What do you think?
Rate this book
Extensis Vitae #1
Extensis Vitae
Michael Reznik is a soldier who wakes up in a mysterious underground bunker, with a technologically advanced body he doesn't recognize. The people around him have cast aside fighting and warfare. They haven't needed them--until now.Reznik is charged with tracking down a band of ruthless killers and finding a kidnapped doctor. He finds himself honor-bound to do what is right for the people who brought him back from the dead. A peaceful people are depending on him to do what is right. Can he live up to their expectations, even when he finds out that his new body has an expiration date?Extensis Vitae is a gritty, post-apocalyptic science fiction adventure.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2013
240 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 21, 2017
He awoke a stranger in an unfamiliar body, in a world far different than the one he left behind. He is an outsider, not to be trusted to some, a novelty to others and a potential weapon to the man with the power. Reznik is a soldier in a future time after the Cataclysm, the event that destroyed the world. What is left are underground colonies, isolated for decades, forsaking violence until now.
Reznik is assumed to be their one hope at survival, their secret weapon and his voluntary stasis has been interrupted so his new, superior body, a gift of technology can fight the battle for the colony and not be missed if he dies.
Is Reznik’s honor being dangled like a carrot by those who control his very life? In a world short on warmth, Reznik will become the fiery fighting machine to save lives and secure the gates to this underground society. His best ally is the one scientist who knows him best and she may come to mean more than he bargained for.
EXTENSIS VITAE by Gregory Mattix is an action-packed addition to the wars of good versus evil in a post-apocalyptic world. But who is evil and who are the good guys? Told he is expendable, why does Reznnik risk his life for strangers? Who will answer the questions he has? Who can be trusted? Filled with fierce battle scenes, graphic and blood spattered, this science fiction tale is a great start to a series made for the strong of constitution!
Strong writing, detailed scenes and powerful characters bring this tale to life with the best of the genre. There are so many questions left unanswered, what a perfect hook for the next book in the series!
Series: Extensis Vitae - Book 1
Publication Date: February 16, 2013
Publisher: Gregory Mattix
Genre: Futuristic Sci-fi
Print Length: 193 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Reznik is assumed to be their one hope at survival, their secret weapon and his voluntary stasis has been interrupted so his new, superior body, a gift of technology can fight the battle for the colony and not be missed if he dies.
Is Reznik’s honor being dangled like a carrot by those who control his very life? In a world short on warmth, Reznik will become the fiery fighting machine to save lives and secure the gates to this underground society. His best ally is the one scientist who knows him best and she may come to mean more than he bargained for.
EXTENSIS VITAE by Gregory Mattix is an action-packed addition to the wars of good versus evil in a post-apocalyptic world. But who is evil and who are the good guys? Told he is expendable, why does Reznnik risk his life for strangers? Who will answer the questions he has? Who can be trusted? Filled with fierce battle scenes, graphic and blood spattered, this science fiction tale is a great start to a series made for the strong of constitution!
Strong writing, detailed scenes and powerful characters bring this tale to life with the best of the genre. There are so many questions left unanswered, what a perfect hook for the next book in the series!
Series: Extensis Vitae - Book 1
Publication Date: February 16, 2013
Publisher: Gregory Mattix
Genre: Futuristic Sci-fi
Print Length: 193 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
January 24, 2015
A very short book with characters I just couldn't give a damn about. It's mainly long drawn out detailed fights from "before" and even more in the current / future timeline. The main character is of course irresistible to women and within a day or so he's sleeping with someone. The enemies turns out to be as cranked up with nanotechnology as he is. Yet the old 'hero' is the only one with dignity. Soooo cliched...
Quite boring, probably won't bother with the next.
2 1/2 stars...
Quite boring, probably won't bother with the next.
2 1/2 stars...
March 18, 2018
Bit of a mix of Universal Soldier, and the Fallout series of games. The premise was interesting to begin with, but I just found the whole thing poorly written, and alas I personally didn't have the patience for it. Perhaps it gets better later in the book, and in subsequent sequels, but this one wasn't for me.
July 1, 2018
This story was refreshing in that it wasn't a story line that has been over done. It is a new and fresh story. It kept me reading to the end to find out what was next. I do have curiosity to see what happens in the next book. As a matter of fact, I was a little disappointed it ended where it did. But truth be told, it was a good spot to separate the story.
February 8, 2019
Good military sci-fi
Military science fiction is my favorite genre, so it's so nice to find one that is not only well written but technically correct.
And since this one has obviously been technically edited, I could read without wanting to get out my red pen.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Military science fiction is my favorite genre, so it's so nice to find one that is not only well written but technically correct.
And since this one has obviously been technically edited, I could read without wanting to get out my red pen.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
March 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, because it took me back to the Golden Age of scifi. Simply great story telling without any gratuitous anything. It reminded me of Asimov's style...pure story telling without delving deep into characters' psychology or deeper emotions. If you are looking for just a good story, with good grammar, punctuation, and skillful story-telling, I recommend Extensis Vitae.
July 3, 2017
A light post apocalyptic read, with moderate world building and decent characters. Pretty standard stuff for the genre, with a heavy reminiscence to Fall Out style bunker systems. Very much written as an ongoing story, with more of an intermission finish than an actual ending.
December 31, 2018
A good read
I enjoyed this book. It seems pretty well thought out. It's major flaw for me as a non us reader is that it is USA only . I don't expect much but a mention or two would be nice for the rest of the world!
I enjoyed this book. It seems pretty well thought out. It's major flaw for me as a non us reader is that it is USA only . I don't expect much but a mention or two would be nice for the rest of the world!
May 29, 2019
Real Page Turner
An excellent post apocalyptic tale, creatively presented. This is a far cry from the standard EMP / solar flare end of the world survivalist kill-em-all and let God sort em out struggle for survival! Highly recommended!
An excellent post apocalyptic tale, creatively presented. This is a far cry from the standard EMP / solar flare end of the world survivalist kill-em-all and let God sort em out struggle for survival! Highly recommended!
July 22, 2023
interesting story
I enjoyed this story and it is good post-apocalyptic fiction. I’m not a big fan but the story is entertaining. I don’t like the gore, and mad Max style villains, but they are only minimally featured in this book
I enjoyed this story and it is good post-apocalyptic fiction. I’m not a big fan but the story is entertaining. I don’t like the gore, and mad Max style villains, but they are only minimally featured in this book
June 29, 2017
Good
Very interesting. Well written story with good characters and plenty of action. I am really looking forward to continuing the adventure.
Very interesting. Well written story with good characters and plenty of action. I am really looking forward to continuing the adventure.
April 10, 2019
Excellent!
It's a fast read, and the story is filled with action, but unreasonably so. The fighting is somewhat predictable but not out there in 'fantasy land'.
Buy it and enjoy.
It's a fast read, and the story is filled with action, but unreasonably so. The fighting is somewhat predictable but not out there in 'fantasy land'.
Buy it and enjoy.
March 8, 2021
Waking up over 70 years after being frozen can be life altering especially when your memory is gone and you look different than you thought you did.
August 3, 2021
Not bad, especially for a freebie. Doubt I'll be springing for the sequels, though.
June 22, 2023
A soldier is recreated to fight more battles in private wars. Purchased this item on May 31, 2017, from Amazon for free.
February 27, 2024
Really enjoyed this.
October 25, 2024
It took me a little while to get into this book but once I did it became a very good book and I will be interested to see where the rest of the series goes.
January 27, 2019
Although parts are a bit clumsy or simplified, this has a lot of action that catches the reader and draws you into the story.
March 9, 2017
Pretty good
I enjoyed this book and the authors ability to bring his characters to life. I thought the story was reasonably well thought out and presented in a way that kept me turning pages to the end.
I enjoyed this book and the authors ability to bring his characters to life. I thought the story was reasonably well thought out and presented in a way that kept me turning pages to the end.
January 29, 2015
I am doing my best to avoid books in series, but this one was free and it was a change from what I've been reading. All told it was not a disappointment, but I won't be getting the other 3 books in the series.
The premise has been used before, butit's not tired. Earth has been hit by an asteroid, the Cataclysm. But before it happened, Extensis Vitae built 13 colonies underground where hand-picked people (best, brightest, etc.) were safe. Only life on the surface wasn't entirely wiped out, and now those survivors have broken through into one of the colonies. Of course, there are no soldiers in the colonies. Except one doctor and his daughter have rescued the neural information and a cloned body from one soldier from the early 21st century, Michael Reznik. His task is simple: kill the bad guys and rescue the colony.
The book reads well and the plot is good enough to keep you going. My only gripe is that so many characters seem two-dimensional, including our hero, the leader of the colony where he is brought back to life, and...well, just about everyody. In other words, you'll read the story but won't really feel connected to anyone. That's just a big weakness to me that turns this from a book worth investing in the whole series to a decent read. Perhaps the remaining books do this, but I won't be finding out.
Not a long book, easy to read, decent plot, and decent characters. Thin, but not bad. If the plot sounds interesting to you, pick it up. You won't be disappointed.
The premise has been used before, butit's not tired. Earth has been hit by an asteroid, the Cataclysm. But before it happened, Extensis Vitae built 13 colonies underground where hand-picked people (best, brightest, etc.) were safe. Only life on the surface wasn't entirely wiped out, and now those survivors have broken through into one of the colonies. Of course, there are no soldiers in the colonies. Except one doctor and his daughter have rescued the neural information and a cloned body from one soldier from the early 21st century, Michael Reznik. His task is simple: kill the bad guys and rescue the colony.
The book reads well and the plot is good enough to keep you going. My only gripe is that so many characters seem two-dimensional, including our hero, the leader of the colony where he is brought back to life, and...well, just about everyody. In other words, you'll read the story but won't really feel connected to anyone. That's just a big weakness to me that turns this from a book worth investing in the whole series to a decent read. Perhaps the remaining books do this, but I won't be finding out.
Not a long book, easy to read, decent plot, and decent characters. Thin, but not bad. If the plot sounds interesting to you, pick it up. You won't be disappointed.
January 1, 2015
A quick read (193 pages), EXTENSIS VITAE (Book 1), was surprisingly fun and entertaining and is Mattix’s debut novel (novella). You can tell from the cover, so this isn’t a spoiler, the lead is a bit Mad Max in the post-apocalyptic future.
MSgt Michael Reznik, Delta Team, is a soldier who wakes up after a long slumber; memories slowly coming back, finding himself in a strange environment with ‘fake food’ and some unfriendly people. Oh, and his body seems completely foreign to him. I’ll stop there for your entertainment to continue if you read this book.
Ultimately he has skills that are desperately needed and must find answers surrounding missing colony members. After that he must find more answers before his time expires, setting the stage for Book 2.
Vague for a reason – I really don’t want to give much away. Elements of the character, the situations, etc are revealed throughout the read.
There is loads of violence and bloodshed which is always fun. Unless I fell for the obvious, there are a couple characters to be revealed with links to Reznik.
I would not hesitate to continue this storyline.
Read January 2015; Kindle freebie
MSgt Michael Reznik, Delta Team, is a soldier who wakes up after a long slumber; memories slowly coming back, finding himself in a strange environment with ‘fake food’ and some unfriendly people. Oh, and his body seems completely foreign to him. I’ll stop there for your entertainment to continue if you read this book.
Ultimately he has skills that are desperately needed and must find answers surrounding missing colony members. After that he must find more answers before his time expires, setting the stage for Book 2.
Vague for a reason – I really don’t want to give much away. Elements of the character, the situations, etc are revealed throughout the read.
There is loads of violence and bloodshed which is always fun. Unless I fell for the obvious, there are a couple characters to be revealed with links to Reznik.
I would not hesitate to continue this storyline.
Read January 2015; Kindle freebie
January 7, 2015
I really liked this book! -- It kind of reminded me of the "Fallout" video games; dude wakes up in a post-apocoliptic underground vault and is forced to fight evil Mad-Max-esk raiders. --A literary recipe that has "awesome sauce" written all over it.---
I was most impressed by the action scenes. They were absolutely amazing. I tend to find fights/action scenes usually fall into one of two categories. Either they're confusing and I can't follow what's going on and/or the geography of where the combatants are within the scene, or there is an over abundance of militaristic detail and the battle is quickly bogged down by all the minutia so that it ceases to be very exciting. -- In this book the author did a phenomenal job describing the action and including tactical information without bludgeoning the reader with too much of it. It was easy to imagine every moment, and really exciting.---
I immediately downloaded the other books in the series after reading this one. -- I can't wait to read what happens next!
I was most impressed by the action scenes. They were absolutely amazing. I tend to find fights/action scenes usually fall into one of two categories. Either they're confusing and I can't follow what's going on and/or the geography of where the combatants are within the scene, or there is an over abundance of militaristic detail and the battle is quickly bogged down by all the minutia so that it ceases to be very exciting. -- In this book the author did a phenomenal job describing the action and including tactical information without bludgeoning the reader with too much of it. It was easy to imagine every moment, and really exciting.---
I immediately downloaded the other books in the series after reading this one. -- I can't wait to read what happens next!
November 24, 2024
I didnt have any high hopes for this book when I started reading it because I dont read much of this kinds of genre but I was very surprised of how quick I got caught in the story. I felt drawn in into the story and did want to know what was going on and about Reznik and his past.
This book held lot of surprises for me and I have found a new genre of book I enjoy reading. This is the first book of a series and I will read the rest of them as soon as I can becaus they are really good and I like how the story drives itself forward.
I found the book bloody and horrible due to things that happens in the book so I must say this is not a book for weak people because there is blood and death, more than I am used to and describe in a way I am not used to.
I can really recommend this book because I really enjoyed it and how it pulled me in. Its a strong first book and I hope the rest is as good and intruguing. I am greatful for reading this book and fining a new genre of books I enjoy reading.
This book held lot of surprises for me and I have found a new genre of book I enjoy reading. This is the first book of a series and I will read the rest of them as soon as I can becaus they are really good and I like how the story drives itself forward.
I found the book bloody and horrible due to things that happens in the book so I must say this is not a book for weak people because there is blood and death, more than I am used to and describe in a way I am not used to.
I can really recommend this book because I really enjoyed it and how it pulled me in. Its a strong first book and I hope the rest is as good and intruguing. I am greatful for reading this book and fining a new genre of books I enjoy reading.
June 6, 2016
Action-packed gore fest
Overall, Extensis Vitae was a good read. Very reminiscent of Captain America: soldier wakes up in the future in an enhanced body. The plot flowed well, and the characters were very intriguing. The author set the story up for a sequel well, without leaving the book's plot unfinished with a cliffhanger.
What I didn't like:
There was a sex scene in chapter 7 (not graphic, more was implied than actually written) that was awkwardly written and unnecessary to either the plot or character development. It came out of nowhere as it seemed so out of character for one of the two involved.
Also, some of the fight and violence scenes were incredibly graphic (think it's and lots of blood and guts). The gore it did have wasn't enough for me to stop reading, but some chapters were extremely gross.
Overall, Extensis Vitae was a good read. Very reminiscent of Captain America: soldier wakes up in the future in an enhanced body. The plot flowed well, and the characters were very intriguing. The author set the story up for a sequel well, without leaving the book's plot unfinished with a cliffhanger.
What I didn't like:
There was a sex scene in chapter 7 (not graphic, more was implied than actually written) that was awkwardly written and unnecessary to either the plot or character development. It came out of nowhere as it seemed so out of character for one of the two involved.
Also, some of the fight and violence scenes were incredibly graphic (think it's and lots of blood and guts). The gore it did have wasn't enough for me to stop reading, but some chapters were extremely gross.
Read
March 5, 2016This post apocalypse story has a somewhat new approach and is interesting. What happens when your peaceful bunker is attacked and your people are not equipped with the violence needed to hand the new world. You revive an old world soldier and point him toward the threat. That's what happened in Extensis Vitae. This novel was interesting read not just for the well written fights and characters, but for the interaction between the old and new world people. As with most of society past, present or future, nobody likes the sheep dog until they find a wolf at their door. I recommend this novel and will continue the series.
December 11, 2015
Well Done!!
I truly enjoyed this no nonsense and straight forward science fiction. It reminded me of classics from the 40's and 50's...no absolute details. Just enough to keep the story moving . No excess fillers of drama or violence or dialogue. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I truly enjoyed this no nonsense and straight forward science fiction. It reminded me of classics from the 40's and 50's...no absolute details. Just enough to keep the story moving . No excess fillers of drama or violence or dialogue. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
January 22, 2015
Fantastic
Thought I would try a new author.I was very surprised to find a new author I really like d. I liked the two main characters. I really enjoyed how well they were written.I really recommend this series.
Thought I would try a new author.I was very surprised to find a new author I really like d. I liked the two main characters. I really enjoyed how well they were written.I really recommend this series.
May 17, 2015
Mad Max meets Demolition Man, this short futuristic novel is well written and the characters are solid. Unfortunately, while they felt believable, they never came alive, and so neither did the story. Three stars is the best I can give it, sorry.
April 22, 2015
Hot stuff
This book is one hot book I enjoyed every one of them and get the others to I think the author effective the book that I really love the book and I'm going to get the others to thank you very much
This book is one hot book I enjoyed every one of them and get the others to I think the author effective the book that I really love the book and I'm going to get the others to thank you very much
August 16, 2016
This is a decent but fairly short book that is typically Fallout-like. It does not have a lot of distinguishing features other than the whole body-swapping stuff, but there's potential in the setting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews