The Realm Shift

Realm Shift Trilogy #1

by James Somers

The strangest thing about Ethan's first encounter with a demon was not that he could see it, but that the demon could not see him....Hunted by malevolent spirits, Ethan struggles to stay alive in the midst of a growing rebellion within his homeland. As war erupts, he must flee to the city of Emmanuel in order to fulfill the prophecy of Shaddai!
"intrigue is second only to its action!"Wayne Batson

Genres: Fantasy

Nook

First published July 30, 2009

About the author

James Somers is the author of more than a dozen Sci-fi and Fantasy novels available on Kindle including: The Serpent Kings, Percival Strange, Perdition's Gate, and The Realm Shift Trilogy. He has also written several Bible studies for Kindle including: "What's So Great About Salvation?" and "What Does it Mean to be Born Again?"

Upcoming novels include sequels to The Serpent Kings, Percival Strange, and A World Within; as well as a brand new Fantasy entitled, Fallen.

In addition to writing, James serves as the Pastor of Ozone Baptist Church in Rockwood, Tennessee and also works in Knoxville as a Surgical Technologist. He is married and have five children.

Reviews

[Tristan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad... that's about the nicest thing I can say about this book. The book has wonderful application to the Christian, considering Demons and Angels are talked about openly and from a Christian worldview no less, but it is rather simplistic in its character development. The plot is very simple and has no significant twists, and is almost completely obvious just a few chapters into the book. Usually your guess on what will happen isn't right, and thus it makes the book interesting; in this book, your guess is right. The first time you guess.

After having read many secular fantasy novels, this one doesn't stand up, though it finds a place on my shelf thanks to its strong Christian thematic. Simple, but an entertaining read from the Kindle on the way home from work every day.

[Adam Steinmann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't know it was written by a preacher, but as soon as I got 1 chapter in it was obvious. This should be in the "religious" section.

[Christopher Yamasaki · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting way of incorporating the higher teachings of religion (albeit a fake one) and the growth of people as they trust more and more their higher beings. Demons, angels, and everything in between this book brought many thought provoking ideas to me that I quite enjoy. The depiction of naval battles was new to me, and something that I am growing fond of even as I re-read. I have yet to find a book that depicts naval warfare quite like this book does.

[Ryan Dash · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book introduced an interesting concept with relatively uninteresting execution – it could have had lots more cool tricks. The main character developed his mysterious ability far too quickly. The other characters, though, were reasonably well done. I had had enough of the book bashing me over the head with Christian themes by the end, and I won’t be reading any other books by this author. 2.5 stars

[Jefrois · Rating 2 out of 5]

.
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The shift in narration from the boy (whatever his name is) to the girl (Elspeth) is sudden and jarring.

Also, there seems to be a complete lack of Humanity and/or sympathy for the dead of their native village (whatever it is called.)

Nothing normal.

A silly book with a silly story.

I have intense hatred for every character.

A horrible book.

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[Musings of a Middle-aged Mum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, it's fantasy but it keeps you involved in the action.
Wasn't so keen on the ending (in my opinion it didn't really end) but given it's the first of a trilogy you can understand the author wanting to get you hooked!
It was free on Kindle, and definitely worth the time it took to download. :)

[Steve Curll · Rating 3 out of 5]

fantasy with Christian themes fairly well done,with the exception noted that Somers needs a better editor,if he had one at all. Many plural nouns contained apostrophes for no reason and several misspelled words. Nevertheless,the idea of a separate spiritual realm is clear in this story as is the point that even specially gifted persons can not use their gifts under their own power. Disappointing ending, did leave me wanting to read the rest of the trilogy,as much was unresolved. Ending was disappointing in that it was too abrupt, as the "Storyteller" apparently just got tired and made us wait for another day. I will read the next volume to see if defeat can be turned into victory(I don't like unhappy endings.)

[Cristian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I found it by accident since I was just looking for free books in my nook and stumbled upon this one. I really enjoy these types of adventure series. In which the main characters has to go into hiding because the main villain controls the world or something. It felt believable. Other than the fact he learned to use his powers out of the blue and actually managed to control them so quickly bothered me some, but not enough to stop reading. I'm def. going to check out the rest of this trilogy.

[Andreea Pausan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ethan is the deliverer, he cannot be seen by demons and has the ability to pass between the physical and the demon plane. After his parents are killed, he joins the fight against the demons who try to take over the land and have captured his sister, discovering new abilities an powers as the fight grows fierce. Predictable come of age story. The characters do not have enough depth, the plot lacks a careful construction and the fight scenes have a cinematic quality to them, like they were built only for visual effect and not as connecting dots for the story line.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was good, somewhat short and obvious references to Jesus and god, but it had plenty of action and had the hero's journey almost down to a T. All in all If you have time to kill and nothing to read this book will fill it in pretty well.

[Mistyblue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm hooked on Mr. Somers' books. He seamlessly combines fantasy and Christian fiction in a way that makes me think, and gives me great pleasure to ponder. I can't wait to read the next in the series. :)

[Kendra Ardnek · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot and premise were wonderful, and the Christian message clear though not forced or pushy. However, the writing was kluncky, and there were a few scenes that required too much suspension of belief.

[Rai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review coming soon...

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. Reminds me of a Christian version of The Warded Man. Very easy to read.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book. I cannot wait to read the next one. Highly Recomended.

[Dan Morrissey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simplistic writing tried to get through it but had to stop

[Jeff · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. This was free on my kindle, and now I know why.

[Janet Greenslade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took some reading, it's a good book but at times it got a bit like walking through mud.

[Peter Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome book it told a story of God in a easy to understand kind of way. over all great book

[Jerri · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry, I just could not continue reading this book. The characters are too flat and I just could not care about them at all.

[Angi614c · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good book! ive read all 3 and enjoyed them all

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept with this book. The main character felt rushed and to quick to come to his power. Otherwise it was an interesting read and a different take on fantasy.

[LaTonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. Noticeable errors. Liked the inclusion of pirates. And ninja priests, of course.

[Matt Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

not a bad book. The world he created was really cool. There were just a few parts where I felt the descriptions became heavy on the adjectives.

[Jodi Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! Kept me captivated till the end!

[Kevin Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK...good enough to get me to try Book #2

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't quit books very often, but I just could not continue reading this.