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Bystander
Empaths. Superstrength. Kung Fu Masters. Petting Zoo People. There is a word for people like that. A pre-packed fluffy-feeling word the governmentÕs spin doctors had come up with. Peak. Lucretia had her own words for her peer freaks of nature, science projects, and fanatics. They were all the people that had been born, transformed or self-willed into something that should have been bizarre, but was becoming less so. All she wanted to do was live an unnoticed life in her brownstone, working at the library and chasing down idiot cops who took her books on stakeouts. Of course, there are problems with that, such as the fact that she's considered an interesting research specimen by some of the more amoral companies. Her tendency to stick her nose in where it probably shouldn't be. A love-hate relationship with various alcoholic beverages. Oh yes, and the fact that she's still on parole.
206 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2010
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 12, 2014
I enjoyed this book. While it was a little hard to place the characters and events in the story at first, the author does tend to jump in time a lot with his events, I found that once I started reading, it went well.
The interesting part of the story is the sense of the super humans being both old and new at the same time. I won't go deep into the background as I don't want to spoil anything, but with how Green casually develops his world for the reader gives one a view that while the past has been hard for humanity, humanity has adapted and is learning to deal with the rise of old names and beings long thought lost to myth and legend.
But even with that adaption, there still remains a danger that threaten to claim everyone throughout the book, making one want to know who is behind the growing crisis.
But as casual as the world building seems, Mister Green does well in the build up as various powers confront each other bit by bit until the inevitable climax, with only a bystander to stop them.
Overall, the story was well written, well detailed, and the fight scenes are excellently scripted. As a first book, this shows to be a grand start to a great world-series in both game and book.
The interesting part of the story is the sense of the super humans being both old and new at the same time. I won't go deep into the background as I don't want to spoil anything, but with how Green casually develops his world for the reader gives one a view that while the past has been hard for humanity, humanity has adapted and is learning to deal with the rise of old names and beings long thought lost to myth and legend.
But even with that adaption, there still remains a danger that threaten to claim everyone throughout the book, making one want to know who is behind the growing crisis.
But as casual as the world building seems, Mister Green does well in the build up as various powers confront each other bit by bit until the inevitable climax, with only a bystander to stop them.
Overall, the story was well written, well detailed, and the fight scenes are excellently scripted. As a first book, this shows to be a grand start to a great world-series in both game and book.
December 9, 2011
This story is very compelling, with strong, identifiable characters, a realistic setting (in spite of it being a near-future post-apocalyptic dystopia with superheroes) and a fast-moving plot that carries the reader along without much effort on their part.
That said, it also occasionally reads like bad Shadowrun fanfic. The book is in dire need of proofreading in many places, not only to correct errors in the ebook formatting, but to avoid redundancy, enliven descriptions, clarify which characters are being referred to (or are the point-of-view characters) at any given moment, and to better organize the flashbacks so that it's clearer what events are happening in what order and why.
Upon reflection, when not taking the book moment-to-moment, I haven't really got a clue what's going on or what the motivations of the characters are. I especially have problems with the concept for which the book is named: there is a vague impression that individuals with superpowers fall into some unclarified classification scheme in which 'bystander' is a technical term, but the politics behind this are never explained, nor is it entirely clear why the main character has a team of bodyguards following her around at all times. You don't need this information to enjoy the story, but you do need it to process what you've read once you've put the book down.
I would definitely not say that the book's flaws overwhelm its positive traits, but I would hope for improvement from future entries in the series.
That said, it also occasionally reads like bad Shadowrun fanfic. The book is in dire need of proofreading in many places, not only to correct errors in the ebook formatting, but to avoid redundancy, enliven descriptions, clarify which characters are being referred to (or are the point-of-view characters) at any given moment, and to better organize the flashbacks so that it's clearer what events are happening in what order and why.
Upon reflection, when not taking the book moment-to-moment, I haven't really got a clue what's going on or what the motivations of the characters are. I especially have problems with the concept for which the book is named: there is a vague impression that individuals with superpowers fall into some unclarified classification scheme in which 'bystander' is a technical term, but the politics behind this are never explained, nor is it entirely clear why the main character has a team of bodyguards following her around at all times. You don't need this information to enjoy the story, but you do need it to process what you've read once you've put the book down.
I would definitely not say that the book's flaws overwhelm its positive traits, but I would hope for improvement from future entries in the series.
June 30, 2014
While I noticed some of the same issues raised by others (the confusing time shifts and the typos, etc.), they didn't detract enough to make me want to downgrade the novel overall. I thought the premise of peaks was really interesting, and the main character, Lu, had some pretty cool abilities. The world itself was a strange mix of modern day (with the bars and a lot of aspects like book stores, etc. feeling pretty much exactly the way they do now), and the future with peaks as almost an alien race of mutants, which I really liked...had a real dystopian feel at times that was pretty cool.
Will be interested to see more by this author. I love this kind of world building and the action and military aspects were also very cool. I liked the female assassin a lot, too, (Robles) and a number of the other characters.
Will be interested to see more by this author. I love this kind of world building and the action and military aspects were also very cool. I liked the female assassin a lot, too, (Robles) and a number of the other characters.
August 3, 2014
Not at all disappointed!
Many typos to be seen, but does not retract on how well the story and the character was developed
Fast paced and exciting, its another great scifi must read!
Unlike the usual hero syndrome, coward, or over feminine, the main character 'lucretia' is just real enough, likable, and mysterious enough..
Although after two third of the story i feel the story a bit flighty in timeline and point of view sense, i can see the author struggle in wrapping the story up to provide enough information and creating the world and background story he wanted
It is interesting, i'll give it 4.5 stars for being good story enough i hope there's a sequel but not enough that i will start to terrorize the author to make me one!
Many typos to be seen, but does not retract on how well the story and the character was developed
Fast paced and exciting, its another great scifi must read!
Unlike the usual hero syndrome, coward, or over feminine, the main character 'lucretia' is just real enough, likable, and mysterious enough..
Although after two third of the story i feel the story a bit flighty in timeline and point of view sense, i can see the author struggle in wrapping the story up to provide enough information and creating the world and background story he wanted
It is interesting, i'll give it 4.5 stars for being good story enough i hope there's a sequel but not enough that i will start to terrorize the author to make me one!
October 29, 2013
I really enjoyed the unique writing in Luke Green's Bystander. I love the main character, Lu and her team of protectors. She is definitely not a typical, overdone main character. I really like the antics she plays on her detective. What she does to his phone? Hahahaha.
I feel like the changes between current events and past events could have been smoother. I followed it, but it could be confusing. It also needs to be gone over again for typos.
All in all, I'm really looking forward to the sequel. I wanted to know more about what happens to powerful peaks and why Lu's protectors work so hard to make sure she stays under the radar.
I feel like the changes between current events and past events could have been smoother. I followed it, but it could be confusing. It also needs to be gone over again for typos.
All in all, I'm really looking forward to the sequel. I wanted to know more about what happens to powerful peaks and why Lu's protectors work so hard to make sure she stays under the radar.
August 31, 2016
Bacchanalian Dance
Like a paranormal cotillion, the past meets the future. As the metaphorical dance continues its intricate steps, the past and future approach the present and then recede.
Lucretia swings through the moves, a sway into the future, a pirouette in the present, and a backward glance to the past.
Bystander, by Luke Green, is a glittering kaleidoscope of images, characters, and actions.
Versatile Luke Green is also the author Divine Blood: Semester Start. The book is set up like a panoramic, three-act play. The characters are interesting. The dialogue is sharp and witty. The beautiful illustrations add to the story.
Like a paranormal cotillion, the past meets the future. As the metaphorical dance continues its intricate steps, the past and future approach the present and then recede.
Lucretia swings through the moves, a sway into the future, a pirouette in the present, and a backward glance to the past.
Bystander, by Luke Green, is a glittering kaleidoscope of images, characters, and actions.
Versatile Luke Green is also the author Divine Blood: Semester Start. The book is set up like a panoramic, three-act play. The characters are interesting. The dialogue is sharp and witty. The beautiful illustrations add to the story.
September 6, 2014
I've reviewed and rated 34 books so far and only one I gave a 1 star. Here's another one. I don't like giving bad reviews, so I'm not a troll. If I could've identified with the characters and there was a decent plot to keep me interested, I would've finished the book, no matter how bad the writing. Which this is very badly written. This story's written like Luke Green's primary language isn't English. I read 30% of the book, then went to the end to see if it was any better, but it wasn't. I do not recommend this book.
September 6, 2014
I have no idea what these other 4 & 5 star reviewers saw, other than they're fellow authors. I read 30% of the book and finally gave up. Even went to the end to see if the writing and story line improved. Did not. The writing is as if the author's primary language isn't English. No plot, very weak writing and I couldn't identify with the characters at all.
The concept of the story is unique, but it needs to go back to the drawing boards. I do not recommend.
The concept of the story is unique, but it needs to go back to the drawing boards. I do not recommend.
August 18, 2014
Great story with some really interesting ideas. Very strong characters, especially the main character who's unique abilities are offset by some interesting weaknesses. I especially liked those where the ability and the weakness were two sides of the same coin (e.g. her encounters with cellphones). A great read.
December 29, 2011
Very action packed, with a heroine that many can relate to. Highly Recommended!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews