Walls: the Blood of Champions

by SF Covell

12 neighbors from Los forced to fight on Earth as part of a bizarre Alien contest. Abducted by these same aliens, the Blurr, and sent to a distant planet, they find themselves in an amazing futuristic city created by people abducted from Earth decades ago. But the city is controlled by the Blurr, and now the group from Earth must fight their most challenging battle of all against a species of giants in a major televised event. Win or lose, will they ever see their home again?

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 18, 2023

Reviews

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walls: The Blood of Champions by SF Covell is the 3rd book in the gripping sci-fi Walls series. Twelve unsuspecting neighbors from Los Angeles are unexpectedly thrust into an extraordinary ordeal. As pawns in a peculiar Alien contest, they are compelled to fight for survival right here on Earth. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when they are abducted by the enigmatic Blurr and transported to a distant planet. Now, these twelve individuals must confront their most formidable challenge to date as they prepare to engage in a high-stakes battle against a race of colossal giants. To make matters even more intense, their every move will be broadcasted to a wide audience.

Author SF Covell immerses readers into a world filled with tension and excitement. While this book may draw some inspiration from The Hunger Games and incorporate some familiar sci-fi elements, it manages to create a unique blend that kept me engaged. It's like a collage of captivating scenes, each contributing to the overall experience. The plot and setting, although familiar, are skillfully executed, adding depth and excitement to the genre. The story unfolds at a steady pace, gradually building tension and capturing the interest of readers. Despite the large cast of characters, they each bring their own perspectives and contribute to the rich tapestry of the narrative. While it required some attention to follow the dialogue, it added a layer of complexity that made the story more rewarding.

Overall, Walls: The Blood of Champions breathes new life into the sci-fi genre. It combines elements from various sources into a refreshing and enjoyable read. As an avid science fiction enthusiast, I found myself thoroughly immersed in its pages. This book deserves a special place on the bookshelves of fellow sci-fi fans, as it offers a captivating journey through the cosmos.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the final book of SF Covell’s Sci-Fi trilogy, the 13 members we’ve come to know so well from the last 2 stories are whisked away against their wills and are entirely cut off from Earth. Little did they know their survival tactics and teamwork would gain them entry into a grand intergalactic championship that’s beyond their wildest dreams. They’re up against something far worse than a group of ex-convicts and a religious cult combined. Once again they must battle their way to freedom and prove themselves mighty against the unforeseeable odds.

My Thoughts:
The immediate change in scenery is refreshing and I appreciate the in-depth history behind the Walls’ existence. There was much to unpack and aside from google a few things, I enjoyed the many timeless references to fictions like “Fahrenheit 451”, Yevegeny Zamyatin’s “We”, and “The Wizard of Oz”, as well as memorable post-apocalyptic films and cult classics. The story had action, humor, edgy language, philosophical themes, and a sprinkle of everything in between. With it written roughly under 250 pages the world-building is going to be somewhat limited; I had to stretch my imagination and fill in the blanks at certain parts which I did not mind. The strength of this book however is in its characters, each one different and unique but fully fleshed out. At this point I’ve come to know them so well that the camaraderie felt very much like family. My favorites were Nila, DumDum, and maybe Rick because his humor was increasingly terrible with each joke. The tournament was swift and the ending had tied up nicely. Overall, Walls 3 answered all the questions I had from my previous reads and then some.

Many thanks to the author for my signed copy and the opportunity to read Walls 1, 2, and 3!