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Bluebird
The three Artifacts revealed themselves when the children fell through the earth. All of humanity changed forever with their arrival, causing the Great Divide. The final generation gap. Those who were born after the Great Divide can see things how they truly are, and can control the universe in ways that some of the old timers call “magic.” But with the great gift that the Artifacts have given them, they all lack many life skills to get them through the day. Some even forget to eat and drink to the point of death, which is why the Western Sisters and Brothers mentor the aloof young people to help them get by in life.
Marcus takes classes at the local university by the sea, and is sometimes ridiculed for his major in Fire. But as strange creatures begin showing up, his passion for the elements begin to come in handy. And when Sister Maria arrives to mentor him for her annual visit, she shows him that a great tragedy is about to befall upon the world. Together they investigate the source of the strange creatures, the great tragedy, and the Artifacts themselves, all while learning life lessons and meaning along the way.
Marcus takes classes at the local university by the sea, and is sometimes ridiculed for his major in Fire. But as strange creatures begin showing up, his passion for the elements begin to come in handy. And when Sister Maria arrives to mentor him for her annual visit, she shows him that a great tragedy is about to befall upon the world. Together they investigate the source of the strange creatures, the great tragedy, and the Artifacts themselves, all while learning life lessons and meaning along the way.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 8, 2024
4 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 8, 2024
Bluebird by Marshall Smith is a thought-provoking escape into a magical, yet realistic world created by chaos, the arrival of the Artifacts.
The hopeful aspects of humanity, most especially when revealed through the eyes of Marcus, a likeable, and compassionate young man searching for truth in a strange new world that has changed so much that it's unrecognizable to the elders.
What connected me to this story almost immediately was the narrator's strong voice and wise insight, along with his unusual friendship with a larger-than-life character, Sister Maria. I just love her! When she arrives, it's in rock-star-style and from then on, our reality is left behind and there is a sense of magic that permeates a world with many dangers, some seen and others not so much.
The wit and intelligence behind some of the most memorable scenes had me laughing out loud.
At the root of this story is the importance of community, finding your why as you come of age, and staying hopeful––even when things are extreme. Well done!
The hopeful aspects of humanity, most especially when revealed through the eyes of Marcus, a likeable, and compassionate young man searching for truth in a strange new world that has changed so much that it's unrecognizable to the elders.
What connected me to this story almost immediately was the narrator's strong voice and wise insight, along with his unusual friendship with a larger-than-life character, Sister Maria. I just love her! When she arrives, it's in rock-star-style and from then on, our reality is left behind and there is a sense of magic that permeates a world with many dangers, some seen and others not so much.
The wit and intelligence behind some of the most memorable scenes had me laughing out loud.
At the root of this story is the importance of community, finding your why as you come of age, and staying hopeful––even when things are extreme. Well done!
June 2, 2025
A refreshing dive into a world where magic meets post-apocalyptic reality. The story centers on Marcus, a university student majoring in Fire, navigating a society transformed by mysterious Artifacts that have granted the younger generation magical abilities but left them lacking basic life skills. The dynamic between Marcus and his mentor, Sister Maria, adds depth as they confront emerging threats linked to the Artifacts.
Smith's world-building is imaginative, blending elements of fantasy and science fiction seamlessly. The narrative explores themes of identity, mentorship, and the challenges of adapting to a rapidly changing world. While the premise is compelling, the story leans heavily on dialogue, which at times affects the pacing and engagement.
Overall, Bluebird offers a unique perspective on a society grappling with newfound powers and the loss of essential human skills. It's a thought-provoking read that balances action with introspection. Looking forward to seeing where Smith takes this universe next.
Smith's world-building is imaginative, blending elements of fantasy and science fiction seamlessly. The narrative explores themes of identity, mentorship, and the challenges of adapting to a rapidly changing world. While the premise is compelling, the story leans heavily on dialogue, which at times affects the pacing and engagement.
Overall, Bluebird offers a unique perspective on a society grappling with newfound powers and the loss of essential human skills. It's a thought-provoking read that balances action with introspection. Looking forward to seeing where Smith takes this universe next.
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June 14, 2024I’m afraid I didn’t enjoy this book. I didn’t enjoy it at all. It deceived all my expectations and left me completely baffled. I really don’t know what to say. I found everything from the cover of the book to its title to its blurb completely misleading. The story moves at a brisk pace, carried off by simplistic dialogues, and unburdened by descriptions, which doesn’t really give much to work with. The concept itself is interesting and intriguing. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about its execution. I'd rather not rate it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews