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My Enemy's Enemy
In a war between magic, science, and super-humans, who would win? Ayden, Torril and Jye would do anything to stop that war from happening between their homeworlds – but can they keep from starting their own personal war? In the hopes of finding and stopping the nameless traitors inciting the war, the three young heroes are hand-picked from each of their planets by Dulon, a mysterious stranger, and then flung into a terrifying alien world, where they must either put aside their hatred for each other and weave together their different skills, or be wiped out by a gauntlet of stone giants, monstrous spiders, and deadly elementals - and each other.
- GenresScience Fiction
358 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2013
2 people are currently reading
971 people want to read
About the author
Glenn Otterbacher
1 book13 followersI've done a whole lot of things in my life - actor, teacher, soldier, pastor, stay-home dad - and now I'm adding author to the list. I really enjoyed creating this book - the characters, the world of the story, the plot and all its twists and turns - and I hope that people enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 21, 2017
I received a copy of this for free through Goodreads First Reads
I really couldn't get into this until about halfway through. I really like some aspects and really didn't like some aspects. I don't really feel like we really got to know the three main characters at all. Overall a fun, easy read.
I really couldn't get into this until about halfway through. I really like some aspects and really didn't like some aspects. I don't really feel like we really got to know the three main characters at all. Overall a fun, easy read.
December 4, 2014
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed it even more than I originally thought I would, since it's similar to the Diadem books by John Peel. This though was meant for older, more mature readers - a YA vs. children's book.
This is a story in an alternate universe where three planets make up a system:
Meketen is technologically advanced and filled with hard workers. There are skimmers and a computerized traffic system. There are no longer portable electronic devices; instead, the tech is woven into clothing.
This is where Torril is from. She's a university student whose parents force her to work harder than others, and she wishes for an escape from the intense desire to always be working.
Burana is where the Burani live, an athletic breed of beings. There are few machines, and there is much manual labor. While scientists are respected there, athletes, especially those who play prin gil, are revered above all.
Jye, a girl who is also in university, lives on this world. She's a superb athlete who secretly wants to go into science - and is taking multiple physics classes.
Kilt-a-Kree is the planet of magic, almost no technology, and little physical strength. The people live simple, quiet lives and are taught to use their magic wisely so as not to upset the Powers.
Ayden lives on this central planet. He is 18 and has always been weak in magic, and he's tired of the regimen he has been required to do, while honestly loving the feel of magic.
27 years ago, the Meketens discovered life on the other two planets. The species tried to live in harmony, but their differences have led to arguments and a deep hatred for one another. A dangerous war is on the rise.
The three teens have been chosen by a man named Dulon, who has given the three of them keys in order to save lives and bring peace to the worlds. Other than their secrets, they all share something else in common: they don't believe that war is the answer and that ANY life should be preserved.
To quote Jye on page 34:
"There's no life in war, dammit, just death!"
Dulon is of a race of people that have been caretakers of the planets for hundreds upon hundreds of years. His home planet had come under attack, and Dulon was forced to decide on many things, including on how to stop the war. I also enjoyed his explanation of the dangers of isolationism.
I did notice a typo on page 216
This is a story in an alternate universe where three planets make up a system:
Meketen is technologically advanced and filled with hard workers. There are skimmers and a computerized traffic system. There are no longer portable electronic devices; instead, the tech is woven into clothing.
This is where Torril is from. She's a university student whose parents force her to work harder than others, and she wishes for an escape from the intense desire to always be working.
Burana is where the Burani live, an athletic breed of beings. There are few machines, and there is much manual labor. While scientists are respected there, athletes, especially those who play prin gil, are revered above all.
Jye, a girl who is also in university, lives on this world. She's a superb athlete who secretly wants to go into science - and is taking multiple physics classes.
Kilt-a-Kree is the planet of magic, almost no technology, and little physical strength. The people live simple, quiet lives and are taught to use their magic wisely so as not to upset the Powers.
Ayden lives on this central planet. He is 18 and has always been weak in magic, and he's tired of the regimen he has been required to do, while honestly loving the feel of magic.
27 years ago, the Meketens discovered life on the other two planets. The species tried to live in harmony, but their differences have led to arguments and a deep hatred for one another. A dangerous war is on the rise.
The three teens have been chosen by a man named Dulon, who has given the three of them keys in order to save lives and bring peace to the worlds. Other than their secrets, they all share something else in common: they don't believe that war is the answer and that ANY life should be preserved.
To quote Jye on page 34:
"There's no life in war, dammit, just death!"
Dulon is of a race of people that have been caretakers of the planets for hundreds upon hundreds of years. His home planet had come under attack, and Dulon was forced to decide on many things, including on how to stop the war. I also enjoyed his explanation of the dangers of isolationism.
I did notice a typo on page 216
August 3, 2014
"My Enemy's Enemy" which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is an exciting and magical, science- fiction adventure that begins with three planets-Mekten, Burani, and Kilt-a-Cree - preparing for war. But Dulon, a mysterious stranger has pledged not to let that happen, and has chosen three misfits, Torril, Jye and Ayden (one from each planet) to stop the traitors inciting a conflict that could mean the extinction of the cultures. Sworn enemies each has been gifted with different skills and abilities in the area of magic, physical prowess and science and technology. Although their hostility runs deep they agree to meet at Union Station, a place symbolizing peace and harmony, where they use the keys Dulon's given them and are suddenly transported to a frightening alien world. What they don't anticipate is to be tested and to have to work together if they hope to survive and bring the war to an end.
The plot is a fast-paced, a roller-coaster ride as Torril, Jye and Ayden are challenged by multiple obstacles before reaching Monjenn, a black fortress at the heart of the planet. And even then the attacks don't stop! Cleverly Glenn Otterbacher has created imaginative monsters - carnivorous spiders, flesh-eating flowers, stone giants and ethereal beings - that not only try to kill the three teens but which represent the natural elements of the alien landscape; earth, fire, air and water. Depicting the growing paranoia and bias on each planet that has expanded beyond attacks on Mekten installations, the author slowly builds tension and drama especially when the three heroes face one challenge after another desperate to stop the escalation. And just when you think all will be well, the plot ends with a startling cliff-hanger that begs for a sequel.
The characters in the story are well -developed and realistic as they learn to overcome their animosity and work together for the betterment of their people. Torril Chet like most Mekten is hardworking and practical, excelling in science and technology. But she's angry and resentful towards her overly programmed life that has no social outlet. Jye the Burani is physical in nature; a fast, muscular, superior athlete. Wanting more out of life than a career in sports, she yearns to be a scientist. She's rational, smart, resilient, and able to keep her volatile emotions under control. Ayden, the Kilt-a has been struggling to control his magical ability much to the consternation of his parents. He's quick-thinking and a risk-taker who's enamoured by technical devices. Like the inhabitants of their planets Torril, Jye and Ayden have grown hard, hating their enemies, arrogantly gloating about their ability and hurling insults at the others. Only as they become more experienced and confident working together as well as unified in their purpose, do they realize one another's potential. All these personalities and more,including the antagonists who are twisted and misguided, fanatical, heartless and merciless in their cause, bring power, passion and drama to this riveting tale.
This is an exceptionally well-written and mesmerizing science fiction adventure that needs an eye-catching cover and title that will grab young people's attention. I thoroughly enjoyed it,commend Glenn Otterbacher on his novel and will look for the next in the series.
The plot is a fast-paced, a roller-coaster ride as Torril, Jye and Ayden are challenged by multiple obstacles before reaching Monjenn, a black fortress at the heart of the planet. And even then the attacks don't stop! Cleverly Glenn Otterbacher has created imaginative monsters - carnivorous spiders, flesh-eating flowers, stone giants and ethereal beings - that not only try to kill the three teens but which represent the natural elements of the alien landscape; earth, fire, air and water. Depicting the growing paranoia and bias on each planet that has expanded beyond attacks on Mekten installations, the author slowly builds tension and drama especially when the three heroes face one challenge after another desperate to stop the escalation. And just when you think all will be well, the plot ends with a startling cliff-hanger that begs for a sequel.
The characters in the story are well -developed and realistic as they learn to overcome their animosity and work together for the betterment of their people. Torril Chet like most Mekten is hardworking and practical, excelling in science and technology. But she's angry and resentful towards her overly programmed life that has no social outlet. Jye the Burani is physical in nature; a fast, muscular, superior athlete. Wanting more out of life than a career in sports, she yearns to be a scientist. She's rational, smart, resilient, and able to keep her volatile emotions under control. Ayden, the Kilt-a has been struggling to control his magical ability much to the consternation of his parents. He's quick-thinking and a risk-taker who's enamoured by technical devices. Like the inhabitants of their planets Torril, Jye and Ayden have grown hard, hating their enemies, arrogantly gloating about their ability and hurling insults at the others. Only as they become more experienced and confident working together as well as unified in their purpose, do they realize one another's potential. All these personalities and more,including the antagonists who are twisted and misguided, fanatical, heartless and merciless in their cause, bring power, passion and drama to this riveting tale.
This is an exceptionally well-written and mesmerizing science fiction adventure that needs an eye-catching cover and title that will grab young people's attention. I thoroughly enjoyed it,commend Glenn Otterbacher on his novel and will look for the next in the series.
June 18, 2015
I received this book free as a Goodreads First Reads.
Can you mix the futuristic science fiction, magic, & super-powered humans genres together, and do it well? If you're Glenn Otterbacher, you can!
Otterbacher gives us a great tale about three young adults on an adventure to save their worlds. The three planets - futuristic, science-based Meket, the magician-filled Kilt-a-Cree, and Burana which houses super-strong, super-fast humans - are on the brink of war. An outsider chooses one from each to help stop the fighting before it begins. However, each of the chosen - Torril (Mekten), Ayden (Kilt-a), and Jye (Burani) - have a prejudice against the others. But over many trials, the walls break down, and they see that they are more alike than they think.
Although the story of people with differences working together for a common goal and coming out friends on the other side is definitely not new, Otterbacher has a refreshing take. In our introduction to the main characters, we can see that they have a deep love for their peoples but are a little bit different as well. Again, this is nothing new. But these characters are definitely not two dimensional cut-outs. You can see yourself in them, like their reaction to having to rely on someone else to solve a problem.
I also like the climax of the book when the characters finally reach their destination. Through all the horrible things they had to face, it had taken a huge toll on them physically. The trials had to be thought through as well, but they could not be prepared for the final test. The test challenges them on a deep mental level.
I find this book enjoyable. It is full of action. (Once it starts, it only briefly pauses to show us the growth of the individuals as a team.) It has a great message of acceptance of others' differences and working together. It is written well. (Although, I didn't like the sparse, yet unneeded, swearing.)
The end of the story is left open with an abrupt ending, leaving you ready to grab the sequel. (Which sadly is not available.) I look forward to this next book.
If your looking for a great story full of action and excitement, check out this great book.
Can you mix the futuristic science fiction, magic, & super-powered humans genres together, and do it well? If you're Glenn Otterbacher, you can!
Otterbacher gives us a great tale about three young adults on an adventure to save their worlds. The three planets - futuristic, science-based Meket, the magician-filled Kilt-a-Cree, and Burana which houses super-strong, super-fast humans - are on the brink of war. An outsider chooses one from each to help stop the fighting before it begins. However, each of the chosen - Torril (Mekten), Ayden (Kilt-a), and Jye (Burani) - have a prejudice against the others. But over many trials, the walls break down, and they see that they are more alike than they think.
Although the story of people with differences working together for a common goal and coming out friends on the other side is definitely not new, Otterbacher has a refreshing take. In our introduction to the main characters, we can see that they have a deep love for their peoples but are a little bit different as well. Again, this is nothing new. But these characters are definitely not two dimensional cut-outs. You can see yourself in them, like their reaction to having to rely on someone else to solve a problem.
I also like the climax of the book when the characters finally reach their destination. Through all the horrible things they had to face, it had taken a huge toll on them physically. The trials had to be thought through as well, but they could not be prepared for the final test. The test challenges them on a deep mental level.
I find this book enjoyable. It is full of action. (Once it starts, it only briefly pauses to show us the growth of the individuals as a team.) It has a great message of acceptance of others' differences and working together. It is written well. (Although, I didn't like the sparse, yet unneeded, swearing.)
The end of the story is left open with an abrupt ending, leaving you ready to grab the sequel. (Which sadly is not available.) I look forward to this next book.
If your looking for a great story full of action and excitement, check out this great book.
August 11, 2014
This book reminds me a sci-fi version of the breakfast club. Instead of detention, they save their planet.
Usually science fiction books start off slow and build over time. My Enemy's Enemy starts off with a bang and only gets better and better.
Its a story about Jye, Torril and Ayden who all have different strengths and powers. They are all from different worlds and are the typical teenagers living in their own world. One day they are approached separately by a strange man named Dulon. Tells them to meet him at Union Station. They all decide what the hell and go to meet him. As they make their way to the station they see other teens waiting around at the meeting point. Confused by this, they wait around and act as teens do around new and\or strange people from different worlds. Dulon arrives and begins to tell them they must work together to save their planets. It won't work unless they do. A war is in the making that will destroy their homelands. As he explaining things he gets stretched out by an unseen force and disappears. That's when they decide to proceed. They travel through strange lands and fight monstrous creatures. Even traveling through a sea of vomit to get to the destination. When they finally arrive at the destination, tired and wanting to be done with this. The biggest shocker happens. (sorry I will not give this away) It left me with my jaw on the floor and wide eyed.
It completely leaves you wanting more and its very heart breaking where it ends. Glenn uses such amazing descriptive words that makes you visually see what those three teens are seeing. This is a page turner to the very end. I will be getting this for the library I work in. It was a fantastic book by a local author.
Here's praying that he is currently writing a sequel. :)
Usually science fiction books start off slow and build over time. My Enemy's Enemy starts off with a bang and only gets better and better.
Its a story about Jye, Torril and Ayden who all have different strengths and powers. They are all from different worlds and are the typical teenagers living in their own world. One day they are approached separately by a strange man named Dulon. Tells them to meet him at Union Station. They all decide what the hell and go to meet him. As they make their way to the station they see other teens waiting around at the meeting point. Confused by this, they wait around and act as teens do around new and\or strange people from different worlds. Dulon arrives and begins to tell them they must work together to save their planets. It won't work unless they do. A war is in the making that will destroy their homelands. As he explaining things he gets stretched out by an unseen force and disappears. That's when they decide to proceed. They travel through strange lands and fight monstrous creatures. Even traveling through a sea of vomit to get to the destination. When they finally arrive at the destination, tired and wanting to be done with this. The biggest shocker happens. (sorry I will not give this away) It left me with my jaw on the floor and wide eyed.
It completely leaves you wanting more and its very heart breaking where it ends. Glenn uses such amazing descriptive words that makes you visually see what those three teens are seeing. This is a page turner to the very end. I will be getting this for the library I work in. It was a fantastic book by a local author.
Here's praying that he is currently writing a sequel. :)
April 5, 2014
This book grabbed me from the beginning. The problems that the three planets were having with each other and then adding the 3 kids, Ayden, Torril, and Jye. Each one had certain strengths, and each believed the others were inferior. Through a lot of "tests" they came to respect each other and found friendship. When they arrive at their destination, the kids meet the people who mean the most to them and find they are the problem. Battle ensues and the kids win. Dulon, who is Keeper of the planets tells them what they have to do to save the planets from war, then disappears.
I really liked this book. It was a real page turner. You can almost compare this book to our own way of living, with the different peoples that inhabit this planet, and what we can do to keep peace.
I received this book from a GoodReads giveaway.
I really liked this book. It was a real page turner. You can almost compare this book to our own way of living, with the different peoples that inhabit this planet, and what we can do to keep peace.
I received this book from a GoodReads giveaway.
May 5, 2015
This is a great read. I particularly loved the first few chapters that did such a great job introducing each of the main characters, their worlds, and the journey they are about to set out on. The setting is not only imaginative but well conceived in its history, politics, and technologies. The characters feel real throughout the book and their decisions and growth throughout the story feel consistent and organic. On top of all this is an exciting story full of action and twists and fun.
I finished reading this over a year ago and can still picture much of it so clearly. Looking forward to the next!
I finished reading this over a year ago and can still picture much of it so clearly. Looking forward to the next!
May 28, 2014
I am not normally a reader of fantasy.... but I found "My Enemy's Enemy" to be a delightful page turner. The situations our 3 strong characters found themselves in were fun and creative as well as strange and scary! They developed respect for one another in spite of their different individual methods of problem solving. I enjoyed seeing them grow emotionally and morally. A particularly good read for young adults.
June 18, 2014
An enjoyable, adventurous and exciting book.
I could not put it down.
I could not put it down.
July 14, 2014
Great book! The book was well written with good character and plot development. I couldn't put it down once I started, and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys sci/fi.
June 13, 2014
good and fun read
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews