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Flux Catastrophe #1
Molten Flux: Book One of The Flux Catastrophe
As the freshest conscript aboard the walking fortress of Revance, Ryza forges a name for himself in battle. The enemy are the smelters, bandits that trade in reanimated corpses. But for Ryza, the bloodshed represents a path of redemption for an upbringing he’s just escaped.
His prowess with a rifle draws the interest of the Locusts, a clandestine faction within Revance’s ranks. It turns out that not all aboard the fortress seek to stamp out the plague of molten flux, the mysterious liquid metal that fills the bodies of the dead and makes them walk again.
Some seek to profit.
The reanimated corpses —known as autominds— are used to control enormous contraptions of magnetically enchanted metal, forming the backbone of The Droughtland’s factories. The only thing stopping the smelters from expanding their illicit industry is Revance.
The Locusts make Ryza an offer. Either help overthrow Revance to do the smelter’s bidding or reveal his father’s legacy as the very thing Ryza now fights against.
The former is unthinkable. The latter means death.
Ryza resolves to infiltrate them and expose the mutiny, plunging him back into the murky underworld of the smelters, testing his convictions, and even leading him to the ancient origins of molten flux itself.
His prowess with a rifle draws the interest of the Locusts, a clandestine faction within Revance’s ranks. It turns out that not all aboard the fortress seek to stamp out the plague of molten flux, the mysterious liquid metal that fills the bodies of the dead and makes them walk again.
Some seek to profit.
The reanimated corpses —known as autominds— are used to control enormous contraptions of magnetically enchanted metal, forming the backbone of The Droughtland’s factories. The only thing stopping the smelters from expanding their illicit industry is Revance.
The Locusts make Ryza an offer. Either help overthrow Revance to do the smelter’s bidding or reveal his father’s legacy as the very thing Ryza now fights against.
The former is unthinkable. The latter means death.
Ryza resolves to infiltrate them and expose the mutiny, plunging him back into the murky underworld of the smelters, testing his convictions, and even leading him to the ancient origins of molten flux itself.
528 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2023
31 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 9, 2023
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Molten Flux charts the exploits of Ryza and his fellow conscripts on board the floating fortress called Revance. They are tethered remotely by way of a lethal metal collar around their necks.
We are immersed in a future post-apocalyptic event world of tribal humans with specific enhanced capabilities. Molten Flux is the currency of power and control in a very literal sense as the conscripts of Revance travel the droughtlands …… a barren, water deprived, inhospitable landscape of sand, sand and more sand. A power struggle plays out to wrest control of Molten Flux liquid that once injected into a victim’s spinal column gives complete control of what is now a re-animated corpse called an Automind.
From the outset our main protagonist Ryza is climbing his way out of a desperate situation and it very much continues at a cracking pace from there as he continues to “climb” into and out of increasingly dangerous, reckless, heroic endeavours that his personal backstory compels him to launch into. He does manage to find connection and romance however, after a series of near-death experiences.
We can interpret this story on different levels of suggestion and possibilities for the future of mankind and our planet. For me it is a fine mix of adaptation (magic), evolutionary force, barbarism, addiction and finally redemption with a lot of sand! On a basic level it is simply a rollicking good yarn however the familiarity of how the characters of this dystopian future world interact is both comforting and highly disturbing. The sands of time may have smothered previous civilisations but the war within us rages on.
For the potential reader that feels they are simply part of a big machine with increasingly limited personal agency, freedoms and the ability to think and experience a fully sentient life you may have some affinity and sympathies with the Autominds, big business would love them.
The character development may, on first blush, appear to be slightly overshadowed by the bold imagination and overall concept of the richly descriptive, evocative droughtlands world and it took me sometime to understand concepts of axioms, runes, pure resonance, smelters, arcanites etc but forgive me I am an older reader! Understanding them was definitely worth the effort though and as I travelled the droughtlands with Ryza the concepts become highly believable and the characters reveal themselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Molten Flux Arc and look forward to further adventures in the disturbing but additive concept of the droughtlands. Did I mention there’s a lot of sand!
Molten Flux charts the exploits of Ryza and his fellow conscripts on board the floating fortress called Revance. They are tethered remotely by way of a lethal metal collar around their necks.
We are immersed in a future post-apocalyptic event world of tribal humans with specific enhanced capabilities. Molten Flux is the currency of power and control in a very literal sense as the conscripts of Revance travel the droughtlands …… a barren, water deprived, inhospitable landscape of sand, sand and more sand. A power struggle plays out to wrest control of Molten Flux liquid that once injected into a victim’s spinal column gives complete control of what is now a re-animated corpse called an Automind.
From the outset our main protagonist Ryza is climbing his way out of a desperate situation and it very much continues at a cracking pace from there as he continues to “climb” into and out of increasingly dangerous, reckless, heroic endeavours that his personal backstory compels him to launch into. He does manage to find connection and romance however, after a series of near-death experiences.
We can interpret this story on different levels of suggestion and possibilities for the future of mankind and our planet. For me it is a fine mix of adaptation (magic), evolutionary force, barbarism, addiction and finally redemption with a lot of sand! On a basic level it is simply a rollicking good yarn however the familiarity of how the characters of this dystopian future world interact is both comforting and highly disturbing. The sands of time may have smothered previous civilisations but the war within us rages on.
For the potential reader that feels they are simply part of a big machine with increasingly limited personal agency, freedoms and the ability to think and experience a fully sentient life you may have some affinity and sympathies with the Autominds, big business would love them.
The character development may, on first blush, appear to be slightly overshadowed by the bold imagination and overall concept of the richly descriptive, evocative droughtlands world and it took me sometime to understand concepts of axioms, runes, pure resonance, smelters, arcanites etc but forgive me I am an older reader! Understanding them was definitely worth the effort though and as I travelled the droughtlands with Ryza the concepts become highly believable and the characters reveal themselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Molten Flux Arc and look forward to further adventures in the disturbing but additive concept of the droughtlands. Did I mention there’s a lot of sand!
March 25, 2024
Ryza doesn't give a flux.
He's been conscripted to the ever-moving fortress known as Revance, but something needs to be fixed with operations, and Ryza is hellbent on figuring it out. I gotta say, this book captured me from the start!
My CAWPILE Scores:
Characters: 9/10 They live free in my head
Ryza is a reluctant hero who slips up, but he's such a cool character, flaws and all. I, of course, LOVE HOLM also.
Atmosphere: 14/14
breakdown
- setting: 10/10 Spot on world-building
- mood: 4/4 I felt all the feels
This was a mashup of some of my favorite elements in science fiction, so this really hit the nail on the head for me. It was the perfect atmosphere. Chef kiss to making me scream at a character. Haven't done that in a hot minute.
Writing Style: 15/18
breakdown
- storytelling: 8/10 Very good storytelling
- grammar: 3/4 Some grammatical errors
- format: 4/4 No formatting issues
For the most part, the storytelling was engaging and easy to read.
Plot: 9/10 Different and I liked it
From the start, I was enthralled with the idea of a Mad Max + Howl's Moving Castle concept, and Weiss delivered so much more!
Intrigue: 13/14
breakdown
- overall: 9/10 Didn't want to put it down
- readability: 4/4 Gonna start a book club forum
Logic: 13/14
breakdown
- plot logic: 9/10 I understand and want more
- character logic: 4/4 Characters made sense
Even when I wanted to throttle some characters, they do make sense, lol
Excitement: 10/10 I'm in the exclusive fan group
EVERYONE GO OUT AND READ THIS OK? OK.
Totals:
CAWPILE: 82/90
Final Rating: 5 Stars
He's been conscripted to the ever-moving fortress known as Revance, but something needs to be fixed with operations, and Ryza is hellbent on figuring it out. I gotta say, this book captured me from the start!
My CAWPILE Scores:
Characters: 9/10 They live free in my head
Ryza is a reluctant hero who slips up, but he's such a cool character, flaws and all. I, of course, LOVE HOLM also.
Atmosphere: 14/14
breakdown
- setting: 10/10 Spot on world-building
- mood: 4/4 I felt all the feels
This was a mashup of some of my favorite elements in science fiction, so this really hit the nail on the head for me. It was the perfect atmosphere. Chef kiss to making me scream at a character. Haven't done that in a hot minute.
Writing Style: 15/18
breakdown
- storytelling: 8/10 Very good storytelling
- grammar: 3/4 Some grammatical errors
- format: 4/4 No formatting issues
For the most part, the storytelling was engaging and easy to read.
Plot: 9/10 Different and I liked it
From the start, I was enthralled with the idea of a Mad Max + Howl's Moving Castle concept, and Weiss delivered so much more!
Intrigue: 13/14
breakdown
- overall: 9/10 Didn't want to put it down
- readability: 4/4 Gonna start a book club forum
Logic: 13/14
breakdown
- plot logic: 9/10 I understand and want more
- character logic: 4/4 Characters made sense
Even when I wanted to throttle some characters, they do make sense, lol
Excitement: 10/10 I'm in the exclusive fan group
EVERYONE GO OUT AND READ THIS OK? OK.
Totals:
CAWPILE: 82/90
Final Rating: 5 Stars
March 12, 2025
Not to be dramatic but if my man won't use forbidden magic to pull poison out of my blood after I finish stabbing his attacker in the neck 27 times then I don't want it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2024
[This review can also be found on my BLOG]
**I read this book as a judge for the fourth annual Self Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC), this review is solely my own and does not reflect the opinions of the whole team**
CW: violence, blood, injury, gore, murder, death, parent death, fire/immolation, suicidal ideation, slavery
--
This follows Ryza as he escapes from being kidnapped by bandits known as Smelters who are part of the wider trade of Molten Flux – a substance used to reanimate corpses that are then used as conduits by those with the ability to bind and control metal with their magic. An industry Ryza is running from just as much as he is from Smelters. Rescued from a hazardous sandstorm he is taken in and conscripted as a soldier for the moving fortress, Revance, that crosses the Droughtlands with the aim of putting a stop to the Smelters and everyone involved in the illicit trade. Ryza sees his new life as way to redemption but its not long before his past and his skills catch the attention of those who have a different future in mind for Revance.
I was pulled in immediately by this one, Weiss’ narration is fantastic with the opening chapters balancing the right amount of action with the introduction to the world and characters to keep you reading.
The setting of the book has this really interesting post-apocalyptic and desert/diesel-punk blend, where machinery and magic combine and the atmosphere is captured perfectly. Think Mad Max meets Howl’s Moving Castle with some added ink and rune magic. The overall vibe is gritty and there is a fair amount of violence as well as a couple of military battle type scenes. However, at times there is a more adventurous aspect to the story too.
The character work, especially when it came to the relationships that Ryza formed with his little crew aboard Revance was well done. Ryza is one frustrating character though with how he repeatedly puts himself in bad situations that he could probably avoid as well as excusing his conflicting actions by saying that he has “no other choice”. In fact there are quite a few characters that you want to shake about a little and no one can really be pinned as a good guy. However, they all made the exploration of the themes of autonomy, choice and redemption all the more interesting to follow.
Admittedly I did catch on to some of the reveals before the characters did and I also found that there were a few moments when you had to fill in the gaps of what was being inferred by the characters yourself. These things mostly got explained at some point though and didn’t ever take me out of the story too much.
I do think the book as a whole leans more towards the fantasy side of science fantasy as while there are animated machines there is a lot of magic involved in the workings of the world but I enjoyed it all the same and am definitely interested in checking out the rest of the series!
**I read this book as a judge for the fourth annual Self Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC), this review is solely my own and does not reflect the opinions of the whole team**
CW: violence, blood, injury, gore, murder, death, parent death, fire/immolation, suicidal ideation, slavery
--
This follows Ryza as he escapes from being kidnapped by bandits known as Smelters who are part of the wider trade of Molten Flux – a substance used to reanimate corpses that are then used as conduits by those with the ability to bind and control metal with their magic. An industry Ryza is running from just as much as he is from Smelters. Rescued from a hazardous sandstorm he is taken in and conscripted as a soldier for the moving fortress, Revance, that crosses the Droughtlands with the aim of putting a stop to the Smelters and everyone involved in the illicit trade. Ryza sees his new life as way to redemption but its not long before his past and his skills catch the attention of those who have a different future in mind for Revance.
I was pulled in immediately by this one, Weiss’ narration is fantastic with the opening chapters balancing the right amount of action with the introduction to the world and characters to keep you reading.
The setting of the book has this really interesting post-apocalyptic and desert/diesel-punk blend, where machinery and magic combine and the atmosphere is captured perfectly. Think Mad Max meets Howl’s Moving Castle with some added ink and rune magic. The overall vibe is gritty and there is a fair amount of violence as well as a couple of military battle type scenes. However, at times there is a more adventurous aspect to the story too.
The character work, especially when it came to the relationships that Ryza formed with his little crew aboard Revance was well done. Ryza is one frustrating character though with how he repeatedly puts himself in bad situations that he could probably avoid as well as excusing his conflicting actions by saying that he has “no other choice”. In fact there are quite a few characters that you want to shake about a little and no one can really be pinned as a good guy. However, they all made the exploration of the themes of autonomy, choice and redemption all the more interesting to follow.
Admittedly I did catch on to some of the reveals before the characters did and I also found that there were a few moments when you had to fill in the gaps of what was being inferred by the characters yourself. These things mostly got explained at some point though and didn’t ever take me out of the story too much.
I do think the book as a whole leans more towards the fantasy side of science fantasy as while there are animated machines there is a lot of magic involved in the workings of the world but I enjoyed it all the same and am definitely interested in checking out the rest of the series!
June 7, 2023
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
[SPOILER FREE REVIEW]
Molten Flux is an exceptional debut novel by Jonathan Weiss; an action-packed thriller that will leave your ears ringing and a metallic taste in your mouth at each turn of the page. As a coming of age story, memorable for its exhilarating action scenes and multi-layered plot, it’s suitable for young readers looking for a contemporary take on adored sci fi/fantasy classics such as Howl's Moving Castle or Dune.
Weiss’ strength lies in the immersive battleground scenes, whether it be skirmishes with Smelters amongst the ruins of old cities, heated one-on-ones with comrades in the magic-infused time-warp that is the undercity, or a full blown battle of foot soldiers against the giant floating fortress, his skill in writing action shines. Each sequence of moves are masterfully crafted, making for gripping and skin crawling fight scenes any strategy enthusiast will froth over.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Gore, violence, non-consensual body modification, upper limb amputation with magic fix, slavery themes.
[REVIEW WITH SPOILERS]
At its essence, Molten Flux is a story about choices, control and autonomy. Ryza did not get to choose being born as a Kretatic and he did not get to choose whether he took on his father’s business as a molten flux trader, a Smelter. His first autonomous choice was to leave his life under his father’s watch, and every other decision afterwards is driven by the belief that he had no other choice to do the evil he did under his father.
In the early pages, Ryza differentiates himself from other Kretatics who are assumed to easily fall into the Smelter profession by priming himself as a capable Smelter marksman. His attempt to defy the Smelter stereotype and make up for his wrong doings still has the Kretatic-specific slur ‘metal-mouth’ hurled at him, usually by Ditric, a member of his squad. Whichever way he looks, Ryza is a source of suspicion - for his metal-bending abilities, his likelihood of becoming a Smelter, his uncanny ability to survive collar-death and whether he has the good of others in his heart. It’s in taking the life of an innocent by injecting molten flux into their still pumping veins, he succumbs to that self-fulfilling prophecy of once again creating an automind. Though he is wracked with guilt by repeating his mistakes, and haunted by the blood on his hands, he continues to justify his decisions with his naive idea that there is no other way.
Readers, like Origin, the small puppy-like arcanite that follows Ryza around, must silently judge Ryza succumb to his old ways of making autominds. Drawn to the exhilaration of letting loose, his addiction to power sits nicely as an allegory for the cycle of substance abuse, but there are also hints of the cycle of emotional abuse through Ryza’s flashbacks to his childhood under his father’s watch. What his father did to Ryza’s mother, and so carelessly does to create more autominds for profit obviously haunts Ryza but his father’s impact on his psyche is more like a wise-worded spectre subject to a rebellious child’s revulsion than psychological warfare. We are left to watch Ryza run away from a life he did not choose, only to get wrapped up in another life he did not choose.
Underneath his bravado, Ryza is in a vulnerable state, having not yet the chance to create a sense of self separate to his father’s or Revance’s control. It’s Ryza willingly welcoming life as practically an indentured slave on Revance that speaks to his position within the cycle of abuse. He thinks that he has no choice, that killing Smelters is his chance for retribution and relishes the opportunity to dispense the violence that he believes has always been in him. It’s his continual denial of alternate courses of action that pushes him along a no redemption arc of suffering.
The concepts of autonomy and control emerge also in the societal values perpetuated on Revance, on which two of the most compelling examples of the denial of bodily autonomy occur. The first is, obviously, the installation of the life-threatening collar around Ryza’s neck. Upon waking up from what Ryza thought was death by sandstorm, he is informed that he has been conscripted as a soldier on board Revance and that he must not stray from its metallic body for more than 12 hours or risk a gruesome death inflicted by the collar. This plot device is particularly chilling when readers learn that most other collar-wearing conscripts on board are there by their own volition.
The second chilling point of bodily autonomy denial is when Ryza’s arm from his elbow down is cut off. Ryza again wakes up in the Revance infirmary this time with a plate installed against his elbow. Ryza has all of a few minutes of life as an upper arm amputee before he is magically fixed with a metal arm prosthetic. Later, he discovers that Holm, a sketchy Locust member and surprising love interest (in the flavour of enemies-to-lovers), has imbued her resonance into the metal plate against Ryza’s elbow.
In doing this, Holm will always be able to find Ryza. But there are serious issues of consent over Holm imbuing her resonance in a piece of metal literally inside (or attached to) Ryza. It’s incredibly invasive and speaks to Ryza’s concern that he doesn’t know whether Holm is someone who is manipulating him or being manipulated. This is where the issues around autonomy links with the cycle of abuse Ryza is incapable of breaking. The reveal that Holm was actually flirtatious seems like once again a manipulation on her part, gaslighting Ryza into thinking he’d misinterpreted her body language over the course of the novel and priming him to accept her advances. I’m not entirely convinced that Ryza’s susceptibility to abusive behaviour was intentional, but under this lens it does make for a harrowing end to know that despite Ryza’s triumph against Tyrag, no matter where Ryza is, Holm will always be able to find him. An abuser’s dream… We can only hope Holm likes who Ryza has become, or rather, who he has always been. Keen to read the following installments.
[SPOILER FREE REVIEW]
Molten Flux is an exceptional debut novel by Jonathan Weiss; an action-packed thriller that will leave your ears ringing and a metallic taste in your mouth at each turn of the page. As a coming of age story, memorable for its exhilarating action scenes and multi-layered plot, it’s suitable for young readers looking for a contemporary take on adored sci fi/fantasy classics such as Howl's Moving Castle or Dune.
Weiss’ strength lies in the immersive battleground scenes, whether it be skirmishes with Smelters amongst the ruins of old cities, heated one-on-ones with comrades in the magic-infused time-warp that is the undercity, or a full blown battle of foot soldiers against the giant floating fortress, his skill in writing action shines. Each sequence of moves are masterfully crafted, making for gripping and skin crawling fight scenes any strategy enthusiast will froth over.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Gore, violence, non-consensual body modification, upper limb amputation with magic fix, slavery themes.
[REVIEW WITH SPOILERS]
At its essence, Molten Flux is a story about choices, control and autonomy. Ryza did not get to choose being born as a Kretatic and he did not get to choose whether he took on his father’s business as a molten flux trader, a Smelter. His first autonomous choice was to leave his life under his father’s watch, and every other decision afterwards is driven by the belief that he had no other choice to do the evil he did under his father.
In the early pages, Ryza differentiates himself from other Kretatics who are assumed to easily fall into the Smelter profession by priming himself as a capable Smelter marksman. His attempt to defy the Smelter stereotype and make up for his wrong doings still has the Kretatic-specific slur ‘metal-mouth’ hurled at him, usually by Ditric, a member of his squad. Whichever way he looks, Ryza is a source of suspicion - for his metal-bending abilities, his likelihood of becoming a Smelter, his uncanny ability to survive collar-death and whether he has the good of others in his heart. It’s in taking the life of an innocent by injecting molten flux into their still pumping veins, he succumbs to that self-fulfilling prophecy of once again creating an automind. Though he is wracked with guilt by repeating his mistakes, and haunted by the blood on his hands, he continues to justify his decisions with his naive idea that there is no other way.
Readers, like Origin, the small puppy-like arcanite that follows Ryza around, must silently judge Ryza succumb to his old ways of making autominds. Drawn to the exhilaration of letting loose, his addiction to power sits nicely as an allegory for the cycle of substance abuse, but there are also hints of the cycle of emotional abuse through Ryza’s flashbacks to his childhood under his father’s watch. What his father did to Ryza’s mother, and so carelessly does to create more autominds for profit obviously haunts Ryza but his father’s impact on his psyche is more like a wise-worded spectre subject to a rebellious child’s revulsion than psychological warfare. We are left to watch Ryza run away from a life he did not choose, only to get wrapped up in another life he did not choose.
Underneath his bravado, Ryza is in a vulnerable state, having not yet the chance to create a sense of self separate to his father’s or Revance’s control. It’s Ryza willingly welcoming life as practically an indentured slave on Revance that speaks to his position within the cycle of abuse. He thinks that he has no choice, that killing Smelters is his chance for retribution and relishes the opportunity to dispense the violence that he believes has always been in him. It’s his continual denial of alternate courses of action that pushes him along a no redemption arc of suffering.
The concepts of autonomy and control emerge also in the societal values perpetuated on Revance, on which two of the most compelling examples of the denial of bodily autonomy occur. The first is, obviously, the installation of the life-threatening collar around Ryza’s neck. Upon waking up from what Ryza thought was death by sandstorm, he is informed that he has been conscripted as a soldier on board Revance and that he must not stray from its metallic body for more than 12 hours or risk a gruesome death inflicted by the collar. This plot device is particularly chilling when readers learn that most other collar-wearing conscripts on board are there by their own volition.
The second chilling point of bodily autonomy denial is when Ryza’s arm from his elbow down is cut off. Ryza again wakes up in the Revance infirmary this time with a plate installed against his elbow. Ryza has all of a few minutes of life as an upper arm amputee before he is magically fixed with a metal arm prosthetic. Later, he discovers that Holm, a sketchy Locust member and surprising love interest (in the flavour of enemies-to-lovers), has imbued her resonance into the metal plate against Ryza’s elbow.
In doing this, Holm will always be able to find Ryza. But there are serious issues of consent over Holm imbuing her resonance in a piece of metal literally inside (or attached to) Ryza. It’s incredibly invasive and speaks to Ryza’s concern that he doesn’t know whether Holm is someone who is manipulating him or being manipulated. This is where the issues around autonomy links with the cycle of abuse Ryza is incapable of breaking. The reveal that Holm was actually flirtatious seems like once again a manipulation on her part, gaslighting Ryza into thinking he’d misinterpreted her body language over the course of the novel and priming him to accept her advances. I’m not entirely convinced that Ryza’s susceptibility to abusive behaviour was intentional, but under this lens it does make for a harrowing end to know that despite Ryza’s triumph against Tyrag, no matter where Ryza is, Holm will always be able to find him. An abuser’s dream… We can only hope Holm likes who Ryza has become, or rather, who he has always been. Keen to read the following installments.
March 24, 2024
I received a copy of Molten Flux by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Molten Flux is a brilliant novel by Jonathan Weiss that is as energetic as it is thrilling.
As the freshest conscript aboard the walking fortress of Revance, Ryza forges a name for himself in battle. The enemy are the smelters, bandits that trade in reanimated corpses. But for Ryza, the bloodshed represents a path of redemption for an upbringing he’s just escaped. His prowess with a rifle draws the interest of the Locusts, a clandestine faction within Revance’s ranks.
It turns out that not all aboard the fortress seek to stamp out the plague of molten flux, the mysterious liquid metal that fills the bodies of the dead and makes them walk again. Some seek to profit. The reanimated corpses —known as autominds— are used to control enormous contraptions of magnetically enchanted metal, forming the backbone of The Droughtland’s factories.
The only thing stopping the smelters from expanding their illicit industry is Revance. The Locusts make Ryza an offer. Either help overthrow Revance to do the smelter’s bidding or reveal his father’s legacy as the very thing Ryza now fights against. The former is unthinkable.
The latter means death.Ryza resolves to infiltrate them and expose the mutiny, plunging him back into the murky underworld of the smelters, testing his convictions, and even leading him to the ancient origins of molten flux itself.
This is a journey through the pages as we travel on Revance and its accompanying lands. This interesting concept is a brilliant machination from Weiss that shows the imagination here and to start with this foundation and build upon this was a fascinating start to this novel.
The characters here were unique and exciting, each with their own personality. Ryza is a complex character that slowly unravels throughout. Ryza is on a personal journey of development whilst also journeying through the story and there are a lot of questions that I can't wait to get to in book two.
I'm a fan of the landscape here. This is a harsh terrain that Revance travels and whilst everyone is struggling, they have ways of navigating these troubles and it's clear that Weiss has a clear vision for this series that makes it more excitable. The magic system itself is easy to understand but also mystical and mysterious. I like how Weiss had everything connect and truly understood this novel and it showed with the writing.
Thank you once again to Jonathan for the copy of this. I urge everyone to pick this up for an amazing sci-fi novel that has you turning the page.
Molten Flux is a brilliant novel by Jonathan Weiss that is as energetic as it is thrilling.
As the freshest conscript aboard the walking fortress of Revance, Ryza forges a name for himself in battle. The enemy are the smelters, bandits that trade in reanimated corpses. But for Ryza, the bloodshed represents a path of redemption for an upbringing he’s just escaped. His prowess with a rifle draws the interest of the Locusts, a clandestine faction within Revance’s ranks.
It turns out that not all aboard the fortress seek to stamp out the plague of molten flux, the mysterious liquid metal that fills the bodies of the dead and makes them walk again. Some seek to profit. The reanimated corpses —known as autominds— are used to control enormous contraptions of magnetically enchanted metal, forming the backbone of The Droughtland’s factories.
The only thing stopping the smelters from expanding their illicit industry is Revance. The Locusts make Ryza an offer. Either help overthrow Revance to do the smelter’s bidding or reveal his father’s legacy as the very thing Ryza now fights against. The former is unthinkable.
The latter means death.Ryza resolves to infiltrate them and expose the mutiny, plunging him back into the murky underworld of the smelters, testing his convictions, and even leading him to the ancient origins of molten flux itself.
This is a journey through the pages as we travel on Revance and its accompanying lands. This interesting concept is a brilliant machination from Weiss that shows the imagination here and to start with this foundation and build upon this was a fascinating start to this novel.
The characters here were unique and exciting, each with their own personality. Ryza is a complex character that slowly unravels throughout. Ryza is on a personal journey of development whilst also journeying through the story and there are a lot of questions that I can't wait to get to in book two.
I'm a fan of the landscape here. This is a harsh terrain that Revance travels and whilst everyone is struggling, they have ways of navigating these troubles and it's clear that Weiss has a clear vision for this series that makes it more excitable. The magic system itself is easy to understand but also mystical and mysterious. I like how Weiss had everything connect and truly understood this novel and it showed with the writing.
Thank you once again to Jonathan for the copy of this. I urge everyone to pick this up for an amazing sci-fi novel that has you turning the page.
March 20, 2024
Molten Flux by Jonathan Weiss.
Book One of The Flux Catastrophe.
As the freshest conscript aboard the walking fortress of Revance, Ryza forges a name for himself in battle. The enemy are the smelters, bandits that trade in reanimated corpses. But for Ryza, the bloodshed represents a path of redemption for an upbringing he’s just escaped. His prowess with a rifle draws the interest of the Locusts, a clandestine faction within Revance’s ranks. It turns out that not all aboard the fortress seek to stamp out the plague of molten flux, the mysterious liquid metal that fills the bodies of the dead and makes them walk again.
I really did enjoy this book. It was different. I did like Ryza. I liked his journey as he made his way out of each situation he finds himself in. I loved the magic side aswell. Very well written. I couldn't put it down as I wanted to find out how it ended. I didn't like the smelters. Holm I did like. Full of action. There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book. I can't wait to find out what happens next. 4*
Book One of The Flux Catastrophe.
As the freshest conscript aboard the walking fortress of Revance, Ryza forges a name for himself in battle. The enemy are the smelters, bandits that trade in reanimated corpses. But for Ryza, the bloodshed represents a path of redemption for an upbringing he’s just escaped. His prowess with a rifle draws the interest of the Locusts, a clandestine faction within Revance’s ranks. It turns out that not all aboard the fortress seek to stamp out the plague of molten flux, the mysterious liquid metal that fills the bodies of the dead and makes them walk again.
I really did enjoy this book. It was different. I did like Ryza. I liked his journey as he made his way out of each situation he finds himself in. I loved the magic side aswell. Very well written. I couldn't put it down as I wanted to find out how it ended. I didn't like the smelters. Holm I did like. Full of action. There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book. I can't wait to find out what happens next. 4*
July 2, 2023
This story had a lot of great elements to it that I loved. While at times it felt a little slow, that slow period provided insights into characters and background activity. The world Weiss has created in this story is a great framework for the series. Focusing on young adults that are really starting to come into themselves, understand the world they're living in and finding their place in it was really fun to read about. Plus, the purpose and activity behind what Molten Flux actually is was the most fascinating part of the entire story. If you enjoy an alternate universe, coming of age, fight for your life kind of story, then you'll enjoy this one too!
September 1, 2023
A great start to a series, 'Molten Flux' follows Ryza as he tries to survive in this post-apocalyptic world.
Secrets, action, revenge, and violence are a few of the words to describe this book.
The descriptions of every scene are good and the characters are well written. The reader gets in the story and even the secondary characters are noticeable.
There isn't a lot of development, but I do believe we will see more in the next book.
The pace is good, with a few info dumps, but they were needed in order for the plot to make sense.
I received an e-arc, along with one for the prequel which I will read soon.
Can't wait fot the second book of this series.
Secrets, action, revenge, and violence are a few of the words to describe this book.
The descriptions of every scene are good and the characters are well written. The reader gets in the story and even the secondary characters are noticeable.
There isn't a lot of development, but I do believe we will see more in the next book.
The pace is good, with a few info dumps, but they were needed in order for the plot to make sense.
I received an e-arc, along with one for the prequel which I will read soon.
Can't wait fot the second book of this series.
January 8, 2025
This review was originally posted on SFFINSIDERS.COM
Molten Flux felt like finding a new favorite roller coaster. With a dash of steampunk and a cinematic feel that gives Mad Max, Dune and Mortal Engines vibes, I jumped into this book expecting an epic adventure with high stakes and life threatening peril, which I was greatly dealt. What I wasn’t expecting was the intricate world filled with questions and themes that really hit in surprising ways.
At first glance the Droughtlands might feel a bit expected for a story based in a desert, but quickly opens up to depths above and below the sand, layered with mystery and intrigue. The tech was really cool and I think Weiss struck a great balance of satisfying detail while keeping up with the quick pace of the story. I could smell, feel, and hear the environment and machines as much as I saw them. The vehicles and weapons, towns and ruins all pushed the boundaries of believability without escaping them, which catered to a sense of full immersion into the Droughtlands.
‘Control means nothing if you’ve got no idea what you’re going to do with it.’
The magic system was really creative, I loved the use of runes painted on the body in order to wield unique elemental abilities. The prejudices built into the world between different factions of abilities brought a nice tension to the society that had an almost classist tone. You leave this book knowing there’s a lot left to discover about their powers and I can’t wait to see what future books hold. The fact that this world will be home to 14 novels sounds like a massive undertaking, but Weiss certainly has done a great job in setting up a world deep enough to hold that much interest.
Ryza, our main character, is perfectly imperfect. I loved his heart, despite its downfalls, and he came across as really relatable. His struggles, growth, and choices added real weight to the pages, and navigating the experiences he had forced upon him was a treat. I’m not sure I altogether understood some of the characters, especially Holm, though I’m sure that’s because Ryza didn’t either. I hope that she grows on me in books to come because she’s quite an interesting character. I loved the rest of the cast, everyone had a bit of depth to them even when they were fairly far to the side, and there are those I wish I’d be able to see again but are gone for good, sniff. The characters really added a lot of the believability to a world so different from our own, bringing with them the hard earned trauma of survival in the volatile landscape. I think Weiss handled those behaviors very well.
‘Think about it this way, wearing this collar that’s supposed to choke me to death is the freest I’ve ever felt.’
All of these elements came together to enforce a super entertaining plot. I really thought I knew where the end of this story would take us, but around every bend was another curve ball and in the end the book accomplished so much more than I expected. Throughout the story, my own motivations for the characters grew with theirs. I was left stunned and completely satisfied in the end, which I feel is rare for the start of a series nowadays. I have many more questions, and many pages to go with these characters, but I also loved that we completed a full arch in the story.
And that was what I really loved about Weiss’s writing, it misses very little. The prose doesn’t stubble over itself or come with much pretense. Though you’re sprinting with action and facing new heights at every turn, he allows the breath needed to process and appreciate the scope in which the characters view their world.
‘My hands aren’t clean.’
Molten Flux checks all the boxes. With a unique magic system, a stark future world, amazing machines and baffling tech still being uncovered, you get a perfectly balanced Dystopian Sci-Fi Fantasy you can't put down. The Droughtlands has a lot more story to tell, and I feel as though I’ve just scratched the surface in the best way possible.
Molten Flux felt like finding a new favorite roller coaster. With a dash of steampunk and a cinematic feel that gives Mad Max, Dune and Mortal Engines vibes, I jumped into this book expecting an epic adventure with high stakes and life threatening peril, which I was greatly dealt. What I wasn’t expecting was the intricate world filled with questions and themes that really hit in surprising ways.
At first glance the Droughtlands might feel a bit expected for a story based in a desert, but quickly opens up to depths above and below the sand, layered with mystery and intrigue. The tech was really cool and I think Weiss struck a great balance of satisfying detail while keeping up with the quick pace of the story. I could smell, feel, and hear the environment and machines as much as I saw them. The vehicles and weapons, towns and ruins all pushed the boundaries of believability without escaping them, which catered to a sense of full immersion into the Droughtlands.
‘Control means nothing if you’ve got no idea what you’re going to do with it.’
The magic system was really creative, I loved the use of runes painted on the body in order to wield unique elemental abilities. The prejudices built into the world between different factions of abilities brought a nice tension to the society that had an almost classist tone. You leave this book knowing there’s a lot left to discover about their powers and I can’t wait to see what future books hold. The fact that this world will be home to 14 novels sounds like a massive undertaking, but Weiss certainly has done a great job in setting up a world deep enough to hold that much interest.
Ryza, our main character, is perfectly imperfect. I loved his heart, despite its downfalls, and he came across as really relatable. His struggles, growth, and choices added real weight to the pages, and navigating the experiences he had forced upon him was a treat. I’m not sure I altogether understood some of the characters, especially Holm, though I’m sure that’s because Ryza didn’t either. I hope that she grows on me in books to come because she’s quite an interesting character. I loved the rest of the cast, everyone had a bit of depth to them even when they were fairly far to the side, and there are those I wish I’d be able to see again but are gone for good, sniff. The characters really added a lot of the believability to a world so different from our own, bringing with them the hard earned trauma of survival in the volatile landscape. I think Weiss handled those behaviors very well.
‘Think about it this way, wearing this collar that’s supposed to choke me to death is the freest I’ve ever felt.’
All of these elements came together to enforce a super entertaining plot. I really thought I knew where the end of this story would take us, but around every bend was another curve ball and in the end the book accomplished so much more than I expected. Throughout the story, my own motivations for the characters grew with theirs. I was left stunned and completely satisfied in the end, which I feel is rare for the start of a series nowadays. I have many more questions, and many pages to go with these characters, but I also loved that we completed a full arch in the story.
And that was what I really loved about Weiss’s writing, it misses very little. The prose doesn’t stubble over itself or come with much pretense. Though you’re sprinting with action and facing new heights at every turn, he allows the breath needed to process and appreciate the scope in which the characters view their world.
‘My hands aren’t clean.’
Molten Flux checks all the boxes. With a unique magic system, a stark future world, amazing machines and baffling tech still being uncovered, you get a perfectly balanced Dystopian Sci-Fi Fantasy you can't put down. The Droughtlands has a lot more story to tell, and I feel as though I’ve just scratched the surface in the best way possible.
June 2, 2023
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
I really love the brutal wasteland, scavenging vibes of this book. Think Dune meets Treasure Planet.
A metallic fortress wandering the barren Droughtlands carrying a ragtag crew of conscripts is such a cool visual and made me want to know more. Who is in charge of it? Where is it going? What is an automind? As I read through I kept having more questions I wanted answers to. At an early point where a major story hook popped up (no spoilers) I found that I couldn’t put this book down and it makes me excited to read this and more from the series.
The prequel novella Rising Flux was not required to understand the story of Molten Flux but does give you more background and was a fun short read.
Molten Flux really drew me in with a complex world and solid history, I recommend it to anyone who enjoys dystopian fantasy with these elements.
I really love the brutal wasteland, scavenging vibes of this book. Think Dune meets Treasure Planet.
A metallic fortress wandering the barren Droughtlands carrying a ragtag crew of conscripts is such a cool visual and made me want to know more. Who is in charge of it? Where is it going? What is an automind? As I read through I kept having more questions I wanted answers to. At an early point where a major story hook popped up (no spoilers) I found that I couldn’t put this book down and it makes me excited to read this and more from the series.
The prequel novella Rising Flux was not required to understand the story of Molten Flux but does give you more background and was a fun short read.
Molten Flux really drew me in with a complex world and solid history, I recommend it to anyone who enjoys dystopian fantasy with these elements.
June 19, 2024
Sensational!
A perfect mixture of machinery, magic and mystery! Molten Flux is a story that takes you from the darkest thoughts to the most triumphant cheers. The concept of the story is an interesting one, not just having regular magic or mundane guns, but throwing an alien substance into the mix that tests everything you thought you knew about fantasy. Everyone has their demons, and the characters here definitely have pasts that need more exploring, even at the books end. On to book 2!
A perfect mixture of machinery, magic and mystery! Molten Flux is a story that takes you from the darkest thoughts to the most triumphant cheers. The concept of the story is an interesting one, not just having regular magic or mundane guns, but throwing an alien substance into the mix that tests everything you thought you knew about fantasy. Everyone has their demons, and the characters here definitely have pasts that need more exploring, even at the books end. On to book 2!
August 5, 2024
Sensational!
A perfect mixture of machinery, magic and mystery! Molten Flux is a story that takes you from the darkest thoughts to the most triumphant cheers. The concept of the story is an interesting one, not just having regular magic or mundane guns, but throwing an alien substance into the mix that tests everything you thought you knew about fantasy. Everyone has their demons, and the characters here definitely have pasts that need more exploring, even at the books end. On to book 2!
A perfect mixture of machinery, magic and mystery! Molten Flux is a story that takes you from the darkest thoughts to the most triumphant cheers. The concept of the story is an interesting one, not just having regular magic or mundane guns, but throwing an alien substance into the mix that tests everything you thought you knew about fantasy. Everyone has their demons, and the characters here definitely have pasts that need more exploring, even at the books end. On to book 2!
July 5, 2023
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
This book builds upon the setting and themes introduced in the prequel novella Rising Flux, but you don't have to read the novella to enjoy and understand this book. If I had to describe Molten Flux in one word, it would be "action-packed."
What I liked
worldbuilding
Like the prequel novella, there is a lot to enjoy here. My favorite aspect of the series so far is probably the worldbuilding. It is so interesting that people could have evolved to no longer need water. In chapter 5 "Canyon Captives," during a skirmish with raiders intent on stealing anything valuable such as water, we get this interesting bit of lore:
Legend had it people once drank the precious stuff. Eons ago when it still rained in this desert land. But one day people just stopped needing to. It was all in the air.
Nowadays water is only used for making magical inks, which people use to do magic.
Magic in this world is performed by painting runes onto one's skin. There are several groups of people who are predisposed to certain types of elemental magic. They are marked by different eye colors:
- Kretatics. Green eyes. Can control magnetism and magnetic metals.
- Reythurist. Blue eyes. Can manipulate air.
- Curiktic. Yellow eyes. Can control and manipulate light and fire.
- Hytharo. An extinct group said to control storms [chapter 31]
- There is another group of magic users too, called the shadow dancers.
The main character Ryza is a Kretatic.
There's also plenty of mystery in the world, such as the nature of strange ruins found in the desert. I'm a sucker for desert ruins.
writing style
It manages to be gritty without verging into grotesque. I think this is exemplified in the action scenes. The violence is setting- and genre-appropriate.
Apart from that, the writing style is straightforward and easy to read.
theme
"Control" was an interesting motif I noticed while reading this book. The theme of how the choices we can make are often constrained [or falsely believed to be constrained] by forces outside our control was interesting. It played out in some compelling ways.
For example, in this book we have zombie-like creatures called autominds. To create an automind, unscrupulous and cruel Kretatics fill the bodies of people - already dead if they are lucky, alive if they are not - with flux. The process is revolting: it involves stabbing an injector gun between the victim's neck vertebrae. Yet after it is complete, the Kretatic has complete control of the automind.
The main character Ryza was raised by a man who turned his own wife into an automind soon after Ryza was born. As such, doing such evil acts became second nature to Ryza. At one point in the story [major spoiler, including discussion of the ending]
We see time and time again that characters feel they don't have a choice. They are conscripts in a ragtag army, in many cases forced against their will to fight - though some have joined voluntarily or found peace with the situation. In another reflection of the theme, Ryza's arm is amputated - the same arm he used to paint his magic runes on.
I'm looking forward to seeing these motifs and themes fleshed out in later installments.
characters
Some of the characters were annoying to me. In particular Yuvet! Her heartlessness felt cartoony at times. But I softened towards her as the story progressed. It is to be expected - given her circumstances - that Yuvet would be a bit of a hardass. For example, in this scene, Ryza recently considered suicide and Yuvet gives him an appropriate amount of mercy:
"I should be here to kill you for dereliction of duty, desertion, and probably treason," Yuvet stated.
"I'd deserve it," [Ryza] muttered.
She responded with a sharp slap across his head and Ryza nearly blacked out from it.
In many cases, I wouldn't say the characters are likeable even if their actions are understandable - they do evil things or are mean or hypocritical or are complacent in the face of evil, all traits that typical protagonists do not engage in. But this is a dog-eat-dog world: one has to be harsh to survive in a place as harsh as the Droughtlands. That said, I do hope Holm and Ryza at least grow into better people as the series goes on.
Conclusion
You don't have to read the prequel to enjoy the novel, but I recommend it because it's short and very good. If you enjoy science-fantasy with dystopian elements, I'd recommend this novel for its unique world and interesting plot points. I'm sure the sequel will be another fun ride.
Heads up for battle violence and themes of slavery.
This book builds upon the setting and themes introduced in the prequel novella Rising Flux, but you don't have to read the novella to enjoy and understand this book. If I had to describe Molten Flux in one word, it would be "action-packed."
What I liked
worldbuilding
Like the prequel novella, there is a lot to enjoy here. My favorite aspect of the series so far is probably the worldbuilding. It is so interesting that people could have evolved to no longer need water. In chapter 5 "Canyon Captives," during a skirmish with raiders intent on stealing anything valuable such as water, we get this interesting bit of lore:
Legend had it people once drank the precious stuff. Eons ago when it still rained in this desert land. But one day people just stopped needing to. It was all in the air.
Nowadays water is only used for making magical inks, which people use to do magic.
Magic in this world is performed by painting runes onto one's skin. There are several groups of people who are predisposed to certain types of elemental magic. They are marked by different eye colors:
- Kretatics. Green eyes. Can control magnetism and magnetic metals.
- Reythurist. Blue eyes. Can manipulate air.
- Curiktic. Yellow eyes. Can control and manipulate light and fire.
- Hytharo. An extinct group said to control storms [chapter 31]
- There is another group of magic users too, called the shadow dancers.
The main character Ryza is a Kretatic.
There's also plenty of mystery in the world, such as the nature of strange ruins found in the desert. I'm a sucker for desert ruins.
writing style
It manages to be gritty without verging into grotesque. I think this is exemplified in the action scenes. The violence is setting- and genre-appropriate.
Apart from that, the writing style is straightforward and easy to read.
theme
"Control" was an interesting motif I noticed while reading this book. The theme of how the choices we can make are often constrained [or falsely believed to be constrained] by forces outside our control was interesting. It played out in some compelling ways.
For example, in this book we have zombie-like creatures called autominds. To create an automind, unscrupulous and cruel Kretatics fill the bodies of people - already dead if they are lucky, alive if they are not - with flux. The process is revolting: it involves stabbing an injector gun between the victim's neck vertebrae. Yet after it is complete, the Kretatic has complete control of the automind.
The main character Ryza was raised by a man who turned his own wife into an automind soon after Ryza was born. As such, doing such evil acts became second nature to Ryza. At one point in the story [major spoiler, including discussion of the ending]
We see time and time again that characters feel they don't have a choice. They are conscripts in a ragtag army, in many cases forced against their will to fight - though some have joined voluntarily or found peace with the situation. In another reflection of the theme, Ryza's arm is amputated - the same arm he used to paint his magic runes on.
I'm looking forward to seeing these motifs and themes fleshed out in later installments.
characters
Some of the characters were annoying to me. In particular Yuvet! Her heartlessness felt cartoony at times. But I softened towards her as the story progressed. It is to be expected - given her circumstances - that Yuvet would be a bit of a hardass. For example, in this scene, Ryza recently considered suicide and Yuvet gives him an appropriate amount of mercy:
"I should be here to kill you for dereliction of duty, desertion, and probably treason," Yuvet stated.
"I'd deserve it," [Ryza] muttered.
She responded with a sharp slap across his head and Ryza nearly blacked out from it.
In many cases, I wouldn't say the characters are likeable even if their actions are understandable - they do evil things or are mean or hypocritical or are complacent in the face of evil, all traits that typical protagonists do not engage in. But this is a dog-eat-dog world: one has to be harsh to survive in a place as harsh as the Droughtlands. That said, I do hope Holm and Ryza at least grow into better people as the series goes on.
Conclusion
You don't have to read the prequel to enjoy the novel, but I recommend it because it's short and very good. If you enjoy science-fantasy with dystopian elements, I'd recommend this novel for its unique world and interesting plot points. I'm sure the sequel will be another fun ride.
Heads up for battle violence and themes of slavery.
March 20, 2024
Here is my review for Molten Flux by Jonathon Weiss
This was an intriguing story to read but one I really enjoyed reading. The author really used his imagination on this one and it shows! There is great plotting and terrific writing whereas the descriptive text brings it to life in its own way. It’s a new take on zombies after reading this book, they just don’t eat humans. Ryza is the last person to have entered Revance and he manages to make a name for himself in not dying because of the collar. He’s good at shooting so he gets rifle detail and two hours daily training with his boss on the quiet. Also, he attracts the attention of the locusts, a secret organisation that lives a better life than most aboard the Revance. This was an enjoyable read. Opened my mind to a new subject, the automind. Got totally absorbed by this book as it’s so different in a good way.
Blurb :
As the freshest conscript aboard the walking fortress of Revance, Ryza forges a name for himself in battle. The enemy are the smelters, bandits that trade in reanimated corpses. But for Ryza, the bloodshed represents a path of redemption for an upbringing he’s just escaped.
His prowess with a rifle draws the interest of the Locusts, a clandestine faction within Revance’s ranks. It turns out that not all aboard the fortress seek to stamp out the plague of molten flux, the mysterious liquid metal that fills the bodies of the dead and makes them walk again.
Some seek to profit.
The reanimated corpses —known as autominds— are used to control enormous contraptions of magnetically enchanted metal, forming the backbone of The Droughtland’s factories. The only thing stopping the smelters from expanding their illicit industry is Revance.
The Locusts make Ryza an offer. Either help overthrow Revance to do the smelter’s bidding or reveal his father’s legacy as the very thing Ryza now fights against.
The former is unthinkable. The latter means death.
Ryza resolves to infiltrate them and expose the mutiny, plunging him back into the murky underworld of the smelters, testing his convictions, and even leading him to the ancient origins of molten flux itself.
This was an intriguing story to read but one I really enjoyed reading. The author really used his imagination on this one and it shows! There is great plotting and terrific writing whereas the descriptive text brings it to life in its own way. It’s a new take on zombies after reading this book, they just don’t eat humans. Ryza is the last person to have entered Revance and he manages to make a name for himself in not dying because of the collar. He’s good at shooting so he gets rifle detail and two hours daily training with his boss on the quiet. Also, he attracts the attention of the locusts, a secret organisation that lives a better life than most aboard the Revance. This was an enjoyable read. Opened my mind to a new subject, the automind. Got totally absorbed by this book as it’s so different in a good way.
Blurb :
As the freshest conscript aboard the walking fortress of Revance, Ryza forges a name for himself in battle. The enemy are the smelters, bandits that trade in reanimated corpses. But for Ryza, the bloodshed represents a path of redemption for an upbringing he’s just escaped.
His prowess with a rifle draws the interest of the Locusts, a clandestine faction within Revance’s ranks. It turns out that not all aboard the fortress seek to stamp out the plague of molten flux, the mysterious liquid metal that fills the bodies of the dead and makes them walk again.
Some seek to profit.
The reanimated corpses —known as autominds— are used to control enormous contraptions of magnetically enchanted metal, forming the backbone of The Droughtland’s factories. The only thing stopping the smelters from expanding their illicit industry is Revance.
The Locusts make Ryza an offer. Either help overthrow Revance to do the smelter’s bidding or reveal his father’s legacy as the very thing Ryza now fights against.
The former is unthinkable. The latter means death.
Ryza resolves to infiltrate them and expose the mutiny, plunging him back into the murky underworld of the smelters, testing his convictions, and even leading him to the ancient origins of molten flux itself.
May 15, 2023
I received this book for free from the author and agreed to provide an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Great to get into a new world from a new up and coming author in Jonathon Weiss. Molten Flux takes the reader to a desolate, desiccated, dystopian world of Droughtlands; with hints of the savage tribal wastelands of Mad Max movies, the struggles for survival of a small band around a reluctant leader as seen in True Bastards (Jonathon French), plus a good helping of pseudo-zombies. The zombies (auto-minds) were not essentially evil, just controlled by evil men. The plot intricately weaves the struggles of a young man to escape is past and find his place in the world with a range of peoples (smelters, autominds, traders, vigilantes, users of different magical talents and mysterious ancients from a more advanced past.) Very easy to fall into the story as it races along.
It was good to see how magic was seamlessly added into this world as though it was something everyone did. The struggles of the hero Ryza in negotiating his way through the various tribes of Droughtland reminded me somewhat of Red Rising (Pierce Brown), with similar struggles of a young man in adjusting to increasingly hostile groups.
Although I read this book whilst on a vacation surrounded by water, it was easy to feel part of the desert world portrayed. The plot was quick paced, with our poor hero barely able to catch his breath before the next piece of action. An interesting mix of human greed/hubris, survivalist instincts augmented by using magical runes to control elements and slave minds, plus this strange liquid metal: the Molten Flux. Highly recommend it.
Great to get into a new world from a new up and coming author in Jonathon Weiss. Molten Flux takes the reader to a desolate, desiccated, dystopian world of Droughtlands; with hints of the savage tribal wastelands of Mad Max movies, the struggles for survival of a small band around a reluctant leader as seen in True Bastards (Jonathon French), plus a good helping of pseudo-zombies. The zombies (auto-minds) were not essentially evil, just controlled by evil men. The plot intricately weaves the struggles of a young man to escape is past and find his place in the world with a range of peoples (smelters, autominds, traders, vigilantes, users of different magical talents and mysterious ancients from a more advanced past.) Very easy to fall into the story as it races along.
It was good to see how magic was seamlessly added into this world as though it was something everyone did. The struggles of the hero Ryza in negotiating his way through the various tribes of Droughtland reminded me somewhat of Red Rising (Pierce Brown), with similar struggles of a young man in adjusting to increasingly hostile groups.
Although I read this book whilst on a vacation surrounded by water, it was easy to feel part of the desert world portrayed. The plot was quick paced, with our poor hero barely able to catch his breath before the next piece of action. An interesting mix of human greed/hubris, survivalist instincts augmented by using magical runes to control elements and slave minds, plus this strange liquid metal: the Molten Flux. Highly recommend it.
April 5, 2024
This is the second book I have read written by Jonathan Weiss, and I absolutely loved it!
Molten Flux is Book 1 of The Flux Catastrophe Series.
We follow Ryza, a conscript onboard Revance (a moving fortress) as he carves a name for himself, all while trying to keep his past a secret from those onboard.
Considering Ryza's past, he is a plucky character and full of grit and determination. I couldn't help but love this character, the more I read about him and experienced what happens (and happened!) to him!
All the characters are very strong and ranged from me loving them to me also absolutely hating them for their actions (and for good reason at times).
Once again, the steampunk landscape that Jonathan creates is rich and intriguing. It's a world that if Jonathaan wanted to, he could easily expand into even more new stories. It also weirdly reminded me a bit of one of my favourite TV series, Firefly - which is an honour, as I love that show!
The introduction of Origin the arcanite was great, and I love that little critter, even if at the start the little guy was bathed in mystery...
As always, Jonathan crafts a fantastical world and keeps you on your toes! For me, this book was a medium read as if it felt a nice pace to digest everything that was going on without it being overwhelming - there's always something going on!
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to start Book 2 later this month!
If you love steampunk, fantasy, sci-fi, or all 3, then this book is for you!
Fantastic read!
Molten Flux is Book 1 of The Flux Catastrophe Series.
We follow Ryza, a conscript onboard Revance (a moving fortress) as he carves a name for himself, all while trying to keep his past a secret from those onboard.
Considering Ryza's past, he is a plucky character and full of grit and determination. I couldn't help but love this character, the more I read about him and experienced what happens (and happened!) to him!
All the characters are very strong and ranged from me loving them to me also absolutely hating them for their actions (and for good reason at times).
Once again, the steampunk landscape that Jonathan creates is rich and intriguing. It's a world that if Jonathaan wanted to, he could easily expand into even more new stories. It also weirdly reminded me a bit of one of my favourite TV series, Firefly - which is an honour, as I love that show!
The introduction of Origin the arcanite was great, and I love that little critter, even if at the start the little guy was bathed in mystery...
As always, Jonathan crafts a fantastical world and keeps you on your toes! For me, this book was a medium read as if it felt a nice pace to digest everything that was going on without it being overwhelming - there's always something going on!
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to start Book 2 later this month!
If you love steampunk, fantasy, sci-fi, or all 3, then this book is for you!
Fantastic read!
June 25, 2023
The first book of this Sci-Fantasy gives us an action-packed adventure in a thrilling world. The characters were well-developed and engaging in this descriptive world.
Ryza is on a path of redemption for an upbringing he’s just escaped. When he becomes the freshest conscript aboard the walking fortress of Revance, Ryza forges a name for himself in battle. The enemy are the smelters, bandits that trade in reanimated corpses, autominds which are used to control enormous contraptions of magnetically enchanted metal, forming the backbone of The Droughtland’s factories.
His prowess with a rifle draws the interest of the Locusts, a clandestine faction within Revance’s ranks. It turns out that not all aboard the fortress seek to stamp out the plague of molten flux, the mysterious liquid metal that fills the bodies of the dead and makes them walk again. The only thing stopping the smelters from expanding their illicit industry is Revance.
They make Ryza an offer. Either help overthrow Revance to do the smelter’s bidding or reveal his father’s legacy as the very thing Ryza now fights against. The former is unthinkable. The latter means death.
Ryza resolves to infiltrate them and expose the mutiny, plunging him back into the murky underworld of the smelters, testing his convictions, and even leading him to the ancient origins of molten flux itself.
The world building was enjoyable. There were many details thrown around that put together this interesting world where water wasn’t a necessity anymore. The magical system was different from what we are used to and made it exciting. The concepts introduced were wonderfully ingrained into the plot.
There was so much going on that made the story gripping. It was an action packed page turner and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author has done an incredible job bringing this intricate story to life and I’m looking forward to what the sequels bring us.
Thank you to the author and BOMM for sending me an ARC to review!
Ryza is on a path of redemption for an upbringing he’s just escaped. When he becomes the freshest conscript aboard the walking fortress of Revance, Ryza forges a name for himself in battle. The enemy are the smelters, bandits that trade in reanimated corpses, autominds which are used to control enormous contraptions of magnetically enchanted metal, forming the backbone of The Droughtland’s factories.
His prowess with a rifle draws the interest of the Locusts, a clandestine faction within Revance’s ranks. It turns out that not all aboard the fortress seek to stamp out the plague of molten flux, the mysterious liquid metal that fills the bodies of the dead and makes them walk again. The only thing stopping the smelters from expanding their illicit industry is Revance.
They make Ryza an offer. Either help overthrow Revance to do the smelter’s bidding or reveal his father’s legacy as the very thing Ryza now fights against. The former is unthinkable. The latter means death.
Ryza resolves to infiltrate them and expose the mutiny, plunging him back into the murky underworld of the smelters, testing his convictions, and even leading him to the ancient origins of molten flux itself.
The world building was enjoyable. There were many details thrown around that put together this interesting world where water wasn’t a necessity anymore. The magical system was different from what we are used to and made it exciting. The concepts introduced were wonderfully ingrained into the plot.
There was so much going on that made the story gripping. It was an action packed page turner and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author has done an incredible job bringing this intricate story to life and I’m looking forward to what the sequels bring us.
Thank you to the author and BOMM for sending me an ARC to review!
July 22, 2023
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Spoiler free review.
I loved the book. I am a massive bookwork and I tore through this book at high speed due to its compelling plot, fast paced action and intriguing mysteries and magic system.
I really love a good complex magic system complete with rules and limitations the characters and reader are still discovering and this book had that. It reminded me a little of what it felt like reading Brandon Sandersons mistborn series because he as an author is champion of complex magic systems and highly action packed books. Making that comparison is a big complement coming from me although I think Weiss's book and characters are perhaps a little grittier/darker and I'm still keen to learn more about the characters backstories and phychology in future books.
The dystopian feel and veiled and mystery filled history of the world and characters reminded me a little of The Obernewtyn Chronicles by Isobelle Carmody.
I also tend to be an escapism reader and don't tend to enjoy novels that are too dark and horror filled but I'm happy to say this novel managed to be a little dark without feeling depressing or too heavy.
Overall highly recommend the book and I'm feeling excited to read the future works of this up and coming author.
I loved the book. I am a massive bookwork and I tore through this book at high speed due to its compelling plot, fast paced action and intriguing mysteries and magic system.
I really love a good complex magic system complete with rules and limitations the characters and reader are still discovering and this book had that. It reminded me a little of what it felt like reading Brandon Sandersons mistborn series because he as an author is champion of complex magic systems and highly action packed books. Making that comparison is a big complement coming from me although I think Weiss's book and characters are perhaps a little grittier/darker and I'm still keen to learn more about the characters backstories and phychology in future books.
The dystopian feel and veiled and mystery filled history of the world and characters reminded me a little of The Obernewtyn Chronicles by Isobelle Carmody.
I also tend to be an escapism reader and don't tend to enjoy novels that are too dark and horror filled but I'm happy to say this novel managed to be a little dark without feeling depressing or too heavy.
Overall highly recommend the book and I'm feeling excited to read the future works of this up and coming author.
August 27, 2023
Molten Flux
Jonathan Weiss
Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐
Review
I received this book as an ARC from @bookofmatchesmedia and though I was excited for it real life got in the way and I couldn't read it but when I did read it, boy did I regret not reading it earlier. The book takes us into a futuristic post apocalyptic dystopia where humans have enhanced abilities. Our MC is Ryza who travels the drought lands with his entourage of Revance, where the Molten Flux is the currency that holds power to control the Automind.
The story takes us on an interesting and intriguing ride that makes us wonder about the future, the book is well detailed and though at times I got lost in the description I found that it was essential for the plot to thicken, the plotline was consistent, the characters were well developed and the ending made me wish for more (in a good way), the title of the book is unique and will definitely snag the attention of readers and the story is definitely crafted to perfection so this book has a lot of potential and I'm inarguably intersted in learning more about this futuristic fictional world.
Jonathan Weiss
Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐
Review
I received this book as an ARC from @bookofmatchesmedia and though I was excited for it real life got in the way and I couldn't read it but when I did read it, boy did I regret not reading it earlier. The book takes us into a futuristic post apocalyptic dystopia where humans have enhanced abilities. Our MC is Ryza who travels the drought lands with his entourage of Revance, where the Molten Flux is the currency that holds power to control the Automind.
The story takes us on an interesting and intriguing ride that makes us wonder about the future, the book is well detailed and though at times I got lost in the description I found that it was essential for the plot to thicken, the plotline was consistent, the characters were well developed and the ending made me wish for more (in a good way), the title of the book is unique and will definitely snag the attention of readers and the story is definitely crafted to perfection so this book has a lot of potential and I'm inarguably intersted in learning more about this futuristic fictional world.
July 6, 2023
Thank you to @jonathanw_author and @bookofmatchesmedia for this ARC. My review is honest and my own. You can join me by purchasing Molten Flux at the link in my bio and the synopsis in the comments!
#booksummary
YOU. CONTROL. MACHINES.
The Locusts make Ryza an offer. Either help overthrow Revance to do the smelter’s bidding or reveal his father’s legacy as the very thing Ryza now fights against. The former is unthinkable. The latter means death. Ryza resolves to infiltrate them and expose the mutiny, plunging him back into the murky underworld of the smelters, testing his convictions, and even leading him to the ancient origins of molten flux itself.
#bookreview
Originally I dived into this book with the hopes it was a series my boyfriend and I could read and talk about. It definitely gave me Mad Max vibes. I enjoyed the way magic was woven into the story. A bit slow at times, but the characters had my heart. I enjoyed watching them grow. Definitely outside of my normal reads, but I'm glad I stepped out!
#JonathanWeiss #RisingFlux #MoltenFlux #FluxCatastropheSeries #BOMMtours #BOMMIndieAuthors #BookOfMatchesMedia #bookofmatchesmediatour #sciencefantasy #scifi #scififantasy #scifibookstagram #scifibooks #sciencefantasybooks #sciencefantasyauthor
#booksummary
YOU. CONTROL. MACHINES.
The Locusts make Ryza an offer. Either help overthrow Revance to do the smelter’s bidding or reveal his father’s legacy as the very thing Ryza now fights against. The former is unthinkable. The latter means death. Ryza resolves to infiltrate them and expose the mutiny, plunging him back into the murky underworld of the smelters, testing his convictions, and even leading him to the ancient origins of molten flux itself.
#bookreview
Originally I dived into this book with the hopes it was a series my boyfriend and I could read and talk about. It definitely gave me Mad Max vibes. I enjoyed the way magic was woven into the story. A bit slow at times, but the characters had my heart. I enjoyed watching them grow. Definitely outside of my normal reads, but I'm glad I stepped out!
#JonathanWeiss #RisingFlux #MoltenFlux #FluxCatastropheSeries #BOMMtours #BOMMIndieAuthors #BookOfMatchesMedia #bookofmatchesmediatour #sciencefantasy #scifi #scififantasy #scifibookstagram #scifibooks #sciencefantasybooks #sciencefantasyauthor
August 12, 2024
Molten Flux adds the harsh, post-apocalyptic world of Mad Max with scrapyard wizardry and elemental magic. In short, a fantastic premise on its own. However, when you combine that with the riveting story of self-realization, found family, enemies to lovers, and a militaristic espionage plot, you get something that you can't put down.
Ryza is a protagonist that instantly wins you to his side with both his observant and skeptical mind as well as his heartbreaking backstory. Both of these clearly shape him throughout the story and it is very satisfying to see where his character arc takes him.
The world is just as gritty as you would expect from a Mad Max-type world, and it feels very vast despite the fact that you spend much of it on Revance. I'm very excited to see more of the world and learn more about the cataclysmic event in future books (and it looks like I'm locked in for the Hytharo series as well).
This is a very original book that won't let you go until the last page.
Ryza is a protagonist that instantly wins you to his side with both his observant and skeptical mind as well as his heartbreaking backstory. Both of these clearly shape him throughout the story and it is very satisfying to see where his character arc takes him.
The world is just as gritty as you would expect from a Mad Max-type world, and it feels very vast despite the fact that you spend much of it on Revance. I'm very excited to see more of the world and learn more about the cataclysmic event in future books (and it looks like I'm locked in for the Hytharo series as well).
This is a very original book that won't let you go until the last page.
June 7, 2023
I received this book for free from the author and agreed to provide an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I really enjoyed reading Molten Flux. The story was unpredictable, and full of fast paced action, set in a well crafted and richly imagined dystopian world. Ryza is a likeable reluctant hero trying to stay alive and make the right decisions in a complex environment, not knowing who might be a friend or enemy.
I had to stop myself from racing through the book to find out what happens next, and cant wait for the next one.
I really enjoyed reading Molten Flux. The story was unpredictable, and full of fast paced action, set in a well crafted and richly imagined dystopian world. Ryza is a likeable reluctant hero trying to stay alive and make the right decisions in a complex environment, not knowing who might be a friend or enemy.
I had to stop myself from racing through the book to find out what happens next, and cant wait for the next one.
March 20, 2024
Molten Flux is the first in The Flux Catastrophe series and wow, what an exciting way to kick it off. I’m quite new to the steampunk theme and Jonathan Weiss has managed to create such a fascinating and imaginative concept.
The characters like Ryza have very interesting back stories and I especially enjoyed reading about Origin.
There are so many different elements to this book fantasy, sci-fi steampunk, and it blended perfectly.
I’m absolutely invested in this new world and can’t wait to read and review Blazing Flux.
The characters like Ryza have very interesting back stories and I especially enjoyed reading about Origin.
There are so many different elements to this book fantasy, sci-fi steampunk, and it blended perfectly.
I’m absolutely invested in this new world and can’t wait to read and review Blazing Flux.
January 13, 2024
A really solid and enjoyable read for anyone a fan of magic, machines, or sand.
Molten Flux introduces us to the world of ‘The Droughtlands’. A gritty, desolate wasteland concealing a complex and compelling history.
The central characters we meet along the way - including the main protagonist, Ryza - are all similarly as compelling and layered as the world they inhabit.
I’m definitely keen to see how Jonathan continues this saga.
Molten Flux introduces us to the world of ‘The Droughtlands’. A gritty, desolate wasteland concealing a complex and compelling history.
The central characters we meet along the way - including the main protagonist, Ryza - are all similarly as compelling and layered as the world they inhabit.
I’m definitely keen to see how Jonathan continues this saga.
June 30, 2023
Thank you to Book of Matches Media and Jonathan Weiss for the eARC
I loved the concept and the world-building, it was something different from my usual picks. And that kept me hooked on the story. The plot is fast-paced, so you see the characters making quick progress. I struggled with the characters a little but the story wrapped up pretty well and doesn’t has a cliffhanger so you can read it without worrying about the second book.
I loved the concept and the world-building, it was something different from my usual picks. And that kept me hooked on the story. The plot is fast-paced, so you see the characters making quick progress. I struggled with the characters a little but the story wrapped up pretty well and doesn’t has a cliffhanger so you can read it without worrying about the second book.
July 6, 2023
I loved this Mad Max, dystopian, desert-punk book! The magic and the concepts were so interesting! I love the main character going for a redemption and leaving his past behind.
The autominds are terrifying yet fascinating concept. The book starts out with action keeps you hooked.
Thank you so much for this ARC!
The autominds are terrifying yet fascinating concept. The book starts out with action keeps you hooked.
Thank you so much for this ARC!
December 26, 2024
How could you not enjoy a book that is basically Mad Max meets Howl's Moving Castle??? LRTC but basically loved everything about this story. Walking fortress, cool metal magic (plus ink-drawn rune magic), cities under the sand from time forgotten, robo tech, warring factions, zombie-like creatures. This book has it all.
April 7, 2024
Loved it. So unique.
March 2, 2025
Ladies & gentlemen he did it again! 🙂↕️ (are we surprised…?)
‘Molten Flux’ follows our main character Ryza as he and his crew from a mind controlled metal ship - called Revance - attempt to fight against an illicit “molten flux” trading scheme. Molten flux being the liquid metal substance that, when injected, turns a person into a mindless vessel (aka automind) to be used for someone else’s benefit and control.
It’s hard trying to explain exactly what I think about this book but I’ll try regardless!
The plot of Molten Flux is really unique and offers a fresh view to the typical “zombie” storyline with the autominds. By mixing the base elements (❌💧), magic, a desert setting, offhanded jokes 😉, and some mind controlled autominds, the author manages to create a story that captivates you from the very first page.
The best way to put it is that the author just *knows* what he’s doing. Sometimes when reading you can just tell the author had a vague plot idea and made it up as they went, but this book is so well written and the world so fleshed out that it’s so easy to tell the author just *knew* what he was doing. Plot holes of scared of HIM. And THAT makes the reading experience just so much better.
Seeing all the little hints and character overlaps between this series and the First Hytharo series was the 2nd best part of this book (the 1st being the absolutely brilliant writing & storyline). Finally being able to pick up some of the hints dropped in the Hytharo books was invigorating - it creates such an immersive reading experience knowing that there’s a deeper meaning if you just look for it. (I was told multiple times that I was studying this book instead of simply reading it…)
But also, knowing that things are being hinted at (*ahem* those-of-glass) but not knowing what it means creates SO much hype for the upcoming books - never before have I wanted an author to just keep writing as I do in this case. Knowing that the author has so much more of the world lore to explain in his future books keeps me going.
Anyways… Read this book!! You won’t regret it!!
‘Molten Flux’ follows our main character Ryza as he and his crew from a mind controlled metal ship - called Revance - attempt to fight against an illicit “molten flux” trading scheme. Molten flux being the liquid metal substance that, when injected, turns a person into a mindless vessel (aka automind) to be used for someone else’s benefit and control.
It’s hard trying to explain exactly what I think about this book but I’ll try regardless!
The plot of Molten Flux is really unique and offers a fresh view to the typical “zombie” storyline with the autominds. By mixing the base elements (❌💧), magic, a desert setting, offhanded jokes 😉, and some mind controlled autominds, the author manages to create a story that captivates you from the very first page.
The best way to put it is that the author just *knows* what he’s doing. Sometimes when reading you can just tell the author had a vague plot idea and made it up as they went, but this book is so well written and the world so fleshed out that it’s so easy to tell the author just *knew* what he was doing. Plot holes of scared of HIM. And THAT makes the reading experience just so much better.
Seeing all the little hints and character overlaps between this series and the First Hytharo series was the 2nd best part of this book (the 1st being the absolutely brilliant writing & storyline). Finally being able to pick up some of the hints dropped in the Hytharo books was invigorating - it creates such an immersive reading experience knowing that there’s a deeper meaning if you just look for it. (I was told multiple times that I was studying this book instead of simply reading it…)
But also, knowing that things are being hinted at (*ahem* those-of-glass) but not knowing what it means creates SO much hype for the upcoming books - never before have I wanted an author to just keep writing as I do in this case. Knowing that the author has so much more of the world lore to explain in his future books keeps me going.
Anyways… Read this book!! You won’t regret it!!
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