What do you think?
Rate this book
Eden
After enduring a horrific plane crash, a small group of survivors must work together in order to withstand the harshest conditions imaginable in the remote wilderness of New Zealand’s South Island.
The year is 2022, and their epic journey, fraught with danger and mystery, will alter the course of human history forever.
Led by charismatic Special Forces captain Noah Lockheart and his wife Evelyn, an accomplished scientist. The band of weary travelers must battle the elements along with their fears, as they race toward civilization, and their hope for rescue.
Among the survivors is Mia Sinclair, an extraordinary girl who can glimpse the future. Through their trials, the Lockhearts begin to uncover the girl’s ability in spite of her best efforts to keep it hidden. But even as Mia proves to be an invaluable ally, her gift comes at an unbearable cost.
Each step brings them closer to salvation– and to unraveling the mystery of their abandonment. But just when they think they are saved, they realize that they have never been farther from home.
Eden is a bold, heart-pounding page-turner, told through the seamlessly shifting perspectives of the eccentric band of survivors. As the thriller unfolds, so do the survivors’ inextricable links to one another in a plot rife with twists and turns, till the very end.
The year is 2022, and their epic journey, fraught with danger and mystery, will alter the course of human history forever.
Led by charismatic Special Forces captain Noah Lockheart and his wife Evelyn, an accomplished scientist. The band of weary travelers must battle the elements along with their fears, as they race toward civilization, and their hope for rescue.
Among the survivors is Mia Sinclair, an extraordinary girl who can glimpse the future. Through their trials, the Lockhearts begin to uncover the girl’s ability in spite of her best efforts to keep it hidden. But even as Mia proves to be an invaluable ally, her gift comes at an unbearable cost.
Each step brings them closer to salvation– and to unraveling the mystery of their abandonment. But just when they think they are saved, they realize that they have never been farther from home.
Eden is a bold, heart-pounding page-turner, told through the seamlessly shifting perspectives of the eccentric band of survivors. As the thriller unfolds, so do the survivors’ inextricable links to one another in a plot rife with twists and turns, till the very end.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2012
21 people are currently reading
889 people want to read
About the author
David Holley
1 book28 followersEDEN is the first novel by emerging author David Holley. After a career in advertising spanning two decades, David found himself burned out and desperately in need of a change. Over the years he worked across several mediums in the art world. Beyond his commercial work he was also known for his street and grafitti art that spanned from New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen, to the Champs-Élysées in Paris, France. Eventually his street art evolved into fine art and he showcased that work in solo shows in Philadelphia and Los Angeles. It was soon after that period David decided to devote his talents to the written word.
David currently resides in Philadelphia with his daughter Mia, his girlfriend Abby, and his loyal bulldog The Mighty El Toro Diablo.
David currently resides in Philadelphia with his daughter Mia, his girlfriend Abby, and his loyal bulldog The Mighty El Toro Diablo.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 16, 2013
I gave up pretty quickly, but I should have known I wouldn't enjoy this when the second paragraph was this: "Evelyn looks into her rearview mirror, and her piercing blue eyes stare back. Her golden strawberry hair flows just past her shoulders, and as the steering wheel swivels to complete a turn, her hands are free to primp and powder. She inspects her shimmering nails and deems them immaculate, fresh from a polish of rose-colored coral. She is scented in an exquisite perfume that has just a hint of wild lavender. She is sure that no stone has been left unturned; her porcelain skin burns with the thought of looking into her husband's eyes once more."
Ahahahah no.
Ahahahah no.
January 4, 2015
Really David Holley.....could you have given us 50 more pages?? I have to say that this has taken me off guard. It started as one story....great primal fear moments....and BANG...onto something completely different. And in a very good way. I look forward the next book. Sitting on the edge of my seat.
February 16, 2013
I read this because it was one of Apoclaypse Whenever's Feb '13 selections. It was not to my taste. At all.
Where to start...it was so over the top. For goodness sake, pick an apocalypse and stick with it. As I say that, let me add, that I rather liked the late turn, but on top of everything else, it was a bit ridiculous. Boom! Then this happened! Boom! How will our heroes every make it out of these dire straits?!
I found the dialogue stilted, and the description stiff throughout (I actually highlighted a sentence that illustrated this beautifully, but I was mid-elliptical run, and I guess it didn't take). Note the occasional weird lack of contractions, especially from the American teenagers, or the three paragraph safety speech Eve gives toward the beginning. Read that crap out loud; it sounds as natural as, I don't know, an airline safety announcement, which is weird for something that should have been spontaneous. I didn't like the use of present tense throughout. There's heavy use of melodrama and endless motivational speeches and quiet eulogies.
I have to agree with the other reviewer that pegged Noah as Christ with combat skills, which is marvelously precise, and Eve isn't much better. These two are so goody goody that it was a little nauseating. Last but not least, that was not an ending. Oh, I love books that leave me hanging, so that I can give them more cash for the story. Still, I think I'm good here. I've had quite enough of Noah and his crew.
Where to start...it was so over the top. For goodness sake, pick an apocalypse and stick with it. As I say that, let me add, that I rather liked the late turn, but on top of everything else, it was a bit ridiculous. Boom! Then this happened! Boom! How will our heroes every make it out of these dire straits?!
I found the dialogue stilted, and the description stiff throughout (I actually highlighted a sentence that illustrated this beautifully, but I was mid-elliptical run, and I guess it didn't take). Note the occasional weird lack of contractions, especially from the American teenagers, or the three paragraph safety speech Eve gives toward the beginning. Read that crap out loud; it sounds as natural as, I don't know, an airline safety announcement, which is weird for something that should have been spontaneous. I didn't like the use of present tense throughout. There's heavy use of melodrama and endless motivational speeches and quiet eulogies.
I have to agree with the other reviewer that pegged Noah as Christ with combat skills, which is marvelously precise, and Eve isn't much better. These two are so goody goody that it was a little nauseating. Last but not least, that was not an ending. Oh, I love books that leave me hanging, so that I can give them more cash for the story. Still, I think I'm good here. I've had quite enough of Noah and his crew.
February 11, 2013
This is my first "indie" book and it did not disappoint. I can't believe the amount of story that is jammed pack into this novel that's just under 300 pages. There is literally stories within stories in this book and they are all so fascinating and mysterious.
Not to mention I love paranormal stories and this has the most unique one I've ever read. Mia Sinclair is going to be a lot of people's favorite heroines for years to come. I LOVE HER!!!!!!
What's cool about Eden is that while the story happens in the future there are all of these parallels from past events some actual and some fiction which makes for a really compelling storyline.
But seriously friends READ THIS BOOK!!! It's amazing!!!! It's adventure, mystery, paranormal and spooky!
Not to mention I love paranormal stories and this has the most unique one I've ever read. Mia Sinclair is going to be a lot of people's favorite heroines for years to come. I LOVE HER!!!!!!
What's cool about Eden is that while the story happens in the future there are all of these parallels from past events some actual and some fiction which makes for a really compelling storyline.
But seriously friends READ THIS BOOK!!! It's amazing!!!! It's adventure, mystery, paranormal and spooky!
March 10, 2013
WOW! What just happened? Anyone get the number of that truck that just hit me? That's how I feel after finishing Eden. My favorite stories are ones that always keep me guessing and where I struggle to put the book down. Even though I want to so that I can prolong the magic. That's what we have here. So many times I kept saying to myself I'm just going read a chapter and save it, but I kept finding myself reading three chapters instead. Why? Because at the end of every chapter you will be like "Holy shit! What's going to happen?" OMG! What fun!!!
Let's rewind. For months I haven't been satisfied with a single damn book I read. All my heroes Chuck P, King, Flynn were failing me. I was starting to fear my taste in books was as bad as my taste in men. Then out of nowhere comes Eden. At first I was like come on man, seriously? All these things happening at the same time. All these characters with their "abilities" in one setting. How pretentious! Then it hit me...
This book is a revelation in a lot of ways. First you have an author who is not afraid to defy convention. Writing in present tense, leaving you with a gigantic cliffhanger, and revealing practically nothing in the first book. That takes some intestinal fortitude. And let me say this to established authors and future ones. You could learn something from this guy. I can't tell you how many books I've read recently that have no story or a story that goes nowhere. Beyond interesting characters I need a story, damnit!! Eden doesn't have that problem. The "story" is my favorite part of this book.
What I also like is the author's ability to play cat and mouse with the reader. Showing one thing and then giving you another. Which makes me believe there is a lot more here than meets the eye. Still don't believe me? Look at the cover of this book. I won't give it away but you will love it when you figure it out. Full disclosure I didn't come up with this gem this was brought to my attention by my friend Katie. Nice catch Katie!!!
I couldn't recommend this book enough. It has something for everyone. Some people will hate it and not get it but they will be missing the point. Yeah it's ambitious but it is a helluva lot of FUN!!!
Let's rewind. For months I haven't been satisfied with a single damn book I read. All my heroes Chuck P, King, Flynn were failing me. I was starting to fear my taste in books was as bad as my taste in men. Then out of nowhere comes Eden. At first I was like come on man, seriously? All these things happening at the same time. All these characters with their "abilities" in one setting. How pretentious! Then it hit me...
This book is a revelation in a lot of ways. First you have an author who is not afraid to defy convention. Writing in present tense, leaving you with a gigantic cliffhanger, and revealing practically nothing in the first book. That takes some intestinal fortitude. And let me say this to established authors and future ones. You could learn something from this guy. I can't tell you how many books I've read recently that have no story or a story that goes nowhere. Beyond interesting characters I need a story, damnit!! Eden doesn't have that problem. The "story" is my favorite part of this book.
What I also like is the author's ability to play cat and mouse with the reader. Showing one thing and then giving you another. Which makes me believe there is a lot more here than meets the eye. Still don't believe me? Look at the cover of this book. I won't give it away but you will love it when you figure it out. Full disclosure I didn't come up with this gem this was brought to my attention by my friend Katie. Nice catch Katie!!!
I couldn't recommend this book enough. It has something for everyone. Some people will hate it and not get it but they will be missing the point. Yeah it's ambitious but it is a helluva lot of FUN!!!
February 18, 2013
When I first started reading the book, it came across as a wilderness survival type story, even with Mia's special gift. I usually don't read those types of books, but I really got into Eden. It was a great story and the whole wilderness survival theme lasts for about 97% of the story. I didn't get bored once.
I understand how some will immediately find the story corny, implausible, convenient, etc. You have a Special Forces operative, scientist, homeopathic nurse, an architect and a kid who happens to be a pro climber on one plane, not to mention Mia and her special gift. How could this group not survive? Seriously, the deck is completely stacked in their favor.
You'd be surprised. Holley gives a perfectly reasonable explanation as to how all these people happened to be on the same flight. In addition, even though they have amazing skills, it was fascinating how there were circumstances when it did not matter in the least.
I thought the writing was excellent and I had no problem getting into all the characters. I could feel their fear, frustration, pain, suffering and so on. Taking into account the ending of the book, which I will not ruin for you, and assuming Holley maintains the level of writing and character development, I expect to be giving the next book five stars. No pressure...
I understand how some will immediately find the story corny, implausible, convenient, etc. You have a Special Forces operative, scientist, homeopathic nurse, an architect and a kid who happens to be a pro climber on one plane, not to mention Mia and her special gift. How could this group not survive? Seriously, the deck is completely stacked in their favor.
You'd be surprised. Holley gives a perfectly reasonable explanation as to how all these people happened to be on the same flight. In addition, even though they have amazing skills, it was fascinating how there were circumstances when it did not matter in the least.
I thought the writing was excellent and I had no problem getting into all the characters. I could feel their fear, frustration, pain, suffering and so on. Taking into account the ending of the book, which I will not ruin for you, and assuming Holley maintains the level of writing and character development, I expect to be giving the next book five stars. No pressure...
February 12, 2013
Whoa! This is an epic page turner with enough twists and turns that I literally stayed up all night to finish it. The only bummer is this is the only book in the series so far and I am practically dying with anticipation for the next installment. The characters in this story are so diverse and mysterious that I am totally hooked. I read this book on a whim after reading some glowing reviews and I must say this tops my list of books in 2012.
If you like adventure, dystopian, horror, or even mystery you will love this book. It's smart, scary and sometimes laugh aloud funny. Drop whatever your reading right now and read this you will not be disappointed.
If you like adventure, dystopian, horror, or even mystery you will love this book. It's smart, scary and sometimes laugh aloud funny. Drop whatever your reading right now and read this you will not be disappointed.
January 31, 2013
Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2013/01/indie-book-review-eden-1-by-david-holley.html
Eden takes place in the year 2022. The United States is no more. It has been wiped off the face of the Earth and due to that there has been a war. After the war, a man named Noah and his wife Evelyn want to go on a trip to New Zealand to visit their family. But their plans are instantly changed when the plane goes down, but it wasn’t an accident. Someone has tampered with the plane causing many to lose their lives. The remaining survivors end up on an island in New Zealand where they must work together until rescue finds them. They must do whatever it takes to survive. But life again may have other plans in store.
There aren’t enough words in the world to describe just how incredible this read was. It is such a perfect blend of genres and I mean perfect. It is a Dystopian, Post-apocalypse, Horror, Science Fiction, Paranormal, Thriller, and Mystery all rolled into one. It doesn’t feel cluttered or weighted down from too many ideas. It flows beautifully. This is not only one of the best books I have read already this year, but one of the best books I have ever read. I had no idea where this book would take me, but I was in awe every time I got there.
The characters in this book were amazing. Each one is unique and plays a crucial role in things to come in the book. There are quite a few, but I will focus on the main four. Our main character Noah is a former Captain for the British military. He is also a survivalist. He is definitely the glue that held the group together. If not for him, many more would have died even after they survived the crash. He is the one that discovered something was wrong on the plane to begin with and he believes that it was a terrorist attack. We also have his wife Evelyn. She is a doctor and was also a huge help to the group. They were amazing companions in this book. You can tell how much they loved each other and were willing to do anything to save the other and those around them.
Then we have the twins Max and Mia. Max is the flirty, outgoing one and Mia is the reserved, shy one. But she has to be. Mia has a special gift. Her gift is a paramount in this book. I love how much she got along with Noah and Evelyn when she couldn’t get along with anyone but her brother and even that was feat. Max and Noah were fun together. They were a lot o a like. Both are very adventurous, but Max was definitely the more cocky one given he is the self-proclaimed stud. I also enjoyed the characters we met like Atua and his group of fisherman. They definitely added another layer of mystery to the book. Some I found creepy specifically Maaka. I love Mia's part in it. It is peculiar, but still very good.
The story is just beyond epic. It is hard to just stick to one main one because each one adds a layer. Once you get the complete picture, you will be screaming. I actually did and even then we are not done. The journey these characters go on is a rollercoaster. They are traveling and trying to figure where to go to get rescued. But on their travels they see that may not be possible and want to know why. The story goes far beyond someone tampering with the plane. They deal with many tribulations while trying to stay alive and just when you think they are safe, they are hit with an even bigger shock than the plane crash. There are no words for what is about to come.
I have absolutely no problems with this book. Wait, no. There is one problem; the fact that I have to wait for the next book. I want it yesterday. This book is simply a masterpiece. It has all the elements and more. It is clever, fast paced, funny, full of action and mystery and just so much more. I can’t even tell you what genre this falls under. It does such a good job blending them all into one. Don’t even bother putting this on your wishlist, just buy it. Buy it and start it the moment you get it. I swear you won’t put it down until you reach the end. If you aren’t breathless by the time you reach the end, you’ll need to get your head checked. This is one incredible debut. Highly recommended!
Eden takes place in the year 2022. The United States is no more. It has been wiped off the face of the Earth and due to that there has been a war. After the war, a man named Noah and his wife Evelyn want to go on a trip to New Zealand to visit their family. But their plans are instantly changed when the plane goes down, but it wasn’t an accident. Someone has tampered with the plane causing many to lose their lives. The remaining survivors end up on an island in New Zealand where they must work together until rescue finds them. They must do whatever it takes to survive. But life again may have other plans in store.
There aren’t enough words in the world to describe just how incredible this read was. It is such a perfect blend of genres and I mean perfect. It is a Dystopian, Post-apocalypse, Horror, Science Fiction, Paranormal, Thriller, and Mystery all rolled into one. It doesn’t feel cluttered or weighted down from too many ideas. It flows beautifully. This is not only one of the best books I have read already this year, but one of the best books I have ever read. I had no idea where this book would take me, but I was in awe every time I got there.
The characters in this book were amazing. Each one is unique and plays a crucial role in things to come in the book. There are quite a few, but I will focus on the main four. Our main character Noah is a former Captain for the British military. He is also a survivalist. He is definitely the glue that held the group together. If not for him, many more would have died even after they survived the crash. He is the one that discovered something was wrong on the plane to begin with and he believes that it was a terrorist attack. We also have his wife Evelyn. She is a doctor and was also a huge help to the group. They were amazing companions in this book. You can tell how much they loved each other and were willing to do anything to save the other and those around them.
Then we have the twins Max and Mia. Max is the flirty, outgoing one and Mia is the reserved, shy one. But she has to be. Mia has a special gift. Her gift is a paramount in this book. I love how much she got along with Noah and Evelyn when she couldn’t get along with anyone but her brother and even that was feat. Max and Noah were fun together. They were a lot o a like. Both are very adventurous, but Max was definitely the more cocky one given he is the self-proclaimed stud. I also enjoyed the characters we met like Atua and his group of fisherman. They definitely added another layer of mystery to the book. Some I found creepy specifically Maaka. I love Mia's part in it. It is peculiar, but still very good.
The story is just beyond epic. It is hard to just stick to one main one because each one adds a layer. Once you get the complete picture, you will be screaming. I actually did and even then we are not done. The journey these characters go on is a rollercoaster. They are traveling and trying to figure where to go to get rescued. But on their travels they see that may not be possible and want to know why. The story goes far beyond someone tampering with the plane. They deal with many tribulations while trying to stay alive and just when you think they are safe, they are hit with an even bigger shock than the plane crash. There are no words for what is about to come.
I have absolutely no problems with this book. Wait, no. There is one problem; the fact that I have to wait for the next book. I want it yesterday. This book is simply a masterpiece. It has all the elements and more. It is clever, fast paced, funny, full of action and mystery and just so much more. I can’t even tell you what genre this falls under. It does such a good job blending them all into one. Don’t even bother putting this on your wishlist, just buy it. Buy it and start it the moment you get it. I swear you won’t put it down until you reach the end. If you aren’t breathless by the time you reach the end, you’ll need to get your head checked. This is one incredible debut. Highly recommended!
January 31, 2013
Impressive debut by first time author David Holley In a near future world: climate change, war, famine, and pandemics set the stage for this pitch perfect dystopian novel.
One of the most striking attributes of this book is the writing which I found to be superb not only for it's descriptive qualities but also for its ability to keep the reader dialed in. I read this book in conjunction with another dystopian novel and I found it very hard to not want to read this book as I was reading the other.
I loved how the author was able to tie in the protagonist Noah Lockheart's post traumatic stress disorder to the current affairs happening in the book. It was a very clever use of flashbacks and "reality" that felt genuine and haunting. Beyond Noah there is a host of strong female characters in the story and my favorite was Mia Sinclair. She is a complicated and mysterious character with paranormal abilities that I found to be truly unique and original.
Because of that the reader has no idea what will happen next. I was continually amazed from one chapter to the next, even when I thought I knew what was happening. I eagerly anticipate the next installment and you should too because this is the kind of book that you want to be the first among your friends to say I discovered it!
File this book under survival, paranormal, horror, and mystery. It is a must read and best in category.
One of the most striking attributes of this book is the writing which I found to be superb not only for it's descriptive qualities but also for its ability to keep the reader dialed in. I read this book in conjunction with another dystopian novel and I found it very hard to not want to read this book as I was reading the other.
I loved how the author was able to tie in the protagonist Noah Lockheart's post traumatic stress disorder to the current affairs happening in the book. It was a very clever use of flashbacks and "reality" that felt genuine and haunting. Beyond Noah there is a host of strong female characters in the story and my favorite was Mia Sinclair. She is a complicated and mysterious character with paranormal abilities that I found to be truly unique and original.
Because of that the reader has no idea what will happen next. I was continually amazed from one chapter to the next, even when I thought I knew what was happening. I eagerly anticipate the next installment and you should too because this is the kind of book that you want to be the first among your friends to say I discovered it!
File this book under survival, paranormal, horror, and mystery. It is a must read and best in category.
February 12, 2013
The best apocalyptic straight-to-ebook I've read so far. Well plotted, fast paced, and the kind of mysterious that leaves you wanting the second book to hand as soon as you're finished with the first.
However, the author's choice of tense is infuriating. I felt like I was reading a treatment for a movie the whole time instead of a book. While there may be nothing novel about it, I like the past tense when it comes to novels. If it was good enough for Homer...
I could have overlooked the tense issue if the characters had possessed more than one dimension. The lead character felt a like a cardboard christ. Christ with a machine gun, yes; but still a little whitewashed and phony feeling.
Also the dialogue and description were written as if the author is counting on a movie deal so that a screenwriter and a team of actors could clean up the stilted expositional dialogue and add some believable dialect.
Despite all the bluntness, I would like to finish this review by directing your attention back to the first 2 sentences. It's a quick page turner and has just about everything you could squeeze into an apocalypse story besides a cool post-apocalyptic tree fort.
However, the author's choice of tense is infuriating. I felt like I was reading a treatment for a movie the whole time instead of a book. While there may be nothing novel about it, I like the past tense when it comes to novels. If it was good enough for Homer...
I could have overlooked the tense issue if the characters had possessed more than one dimension. The lead character felt a like a cardboard christ. Christ with a machine gun, yes; but still a little whitewashed and phony feeling.
Also the dialogue and description were written as if the author is counting on a movie deal so that a screenwriter and a team of actors could clean up the stilted expositional dialogue and add some believable dialect.
Despite all the bluntness, I would like to finish this review by directing your attention back to the first 2 sentences. It's a quick page turner and has just about everything you could squeeze into an apocalypse story besides a cool post-apocalyptic tree fort.
January 23, 2013
Brilliant! Just finished this book and I'm having a hard time wrapping myself around the book - is it an adventure, survival, paranormal, dystopian???? Every 20-30 pages I had to reevaluate what I was reading but I do know I loved it & I loved it because of the characters and the writing. I cared about each and every person in this book, I felt like I knew them and was invested in what happened to them. Twists, turns, revelations...this book had it all and I can't wait for David Holley to write another book. Can't recommend this book highly enough.
March 20, 2013
Absolutely loved it! I'm so glad another Goodreads friend recommended this one as well as Post-Apocalyptic group read. The beginning of this book was very well written. It provided enough action, the right amount of mystery, and just a touch of paranormal. the lead up to the unexpected ending was really intriguing and kept be glued to what is going to happen in book 2. Major cliffhanger ending but nothing so terrible as to piss me off.....unless Mr. Holley makes me wait 5 years for the next one :-). Needless to say I am eagerly anticipating book 2.
March 10, 2013
My only disappointment in this book was that there is a HUGE cliffhanger and the second book isn't published yet. This is the first novel by an up-and-coming Indy writer that reads more like the work of a accomplished author. Some of the characters come a little close to being cliche, but not so much that it affected my enjoyment. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Sci Fi, adventure, and mystery, and look forward to reading the second book so I can find out what the heck happens.
May 21, 2013
I enjoyed this fast-paced thriller. It was a fun, quick read that left me anxious to pick up the sequel. The author left a few critical details out only to reveal them towards the end of this story. Yet, he left enough clues that i suspected there was more to the story. it made my gut churn with anticipation. Great book!
June 12, 2017
Terrible Book
I did not enjoy this book at all. Noah doesn't understand the difference between wooing a woman and stalking her. He seems to be a combination of Jesus and Superman. The rest of the characters exist to tell him how wonderful he is. There are too many disasters for one story.
I did not enjoy this book at all. Noah doesn't understand the difference between wooing a woman and stalking her. He seems to be a combination of Jesus and Superman. The rest of the characters exist to tell him how wonderful he is. There are too many disasters for one story.
February 4, 2013
A great mix of adventure, suspense, paranormal and horror. Eagerly awaiting the next installment.
December 9, 2012
Eden
Book One
By David Holley
★★★★★
After their plane goes down a group of survivors find themselves stranded in a remote area of New Zealand. Through the eyes of the survivors we are shown a world that has been drastically changed after the United States was wiped off the face of the Earth because of a natural disaster that is still sending shockwaves throughout the rest of the world. Eden is the beginning of the end in the year 2022.
There is no way to do this novel justice with a brief synopsis, first you have several unique characters each with their own story to tell, and then the story itself is multi-faceted with twists and turns that will leave you dying of anticipation of what will come next. This book is futuristic, with a touch of paranormal, and a dash of murder/mystery, and tons of action and adventure making certain to have something for everyone. What is great about this novel is though this book has so much going on the author manages to incorporate each action and reaction seamlessly into a cohesive and fascinating novel. This is certainly the beginning of the end and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
Book One
By David Holley
★★★★★
After their plane goes down a group of survivors find themselves stranded in a remote area of New Zealand. Through the eyes of the survivors we are shown a world that has been drastically changed after the United States was wiped off the face of the Earth because of a natural disaster that is still sending shockwaves throughout the rest of the world. Eden is the beginning of the end in the year 2022.
There is no way to do this novel justice with a brief synopsis, first you have several unique characters each with their own story to tell, and then the story itself is multi-faceted with twists and turns that will leave you dying of anticipation of what will come next. This book is futuristic, with a touch of paranormal, and a dash of murder/mystery, and tons of action and adventure making certain to have something for everyone. What is great about this novel is though this book has so much going on the author manages to incorporate each action and reaction seamlessly into a cohesive and fascinating novel. This is certainly the beginning of the end and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
February 1, 2013
There are a lot of themes in this book. I don't want to spoil anything, but the world isn't going to end just because of one or two calamities in "Eden." The majority of it reminded me of the television show "Lost." I read it in three sittings and it had several good sprints of my captured interest. I felt the author told me what to think about the characters too often, though, rather than letting me develop my own opinions of their words and actions, and the frequent, detailed-to-brand-name descriptions of what the characters were wearing sometimes slowed down the action or lessened the impact of a scene.(Bob snapped a look at Marjory and shouted, "We need to run, now!" She was wearing a yellow pinstriped sundress and matching shoes.)
Overall I enjoyed it. Action and setting are this author's strengths. I especially liked the setting in the last section of the story, very cool what he did with the landscape. And, when he went a couple of chapters without describing clothes but popped in a quick outfit toward the end, I found it endearing.
Overall I enjoyed it. Action and setting are this author's strengths. I especially liked the setting in the last section of the story, very cool what he did with the landscape. And, when he went a couple of chapters without describing clothes but popped in a quick outfit toward the end, I found it endearing.
February 24, 2013
As the title indicates, this is the first part of Eden so expect some unresolved issues at the close of this adventure. Even so, the author did a great job of closing off this particular episode and I was able to breathe a little sign of satisfaction after reading the last paragraph. I got caught up in the story from the beginning; loved the adventure. Washed up on a remote beach in New Zealand a ragtag group of survivors struggle across the formidable landscape in an attempt to reach civilization. I became invested in the characters and fully enjoyed their interactions, uncertainty, and bravery. I love adventure tales and this book is a very good beginning to what promises to be an exciting adventure.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
January 22, 2013
Easily the best book I've read in ages. Not only is Eden entertaining but there is a way deeper commentary about human compassion that I found really touching and thought provoking. I cried, laughed, and literally screamed while reading this book. It is a complex and clever combination of adventure, suspense, paranormal, science fiction, mystery and horror. In one book!!!
In addition there are so many stories within the story that this can only get bigger with each installment. The characters are intriguing and well developed and the best part is the story will continue. A MUST READ!
In addition there are so many stories within the story that this can only get bigger with each installment. The characters are intriguing and well developed and the best part is the story will continue. A MUST READ!
February 14, 2013
What a read! I just finished the book and where the heck did that ending come from. I don't want to spoil anything but I seriously loved that end and cannot believe that I have to wait for the next story.
I love the characters. The main ones feel like embellished people that I know. Noah and Mia are kick ass. I could definitely see them in a movie.
The setting of the book is really nice. I think the author took the time and really thought about what the next 10 years would be like and what that world would be. It has a great feeling and believability to it.
Again... I am still shaking about that ending. I definitely recommend for a quick exciting read.
I love the characters. The main ones feel like embellished people that I know. Noah and Mia are kick ass. I could definitely see them in a movie.
The setting of the book is really nice. I think the author took the time and really thought about what the next 10 years would be like and what that world would be. It has a great feeling and believability to it.
Again... I am still shaking about that ending. I definitely recommend for a quick exciting read.
February 7, 2013
wow. Definitely read if you like a good story with a lot of rising tension and questions to ask like: " what's going on!" But weeeeee! what fun.
June 17, 2013
This was a good read. The writing seemed awkward at first but I got used to it. The technology was a little off. The US is destroyed by a huge volcano before the story begins and the rest of the world is not affected? There would have been a devastating world wide winter. Some of the plot lines do not hold together quite well but it is not a game breaker. The encounter at the end with the --------- (I will not spoil the book here) was a disappointing twist for me.
I will most likely read the next volume when it comes out. The author did get my attention.
I will most likely read the next volume when it comes out. The author did get my attention.
May 21, 2013
This was a great but strange book. Kind of a plethora of disasters and apocoplyses. That didn't stop me from enjoying this though. It was a heck of a wild ride and a great inspiration as humanity was still preserved in the midst of chaos and desperation to survive, which was refreshing. I was annoyed by the tense as others have commented, but it wasn't enough to detract from the story thankfully. Defiantly want to read the next. What a cliffhanger!!!
February 25, 2013
If you're like me, you read to escape and hopefully to be entertained. Eden does that and more. Within just the first few pages this story it literally takes off at 100mph. And by the last quarter of the book you are racing at somewhere around 300mph. It's that fun. My best advice to anyone who reads this is to sit back, buckle your seat, and brace for impact.
I highly recommend Eden for anyone who likes adventure, suspense and mystery. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series.
I highly recommend Eden for anyone who likes adventure, suspense and mystery. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series.
March 8, 2013
It was good enough: interesting action and situations, strong main characters and unexpected twists. I didn't always like the pace of the story as it would suddenly switch to memories of the past in the middle of an action sequence or some other interesting thing happening in the present. The ending seemed abrupt, but I guess that was to keep us interested in reading the next book in the series. I guess that works because I would like to see how the next part of the story goes.
March 12, 2013
The writing was fine even tho it got a bit technical with some of the necessities of survival. At times I felt the flashback was a distraction and not worked in as well as it could have been.
The final arrival at what was to have been civilization was well done. I was surprised.
This is not the kind of book I usually read so take by first two sentences with a grain of salt.
The final arrival at what was to have been civilization was well done. I was surprised.
This is not the kind of book I usually read so take by first two sentences with a grain of salt.
March 14, 2013
I really liked this book. A lot. And I will be reading the sequel. Some of the parts of the plot have been done before, but I liked the Lockhearts and the twins, Max and Mia, and they add a different lens to the story.
The components of the story could have turned this story into a cheesy mess but the author makes it all work.
Bottom line: Read it...it will be worth it.
The components of the story could have turned this story into a cheesy mess but the author makes it all work.
Bottom line: Read it...it will be worth it.
May 26, 2013
What a fun read! The author does a great job creating characters that you want to like from page one. The story is intense and fast-paced, I literally could not put the book down the closer I got to the end. If you like apocalyptic stories, featuring harrowing escapes and harsh decisions, this is right up your alley. Sign me up for book two!
January 30, 2013
I highly recommend Eden for its excellent character development and intriguing story-line. Once you start reading, its hard to stop! Congratulations to David on a top quality first novel. I eagerly await his next installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews