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Ixeos Trilogy #1
Ixeos
The McClellands are enjoying a lazy summer vacation at the beach when they are lured from our world into Ixeos, an alternate Earth. Finding themselves lost in a maze of tunnels under Paris and surrounded by strangers, they discover that they have been brought to Ixeos for one purpose: to take the planet back from humanoid aliens who have claimed it. With the aid of the tunnels and a mysterious man named Landon, the teens travel the world seeking the key that will allow them to free Darian, the long-imprisoned rebel leader. But the aliens aren't the only problem on Ixeos -- the McClellands have to deal with brutal gangs, desperate junkies, and a world without power, where all the technology is owned by the aliens, and where most of the population has been killed or enslaved. The worst part? There's no way home.
358 pages, Paperback
First published February 13, 2013
18 people are currently reading
872 people want to read
About the author
Jennings Wright
10 books56 followersBorn and raised in Rockledge, Florida, Jennings spent her early years reading anything she could get her hands on, when she wasn't spending time in and on the water. She won a prize in the 6th grade for her science fiction stories.
Jennings attended the University of the South and the University of Tampa, graduating with a B.A. in Political Science, and almost enough credits for B.A.s in both English and History. She spent time over the years doing various kinds of script doctoring, business writing, editing, and teaching writing, but mostly having and raising her family, homeschooling her children, owning and running a business with her husband, and starting a non-profit to Uganda.
Thanks to a crazy idea called NaNoWriMo Jennings got back into creative writing in 2011 and hasn't stopped since. She's written four novels and a screenplay in less than a year, with more ideas on the drawing board. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, also a writer, and two children, and travels extensively.
Jennings attended the University of the South and the University of Tampa, graduating with a B.A. in Political Science, and almost enough credits for B.A.s in both English and History. She spent time over the years doing various kinds of script doctoring, business writing, editing, and teaching writing, but mostly having and raising her family, homeschooling her children, owning and running a business with her husband, and starting a non-profit to Uganda.
Thanks to a crazy idea called NaNoWriMo Jennings got back into creative writing in 2011 and hasn't stopped since. She's written four novels and a screenplay in less than a year, with more ideas on the drawing board. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, also a writer, and two children, and travels extensively.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 15, 2013
This was a great book. I would give it 4 stars (it seems I give a lot of books 4 stars, I guess I just know how to pick them). Ixeos is an alternate Earth where, many years ago, aliens assimilated into society and were living under the radar, taking roles in both world wars and life along the way. Finally the aliens took over. Using EMP they destroyed our way of life. They destroyed parts of the world they didn’t find beneficial to them, and then they took the surviving humans as slaves.
We are quickly pulled into the story. I mean, Jennings doesn’t waste much time dilly dallying around. Before we know it our main characters are on Ixeos, learning a new way of life in surroundings hauntingly similar to their own Earth, but ruined, overtaken.
What I loved most about this book was the similar feel it had to Falling Skies and The Maze Runner. We have these people, most children, some adults, who are struggling against this oppressive force, and danger everywhere they turn. I would highly recommend this book if you are a fan of young adult dystopian novels. The only down fall I saw was the lack of remorse or sadness the main characters felt at never being able to return home. Of course, we don’t see their home life, so maybe it isn’t warm enough to generate sadness at never being able to return.
We are quickly pulled into the story. I mean, Jennings doesn’t waste much time dilly dallying around. Before we know it our main characters are on Ixeos, learning a new way of life in surroundings hauntingly similar to their own Earth, but ruined, overtaken.
What I loved most about this book was the similar feel it had to Falling Skies and The Maze Runner. We have these people, most children, some adults, who are struggling against this oppressive force, and danger everywhere they turn. I would highly recommend this book if you are a fan of young adult dystopian novels. The only down fall I saw was the lack of remorse or sadness the main characters felt at never being able to return home. Of course, we don’t see their home life, so maybe it isn’t warm enough to generate sadness at never being able to return.
August 27, 2013
Excellent. A self-contained adventure which pushes the border of science fiction, yet maintains relateable characters and action. All the right questions are asked by three teen protagonists who find themselves transported to a parallel--almost identical earth--even though many of the question aren't answered.
Really liked the age-appropriate behavior of the protagonists. Not a bunch of Indiana Jones or Harry Potter clones, reacting with shock and disbelief to their extraordinary change of circumstances, but each rose to the challenge in his or her own way--some sacrificially. No recreation sex or drugs, though believable sprouts of affection. Teen angst balanced by realistic teamwork and problem solving. Violence is appropriate to the topic, but the gore is limited. Messianic overtones appropriate to the story. A twentieth-century history lesson hidden between the lines.
A satisfying conclusion, even though it draws the reader into a larger tale.
A great read.
Really liked the age-appropriate behavior of the protagonists. Not a bunch of Indiana Jones or Harry Potter clones, reacting with shock and disbelief to their extraordinary change of circumstances, but each rose to the challenge in his or her own way--some sacrificially. No recreation sex or drugs, though believable sprouts of affection. Teen angst balanced by realistic teamwork and problem solving. Violence is appropriate to the topic, but the gore is limited. Messianic overtones appropriate to the story. A twentieth-century history lesson hidden between the lines.
A satisfying conclusion, even though it draws the reader into a larger tale.
A great read.
March 23, 2013
„[...]they’re all the same when you get down to it. Good versus evil, freedom versus tyranny, love versus hate.”
Well, this time I chose the book only by its cover! I liked it, I risked and WON!
I don’t know if you are familiar with those spy movies, resistance fighters or the ones in which spectacular escapes are prepared during the Second World War? Certainly they are good movies that do not fall in abeyance precisely because of their quality. Ixeos, with all its catacombs, sinister or not, secret entrances and portals, with the danger that can come from any direction and at every step, the way in which the characters are preparing for the No.1 mission recovering all sorts of relics, their ingenuity and organization that give prove, creates a similar atmosphere, but a fresh one. Modern elements are also present, but they are not seizing the action, just pointing out that "our world" has a chance still.
The author’s idea is interesting. What you’ll choose to do if you'll be "lured" away from your world and put in the position to fight for the good of others? You’ll join the battle or you’ll hide and you’ll live on your own without getting involved?
“It’s not our world, but it is. […] And if they have people like us, then it must be true that there’s some good still in this world, too; that’s got to be worth fighting for.”
Action is pretty alert, always something happening and manages to keep you plugged. The tension is present and becomes effective through the actions already past rather than those experienced by our heroes.
“Clay still had the small flashlight. Without a word, he clicked it on and handed it to their leader. The man’s jaw was clenched tight as they followed the red stain to the portal.”
However, our characters have their part of adventures, unexpected and dangerous confrontations, even losses. The relationships that are arise, the friendships can be destroyed at any time and their daily safety does not exist. The survival and the purpose’s fulfillment are the only things that matter.
Author's decision to choose young people is a very good one. I think that the characters’ young age is very important. Young people are free from all responsibilities, however at the beginning, idealistic, for them nothing seems to be unsurmountable and they are those who can pass easier over the "stress" born by their rapture while they still feeling its burden.
“I know what you mean about having some of home. Someone to share memories with, someone who knows what your mother looks like, and your school friends. Someone you still have a few inside jokes with. Everyone here is really nice, and, except for having to try not to get killed, it’s not so bad once you get used to it. But having a piece of home… Well, that’s priceless.”
I like how their passions (we are what we do?) helps the characters not only to survive, but also gives them a chance to succeed. Each of them is predestined to do something, but remains to discover what, in fact to discover himself.
The drops of humor are welcome, refreshing the mood and highlight the real important issues.
There are many elements of which explanations the author keeps for next volumes, although the reader longs to know. Who and especially what London is, what power he possess and what is his goal, if there is any and if can be find a way back home and the connection between Clay and ... I’ll not telling you!
The conclusion: I liked the book and I recommend to you.
March 31, 2013
Review:
I find myself chuckling as I start writing this review because I know I will probably come across sounding like a negative Nancy but to understand the good you have to understand the bad first. I liked Ixeos, I just didn't love it and here's why.
My biggest complaint by far with Ixeos were the characters themselves. If I had to describe them only using one word I'd pick the term vanilla. None, save maybe Abbacus stood out for me. Every character even the mysterious Jesus-esque Landon blended together. I was never entirely sure who I was following or even worse the sex of the character I was following. I literally had to keep rereading conversations just to tell who was in the scene. Was I following The McClellands, The Ixeos Group or those Humans scattered across the world helping bring down the firsts? With a cast of characters so large it really became quite irksome not being able to clearly follow who is in the scene.
My other issue, gripe whatever you want to call it with Ixeos was the pacing/overall length. The book started so strongly. I was pulled in from the very first page. The set up and how the McClelland's arrived in Ixeos was so cool and creative to boot. Ducks, honestly who would've thought! However, once I made it to the halfway point the pacing slowed way down and I could feel my interest waning with every flick of the page. See, it isn't that the story in itself was bad but instead it came down with a classic case of to much telling not enough showing. Lack of action definitely was an issue. I mean this book takes place on an alternate Earth ruled by aliens Firsts and guess what?? Even the villains of the story are boring. No, sadly I am not joking. Honestly in this readers opinion the book needed to be condensed. A page here, a chapter there and this could of been the best Sci-Fi book in ages especially considering how strongly it started off. When you find yourself wishing for mass character slaughter just to see something exciting happen it becomes quite clear that pacing/length is an issue.
Overall, I really wanted to love Ixeos but much to my dismay found myself only liking it. Ixeos is a clear middle of the road book for me. I neither loved nor hated it and sometimes those are the worst type of books for me. The question however remains, Would I recommend Ixeos? No hesitation here, I definitely say Yes!! The world building in this book was certainly decent and I LOVED how the characters traveled throughout the world. The tunnels aspect was one of the coolest things I've ever seen and reminded me in more than a few ways of that old TV show Sliders, which you know is totally awesome comparison. I also really liked that every person who arrives in Ixeos has a purpose. Characters don't arrive just because they happen to be in the right place at the right time. Every person who arrives in Ixeos is part of a much grander plan its just when that plan will fall into place and what exactly it is nobody knows. Guess I'll just have to read Book 2 to find that out. In the end, I will be rating Ixeos by Jennings Wright ★★★.
April 28, 2013
I'm pretty sure this will sound a little funny but this is the first time i read a book like this one about so many mixed things.Between aliens and humans trying to save the world all i could think about was how a few characters solved the misteries some couldn't.Yeah,well ,if only that was on my mind what can i say about the rest?A lot.
Aliens?Well,there is a place named Ixeos,where aliens or Firsts ,destroyed the world we know.Ixeos is not very different from Earth .There are places that look exactly like those on Earth,but the difference is that the Firsts control everything.
From the beginning we learn a little about the main characters and then we get to read about the tunnels in Ixeos.
At first i was confused because i didn't understand what was all about.The ducks-well,that was original- and those three kids-Neahle , Clay and Marty.Yeah,i have to admit that i thought that maybe i won't like what will happen or that the characters accepted their fate too easy,but after a while i started to understand that it wasn't exactly how i thought.And my opinion changed.
It took me awhile to finally figure it out what the subject was about and i admit that it was interesting.
Danger.A little violence.Action-something i can't pass.
What i liked was that the author got to the subject and showed me exactly what i wanted to read.I mean i wasn't dissapointed and i was really curious to read how everything happened.How the people lived in those tunnels.How they survived all this time.How they planned to fight back.Details that are hard not to want to know when you kind of expect everything to end quickly.I didn't.
It was a little strange ,that i have to admit.Mainly what was strang was how everything started -one moment the world was normal and then BAM everything changed.I can't ignore that but i was excited.That doesn't happen to me all the time.
This was another way to test the humans,right?Well,i wonder what would happen in real life...
From the moment Neahle,Clay and Marty entered in Ixeos they started giving hope to those caught in that place.I know why..but i can't tell.
Everyone was there for a reason.Everyone had a purpose and because of that they were led in that place.
My favorite characters were Neahle ,Clay and Marty.They were smart and kind of incredible.Each of them helped in a way and it was exciting to read about how they worked so hard.Of course,they weren't the only ones who workeed hard,but for me they always were on first place.
It's amazing how the author came up the idea of Ixeos and everything.Strange but at the same time amazing.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book.The idea of reading more about Darian's plans,what the Firsts will do and everything else is too good to ignore.And there are too many things i want to know!So pretty please i want to book fast!
Aliens?Well,there is a place named Ixeos,where aliens or Firsts ,destroyed the world we know.Ixeos is not very different from Earth .There are places that look exactly like those on Earth,but the difference is that the Firsts control everything.
From the beginning we learn a little about the main characters and then we get to read about the tunnels in Ixeos.
At first i was confused because i didn't understand what was all about.The ducks-well,that was original- and those three kids-Neahle , Clay and Marty.Yeah,i have to admit that i thought that maybe i won't like what will happen or that the characters accepted their fate too easy,but after a while i started to understand that it wasn't exactly how i thought.And my opinion changed.
It took me awhile to finally figure it out what the subject was about and i admit that it was interesting.
Danger.A little violence.Action-something i can't pass.
What i liked was that the author got to the subject and showed me exactly what i wanted to read.I mean i wasn't dissapointed and i was really curious to read how everything happened.How the people lived in those tunnels.How they survived all this time.How they planned to fight back.Details that are hard not to want to know when you kind of expect everything to end quickly.I didn't.
It was a little strange ,that i have to admit.Mainly what was strang was how everything started -one moment the world was normal and then BAM everything changed.I can't ignore that but i was excited.That doesn't happen to me all the time.
This was another way to test the humans,right?Well,i wonder what would happen in real life...
From the moment Neahle,Clay and Marty entered in Ixeos they started giving hope to those caught in that place.I know why..but i can't tell.
Everyone was there for a reason.Everyone had a purpose and because of that they were led in that place.
My favorite characters were Neahle ,Clay and Marty.They were smart and kind of incredible.Each of them helped in a way and it was exciting to read about how they worked so hard.Of course,they weren't the only ones who workeed hard,but for me they always were on first place.
It's amazing how the author came up the idea of Ixeos and everything.Strange but at the same time amazing.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book.The idea of reading more about Darian's plans,what the Firsts will do and everything else is too good to ignore.And there are too many things i want to know!So pretty please i want to book fast!
March 22, 2013
Ixeos…what is it? It is Earth, but not like the Earth we know. Our houses are there, the Statue of Liberty is right where she should be, but the humans are under the rule of an alien race. How to get there? Chosen, exactly how is not known, are brought in by tunnels. Tunnels that close behind you and bring you into the world of Ixeos. You can travel throughout Ixeos in these tunnels, but you will not find your way back to your home.
A scifi tale, full of twists and turns, unknowns, adventure and history. I have to give it to the author, Jennings Wright, she knows her history. Not only will you be drawn into a tale that finds you at first going whatever, to an oh, that’s pretty cool; you will learn some history that is far from boring. Are you thinking right now, history, ugh? Don’t. You will find yourself wrapped completely in this story if you just go with the flow.
We have a group of older teens, who go from a lazy summer day of fun in the North Carolina waters to becoming part of a group who is on their way to helping the rebels win the cause again the alien race, call the Firsts. They go from unappreciated teens to heroes. As you read, you see the changes occurring in them, the feeling that they do mean something in the full spectrum of life and that they do have a purpose and your visualization of the characters changes with them. Along with them, we meet an array of others chosen, like them, without notice, giving up everything they once knew to fight for what is right.
When I first started reading this, it didn’t really grab me. The characters seemed to accept their fate way too easily. As the story progressed, I didn’t really think about that anymore. Some distraction throughout though is the dialogue. A little rough in places throughout, but all in all it does not distract from the story. Items that have been left around, but are still working, just don’t seem to jive with the story, but again, the story whisks you away and you’re onto something else.
Ixeos, which was provided to me for an honest review, is the first in a trilogy. I’m interested to see where the story goes to from here. A few questions have been answered, but just as many, if not more have surfaced. Who is Landon? Where did he come from? How come he can travel to the outside world, but nobody else can? Will those who have been brought into the tunnels be able to go home, ever? If they do go home, will it be like time had stood still, or will they appear months/years after being taken away? Are there traitors in their midst? So many questions. I’m ready for book two!
A scifi tale, full of twists and turns, unknowns, adventure and history. I have to give it to the author, Jennings Wright, she knows her history. Not only will you be drawn into a tale that finds you at first going whatever, to an oh, that’s pretty cool; you will learn some history that is far from boring. Are you thinking right now, history, ugh? Don’t. You will find yourself wrapped completely in this story if you just go with the flow.
We have a group of older teens, who go from a lazy summer day of fun in the North Carolina waters to becoming part of a group who is on their way to helping the rebels win the cause again the alien race, call the Firsts. They go from unappreciated teens to heroes. As you read, you see the changes occurring in them, the feeling that they do mean something in the full spectrum of life and that they do have a purpose and your visualization of the characters changes with them. Along with them, we meet an array of others chosen, like them, without notice, giving up everything they once knew to fight for what is right.
When I first started reading this, it didn’t really grab me. The characters seemed to accept their fate way too easily. As the story progressed, I didn’t really think about that anymore. Some distraction throughout though is the dialogue. A little rough in places throughout, but all in all it does not distract from the story. Items that have been left around, but are still working, just don’t seem to jive with the story, but again, the story whisks you away and you’re onto something else.
Ixeos, which was provided to me for an honest review, is the first in a trilogy. I’m interested to see where the story goes to from here. A few questions have been answered, but just as many, if not more have surfaced. Who is Landon? Where did he come from? How come he can travel to the outside world, but nobody else can? Will those who have been brought into the tunnels be able to go home, ever? If they do go home, will it be like time had stood still, or will they appear months/years after being taken away? Are there traitors in their midst? So many questions. I’m ready for book two!
April 2, 2013
Imagine enjoying a relaxing vacation at the beach and following some ducks into a tunnel that leads to an alternate earth. That’s what happens to the McClellands. With the first novel in a trilogy, IXEOS, Jennings Wright created a unique scenario—an alternate version of earth that was taken over by aliens who enslaved humans. Neahle, Clay, and Marty McClelland join a special group of “outsiders” whose sole purpose in life is to disrupt and, ultimately, defeat the aliens.
The story was exciting right from the beginning with the pace continuing throughout. I connected and sympathized with most of the characters, although there were some that felt two-dimensional. The writing was descriptive without being overly wordy, and I felt like I was there alongside the characters.
There were some grammatical issues; the story could definitely benefit from a thorough edit. Grammar and punctuation errors are hot buttons for me when reading published material, and self-published authors need to be especially diligent about editing. The errors weren’t horrific, and there weren’t an abundance of them, but there were enough to be noticeable.
I was disappointed there was no real interaction with the Firsts (aliens). Although they’re talked about a great deal, and a few are killed, we never actually get to meet one. There are many questions floating through my mind that I hope to see addressed in a future volume. One of those would be: If the only difference between the two versions of earth, including major historical events, is that one was invaded by the Firsts, why aren’t there doppelgangers? The invasion certainly caused the future of the two planets to diverge, but by how much? Another big question has to do with why the Firsts bother to enslave the humans at all. They (the Firsts) are boring, unimaginative, and emotionless. They’ve gone to an awful lot of trouble to enslave a race of rebellious people, using intricate coded messages and a perpetually moving prison. I hope the author delves into these issues; I know I’m not the most patient reader when it comes to trilogies.
Without posting spoilers, I’ll just say the big event at the end of the book went too smoothly to feel realistic within this new world. The sappy part of me that doesn’t want to see anything bad happen rejoiced, but the realist in me balked. After all the build-up, I expected a more difficult and detailed account. That aside, I really enjoyed IXEOS and eagerly await the next installment.
4 stars
The story was exciting right from the beginning with the pace continuing throughout. I connected and sympathized with most of the characters, although there were some that felt two-dimensional. The writing was descriptive without being overly wordy, and I felt like I was there alongside the characters.
There were some grammatical issues; the story could definitely benefit from a thorough edit. Grammar and punctuation errors are hot buttons for me when reading published material, and self-published authors need to be especially diligent about editing. The errors weren’t horrific, and there weren’t an abundance of them, but there were enough to be noticeable.
I was disappointed there was no real interaction with the Firsts (aliens). Although they’re talked about a great deal, and a few are killed, we never actually get to meet one. There are many questions floating through my mind that I hope to see addressed in a future volume. One of those would be: If the only difference between the two versions of earth, including major historical events, is that one was invaded by the Firsts, why aren’t there doppelgangers? The invasion certainly caused the future of the two planets to diverge, but by how much? Another big question has to do with why the Firsts bother to enslave the humans at all. They (the Firsts) are boring, unimaginative, and emotionless. They’ve gone to an awful lot of trouble to enslave a race of rebellious people, using intricate coded messages and a perpetually moving prison. I hope the author delves into these issues; I know I’m not the most patient reader when it comes to trilogies.
Without posting spoilers, I’ll just say the big event at the end of the book went too smoothly to feel realistic within this new world. The sappy part of me that doesn’t want to see anything bad happen rejoiced, but the realist in me balked. After all the build-up, I expected a more difficult and detailed account. That aside, I really enjoyed IXEOS and eagerly await the next installment.
4 stars
March 26, 2013
This book is about IXEOS. Ixeos is an alternate universe it mimics Earth in all ways except for one, on Ixeos Aliens arrived and assimilated into the world and then waged an attacked on the planet killing off almost everyone and enslaving as many survivors as they could.
Jennings sucks you into this world quickly. And we form very strong attachments with certain characters in the story. We feel sorry for the children pulled through to this world from ours, their separation from their families and the abrupt way they are forced into the world of Ixeos. I love the intricate little bonds that are formed within the groups.
I also truly have to applaud the author for his look into the WHY of each person being pulled into Ixeos. Each person pulled into this world has some talent, some ability that the people of Ixeos need. In the book Destiny is written and each person has their own. Regardless of where they are from or what they thought of themselves in Ixeos their destinies are pre-ordained.
I enjoyed this book and I can truly say the action kept me up late into the night. I panicked when the characters faced adversity. I worried when one was injured or lost. This type of bond with characters is rare. So I have to say I must recommend this book to any science fiction lovers. Or for that matter anyone who likes a good action adventure or just a good read.
This book is something I gave my son who is 10 to read. So while it is YA, I think that if your child is able to read at this level then let them give it a read. My son reads at a 7th grade reading level if that helps you gauge.
All in all, a very enjoyable read and one I gladly give 4.5 stars to.
Details/Disclaimer: Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
Jennings sucks you into this world quickly. And we form very strong attachments with certain characters in the story. We feel sorry for the children pulled through to this world from ours, their separation from their families and the abrupt way they are forced into the world of Ixeos. I love the intricate little bonds that are formed within the groups.
I also truly have to applaud the author for his look into the WHY of each person being pulled into Ixeos. Each person pulled into this world has some talent, some ability that the people of Ixeos need. In the book Destiny is written and each person has their own. Regardless of where they are from or what they thought of themselves in Ixeos their destinies are pre-ordained.
I enjoyed this book and I can truly say the action kept me up late into the night. I panicked when the characters faced adversity. I worried when one was injured or lost. This type of bond with characters is rare. So I have to say I must recommend this book to any science fiction lovers. Or for that matter anyone who likes a good action adventure or just a good read.
This book is something I gave my son who is 10 to read. So while it is YA, I think that if your child is able to read at this level then let them give it a read. My son reads at a 7th grade reading level if that helps you gauge.
All in all, a very enjoyable read and one I gladly give 4.5 stars to.
Details/Disclaimer: Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
March 21, 2013
I will start this with saying that author Jennings Wright done it again for me! This is my second book I have read of hers and I was not disappointed at all. Totally drawn into the the story line and the amazing characters that are "Lured" to another world.
I could so imagine my family playing around on the beach and then to have us taken to what might be describe as another world but it is much like ours.
Want to read more of my review: Breath of Life
I could so imagine my family playing around on the beach and then to have us taken to what might be describe as another world but it is much like ours.
Want to read more of my review: Breath of Life
March 26, 2013
♥ Find my reviews here: Literary Meanderings
- - -
Ixeos opens up to the McClellands (Neahle, Clay, and Marty) enjoying a hot day in the North Carolina sun by taking a dip at the beach.
After deciding to venture into some new territory, the trio makes their way up and over a large sand dune to see what's on the other side. They are surprised to find a perfectly round pond in the middle of the dunes, complete with egrets, herons, & mallard ducks lazing in the water. Right away, they detect that things seem off and out of place.
Within just a few moments, the trio notices that the ducks have disappeared. Thinking it odd that they didn't see them fly or swim away, they begin searching for them. They decide to look inside a large drainage pipe they find, and where it leads them is an entirely new world.
Literally.
- - -
When reviewing a book, I always like to begin with what I wasn't diggin' in the book. So, here goes:
* The first thing that surprised me was the character's ages. When first reading, I got the impression that they were young—13 or 14? 15 tops. A little bit further in, we learn that Marty is 18, Neahle is 18, and Clay is 19, soon to be 20. I found it quite hard to grasp that a group of late-teens would go on an “adventure” that involved crawling through a drainage pipe looking for a flock of ducks. It just seemed too juvenile a thing for them to do. That disoriented me straight off the bat. It took me a bit to readjust my perception of the characters.
* My other issue with the book was that it did seem to lag a bit through the middle. It started off fantastic—exciting and fast paced, but it began to lull. After the McClellands find out their purpose for being on this planet, they begin getting into the groove of how things work there. They go on missions, plan how to save slaves and rebels, but it becomes repetitive. They go from point A to point B, chat with some people in the same position as them, wash, rinse, repeat. I was getting a little impatient for the action or climax to happen.
My issues pretty much end there.
Now, I must backtrack a little! I will try not to get very spoilery, but I can't make any promises. There may be a bit of it.
After our three main characters exit that drain pipe, they learn they are on a planet called “Ixeos” - it is an alternate Earth. On this version of Earth it is the year 2035, and an alien race dubbed “the Firsts” have taken over the planet and enslaved what remains of humanity. They learn that they did not arrive on Ixeos by accident. They were brought there. A man named Landon is responsible, and once you are on Ixeos, you never get to leave. The trio learns that they are there for a purpose: to help take down the Firsts.
The plot is unique and kind of scary. I have to admit, alien life is something that's fascinated and scared me since I was a child. I love stories about aliens, and they seem so few. This book, the way the Firsts were described, chilled me to the bone. I think the author did a perfect job of making you understand just how horrible these creatures are. She keeps the encounters with them few and far between, keeping the suspense up and making them all the more eerie and enigmatic.
“Firsts are like that. They come at you, and you realize they don't have souls. There's a body and a brain, but there's no heart, no love, no compassion. Just pure thought.”I was also impressed with the world-building. From the sand dunes in North Carolina, to the perfectly-round duck pond, to the tunnels, to the new dystopian planet that is Earth, but not Earth. It's all painted in a wonderfully descriptive manner. The writing transported me directly into the midst of the story—I felt as if I was right there next to the characters throughout their adventures and missions.
As for the characters themselves? We really get to see the McClellands learn and grow through the story. They go from denial and anger, to acceptance and determination. They learn that they each have a role to play in the battle against the Firsts, and each of them embraces their role completely. Neahle, Clay, and Marty—I really enjoyed these three, as well as the people they meet and grow close to in Ixeos.
As with any good book, this one has some unexpected and surprising twists and revelations! You discover things that'll leave you reeling. These things also help lay the groundwork for the future books of this trilogy. I am very impressed with Wright's ability to keep readers guessing, as well as her ability to interweave many different elements into the plot.
All in all, Ixeos was really good! There were a few hurdles to get past, but aside from that it was an engrossing novel and a fantastic opener for the trilogy. The characters are wonderful and engaging, as well as realistic and easy to relate to. I was impressed not only with the authors storytelling and world-building, but also with the book's underlying message of hope.
“[...] they're all the same when you get down to it. Good versus evil, freedom versus tyranny, love versus hate.”This book is more than just a creepy sci-fi adventure. It has a message, and I applaud the author for that. The book was wrapped up quite nicely, but with enough strings left untied to leave you anticipating the next installment. I definitely plan to continue this series, and I would definitely recommend it to fans of Young Adult, Science Fiction, and/or Dystopian novels!
“It's not our world, but it is. They have the same books, the same history. And if they have people like us, then it must be true that there's some good still in this world [...] that's got to be worth fighting for.”
- - -
Book source: From the author (for a blog tour)
Publisher: Createspace
April 23, 2013
If I see ducks disappearing somewhere strange... I will never EVER follow them. In IXEOS by Jennings Wright, that's exactly what Neahle, her brother Clay, and her cousin Marty did and they ended up on an alternate Earth. One that had evolved the same way our Earth had, but in Ixeos's universe... aliens who resembled humans have taken over. Made the remaining humans their slaves.
The McClellands were out enjoying a nice day in the sunshine when they spotted some ducks. Following those ducks led them into a large drainage pipe which led them to another world entirely. One where they become part of a rebellion to take back Ixeos and free the leader of the resistance from the aliens' (Firsts) prison.
I liked this book. At first I felt angry for the McClellands, tricked in to joining this resistance... unallowed to decide whether or not they truly wanted to participate. They found their purposes with the group quickly enough though, so the anger subsided a bit. Except for Neahle, I was really hoping she'd find out where exactly she fit in to the whole deal.
The way they reacted to the entire situation at first was a relief. A lot of stories I read have main characters who end up in some weird or outlandish plot in some way or another and they take it all in stride like it's just any other day. The McClellands were angry and frustrated. Defeated. Then accepting. After a while they embraced their roles in the story and did what they could to fulfill them.
There was always something going on in this book. Kept me on my toes. I never got bored. The only issue that I had was when the Enigma machines were being explained. It was a lot of information that I tried to keep up with, but eventually my brain got overloaded trying to figure it out and I just stopped. I understood the general idea and the end result, but all of the gadgets and whozits and goings on in between had me lost. Of course, that could be just me. When a lot of info is thrown at me at once I can only absorb so much.
Ixeos was a great story over all. I really enjoyed it and found it hard to stop reading every day when I got started. It's something that I think would be a good read for a lot of different age groups. And I'd definitely recommend it as a read for anyone who loves sci-fi as well.
The McClellands were out enjoying a nice day in the sunshine when they spotted some ducks. Following those ducks led them into a large drainage pipe which led them to another world entirely. One where they become part of a rebellion to take back Ixeos and free the leader of the resistance from the aliens' (Firsts) prison.
I liked this book. At first I felt angry for the McClellands, tricked in to joining this resistance... unallowed to decide whether or not they truly wanted to participate. They found their purposes with the group quickly enough though, so the anger subsided a bit. Except for Neahle, I was really hoping she'd find out where exactly she fit in to the whole deal.
The way they reacted to the entire situation at first was a relief. A lot of stories I read have main characters who end up in some weird or outlandish plot in some way or another and they take it all in stride like it's just any other day. The McClellands were angry and frustrated. Defeated. Then accepting. After a while they embraced their roles in the story and did what they could to fulfill them.
There was always something going on in this book. Kept me on my toes. I never got bored. The only issue that I had was when the Enigma machines were being explained. It was a lot of information that I tried to keep up with, but eventually my brain got overloaded trying to figure it out and I just stopped. I understood the general idea and the end result, but all of the gadgets and whozits and goings on in between had me lost. Of course, that could be just me. When a lot of info is thrown at me at once I can only absorb so much.
Ixeos was a great story over all. I really enjoyed it and found it hard to stop reading every day when I got started. It's something that I think would be a good read for a lot of different age groups. And I'd definitely recommend it as a read for anyone who loves sci-fi as well.
April 14, 2013
I received a pdf copy of this novel for my honest opinion and review.
One of my biggest pet peeves when I’m reading is grammatical errors, and this novel has a few. I wanted to give it the highest rating I could because it’s a wonderful story, but for this reason I’m giving it a four star.
It took me a bit to get into it, but once the story started flowing and the McClellands are thrown into an alternate earth, traversing underground tunnels to different cities around the world, I was hooked. The author, Jennings Wright, did a wonderful job character building and gave each a unique voice. The switch from one character to another is done exceptionally well. She also did a great job world building, which I have a hard time with myself.
The story is about three curious teenagers who are enticed to follow some ducks, which disappear into a water pipe. When they emerge on the other side, they find there is no way back to their homes. Their lives as they knew it is over and they find themselves in Ixeos, a futuristic, alternate earth where aliens have taken over. The aliens used EMP blasts which destroyed the way modern people live, taking out not only lives, but all electronics. It left the Earth destroyed and in some places uninhabitable. Most who survived, which were few, were enslaved. The ones who got away are either in gangs doing drugs, or hiding underground, in fear of being caught for slavery or being killed.
Ixeos takes you from three terrified teens that can “never go home”, to an acceptance of a new and different way of life in a very short span of time. Each of the McClellands find their own purpose in this strange new world they find themselves in, their jobs and the ones who came before, is to find a way to help save humanity.
The ending leaves you hanging just enough for you to want the next book in the series. I would recommend this novel to anyone seeking something a little bit different and out of this world.
One of my biggest pet peeves when I’m reading is grammatical errors, and this novel has a few. I wanted to give it the highest rating I could because it’s a wonderful story, but for this reason I’m giving it a four star.
It took me a bit to get into it, but once the story started flowing and the McClellands are thrown into an alternate earth, traversing underground tunnels to different cities around the world, I was hooked. The author, Jennings Wright, did a wonderful job character building and gave each a unique voice. The switch from one character to another is done exceptionally well. She also did a great job world building, which I have a hard time with myself.
The story is about three curious teenagers who are enticed to follow some ducks, which disappear into a water pipe. When they emerge on the other side, they find there is no way back to their homes. Their lives as they knew it is over and they find themselves in Ixeos, a futuristic, alternate earth where aliens have taken over. The aliens used EMP blasts which destroyed the way modern people live, taking out not only lives, but all electronics. It left the Earth destroyed and in some places uninhabitable. Most who survived, which were few, were enslaved. The ones who got away are either in gangs doing drugs, or hiding underground, in fear of being caught for slavery or being killed.
Ixeos takes you from three terrified teens that can “never go home”, to an acceptance of a new and different way of life in a very short span of time. Each of the McClellands find their own purpose in this strange new world they find themselves in, their jobs and the ones who came before, is to find a way to help save humanity.
The ending leaves you hanging just enough for you to want the next book in the series. I would recommend this novel to anyone seeking something a little bit different and out of this world.
March 29, 2013
Right away I could tell I was going to enjoy this book! It started out so fast paced and just kept going. I got the feeling that I was going on an amazing adventure. I kept thinking how this was exactly the type of adventure I'd have wanted to go on as a teenager. You're out with your brother and your cousin, you see some ducks, follow them, and BAM, you are in another universe! How cool would THAT be? Well, maybe not so cool if the other universe is like years in the future and it's been taken over by The Firsts.....read it and you'll find out who they are.
I don't do plot re-tellings. This isn't a book report :) I had an author tell me that she likes to know how the reader feels when they read the book rather than seeing her story retold. I try to do that now.
The further along I got in Ixeos, the more I loved it. It has so many elements in it that I like. It's like Ms. Wright has taken the best parts of my favorite shows and mashed them up into a very cool book :) The characters are so believable. The plot is always moving and the flow is natural. The settings are really detailed. There is subtle humor thrown in. If you've read any of my other reviews, you'll know I'm not a fan of dialog. This has just the right amount. It never feels like the characters are talking just to increase word count :) It just all fits together to make one really great story.
If you're a fan of dystopian young-adult literature, you'll enjoy reading Ixeos. I hope book two is coming out soon!
I don't do plot re-tellings. This isn't a book report :) I had an author tell me that she likes to know how the reader feels when they read the book rather than seeing her story retold. I try to do that now.
The further along I got in Ixeos, the more I loved it. It has so many elements in it that I like. It's like Ms. Wright has taken the best parts of my favorite shows and mashed them up into a very cool book :) The characters are so believable. The plot is always moving and the flow is natural. The settings are really detailed. There is subtle humor thrown in. If you've read any of my other reviews, you'll know I'm not a fan of dialog. This has just the right amount. It never feels like the characters are talking just to increase word count :) It just all fits together to make one really great story.
If you're a fan of dystopian young-adult literature, you'll enjoy reading Ixeos. I hope book two is coming out soon!
April 5, 2013
This was a very gripping read from start to finish! We start off right in the middle of the action. Clay, his younger sister Neahle, and their cousin, Marty, are kayaking on the beach and exploring sand dunes when they find a pipe they decide to explore. They end up in an alternate universe, and another version of our planet Earth. In this version, though, creepy and evil aliens who look a lot like us have taken over our planet and enslaved what is left of the human race. The McClellands meet up with a group of rebels from our current universe whose mission is to take back the planet.
The three kids are put to use right away. This book was almost complete action from start to finish. Also a lot of spying and intel gathering goes on. The pipes they are in connect to the entire world, so they can travel anywhere very quickly. Its a really cool concept, and combines sci-fi with a dystopian vibe. Very clever!
My biggest complain is the big cliff hanger ending. The story ends rather abruptly. It made me itch for the next book! The characters are very well done, and the events and effects of the rebels seem realistic, which is hard to do in a sci-fi theme! I really enjoyed this one, and will be looking for the release of the next book!
The three kids are put to use right away. This book was almost complete action from start to finish. Also a lot of spying and intel gathering goes on. The pipes they are in connect to the entire world, so they can travel anywhere very quickly. Its a really cool concept, and combines sci-fi with a dystopian vibe. Very clever!
My biggest complain is the big cliff hanger ending. The story ends rather abruptly. It made me itch for the next book! The characters are very well done, and the events and effects of the rebels seem realistic, which is hard to do in a sci-fi theme! I really enjoyed this one, and will be looking for the release of the next book!
May 28, 2014
If you read the synopsis, then you pretty much read the book. The only thing you are missing are the fully detailed plans for every excursion around the city then the monotony of the excursions themselves. There was so much filler I gained five pounds just reading it. There were only two things I really wanted to find out. Who was Landon and how does he have the power to draw people from Earth to Ixeos, and I wanted to know what was so special about Darian that breaking him out of prison was worth sacrificing the lives of so many. I had a lot of other questions but these were the two biggies and nothing got answered.
It was a decent first third of a book. If you think you might want to read this, be prepared to read all three of the trilogy to get one full story.
It was a decent first third of a book. If you think you might want to read this, be prepared to read all three of the trilogy to get one full story.
July 10, 2013
Did not know what to expect when I obtained this book. I had never heard of the author, but the small blurb that I read in a listing of other books seemed to hold promise. Glad to say that the story line was more detailed than I had imagined and the author built up the characters over time. I was able to buy into the action due to the level of details provided. Not being that aware of the roads in some location required me to accept on faith the information provided. The book is action packed and moves at a good pace. I look forward to reading book two of the trilogy.
February 7, 2017
Think I'll have to read the next in the trilogy (eventually)
December 3, 2013
YA SF, very obviously written by an evangelical Christian, though without a clear sermon in it. Basically Narnia on an alternate earth. I'm sure there's an audience that would eat this up, though I found it hard to suspend my disbelief. Could definitely use a good copy editor, there were many grammatical errors.
Want to read
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November 11, 2016
So glad I didn't pass this one over
Really interesting story, good character development, love the explanation (lol). It's complicated. The author has a great imagination and leads the reader down the rabbit hole with her.
Really interesting story, good character development, love the explanation (lol). It's complicated. The author has a great imagination and leads the reader down the rabbit hole with her.
April 13, 2013
I was very pleased with this book. A YA book in general but well-written enough that anyone could follow along. Looking forward to the next book on the series.
dnf
January 3, 2015I just couldn't get into it. Characters didn't grab me and I just have too many other things I want to read.
August 29, 2013
I loved the flow of this book and numerous types of characters. Although not quite "dystopian" I liked the idea behind this book. I will be reading the others
November 20, 2013
Great book. Very interesting story one that I have never heard of before. Awesome twist and turns!!
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