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The Returners: Season One Omnibus
"Some were not meant to return."
The Returners Season One collects parts 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 to form the complete season in a single volume.
Alex Heton is living a second life and so is his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend, Chloe. After a man tries to kill both of them in a restaurant, they reveal to each other that they are the reincarnated bodies and minds of Alexander the Great and Joan of Arc.
Before long, they find out that there are many out there like themselves, from Eliot Ness to a thirteen-year-old Albert Einstein. As the group tries to band together and figure out how they have returned, they are hunted by a crazed killer who is just like them: a returner. Can they figure out who the killer is in time? Will they find out how they managed to retain all of their memories from a previous life? How many returners are there?
The Returners Season One collects parts 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 to form the complete season in a single volume.
Alex Heton is living a second life and so is his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend, Chloe. After a man tries to kill both of them in a restaurant, they reveal to each other that they are the reincarnated bodies and minds of Alexander the Great and Joan of Arc.
Before long, they find out that there are many out there like themselves, from Eliot Ness to a thirteen-year-old Albert Einstein. As the group tries to band together and figure out how they have returned, they are hunted by a crazed killer who is just like them: a returner. Can they figure out who the killer is in time? Will they find out how they managed to retain all of their memories from a previous life? How many returners are there?
332 pages, Hardcover
First published December 28, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 28, 2013
An intriguing idea marred by poor, or lazy, writing.
The idea: Famous historical figures, e.g., Alexander the Great, Eliot Ness, Richard the Lionheart, are reborn in modern times, but retain the memories of their past lives. Someone is killing the "returners" one-by-one, and many questions ensue. Who is the killer? Why are they killing the returners? Why have the returners returned? Etc.
Poor writing: Unfortunately, "The Returners" displays the lack of editorial oversight that is the common stigma of self-published works. Typos and misspellings abound, along with awkward sentence constructions and sometimes jerky narrative. The last may be due also to the original serial publication, but still could be addressed by an editor's eyes during collection into an omnibus edition.
Lazy writing: The concept of characters with two lives of experience, one of which is historically documented, would seem to lend to incredibly deep characters. Instead, they are largely flat, and all-too-similar. In their current lives, they all seem to have the same voice, whether young or old, male or female, with no reference to their former life. The influence of their past lives, if seen at all, is limited to what the reader probably learned in high school, or could find in a quick perusal of Wikipedia. If more thoroughly researched, these characters could all be incredibly unique, with the selection of personages being significant to the story, but instead they become just an empty list of famous names.
The story has lots of action, and the pacing is frenetic, being even too fast at times. Partly this may be due again to the original serial publication, requiring a constant hook to keep the reader coming back. But it seems equally likely that this is just the author's style, with the bulk of his previous work being in video games and graphic novels, where action is desired, and exposition is at a premium. In fact, as a graphic novel, the book might work much better, but as a novel, it has some significant failings.
The idea: Famous historical figures, e.g., Alexander the Great, Eliot Ness, Richard the Lionheart, are reborn in modern times, but retain the memories of their past lives. Someone is killing the "returners" one-by-one, and many questions ensue. Who is the killer? Why are they killing the returners? Why have the returners returned? Etc.
Poor writing: Unfortunately, "The Returners" displays the lack of editorial oversight that is the common stigma of self-published works. Typos and misspellings abound, along with awkward sentence constructions and sometimes jerky narrative. The last may be due also to the original serial publication, but still could be addressed by an editor's eyes during collection into an omnibus edition.
Lazy writing: The concept of characters with two lives of experience, one of which is historically documented, would seem to lend to incredibly deep characters. Instead, they are largely flat, and all-too-similar. In their current lives, they all seem to have the same voice, whether young or old, male or female, with no reference to their former life. The influence of their past lives, if seen at all, is limited to what the reader probably learned in high school, or could find in a quick perusal of Wikipedia. If more thoroughly researched, these characters could all be incredibly unique, with the selection of personages being significant to the story, but instead they become just an empty list of famous names.
The story has lots of action, and the pacing is frenetic, being even too fast at times. Partly this may be due again to the original serial publication, requiring a constant hook to keep the reader coming back. But it seems equally likely that this is just the author's style, with the bulk of his previous work being in video games and graphic novels, where action is desired, and exposition is at a premium. In fact, as a graphic novel, the book might work much better, but as a novel, it has some significant failings.
May 31, 2013
I LOVED it. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because of a few minor details, but I'll get back to those in a minute. Is "a few sections/lines/passages" more correct to say, I wonder?
Anyway. The humour was one of the strong points about the book besides the variety of personalities being brought "back" and the mystery of the entire book.
The characters were well-made with good personalities, though a few things bothered me enough to point it out: Why, or rather how, did they accept them being "reincarnated" persons of the past so easily?
I'd figured people of younger ages or even adults would go mad with the revelation.
I'd liked some focus on that, even if minor focus, but I do get how it could interrupt the flow of the book and characters.
Besides that, I'd say it was a greatly enjoyable book with lots of action, mystery and humour! It did not feel boring, especially because it changed viewpoint, and the mysteries kept coming.
I like the suspense of not being told everything at once and stretching revelations out, but goddammit I want a sequel... Now.
Anyway. The humour was one of the strong points about the book besides the variety of personalities being brought "back" and the mystery of the entire book.
The characters were well-made with good personalities, though a few things bothered me enough to point it out: Why, or rather how, did they accept them being "reincarnated" persons of the past so easily?
I'd figured people of younger ages or even adults would go mad with the revelation.
I'd liked some focus on that, even if minor focus, but I do get how it could interrupt the flow of the book and characters.
Besides that, I'd say it was a greatly enjoyable book with lots of action, mystery and humour! It did not feel boring, especially because it changed viewpoint, and the mysteries kept coming.
I like the suspense of not being told everything at once and stretching revelations out, but goddammit I want a sequel... Now.
January 7, 2013
Look, all I'm saying is, if you aren't reading a book that includes a teenage Albert Einstein pistol-whipping a homicidal clone, you should be.
Okay, I'll say a bit more. This is one wild ride, part historical, part science fiction, 100% creative. It's like someone took the dopey out of Bill and Ted and turned it into something much cooler, with stakes much higher. Also, it makes Joan of Arc sexy, so there's that.
This won't go down in the annals of literary history as a masterpiece, but it WILL go down as one of the more memorable bodies of writing you'll ever come across. It's witty, engaging, and above all else, it's FUN. I bet you a taco or four that you can't come up with a reason not to read it.
Okay, I'll say a bit more. This is one wild ride, part historical, part science fiction, 100% creative. It's like someone took the dopey out of Bill and Ted and turned it into something much cooler, with stakes much higher. Also, it makes Joan of Arc sexy, so there's that.
This won't go down in the annals of literary history as a masterpiece, but it WILL go down as one of the more memorable bodies of writing you'll ever come across. It's witty, engaging, and above all else, it's FUN. I bet you a taco or four that you can't come up with a reason not to read it.
September 13, 2013
NO SPOILERS
What do you mean Season Two isn't out yet? Arrghhhh.
Who has come back? Why are they here? Whose side are they on? How many sides are there?
When the action in this book started rolling, I read faster and faster. I couldn't stop because I *had* to find out what happened next. "Gripping" doesn't do this book justice.
If doesn't matter how someone classifies this book. If you like good books, that capture you and make you forget everything going on around you, this book is for you.
What do you mean Season Two isn't out yet? Arrghhhh.
Who has come back? Why are they here? Whose side are they on? How many sides are there?
When the action in this book started rolling, I read faster and faster. I couldn't stop because I *had* to find out what happened next. "Gripping" doesn't do this book justice.
If doesn't matter how someone classifies this book. If you like good books, that capture you and make you forget everything going on around you, this book is for you.
March 19, 2013
This was fun but also kind of a mess. While the story as a whole kept me interested, the poor editing, awkward shifting narrative voice, and reaching attempts to be a bit too clever were frustrating. Still, I liked the ending and, of course, now I want to see what happens in Season 2. It's a little like being sucked into an uneven TV series.
February 8, 2013
This was awesome. Great premise. Fast paced. Funny, clever and again, awesome. I could rave about this book to everyone in ear shot if they wouldn't tell me to shut up. I wish more people had read it or there was a forum where I could actually talk about the damn thing to people.
Again. It's awesome. And beautifully executed. I love history too, so that helps.
Again. It's awesome. And beautifully executed. I love history too, so that helps.
August 30, 2013
Bad writing and zero editing make this a really hard read. I know it was a serial release, but at least run it through an editor friend or READ IT ONCE YOURSELF before publishing as a volume. If the author doesn't care, why should the reader.
Could have been an interesting book given the concept but all the characters have the same personality. I gave up about 60% through.
Could have been an interesting book given the concept but all the characters have the same personality. I gave up about 60% through.
August 24, 2013
Really enjoyed both the concept and execution of this story. The idea of famous people returning had me guessing who was the next famous returner and would they get killed off? Cliffhanger finish has me anxious for the next book to come out.
April 2, 2013
While I'm normally critical of poorly edited books, the plot was unique enough to keep me reading. While I agree with other reviews that the characters could have been more developed, the story I'd intriguing and worth the read.
April 12, 2013
Interesting concept, having historical figures "return" or reincarnate as new people but with all their memories of their previous lives. Was a fun read if not taken too seriously - cliffhanger though ahh! Waiting on Season 2 now I guess :)
July 4, 2018
Ignoring the typos, the book is quite entertaining. As an Australian with limited knowledge of American history, (and perhaps even World history) however, I didn't know who all the Returners actually were. It would be great to have a brief description of each of them somewhere in the book.
November 4, 2014
I grabbed The Returners omnibus last summer when it was free on Kindle, and am just now getting around to reading it. I can't believe I waited so long to read this! I was honestly afraid I would get yelled at at work for having my nose buried in my Kindle while I was supposed to be working (haha oops!).
What's the modern day equivalent to the phrase "page-turner"? Button masher? This book is a real button masher. Page swiper.
I suck at writing reviews, so do yourself a favor and stop reading this awfully written review, and read something far far FAR better: The Returners. You're welcome. :)
What's the modern day equivalent to the phrase "page-turner"? Button masher? This book is a real button masher. Page swiper.
I suck at writing reviews, so do yourself a favor and stop reading this awfully written review, and read something far far FAR better: The Returners. You're welcome. :)
October 7, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I felt like the action was well paced and as I reached the end, I wanted more. The characters felt pretty good to me, and seemed to differentiate themselves from one another more as I moved toward the end of the book.
The only negatives I found were some of the typos and slightly confusing phrasing in some parts of the book. It is a side effect of self-publishing, but I don't feel like it detracted enough to not enjoy the book.
I will definitely be picking up season 2 and also picking up Mikey Neumann's new series "The Ending".
The only negatives I found were some of the typos and slightly confusing phrasing in some parts of the book. It is a side effect of self-publishing, but I don't feel like it detracted enough to not enjoy the book.
I will definitely be picking up season 2 and also picking up Mikey Neumann's new series "The Ending".
April 23, 2013
Historical figures are being reincarnated and someone's trying to kill them. The premise sounds just awesome and despite some typos the unrelenting pace and tone were great. The plotting and overall logic could use a bit of work though, as it was never clear who was on what side, especially with all the side switching and sudden reveals.
June 21, 2013
Enjoyed the story. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews