I had a feeling that I might be reading a different story because it was hard finding a connection with the two parts. How does this Magican and the clandestine organizations relate to Samantha Montgomery of Academy 676, whose worries include History, English, Physics, and a crush on a foreign transfer student? Clearly, this first book does not answer all the questions, but serves instead as a big overview of things to come, an action-packed sequel. Book 1 might be a bit confusing, yes, but after I pushed through, it didn't feel like a wasted effort.
March 21, 2011
I first became aware of this author when he podcasted his book The House of Grey, which I enjoyed quite alot. Though it was rather long and shows why even self-published authors need an editor.
This book is the start of a series and I think a rather promising series. Again like his first novel involves high school kids meeting circumstances quite sup rising to them. Told throughout the eyes of a girl who finds something one day and following events raise to a crescendo. Plot elements are built up at first so it takes a while before the plot draws you in.
The weakness of this novel is that itnis so much a start of a series and there are a lot of unanswered questions and you just start to get a basic picture.
I do look forward to the second volume though.
One quibble is the use of contemporary politiclal figures in this future. George W Bush as a swear word might be funny to somie of the readers, I just for
und it distracting.
This book is the start of a series and I think a rather promising series. Again like his first novel involves high school kids meeting circumstances quite sup rising to them. Told throughout the eyes of a girl who finds something one day and following events raise to a crescendo. Plot elements are built up at first so it takes a while before the plot draws you in.
The weakness of this novel is that itnis so much a start of a series and there are a lot of unanswered questions and you just start to get a basic picture.
I do look forward to the second volume though.
One quibble is the use of contemporary politiclal figures in this future. George W Bush as a swear word might be funny to somie of the readers, I just for
und it distracting.
May 1, 2013
On my first note... This book was something I have never read about before, such an amazing imagination.
The only downside of this book was the first quarter, I found it to be quite confusing as there were so many different settings and characters to learn about. Other than that the rest of the book then gripped me and I really enjoyed being in that world, especially the point when a surprising hot guy appears in it ;)
I have to be honest and say I do not normally read these kinds of books but this one I will make an exception for. A great ending leaving us in suspense, so many questions unanswered!
I will definitely recommend this book for a good action/thriller, it's very exciting and is extremely well written. I have no doubt I will be purchasing the second one.
The only downside of this book was the first quarter, I found it to be quite confusing as there were so many different settings and characters to learn about. Other than that the rest of the book then gripped me and I really enjoyed being in that world, especially the point when a surprising hot guy appears in it ;)
I have to be honest and say I do not normally read these kinds of books but this one I will make an exception for. A great ending leaving us in suspense, so many questions unanswered!
I will definitely recommend this book for a good action/thriller, it's very exciting and is extremely well written. I have no doubt I will be purchasing the second one.
May 17, 2012
i was not a big fan of this book. the writing style was very confusing and i didn't like the jumping back and forth between everyones perspective. the samantha story line was interesting but the book left off with a whole lot more questions than answers and honestly i dont even really know what to tell ppl i read about because i have no idea. i would consider reading the second book if i dont have anything to read but its not high on my priority list.
also not a big fan of the current day things thrown in Palin as a former president, Oh my George W Bush, and the Obama center for hope.... ya lame
also not a big fan of the current day things thrown in Palin as a former president, Oh my George W Bush, and the Obama center for hope.... ya lame
February 9, 2013
I REALLY enjoyed this book. This was set up in a way that had multiple story lines going at the same time, which I could see how some people might not like, but didn't bother me at all. The multiple story lines were flowing and the author even pulled me in with all the scientific jargon (I will admit a lot of it went over my head, but it didn't detract from the story line for me). I hated how the book ended before I was ready but I can't wait to read the rest of the series now. I wanna know what happens.
November 11, 2012
Surprisingly good for a self-published, free e-book. I could've done without the OMGWB but as long as I ignored that the book flowed. I wanted to slap Sam upside the head during the last scene.
My copy ended about 30 pages before the last page of the book because it had a preview of the second book. I was into the story enough that I immediately purchased the second in the series.
In this case, the writers' "free book, buy the second" worked as a marketing idea. I'll finish off the trilogy, which is more than I can say for Mistborn which still languishes unfinished on my nook.
My copy ended about 30 pages before the last page of the book because it had a preview of the second book. I was into the story enough that I immediately purchased the second in the series.
In this case, the writers' "free book, buy the second" worked as a marketing idea. I'll finish off the trilogy, which is more than I can say for Mistborn which still languishes unfinished on my nook.
November 21, 2012
Great read, really enjoyed the story. Didn't get 5 stars due to the good amount of weird errors with wrong or missing words, but didn't get 3 because despite that the story is still very worth reading and you would be missing out if you let that get in the way.
Felt like a mix of a mystery/spy story with some Full Metal Alchemist thrown in for good measure.
Felt like a mix of a mystery/spy story with some Full Metal Alchemist thrown in for good measure.
April 1, 2016
Started knowing this was book 1 of a trilogy. The opening was attention grabbing. Much of the rest was spent establishing characters and factions for the remainder of the trilogy. The buildup to the climax did leave some surprises, and curious enough to expect I will look for the next book in the future. Will file it in my brain candy category.
June 19, 2012
Good writing, but the cliffhanger ending comes at a point where the reader knows a little less than they should about the central characters. Curiosity might get one to read the sequel but I'd opt for a different device in future efforts.
May 26, 2012
The authors storytelling abilities are so-so. The story is a little interesting, though very hard to follow. Then it truncates without any resolution, leaving you so disgusted for having spent the time to read it. I hope to never read anything by these authors again.
July 15, 2013
This book grabbed my curiosity and then my attention. I haven't felt surges of adrenaline while reading in a long time! Incredible book. I'll be purchasing the follow on books when I have the funds.
Want to read
October 10, 2011Also in Nook Archive.
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March 3, 2012This was an awesome book. Had a hard time putting it down and did not want it to end can't wait to read the rest. Definitely High Suspense SciFy LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Want to read
April 13, 2012Kindle freebie.
January 15, 2013
some parts are confusing.
August 20, 2013
First heard this as a free audio book from podiobooks.com loved it then and had to read it. It grabbed me from page 1 and didn't let go. Very good read. Straight on to book 2 now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews