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Shadows Live Under Seashells
In 2084, life inside Earth's massive domed society is a well orchestrated combination of rules, processes and regulations whose sole purpose is to safeguard the planet from its most lethal inhabitants - man. For 30 years the Administration, mankind's universal governing authority, has eliminated hunger, greed, crime, corruption and war. But a threat has arisen on Mars that could threaten the Administration's legitimacy. Elliot Fintch, the Administration's most promising Eductor, is dispatched to Mars to find the answer to a mystery that has eluded every other resource the Administration has thrown at it - a mystery so penetrating that it could destroy centuries of realized utopian ideology, topple the Administration, and throw two planets into chaos.
- GenresScience Fiction
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2013
4 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Allan J. Ashinoff
3 books9 followersFormer Arizona Authors Association Newsletter Editor.
I am a conservative-minded independent freelance commentary writer, a small business owner, and an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Navy. My political commentary can be found by searching my name (Allan J. Ashinoff) on Google or by visting Human Events Online, the National Ledger, or American Chronicle and their 21 affiliated websites.
August 2012: Published my first ebook novel, Shadows Live Under Seashells on Amazon.
I am a conservative-minded independent freelance commentary writer, a small business owner, and an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Navy. My political commentary can be found by searching my name (Allan J. Ashinoff) on Google or by visting Human Events Online, the National Ledger, or American Chronicle and their 21 affiliated websites.
August 2012: Published my first ebook novel, Shadows Live Under Seashells on Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 30, 2012
I will start with the price. At less than $5.00, this book is an unbelievable value. If you read as quickly and often as I do, and appreciate great books, you can understand what I mean about the value of a book. This is a spectacular first book for a new author. I'm mixing my genres here when I make a comparison, but the comparison is perfect in my mind. Allan Ashinoff reminds me of Brandon Sanderson, one of the best authors in the fantasy genre. Brandon's first book was Elantris and I had the exact same complaints about Elantris that I do about Shadows Live Under Seashells. By making that comparison, I'm giving Allan a huge compliment because I am saying that I believe as Allan becomes a better author, he could become the Brandon Sanderson of the Sci-Fi genre. Now, here are my complaints.
The reason why I rated this 4 stars instead of the full 5 stars is for two minor reasons. First the book ends abruptly. Everything is tied up too quickly and all at once for me. It gives you a great taste and leaves you extremely hungry for more (I don't like to be hungry). The second reason is that it takes longer than I like to get into the story in the beginning. I prefer a story to quickly hook me and snatch my attention. If this is just some normal weaknesses of a new author, then sign me up for the rest of his work, because as he improves as a writer, his stories are going to be epic.
There is no doubt in my mind that every person who read this book will purchase the next book continuing this story, and the next, and the next. Allan paints a beautiful picture of the world in this story, which for me could be cut down, because I prefer more action than world building, but I know I'm the exception, especially in the Sci-Fi genre. So even if the sample doesn't hook you immediately, buy the book because it is well worth the enjoyment you will receive.
The reason why I rated this 4 stars instead of the full 5 stars is for two minor reasons. First the book ends abruptly. Everything is tied up too quickly and all at once for me. It gives you a great taste and leaves you extremely hungry for more (I don't like to be hungry). The second reason is that it takes longer than I like to get into the story in the beginning. I prefer a story to quickly hook me and snatch my attention. If this is just some normal weaknesses of a new author, then sign me up for the rest of his work, because as he improves as a writer, his stories are going to be epic.
There is no doubt in my mind that every person who read this book will purchase the next book continuing this story, and the next, and the next. Allan paints a beautiful picture of the world in this story, which for me could be cut down, because I prefer more action than world building, but I know I'm the exception, especially in the Sci-Fi genre. So even if the sample doesn't hook you immediately, buy the book because it is well worth the enjoyment you will receive.
December 30, 2014
As this was my first all english book I was curious if I would be able to get into the Story. Although I needed a dictionary for some words you dont use in an all day conversation I didnt have probs to get into the Story and to catch up with the Characters. The Story itself with life on Mars and the future technics is very interesting and at some points may be a look in what we may achieve in several years.
Places and Moments are well and detailed discriped so that you get a clear idea of what is happening or where the character actual is.
Overall its a great Story and with every page read I was more excited how it would end.
The only point I may add negative is that compared to the beginning and the middle of the Story the End came up a bit short as all of a sudden I had reached the final page.
Looking forward to the next book or maybe a part two as I think with the characters and the Story there could be enough material for a sequel.
Places and Moments are well and detailed discriped so that you get a clear idea of what is happening or where the character actual is.
Overall its a great Story and with every page read I was more excited how it would end.
The only point I may add negative is that compared to the beginning and the middle of the Story the End came up a bit short as all of a sudden I had reached the final page.
Looking forward to the next book or maybe a part two as I think with the characters and the Story there could be enough material for a sequel.
January 5, 2015
Pretty eerie how a futuristic world full of new technologies still relates to the present day.
This was a very enjoyable read, the characters were very interesting people. I couldn't help but to hate some of them no matter what, and love others. At the conclusion of the novel, it was fun to see I was justified in my disdain for some, and misguided in my thoughts of others. I thought for sure I had things figured out, only to find out I was wrong and then would be led into another theory of what was going on.
This books was initially hard to get started. The first few chapters were a little too explanatory for myself. That being said, after a few chapters it became hard to put down.
As I mentioned in the beginning, the author set-up an incredible future full of new technologies, and new means of governance. What is incredible about this is that even though this book seems completely unrelated to present day problems/questions, it makes you wonder whether or not we are presently on a path that will lead us to this kind of "utopian" future.
I for one hope not.
Great read for entertainment purposes, and an even better read for thought provocation.
This was a very enjoyable read, the characters were very interesting people. I couldn't help but to hate some of them no matter what, and love others. At the conclusion of the novel, it was fun to see I was justified in my disdain for some, and misguided in my thoughts of others. I thought for sure I had things figured out, only to find out I was wrong and then would be led into another theory of what was going on.
This books was initially hard to get started. The first few chapters were a little too explanatory for myself. That being said, after a few chapters it became hard to put down.
As I mentioned in the beginning, the author set-up an incredible future full of new technologies, and new means of governance. What is incredible about this is that even though this book seems completely unrelated to present day problems/questions, it makes you wonder whether or not we are presently on a path that will lead us to this kind of "utopian" future.
I for one hope not.
Great read for entertainment purposes, and an even better read for thought provocation.
January 21, 2016
Ashinoff has created a complex and interesting dystopian world, where the Administration maintains a tightly controlled existence for all citizens. It is a study in human liberty and one's role in society. Administration employee Elliott is sent to the Mars colonies to solve a mysterious string of violent crimes, and gradually comes to the realization that the Administration is not altruistic, and that their totalitarian control is something to be subverted. I did find the ending to be rather abrupt and inconclusive, so I'm hoping there will be a sequel. Three and a half stars.
September 21, 2013
Shadows Live Under Seashells is a Science Fiction book in the style of 1984 and Brave New World that explores how society might be organized in the 2080's. This is a very timely book in light of the NSA and IRS scandals of today. The book revolves around Elliot Fintch, an Eductor, who is exploring the reasons for a rash of unusual murders on Mars. His exploration leads to explosive finding.
I am not a big sci fi reader, but this book explores timely and important issues that we are facing.
I am not a big sci fi reader, but this book explores timely and important issues that we are facing.
September 23, 2013
Shadows Live Under Seashells by Allan J Ashinoff is an intriguing, imaginative and well researched story about a possible future of global government where people live in domes both on earth and "off world". Sci-Fi Fantasy is not a genre I typically read, but I enjoyed this story extremely and I am hoping for a sequel. One of my favorite quotes in the book, "It's interesting to see that even a sharp mind such as yours can be groomed to forgo logical thought."
Thank you, Allan. :)
Thank you, Allan. :)
September 30, 2015
Interesting Story
If you are into science friction or a future on world order, then this is the book for you. The book centers around one character who works for the administration and is sent to mars to solve a crime.
If you are into science friction or a future on world order, then this is the book for you. The book centers around one character who works for the administration and is sent to mars to solve a crime.
September 28, 2012
Must read!! Excellent story with many parallels to today's world.
April 19, 2015
I read this s while ago and prepared a previous review. It's quite interesting and worth your time.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews