Firewall: Ianto

Children of the Great Reckoning #1

by K.B. Nelson

Welcome to a world controlled by the great Spirit and Science Margas, a world that has crawled out of years of devastating viral plagues only to find that the immuno-nanotech sentinels meant to protect and enhance a whole generation of children are rising from within to become an even greater threat. Warped at the genetic level to mimic characters of a sophisticated life-support game, the Children of the Reckoning must struggle against the artificial intelligence reaching for their minds through their own bodies and face the stigma of “otherness” in a world of deadly political intrigue and strict social controls.
For monk Ianto Tobali, his gift from the time of the Great Reckoning is fast becoming a sought-after commodity in the silent war against the Game’s artificial intelligence, Nuress, and domination of both realities. Because he is the only Child of God who can ride the nanotech links to break things or bind them to him, he is being manipulated to stand as a living firewall between the worlds of humanity and the Game.

But even his tormentors underestimate the bond created between him and the one living mind at play in the Game, the consciousness of a young man named Samu'el Stelle.

Genres: Science Fiction, M M Romance

360 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2013

About the author

K.B. Nelson holds a master’s degree in comparative religion and loves teaching yoga, qigong and adult education classes when she is not writing, crafting fiber art or running after the sheep in her backyard. “My grandfather once said he was a jack of all trades and master of none. I think I have managed to live into that same sentiment my whole life, and I can’t say it has ever disappointed me.” Kim has authored three non-fiction titles and five science fiction works and her poetry has appeared in both national anthologies and national magazines.

Reviews

[Xing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Update 8/4/13
So I've had a few days to digest Firewall: Ianto. My brain keeps reaching back to this book, as if my subconscious is giving me a kick in the ass. Somethings I feel differently:

1) I would give this a solid 3 stars, instead of the 2.5 stars. If I were to ignore the formatting issues (because not everyone is OCD like me), then I would give this a 3-3.5 stars.

2) I mentioned Ianto as being stupid/naive in certain situations. Now that I think about it, maybe I should make some distinctions. Ianto is an intelligent person, in the over all sense. His faith in God is unwavering despite the games he is put through. But despite all this, he is naive. But a lot of that has to do with the fact that he was brought up that way. When he has time to think, he makes some very valid and intelligent conclusions. However, because he was a difficult character for me to get into, it was easy to label Ianto as naive. But really, it's more complicated than that (which wasn't reflected in my earlier review). Perhaps after reading book 2, I will get to know Ianto a bit better.

3) To just clarify: this book is the beginning for both Ianto and Sam. These characters are introduced to us, and you'll see the budding of their relationship (which will likely be revealed in the sequel). I mentioned that this book is not a romance. Perhaps the best way to put it is that this is a science fiction story first and foremost, with romantic undertones (in which case the relationship between Ianto and Sam will be explored later).
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2.5 stars rounded to 3.

So Children of the Great Reckoning is one of those books that has a great storyline. Very original with the right amount of complexity and depth that makes it a great science fiction. However, I felt like the storyline was the ONLY thing keeping me going, and possibly continuing on with the series. So what made the overall experience a 2.5-3 stars?

Ianto. The story is told from his POV. We learn about his past as a 10 year kid who witnessed his mother's suicide. His captivity and awakening at 15. His experience to become a monk. His adventures for months through a forest, and the horrors of being a pawn of a bigger game. Yet despite all these events, I could not understand him. At all. I couldn't BE Ianto, and his decisions really did not make sense. There were also moments when he would express great intellect, but fail to make some very simple observations - almost like the author made him be stupid/naive in circumstances that would be convenient for the story's progression. So basically, I didn't really feel like Ianto was a fleshed out, well developed character. The other characters (the "secondary" ones, though they all felt like that) weren't much better either.

Asides, from that, there were issues with proofreading that distracted from the reading. Misspellings and omitted words were enough to make me reread several sentences repeatedly. Also, the paragraphs were indented too far and was not anesthetically appealing in terms of formatting. The lack of a table of contents for a book with about 40 chapters did not help either.

So after all this, I still have to remind everyone that despite the flaws I have mentioned, this book really shined in terms of storyline. The execution may not be superb (and the constant mention of God x 1000 times became annoying), but I am still interested in pursuing this series. It is labeled M/M, but I would not call this a romance. The second book may have more potential, as Sam is brought into the picture moreso. If anything, this first book was really the beginning or an introduction for what feels like an even bigger story.

[Estarianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I agree with what others have said. These books are fascinating, the protagonist compelling if somewhat passive, and they are full of great philosophical questions.

This authors main limitation, which becomes obvious when you read several of her books, is that she is locked into the idea that power and corruption go hand in hand and that power and true compassion are mutually exclusive. This builds predictability into her stories. There are no compassionate power players, the good guys are always working from extreme disadvantage. For many readers, this will be fine and work into their own world views. But for readers who love the authors who never let characters be all good or all bad (think George RR Martin, who can make you feel sorry for Cercei even when you really don't want to) , there is something missing.

Oh, she tries to give them a little empathy, but it doesn't really stick. The leader of a religious movement saying she cried when she sentenced children to death is not the same as her really showing any feelings about anybody. And the stereotyping is just another trope in the end, something Sci-fi readers tolerate, but really the books we celebrate are those that break new ground.

For romance readers, these books are not going to please. They are not at all romantic, although the characters do have love interests. The focus is on the power structures and the "David and Goliath" fights, and in this series, on the application of game theory to life, organizations, and the mind. Those are interesting concepts. Thinking readers will find a lot to ponder here.

However, readers like myself who are character motivated might find themselves disappointed with the restrictions she places on her characters in order to maintain the overall "power bad, underdog good" theme complete.

[Del Beyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The eternal conflicts of government, science and faith portrayed by believable characters presented in this book examine a very possible future Earth as it begins to recover from a time of horrible global plagues. To save its most valued possession, their young, the world has chosen a dramatic path. The well intended injection of nanotech into the world’s children was deemed an absolute necessity and carried with it a nearly universal desire to save, enhance and enable the world’s children. We are told in the beginning of the book, “and, for a while, it worked.” However, on the eve of the story's beginning, this future technology has ultimately gone wrong from its intended purpose. What was supposed to happen became, instead, a nightmare of epic proportions. The unforeseen ramifications of these inoculations are but an introduction to what later draws you forward and begs for more.

I am a lifelong reader of science and speculative fiction and I consider this to be a must read book. Based on what I have read, I believe that this book is quite superior to most of this genre’s efforts and will be judged favorably when it is ultimately compared to what are currently considered to be its best. K. B. Nelson’s efforts will resonate in your heart and mind and will leave you wanting more.

You will certainly feel rewarded for the reading effort this book requires. Make no mistake, this book demands that you think. The challenge is worth it because you will quickly be captured by this author’s ability to control theme, location, dialogue and characterization. Best of all, when you really do think, you get to take a role in an unforgettable story. Enjoy

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I was thinking that this book would be about characters that had no bodies and that it would be too confusing to read, but I'm so glad that I decided to read it and then the following books of this series. I couldn't put this book down. For those that love science fiction, fantasy and m/m romance with a lot of angst, this story will be worth reading. The characters and world creation are well written. I especially loved the character of Ianto.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was never sure if I liked this book or not. I almost put it down. Although its a little uneven, it still intrigued me and I'm sure I'll read the next one.

[Logan Horsford · Rating 1 out of 5]

It sounds as though the reader is doing so into a bucket.

As Cinema Sins would say "Narration!" And sin it.

[Marielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was amazing loved it