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Death's Twilight
The first book of a bold new trilogy by up-and-coming author A. J. Leavens.
In the future, Nuclear War has ravaged the planet. Slade Meechan, an Emissary for iCorps embarks on a Delivery to find Randy Herman - a man who's escaped from a Penal Territory.
Beset by hurdle after hurdle, Slade must reach his Target before time runs out.
His journey sends him far from his home, and into a land outside the Government. Accompanied by a loyal and mischievous Diplomatic Corps officer, and an array of mechanical gadgets, Slade crosses the world to fulfill his mandate. What happens when the hunter becomes the hunted? Slade will have to use all of his skills and all of his connections to stay ahead of the one who wants him dead. But is there more to the story?
In the future, Nuclear War has ravaged the planet. Slade Meechan, an Emissary for iCorps embarks on a Delivery to find Randy Herman - a man who's escaped from a Penal Territory.
Beset by hurdle after hurdle, Slade must reach his Target before time runs out.
His journey sends him far from his home, and into a land outside the Government. Accompanied by a loyal and mischievous Diplomatic Corps officer, and an array of mechanical gadgets, Slade crosses the world to fulfill his mandate. What happens when the hunter becomes the hunted? Slade will have to use all of his skills and all of his connections to stay ahead of the one who wants him dead. But is there more to the story?
- GenresScience Fiction
ebook
First published February 10, 2014
13 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Leavens
2 books17 followersA love of reading as a kid allowed me to explore worlds with dragons, spaceships, robots, and antiques cars. I've always had stories in my brain, and I've finally had the time to let them out onto the page. I'm a father of 4 who's been married for 15 years, and is more and more in love everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 6, 2014
This interesting view on the future by A. J. Leavens was an enjoyable read. In a distant future where Big Brother is always watching and the nations of earth are unified under a single government, trained killers are used to pacify anyone who might be seen as a threat to the system.
The story begins with two seemingly disconnected government hitmen hunting different people across the globe. As they search for their targets, hidden government secrets begin coming to light, eventually pitting one protagonist against the other. The plot is well-paced with a variety of twists and turns that kept me guessing about the true motives of the antagonist right up to the end.
There's no shortage of action. From fire-fights to hand-to-hand combat, stealth to hot pursuit, the story unfolds with plenty of action that doesn't go stale while reading.
What I found most intriguing was the thought put into the design of technology used throughout the world. Artificial intelligences have an almost-human feel and mimicking the physical appearance of others is explained in such a way that it is believable in the world Leavens has created. I agree to some respect with other reviewers that the world has a Blader Runner feel. And as someone who enjoyed that film I see the comparison as a positive.
Though the story is set in a distant future, there are plenty of (modern to us) references to pop culture icons ancient to the setting such as the Beatles. As a guy in his thirties with an old soul, it was refreshing to read a book where a protagonist in a setting such as this seemed to long for a simpler time.
This is sure to be an enjoyable read for fans of hard science fiction and dystopian futures. It blends the two nicely.
The story begins with two seemingly disconnected government hitmen hunting different people across the globe. As they search for their targets, hidden government secrets begin coming to light, eventually pitting one protagonist against the other. The plot is well-paced with a variety of twists and turns that kept me guessing about the true motives of the antagonist right up to the end.
There's no shortage of action. From fire-fights to hand-to-hand combat, stealth to hot pursuit, the story unfolds with plenty of action that doesn't go stale while reading.
What I found most intriguing was the thought put into the design of technology used throughout the world. Artificial intelligences have an almost-human feel and mimicking the physical appearance of others is explained in such a way that it is believable in the world Leavens has created. I agree to some respect with other reviewers that the world has a Blader Runner feel. And as someone who enjoyed that film I see the comparison as a positive.
Though the story is set in a distant future, there are plenty of (modern to us) references to pop culture icons ancient to the setting such as the Beatles. As a guy in his thirties with an old soul, it was refreshing to read a book where a protagonist in a setting such as this seemed to long for a simpler time.
This is sure to be an enjoyable read for fans of hard science fiction and dystopian futures. It blends the two nicely.
March 14, 2014
Death's Twilight by A.J. Leavens - This is the kind of post-apocalyptic, sci-fi novel that I usually try to avoid. Against my better judgement I decided to give it a try. To be honest, the first chapter didn't work for me at all - still, something drew me onward.
By the time I had read the second and third chapters, I was hooked. Everything about the world A.J. Leavens has created - a new society built on the skeleton of the old after a nuclear war - is well thought out. I found myself caught up in a 'bladerunneresque' story of Emissaries which seem to be bounty hunter / hit men for the current establishment, unique future technology and a strange speculative future world government.
Great attention is given to each locale in the story, from Japan to Eastern Europe to the break-away independent republic of Crimea to Moscow and beyond.
Throughout the story there is a rogue's gallery of quirky characters with shady backgrounds and motivations. Various sub-plots work together to paint a bleak picture of a future, one government
world.
My only complaint about the book, which is well written with an interesting premise and story, is that it would have benefitted from a professional editor. Thankfully the pros greatly outweighed the
cons and it was easy enough to dismiss any minor typos or inconsistencies.
Four stars and anticipating the sequel.
By the time I had read the second and third chapters, I was hooked. Everything about the world A.J. Leavens has created - a new society built on the skeleton of the old after a nuclear war - is well thought out. I found myself caught up in a 'bladerunneresque' story of Emissaries which seem to be bounty hunter / hit men for the current establishment, unique future technology and a strange speculative future world government.
Great attention is given to each locale in the story, from Japan to Eastern Europe to the break-away independent republic of Crimea to Moscow and beyond.
Throughout the story there is a rogue's gallery of quirky characters with shady backgrounds and motivations. Various sub-plots work together to paint a bleak picture of a future, one government
world.
My only complaint about the book, which is well written with an interesting premise and story, is that it would have benefitted from a professional editor. Thankfully the pros greatly outweighed the
cons and it was easy enough to dismiss any minor typos or inconsistencies.
Four stars and anticipating the sequel.
May 10, 2014
I stumbled across this book looking for a great Post-Apocalyptic story that was unique. And Death’s Twilight is just that. Set in the not so distant future, Death’s Twilight creates a world, or rather a new world based on the after effects of a nuclear war. At first, reestablishing Earth’s population was encouraged, but soon, it gets out of hand and an elite group of “Emissaries” selected by the new government are in charge of keeping the population in check.
I’m not one to give spoilers but I must say that Death’s Twilight kept me intrigued from the very beginning. The writing is crisp, the characters well-developed and the plot is fresh and original, keeping the reader absorbed and hungry for more. The attention to detail the author has woven into this one of a kind adventure is obvious, the descriptions are vivid and the sub-plots peppered throughout makes the story not only plausible, but captivating as well.
If you’re a fan of Kurt Vonnegut, Stephen King and William R. Forstchen then you definitely have to check out Death’s Twilight. You will not be disappointed. 5 stars all the way round!!!
I’m not one to give spoilers but I must say that Death’s Twilight kept me intrigued from the very beginning. The writing is crisp, the characters well-developed and the plot is fresh and original, keeping the reader absorbed and hungry for more. The attention to detail the author has woven into this one of a kind adventure is obvious, the descriptions are vivid and the sub-plots peppered throughout makes the story not only plausible, but captivating as well.
If you’re a fan of Kurt Vonnegut, Stephen King and William R. Forstchen then you definitely have to check out Death’s Twilight. You will not be disappointed. 5 stars all the way round!!!
August 3, 2014
3.5 stars although it would have been four stars if not for the major niggle I detail later.
Slade and Hotaru are emissaries - not that they've ever met - both high skilled and trained deliverers of very specialized epistles in an apparently Utopian future. Beneath the peaceful surface however stews a melting pot of corrupt dealings, abduction, murder - sanctioned and unsanctioned, caste systems and toxic rulers. And one vast and dangerous...intelligence that controls it all. It's far easier to go from emissary to receiver than our two MCs think.
This was fun and easier read, slightly reminiscent of the minority report, with some excellent world building. It's not the longest of books but enough that the reader doesn't feel cheated, and is apparently the start of a series. I imagine from the way it's set up that it should do very well a series set around these characters. Overall I really enjoyed it. Slade is a likeable enough character and Hotaru gives you glimpses of bitchy bad girl that are quite entertaining. We never really get close to either character however and some of the other characters are a bit less well developed. There are also occasions where a character acts strangely for them or does something spurious that I think requires clarification. Still I can see this (and the rest of the series) appealing to sci-fi/ future mystery fans who consume a lot of books.
My big niggle is that I think this book would have benefited from at least one more pass by the author/ editor or even a dedicated beta reader, before publication. It's not rife with typos or SPaG errors but there are enough that, combined with three accidental switches from third to first person narration, it's rather irritating and does jar you out of the story. There are also a couple of areas where the plot is less tightly woven that I think would have been picked up on another run through and a couple of instances of unnecessary information repetition that could have been pruned but clearly got missed.
However, bear in mind that I am super picky on those issues and reading is a very subjective thing. Personally I didn't need the prologue or the very first chapter detailing a day in the life of trainee Slade - all of that could have been woven in from the real start, of the story when Slade goes out on assignment, and with a few short and deftly handled flashbacks, in my opinion. On the other hand some people love prologue - especially when they set up a future history or world build - so that really is subjective. It just came dangerously close to laissez fais info dumping to get a chunk of world building done before the start. Once again, in my opinion.
Really it was the other issues that made me drop half a star. I'd happily give future books 4 stars if those issues were cleared up and the standard held. I thought the narrative Voice was strong, the world was intriguing - just enough politics with out being too 'thinky' - and I love the idea of Emissaries and the letters themselves. The whole set up was very enjoyable. Definitely one for action/ adventure and sci-fi-mystery fans.
Slade and Hotaru are emissaries - not that they've ever met - both high skilled and trained deliverers of very specialized epistles in an apparently Utopian future. Beneath the peaceful surface however stews a melting pot of corrupt dealings, abduction, murder - sanctioned and unsanctioned, caste systems and toxic rulers. And one vast and dangerous...intelligence that controls it all. It's far easier to go from emissary to receiver than our two MCs think.
This was fun and easier read, slightly reminiscent of the minority report, with some excellent world building. It's not the longest of books but enough that the reader doesn't feel cheated, and is apparently the start of a series. I imagine from the way it's set up that it should do very well a series set around these characters. Overall I really enjoyed it. Slade is a likeable enough character and Hotaru gives you glimpses of bitchy bad girl that are quite entertaining. We never really get close to either character however and some of the other characters are a bit less well developed. There are also occasions where a character acts strangely for them or does something spurious that I think requires clarification. Still I can see this (and the rest of the series) appealing to sci-fi/ future mystery fans who consume a lot of books.
My big niggle is that I think this book would have benefited from at least one more pass by the author/ editor or even a dedicated beta reader, before publication. It's not rife with typos or SPaG errors but there are enough that, combined with three accidental switches from third to first person narration, it's rather irritating and does jar you out of the story. There are also a couple of areas where the plot is less tightly woven that I think would have been picked up on another run through and a couple of instances of unnecessary information repetition that could have been pruned but clearly got missed.
However, bear in mind that I am super picky on those issues and reading is a very subjective thing. Personally I didn't need the prologue or the very first chapter detailing a day in the life of trainee Slade - all of that could have been woven in from the real start, of the story when Slade goes out on assignment, and with a few short and deftly handled flashbacks, in my opinion. On the other hand some people love prologue - especially when they set up a future history or world build - so that really is subjective. It just came dangerously close to laissez fais info dumping to get a chunk of world building done before the start. Once again, in my opinion.
Really it was the other issues that made me drop half a star. I'd happily give future books 4 stars if those issues were cleared up and the standard held. I thought the narrative Voice was strong, the world was intriguing - just enough politics with out being too 'thinky' - and I love the idea of Emissaries and the letters themselves. The whole set up was very enjoyable. Definitely one for action/ adventure and sci-fi-mystery fans.
August 10, 2016
An interesting look at a post nuclear world. I really couldn't stop reading this book once I got a hold of it. Looking forward to the next 2 books.
September 7, 2014
This was probably one of the creepiest, big-brother is watching you, sci-fi books that I've read in a very long time. It reminded me of cold-war Russia picking kids for their gymnastics programs and turning them in to Olympic athletes, only in this book it was turning them into cold-blooded killers. The story takes place in a post-nuclear apocalypse world where the government is based upon the game of Risk.
There are Alpha, Beta, and Gamma killers who deliver "The Letter" to individuals who deserve to be punished by the government. The Alphas are the elite killers, while the Betas and Gammas are in training, waiting for their moment to step into an Alpha's shoes. One of the main ways they can work their way up the ladder is for an Alpha to fail to deliver their Letter in time. When they fail, they too are subject to receiving their own Letter, which means certain death upon reading it.
Slade is an experienced Alpha who fails to deliver his Letter on time, and another elite Alpha, Hotaru, is charged with delivering a Letter to him as punishment. She is also in the middle of uncovering some information that may expose a government plot to kill adversaries with diseases that have been eradicated for decades, yet mysteriously are the main cause of death for Letter recipients.
Slade is being set up, but he doesn't know the reason why, as he did deliver his Letter on time. Hotaru is a finely tuned killing machine, but she too finds herself on the wrong side of the law by digging too deeply into the mysterious disease issue. The government now wants them both dead. Luckily there is an insider who is fed up with the direction the government is going in, and is willing to help.
I really enjoyed this novel and found it difficult to put down, though it was uncomfortable to read at times. It is uncomfortable because it seems plausible, and has a good government conspiracy-theory vibe. Throw in some interesting technology, some bionic body parts, and the ability to change yourself with downloadable upgrades, and you've got a great beginning to a sci-fi thriller series.
There are Alpha, Beta, and Gamma killers who deliver "The Letter" to individuals who deserve to be punished by the government. The Alphas are the elite killers, while the Betas and Gammas are in training, waiting for their moment to step into an Alpha's shoes. One of the main ways they can work their way up the ladder is for an Alpha to fail to deliver their Letter in time. When they fail, they too are subject to receiving their own Letter, which means certain death upon reading it.
Slade is an experienced Alpha who fails to deliver his Letter on time, and another elite Alpha, Hotaru, is charged with delivering a Letter to him as punishment. She is also in the middle of uncovering some information that may expose a government plot to kill adversaries with diseases that have been eradicated for decades, yet mysteriously are the main cause of death for Letter recipients.
Slade is being set up, but he doesn't know the reason why, as he did deliver his Letter on time. Hotaru is a finely tuned killing machine, but she too finds herself on the wrong side of the law by digging too deeply into the mysterious disease issue. The government now wants them both dead. Luckily there is an insider who is fed up with the direction the government is going in, and is willing to help.
I really enjoyed this novel and found it difficult to put down, though it was uncomfortable to read at times. It is uncomfortable because it seems plausible, and has a good government conspiracy-theory vibe. Throw in some interesting technology, some bionic body parts, and the ability to change yourself with downloadable upgrades, and you've got a great beginning to a sci-fi thriller series.
August 23, 2014
This is a very fun read, and a great adventure to get lost in! It depicts what the future could look like in two hundred plus years. A.J. Leavens has created a world that is easy believable. He intertwines details from our time with totally creative technology that might exist in the future. These details coupled with constant, fast paced action, make for a great read.
Slade is an alpha emissary, which is the highest rank in a global police task force, whose job is to track down individuals the government deems dangerous.
Soon after finding these people, and delivering the official letter from the government telling them of their status, they die of either, cancer, smallpox, a heart attack, or some other disease that they had no traces of having before the letter was delivered.
Slade loves his job and feels like he is fighting for justice, and doesn't question his methods to fulfill his assignments. But when a delivery goes wrong, and he becomes a target the government is after, he starts to question the system.
This story was particularly interesting considering some of the things that have been happening in the news in regards to police, and choices on their part in fighting for justice. The moral standards the emissary's follow to fulfill their assignments, take on a berserk tendency, where they lose all rationality in reprimanding their targets. Although it may have been unintentional, this book is definitely an interesting commentary on those who have been given power, and the methods they use to enforce a certain rule of law.
If you like fast paced, high action adventure, that has a Jason Bourne feel to it, you'll love this story!
Slade is an alpha emissary, which is the highest rank in a global police task force, whose job is to track down individuals the government deems dangerous.
Soon after finding these people, and delivering the official letter from the government telling them of their status, they die of either, cancer, smallpox, a heart attack, or some other disease that they had no traces of having before the letter was delivered.
Slade loves his job and feels like he is fighting for justice, and doesn't question his methods to fulfill his assignments. But when a delivery goes wrong, and he becomes a target the government is after, he starts to question the system.
This story was particularly interesting considering some of the things that have been happening in the news in regards to police, and choices on their part in fighting for justice. The moral standards the emissary's follow to fulfill their assignments, take on a berserk tendency, where they lose all rationality in reprimanding their targets. Although it may have been unintentional, this book is definitely an interesting commentary on those who have been given power, and the methods they use to enforce a certain rule of law.
If you like fast paced, high action adventure, that has a Jason Bourne feel to it, you'll love this story!
September 12, 2014
Death's Twilight, The Meechan Chronicles was a startlingly realistic depiction of post apocalyptic life on Earth. I was completely drawn into this intriguing tale and didn't want it to end.
Slade is an Emissary who lives a solitary but privileged life, Hotaru is a beautifully disciplined and equally dangerous individual in the same line of business. The story follows the exciting and destructive paths of these individuals at a fast pace, entertaining with twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
There's lots of lovely futuristic gadgetry in this compelling and harsh world where Delivering a Letter has seriously different connotations from the norm. I was hugely interested in the government conspiracies woven into the plot. A.J. Leavens writes in an easy, no nonsense style that befits the nature of the story and his characters. I cannot wait to read the next instalment of this series and find out what happens with Slade and Hotaru, who despite their jobs and their modifications, retain so much of their basic humanity.
I would highly recommend this first instalment to what is surely set to be an amazing series from a very talented author.
Slade is an Emissary who lives a solitary but privileged life, Hotaru is a beautifully disciplined and equally dangerous individual in the same line of business. The story follows the exciting and destructive paths of these individuals at a fast pace, entertaining with twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
There's lots of lovely futuristic gadgetry in this compelling and harsh world where Delivering a Letter has seriously different connotations from the norm. I was hugely interested in the government conspiracies woven into the plot. A.J. Leavens writes in an easy, no nonsense style that befits the nature of the story and his characters. I cannot wait to read the next instalment of this series and find out what happens with Slade and Hotaru, who despite their jobs and their modifications, retain so much of their basic humanity.
I would highly recommend this first instalment to what is surely set to be an amazing series from a very talented author.
August 8, 2014
This was an interesting start to what could be a fun series!
It's a story set in the future, but it doesn't feel overly 'futuristic.' The two main characters have some interesting gadgets and drive hovercrafts, but ultimately are very relatable people.
The story follows Slade and Hotaru. Both take pride in their work and have faith that they live in a reasonable and just world. That faith starts to unravel when first Slade and then Hotaru discover the first threads of some pretty disturbing conspiracies.
It's a fun ride! The author does fight scenes really well, and once you get a few chapters in, the pacing if the story moves at a good clip. If you're looking for a little scifi with a shot of adrenaline, you'll enjoy Death's Twilight!
It's a story set in the future, but it doesn't feel overly 'futuristic.' The two main characters have some interesting gadgets and drive hovercrafts, but ultimately are very relatable people.
The story follows Slade and Hotaru. Both take pride in their work and have faith that they live in a reasonable and just world. That faith starts to unravel when first Slade and then Hotaru discover the first threads of some pretty disturbing conspiracies.
It's a fun ride! The author does fight scenes really well, and once you get a few chapters in, the pacing if the story moves at a good clip. If you're looking for a little scifi with a shot of adrenaline, you'll enjoy Death's Twilight!
August 4, 2014
An entertaining romp through a post-apocolyptic landscape with two engaging heroes and a well-imagined world. The detail and realisation of the future hardware will delight fans of whizzy tech, while the tale of a man betrayed and finding the system he had worked for turning on him is as old as storytelling, and no less engaging for that. Leavens keeps us guessing as he keeps the action moving, with a second, parallel storyline that gradually converges with the first. Looking forward to book 2
September 5, 2014
I enjoyed this dystopian tale. It reminded me of Logan's Run in that a member of the elite responsible for maintaining the status quo suddenly becomes its target. I really enjoyed the game of cat and mouse between Slade and Hotaru.
Sometimes the logic underpinning some characters' actions escaped me, but perhaps this become clear in later volumes. It will be interesting to see these characters develop through the series.
Sometimes the logic underpinning some characters' actions escaped me, but perhaps this become clear in later volumes. It will be interesting to see these characters develop through the series.
September 22, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Four out of five stars, for the great story, well written characters, and lots of action. Could use one more proofread/edit, but the errors weren't abundant or distracting.
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November 1, 2014In Death’s Twilight, Emissaries are used to deliver letters that people don’t want to receive. Those that receive this letter from the Government die. Slade Meechan, an Emissary is sent to deliver a letter Randy Herman, someone who has escaped from the Penal Territory. Failure to deliver the letter in the allotted time results in a penalty such as six weeks imprisonment.
Slade’s search for Herman takes him all over the world and yet when he catches up to him with minutes to spare, his chronometer reads that he is 16 seconds too late. Now he is the hunted, and not for imprisonment – for a delivery of his own letter. Can he escape it? He knows there is something more going on. Can he prove it before they kill him?
Death’s Twilight had a lot of action. There was plenty of fighting and running and evading. The pacing was fairly even throughout the book. I thought it was interesting how the author took present day items and made them historical references in his story.
The world didn’t seem to be too much of a different place although it was supposed to be a futuristic world, probably because the author used a set up like the game “Risk” for the layout of his Territories and the names of the Past Presidents of the United States and the new Governing Heads of State.
The story was an interesting one that certainly leaves us knowing that there is more to come in a sequel. I gave Death’s Twilight 3 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
Slade’s search for Herman takes him all over the world and yet when he catches up to him with minutes to spare, his chronometer reads that he is 16 seconds too late. Now he is the hunted, and not for imprisonment – for a delivery of his own letter. Can he escape it? He knows there is something more going on. Can he prove it before they kill him?
Death’s Twilight had a lot of action. There was plenty of fighting and running and evading. The pacing was fairly even throughout the book. I thought it was interesting how the author took present day items and made them historical references in his story.
The world didn’t seem to be too much of a different place although it was supposed to be a futuristic world, probably because the author used a set up like the game “Risk” for the layout of his Territories and the names of the Past Presidents of the United States and the new Governing Heads of State.
The story was an interesting one that certainly leaves us knowing that there is more to come in a sequel. I gave Death’s Twilight 3 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews