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Flash
Long ago, the first reign of Grigori Geist nearly destroyed the Earth.
Returned from exile, Geist is secretly rebuilding his kingdom beneath Antarctica, and assembling his robotic Vaucan race to conquer mankind. Only one obstacle remains: the war hero Brian Renney.
Yet Brian is now losing a battle against his fears. Scars of heart and mind linger in the Vietnam veteran and retired coach, fueling nightmares that leave him abrasive as a husband and father. His failures embitter his youngest son, Jason – a star athlete torn between pursuing the woman he loves, and meeting the demands of a father who is far from the storied Army captain he once was.
And all the while, Geist is coming for them.
Against an ancient tyrant and his servants, Brian and Jason must face a threat that plagues the world from deep shadows…and gain an ally who, once meant for evil, will forever be a force for good.
Returned from exile, Geist is secretly rebuilding his kingdom beneath Antarctica, and assembling his robotic Vaucan race to conquer mankind. Only one obstacle remains: the war hero Brian Renney.
Yet Brian is now losing a battle against his fears. Scars of heart and mind linger in the Vietnam veteran and retired coach, fueling nightmares that leave him abrasive as a husband and father. His failures embitter his youngest son, Jason – a star athlete torn between pursuing the woman he loves, and meeting the demands of a father who is far from the storied Army captain he once was.
And all the while, Geist is coming for them.
Against an ancient tyrant and his servants, Brian and Jason must face a threat that plagues the world from deep shadows…and gain an ally who, once meant for evil, will forever be a force for good.
- GenresScience Fiction
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
22 people want to read
About the author
Sean C. Sousa
1 book5 followersSEAN C. SOUSA first envisioned The Forever Saga as a video game design concept, then a screenplay, and finally a written work of fiction. His debut novel, Flash, marks the end of an eight-year writing journey, and the start of another: to bring his relatable, poignant stories to a worldwide audience.
His dream is to use fiction to inspire positive social change in the world, calling attention to issues of social justice and mobilizing his readership to meet the needs of those afflicted.
Mr. Sousa resides in Southern California with his wife, Shelley. When he is not writing, he is up to socially-acceptable mischief with his friends and family.
His dream is to use fiction to inspire positive social change in the world, calling attention to issues of social justice and mobilizing his readership to meet the needs of those afflicted.
Mr. Sousa resides in Southern California with his wife, Shelley. When he is not writing, he is up to socially-acceptable mischief with his friends and family.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 30, 2013
A few strong messages came across from this well written book. Fast paced and well developed to give you a great plot with interesting characters and great story line. The gripping plot centered around one man that wants to control the people of the world subjecting them to manipulation and cruelty. The author engineered a whole new scientific world with nano-kinetics as the foundation of this new world. Every thing was possible with this new science but yet the horrific control soon surfaced as the plot thickens.
The greatest message from this book was the relationship between a father and son who never knew each other but yet impacted each other's lives more than possible.
Brain Renney War hero, Hockey coach and father saw the worst on the battle fields of Vietnam returned a different person. Suffered from PTSD through out his lonely years. Without faith or hope he isolated himself and scared every one away from him, demanding and abrupt in his manners. Believing that he was not good enough at the end. Fear gripped this man and gave him no rest but at the end when he faced his nightmares he came to terms with who he was and with God. Restoring his faith to an unseen God in the face of Adversary.
His character leaves much to debate about and I will leave it at that for you to discover for yourself.
I loved the play with names and words from the Word of God, making the Bible alive that would make this a good read for all readers with the love of all sci-fi and spirituality How God works in His attempt to bring us closer to Him. To stand up and fight and never shrink away from a fight. Adversary and trails is there to shape us, mature us and bring us closer to the call of each person that loves Him.
Jason his son, who hated his father was faced with all these emotions when Brain disappeared. He struggled with his knowledge versus what he knew deep in his heart was true and at the end the truth did set him free. A strong young man that stands at the brink of his own new life, making the right choices and going after Alessa, the only woman he loves. His faith and willingness to learn making him a strong man filled with courage as he too faced many trails during the absence of his father.
Mary, Brain's wife whose faith was unwavering when her world crumbled around her, standing like a pillar for her two sons and daughter-in-law. Unshaken in the believe that her husband was more than the world or people perceived.
Scot who was always there in the back ground supporting Jason. Alessa a true friend till the end that kept Jason grounded through out all the hardships. Target by the enemy and almost ended up in prostitution but saved by Jason and his friends. An entertaining bunch that kept you smiling through out the story line.
The villains - all played their parts wonderfully to create a good entertaining read that kept you turning the pages and wondering what they will do next.
Flash the larger than life robot was the glue that kept everything together. His trails and growth a clear path for us as he get to know him better and the strength that emanates from him. Placing his trust in a mere mortal man. Willing to stand for what was right.
Each character was well developed and believable making this a recommended read.
The greatest message from this book was the relationship between a father and son who never knew each other but yet impacted each other's lives more than possible.
Brain Renney War hero, Hockey coach and father saw the worst on the battle fields of Vietnam returned a different person. Suffered from PTSD through out his lonely years. Without faith or hope he isolated himself and scared every one away from him, demanding and abrupt in his manners. Believing that he was not good enough at the end. Fear gripped this man and gave him no rest but at the end when he faced his nightmares he came to terms with who he was and with God. Restoring his faith to an unseen God in the face of Adversary.
His character leaves much to debate about and I will leave it at that for you to discover for yourself.
I loved the play with names and words from the Word of God, making the Bible alive that would make this a good read for all readers with the love of all sci-fi and spirituality How God works in His attempt to bring us closer to Him. To stand up and fight and never shrink away from a fight. Adversary and trails is there to shape us, mature us and bring us closer to the call of each person that loves Him.
Jason his son, who hated his father was faced with all these emotions when Brain disappeared. He struggled with his knowledge versus what he knew deep in his heart was true and at the end the truth did set him free. A strong young man that stands at the brink of his own new life, making the right choices and going after Alessa, the only woman he loves. His faith and willingness to learn making him a strong man filled with courage as he too faced many trails during the absence of his father.
Mary, Brain's wife whose faith was unwavering when her world crumbled around her, standing like a pillar for her two sons and daughter-in-law. Unshaken in the believe that her husband was more than the world or people perceived.
Scot who was always there in the back ground supporting Jason. Alessa a true friend till the end that kept Jason grounded through out all the hardships. Target by the enemy and almost ended up in prostitution but saved by Jason and his friends. An entertaining bunch that kept you smiling through out the story line.
The villains - all played their parts wonderfully to create a good entertaining read that kept you turning the pages and wondering what they will do next.
Flash the larger than life robot was the glue that kept everything together. His trails and growth a clear path for us as he get to know him better and the strength that emanates from him. Placing his trust in a mere mortal man. Willing to stand for what was right.
Each character was well developed and believable making this a recommended read.
February 4, 2015
The complete review is posted here: http://quintessentiallybookish.com/20...
Overall Thoughts:
This book is a slow starter; it took me a few chapters to really get into it. Once I started to get into the story, though, I enjoyed it. For most of the story, I did find the chapters about Brian, his past, and his family more interesting than the chapters about the Vaucans, but when the two stories began to intertwine, I became just as wrapped up in the plight of Regnum Aeturnam and the Vaucans. The first few chapters jumped around between a hard sci-fi plot and the story of a family slowly falling apart, with little in the way of connecting the two. I felt like I was reading two different books. Having read other reviews of the book, however, I knew to be patient. That’s, perhaps, my biggest complaint with this book. Had I not been warned that the book was slow to start, I might have given up and missed out on the great story that comes later on. It’s a bit jarring when the stories collide, but after that everything picks up. All the seemingly unimportant or unrelated details from earlier in the book have their place and form a rich, intricate plot.
Characters:
There are so many characters in this book, that it would be hard to devote the appropriate discussion for each of them. Instead, I’ll focus on Jason and Brian Renney, since they are ultimately the two protagonists.
Brian is a great character. I really appreciated the fact that the hero of the book was a 60 year old war veteran with PTSD and failing health. In the beginning, there was nothing about this man that would in any way suggest he would be the savior of the world. He’s a complicated man who fears that he has failed himself, his family, and – in the flashbacks to the Vietnam war – his country. There are parts of his story that really break my heart, but that makes his redemption all the better.
I did not hold as favorable a view of Jason at the beginning. He came off as a spoiled, arrogant child who was upset he wasn’t getting everything he wanted. He does grow up quite a bit throughout the story, though, and I’m interested to see where he’ll go in the rest of the series. The relationship between him and Brian is a great representation of a father-son relationship that has gone wrong. Their pain, resentment, and love are so very believable. Even though they are apart for much of the book, Jason’s story is as much about how he relates to his father and his world as anything else.
Setting:
This book takes place in two very different settings – America, primarily Michigan, and the world of Regnum Aeturnam, existing beneath Antarctica. These are two wildly different locations and are the part of the novel that actually benefit from the bouncing juxtaposition of the first few chapters. The almost alien feeling of Regnum Aeturnam compared to the normalcy of the Renneys’ home and Jason’s school make it seem all the more ominous.
Writing Style:
Sousa is a very descriptive writer. It was so easy to picture each setting, each piece of action. His descriptions of both the Renney home in Michigan and Regnum Aeturnum are equally compelling. Where Sousa really shines, though, are the sections with Brian’s Vietnam flashbacks. You could feel the heat, hear the bullets, and see everything that Brian was seeing. I felt myself tensing up because I was so into the action.
Where Sousa’s writing is lacking, however, is in the dialogue. Each sentence a character spoke was well-constructed, grammatically correct, and often very proper. While this style of speaking would have been appropriate for the robotic characters, it felt unnatural for the humans. People often don’t speak in complete sentences or monologues that sound like prepared speeches. This is a minor complaint that many readers probably wouldn’t notice, but I would have appreciated some dialogue that sounded more like actual people speaking to each other.
Extras:
This book was surprisingly religious, but in a pleasant way. It enhanced the story, rather than becoming overly “preachy.”
Favorite Line:
Technology always has the capacity to do good. It’s the people that misuse it and make it worse than it is.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review. I did not receive any compensation for this review. All opinions here are my own.
Overall Thoughts:
This book is a slow starter; it took me a few chapters to really get into it. Once I started to get into the story, though, I enjoyed it. For most of the story, I did find the chapters about Brian, his past, and his family more interesting than the chapters about the Vaucans, but when the two stories began to intertwine, I became just as wrapped up in the plight of Regnum Aeturnam and the Vaucans. The first few chapters jumped around between a hard sci-fi plot and the story of a family slowly falling apart, with little in the way of connecting the two. I felt like I was reading two different books. Having read other reviews of the book, however, I knew to be patient. That’s, perhaps, my biggest complaint with this book. Had I not been warned that the book was slow to start, I might have given up and missed out on the great story that comes later on. It’s a bit jarring when the stories collide, but after that everything picks up. All the seemingly unimportant or unrelated details from earlier in the book have their place and form a rich, intricate plot.
Characters:
There are so many characters in this book, that it would be hard to devote the appropriate discussion for each of them. Instead, I’ll focus on Jason and Brian Renney, since they are ultimately the two protagonists.
Brian is a great character. I really appreciated the fact that the hero of the book was a 60 year old war veteran with PTSD and failing health. In the beginning, there was nothing about this man that would in any way suggest he would be the savior of the world. He’s a complicated man who fears that he has failed himself, his family, and – in the flashbacks to the Vietnam war – his country. There are parts of his story that really break my heart, but that makes his redemption all the better.
I did not hold as favorable a view of Jason at the beginning. He came off as a spoiled, arrogant child who was upset he wasn’t getting everything he wanted. He does grow up quite a bit throughout the story, though, and I’m interested to see where he’ll go in the rest of the series. The relationship between him and Brian is a great representation of a father-son relationship that has gone wrong. Their pain, resentment, and love are so very believable. Even though they are apart for much of the book, Jason’s story is as much about how he relates to his father and his world as anything else.
Setting:
This book takes place in two very different settings – America, primarily Michigan, and the world of Regnum Aeturnam, existing beneath Antarctica. These are two wildly different locations and are the part of the novel that actually benefit from the bouncing juxtaposition of the first few chapters. The almost alien feeling of Regnum Aeturnam compared to the normalcy of the Renneys’ home and Jason’s school make it seem all the more ominous.
Writing Style:
Sousa is a very descriptive writer. It was so easy to picture each setting, each piece of action. His descriptions of both the Renney home in Michigan and Regnum Aeturnum are equally compelling. Where Sousa really shines, though, are the sections with Brian’s Vietnam flashbacks. You could feel the heat, hear the bullets, and see everything that Brian was seeing. I felt myself tensing up because I was so into the action.
Where Sousa’s writing is lacking, however, is in the dialogue. Each sentence a character spoke was well-constructed, grammatically correct, and often very proper. While this style of speaking would have been appropriate for the robotic characters, it felt unnatural for the humans. People often don’t speak in complete sentences or monologues that sound like prepared speeches. This is a minor complaint that many readers probably wouldn’t notice, but I would have appreciated some dialogue that sounded more like actual people speaking to each other.
Extras:
This book was surprisingly religious, but in a pleasant way. It enhanced the story, rather than becoming overly “preachy.”
Favorite Line:
Technology always has the capacity to do good. It’s the people that misuse it and make it worse than it is.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review. I did not receive any compensation for this review. All opinions here are my own.
March 23, 2013
Acquired:
*I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this novel.*
The Forever Saga: Flash, by Sean C Sousa, has an opening chapter that leaves you wanting more. The first scene is a classic science fiction location, filled with remarkable constructions and characters, that is far beyond our understanding. Beyond this, however, you discover some clever juxtapositions: age against youth, the extraordinary against the mundane. The story’s pace ranges from the amble of the aged, through the quickness of youth, to the soaring of the overarching peril. There are also subtle links between each, such as the troubled love lives of Brian and Jason Renney. Some readers may find the shifts in pace and content difficult, but it really is worth the small effort required to read the story without skipping over parts. You are, after all, being presented with genuine characters, with lives beyond the story itself. I found the strong characters most impressive, as was how quickly they become “real”. In fact, the characters, and their relationships, are refreshingly realistic.
From the very beginning, the science fiction aspects of the novel are very well presented, creating a believable science. It’s good, hard core stuff, which I believe actually enhances the contrast between it and the “mundane” nature of the other, more “real life” portions. I will admit that the moment the mundane collides with the fantastic might have benefited from a greater sense of unreality and confusion on the part of the ‘normal’ characters, with a healthy dose of disbelief and denial. There are one or two places where characters possess knowledge which seems rather inexplicable at this same point in the story, which is a shame when continuity has been so well maintained up until then. The hardest part to swallow is in the flashbacks to Vietnam experienced by Brian Renney, who is presented almost as some kind of super soldier, capable of feats of daring and physical prowess far beyond what I would regard as credible. Those moments could do with toning down somewhat. The other action sequences are well written, making you want more. The pace of the novel picks up so gently that you barely notice that it’s become far more urgent, demanding that you continue to read as quickly as possible. The growing sense of an impending collision between good and evil is inescapable. I have no desire to spoil things for readers and, as a consequence, I’ve really struggled to know how to say this: there is a part of the novel that I find immensely moving. It is very well written indeed. I will say no more on it.
If I have a gripe, it’s one that’s all too common these days. Whether it’s a fault in proofreading or in production, I can’t know, but there are many problems with typographical errors, spelling mistakes and missing or misplaced words. This isn’t a criticism aimed at Mr Sousa! In fact, as already intimated, it’s not even aimed at this novel. These problems appear in every book I’ve read in recent times. I tend to read more than one book at a time, which now usually means a traditional book and an ebook. There’s very little difference in the number of errors in either. It is a pet peeve of mine,I freely admit. It is a shame that authors are, effectively, being embarrassed by such problems. The problem that tends to plague ebooks, specifically, is one of formatting – which often seems “broken”, but this might be a result of formatting for one type of ebook but publishing in multiple forms, by just converting the original ebook format rather than publishing from the original document file(s).
Now, to close. If anything I’ve said above is putting you off reading this book, then please reconsider! Any review is subjective. Things I may love, you may hate, and vice versa. This is definitely a novel that deserves more exposure. Apart from the charming nod to the Flash Gordon comics, and the fact that this is an adventure worthy of the early days of heroic science fiction, it’s also bang up to date too. That’s quite an achievement. I would recommend The Forever Saga: Flash to all science fiction fans, and especially those with fond memories of the early ‘pulp fiction’ (no, not the movie!) days of the genre.
Five stars all the way.
*I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this novel.*
The Forever Saga: Flash, by Sean C Sousa, has an opening chapter that leaves you wanting more. The first scene is a classic science fiction location, filled with remarkable constructions and characters, that is far beyond our understanding. Beyond this, however, you discover some clever juxtapositions: age against youth, the extraordinary against the mundane. The story’s pace ranges from the amble of the aged, through the quickness of youth, to the soaring of the overarching peril. There are also subtle links between each, such as the troubled love lives of Brian and Jason Renney. Some readers may find the shifts in pace and content difficult, but it really is worth the small effort required to read the story without skipping over parts. You are, after all, being presented with genuine characters, with lives beyond the story itself. I found the strong characters most impressive, as was how quickly they become “real”. In fact, the characters, and their relationships, are refreshingly realistic.From the very beginning, the science fiction aspects of the novel are very well presented, creating a believable science. It’s good, hard core stuff, which I believe actually enhances the contrast between it and the “mundane” nature of the other, more “real life” portions. I will admit that the moment the mundane collides with the fantastic might have benefited from a greater sense of unreality and confusion on the part of the ‘normal’ characters, with a healthy dose of disbelief and denial. There are one or two places where characters possess knowledge which seems rather inexplicable at this same point in the story, which is a shame when continuity has been so well maintained up until then. The hardest part to swallow is in the flashbacks to Vietnam experienced by Brian Renney, who is presented almost as some kind of super soldier, capable of feats of daring and physical prowess far beyond what I would regard as credible. Those moments could do with toning down somewhat. The other action sequences are well written, making you want more. The pace of the novel picks up so gently that you barely notice that it’s become far more urgent, demanding that you continue to read as quickly as possible. The growing sense of an impending collision between good and evil is inescapable. I have no desire to spoil things for readers and, as a consequence, I’ve really struggled to know how to say this: there is a part of the novel that I find immensely moving. It is very well written indeed. I will say no more on it.
If I have a gripe, it’s one that’s all too common these days. Whether it’s a fault in proofreading or in production, I can’t know, but there are many problems with typographical errors, spelling mistakes and missing or misplaced words. This isn’t a criticism aimed at Mr Sousa! In fact, as already intimated, it’s not even aimed at this novel. These problems appear in every book I’ve read in recent times. I tend to read more than one book at a time, which now usually means a traditional book and an ebook. There’s very little difference in the number of errors in either. It is a pet peeve of mine,I freely admit. It is a shame that authors are, effectively, being embarrassed by such problems. The problem that tends to plague ebooks, specifically, is one of formatting – which often seems “broken”, but this might be a result of formatting for one type of ebook but publishing in multiple forms, by just converting the original ebook format rather than publishing from the original document file(s).
Now, to close. If anything I’ve said above is putting you off reading this book, then please reconsider! Any review is subjective. Things I may love, you may hate, and vice versa. This is definitely a novel that deserves more exposure. Apart from the charming nod to the Flash Gordon comics, and the fact that this is an adventure worthy of the early days of heroic science fiction, it’s also bang up to date too. That’s quite an achievement. I would recommend The Forever Saga: Flash to all science fiction fans, and especially those with fond memories of the early ‘pulp fiction’ (no, not the movie!) days of the genre.
Five stars all the way.
July 10, 2014
There are so many things I liked about The Forever Saga: Flash. First, it had an underlying good vs. evil message. There are a few quotes from the Bible, the most repeated being "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." (Isaiah 40:29) This verse is one that has sustained me in difficult times and I love how Brian Renney and Prince Ahya's creator both used it as a switch for the robot.
I also enjoyed the relationship between Brian and Flash the "robot". The whole Vaucan race brought back fond memories of a local TV show, Captain Cosmic. Captain Cosmic aired Flash Gordon serials as well as Japanese serials, of which my favorite was Ultraman. Flash and his frenemies remind me a lot of Ultraman.
The camaraderie between Brian's son Jason and his college friends really helps to bring in the perspective of the younger generation. The last quarter of the book ties together all the subplots running throughout the story. The ending is bittersweet but well worth it and neatly sets up the series for Book 2.
The best part about the book is that a portion of every sale benefits International Justice Mission and their work to end human trafficking.
Overall, I recommend The Forever Saga: Flash for fans of science fiction, especially those who enjoy the traditional struggle of right and wrong.
I also enjoyed the relationship between Brian and Flash the "robot". The whole Vaucan race brought back fond memories of a local TV show, Captain Cosmic. Captain Cosmic aired Flash Gordon serials as well as Japanese serials, of which my favorite was Ultraman. Flash and his frenemies remind me a lot of Ultraman.
The camaraderie between Brian's son Jason and his college friends really helps to bring in the perspective of the younger generation. The last quarter of the book ties together all the subplots running throughout the story. The ending is bittersweet but well worth it and neatly sets up the series for Book 2.
The best part about the book is that a portion of every sale benefits International Justice Mission and their work to end human trafficking.
Overall, I recommend The Forever Saga: Flash for fans of science fiction, especially those who enjoy the traditional struggle of right and wrong.
March 7, 2013
Acquired:
*I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this novel.*
Rating: 4 stars
Review: The biggest thing I have to stress about this book is BE PATIENT!!! It was several chapters before the two story lines presented finally come together. In the beginning I felt like I was missing something like there should’ve been more of an introduction or prologue. I waited it out for 2 reasons. 1. Other reviews also said to be patient. 2. Once the Renney story line developed I became interested in their issues. I will definitely be waiting for the next installment of The Forever Saga. I was very glad that the author did not leave us on a major cliff hanger but gave us enough of a hint of more action that we can’t wait until the next installment is out.
*I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this novel.*
Rating: 4 stars
Review: The biggest thing I have to stress about this book is BE PATIENT!!! It was several chapters before the two story lines presented finally come together. In the beginning I felt like I was missing something like there should’ve been more of an introduction or prologue. I waited it out for 2 reasons. 1. Other reviews also said to be patient. 2. Once the Renney story line developed I became interested in their issues. I will definitely be waiting for the next installment of The Forever Saga. I was very glad that the author did not leave us on a major cliff hanger but gave us enough of a hint of more action that we can’t wait until the next installment is out.
January 4, 2013
Flash was an interesting read. It had very imaginative locations and descriptive scenes and an interesting premise; the only weak link was in the detailed, in-depth and different relationships of the characters therein. Some of the human-based characters take a while to grow on you while others are just pointless/unnecessary - or their drama is unnecessary - and the "lead" role shifts back and forth.
The details of the humanoid-based characters are amazing and very well thought-out. It definitely reads as something akin to the Xenosaga video game. All-in-all an enjoyable read.
The details of the humanoid-based characters are amazing and very well thought-out. It definitely reads as something akin to the Xenosaga video game. All-in-all an enjoyable read.
December 2, 2012
I'm not usually a sci-fi fan, but once I got past the first chapter, I was hooked. There's a little bit of everything from action to romance, comedy to tragedy, and even a touch of mystery as the plot unfolds with more than a few unexpected discoveries. It's an easy read, but don't check your brain at the door; there's plenty of food for thought as the characters wrestle with deep questions of morality, purpose, and what it means to be human.
February 1, 2020
Great story with a well written father son relationship. Nice to read from the elderly fathers perspective. Interesting robots but this needed editing.
August 18, 2014
Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review.
As an introduction to a series, its characters, and its world Sousa has done a good job, there is a lot of information given about Geist as well as Brian's family, but not so much that there is nowhere to go in terms of discovery. By not knowing why Geist is interested in Brian all there is to do is wonder and speculate and see where the story will go. I know there is a great story starting in this series, but I have to say I loved the characters the most, Brian and Jason especially. Jason as a character was one I automatically liked, he was fun, real, serious but funny when needed to be. Brian on the other hand took a bit of warming up to but I soon had a lot of compassion for him, and a touch of sympathy.
The contrast between Brian and Jason's stories are interesting. While Brian's seems important on a larger scale, the everyday nature of Jason's makes for an engaging read as well. Alessa, his hockey, and everyday things help you connect with him and his problems, it is a great balance against Brian's and gives you something entertaining to read alongside this grander storyline. Jason's story also gives you an insight into Brian's as well, working off one another and helping to develop well rounded characters not just for the two of them, but those around them.
Sousa is very good at establishing character. No matter whose perspective we were following, or which character was present you are able to get a great sense of who they are as people. Characters are real and complicated, and with realistic interactions and reactions in multiple scenarios it made them enjoyable to read about.
He uses the environment well to get us to understand his characters. Whether it is Jason and his hockey games, Brian's nightmares, or even just the events surrounding Flash and Geist, they all help to understand the characters more in a natural and realistic way than narrative explanations alone.
Sousa provides information to the readers using events in the story; giving cause for there to be information provided. He works it into the narrative well without it feeling unnatural or only there for the readers benefit. He blends the information we need with the required story and together it makes it interesting as well as seamless.
Overall the narrative is interesting, the Geist and Flash story is clearly going to develop but this works as a great introduction, enough is revealed to help you understand but there is room to grow and expand further. By the end we are given answers to some things while not others, and when anything is possible you are not always sure how things will play out but you look forward to finding out.
A longer version of this review was also published on my blog http://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/20...
As an introduction to a series, its characters, and its world Sousa has done a good job, there is a lot of information given about Geist as well as Brian's family, but not so much that there is nowhere to go in terms of discovery. By not knowing why Geist is interested in Brian all there is to do is wonder and speculate and see where the story will go. I know there is a great story starting in this series, but I have to say I loved the characters the most, Brian and Jason especially. Jason as a character was one I automatically liked, he was fun, real, serious but funny when needed to be. Brian on the other hand took a bit of warming up to but I soon had a lot of compassion for him, and a touch of sympathy.
The contrast between Brian and Jason's stories are interesting. While Brian's seems important on a larger scale, the everyday nature of Jason's makes for an engaging read as well. Alessa, his hockey, and everyday things help you connect with him and his problems, it is a great balance against Brian's and gives you something entertaining to read alongside this grander storyline. Jason's story also gives you an insight into Brian's as well, working off one another and helping to develop well rounded characters not just for the two of them, but those around them.
Sousa is very good at establishing character. No matter whose perspective we were following, or which character was present you are able to get a great sense of who they are as people. Characters are real and complicated, and with realistic interactions and reactions in multiple scenarios it made them enjoyable to read about.
He uses the environment well to get us to understand his characters. Whether it is Jason and his hockey games, Brian's nightmares, or even just the events surrounding Flash and Geist, they all help to understand the characters more in a natural and realistic way than narrative explanations alone.
Sousa provides information to the readers using events in the story; giving cause for there to be information provided. He works it into the narrative well without it feeling unnatural or only there for the readers benefit. He blends the information we need with the required story and together it makes it interesting as well as seamless.
Overall the narrative is interesting, the Geist and Flash story is clearly going to develop but this works as a great introduction, enough is revealed to help you understand but there is room to grow and expand further. By the end we are given answers to some things while not others, and when anything is possible you are not always sure how things will play out but you look forward to finding out.
A longer version of this review was also published on my blog http://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/20...
May 13, 2013
There is a lot going on in this book: giant, humanoid robots; a family in crisis, in large and small ways; and a maniac who wants to rule the world. How this all fits together is the question. Dramatically, is the answer.
Unfortunately, it is also ... uneven. Parts shine, parts need trimming, and parts could be removed.
The world-building is detailed and, obviously, well-planned. The family feels real, with realistic issues that evolved honestly. Their pain is palpable.
Brian Renney, the person around whom the entire story revolves, is a 'Nam vet with PTSD and a retired hockey coach. The story alternates between the villain's world under Antarctica, Renney and his family, and traumatic memories of Vietnam. These parts are all inter-related and do connect, eventually.
The best parts of the book are the early interaction between Renney and Flash. This is where the writing shines. Scenes between the broken man and the evolving Vaucan are fascinating.
By and large, however, the book is wordy. Descriptions are repetitive, drawn out, and often display poor grammar and usage. Typographical errors, missing and repeated words are too plentiful. Much of the dialogue is clumsy and unnatural.
Hockey figures heavily in many sections. Too heavily, in my opinion. There didn't seem to be any purpose to lengthy descriptions of games and competitions and championship series. It certainly didn't advance the story.
The Forever Saga: Flash would definitely benefit from some extensive editing and trimming. Simple disconnects, such as asking 'How much further?' and answering with 'Ten minutes' are jarring.
Despite its flaws, this book is nearly impossible to put down. It isn't always easy to wade through, but it really is worth the effort. With some judicious editing and pruning, it would be an outstanding example of what a first novel can be.
It is worth noting that a portion of every sale goes to International Justice Mission, a human-rights agency that rescues victims of slavery, human-trafficking, and sexual exploitation.
~*~*~
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Unfortunately, it is also ... uneven. Parts shine, parts need trimming, and parts could be removed.
The world-building is detailed and, obviously, well-planned. The family feels real, with realistic issues that evolved honestly. Their pain is palpable.
Brian Renney, the person around whom the entire story revolves, is a 'Nam vet with PTSD and a retired hockey coach. The story alternates between the villain's world under Antarctica, Renney and his family, and traumatic memories of Vietnam. These parts are all inter-related and do connect, eventually.
The best parts of the book are the early interaction between Renney and Flash. This is where the writing shines. Scenes between the broken man and the evolving Vaucan are fascinating.
By and large, however, the book is wordy. Descriptions are repetitive, drawn out, and often display poor grammar and usage. Typographical errors, missing and repeated words are too plentiful. Much of the dialogue is clumsy and unnatural.
Hockey figures heavily in many sections. Too heavily, in my opinion. There didn't seem to be any purpose to lengthy descriptions of games and competitions and championship series. It certainly didn't advance the story.
The Forever Saga: Flash would definitely benefit from some extensive editing and trimming. Simple disconnects, such as asking 'How much further?' and answering with 'Ten minutes' are jarring.
Despite its flaws, this book is nearly impossible to put down. It isn't always easy to wade through, but it really is worth the effort. With some judicious editing and pruning, it would be an outstanding example of what a first novel can be.
It is worth noting that a portion of every sale goes to International Justice Mission, a human-rights agency that rescues victims of slavery, human-trafficking, and sexual exploitation.
~*~*~
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
March 9, 2015
3.5
FINISHED.
I was given a free copy of this book for review...in July 2014.
This was back when my book blog was up and running. Those days are over but I still felt like I had to do my duty and read and review this book! So here it is. Sorry it's so late.
I think I had three big problems with this book. Number one: I had trouble imaging things. Like the descriptions of everything had huuuuuge (like one was like 30,000 feet. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH THAT IS) numbers that just went over my head. So basically I pictured all robots as Transformers. Problem two: robots with a conscious. It just freaks me out. And the robots somehow bleed?? I don't know. And the last one was the religious aspect that I did not see coming. It felt really pushy and out of place in a sci-fi book about taking down an evil overlord with a robot army. I rarely like religion in books beside religious books though.
What I did like was the hockey parts. Hockey I do understand. it was exciting. Jason as the goalie was fun to read. Jason was a lot more likable to me than Brian. I disliked Brian quite a lot for the most part of the book. The guy was not nice to his family at all. I KNOW HE HAD PROBLEMS HE WAS DEALING WITH. But it still made me mad.
The females in this book were a little dull for me. Alessa never showed me what was so great about her. Mary was cool but one again the religion thing. And how she just forgave Brian for everything no matter what. You are an independent woman Mary and you deserve to be treated right.
The plot kicked in for me about half way through. It felt odd going from the high sci-fi side of the story back to Jason drama. Right when I wanted to keep going it would flip-flop.
Apparently this was originally planned as a video game, which would have been awesome. Big robots fighting is usually good news.
The military flashbacks were confusing if you were not familiar with military terminology (which I'm not). Also there were a lot of strange names they used for things that took a while to get used to and remember which robots were which.
All in all: an alright book. Not exactly up my alley. I couldn't identify with the main character much and I don't like artificial intelligence because it scares me.
Thank you Sean for this opportunity!
FINISHED.
I was given a free copy of this book for review...in July 2014.
This was back when my book blog was up and running. Those days are over but I still felt like I had to do my duty and read and review this book! So here it is. Sorry it's so late.
I think I had three big problems with this book. Number one: I had trouble imaging things. Like the descriptions of everything had huuuuuge (like one was like 30,000 feet. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH THAT IS) numbers that just went over my head. So basically I pictured all robots as Transformers. Problem two: robots with a conscious. It just freaks me out. And the robots somehow bleed?? I don't know. And the last one was the religious aspect that I did not see coming. It felt really pushy and out of place in a sci-fi book about taking down an evil overlord with a robot army. I rarely like religion in books beside religious books though.
What I did like was the hockey parts. Hockey I do understand. it was exciting. Jason as the goalie was fun to read. Jason was a lot more likable to me than Brian. I disliked Brian quite a lot for the most part of the book. The guy was not nice to his family at all. I KNOW HE HAD PROBLEMS HE WAS DEALING WITH. But it still made me mad.
The females in this book were a little dull for me. Alessa never showed me what was so great about her. Mary was cool but one again the religion thing. And how she just forgave Brian for everything no matter what. You are an independent woman Mary and you deserve to be treated right.
The plot kicked in for me about half way through. It felt odd going from the high sci-fi side of the story back to Jason drama. Right when I wanted to keep going it would flip-flop.
Apparently this was originally planned as a video game, which would have been awesome. Big robots fighting is usually good news.
The military flashbacks were confusing if you were not familiar with military terminology (which I'm not). Also there were a lot of strange names they used for things that took a while to get used to and remember which robots were which.
All in all: an alright book. Not exactly up my alley. I couldn't identify with the main character much and I don't like artificial intelligence because it scares me.
Thank you Sean for this opportunity!
September 3, 2013
I'm admittedly not a huge fan of sci-fi, so I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. Reading the first chapter, I got what I expected out of a sci-fi book -- a secret world, robots, and the like. But I was also intrigued by the human/robot connection, as well as some slight religious references that were included. Once I got into the next few chapters, I was struck with a whole other side to the story -- one that was much more relatable and human than stereotypical sci-fi stories. The continual weave of these sides of the story was well-balanced throughout the book, and like any story with multiple story lines, were brought together well by the end of the book. One other facet that I was pleased with was the legitimacy of the details, namely the cities and landmarks used. I was half expecting fictitious cities and landmarks, but the accurate and detailed description of real places (some of which I've actually visited) made for a solid addition to the book. Overall, it's a well-executed piece of writing that had me repeatedly telling myself, "OK, just one more chapter for tonight."
August 7, 2014
This book is a mix of Transformers, social prophecy, adventure and fiction – neatly rolled up into a ball of enjoyable reading suitable for any age over YA. I really enjoyed it. Although the story is one of science fiction/fantasy it was so real and believable that it certainly caused my natural ‘conspiracy theorist’ head to pop up with interest. The switch from classic sci-fi intro to the standard 21st Century life of one family was cleverly done and it is this mix that is likely to appeal to a wider range of readers.
The core characters and plot read like something out of a Dr Who episode – normal family man whose life is turned upside down when an ‘alien’ removes him from his normal setting. It cleverly combines family drama into the mix from both ends of the spectrum – within the sci-fi world AND the everyday American.
The only negative I have to say is that the ending is not what I would have wanted, although I’m looking forward to the next book in the series to find out what happens next.
The core characters and plot read like something out of a Dr Who episode – normal family man whose life is turned upside down when an ‘alien’ removes him from his normal setting. It cleverly combines family drama into the mix from both ends of the spectrum – within the sci-fi world AND the everyday American.
The only negative I have to say is that the ending is not what I would have wanted, although I’m looking forward to the next book in the series to find out what happens next.
April 15, 2013
Originally posted on Bookshelf(Full review)
If you like superheroes, technology and hockey, this is a book for you. Even if you're not into them much, it has a great story and it all comes together.
It is more than just sci-fi, we see a relationship between a father and son, easy to relate. We see a normal college student living a life where he felt pressured by his dad. We see his friends, very different personalities and backgrounds and how each of them has a specific place in his life. We see him trying to figure out the best for him but also for the girl he loves and how their relationship grows.
If you like superheroes, technology and hockey, this is a book for you. Even if you're not into them much, it has a great story and it all comes together.
It is more than just sci-fi, we see a relationship between a father and son, easy to relate. We see a normal college student living a life where he felt pressured by his dad. We see his friends, very different personalities and backgrounds and how each of them has a specific place in his life. We see him trying to figure out the best for him but also for the girl he loves and how their relationship grows.
April 9, 2013
Two words: giant robots. How cool is that? And there is an entire underground civilization under Antarctica that no one knows about. My inner geek loved this book.There is also another storyline that is a bit slower and gets more interesting as we figure out the purpose. The story also manages to blend in the issues of human trafficking and personal faith struggles along with the good vs. evil. There was a lot more to it than I was expecting. This book sets up the series and I can't wait to read more.
May 19, 2015
Good book. Interesting plot. Look forward to the sequel.
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