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Endogen
After a plague of electric flesh-eating insects left the world in ruins, there were few safe places for surviving humans. Harmony was founded as a safe haven for humans to live and raise their families; the most important rule being never to let an Outsider in. With the destruction of most of the insects came a mutation in humans called nicks, which the Founders of Harmony were terrified of. Liam’s nick must be kept hidden at all times if he is to remain in Harmony, but that’s not the only thing threatening him. While on guard duty, he spots a group of three Outsiders heading towards Harmony. The rule is to shoot them at once, but when Liam spots red crosses on their robes, he is forced to hesitate. They are not a threat to Liam, but the struggle to protect them is.
Upon their arrival in Harmony, strange things start to happen to the town. Liam knows that this is not their doing, but is instead the work of the Boy of Blue Fire. He has the ability to enter the dreams of people and cause them to lose their sense of reality. All Liam knows is Blue wants his nick, and he’ll stop at nothing to get it. Liam and his friends, with the help of a mechanical cat, and an ethereal serpent, must discover the secrets of Harmony and begin their journey to silence the Boy of Blue Fire.
Upon their arrival in Harmony, strange things start to happen to the town. Liam knows that this is not their doing, but is instead the work of the Boy of Blue Fire. He has the ability to enter the dreams of people and cause them to lose their sense of reality. All Liam knows is Blue wants his nick, and he’ll stop at nothing to get it. Liam and his friends, with the help of a mechanical cat, and an ethereal serpent, must discover the secrets of Harmony and begin their journey to silence the Boy of Blue Fire.
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First published March 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 2, 2013
Endogen by Mike Okada will pull you in from the start, holding you hostage until the final words, while leaving you a little dazed from the possibilities of this really happening!
Long ago, the world was overrun by electric flesh-eating insects, modern technology and science at its worst. The fall of the world as we knew it was inevitable. When a chemical powder was developed to eradicate the insects, it was found that it also caused a genetic mutation in humans called nicks, cutting the ability to reproduce offspring by half, and most of these were stillborn. All of the survivors had the mutation and developed different special abilities. Small settlements grew up, isolated and unfriendly to outsiders. One such city was called Harmony, it citizens in denial of having a “nick.” Those who were “outed” were either treated brutally or cast out of the city walls. Young Liam, who worked as a sentry kept a nick at his home. While on duty, he allowed three strangers to enter, sealing the fate of his town forever. The man and woman were able to give medical treatment and carried supplies with them. When strange things started happening around town, including the constant replacement of valuable items, such as guns, liquor, with no obvious means to do so, it may be possible that there are underhanded, power hungry nicks amongst them. How do you fight those in power? Who is the Boy of Blue Fire? What is the Endogen powder? What evil is being spread in the town of Harmony? Liam and his friends are trapped in a battle to survive. The odds against them are high, does Liam find the answer in time? How does young Rhea figure into all of this?
Mike Okada has written a dystopian tale full of imagination and realistic characters, complete with flaws, strengths, fears and determination. His ability to create a world full of fear and chaos is riveting!
Long ago, the world was overrun by electric flesh-eating insects, modern technology and science at its worst. The fall of the world as we knew it was inevitable. When a chemical powder was developed to eradicate the insects, it was found that it also caused a genetic mutation in humans called nicks, cutting the ability to reproduce offspring by half, and most of these were stillborn. All of the survivors had the mutation and developed different special abilities. Small settlements grew up, isolated and unfriendly to outsiders. One such city was called Harmony, it citizens in denial of having a “nick.” Those who were “outed” were either treated brutally or cast out of the city walls. Young Liam, who worked as a sentry kept a nick at his home. While on duty, he allowed three strangers to enter, sealing the fate of his town forever. The man and woman were able to give medical treatment and carried supplies with them. When strange things started happening around town, including the constant replacement of valuable items, such as guns, liquor, with no obvious means to do so, it may be possible that there are underhanded, power hungry nicks amongst them. How do you fight those in power? Who is the Boy of Blue Fire? What is the Endogen powder? What evil is being spread in the town of Harmony? Liam and his friends are trapped in a battle to survive. The odds against them are high, does Liam find the answer in time? How does young Rhea figure into all of this?
Mike Okada has written a dystopian tale full of imagination and realistic characters, complete with flaws, strengths, fears and determination. His ability to create a world full of fear and chaos is riveting!
October 24, 2017
Futuristic (post-apocalyptic?) town called "Harmony" where Liam and his friends hide their "nicks" - genetic mutations. Good story, odd writing.
August 30, 2013
I can't say that I loved this book, but I didn't hate it either. I'm floating somewhere in the middle, but I feel okay with that.
There is a lot of potential here, the only problem is the way it was delivered. I found the first half of the book on the taxing side. It just seemed that there was a lot of information that could have been condensed, or even given in a different manor. I felt this the most when Maria, Will and Rhea where telling their story.
But when things did start moving I found that I was really starting to enjoy myself. A lot of surprising things kept popping up and I found myself completely drawn in by the time I got to the end. I especially liked the secret behind Harmony, it made sense but I wouldn't have guessed it.
I really liked the concept of the Nicks, and how the end of everything came about. Its not something that I have come across before and it was interesting learning what everyone could do and seeing them come together with each other when the time came.
The book is told from couple of different point of views, which is something I normally love but I had a very hard time keep track of whose head I was in. There was really no warning for when I jumped from person to person, eventually I got used to it and was able to pick up on it faster, but I did find it frustrating.
I'm not to sure how much I liked the somewhat romantic element that was added. I can see why it was there, but to me it didn't seem like it was something important. The friendship between the two of them seemed enough to get the same reaction when the time came. It seemed for a little while there was going to be a love triangle, but it didn't go anywhere which I was thankful for, I really just don't like love triangles.
I can say I didn't see the ending coming, and I would like to learn more about the Boy of Blue Fire and what exactly his goal is and why he is the way he is. I find him extremely interesting as he doesn't come across as your average villain. I'm also very interesting in learning more about the Sentinels and what exactly their purpose is.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, all in all I did like the book, but like I said I didn't love it. The author does have talent and I can see him putting out some truly amazing works in the future.
**Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review**
http://zephyrbookreviews.blogspot.com/
There is a lot of potential here, the only problem is the way it was delivered. I found the first half of the book on the taxing side. It just seemed that there was a lot of information that could have been condensed, or even given in a different manor. I felt this the most when Maria, Will and Rhea where telling their story.
But when things did start moving I found that I was really starting to enjoy myself. A lot of surprising things kept popping up and I found myself completely drawn in by the time I got to the end. I especially liked the secret behind Harmony, it made sense but I wouldn't have guessed it.
I really liked the concept of the Nicks, and how the end of everything came about. Its not something that I have come across before and it was interesting learning what everyone could do and seeing them come together with each other when the time came.
The book is told from couple of different point of views, which is something I normally love but I had a very hard time keep track of whose head I was in. There was really no warning for when I jumped from person to person, eventually I got used to it and was able to pick up on it faster, but I did find it frustrating.
I'm not to sure how much I liked the somewhat romantic element that was added. I can see why it was there, but to me it didn't seem like it was something important. The friendship between the two of them seemed enough to get the same reaction when the time came. It seemed for a little while there was going to be a love triangle, but it didn't go anywhere which I was thankful for, I really just don't like love triangles.
I can say I didn't see the ending coming, and I would like to learn more about the Boy of Blue Fire and what exactly his goal is and why he is the way he is. I find him extremely interesting as he doesn't come across as your average villain. I'm also very interesting in learning more about the Sentinels and what exactly their purpose is.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, all in all I did like the book, but like I said I didn't love it. The author does have talent and I can see him putting out some truly amazing works in the future.
**Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review**
http://zephyrbookreviews.blogspot.com/
April 18, 2013
This creative science fiction tale brings us to a town that discourages questions, differences, and the exploration of nicks (gifts).
We meet a group of young people from the same class, who learn to trust each other, as they discover and share with each other, their nicks. Nightmares blur with reality. Dreams are shared by more than one person. As they discover their nick, and learn to use it they must keep it a secret from the rest of the town. They are told it is not supposed to be allowed here. Fear of judgement and prosecution keep everyone in line. Gaurded gates keep strangers out. Until one day the outsiders arrive.
They bring questions and fear. We learn of nanomachines, or insects that can devour and destroy entire cities. As we learn what brought them here, we learn what could be the towns fate. The young friends must fight together and use their nicks to save each other and the town.
Is it to late, and will they all survive? Explore this world in author Mike Okada"s Endogen.
We meet a group of young people from the same class, who learn to trust each other, as they discover and share with each other, their nicks. Nightmares blur with reality. Dreams are shared by more than one person. As they discover their nick, and learn to use it they must keep it a secret from the rest of the town. They are told it is not supposed to be allowed here. Fear of judgement and prosecution keep everyone in line. Gaurded gates keep strangers out. Until one day the outsiders arrive.
They bring questions and fear. We learn of nanomachines, or insects that can devour and destroy entire cities. As we learn what brought them here, we learn what could be the towns fate. The young friends must fight together and use their nicks to save each other and the town.
Is it to late, and will they all survive? Explore this world in author Mike Okada"s Endogen.
October 28, 2014
I really enjoyed Mike Okada's Endogen. Based on the description of the book, I thought this would be post-apocalyptic work. While there is a post apocalyptic event that has happened, I feel like this is more of a fantasy book. Regardless, I truly enjoyed the pace of the plot and chemistry between characters. This was a book that required some serious writing creativity, and it shows in the story's elements. It was interesting to see my mind flex its creative muscle to reconstruct some scenes. A different sensation that having facts spoon fed to you as seen in other works of fiction like crime novels. Regardless, I look forward to the sequel of this book!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews