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Vs. Reality #2
Relapse
At 8:51 am on August 26, 2011, a fifty-storey building in the north end of Manhattan exploded like an overfilled water balloon. Millions of gallons of water and fifty thousand tons of brick slammed into the surrounding streets, causing a series of tidal waves that washed away virtually everything within a one-mile radius.
The Mayor of New York City - James Kerrigan - has labelled the incident a terrorist attack, and has issued a global manhunt for two of the people he claims are responsible: Paige and Dia Davenport.
Now on the run, Cole, Jens, Brodie, Dia and Paige must fight for their lives as they try to escape the clutches of the New World Council. They travel the world piecing together The General’s end game – all while a dark secret emerges that could tear their group apart forever.
The Mayor of New York City - James Kerrigan - has labelled the incident a terrorist attack, and has issued a global manhunt for two of the people he claims are responsible: Paige and Dia Davenport.
Now on the run, Cole, Jens, Brodie, Dia and Paige must fight for their lives as they try to escape the clutches of the New World Council. They travel the world piecing together The General’s end game – all while a dark secret emerges that could tear their group apart forever.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2012
7 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Blake Northcott
61 books344 followersBlake Northcott is a Canadian author and comic book writer.
Northcott's 'Arena Mode Saga' is Kickstarter's most-funded science-fiction series of all time, and the first book in the series was nominated for Britain's prestigious BSFA (Best Novel of 2013).
The series went on to sell over 250,000 copies worldwide and has received over a thousand five-star reviews across multiple platforms.
Blake was a semi-finalist in James Patterson's 2017 Masterclass contest.
In 2018 Northcott's magical spy thriller 'The North Valley Grimoire' was the most-funded and most-backed original fiction novel on Kickstarter; in the first week of pre-orders, it was funding at the pace of a New York Times bestseller.
In addition to writing novels, Northcott has written 'Michael Turner's All new Fathom' and 'Executive Assistant Iris' for Aspen Comics, as well as 'Vampirella' for Dynamite Comics.
She was also an editorial writer for Millarworld, where her columns appeared in a number of comics; Millarworld is the company responsible for 'Kick-Ass', 'Wanted', 'The Magic Order', and 'Kingsman: The Secret Service'.
Her columns have appeared in Comic Book Resources (CBR), Geeks of Doom, CBS Man Cave Daily, and Verily Magazine.
http://www.BlakeNorthcott.com
Northcott's 'Arena Mode Saga' is Kickstarter's most-funded science-fiction series of all time, and the first book in the series was nominated for Britain's prestigious BSFA (Best Novel of 2013).
The series went on to sell over 250,000 copies worldwide and has received over a thousand five-star reviews across multiple platforms.
Blake was a semi-finalist in James Patterson's 2017 Masterclass contest.
In 2018 Northcott's magical spy thriller 'The North Valley Grimoire' was the most-funded and most-backed original fiction novel on Kickstarter; in the first week of pre-orders, it was funding at the pace of a New York Times bestseller.
In addition to writing novels, Northcott has written 'Michael Turner's All new Fathom' and 'Executive Assistant Iris' for Aspen Comics, as well as 'Vampirella' for Dynamite Comics.
She was also an editorial writer for Millarworld, where her columns appeared in a number of comics; Millarworld is the company responsible for 'Kick-Ass', 'Wanted', 'The Magic Order', and 'Kingsman: The Secret Service'.
Her columns have appeared in Comic Book Resources (CBR), Geeks of Doom, CBS Man Cave Daily, and Verily Magazine.
http://www.BlakeNorthcott.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 8, 2012
First off, let me just say that I was I was lucky enough to have a small editorial role in
Relapse
so I wasn't going to be the first to review it. But now that time has passed and many (favourable) reviews have been posted, I felt confident that no-one would consider my opinions unduly biased by anything other than the story itself.
As a fan of Vs.Reality (Vol.1 for anyone who has come to the party fashionably late and is considering Blake's books) I have reviewed it in it's own entry, and rest assured it's every bit the worthy follow-up.
It still has the action, there's lots of that. Fists, guns, superpowers, helicopters and a rental car. I felt the rental was underused personally, but then you can't have everything. Maybe Vol.3 will see it shine.
It still has the humour, which, like the first book, is provided by the dialogue rather than some kind of situation hilarity that would be completely out of place in a book like this.
It still has cracking characterisations - something that really stood out for me in the first book.
But now...NOW...it also has more drama, new layers, a couple of sizeable surprises (no spoilers, of course) and the characters have greater depth as more of their back-stories are explored and motivations uncovered. It's not nearly as black and white as it may have appeared in the first book. And there are whole new characters to add to the manic mix, not just exploring those already established. In particular, a little tennis diva. She's fun.
This said, it's not a huge book, and the pace keeps things moving along so it shouldn't take anyone long to get through, although because there is more background now, I personally gave myself a little more time to read it than I did the first volume. Editorials aside.
All of this pretty much guarantees you won't get bored, and it's definitely worth the time and investment, and I am looking forward to the next instalment already (work is already underway, I'm told).
Side-note: Vs.Reality is being adapted for the big screen. Check out IMDB.
As a fan of Vs.Reality (Vol.1 for anyone who has come to the party fashionably late and is considering Blake's books) I have reviewed it in it's own entry, and rest assured it's every bit the worthy follow-up.
It still has the action, there's lots of that. Fists, guns, superpowers, helicopters and a rental car. I felt the rental was underused personally, but then you can't have everything. Maybe Vol.3 will see it shine.
It still has the humour, which, like the first book, is provided by the dialogue rather than some kind of situation hilarity that would be completely out of place in a book like this.
It still has cracking characterisations - something that really stood out for me in the first book.
But now...NOW...it also has more drama, new layers, a couple of sizeable surprises (no spoilers, of course) and the characters have greater depth as more of their back-stories are explored and motivations uncovered. It's not nearly as black and white as it may have appeared in the first book. And there are whole new characters to add to the manic mix, not just exploring those already established. In particular, a little tennis diva. She's fun.
This said, it's not a huge book, and the pace keeps things moving along so it shouldn't take anyone long to get through, although because there is more background now, I personally gave myself a little more time to read it than I did the first volume. Editorials aside.
All of this pretty much guarantees you won't get bored, and it's definitely worth the time and investment, and I am looking forward to the next instalment already (work is already underway, I'm told).
Side-note: Vs.Reality is being adapted for the big screen. Check out IMDB.
July 2, 2012
Let me begin by reminding folks that Goodreads indicates that 3 stars means "I liked it" while 4 stars means "I really liked it." Vs. Reality earned 4 stars from me. So why did the second book in the trilogy lose a star? Follow along and I'll share.
Vs. Reality introduced an interesting cast of characters and placed them smack dab in the middle of a high-adrenaline action flick. Whereas Relapse only delivers one or two memorable action sequences. Relapse is the calm before what is setup to be a rather nasty storm. There was a least one new character introduced but we're given no clear picture of how she'll influence the series. And largely this book felt like filler. A stopgap between book one and book three.
It seems to me, and it's just my opinion, that perhaps the trilogy would have been better served as a two book set. We'll see how the revelations in Relapse impact what is forthcoming in Vs. Reality 3. We learn interesting things about Dia and Paige, and even get surprised by some new shaky alliances. But the book just seemed like it served the purpose of putting ducks in a row.
Don't get me wrong. The characters are still fantastically written. The dialogue is still clever and feels real. I can imagine these characters existing and actually carrying on the conversations they do, but even sitting in a room with people you like can be tiresome if nothing much is happening. Especially if the last time you hung out a whole lot of crazy fun ensued. I kept finding myself wondering when things were going to pickup. And mostly they never did.
All this said, I'll be waiting anxiously for Vs. Reality 3. I'm looking forward to seeing how the trilogy concludes.
Vs. Reality introduced an interesting cast of characters and placed them smack dab in the middle of a high-adrenaline action flick. Whereas Relapse only delivers one or two memorable action sequences. Relapse is the calm before what is setup to be a rather nasty storm. There was a least one new character introduced but we're given no clear picture of how she'll influence the series. And largely this book felt like filler. A stopgap between book one and book three.
It seems to me, and it's just my opinion, that perhaps the trilogy would have been better served as a two book set. We'll see how the revelations in Relapse impact what is forthcoming in Vs. Reality 3. We learn interesting things about Dia and Paige, and even get surprised by some new shaky alliances. But the book just seemed like it served the purpose of putting ducks in a row.
Don't get me wrong. The characters are still fantastically written. The dialogue is still clever and feels real. I can imagine these characters existing and actually carrying on the conversations they do, but even sitting in a room with people you like can be tiresome if nothing much is happening. Especially if the last time you hung out a whole lot of crazy fun ensued. I kept finding myself wondering when things were going to pickup. And mostly they never did.
All this said, I'll be waiting anxiously for Vs. Reality 3. I'm looking forward to seeing how the trilogy concludes.
September 23, 2014
This was an awesome follow up to the first Vs. Reality book!!
There is more character development, more powers, and a lot more explanations for how things ended up the way they are.
I am hoping that the third and final book comes along soon!
Superhero fans, action fans, and just "plain" science fiction fans should get a lot of entertainment value from this series.
I recommend Blake Northcott's books.
There is more character development, more powers, and a lot more explanations for how things ended up the way they are.
I am hoping that the third and final book comes along soon!
Superhero fans, action fans, and just "plain" science fiction fans should get a lot of entertainment value from this series.
I recommend Blake Northcott's books.
October 8, 2012
The second book in the series and no let up in the pace of action. Another quick read that blends believable settings with the fantasy element of cartoon/super hero characters. Looking forward the the final episode now even more than after finishing the first book.
July 6, 2012
Crazy! loved this book and I loved the time twisting.... I really cannot wait til the next book. ;)
October 25, 2012
Saturday afternoon popcorn matinee. Just a basic good read. Nothing flashy, just solid.
October 31, 2012
Really enjoyed the VS Reality. This really builds on the first book. Blake has really grown as a writer. Can't wait for the last book.
November 19, 2012
A very fun series that is slowly (and nicely) becoming more complex. I enjoy them immensely.
February 20, 2013
So...I admit, my review of the first book was a tad harsh when taken together with this book. WOW. Ms. Northcott has not just written a singular story with this series but has actually created an entire (and fascinating) world in which the books take place. There is an entire UNTOLD back-story just sitting there on the tree; waiting to be plucked down and put in your pocket.
As for this specific volume, the pace was fast, dialog great, twists and turns. A solid read. BUT, what truly sold me on this and on Ms. Northcott as an uber author is that the story takes place in a very defined universe. The reality of the situation is that she could make a lifetime career of churning out books not on just the characters of the Vs. series but on the background of their world; the future of the their world. I am simply in awe. The possibilities are quite endless...comic adaptions (though, if I recall this started as a comic idea), a MMO PC game as there is no sci-fi hero game worth playing anymore, and on and on.
This book made me excited about Ms. Northcott's future. I will now be first day of sale person for all future works by this wonderful author.
As for this specific volume, the pace was fast, dialog great, twists and turns. A solid read. BUT, what truly sold me on this and on Ms. Northcott as an uber author is that the story takes place in a very defined universe. The reality of the situation is that she could make a lifetime career of churning out books not on just the characters of the Vs. series but on the background of their world; the future of the their world. I am simply in awe. The possibilities are quite endless...comic adaptions (though, if I recall this started as a comic idea), a MMO PC game as there is no sci-fi hero game worth playing anymore, and on and on.
This book made me excited about Ms. Northcott's future. I will now be first day of sale person for all future works by this wonderful author.
December 17, 2012
I'm not a huge fan of comic books, but I'm really enjoying this series. Cannot wait for the next one. Constant fun and excitement, the whole way, and great dialogue throughout.
It should also be said that Blake Northcott is one of the few modern authors who GETS modern media, she interacts on goodreads and on twitter, giving updates on new books and engaging with anyone who talks about her and her work. I really encourage anyone to give these books a punt - only cost about 99p from the Kindle store.
It should also be said that Blake Northcott is one of the few modern authors who GETS modern media, she interacts on goodreads and on twitter, giving updates on new books and engaging with anyone who talks about her and her work. I really encourage anyone to give these books a punt - only cost about 99p from the Kindle store.
July 16, 2015
It just gets better
Following the conclusion of book one, you think you know where this is going but as you progress through this installment you come to the realization that something else is really going on. A lot happens in a short time without ever seeming overblown. The way Blake approaches superpowers is very intriguing as well. On to part 3!
Following the conclusion of book one, you think you know where this is going but as you progress through this installment you come to the realization that something else is really going on. A lot happens in a short time without ever seeming overblown. The way Blake approaches superpowers is very intriguing as well. On to part 3!
August 3, 2018
Another great installment.
I started this book immediately after I finished the first in the series, and didn't want to put it down. I had to force myself to go to bed in the wee hours of the morning, and by that point I had read about 70% of the book. I love the characters and storyline and can't wait to see how the series ends. I'm now off to start the final chapter.
I started this book immediately after I finished the first in the series, and didn't want to put it down. I had to force myself to go to bed in the wee hours of the morning, and by that point I had read about 70% of the book. I love the characters and storyline and can't wait to see how the series ends. I'm now off to start the final chapter.
August 17, 2016
This book is amazing; every time you write a series you manage to step up the excitement
You have been given a great gift that you exploit/use to the best of you ability i hope you find pride in the works you've accomplished
You have been given a great gift that you exploit/use to the best of you ability i hope you find pride in the works you've accomplished
August 15, 2014
A very good follow-up of Vs. Reality. Thrilling, intriguing and packed with action.
October 12, 2015
Second book in the vs Reality series.
Fleshes out the characters more and then goes in a direction I wasn't really expecting!
All set up ready for the final book
Fleshes out the characters more and then goes in a direction I wasn't really expecting!
All set up ready for the final book
May 6, 2016
I liked the first book in this series but wasn't sure whether to continue or not.
This improved on the first book and had enough action and twists to want me to read the next book.
This improved on the first book and had enough action and twists to want me to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews