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Cyber Dawn
Ben survived cancer... that was the easy part.
After losing his leg to cancer and spending six years as a prototype in a top-secret cybernetic research program, seventeen-year-old Ben Raine is ready for a normal life. Now a junior in high school, it seems as though normal is just what he’s going to get. He’s met new friends, made the varsity football team, and even scored a date with the school’s head cheerleader. But just as life is starting to look up, Ben hears four words that will change everything -– you never had cancer.
Determined to find out why, Ben hires Sarah -– a classmate who moonlights as a hacker -– to help him hunt down the truth. But when they get too close, they soon find themselves on the run from the police, the FBI, and a team of ruthless assassins. Caught in the middle of a murderous conspiracy, Ben and Sarah tap into the one thing that may save them –- Ben’s cybernetic brain. But will it give them the advantage they need? Or cost them both their lives?
After losing his leg to cancer and spending six years as a prototype in a top-secret cybernetic research program, seventeen-year-old Ben Raine is ready for a normal life. Now a junior in high school, it seems as though normal is just what he’s going to get. He’s met new friends, made the varsity football team, and even scored a date with the school’s head cheerleader. But just as life is starting to look up, Ben hears four words that will change everything -– you never had cancer.
Determined to find out why, Ben hires Sarah -– a classmate who moonlights as a hacker -– to help him hunt down the truth. But when they get too close, they soon find themselves on the run from the police, the FBI, and a team of ruthless assassins. Caught in the middle of a murderous conspiracy, Ben and Sarah tap into the one thing that may save them –- Ben’s cybernetic brain. But will it give them the advantage they need? Or cost them both their lives?
267 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2013
17 people are currently reading
934 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Adams
21 books33 followersM.L. Adams was born in the Midwest and raised in Colorado. His parents, both avid readers, instilled a love for books at an early age. His 3rd and 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Watson, encouraged a passion for writing. Cyber Dawn, his debut novel, includes many of his experiences as a childhood cancer survivor and amputee. He still lives in Colorado with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 30, 2016
Tech action
This is a great introduction to a world possible tomorrow. The secrets could be possible today. Read and see what you think.
This is a great introduction to a world possible tomorrow. The secrets could be possible today. Read and see what you think.
October 16, 2015
Probably 3.5 stars. Could have been four, but a lot of distracting editing errors wore away at my enjoyment. The usual ones: missing past perfect tense ("Looming over her was a man I met several times before"); missing commas before terms of address, which to me always makes a book feel amateurish; unneeded commas between coordinate adjectives, and in a few other places; many questions with no question mark; mispunctuated dialog; a couple of dangling modifiers. There were over 30 altogether, and that's too many.
On the upside, it was an exciting, if sometimes hard-to-believe, YA contemporary SF thriller.
I did set it aside for a while and read something else, which is usually a bad sign. However, I also eventually picked it back up and finished it.
Won't be getting the sequel, though, since the frequent errors made it a slog.
On the upside, it was an exciting, if sometimes hard-to-believe, YA contemporary SF thriller.
I did set it aside for a while and read something else, which is usually a bad sign. However, I also eventually picked it back up and finished it.
Won't be getting the sequel, though, since the frequent errors made it a slog.
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February 14, 2014Exceptional twisty plot lines, great pacing, and great tangents that are more like a quick look out the window of the speeding train you are chained to while being shot at. I love this book and read it far too fast, my only complaint. I was expecting good scifi and action, but Mr. Adams delivered a great story that had a basis not in scifi, but in humanity and a young boy's reactions to an insane situation...with a scifi twist. I cannot wait too see the next book and promise to devour it like the addictive morsel I expect it will be!
September 21, 2017
While this is categorized as a young adult title, I think you will find most adults will enjoy it: my wife and I did as well as our teenagers. It has shades of the “I Am Number 7” series without the strange aliens, and I’ve found myself having several Walter Mitty-type moments thinking “what if” I had some of the capabilities of the author’s characters. The plot moves along with good interaction from the characters.
The author does leave you hanging a bit as you wonder if there will be a sequel – you could take it either way as a standalone or something to be continued and still enjoy it. I picked this up during a Kindle promotion for 99 cents vs. its normal price of $2.99, and I certainly received more than $2.99 worth of entertainment value out of it. If you are looking for something the whole family can read and enjoy (which is rare these days), I would recommend this one.
The author does leave you hanging a bit as you wonder if there will be a sequel – you could take it either way as a standalone or something to be continued and still enjoy it. I picked this up during a Kindle promotion for 99 cents vs. its normal price of $2.99, and I certainly received more than $2.99 worth of entertainment value out of it. If you are looking for something the whole family can read and enjoy (which is rare these days), I would recommend this one.
June 18, 2020
Cyber Dawn by ML Adams is a very enjoyable, quick read. The lead characters Ben and Sarah are likable, well developed, and have great potential for continuation of the series. As with all science fiction, Adams asks the reader to suspend their sense of reality and come along for the ride. If, as the reader, you can fulfill that obligation, you’ll enjoy Cyber Dawn and be left searching for the next book in the series.
March 24, 2019
4.5 stars. A death bed message of huge magnitude and mad scientists with evil agendas is not an uncommon premise, but this was oh so good! I immediately went online to find what else this author had to offer and was a disappointed to find only a short novella. What a shame for such a talent!
December 22, 2024
3.5 stars. Technological science fiction which could easily be reality in the near future. Corporate green using science to alter human capabilities through unwitting subjects. Lots of action and suspense. A somewhat cliffhanger ending.
July 14, 2018
Not even close to being good. Too much romance, not enough action. I felt like this story was one long chase scene.
September 18, 2016
Reader thoughts: A boy lied to all his life about a medical condition? Just like Brouwer's Robot Wars 1 and Chima's The Warrior Heir.
Young boy stuck in all-adult scientific community? Just like Robot Wars 1.
Scientists taking over everything and infiltrating everywhere? Just like Patterson's Maximum Ride.
Secret group of special sci-fi kids (thinking to live a normal life) wanted by government and scientists everywhere? Just like Evans' Michael Vey.
Used against his will/knowledge for evil purposes? Just like Sleeper Code.
MC is a cyborg and has a metal foot? Just like Meyer's Cinder.
Illegal experiments on kids? Just like all of them.
Super computer-hacking powers, ninja assassins, high school, FBI, and drones? Just like all those other futuristic stories. HOWEVER, Cyber Dawn is still refreshingly new and fun. The romance is clean, the tech is mostly realistic, the extreme twists don't feel contrived, the danger is real, and the tension builds with every chapter.
Writer thoughts: So, why do authors borrow story elements and copy ideas from each other? Because they work. There might only be 1000 stories possible, or there might be only 7 types possible. Either way, someone somewhere is using the same ideas as someone else.
The cool thing is, readers actually enjoy this borrowing/copying/stealing, but only if they think the author wasn't being too lazy. Readers like the idea of a special, prophesied MC or a good rags-to-riches story. Yet, it can't sound exactly like their favorite rags-to-riches story, else that's just cheating. But if an author can copy without getting caught . . . then that's genius.
Stories that remind us of our favorites can strike similar chords within us. See Drawing on the Power of Resonance in Writing for clues on how to do this better.
Young boy stuck in all-adult scientific community? Just like Robot Wars 1.
Scientists taking over everything and infiltrating everywhere? Just like Patterson's Maximum Ride.
Secret group of special sci-fi kids (thinking to live a normal life) wanted by government and scientists everywhere? Just like Evans' Michael Vey.
Used against his will/knowledge for evil purposes? Just like Sleeper Code.
MC is a cyborg and has a metal foot? Just like Meyer's Cinder.
Illegal experiments on kids? Just like all of them.
Super computer-hacking powers, ninja assassins, high school, FBI, and drones? Just like all those other futuristic stories. HOWEVER, Cyber Dawn is still refreshingly new and fun. The romance is clean, the tech is mostly realistic, the extreme twists don't feel contrived, the danger is real, and the tension builds with every chapter.
Writer thoughts: So, why do authors borrow story elements and copy ideas from each other? Because they work. There might only be 1000 stories possible, or there might be only 7 types possible. Either way, someone somewhere is using the same ideas as someone else.
The cool thing is, readers actually enjoy this borrowing/copying/stealing, but only if they think the author wasn't being too lazy. Readers like the idea of a special, prophesied MC or a good rags-to-riches story. Yet, it can't sound exactly like their favorite rags-to-riches story, else that's just cheating. But if an author can copy without getting caught . . . then that's genius.
Stories that remind us of our favorites can strike similar chords within us. See Drawing on the Power of Resonance in Writing for clues on how to do this better.
May 2, 2019
Cyber Dawn (A Ben Raine Novel) by M.L. Adams
This review is posted at both Amazon and Goodreads.
At an early age Ben Raine lost his leg to cancer. At 11 years of age, he was selected for an experimental cybernetic leg and was raised at CyberLife Industries, a top secret facility. At 17 years of age, he was allowed to leave the facility, live with his family, and attend a normal high school.
During a football game, a forbidden activity for Ben, he receives a head injury, damaging the cybernetic augmentation in his brain. Waking with an excruciating headache the next day Ben contacts his CyberLife Technician, Megan, who tells Ben to come to CyberLife to be checked out. During Megan's examination she determines that Ben needs a software upgrade. They do not have time to do a full upgrade so they make plans to meet at Megan's apartment after school. When Ben arrives at Megan's place he finds the door unlocked and upon entering he finds Megan on the floor covered in blood. Her dying words to Ben were "You never had cancer." What? Enlisting the help of a fellow student, Sarah, who does hacking on the side, Ben tries to unravel the mystery of Megan's final words.
This book is a finely plotted Sci-Fi mystery, taking you on an adventure that is full of twist and turns. The technology is believable. The characters are well developed, particularly Ben. Ben and Sarah make a good team relying on each other to get through this escapade and discover the meaning of Megan's final words.
This could have been a 4 star book but it really bothers me when parents are nowhere to be seen. I don't want to give away the story so I leave it at that.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes young adult Sci-Fi stories and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for any more books written by this author.
This review is posted at both Amazon and Goodreads.
At an early age Ben Raine lost his leg to cancer. At 11 years of age, he was selected for an experimental cybernetic leg and was raised at CyberLife Industries, a top secret facility. At 17 years of age, he was allowed to leave the facility, live with his family, and attend a normal high school.
During a football game, a forbidden activity for Ben, he receives a head injury, damaging the cybernetic augmentation in his brain. Waking with an excruciating headache the next day Ben contacts his CyberLife Technician, Megan, who tells Ben to come to CyberLife to be checked out. During Megan's examination she determines that Ben needs a software upgrade. They do not have time to do a full upgrade so they make plans to meet at Megan's apartment after school. When Ben arrives at Megan's place he finds the door unlocked and upon entering he finds Megan on the floor covered in blood. Her dying words to Ben were "You never had cancer." What? Enlisting the help of a fellow student, Sarah, who does hacking on the side, Ben tries to unravel the mystery of Megan's final words.
This book is a finely plotted Sci-Fi mystery, taking you on an adventure that is full of twist and turns. The technology is believable. The characters are well developed, particularly Ben. Ben and Sarah make a good team relying on each other to get through this escapade and discover the meaning of Megan's final words.
This could have been a 4 star book but it really bothers me when parents are nowhere to be seen. I don't want to give away the story so I leave it at that.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes young adult Sci-Fi stories and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for any more books written by this author.
December 13, 2014
Cyber Dawn is the first book in the Ben Raine series. It revolves around a cancer patient who has received a cybernetic leg, and takes place in the future in some part of the United States. When Ben begins to suspect that he never really had cancer, he goes off on a journey to discover his past for what it really was.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is into the Sci-Fi genre, but also anyone who is into suspense/thrillers as well. The book does take place in the future, and definitely has it's moments of futuristic technology, but you could easily call it a thriller. Tons of action scenes, with firefights and military attacks when you'd least expect it.
The book was definitely made to entertain the reader, and doesn't necessarily have a deeper meaning.
The author of the book (M.L. Adams) has placed foreshadowing in such a fashion that it doesn't give away what will happen, and yet still gives the reader a clue that could lead to multiple outcomes.
I would definitely recommend this book, the only con I saw in the book was that some of the scenes weren't related to the plot and were unnecessary to the book itself, making the reader hope that the next chapter is on the next page.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is into the Sci-Fi genre, but also anyone who is into suspense/thrillers as well. The book does take place in the future, and definitely has it's moments of futuristic technology, but you could easily call it a thriller. Tons of action scenes, with firefights and military attacks when you'd least expect it.
The book was definitely made to entertain the reader, and doesn't necessarily have a deeper meaning.
The author of the book (M.L. Adams) has placed foreshadowing in such a fashion that it doesn't give away what will happen, and yet still gives the reader a clue that could lead to multiple outcomes.
I would definitely recommend this book, the only con I saw in the book was that some of the scenes weren't related to the plot and were unnecessary to the book itself, making the reader hope that the next chapter is on the next page.
February 14, 2014
Full disclosure: the author is a friend of mine.
I don't think I've read a Young Adult novel since I was a young adult, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading Cyber Dawn. What I found was a really fun, fast read that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The heroes of the story are fairly well developed and interesting. The villains, less so, but it doesn't hurt the overall enjoyment of the book. The plot is clever and kept me guessing at times. There were moments when an unexpected twist at the end of a chapter left me exclaiming, "What!!" And I'd quickly begin the next chapter to find out what happens next.
If there were one thing I wish were improved, it's the book's sense of an ending. Cyber Dawn doesn't end so much as it stops just on the other side of a climax. While this serves well to set up the next book in the series, Cyber Dawn feels slightly unfinished in its final pages.
Another improvement I'll be looking for in the next book is the abolition of the word "cybernetic."
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a light thriller with plenty of adventure, danger and a touch of teenage romance.
I don't think I've read a Young Adult novel since I was a young adult, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading Cyber Dawn. What I found was a really fun, fast read that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The heroes of the story are fairly well developed and interesting. The villains, less so, but it doesn't hurt the overall enjoyment of the book. The plot is clever and kept me guessing at times. There were moments when an unexpected twist at the end of a chapter left me exclaiming, "What!!" And I'd quickly begin the next chapter to find out what happens next.
If there were one thing I wish were improved, it's the book's sense of an ending. Cyber Dawn doesn't end so much as it stops just on the other side of a climax. While this serves well to set up the next book in the series, Cyber Dawn feels slightly unfinished in its final pages.
Another improvement I'll be looking for in the next book is the abolition of the word "cybernetic."
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a light thriller with plenty of adventure, danger and a touch of teenage romance.
February 26, 2014
I got this as my February novel (Trying to read one book per month this year since college takes up a lot of my time) and after my January novel was a huge disappointment, I ALMOST didn't read this because it had a similar 'style', but I'm so glad I changed my mind!
This novel had a very believable main character with very believable 'teenage boy' traits, which isn't easy to find. The story was gripping and hard to stop reading! I only really have time to read while I'm at the gym and at one point I meant to do 3 miles and ended up doing 6 because I was reading and didn't even notice how long I'd been on the treadmill. The action from a first person POV was actually believable and well done, which is VERY hard to do, and I honestly cannot praise this one enough.
I CANNOT wait for the next one!
This novel had a very believable main character with very believable 'teenage boy' traits, which isn't easy to find. The story was gripping and hard to stop reading! I only really have time to read while I'm at the gym and at one point I meant to do 3 miles and ended up doing 6 because I was reading and didn't even notice how long I'd been on the treadmill. The action from a first person POV was actually believable and well done, which is VERY hard to do, and I honestly cannot praise this one enough.
I CANNOT wait for the next one!
September 28, 2014
I grabbed this for my monthly book from the Kindle Lending Library. It was pretty good, 3.5ish stars. A little suspension of disbelief is required, as the teen heroes make it through some incredible situations (helped of course by technology). A lot of action.
I'd just skimmed the blurb, to know that there would be a girl helping out our main character, but I didn't remember her name. There were quite a few girls introduced, and so I would wonder "is this the one who's going to become involved?" ... having some of the other girls thrown in there (the sister, the tutor) just really didn't make a lot of sense to me.
The prologue started in 3rd person, then shifted to 1st person for the book. I'm not a huge fan of 1st person, but this was written well.
I'd just skimmed the blurb, to know that there would be a girl helping out our main character, but I didn't remember her name. There were quite a few girls introduced, and so I would wonder "is this the one who's going to become involved?" ... having some of the other girls thrown in there (the sister, the tutor) just really didn't make a lot of sense to me.
The prologue started in 3rd person, then shifted to 1st person for the book. I'm not a huge fan of 1st person, but this was written well.
October 8, 2014
This book is about a teenage boy that has had cancer in his leg and had to have it amputated. He got an artificial leg from an industries (can't remember the name). The chip they put in his brain allows him to move the leg like a normal leg. His partner has to help update his leg so it will work properly. She has secretly put a software in the leg to pass on to Sarah, a friend he meets later in the book. Then lots of people in black suits start shooting at him because they want the software. What I didn't like about the book was that it swears every once in a while but other than that is was a great book.
June 2, 2014
When it first came I was so excited to read it. Normally I don't read books like this but I'm glad I did, it was an amazing book with many twists and turns that couldn't be predicted. Everything was perfectly set out and everyone had a different personality. Sarah had to be my most favorite though. I would recommend this book to everyone with a love for technology and even ones that don't. This is a book everyone can and will enjoy.
September 16, 2014
This had an interesting premise ... the story itself reminded me a bit of War Games (although a little more techy/futuristic). It did feel quite "teen" but one I wonder if my boys might get into it. I'd recommend it to them. Quite clean.
I don't often read the author's notes at the end, but for some reason I did here. The author had cancer and is an amputee ... I thought that was an interesting, that he pulled from his own experience. Made it more personable.
I don't often read the author's notes at the end, but for some reason I did here. The author had cancer and is an amputee ... I thought that was an interesting, that he pulled from his own experience. Made it more personable.
February 17, 2015
Cyber whatever....
My first book to delve into the ever expanding area of the future. Apparently what the mind can conceive, man is capable of achieving. This book led me into a world of a teenage boy and his fight to uncover why his friend and mentor was killed. Provocative, entertaining, and a page Turner. I could not stop until I reached the end of this book. I immediately wanted to start the next one.
My first book to delve into the ever expanding area of the future. Apparently what the mind can conceive, man is capable of achieving. This book led me into a world of a teenage boy and his fight to uncover why his friend and mentor was killed. Provocative, entertaining, and a page Turner. I could not stop until I reached the end of this book. I immediately wanted to start the next one.
July 26, 2014
Amazing book! Intense, with a little bit of romance, but not too much that the average boy couldn't take. Cyber Dawn has a amazing flow and makes it so you can't put it down. It'll make you have a roller coaster of emoticons. Again, the flow is perfect, and it doesn't seem like it has 3 or 4 intense parts with fillers in between. Definitely an exciting book that everyone HAS to read.
January 18, 2014
Great new novel by first time author M. L. Adams. Set in the not-too-distant future the story follows teen Ben Raine as he discovers his 'normal' life isn't quite what he believed it to be. Filled with action, engaging characters, and some nifty near future tech, this is a exciting start for a YA series.
May 7, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyable
I really enjoyed this fast-paced book. Full of twists and turns, it kept me reading until the last page, then left me wishing for a second book in the series. I am hoping book 2 will allow for a little more character development, especially secondary characters, but the great plot made up for it in this one.
I really enjoyed this fast-paced book. Full of twists and turns, it kept me reading until the last page, then left me wishing for a second book in the series. I am hoping book 2 will allow for a little more character development, especially secondary characters, but the great plot made up for it in this one.
December 21, 2013
Fantastic flow and really gripping story. Couldn't put the book down. I appreciate the patience and the build up as much as the action. The characters were very authentic and easy to like. This author is a rising star - can't wait for the second in the series!
February 4, 2014
Great new YA book! Not just for Young adults, but would be great for reluctant readers. It is action packed and suspenseful! Couldn't put it down! Super debut, Mr. Adams! I wish the sequel was available already! Can see this being made into a movie too.
August 22, 2014
Pretty Good
Pretty Good
Nice piece of young adult fiction. The author kept the story moving well. Enough surprises throughout to keep me guessing. I could visualize the content easily.
Pretty Good
Nice piece of young adult fiction. The author kept the story moving well. Enough surprises throughout to keep me guessing. I could visualize the content easily.
August 26, 2014
While there was a bit of instalove and the occasional lag in plot, I ultimately enjoyed this action-adventure. I liked Ben's abilities and the overall premise, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 3, 2016
Very exciting book! After finishing it, I had to look for another and found Alpha 8: A Cyber Dawn Short Story that I am about to read now. I truly recommend this book if you like cyborgs etc. Recommended!
April 15, 2024
4.0
Good read. Plot held together. Unfortunately there is no second book. Don’t know reason, but bought book in March 2015 and am reviewing this in April, 2024. Hate to be left hanging.
Good read. Plot held together. Unfortunately there is no second book. Don’t know reason, but bought book in March 2015 and am reviewing this in April, 2024. Hate to be left hanging.
December 11, 2013
I loved this book and can't wait for the next in the series!
January 3, 2014
I don't really know what to think of this book yet. I have gotten so many mixed reviews about the book from friends. I really wanna read the book to see how I feel about it.
December 22, 2014
It was a good book, but it moved a little slowly. Can't wait for the next one! 3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews