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Winner #1
Winner - Book One: The Awakening
Join now in the adventure of a lifetime by reading book one of the Winner Trilogy, The Awakening, in which our hero, Martin Slice, discovers his destiny amid a plot to destroy all of mankind. Throughout, we learn of how the guardians of the Universe have fought a multi-dimensional eternal war against the most ancient of evils, a horror so profound that it will consume all of existence unless Martin alone can stop it...
- GenresScience Fiction
278 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2011
1 person is currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Marc Bolda
6 books7 followersMarc has long held an interest in science fiction and fantasy. The ‘Winner’ trilogy is the product of years of research and dedicated writing. When not pursuing the creative arts, Marc supports his writing habit through a professional career and is a worldwide traveller and explorer of diverse cultures and environments…
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 13, 2013
Amid multi-layered, exquisite prose is a nuance of contemporary fiction entwined with an inspired, sci-fi twist that is truly magnificent!
Cleverly complex and exquisitely detailed, this stunning debut novel is a real treat. Beautifully merging together fast-paced, thrilling action/ adventure with modern technological advances and science, one is presented with a detailed concoction of literary delights as to capture the imagination! Brought to life with captivating characters this exciting story is one that will intrigue and astonish, as you loose yourself within a suspenseful, dynamic adventure. The first book in the Winner trilogy (the Awakening) takes you to a dangerous world that is both remarkable and creatively illuminating; as computer viruses, powerful nuclear devices, a tsunami, a stock market collapse and occult rituals and ancient artifacts merge together in one explosive, mind-blowing phenomenon! As the protagonists endeavor to prevent the end of their planet, I found myself mesmerized by this refreshingly original take within a competitive genre.
Hero, Martin Slice is a likable, appealing character who uncovers a great cataclysmic plot to destroy all of man kind. Upon discovering this as well as his ‘destiny’ one soon understands that he is only a part of something much greater than ever imagined; which involves the multi-dimensional eternal war that has been raging between the guardians of the universe and a deadly, ancient evil. As Martin sets out on the quest of a lifetime to purge the universe of this horror, before it is too late and all of existence is consumed, you will find yourself being pulled into the addictive story.
Highly entertaining and totally unexpected, I am truly stunned by this novel which is certainly like nothing I have encountered within this genre. The distinctive, colorful characters (such as a Vietnam Vet, merciless Nazi and dishonest lawyer) make for an outlandish, vibrant read that takes you from the exotic to the harsh and desolate. Attention grabbing dialogue and dramatic action had me glued to the pages, as I felt I was partly witnessing Bond (007) movie within an otherworldly adventure. Earthreal and vividly depicted, I was so impressed by how Marc Bolda incorporated myth and legend, fantasy and science-fiction with an altogether modern, current feel. Dry wit and humor, in-depth character-study and relentless twists and turns in the plot make this a stand-out novel and one that I highly commend.
Acutely sharp, stylish and simply sublime this well-written, bold and ambitious work is just exceptional hence I cannot praise it enough! Blown away by book one, within a terrific trilogy, I now cannot wait to read book 2: the sundering veil and book 3: the last knell of tarumus.
*I won a copy of “Winner, Book 1: the awakening” by Marc Bolda, through a Goodreads giveaway*
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the author for this wonderful opportunity.
Cleverly complex and exquisitely detailed, this stunning debut novel is a real treat. Beautifully merging together fast-paced, thrilling action/ adventure with modern technological advances and science, one is presented with a detailed concoction of literary delights as to capture the imagination! Brought to life with captivating characters this exciting story is one that will intrigue and astonish, as you loose yourself within a suspenseful, dynamic adventure. The first book in the Winner trilogy (the Awakening) takes you to a dangerous world that is both remarkable and creatively illuminating; as computer viruses, powerful nuclear devices, a tsunami, a stock market collapse and occult rituals and ancient artifacts merge together in one explosive, mind-blowing phenomenon! As the protagonists endeavor to prevent the end of their planet, I found myself mesmerized by this refreshingly original take within a competitive genre.
Hero, Martin Slice is a likable, appealing character who uncovers a great cataclysmic plot to destroy all of man kind. Upon discovering this as well as his ‘destiny’ one soon understands that he is only a part of something much greater than ever imagined; which involves the multi-dimensional eternal war that has been raging between the guardians of the universe and a deadly, ancient evil. As Martin sets out on the quest of a lifetime to purge the universe of this horror, before it is too late and all of existence is consumed, you will find yourself being pulled into the addictive story.
Highly entertaining and totally unexpected, I am truly stunned by this novel which is certainly like nothing I have encountered within this genre. The distinctive, colorful characters (such as a Vietnam Vet, merciless Nazi and dishonest lawyer) make for an outlandish, vibrant read that takes you from the exotic to the harsh and desolate. Attention grabbing dialogue and dramatic action had me glued to the pages, as I felt I was partly witnessing Bond (007) movie within an otherworldly adventure. Earthreal and vividly depicted, I was so impressed by how Marc Bolda incorporated myth and legend, fantasy and science-fiction with an altogether modern, current feel. Dry wit and humor, in-depth character-study and relentless twists and turns in the plot make this a stand-out novel and one that I highly commend.
Acutely sharp, stylish and simply sublime this well-written, bold and ambitious work is just exceptional hence I cannot praise it enough! Blown away by book one, within a terrific trilogy, I now cannot wait to read book 2: the sundering veil and book 3: the last knell of tarumus.
*I won a copy of “Winner, Book 1: the awakening” by Marc Bolda, through a Goodreads giveaway*
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the author for this wonderful opportunity.
December 16, 2013
http://koeur.wordpress.com/2013/12/16...
Publisher: Smith Pub.
Publishing Date: May 2013
ISBN: 9781614345145
Genre: SciFi
Rating: 4.3/5.0
Publisher Description: Join now in the adventure of a lifetime by reading book one of the Winner Trilogy, The Awakening, in which our hero, Martin Slice, discovers his destiny amid a plot to destroy all of mankind. Throughout, we learn of how the guardians of the Universe have fought a multi-dimensional eternal war against the most ancient of evils, a horror so profound that it will consume all of existence unless Martin alone can stop it…
Review: Gawd, I totally failed on this one. I was perusing some titles on my phone, and saw this. I thought I had not read it yet, and started to read and could not put it down. I looked up my book reviews and found that I had placed it in the DNR (Did not read) shelf due to the boring simplicity of the story-line. So here I am to conduct an honest review having completed this novel in a few hours.
This novel had great character development and an even better story-line. Martin and his buddy Wolf begin their epic journey upon finding L.I.S.A., a kind of self aware computer program on Martin’s laptop. Prior to this event (which is at the end of the novel) we follow a whole cast of developing characters as their lines begin to converge. This first installment sets the stage for the epic series that will soon follow. A great beginning to garner interest in the outcome. There were only a few missteps, IMO. There was verbal inter-change between Martin and his uncle and Martin and wolf, where they used this stilted high-English. Things like “old chap”, “My boy”, “bloody great” and “splendid fellow” to name a few. As Martin is from Canada and his Uncle resides in the States, where do they come up with the British phrasing? Additionally, there is an element of the self-indulgent, that can drag a novel down. Martin has won the lottery, and his Uncle is, of course, rich and perverted. The author wastes no time iterating his knowledge on the finer things in life. Throughout the novel we find ourselves bludgeoned by a richly appointed setting. What does a Baume & Mercier watch, Bollinger, crystal goblets with finely aged cognac blah, blah, blah, have anything to do with anything? Cover art missed the mark in a big way. Moon over water? WTF?
Other than that, I loved this novel. The story line was compelling as were the characters. Now that Martin has fallen in love after knowing a chick for a few hours, I am looking forward to seeing how this “Love” holds up when the evil twin sisters pay a visit. Knowing the author, it will go something like…”Martin had no interest at all in being seduced by this voluptuous pair as his Victoria is way hotter and Love is the greatest barrier to lust…..” Buh-blah…
Publisher: Smith Pub.
Publishing Date: May 2013
ISBN: 9781614345145
Genre: SciFi
Rating: 4.3/5.0
Publisher Description: Join now in the adventure of a lifetime by reading book one of the Winner Trilogy, The Awakening, in which our hero, Martin Slice, discovers his destiny amid a plot to destroy all of mankind. Throughout, we learn of how the guardians of the Universe have fought a multi-dimensional eternal war against the most ancient of evils, a horror so profound that it will consume all of existence unless Martin alone can stop it…
Review: Gawd, I totally failed on this one. I was perusing some titles on my phone, and saw this. I thought I had not read it yet, and started to read and could not put it down. I looked up my book reviews and found that I had placed it in the DNR (Did not read) shelf due to the boring simplicity of the story-line. So here I am to conduct an honest review having completed this novel in a few hours.
This novel had great character development and an even better story-line. Martin and his buddy Wolf begin their epic journey upon finding L.I.S.A., a kind of self aware computer program on Martin’s laptop. Prior to this event (which is at the end of the novel) we follow a whole cast of developing characters as their lines begin to converge. This first installment sets the stage for the epic series that will soon follow. A great beginning to garner interest in the outcome. There were only a few missteps, IMO. There was verbal inter-change between Martin and his uncle and Martin and wolf, where they used this stilted high-English. Things like “old chap”, “My boy”, “bloody great” and “splendid fellow” to name a few. As Martin is from Canada and his Uncle resides in the States, where do they come up with the British phrasing? Additionally, there is an element of the self-indulgent, that can drag a novel down. Martin has won the lottery, and his Uncle is, of course, rich and perverted. The author wastes no time iterating his knowledge on the finer things in life. Throughout the novel we find ourselves bludgeoned by a richly appointed setting. What does a Baume & Mercier watch, Bollinger, crystal goblets with finely aged cognac blah, blah, blah, have anything to do with anything? Cover art missed the mark in a big way. Moon over water? WTF?
Other than that, I loved this novel. The story line was compelling as were the characters. Now that Martin has fallen in love after knowing a chick for a few hours, I am looking forward to seeing how this “Love” holds up when the evil twin sisters pay a visit. Knowing the author, it will go something like…”Martin had no interest at all in being seduced by this voluptuous pair as his Victoria is way hotter and Love is the greatest barrier to lust…..” Buh-blah…
December 16, 2012
The Awakening is an entertaining, fast-paced and intriguing introduction to what promises to be a great trilogy of novels. Author Marc Bolda pulls the reader into a world of many dangers: computer viruses; nuclear devices; a tsunami; a stock market collapse; occult rituals; and ancient artefacts with unpredictable powers. The novel is packed with memorable characters. My favourites are a dissolute lawyer despairing for meaning, a ruthless Nazi intent on world domination and a Vietnam vet searching for a change of luck and the perfect wave. There are even beautiful and seductive twin assassins.
The Awakening moves quickly and is hard to put down. Mr. Bolda takes the reader from a courtroom in Vancouver to a research ship above the Marianas Trench; from the beaches of Oahu to a lair in deepest Siberia; and from the murky underworld of Eastern European arms dealers to an erotic rave on the California coast. The action scenes are vividly described, the dialogue is convincing and, best of all, the story is imbued with wry observations and witty humour that sets this tale apart from other novels in the genre.
I heartily recommend The Awakening and can’t wait for the second book in the Winner trilogy
The Awakening moves quickly and is hard to put down. Mr. Bolda takes the reader from a courtroom in Vancouver to a research ship above the Marianas Trench; from the beaches of Oahu to a lair in deepest Siberia; and from the murky underworld of Eastern European arms dealers to an erotic rave on the California coast. The action scenes are vividly described, the dialogue is convincing and, best of all, the story is imbued with wry observations and witty humour that sets this tale apart from other novels in the genre.
I heartily recommend The Awakening and can’t wait for the second book in the Winner trilogy
April 9, 2013
Winner “The Awakening” is the first of a trilogy by Marc Bolda. The story involves many characters from all over the world, some very evil and others so unhappy in their lives they are ready to give up. We are introduced to the characters one chapter at a time with each introduction well written and easy to visualize.
The main character is Martin Slice a lawyer who teams up with an exVietnam veteran and together they set out to make right all that is going wrong in the world. The antagonist is a former Nazi, Gidfel who is still believes in the Aryan race supremacy and wants to dominate the world. Due to some luck (or some kind of divine intervention) Martin suddenly becomes available and able to focus on saving the world.
Interesting story with fresh ideas, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am already ½ way through the second. It would make a great motion picture in the future! Recommend to anyone interested in science fiction and/or mystery and adventure. I received this book as a giveaway through goodreads, thank you!
The main character is Martin Slice a lawyer who teams up with an exVietnam veteran and together they set out to make right all that is going wrong in the world. The antagonist is a former Nazi, Gidfel who is still believes in the Aryan race supremacy and wants to dominate the world. Due to some luck (or some kind of divine intervention) Martin suddenly becomes available and able to focus on saving the world.
Interesting story with fresh ideas, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am already ½ way through the second. It would make a great motion picture in the future! Recommend to anyone interested in science fiction and/or mystery and adventure. I received this book as a giveaway through goodreads, thank you!
December 21, 2012
A complex, layered and nuanced story that weaves in computer hackers, evil megalomaniacs and a Dionysian world view while its protagonists race around the globe in an effort to save the planet. Vancouver lawyer Martin Slice gets an unexpected reprieve from the drudgery of life as an over-worked lawyer when he’s catapulted into a world of day-trading, ex-special ops surfers and sentient computer programs with dire warnings. Author Marc Bolda’s opening salvo in what is shaping up to be a killer trilogy is a monster hybrid of fantasy, science fiction, myth and unrelenting action. Crisp and bold, his writing sizzles on the page.
May 18, 2013
I might have liked this book better if I were a male reader. Most of the male characters have stereotypical sexual fantasies that were tiresome. Aren't there any powerful men who think with the brain in their heads rather than following the brain in their genitals?
That being said, there was an interesting and, at times, compelling adventure story entwined within the stock characters (Nazis are still the enemy?). Martin and Wolf, along with Claudia and Victoria, might turn out to be interesting characters as the trilogy proceeds. However, I won't be reading the next two volumes to find out.
That being said, there was an interesting and, at times, compelling adventure story entwined within the stock characters (Nazis are still the enemy?). Martin and Wolf, along with Claudia and Victoria, might turn out to be interesting characters as the trilogy proceeds. However, I won't be reading the next two volumes to find out.
October 8, 2012
A promising introduction to an exciting new series. With a fascinatingly diverse set of characters, Bolda brings the reader deep into a classic battle of good vs. evil. Or maybe not so classic. His villain is reminiscent of the most menacing of Bond villains, utilizing technology that rivals William Gibson’s Neuromancer in scope and vision, and his protagonist - a distinctly anti-hero type who faces a battle that spans the farthest corners and greatest depths of the earth. Bolda’s writing is unabashedly sharp and sophisticated. All in all, a great debut for this writer.
January 4, 2013
Martin is living a life of drudgery until an unexpected event catapults him into an exciting quest to stop an evil war criminal from causing the planet's descent into chaos. As a result of luck and coincidence, Wolf, a good guy with some rough edges, joins Martin in his quest. Along the way they are joined by Claudia and Victoria and the race is on! What will become of our heroes? Book 2 and 3 await...
February 16, 2013
I loved this book - it just drew me in. I finished it at 2 in the morning, because I couldn't put it down! I will admit that the inclusion of Nazis put me off a bit (they're so old - can't we find a new villain?) but kept reading and boy am I glad I did! Full of flawed but relatable characters with interesting stories to tell. Can't wait to see what happens in the next two books.
April 12, 2013
Somewhat decent character development, however I found it disjointed in the sense that it seems as if the author couldn't decide which type of novel he had chosen to write. Tom Clancy meets Nelson Demille meets J R Ward meets Dan Brown. Convoluted in spots, entertaining in others. Having said all this, I downloaded the next book in the series.
May 7, 2013
The Awakening was a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Though it began slowly, it soon picked up pace. The introduction of new characters, compelling plot, and action aspects all drew me in and ultimately won me over as a reader.
March 27, 2013
Failed to keep my interest past chapter 1, although I read several more to see if it got better. The switch of characters and plot from one chapter to another was confusing and disjointed. I never found a connection from chapter to chapter.
April 29, 2013
While the book started slowly, it quickly escalated and intensified rapidly. the characters were both well written and realistic, and the story was fantastic. unfortunately, as it is a trilogy the ending is rather abruptly, but this series is defiantly worth looking into.
February 19, 2013
**I RECEIVED THE BOOK FOR FREE THROUGH GOODREADS FIRST READS**
This was an amazing read! A fast-paced adventure with loads of thrills along the way. There were so many surprises and little twists. Could not put this book down. Now I need to get my hands on the next two books!
This was an amazing read! A fast-paced adventure with loads of thrills along the way. There were so many surprises and little twists. Could not put this book down. Now I need to get my hands on the next two books!
December 18, 2012
Very intriguing story - I was very disappointed when this book ended - I can't wait to read the second one!
The author has really set the scene for an epic tale.
The author has really set the scene for an epic tale.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews