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GRONE: Legends of the Known Arc Book 1
JOURNEY INTO THE DARK HEART OF THE MACHINE--AND TO THE FARTHEST REACHES OF THE GALAXY...
TWO HOSPITAL BEDS in a Stanford University lab. Two still figures, attached by bundles of cables to the experimental QARMA supercomputer. Analise and Wolfe are true scientific pioneers, the first humans to ever leave the shells of their physical bodies to explore an entirely new virtual universe beyond time and space. But their creation, the most vivid VR metaverse ever envisioned, has come under attack.
ON A CROWDED MANHATTAN STREET, a young woman materializes within a pillar of fire. Does the arrival of this mysterious stranger correspond to the unprecedented swarm of sunspots that has turned noontime to twilight, or the auroras that ripple across daytime skies, or the regular micro-tremors that have begun to ring the Earth's crust like a church bell?
IN A SUBURBAN CALIFORNIA BASEMENT, fifteen-year-old Fiona Martinez is playing an online video game. The phone rings. A stranger is calling. “Please don’t hang up,” the man pleads. “You’re about to be approached by a character in your game. She’s hurt. You must keep her safe, at all costs. Do you understand? Help her, or she’ll die. Help her, or we’ll all die. ”
. . .
The first volume of the Legends of the Known Arc Trilogy , GRONE is a cross-genre mix of hard-SF, LitRPG and space opera that the Seattle Book Review calls " AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE OF SCIENCE FICTION. " Inspired by the thick-and-thoughtful cyberpunk and space opera epics from Adrian Tchaikovsky, Neal Stephenson and Dan Simmons, GRONE is a fast-paced adventure set in a world where the ambitious experiments of a game developer, a neuroscientist and a physicist have created a virtual universe more real than our own, but in the process may have aroused a vast and unimaginably powerful cosmological force that jealously guards the powers of Creation.
Immerse yourself in the grand tapestry of GRONE, and see why critics call Cumby "A master storyteller."
TWO HOSPITAL BEDS in a Stanford University lab. Two still figures, attached by bundles of cables to the experimental QARMA supercomputer. Analise and Wolfe are true scientific pioneers, the first humans to ever leave the shells of their physical bodies to explore an entirely new virtual universe beyond time and space. But their creation, the most vivid VR metaverse ever envisioned, has come under attack.
ON A CROWDED MANHATTAN STREET, a young woman materializes within a pillar of fire. Does the arrival of this mysterious stranger correspond to the unprecedented swarm of sunspots that has turned noontime to twilight, or the auroras that ripple across daytime skies, or the regular micro-tremors that have begun to ring the Earth's crust like a church bell?
IN A SUBURBAN CALIFORNIA BASEMENT, fifteen-year-old Fiona Martinez is playing an online video game. The phone rings. A stranger is calling. “Please don’t hang up,” the man pleads. “You’re about to be approached by a character in your game. She’s hurt. You must keep her safe, at all costs. Do you understand? Help her, or she’ll die. Help her, or we’ll all die. ”
. . .
The first volume of the Legends of the Known Arc Trilogy , GRONE is a cross-genre mix of hard-SF, LitRPG and space opera that the Seattle Book Review calls " AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE OF SCIENCE FICTION. " Inspired by the thick-and-thoughtful cyberpunk and space opera epics from Adrian Tchaikovsky, Neal Stephenson and Dan Simmons, GRONE is a fast-paced adventure set in a world where the ambitious experiments of a game developer, a neuroscientist and a physicist have created a virtual universe more real than our own, but in the process may have aroused a vast and unimaginably powerful cosmological force that jealously guards the powers of Creation.
Immerse yourself in the grand tapestry of GRONE, and see why critics call Cumby "A master storyteller."
- GenresScience Fiction
662 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2023
448 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Cumby
6 books29 followersPatrick Cumby is the recipient of the 2023 Chapter One Prize for fiction, announced March 2023.
Patrick is the author of the Legends of the Known Arc stories and books. He’s a part-time nomad who, along with his frighteningly adventurous wife, loves to explore the world’s little-known corners and meet the extraordinary people who call them home. He's been a bookseller, a dad, a business school professor, a dungeonmaster, an aerospace executive, and the hushpuppy cook at a sketchy seafood joint. He is considered by all who know him to be a very bad dancer.
Patrick’s debut novel, a cross-genre mix of hard-SF and space opera called GRONE, was released in April 2023. He has written for the Star Trek Universe, is a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, and supports local writing groups and environmental causes in his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina.
Discover more--including bonus materials such as short stories, artwork and travel adventures--at PatrickCumby.com.
Patrick is the author of the Legends of the Known Arc stories and books. He’s a part-time nomad who, along with his frighteningly adventurous wife, loves to explore the world’s little-known corners and meet the extraordinary people who call them home. He's been a bookseller, a dad, a business school professor, a dungeonmaster, an aerospace executive, and the hushpuppy cook at a sketchy seafood joint. He is considered by all who know him to be a very bad dancer.
Patrick’s debut novel, a cross-genre mix of hard-SF and space opera called GRONE, was released in April 2023. He has written for the Star Trek Universe, is a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, and supports local writing groups and environmental causes in his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina.
Discover more--including bonus materials such as short stories, artwork and travel adventures--at PatrickCumby.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 28, 2024
This book is destined to be held out as a SciFi masterwork.
I am actually slithgtly hesitant to review this book as I doubt any words I can write down here will do it justice.
Now I read a LOT of scifi and have done all of my adult life. I've got a pretty good idea of the ideas and memes that come around in science fiction works and I can generally work out what's going on fairly early in the plot.
With Grone and the Known Arc I was completely blown away by the concept, very much of our time, and that it is kind of reversing the past 20 years or so of tech. development. The world building is just so detailed and beautifully done. And I love the writing style and charactierisations of the individuals involved.
Conceptually this reminds me a little of the origin of Doctor Who. You can literally take your imagination anywhere within this Universe in the future.
Currently reading Longstar (which is also stunning, perhaps even better) and this is one of the first times I can say I am truly jumping up and down waiting for Orus.
Again - READ THIS BOOK - you will not regret it x
I am actually slithgtly hesitant to review this book as I doubt any words I can write down here will do it justice.
Now I read a LOT of scifi and have done all of my adult life. I've got a pretty good idea of the ideas and memes that come around in science fiction works and I can generally work out what's going on fairly early in the plot.
With Grone and the Known Arc I was completely blown away by the concept, very much of our time, and that it is kind of reversing the past 20 years or so of tech. development. The world building is just so detailed and beautifully done. And I love the writing style and charactierisations of the individuals involved.
Conceptually this reminds me a little of the origin of Doctor Who. You can literally take your imagination anywhere within this Universe in the future.
Currently reading Longstar (which is also stunning, perhaps even better) and this is one of the first times I can say I am truly jumping up and down waiting for Orus.
Again - READ THIS BOOK - you will not regret it x
May 10, 2023
This book was AMAZING! It begins with twin siblings, a brother and sister, playing a very intricate VR video game in their basement and takes you on quite a ride from there. There was sci-fi, suspense, romance, action, adventure and humor. It was really quite something! The worlds were built so wonderfully and the plot was SO GOOD! I did not want this book to end at all! And I am so sad I have to wait a year for the second installment. If you enjoy long sci fi novels with intricate and well thought out plots this is the book for you! You will not regret reading it.
April 27, 2023
This is an amazing adventure that takes you on parallel journeys. One journey takes you on a voyage of planets in the known arc with a couple of star-crossed lovers exploring artifacts from an ancient time. At the same time we fall in love with a brother and his disabled sister enjoying a wonderful on-line space adventure. What we fail to realize until much later in Grone is that both of these parallel stories are destined to intersect in a manner no reader could image. Such a great book - highly recommended.
March 11, 2024
This is the review to read.
This book is excellent, and has potential for a long mind-bending yet personal tale.
The world building leaves room for equally compelling tales from different characters' perspectives at different points in the timeline.
The main thing I want to get across is this is not best described as "For fans of Ready Player One" as I keep seeing. These books have nothing in common other than they both have both physical and digital universes. Grone is a mature modern story which will become a classic. RPO is neither of those things.
Instead, this book is for fans of: Protagonists with no special skills or birth-rights, Overcoming existential threats, Character driven narratives, Story driven narratives, Space Operas, Techno Thrillers, Quantum physics, Simulation theory, Ai, Qi, Fermi Paradox, and so on.
This book is excellent, and has potential for a long mind-bending yet personal tale.
The world building leaves room for equally compelling tales from different characters' perspectives at different points in the timeline.
The main thing I want to get across is this is not best described as "For fans of Ready Player One" as I keep seeing. These books have nothing in common other than they both have both physical and digital universes. Grone is a mature modern story which will become a classic. RPO is neither of those things.
Instead, this book is for fans of: Protagonists with no special skills or birth-rights, Overcoming existential threats, Character driven narratives, Story driven narratives, Space Operas, Techno Thrillers, Quantum physics, Simulation theory, Ai, Qi, Fermi Paradox, and so on.
February 15, 2023
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Two hard core teen gamers play a new update of their favorite RPG and discover it’s much more than a game. It’s a world with real life consequences and danger around every corner. I don’t really want to discuss the plot because it’s better for you to enjoy the story as it unfolds. I’ll say it’s masterfully crafted with enough suspense to keep you reading through the vast sprawling storyline. The characters are rich and full and relatable. Great for YA readers as well as adults. Highly recommend this ambitious first novel. Looking forward to reading more Legends of the Known Arc by Mr. Cumby in the future!
Two hard core teen gamers play a new update of their favorite RPG and discover it’s much more than a game. It’s a world with real life consequences and danger around every corner. I don’t really want to discuss the plot because it’s better for you to enjoy the story as it unfolds. I’ll say it’s masterfully crafted with enough suspense to keep you reading through the vast sprawling storyline. The characters are rich and full and relatable. Great for YA readers as well as adults. Highly recommend this ambitious first novel. Looking forward to reading more Legends of the Known Arc by Mr. Cumby in the future!
June 17, 2023
Definitely Not LitRPG!
This is a brilliantly conceived book that takes the idea of a Games Universe and runs with it in a completely unexpected direction: no levelling-up, no points scores, no faux-medievalism; another world has come alive in a completely unplanned manner that is having disastrous consequences for our own world. The only hope for survival rests with the tactical skills of a young girl horrifically injured after a road accident. Elements of AI, parallel dimensions, and political thriller combine with strong characters and a nerve-wracking plot. It's a long book, but I read it in one sitting and eagerly await the next volume in the series.
This is a brilliantly conceived book that takes the idea of a Games Universe and runs with it in a completely unexpected direction: no levelling-up, no points scores, no faux-medievalism; another world has come alive in a completely unplanned manner that is having disastrous consequences for our own world. The only hope for survival rests with the tactical skills of a young girl horrifically injured after a road accident. Elements of AI, parallel dimensions, and political thriller combine with strong characters and a nerve-wracking plot. It's a long book, but I read it in one sitting and eagerly await the next volume in the series.
August 4, 2023
Best ensemble I've read - people outside the main characters have reasons to be there. That's one of the strongest cues I think that a writer has on their thinking cap, the beta readers are taken seriously, and that there was a full use of the time available. I'm glad to read books with fully developed internal lore, and this series might be the one to fully define what that looks like. There's buckets of a made-up scifi tech rationale I could have done without, but I'll admit that tech babble hungry readers will benefit from this info contributing to the plot, not just stuffing pages. The story visits Ready Player One, The Matrix, and Renée Descartes and smokes them all to move forward with its own identity and ideas. There are intriguing twists throughout, and I didn't find the plot devices trite or predictable but laughed when the author allowed the characters to do so. Despite a continuation, this book still wraps up enough threads to feel closed enough to not be frustrated that I'm reading yhis before the second installment is published! Luckily for all who read this, the second book has tons of fertile ground from which to grow/continue a rich story.
June 27, 2023
GRONE is one of the most intricate, well-plotted and engaging books I'ver read in a very long time. At 600 pages, it felt a little daunting going in, but every plot shift was accounted for, all characters were engaging and remained "in character" throughout.
If you love video games, fantasy epics, world-building, adventure... this book is for you. I can imagine this as a streaming TV series, or a movie. The story really takes off in the second chapter, but ties perfectly back to page one at the end.
As a debut novel this is a remarkable piece of writing that deserves a wide audience and all of the praise. Looking forward to the next installment.
Highly recommended.
If you love video games, fantasy epics, world-building, adventure... this book is for you. I can imagine this as a streaming TV series, or a movie. The story really takes off in the second chapter, but ties perfectly back to page one at the end.
As a debut novel this is a remarkable piece of writing that deserves a wide audience and all of the praise. Looking forward to the next installment.
Highly recommended.
January 31, 2024
OMFG This was a good read.
Fantasy series are notoriously difficult to spin into a storyline that transcends current reality with a crafted one. Patrick has created a series where the quantum linkages between dimensions are forged, explored and brought to life. TBH, I had to read about 100 pages in before I really got the science being used as a basis for the storyline. Once I made that leap, I was completely hooked and this rapidly became a page turner that was hard to put down. I think it will be the same for other readers. I look forward to the next books being released.
Fantasy series are notoriously difficult to spin into a storyline that transcends current reality with a crafted one. Patrick has created a series where the quantum linkages between dimensions are forged, explored and brought to life. TBH, I had to read about 100 pages in before I really got the science being used as a basis for the storyline. Once I made that leap, I was completely hooked and this rapidly became a page turner that was hard to put down. I think it will be the same for other readers. I look forward to the next books being released.
May 17, 2023
Read this well spun tale!
It's really hard to pin down the genre of this book (if we can still refer to them as such); I'll go with parallel universe/fictional Earth/Sci-fi/with Lit - RPG elements (but not really) and a good dash of Space Opera. I read the first couple of chapters as a sample for free with a little skepticism and then didn't stop. You probably won't stop either....
It's really hard to pin down the genre of this book (if we can still refer to them as such); I'll go with parallel universe/fictional Earth/Sci-fi/with Lit - RPG elements (but not really) and a good dash of Space Opera. I read the first couple of chapters as a sample for free with a little skepticism and then didn't stop. You probably won't stop either....
May 26, 2023
Great story
Wasn't sure that I would enjoy it, I am not a gamer. I am so glad I took the chance. The concept was interesting . The writing was well done. It's a long book but a fast read, exciting and kept my interest. I am looking forward for the next book, I want to know where this story goes!!!
Wasn't sure that I would enjoy it, I am not a gamer. I am so glad I took the chance. The concept was interesting . The writing was well done. It's a long book but a fast read, exciting and kept my interest. I am looking forward for the next book, I want to know where this story goes!!!
October 8, 2023
An absolutely fantastic story!!
Wow, what a fabulous surprise this book has turned out to be. First time read for this author, got spammed on FB or Insta… so glad I tried it. The story is a cracker, very different from what I expected but a first class page turner. Can’t wait for the rest of the trilogy to unfold. Sensational!!
Wow, what a fabulous surprise this book has turned out to be. First time read for this author, got spammed on FB or Insta… so glad I tried it. The story is a cracker, very different from what I expected but a first class page turner. Can’t wait for the rest of the trilogy to unfold. Sensational!!
November 7, 2023
Enthralling space epic you can't put down!
Absolutely great read, it's a bit confusing at first but even then you know it's building up an epic storyline.
Every novel has it's quirks, this is definitely my favorite one, almost ever. A space epic across time and space, that just hits a nerve preventing me from putting it down.
I can't wait for the next one!
Absolutely great read, it's a bit confusing at first but even then you know it's building up an epic storyline.
Every novel has it's quirks, this is definitely my favorite one, almost ever. A space epic across time and space, that just hits a nerve preventing me from putting it down.
I can't wait for the next one!
May 20, 2024
I would give it 10 stars if I could!
What an astonishing book. OMG. The plot is simply amazing, I’m gobsmacked. I immediately want to reread it now that I’ve reached the end just to immerse myself more. Enthralling characters, fantastic writing, coherent plot lines weaving a story of immense dimensions. You will not be disappointed reading this book. I promise!
What an astonishing book. OMG. The plot is simply amazing, I’m gobsmacked. I immediately want to reread it now that I’ve reached the end just to immerse myself more. Enthralling characters, fantastic writing, coherent plot lines weaving a story of immense dimensions. You will not be disappointed reading this book. I promise!
May 9, 2024
Fantastical immersive book filled with fascinating characters and a storyline that demands your attention and inspires you to keep reading. Loved it and I'm not a sci fi buff. Can't wait for the sequel.
May 10, 2024
Fantastic story
Quickly became a real page turner, loved the characters and the scene descriptions, Just the ideas were amazing. Would recommend to anyone who loves a bit of sci-fi, loves to use their imagination, or can remember and enjoyed Tron, but this is so much better.
Quickly became a real page turner, loved the characters and the scene descriptions, Just the ideas were amazing. Would recommend to anyone who loves a bit of sci-fi, loves to use their imagination, or can remember and enjoyed Tron, but this is so much better.
August 18, 2024
This was quite the engrossing read
What a fun read! What a different take on a lot of subjects. This was great science fiction. Hard to quit turning the pages. I cannot wait to open the cover of the next book
What a fun read! What a different take on a lot of subjects. This was great science fiction. Hard to quit turning the pages. I cannot wait to open the cover of the next book
July 23, 2023
Fantastic and very thought provoking book. Highly recommended.
September 20, 2023
Great combination of Sci-Fi and video games! Great plot and hard to put down. Can't wait for the rest of the trilogy.
November 3, 2023
Wow, just wow. What a brilliant complex world this story arc covers...
August 21, 2024
Awesome
Mind boggling sci fi. Terrific world building. Great read. Can't wait for the next book. Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves science fiction.
Mind boggling sci fi. Terrific world building. Great read. Can't wait for the next book. Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves science fiction.
September 22, 2024
So freaking good.
July 16, 2023
Amazing character and world building
Absolutely captivating story arc with completely unexpected twists. This is one of the best books I've read in years, and I read 50-75 books a year.
Just when you think a conclusion is coming, but you know there are too many unread pages are waiting, a twist comes that could never have been expected.
Totally compelling read. Don't pass this one by.
Absolutely captivating story arc with completely unexpected twists. This is one of the best books I've read in years, and I read 50-75 books a year.
Just when you think a conclusion is coming, but you know there are too many unread pages are waiting, a twist comes that could never have been expected.
Totally compelling read. Don't pass this one by.
January 15, 2024
just read it. you won’t regret it or put it down by the way.
What a great story teller and a new take on a classic genre.
If you liked Enders Game and ready player one (the books, not the movies) you will get into this.
What a great story teller and a new take on a classic genre.
If you liked Enders Game and ready player one (the books, not the movies) you will get into this.
October 26, 2023
Grone
Great read possibly best for teen or younger adult readers. Great plot and hard to put down. Leaves you wanting to read the rest of the trilogy when available.
Great read possibly best for teen or younger adult readers. Great plot and hard to put down. Leaves you wanting to read the rest of the trilogy when available.
August 25, 2023
very different
I liked the story which had elements of books like 3 and ready player one but with a fresh approach. Made the worlds very interesting and the various story lines intriguing.
I liked the story which had elements of books like 3 and ready player one but with a fresh approach. Made the worlds very interesting and the various story lines intriguing.
October 23, 2025
Wow!
I started reading this book with no idea what to expect. It turned out to be one of those books you read until 1 or 2 AM even though you have to get up early. Well written with awesome plot twists! Read it, you'll be glad you did so!
I started reading this book with no idea what to expect. It turned out to be one of those books you read until 1 or 2 AM even though you have to get up early. Well written with awesome plot twists! Read it, you'll be glad you did so!
December 30, 2024
A novel and thoroughly engaging take on the computer game industry, can't wait to read book 2
March 10, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect from this, I picked it on Unlimited because of the 5* reviews and......they're not wrong! Great story and characters that gripped me from the start. The only niggle is that the next book isn't out yet. There is another set in the same universe (Longstar) which is now at the top of my TBR list while I wait for the sequel.
August 21, 2023
A sweeping, constantly plot-twisting, exciting yet philosophical SF-blockbuster.
Full disclosure: I know the author somewhat, and have received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
I find starting books quite difficult, my disbelief is not that easily suspended, and I tend to gloss over long descriptions.
However, by page two of Grone, I was completely immersed. The world building is very brief but precise and the plot moves along at breakneck speed. I've been reading whenever I could, and I've loved it all, despite it not being quite my genre.
The prose sparkles with great ideas, and I just had to keep reading to find out what the next striking image or twist was ging to be. The structure alone seems very cleverly calibrated to get just the right pace and keep the reader wanting more.
It all works amazingly well, and (this I find very important): as a reader I know I'm in good hands with a writer who knows what he's doing. That allows me to sit back and let it all wash over me, and to be happily manipulated and wrong-footed. I can’t wait to read the next instalment!
Full disclosure: I know the author somewhat, and have received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
I find starting books quite difficult, my disbelief is not that easily suspended, and I tend to gloss over long descriptions.
However, by page two of Grone, I was completely immersed. The world building is very brief but precise and the plot moves along at breakneck speed. I've been reading whenever I could, and I've loved it all, despite it not being quite my genre.
The prose sparkles with great ideas, and I just had to keep reading to find out what the next striking image or twist was ging to be. The structure alone seems very cleverly calibrated to get just the right pace and keep the reader wanting more.
It all works amazingly well, and (this I find very important): as a reader I know I'm in good hands with a writer who knows what he's doing. That allows me to sit back and let it all wash over me, and to be happily manipulated and wrong-footed. I can’t wait to read the next instalment!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews