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From the Logs of Daniel Quinn #1
Energize
Daniel Quinn, Captain and Mercenary, has discovered a secret. Somewhere among the stars a mythological energy source exists.
Attempting to sell the information for riches, Daniel is cornered by a dangerous group of people and forced to travel to the unknown location and retrieve it.
In order to find what he's looking for, Daniel will have to overcome his fears, escape from his pursuers, and explore a mysterious planet.
But as he learns more about the energy source he was sent to collect, he will find this job is not so easily accomplished, and the path he chooses will not only be the difference between honor and disgrace, but life and death.
Attempting to sell the information for riches, Daniel is cornered by a dangerous group of people and forced to travel to the unknown location and retrieve it.
In order to find what he's looking for, Daniel will have to overcome his fears, escape from his pursuers, and explore a mysterious planet.
But as he learns more about the energy source he was sent to collect, he will find this job is not so easily accomplished, and the path he chooses will not only be the difference between honor and disgrace, but life and death.
- GenresFiction
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2013
5 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Thomas R. Manning
2 books97 followersThomas R. Manning is a minister and writer, currently working as a campus director at Allison Park Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In addition to his two published science fiction novels, Thomas is also working on various other book projects.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 26, 2015
ABR's original Energize audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
The first thing that struck me, well the first two things are. One – The gorgeous eye catching cover artwork. So many time I see horrible covers, and face it I am pretty sure most people actually judge books by their covers and I am no different. Two – In audible it was not listed in the science fiction genre at all, but in the mysteries and thrillers. Now I am no expert but if the story involves space travel and alien planets, I am pretty sure you could put it in sci-fi.
Energize is a story taken from the logs of Daniel Quinn a space mercenary. This “from the logs” made me initially think that the book was going to be in journal entry style, but it wasn’t at all. It was much more of a chronicle of one of his adventures. Who is Daniel Quinn anyway? He is a mercenary looking for jobs and scores to make as much money as possible in the easiest possible way. Except he has something holding him back. Daniel is not brave, nor bright, however, he has a determination like non other, has a heart larger than it should be given his line of work. All of this and he also has some emotional baggage that has been holding him back for some time, while also haunting his thoughts and dreams. Who finds information about the one and only ultimate power source that would make him enough money for, well, whatever. Ultimately bringing him and his smarter than it should be AI to an alien world on a mission. That is until a previously unknown alien society is discovered. Oh what is Daniel to do?
Alright, enough with the plot summary.
Thomas R. Manning has created a story that is very easy going as for as the science behind everything, maybe this is why not in the sci-fi genre. Full of complex characters that captured my mind and emotions. Daniel we have already talked about, Al the AI that is a non-sentient being that is entertaining in his own way, then there is Cessa (forgive me if this is spelled wrong) the ruthless female sword wielding assassin who I’m sure more can and will be written about. Manning also includes several unique personalities from the Dawnians, the alien race from the planet most of this story takes place. Lastly there are several Action scenes that got my heart pumping want more and transfixed, not getting anything done at work. It was fun to watch Daniel face some of his demons and grow and evolve. I am really looking forward to hearing about some of his other adventures.
I really enjoyed the simple yet brutal and endearing aspects of human nature that Manning explored. The fact that we will come into a land, knowing little about the natives and wildlife. Destroy anything and everything in our path as long as we can get what we came for, in this case the ultimate power source. While few if any have the guts to standup for those that cannot speak for themselves. Even though the odds are against them, they stay and fight. I was able to draw many parallels in my personal life to the latter.
If you are an audiobook lover you are going to know what I talk about when I say this next line. There are some narrators that from the second they start talking/performing a wave of ease and comfort radiates over my entire body. Like a giant fuzzy warm hug to the imagination. James Foster is one of these aforementioned voice actors. So maybe this alone is enough to bias my opinion of this performance?
Foster has a way of making the stars of the audiobook he works on in to real down to earth people. It does help that, at least the ones I have heard, they are just regular people having an adventure. One of my favorite things that he does are these subtle and sometimes not so subtle sighs while talking that express so much exasperation or frustration or boredom, brings a smile to my face every time. Along with that Foster varies the pacing quite dramatically for the action scenes, something that gets my blood flowing as if I were there. Paired with decent characterizations makes for a great listening experience.
Audiobook provided for review by the narrator.
The first thing that struck me, well the first two things are. One – The gorgeous eye catching cover artwork. So many time I see horrible covers, and face it I am pretty sure most people actually judge books by their covers and I am no different. Two – In audible it was not listed in the science fiction genre at all, but in the mysteries and thrillers. Now I am no expert but if the story involves space travel and alien planets, I am pretty sure you could put it in sci-fi.
Energize is a story taken from the logs of Daniel Quinn a space mercenary. This “from the logs” made me initially think that the book was going to be in journal entry style, but it wasn’t at all. It was much more of a chronicle of one of his adventures. Who is Daniel Quinn anyway? He is a mercenary looking for jobs and scores to make as much money as possible in the easiest possible way. Except he has something holding him back. Daniel is not brave, nor bright, however, he has a determination like non other, has a heart larger than it should be given his line of work. All of this and he also has some emotional baggage that has been holding him back for some time, while also haunting his thoughts and dreams. Who finds information about the one and only ultimate power source that would make him enough money for, well, whatever. Ultimately bringing him and his smarter than it should be AI to an alien world on a mission. That is until a previously unknown alien society is discovered. Oh what is Daniel to do?
Alright, enough with the plot summary.
Thomas R. Manning has created a story that is very easy going as for as the science behind everything, maybe this is why not in the sci-fi genre. Full of complex characters that captured my mind and emotions. Daniel we have already talked about, Al the AI that is a non-sentient being that is entertaining in his own way, then there is Cessa (forgive me if this is spelled wrong) the ruthless female sword wielding assassin who I’m sure more can and will be written about. Manning also includes several unique personalities from the Dawnians, the alien race from the planet most of this story takes place. Lastly there are several Action scenes that got my heart pumping want more and transfixed, not getting anything done at work. It was fun to watch Daniel face some of his demons and grow and evolve. I am really looking forward to hearing about some of his other adventures.
I really enjoyed the simple yet brutal and endearing aspects of human nature that Manning explored. The fact that we will come into a land, knowing little about the natives and wildlife. Destroy anything and everything in our path as long as we can get what we came for, in this case the ultimate power source. While few if any have the guts to standup for those that cannot speak for themselves. Even though the odds are against them, they stay and fight. I was able to draw many parallels in my personal life to the latter.
If you are an audiobook lover you are going to know what I talk about when I say this next line. There are some narrators that from the second they start talking/performing a wave of ease and comfort radiates over my entire body. Like a giant fuzzy warm hug to the imagination. James Foster is one of these aforementioned voice actors. So maybe this alone is enough to bias my opinion of this performance?
Foster has a way of making the stars of the audiobook he works on in to real down to earth people. It does help that, at least the ones I have heard, they are just regular people having an adventure. One of my favorite things that he does are these subtle and sometimes not so subtle sighs while talking that express so much exasperation or frustration or boredom, brings a smile to my face every time. Along with that Foster varies the pacing quite dramatically for the action scenes, something that gets my blood flowing as if I were there. Paired with decent characterizations makes for a great listening experience.
Audiobook provided for review by the narrator.
June 10, 2013
I am not a huge fan of sic-fi books. I will say however that I LOVED this book. It wasn't over the top with the science fiction. It was believable and entertaining all at the same time. As I was reading, I felt that the events in this were something that could really happen, and not so far out there that it was just ridiculous.
I would recommend this book to hard core sic-fi readers, semi and even those who are unsure. It really does speak to everyone.
I would recommend this book to hard core sic-fi readers, semi and even those who are unsure. It really does speak to everyone.
June 28, 2013
Daniel Quinn is a struggling mercenary – struggling because he has a heart. First Contact will never be the same again.
Energizer is a first person narrative that is at times electric, sorrowful, inventive, astonishing, and ultimately totally unpredictable and original. I love Mr. Manning’s writing style. The use of first person puts you firmly in Daniel’s head and you are there for the duration of the book, experiencing every nuance with him.
The author’s voice rings clear and true. His writing is wonderfully descriptive. He draws his scenes and characters in Technicolor. The space Daniel inhabits is tangible. The joy and pain he feels lifts your spirit or makes you cry.
By the time I reached the end of this book I felt as though Daniel and I were old friends. The conclusion was satisfying, and yet, we are given the hope that Mr. Manning will revisit Daniel so we might follow him into another thrilling episode.
Energizer is a first person narrative that is at times electric, sorrowful, inventive, astonishing, and ultimately totally unpredictable and original. I love Mr. Manning’s writing style. The use of first person puts you firmly in Daniel’s head and you are there for the duration of the book, experiencing every nuance with him.
The author’s voice rings clear and true. His writing is wonderfully descriptive. He draws his scenes and characters in Technicolor. The space Daniel inhabits is tangible. The joy and pain he feels lifts your spirit or makes you cry.
By the time I reached the end of this book I felt as though Daniel and I were old friends. The conclusion was satisfying, and yet, we are given the hope that Mr. Manning will revisit Daniel so we might follow him into another thrilling episode.
January 29, 2014
Thomas Manning's, "Energize (From the Logs of Daniel Quinn)", is a sensational sci-fi book about the travels of Daniel Quinn, yet it is so much more than a play by play of events. This is the kind of story where there is no down time, there is no chance to put it down and walk away because it is that captivating. The imagery is so immense that I could easily picture Daniel and his explorations playing out in front of my eyes as if I was watching a movie. The characters came to life as the pages turned and I grew to either love them or want to spit acid at the mention of their names. Even if you are not a big sci-fi reader, I strongly recommend picking up a copy of "Energize" because you will not be disappointed. It is a very easy read but one that will keep you wondering what the next move will be. I cannot wait for the next book to come out to find out what new adventures Daniel and Al will face...plus there are a couple characters that need a giant dose of justice served to them.
August 9, 2016
There is only one word that can accurately describe this book: THRILLING! I was constantly turning the pages wondering what was going to happen. I laughed, cried, and bled with the characters. Manning has a strong sense of imagery and creativity with his characters and setting where you feel vividly that you are there in the moment.
The plot was simple but creatively fresh with plenty of twists along the way. My only gripe is that the wording/writing felt odd and weirdly phrased. It felt like I was reading a conversation and not sure if that was intentional or not. It did not ruin the experience but just left me puzzled at times.
Overall, for a first time writer this book is something you should not just simply dismiss this. It is fine addition to the genre and I am anxiously looking to see what happens in the second book as there were some questions left unanswered for me.
The plot was simple but creatively fresh with plenty of twists along the way. My only gripe is that the wording/writing felt odd and weirdly phrased. It felt like I was reading a conversation and not sure if that was intentional or not. It did not ruin the experience but just left me puzzled at times.
Overall, for a first time writer this book is something you should not just simply dismiss this. It is fine addition to the genre and I am anxiously looking to see what happens in the second book as there were some questions left unanswered for me.
June 27, 2013
Energize is truly an enjoyable novel filled with fantastic and memorable characters. The author, Thomas Manning, does such a wonderful job with every detail of this novel that I could clearly picture every scene. So whether you're a Sci Fi lover or not, this book is a must read!!!
July 14, 2013
3 Stars
An enjoyable science fiction summer read. A good start to the series.
An enjoyable science fiction summer read. A good start to the series.
January 3, 2014
Awesomely entertaining!
June 15, 2013
Review of Energize (From the Logs of Daniel Quinn) by Thomas R. Manning
Energize tells the story of Daniel Quinn, an ex-soldier of the Earth Star Alliance, cursed with a dark past and demons that continue to haunt him. Five years after being framed for a crime he didn't commit, he is a mercenary and captain of his own ship, partnered with humanities only artificial intelligence. Coerced into a contract he doesn't really want to take, he is forced to make choices that effect not only his future, but the future of a newly discovered planet and the species that inhabit it.
The story is solid and told from the first person perspective, with an easy flow and style that brings the characters and settings to life. Characters are fun and believable and the aliens, though humanoid in actions and emotions, are well thought out with a culture and language all of their own. Actions make sense, and there are no leaps of logic or convenient pieces of technology that often plague science fiction tales like this.
All in all, it is an excellent read and well worth the time I took to read it. I am looking forward to book 2 (Antagonize I think due for November 2013) and will pick it up as soon as it is available.
A good, solid 4* book.
Scoring system
5 – excellent
4 – above average
3 – average
2 – below average
1 - poor
Energize tells the story of Daniel Quinn, an ex-soldier of the Earth Star Alliance, cursed with a dark past and demons that continue to haunt him. Five years after being framed for a crime he didn't commit, he is a mercenary and captain of his own ship, partnered with humanities only artificial intelligence. Coerced into a contract he doesn't really want to take, he is forced to make choices that effect not only his future, but the future of a newly discovered planet and the species that inhabit it.
The story is solid and told from the first person perspective, with an easy flow and style that brings the characters and settings to life. Characters are fun and believable and the aliens, though humanoid in actions and emotions, are well thought out with a culture and language all of their own. Actions make sense, and there are no leaps of logic or convenient pieces of technology that often plague science fiction tales like this.
All in all, it is an excellent read and well worth the time I took to read it. I am looking forward to book 2 (Antagonize I think due for November 2013) and will pick it up as soon as it is available.
A good, solid 4* book.
Scoring system
5 – excellent
4 – above average
3 – average
2 – below average
1 - poor
February 1, 2015
Energize is the first book in the series, From the Logs of Daniel Quinn by Thomas R. Manning. In book one, Daniel is forced on a mission to an unknown planet to find an energy source that he’s not even sure exists. On this plant he discovers an alternate race, which he calls Dawnians, that speak in song and have the power to affect emotions in their melodious communication. Daniel convinces the Dawnians to trust him, but it’s not long until Cessa, Daniel’s deadly babysitter sent along to ensure he completes the job, starts causing trouble.
Manning creates an imaginative world of space adventure. Daniel, who can’t get many jobs because he refuses to do things like murder when required, finds his only friend in his ship’s ultra-intelligent navigational system. He is chased by those he has escaped from, and also from horrors in his past. As he fights to continue to do the right thing, he must decide who he will side with—his own race who is set on destruction, or a foreign race that wants to be left in peace. This sci-fi adventure will take you on a tour of the universe, from powerful ships to brutal fights to technology used in inventive ways.
Read the review and release of the second book of the series, Antagonize, here.
Manning creates an imaginative world of space adventure. Daniel, who can’t get many jobs because he refuses to do things like murder when required, finds his only friend in his ship’s ultra-intelligent navigational system. He is chased by those he has escaped from, and also from horrors in his past. As he fights to continue to do the right thing, he must decide who he will side with—his own race who is set on destruction, or a foreign race that wants to be left in peace. This sci-fi adventure will take you on a tour of the universe, from powerful ships to brutal fights to technology used in inventive ways.
Read the review and release of the second book of the series, Antagonize, here.
October 14, 2014
Very readable story.
An interesting character, Daniel Quinn, is trying to make a living as a jack-of-all-trades space jockey. A a traumatic past haunts his dreams, and a vindictive spaceship captain is out to destroy him.
All he's got going for him is his ship, a spit and baling wire clunker, and a unique Artificial Intelligence named Al. Having stolen the AI from the renegade captain, Daniel keeps his head down and just tries to get along.
That is, until he discovers what may be a revolutionary energy source on a distant planet. If he can just get to the planet and take advantage of what might be the discovery of the century, he could put his past behind him. But it's never that easy, is it?
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the continuing chronicles of Daniel Quinn. I highly recommend this to the hard SF junkies looking for something good to read.
An interesting character, Daniel Quinn, is trying to make a living as a jack-of-all-trades space jockey. A a traumatic past haunts his dreams, and a vindictive spaceship captain is out to destroy him.
All he's got going for him is his ship, a spit and baling wire clunker, and a unique Artificial Intelligence named Al. Having stolen the AI from the renegade captain, Daniel keeps his head down and just tries to get along.
That is, until he discovers what may be a revolutionary energy source on a distant planet. If he can just get to the planet and take advantage of what might be the discovery of the century, he could put his past behind him. But it's never that easy, is it?
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the continuing chronicles of Daniel Quinn. I highly recommend this to the hard SF junkies looking for something good to read.
June 22, 2014
Thomas R. Manning unleashes a strong debut novel with Energize !
I loved the growth and beginnings of the Daniel Quinn universe and mythology, including the magical, Panacea-type energy source known as Empyreus. Realistic, rich characters, with all their strengths and weaknesses, have you both cheering them on and cursing them under your breath at the same time!
If Manning's next novel shapes up to be anywhere near as good as Energize (and I fully believe that it can only get better from here), then we are in for an awesome sequel filled with action and excitement!
I loved the growth and beginnings of the Daniel Quinn universe and mythology, including the magical, Panacea-type energy source known as Empyreus. Realistic, rich characters, with all their strengths and weaknesses, have you both cheering them on and cursing them under your breath at the same time!
If Manning's next novel shapes up to be anywhere near as good as Energize (and I fully believe that it can only get better from here), then we are in for an awesome sequel filled with action and excitement!
September 9, 2013
Energize follows the adventures of Daniel Quinn, a wanted man that happens to have his own ship with a pretty sophisticated artificial intelligence of its own. This is Thomas Ray Manning's fist sci-fi novel and you'd never guess it! The character development was strong, the plot was interesting and suspenseful, and the dialogue was surprisingly crisp and witty. I really enjoyed Manning's set up of an entire new world unknown to human man. The culture, appearance, and even the way the natives communicated was a fun discovery. I'd recommend this novel to any sci-fi fan. There was just enough, description, action, and tension to keep me entertained.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews