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Tabula Rasa
In the far reaches of the future, where the once-majestic godlands are withering and the planet’s life force is being snuffed out, a tale of redemption and resilience unfolds. Meet antihero Ordulis Cavo, a convict shackled by the weight of war crimes beyond treason. As the world faces peril from a power-hungry sorceress seeking Anima—an arcane energy of unimaginable potential—enigmatic forces call upon Cavo to thwart her. With his motley crew of heroes, Cavo’s journey is more than a fight against external evils; it’s a voyage inward, challenging his own nature and the dark history that binds him. Every choice has the power to alter the course of existence, where even a villain might just be a hero in disguise. But evil begets evil. Can the convict rewrite his destiny, or is he fated to be the instrument of ultimate destruction?
506 pages, Paperback
Published August 20, 2024
1 person is currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Paul L. Centeno
12 books152 followersPaul L. Centeno is a Puerto Rican author from the Bronx. He is an award-winning author and finalist for the 2022 Killer Nashville Claymore Award. Born and raised in New York City, he studied at Herbert H. Lehman College where he earned a BA in Philosophy and Creative Writing. After graduation, he worked with Gabriel Packard, Associate Director of the Creative Writing MFA Program at Hunter College, to improve his craft.
His fantasy novel, The Vagrant Chronicle, was critically acclaimed in Writer’s Digest Annual Indie Book Awards. Kirkus Reviews stated, “Centeno yearns to create something completely new, and if we immerse ourselves in his cosmos, we will be richly rewarded.” He recently won awards from Writers of the Future for his short stories, Steamwalker and Celestial Heights. In 2024 his latest novel Tabula Rasa was awarded first place for best Fantasy by BIBA.
Centeno lives in Florida and is currently working on his 11th novel.
His fantasy novel, The Vagrant Chronicle, was critically acclaimed in Writer’s Digest Annual Indie Book Awards. Kirkus Reviews stated, “Centeno yearns to create something completely new, and if we immerse ourselves in his cosmos, we will be richly rewarded.” He recently won awards from Writers of the Future for his short stories, Steamwalker and Celestial Heights. In 2024 his latest novel Tabula Rasa was awarded first place for best Fantasy by BIBA.
Centeno lives in Florida and is currently working on his 11th novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
dnf
May 2, 2025DNF @ 11%
I don't know what it is about this book, but things are happening way too fast for my liking.
The audiobook is well produced and has cool sound-effects, but I just didn't like the male narration much. The main character's voice was also not my favorite.
Sadly, this wasn't for me and I'd rather move on to book's I know I'll enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I don't know what it is about this book, but things are happening way too fast for my liking.
The audiobook is well produced and has cool sound-effects, but I just didn't like the male narration much. The main character's voice was also not my favorite.
Sadly, this wasn't for me and I'd rather move on to book's I know I'll enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
April 29, 2025
Ordulis Cavo betrayed his people and is convicted of war crimes more heinous than can be imagined. When his transportation crash lands on another planet he has the chance to right past wrongs or continue down the same path he had long ago set for himself. Magic is in danger of dying in and, with it, the lives of countless generations of beings. But would that be such a bad thing?
This had one of the best audiobook productions I've ever had the pleasure of listening to, complete with immersive sound effects and music. The storyline was also fun and full of tension, which made for an all-round enjoyable time. Is this a new favourite? No. Did I have a few problems with the plot trajectory? Yes. But I just immensely enjoyed this for what it was!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Paul L. Centeno, the audiobook narrators, Salathiel Reagan and Courtney Holly, and the publisher, Paul L. Centeno, for this opportunity.
This had one of the best audiobook productions I've ever had the pleasure of listening to, complete with immersive sound effects and music. The storyline was also fun and full of tension, which made for an all-round enjoyable time. Is this a new favourite? No. Did I have a few problems with the plot trajectory? Yes. But I just immensely enjoyed this for what it was!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Paul L. Centeno, the audiobook narrators, Salathiel Reagan and Courtney Holly, and the publisher, Paul L. Centeno, for this opportunity.
January 31, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.
Overview:
In a dying world where the remnants of ancient power are fading, Ordulis Cavo—a former war criminal haunted by his past—is given an unexpected chance at redemption. The planet is on the brink of destruction, threatened by a ruthless sorceress who seeks to control Anima, a powerful and mysterious energy source that could reshape existence itself.
Reluctantly pulled into the conflict, Cavo is forced to team up with an unlikely crew of warriors, rebels, and outcasts to stop her. But his journey isn’t just about fighting external threats—it’s also about confronting his own demons and deciding what kind of man he truly is. As he navigates betrayals, violent battles, and moral dilemmas, Cavo must choose between remaining a villain or forging a new path.
In a universe where power corrupts and past sins never fade, can a man built for destruction truly become something more?
First Thoughts:
I have to start with a confession: I have never read or listened to a science fiction book before. So, I might not be the best person to judge the sci-fi elements of this story. But! I went in with an open mind, determined to give this audiobook a fair shot and properly evaluate both the story and the listening experience.
Initial Struggles – A Rocky Start:
Right from the beginning, I struggled to get into the story. The transitions between scenes and chapters felt abrupt, sometimes even random. There were moments where I had absolutely no idea what was happening or how one event connected to the next. The pacing felt disjointed, making it difficult to grasp the flow of the plot.
Another major hurdle was the worldbuilding. It was complex—too complex in some parts. The book throws the reader into a completely new, unfamiliar world, where literally everything is different from what we know. While that’s great in terms of creativity, it also makes it so much harder to follow when there aren’t enough detailed explanations or descriptions to help ground the reader.
The names of places, objects, and concepts were completely unfamiliar, and I struggled to keep up. When an author builds a brand-new world from scratch, extra effort needs to go into making it accessible to the audience. A comic or visual adaptation would have been perfect for this story, allowing readers to see the world rather than trying to decode it through vague or minimal descriptions.
The Listening Experience – A Mental Workout:
I’m not exaggerating when I say that I had to fight my way through this audiobook. There were multiple points where I completely lost track of the story and zoned out, simply because I didn’t understand what was going on. I’d estimate that about 70% of the time, I had no idea what the characters’ current goal was or what the main conflict in the middle of the book even was.
And that’s such a shame because I can tell there’s a genuinely interesting world behind all of this. With more descriptions and better scene transitions, this could have been a fantastic immersive sci-fi experience. But as it is, the lack of clarity and structure made it frustrating to follow.
Writing Style – A Mixed Bag:
One thing that did surprise me was the poetic inserts at the beginning of each chapter. They were beautifully written and completely different in tone from the rest of the book. It was a nice contrast, especially considering how rough, crude, and fast-paced the main story was.
I also really appreciated that the characters had distinct speaking styles. Their speech patterns and dialogue reflected their personalities, which shows how thought-out the world actually is—or could have been, if the writing had included more descriptions and scene-setting.
Characters – A Tough Hero and a Favorite Sidekick:
The protagonist, Ordulis Cavo, is clearly designed to be the ultimate antihero. He’s hardened, ruthless, and doesn’t show much emotion. His past defines him, and while the story gives him chances to change, those moments felt rushed and underdeveloped.
That being said—Pookie was my absolute favorite. (I hope I spelled her name correctly!) She was the highlight of the book for me, and I found myself looking forward to her scenes. So, it was honestly disappointing when she wasn’t part of the missions anymore. The story definitely felt less fun without her around.
My Favorite Scene (for the Wrong Reasons):
Hands down, the funniest moment in the entire book was this one quote from the protagonist:
“This one’s for you, Pookie.” […] And then he started to breakdance.
I lost it. The way the scene was set up, combined with the stiff delivery and the background music, made it so unexpectedly hilarious. 😂😂😂
In general, the humor in this book was crude, sometimes borderline ridiculous, but it worked because it fit the personalities of the characters. Even if I wasn’t completely invested in the plot, these unexpected moments of absurdity kept me entertained.
Audiobook Experience – The Saving Grace:
The absolute best part of this experience was the audiobook production.
Without the sound effects, background music, and robotic voice modulations, I definitely would have marked this as DNF (Did Not Finish).
The production elevated the story, making it feel more like a cinematic experience rather than just an audiobook. The robotic characters sounded authentically mechanical, and the music added an extra layer of immersion. If I had read this as a physical book, I don’t think I would have made it past the first few chapters.
Strengths:
Poetic chapter introductions that added a unique stylistic contrast.
Distinct character dialogue styles that made the world feel authentic.
Crude, sometimes absurd humor that surprisingly worked in the context of the characters.
Pookie (easily the best part of the book).
Outstanding audiobook production with immersive sound effects and robotic voice distortions.
Weaknesses:
Extremely rough scene transitions that made it difficult to follow the plot.
Overly complex worldbuilding that lacked enough explanations to make it accessible.
Too many unfamiliar names that made it hard to keep track of important elements.
Lack of descriptions that could have helped visualize this completely new world.
A protagonist who was just “tough” with almost no emotional depth.
Final Thoughts:
I really wanted to like Tabula Rasa, but in the end, I struggled too much with the execution. The world had so much potential, but without enough explanations, descriptions, or smoother transitions, it felt confusing and inaccessible.
However, the audiobook production was phenomenal. The sound effects, robotic voices, and music added so much life to the story that, despite my struggles, I kept listening. If I had read this as a physical book, I doubt I would have finished it.
Would I recommend this book? For hardcore sci-fi fans who love complex, chaotic worlds - maybe.
Would I recommend the audiobook experience? - Absolutely.
Would I read another book by this author? - Only if it had more descriptions and a clearer structure.
⭐ Rating: 2.5/5 (Purely because the audiobook production saved it from being a DNF.)
Overview:
In a dying world where the remnants of ancient power are fading, Ordulis Cavo—a former war criminal haunted by his past—is given an unexpected chance at redemption. The planet is on the brink of destruction, threatened by a ruthless sorceress who seeks to control Anima, a powerful and mysterious energy source that could reshape existence itself.
Reluctantly pulled into the conflict, Cavo is forced to team up with an unlikely crew of warriors, rebels, and outcasts to stop her. But his journey isn’t just about fighting external threats—it’s also about confronting his own demons and deciding what kind of man he truly is. As he navigates betrayals, violent battles, and moral dilemmas, Cavo must choose between remaining a villain or forging a new path.
In a universe where power corrupts and past sins never fade, can a man built for destruction truly become something more?
First Thoughts:
I have to start with a confession: I have never read or listened to a science fiction book before. So, I might not be the best person to judge the sci-fi elements of this story. But! I went in with an open mind, determined to give this audiobook a fair shot and properly evaluate both the story and the listening experience.
Initial Struggles – A Rocky Start:
Right from the beginning, I struggled to get into the story. The transitions between scenes and chapters felt abrupt, sometimes even random. There were moments where I had absolutely no idea what was happening or how one event connected to the next. The pacing felt disjointed, making it difficult to grasp the flow of the plot.
Another major hurdle was the worldbuilding. It was complex—too complex in some parts. The book throws the reader into a completely new, unfamiliar world, where literally everything is different from what we know. While that’s great in terms of creativity, it also makes it so much harder to follow when there aren’t enough detailed explanations or descriptions to help ground the reader.
The names of places, objects, and concepts were completely unfamiliar, and I struggled to keep up. When an author builds a brand-new world from scratch, extra effort needs to go into making it accessible to the audience. A comic or visual adaptation would have been perfect for this story, allowing readers to see the world rather than trying to decode it through vague or minimal descriptions.
The Listening Experience – A Mental Workout:
I’m not exaggerating when I say that I had to fight my way through this audiobook. There were multiple points where I completely lost track of the story and zoned out, simply because I didn’t understand what was going on. I’d estimate that about 70% of the time, I had no idea what the characters’ current goal was or what the main conflict in the middle of the book even was.
And that’s such a shame because I can tell there’s a genuinely interesting world behind all of this. With more descriptions and better scene transitions, this could have been a fantastic immersive sci-fi experience. But as it is, the lack of clarity and structure made it frustrating to follow.
Writing Style – A Mixed Bag:
One thing that did surprise me was the poetic inserts at the beginning of each chapter. They were beautifully written and completely different in tone from the rest of the book. It was a nice contrast, especially considering how rough, crude, and fast-paced the main story was.
I also really appreciated that the characters had distinct speaking styles. Their speech patterns and dialogue reflected their personalities, which shows how thought-out the world actually is—or could have been, if the writing had included more descriptions and scene-setting.
Characters – A Tough Hero and a Favorite Sidekick:
The protagonist, Ordulis Cavo, is clearly designed to be the ultimate antihero. He’s hardened, ruthless, and doesn’t show much emotion. His past defines him, and while the story gives him chances to change, those moments felt rushed and underdeveloped.
That being said—Pookie was my absolute favorite. (I hope I spelled her name correctly!) She was the highlight of the book for me, and I found myself looking forward to her scenes. So, it was honestly disappointing when she wasn’t part of the missions anymore. The story definitely felt less fun without her around.
My Favorite Scene (for the Wrong Reasons):
Hands down, the funniest moment in the entire book was this one quote from the protagonist:
“This one’s for you, Pookie.” […] And then he started to breakdance.
I lost it. The way the scene was set up, combined with the stiff delivery and the background music, made it so unexpectedly hilarious. 😂😂😂
In general, the humor in this book was crude, sometimes borderline ridiculous, but it worked because it fit the personalities of the characters. Even if I wasn’t completely invested in the plot, these unexpected moments of absurdity kept me entertained.
Audiobook Experience – The Saving Grace:
The absolute best part of this experience was the audiobook production.
Without the sound effects, background music, and robotic voice modulations, I definitely would have marked this as DNF (Did Not Finish).
The production elevated the story, making it feel more like a cinematic experience rather than just an audiobook. The robotic characters sounded authentically mechanical, and the music added an extra layer of immersion. If I had read this as a physical book, I don’t think I would have made it past the first few chapters.
Strengths:
Poetic chapter introductions that added a unique stylistic contrast.
Distinct character dialogue styles that made the world feel authentic.
Crude, sometimes absurd humor that surprisingly worked in the context of the characters.
Pookie (easily the best part of the book).
Outstanding audiobook production with immersive sound effects and robotic voice distortions.
Weaknesses:
Extremely rough scene transitions that made it difficult to follow the plot.
Overly complex worldbuilding that lacked enough explanations to make it accessible.
Too many unfamiliar names that made it hard to keep track of important elements.
Lack of descriptions that could have helped visualize this completely new world.
A protagonist who was just “tough” with almost no emotional depth.
Final Thoughts:
I really wanted to like Tabula Rasa, but in the end, I struggled too much with the execution. The world had so much potential, but without enough explanations, descriptions, or smoother transitions, it felt confusing and inaccessible.
However, the audiobook production was phenomenal. The sound effects, robotic voices, and music added so much life to the story that, despite my struggles, I kept listening. If I had read this as a physical book, I doubt I would have finished it.
Would I recommend this book? For hardcore sci-fi fans who love complex, chaotic worlds - maybe.
Would I recommend the audiobook experience? - Absolutely.
Would I read another book by this author? - Only if it had more descriptions and a clearer structure.
⭐ Rating: 2.5/5 (Purely because the audiobook production saved it from being a DNF.)
February 6, 2025
3.5 !
This is my first experience doing a science fiction audiobook, and I have to say, I really want to dive into more sci-fi after finishing this one!
Who doesn't enjoy an antihero war criminal with a rough past! And a fun sidekick, Pookie!
I struggled in the beginning, I did the audiobook for this one, and I found myself having to repeat a lot of the chapters in the beginning in order to get a full grasp on what was happening. (I think it stems from my lack of experience with sci-fi). I think physically reading it would have made the beginning easier to digest, however, I would say the audiobook is a must listen.
The world building was extremely creative, filled with a lot of action packed scenes. This made for a great and fun audiobook because of all the production sound. I think this made for a more captivating story when it's designed this way, rather than two narrators just reading. The sound effects were out of this world (literally) and truly made this experience. You were able to feel as if you are actual in the middle of the battle scene. The narrators were incredibly talented.
There was also a lot of humor in this book that I wasn't expecting, but worked out so well.
All around a fun listen. This story really peaked my interest in expanding into sci-fi and I'm so happy I gave it a try!
Thank you to NetGalley & IBPA for providing me with this Audiobook!
This is my first experience doing a science fiction audiobook, and I have to say, I really want to dive into more sci-fi after finishing this one!
Who doesn't enjoy an antihero war criminal with a rough past! And a fun sidekick, Pookie!
I struggled in the beginning, I did the audiobook for this one, and I found myself having to repeat a lot of the chapters in the beginning in order to get a full grasp on what was happening. (I think it stems from my lack of experience with sci-fi). I think physically reading it would have made the beginning easier to digest, however, I would say the audiobook is a must listen.
The world building was extremely creative, filled with a lot of action packed scenes. This made for a great and fun audiobook because of all the production sound. I think this made for a more captivating story when it's designed this way, rather than two narrators just reading. The sound effects were out of this world (literally) and truly made this experience. You were able to feel as if you are actual in the middle of the battle scene. The narrators were incredibly talented.
There was also a lot of humor in this book that I wasn't expecting, but worked out so well.
All around a fun listen. This story really peaked my interest in expanding into sci-fi and I'm so happy I gave it a try!
Thank you to NetGalley & IBPA for providing me with this Audiobook!
February 6, 2025
(2.0 Stars)
Thank you to #NetGalley for providing this audiobook for reading and review.
I want to look for the positive. The audiobook was highly produced, much like a "graphic audio" book, but to be honest... it was better done than a lot of the graphic audio books I've read on Audible. The vocal effects were done well and you could still understand the words being said. The background sounds did not step over the narration, and the narrators were very good. If I was rating the production quality of this audiobook it would be at least 4 of 5 stars.
The book itself just wasn't for me. The author's page says he "yearns to create something completely new", and I wonder if that is more a negative than a positive. I feel like the story was just all over the place and the plot (if there was one) was lost in the mix. The characters were non-relatable, and the "world" was nonsensical.
There are some writers who are just naturally funny. And then sometimes humor feels forced. I am very particular about humor in books where humor isn't the main focus of the book. I think this book was trying to attempt a lighthearted humor, which was a swing and a miss for me. It just felt like the book was trying to do too much, be too many things.
If you like Christopher Moore, or Jason Pargin, you might like this book.
This was my second book by this author. I may try to read his book The Vagrant Chronicle, because it is critically acclaimed, but other than that (and unless I find it amazing), I wouldn't read more by this author. However, I would listen to an audiobook he produced.
Thank you to #NetGalley for providing this audiobook for reading and review.
I want to look for the positive. The audiobook was highly produced, much like a "graphic audio" book, but to be honest... it was better done than a lot of the graphic audio books I've read on Audible. The vocal effects were done well and you could still understand the words being said. The background sounds did not step over the narration, and the narrators were very good. If I was rating the production quality of this audiobook it would be at least 4 of 5 stars.
The book itself just wasn't for me. The author's page says he "yearns to create something completely new", and I wonder if that is more a negative than a positive. I feel like the story was just all over the place and the plot (if there was one) was lost in the mix. The characters were non-relatable, and the "world" was nonsensical.
There are some writers who are just naturally funny. And then sometimes humor feels forced. I am very particular about humor in books where humor isn't the main focus of the book. I think this book was trying to attempt a lighthearted humor, which was a swing and a miss for me. It just felt like the book was trying to do too much, be too many things.
If you like Christopher Moore, or Jason Pargin, you might like this book.
This was my second book by this author. I may try to read his book The Vagrant Chronicle, because it is critically acclaimed, but other than that (and unless I find it amazing), I wouldn't read more by this author. However, I would listen to an audiobook he produced.
January 29, 2025
I have no problem with swears whatsoever and frequently read things that have pretty wildly colorful diction. No holds barred is my usual take.
This audio book has some chosen swears that are vulgar and crass in such a manner that I won’t be repeating them for the sake of the review. Inappropriate and offensive. The narrator has great inflection and the sound effects used are similar to a graphic audio production but the actual writing of this story was very clearly not for me. I cannot in good conscience recommend this.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
This audio book has some chosen swears that are vulgar and crass in such a manner that I won’t be repeating them for the sake of the review. Inappropriate and offensive. The narrator has great inflection and the sound effects used are similar to a graphic audio production but the actual writing of this story was very clearly not for me. I cannot in good conscience recommend this.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 26, 2025
2.75
Very well narrated audiobook with background sounds etc that was very much like a graphic audiobook. That was the best part.
The story is character driven but is action packed - which I do enjoy , however sometimes the action scenes felt rushed with the MC just overcoming things rather without difficulty. The overall story also felt predictable. The characters also a little one dimensional and lacked complexity, not to mention that the romance felt forced.
The world building took me a while to really sink into but once that was solidified, it was great. 😊
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
Very well narrated audiobook with background sounds etc that was very much like a graphic audiobook. That was the best part.
The story is character driven but is action packed - which I do enjoy , however sometimes the action scenes felt rushed with the MC just overcoming things rather without difficulty. The overall story also felt predictable. The characters also a little one dimensional and lacked complexity, not to mention that the romance felt forced.
The world building took me a while to really sink into but once that was solidified, it was great. 😊
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
February 15, 2025
This book was a fun fantasy I ended the audiobook as it brings you into the world with our main character
January 28, 2025
This is a very well-produced audiobook, with sound effects, music, an echoing AI voice and a full cast of characters. I can tell the author worked hard on this and likely over a number of years. There is interesting world-building and good visual descriptions throughout.
However, it just didn’t work for me. Some of the gratuitous swearing seemed like it was meant to engage younger readers with how “adult” they are. In several places, “vocabulary words” were used then explained. Then there was the impromptu break dancing. Some of the aliens and their voices were fun, but we couldn’t enjoy it on our own - the main character had to respond or reflect on the exchange so we’d know it was ok to laugh. For all these reasons it has a strong YA (+ cursing and name-calling) vibe that left me cold. Is there any reason off the playground to call someone a f*cktard?
In addition, the plot wasn’t easy to follow. I made it to 57% and didn’t really have a good sense of what was happening, so I finished it at 2x. Giving it 2 stars (and a bar of soap!) for the production quality and world building. If the author works more on plot and storytelling, he could be quite good. And to be clear, I don’t have a problem with swearing to define a character or in reaction to a situation, like Ari in the old HBO show Entourage. This was different.
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TabulaRasa for review purposes. Publication date: 28 Jan 2025.
However, it just didn’t work for me. Some of the gratuitous swearing seemed like it was meant to engage younger readers with how “adult” they are. In several places, “vocabulary words” were used then explained. Then there was the impromptu break dancing. Some of the aliens and their voices were fun, but we couldn’t enjoy it on our own - the main character had to respond or reflect on the exchange so we’d know it was ok to laugh. For all these reasons it has a strong YA (+ cursing and name-calling) vibe that left me cold. Is there any reason off the playground to call someone a f*cktard?
In addition, the plot wasn’t easy to follow. I made it to 57% and didn’t really have a good sense of what was happening, so I finished it at 2x. Giving it 2 stars (and a bar of soap!) for the production quality and world building. If the author works more on plot and storytelling, he could be quite good. And to be clear, I don’t have a problem with swearing to define a character or in reaction to a situation, like Ari in the old HBO show Entourage. This was different.
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TabulaRasa for review purposes. Publication date: 28 Jan 2025.
February 20, 2025
2.5 Stars
One thing that I've said many times is that for some reason, when you have books in the Epic or High Fantasy genre, it is sometimes harder to build the world in my mind if I am listening to an audiobook versus reading an actual print version. I think it is because when there are new and complex descriptions, you can normally reread a sentence if it didn't make sense or even reread paragraphs if you get a little ways farther in the story and realize that you have no idea what you are reading. Unfortunately, in an audiobook, that is a harder thing to do. Now, I am going to add Science Fiction books - or at least THIS Sci-Fi book - into that category.
First of all, this was not a normal audiobook. It was more of a graphic audio production. With these type of graphic audio books, it is usually a crap shoot on whether or not it makes the story better or worse. Sometimes the story is so over-produced that it takes away from the listening experience of the reader (and by reader I mean me). In this case though, I think they did a really good job with the production of this audiobook. The narrators did a great job and the whole production of the story -with the sound effects, music, the robots, etc.- everything was done very nicely.
Unfortunately, there were many things that took me out of the story and some of these things were just too difficult to come back from. This story throws us into a brand new world with some extremely complex world building but does not really take the time or utilize accurate descriptions for the reader to set the stage. I always call it "building the movie in my mind." Some authors do this so brilliantly that before you know it, you are watching it on a screen in your mind and there are no blurry parts that complicate the movie. I had real issues trying to build a picture on this one. I cannot even keep track of how many times I would have to hit "stop" and then "rewind" because I realized that I had absolutely NO idea what the heck was going on. Once or twice is okay. Many, many, many times is not.
We get to meet our MMC Ordulis Cavo. He is supposed to be a morally grey character, but honestly, I never could really get a feel for him. He's tough. Got that. Other than that, there was not much depth to him. I will say that the sidekick - Pookie - definitely stole the show. That was definitely a positive.
This was a "new to me" author and again, sometimes it is just hit or miss as you do not know what to expect. I went into this with a very open mind because the Sci-Fi genre is one that I enjoy. The plot though, seemed extremely convoluted to me and I just felt lost too many times. The storyline was also interspersed with some very odd humor that just felt.....forced.
Thank you to NetGalley and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for the opportunity to listen to and review this audio ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication on January 28, 2025.
One thing that I've said many times is that for some reason, when you have books in the Epic or High Fantasy genre, it is sometimes harder to build the world in my mind if I am listening to an audiobook versus reading an actual print version. I think it is because when there are new and complex descriptions, you can normally reread a sentence if it didn't make sense or even reread paragraphs if you get a little ways farther in the story and realize that you have no idea what you are reading. Unfortunately, in an audiobook, that is a harder thing to do. Now, I am going to add Science Fiction books - or at least THIS Sci-Fi book - into that category.
First of all, this was not a normal audiobook. It was more of a graphic audio production. With these type of graphic audio books, it is usually a crap shoot on whether or not it makes the story better or worse. Sometimes the story is so over-produced that it takes away from the listening experience of the reader (and by reader I mean me). In this case though, I think they did a really good job with the production of this audiobook. The narrators did a great job and the whole production of the story -with the sound effects, music, the robots, etc.- everything was done very nicely.
Unfortunately, there were many things that took me out of the story and some of these things were just too difficult to come back from. This story throws us into a brand new world with some extremely complex world building but does not really take the time or utilize accurate descriptions for the reader to set the stage. I always call it "building the movie in my mind." Some authors do this so brilliantly that before you know it, you are watching it on a screen in your mind and there are no blurry parts that complicate the movie. I had real issues trying to build a picture on this one. I cannot even keep track of how many times I would have to hit "stop" and then "rewind" because I realized that I had absolutely NO idea what the heck was going on. Once or twice is okay. Many, many, many times is not.
We get to meet our MMC Ordulis Cavo. He is supposed to be a morally grey character, but honestly, I never could really get a feel for him. He's tough. Got that. Other than that, there was not much depth to him. I will say that the sidekick - Pookie - definitely stole the show. That was definitely a positive.
This was a "new to me" author and again, sometimes it is just hit or miss as you do not know what to expect. I went into this with a very open mind because the Sci-Fi genre is one that I enjoy. The plot though, seemed extremely convoluted to me and I just felt lost too many times. The storyline was also interspersed with some very odd humor that just felt.....forced.
Thank you to NetGalley and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for the opportunity to listen to and review this audio ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication on January 28, 2025.
August 24, 2025
I'm finally done with this book.
So here's the thing. I love sci-fi, and I love fantasy, and so when I saw this book available as an ARC on NetGalley, I thought, "This seems like a really cool blend of the two genres! I'm excited to see where this goes." As you can probably tell from my rating, I did not enjoy where it went.
Before we get into the problems I had with this book, I want to take a minute to appreciate the production quality of this audiobook. The production quality for this was top tier. The voice actors were amazing, the sound effects were appropriate and interesting, and I wanted to add the music that played in the background to my own playlists. The production team has my respect. They did an amazing job, and their performance is the only reason this book has a full star.
I'm going to be very honest here. I think the production quality was the only redeeming feature about this book.
First, this book had some of the most purple prose I've ever read in my life. The descriptions were flowery and convoluted, and often didn't even make much sense. For example, one of the characters is described as "unwittingly readying himself for a challenge few if any could undertake in the cosmic realm." At another point, a female character is described with the phrase, "She stood still without a hint of wincing" and another example comes when a male character is described with the nonsensical sentence, "He accepted his demise and that angered him." The purple prose made it hard for me to track with the story and hard for me to take any of it seriously.
Second, this book was not written in a way to accommodate an audio format. I work in orality, and one of the first rules of oral communication is that you have to take into account the fact that your audience can't go back and reread something if it doesn't make sense. This means you need extra explanation and re-explanation for terms, ideas, and characters that you don't expect the audience to already be familiar with. Centeno does not do this. He built a very elaborate world filled with new terms to describe every aspect of the system, but he rarely if ever re-explains or reminds the reader what certain species look like, what certain terms mean, or who certain characters are. This meant that I spent a lot of the story trying to remember who and what was being referred to because there was such a high influx of strange terms without any of the scaffolding needed for my mind to properly sort and organize the information.
Third, the worldbuilding really didn't make sense. This world included everything from steam-powered flying ships to mechas to Medieval castles. Every time I thought I'd gotten a feel for the world, another genre would get added into the mix, and it made for a very disorienting and incoherent experience. At one point I started tallying genres that I'd come across, and I was still adding to the list in the last two hours of audio. Now, I love a good genre mash-up as much as the next person, but 10+ genres is a bit much especially if you're not going to fully flesh out or develop any of them.
Fourth, the writing suffered from a heavy case of "tell don't show." As the listener, I was constantly told how everyone was feeling and what had happened, but--even with the immersive sound effects--I never really felt like I was present and part of what was happening. I could visualize what was going on some of the time thanks to the audio effects, but I was never there myself, feeling what Ordulis was feeling and experiencing the world through his eyes.
Fifth, let's talk about Ordulis. The book's blurb describes Ordulis as a war criminal who has to grapple with the shadows of his past. I'll be honest, I didn't see a lot of grappling. Ordulis was violent and impulsive and had one of the filthiest mouths I've read in fiction, but he didn't have much of a true character arc. He seemed to reach realizations about who he'd been and who he wanted to be when it was plot relevant and not in a way that felt coherent or logical to me as the listener. By the end of the book, I was still wondering why anyone trusted or respected him because his decisions were so illogical and needlessly violent that everyone's support for and respect of him made it seem like they were either looking at a completely different character or had somehow been brainwashed.
Sixth, I struggled with the author's decision to use modern slang in Ordulis and other characters' mouths. This story supposedly takes place hundreds and thousands of years into the future, and yet characters constantly said things like "yuppers" and "lit," and at one point one character accuses another of being "a botox face hoe." The use of such modern slang consistently jarred me. Slang changes quickly, especially in the age of the Internet where people's speed of communication is so much faster. If people have been communicating at such a pace for thousands of years, then it is extremely unlikely that they would use modern slang or reference modern products like botox. Hearing those terms and products referenced, therefore, created a constant feeling of cognitive dissonance between when the author said the story took place and what the characters' vocabulary said about when the story took place.
Seventh, this book treated the female characters in an extremely unsatisfying way. Right off the bat, we're introduced to a centuries-old manic pixie whose name is--unironically--Pookie. Given all the other modern slang in the story, I found this name deeply uncomfortable, especially when she acted like an overexaggerated five year old (except significantly more cringy and less coherent then any five-year-old I've ever met). Next, we're introduced to an ancient last-of-her-kind nature priestess whose role in the story is to help the main character understand the power of Mother Nature and who firmly believes from the beginning that he's a good person who can save the world. Her story remains tied to his for the duration of the book, and she is not allowed to have her own plot, motivation, or successes separate from what he achieves. All the other female characters also exist solely for the purpose of promoting Ordulis' journey, and none of them even have the shadow of a character arc that Ordulis is given in the story. The male side characters were also not given character arcs, but the female characters personally bothered me more since they were often given worse fates and conveniently disappeared at the right moment to make Ordulis stand out as even more special and amazing in a way the male characters didn't.
Eighth, the plot in and of itself was not very coherent. There was a villain that the characters were supposedly fighting to defeat, but they spent so much time on random side quests that I spent a good 90% of the book wondering if they were even going to defeat the villain at all. Most of these side quests did not seem to have much of a purpose to me, and they fractured the overall plot, making it even harder to track what was going on in the story and why the characters were doing what they were doing.
All in all, this book is not a good representation of either the sci-fi or the fantasy genre, and I am not planning on ever reading anything by this author again.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Independent Book Publisher's Association for giving me a copy of this audio production in exchange for an honest review.
So here's the thing. I love sci-fi, and I love fantasy, and so when I saw this book available as an ARC on NetGalley, I thought, "This seems like a really cool blend of the two genres! I'm excited to see where this goes." As you can probably tell from my rating, I did not enjoy where it went.
Before we get into the problems I had with this book, I want to take a minute to appreciate the production quality of this audiobook. The production quality for this was top tier. The voice actors were amazing, the sound effects were appropriate and interesting, and I wanted to add the music that played in the background to my own playlists. The production team has my respect. They did an amazing job, and their performance is the only reason this book has a full star.
I'm going to be very honest here. I think the production quality was the only redeeming feature about this book.
First, this book had some of the most purple prose I've ever read in my life. The descriptions were flowery and convoluted, and often didn't even make much sense. For example, one of the characters is described as "unwittingly readying himself for a challenge few if any could undertake in the cosmic realm." At another point, a female character is described with the phrase, "She stood still without a hint of wincing" and another example comes when a male character is described with the nonsensical sentence, "He accepted his demise and that angered him." The purple prose made it hard for me to track with the story and hard for me to take any of it seriously.
Second, this book was not written in a way to accommodate an audio format. I work in orality, and one of the first rules of oral communication is that you have to take into account the fact that your audience can't go back and reread something if it doesn't make sense. This means you need extra explanation and re-explanation for terms, ideas, and characters that you don't expect the audience to already be familiar with. Centeno does not do this. He built a very elaborate world filled with new terms to describe every aspect of the system, but he rarely if ever re-explains or reminds the reader what certain species look like, what certain terms mean, or who certain characters are. This meant that I spent a lot of the story trying to remember who and what was being referred to because there was such a high influx of strange terms without any of the scaffolding needed for my mind to properly sort and organize the information.
Third, the worldbuilding really didn't make sense. This world included everything from steam-powered flying ships to mechas to Medieval castles. Every time I thought I'd gotten a feel for the world, another genre would get added into the mix, and it made for a very disorienting and incoherent experience. At one point I started tallying genres that I'd come across, and I was still adding to the list in the last two hours of audio. Now, I love a good genre mash-up as much as the next person, but 10+ genres is a bit much especially if you're not going to fully flesh out or develop any of them.
Fourth, the writing suffered from a heavy case of "tell don't show." As the listener, I was constantly told how everyone was feeling and what had happened, but--even with the immersive sound effects--I never really felt like I was present and part of what was happening. I could visualize what was going on some of the time thanks to the audio effects, but I was never there myself, feeling what Ordulis was feeling and experiencing the world through his eyes.
Fifth, let's talk about Ordulis. The book's blurb describes Ordulis as a war criminal who has to grapple with the shadows of his past. I'll be honest, I didn't see a lot of grappling. Ordulis was violent and impulsive and had one of the filthiest mouths I've read in fiction, but he didn't have much of a true character arc. He seemed to reach realizations about who he'd been and who he wanted to be when it was plot relevant and not in a way that felt coherent or logical to me as the listener. By the end of the book, I was still wondering why anyone trusted or respected him because his decisions were so illogical and needlessly violent that everyone's support for and respect of him made it seem like they were either looking at a completely different character or had somehow been brainwashed.
Sixth, I struggled with the author's decision to use modern slang in Ordulis and other characters' mouths. This story supposedly takes place hundreds and thousands of years into the future, and yet characters constantly said things like "yuppers" and "lit," and at one point one character accuses another of being "a botox face hoe." The use of such modern slang consistently jarred me. Slang changes quickly, especially in the age of the Internet where people's speed of communication is so much faster. If people have been communicating at such a pace for thousands of years, then it is extremely unlikely that they would use modern slang or reference modern products like botox. Hearing those terms and products referenced, therefore, created a constant feeling of cognitive dissonance between when the author said the story took place and what the characters' vocabulary said about when the story took place.
Seventh, this book treated the female characters in an extremely unsatisfying way. Right off the bat, we're introduced to a centuries-old manic pixie whose name is--unironically--Pookie. Given all the other modern slang in the story, I found this name deeply uncomfortable, especially when she acted like an overexaggerated five year old (except significantly more cringy and less coherent then any five-year-old I've ever met). Next, we're introduced to an ancient last-of-her-kind nature priestess whose role in the story is to help the main character understand the power of Mother Nature and who firmly believes from the beginning that he's a good person who can save the world. Her story remains tied to his for the duration of the book, and she is not allowed to have her own plot, motivation, or successes separate from what he achieves. All the other female characters also exist solely for the purpose of promoting Ordulis' journey, and none of them even have the shadow of a character arc that Ordulis is given in the story. The male side characters were also not given character arcs, but the female characters personally bothered me more since they were often given worse fates and conveniently disappeared at the right moment to make Ordulis stand out as even more special and amazing in a way the male characters didn't.
Eighth, the plot in and of itself was not very coherent. There was a villain that the characters were supposedly fighting to defeat, but they spent so much time on random side quests that I spent a good 90% of the book wondering if they were even going to defeat the villain at all. Most of these side quests did not seem to have much of a purpose to me, and they fractured the overall plot, making it even harder to track what was going on in the story and why the characters were doing what they were doing.
All in all, this book is not a good representation of either the sci-fi or the fantasy genre, and I am not planning on ever reading anything by this author again.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Independent Book Publisher's Association for giving me a copy of this audio production in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2024
This book is amazing! You have science fiction, you have fantasy, even a little steampunk. You even have mech suits and pirates, everything for everyone. There are so many races that fill this planet, as well as wild beasts from your dreams or worst nightmares. The landscapes are varied and amazing, creating a very diverse worldscape. Centeno offers vivid and detailed descriptions that beautifully immerse you in the story. From the start, we're thrust into a fight for survival as the protagonist struggles to escape the freezing environment he's awoken in, setting the tone for the epic adventure ahead. I appreciate that the soldier, scarred by past battles, is shown grappling with the lingering pain of his experiences while also trying to adjust to the challenges of his new world. This adds a layer of emotional depth and heightens the tension of his journey. It adds a real human touch to the fantastic. I like how the flashbacks he suffers from provide us with his backstory, showing us the events that brought him to his current state. I love the humor, especially Atlas, as he attempts to insert his own logic-filled humor. We also have great poetry and scraps from books found in between the chapters of our adventure. They feel like pieces of this legend unfolding. I also appreciate that there is an extensive glossary talking about the things mentioned throughout the book.
In the first half of the book, I felt there was an overwhelming amount of action sequences with not enough downtime to balance them out. Even the quieter moments were often brief or served as setups for action-packed flashbacks. At times, it also seemed like the adventurers stumbled upon what they needed too conveniently, as if key items were always just within reach. Additionally, the main character’s accent felt inconsistent, as though he was shifting between two different voices throughout the narrative.
If you love when genres blend, robot suit battles, and airship pirates. If you love a fallen warrior's journey to redemption, then I highly recommend this book. You’ll find a rich world, a great adventure, and a ragtag team you’ll come to love.
In the first half of the book, I felt there was an overwhelming amount of action sequences with not enough downtime to balance them out. Even the quieter moments were often brief or served as setups for action-packed flashbacks. At times, it also seemed like the adventurers stumbled upon what they needed too conveniently, as if key items were always just within reach. Additionally, the main character’s accent felt inconsistent, as though he was shifting between two different voices throughout the narrative.
If you love when genres blend, robot suit battles, and airship pirates. If you love a fallen warrior's journey to redemption, then I highly recommend this book. You’ll find a rich world, a great adventure, and a ragtag team you’ll come to love.
January 26, 2025
I listened to the audiobook for this review. Thank you to NetGalley, Paul Centeno and the publishers for the chance to review this nobel.
First of all, massive kudos to both the author and the whole team for production on the audiobook for my experience with this book. The sound effects, voice effects, accents done by the narrators made this experience so enjoyable in a way Im glad I chose audiobook instead of my own internal narrator. I listened to a 36 hour audiobook two years ago and now I read books in an old British guy’s voice and I simply cannot get rid of him. I need narrators to keep me sane lately.
Im not usually a scifi reader. You go into sci-fi books a lot of the time assuming, “we’re probably gonna get robots, and aliens, maybe some weapons of mass destruction” and I wont spoil it, but Tabula Rasa gives you sci-fi but times ten, and in a way readers who specialize more in fantasy (romantasy too) will love.
This book is funny, maybe without trying. But I had at least seven laugh out loud moments in each chapter. Of course as it gets more intense Im clinging to the edge of my seat whiteknuckled (I really dont want to spoil it for anybody) but the whole time, Im just like “I fucking love this world…” I wanted to hear more of it and get into more drama and more conflict just to see where it’d take me and what the main character would grumble about.
Centeno’s character presentation throughout the whole novel is so… simultaneously surprising and refreshing, because I’ve needed sci-fi characters out of the humdrum you always get (if you know what I mean, you know what I mean). A complicated, morally questionable main character and his snarky robot friend, having couple’s banter the whole time. From probably paragraph one (the first two minutes of the audiobook) I was hooked. It was extreme self control that prevented me from rating the book 5 stars before I even got to chapter 5.
Redemption arc, check, humor, check, world building, check. Sound effects, check. Grumpy sunshine, check. Love this novel and audiobook. Highly recommend to people who need something refreshing after burning out on dragons and shadow daddies.
First of all, massive kudos to both the author and the whole team for production on the audiobook for my experience with this book. The sound effects, voice effects, accents done by the narrators made this experience so enjoyable in a way Im glad I chose audiobook instead of my own internal narrator. I listened to a 36 hour audiobook two years ago and now I read books in an old British guy’s voice and I simply cannot get rid of him. I need narrators to keep me sane lately.
Im not usually a scifi reader. You go into sci-fi books a lot of the time assuming, “we’re probably gonna get robots, and aliens, maybe some weapons of mass destruction” and I wont spoil it, but Tabula Rasa gives you sci-fi but times ten, and in a way readers who specialize more in fantasy (romantasy too) will love.
This book is funny, maybe without trying. But I had at least seven laugh out loud moments in each chapter. Of course as it gets more intense Im clinging to the edge of my seat whiteknuckled (I really dont want to spoil it for anybody) but the whole time, Im just like “I fucking love this world…” I wanted to hear more of it and get into more drama and more conflict just to see where it’d take me and what the main character would grumble about.
Centeno’s character presentation throughout the whole novel is so… simultaneously surprising and refreshing, because I’ve needed sci-fi characters out of the humdrum you always get (if you know what I mean, you know what I mean). A complicated, morally questionable main character and his snarky robot friend, having couple’s banter the whole time. From probably paragraph one (the first two minutes of the audiobook) I was hooked. It was extreme self control that prevented me from rating the book 5 stars before I even got to chapter 5.
Redemption arc, check, humor, check, world building, check. Sound effects, check. Grumpy sunshine, check. Love this novel and audiobook. Highly recommend to people who need something refreshing after burning out on dragons and shadow daddies.
September 12, 2024
*Tabula Rasa* is a captivating blend of fantasy and science fiction that pulls me right into its unique world. It opens in the bleak and war-torn province of Wyn'kalar, where we follow Ordulis Cavo, a deeply flawed and haunted protagonist, and his drone, Atlas, as they navigate a landscape scarred by past conflicts and broken promises. I loved how the story mixes gritty survival with moments of intense self-reflection, creating a narrative that feels both expansive and intimate. The story takes an interesting turn when Ordulis meets Pookie, a mischievous nature spirit, and Laza'rethus, a wise mystic. This encounter shifts the narrative's direction, especially when Laza'rethus reveals the looming threat to Vorealis—a consequence of reckless magic and the manipulations of the sorceress Nebulis Qazod.
Paul L. Centeno's world-building pulls you in like a good yarn. His vivid descriptions of ancient ruins, fierce creatures, and mystical beings make the scenes jump right off the page. *Tabula Rasa* is ultimately a tale of redemption. Laza'rethus's acceptance of Ordulis offers a brief but poignant sense of belonging, underscoring the novel's deeper philosophical undercurrents.
What stands out most is the sheer scope of Centeno's imagination and the richly developed characters. However, the novel's ambitious themes sometimes make the narrative feel a bit tangled, and the protagonist's harsh language adds a gritty, raw edge that might not appeal to everyone. Despite these minor hiccups, the glossary at the end is a helpful touch, clarifying some of the more complex elements and enhancing the overall experience.
I'd recommend *Tabula Rasa* to anyone who enjoys deeply detailed fantasy and sci-fi worlds, especially those who appreciate stories driven by complex characters.
Paul L. Centeno's world-building pulls you in like a good yarn. His vivid descriptions of ancient ruins, fierce creatures, and mystical beings make the scenes jump right off the page. *Tabula Rasa* is ultimately a tale of redemption. Laza'rethus's acceptance of Ordulis offers a brief but poignant sense of belonging, underscoring the novel's deeper philosophical undercurrents.
What stands out most is the sheer scope of Centeno's imagination and the richly developed characters. However, the novel's ambitious themes sometimes make the narrative feel a bit tangled, and the protagonist's harsh language adds a gritty, raw edge that might not appeal to everyone. Despite these minor hiccups, the glossary at the end is a helpful touch, clarifying some of the more complex elements and enhancing the overall experience.
I'd recommend *Tabula Rasa* to anyone who enjoys deeply detailed fantasy and sci-fi worlds, especially those who appreciate stories driven by complex characters.
September 17, 2024
Tabula Rasa is a scifi/fantasy book taking place in the future by Paul L. Centeno. This book follows a group of adventurers, including Ordulis Cavo, an antihero among a group of heroes. Cavo is a convict, who is summoned to defeat the sorceress who is has the ambitious goal of getting Anima. Anima is an incredibly powerful and old energy, and with it, the evil can take over. This story I smore than good versus evil, as it is also about the internal struggles of evil. Cavo struggles with his own battles and confronting his own darkness, opening up an epic journey.
Move over Taylor Swift, there is a new antihero in town. Cavo is such an interesting and compelling character. I love when someone who seems to be evil or the villain turns out to be much more complicated and can save the day. Because you can’t just go on an epic journey to save the world with a group of heroes without simultaneously questioning who you are and your life choices, subsequently going on an inward journey as well. I think the inward journeys are what really pull me into stories because it’s such a human thing to do and can be eye opening and relatable across genres. What makes it even more fascinating for me is when it is a struggle of self-discovery from someone who is not strictly a hero or strictly a villain. The stakes are risen even more so when every decision a person makes can impact not on your life, your group’s lives, but existence all together.
I am also a big fan of the glossary in the back telling you what the words mean. I am not a fan of when fantasy stories throw you into the story with all of these terms and you’re not sure what they mean, but this gives you it all! The world is built up nicely, and the book is just really fun overall. I recommend to readers of scifi/fantasy but those who also appreciate character development and adventures.
Move over Taylor Swift, there is a new antihero in town. Cavo is such an interesting and compelling character. I love when someone who seems to be evil or the villain turns out to be much more complicated and can save the day. Because you can’t just go on an epic journey to save the world with a group of heroes without simultaneously questioning who you are and your life choices, subsequently going on an inward journey as well. I think the inward journeys are what really pull me into stories because it’s such a human thing to do and can be eye opening and relatable across genres. What makes it even more fascinating for me is when it is a struggle of self-discovery from someone who is not strictly a hero or strictly a villain. The stakes are risen even more so when every decision a person makes can impact not on your life, your group’s lives, but existence all together.
I am also a big fan of the glossary in the back telling you what the words mean. I am not a fan of when fantasy stories throw you into the story with all of these terms and you’re not sure what they mean, but this gives you it all! The world is built up nicely, and the book is just really fun overall. I recommend to readers of scifi/fantasy but those who also appreciate character development and adventures.
September 25, 2024
Tabula Rasa by Paul Centeno is a thrilling fantasy that pulls the reader deep into the chaotic world and predicament of Ordulis Cavo. It’s set in a futuristic Wyn’kalar, a devasting, dystopian place that bears the aftermath of battles and tragedies, leaving a dismal path for its inhabitants. It also provides the ideal backdrop for the brutal, complex character of Ordulis, who must survive in a post-apocalyptic world and find a sense of meaning and belonging.
Centeno does a superb job of pulling the reader into a rich, descriptive world where you suddenly feel surrounded and engulfed by this dilapidated landscape. Not only does Ordulis struggle to survive, and find a new foundation in this world, there is inner conflict and confronting his haunting past, while forging an uncertain life ahead. The story is both bleak and uplifting at the same time, the ultimate dichotomy within one person is intriguing, drawing the reader into Ordulis’ dark, complicated history, while developing a cautious hope for his future.
The vivid descriptions of the scenery create a virtual world for the reader. From the very beginning of the book, I felt viciously impacted by the dystopian world. I sympathized with Ordulis; it’s a rough existence where you’re immediately forced into survival mode. The author does an amazing job using blunt visuals and strong narration to keep the reader engaged throughout the book. The internal demons and struggles of Ordulis only add more interesting twists to the overall character and plot development.
Tabula Rasa by Paul Centeno is a brilliant science fiction/fantasy story that’s unique and ideal for anyone new to this genre or already a die-hard fan. It’s a page-turner that can be easily binged over a weekend, leaving the reader wanting more. I highly recommend this fantastic book and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Centeno does a superb job of pulling the reader into a rich, descriptive world where you suddenly feel surrounded and engulfed by this dilapidated landscape. Not only does Ordulis struggle to survive, and find a new foundation in this world, there is inner conflict and confronting his haunting past, while forging an uncertain life ahead. The story is both bleak and uplifting at the same time, the ultimate dichotomy within one person is intriguing, drawing the reader into Ordulis’ dark, complicated history, while developing a cautious hope for his future.
The vivid descriptions of the scenery create a virtual world for the reader. From the very beginning of the book, I felt viciously impacted by the dystopian world. I sympathized with Ordulis; it’s a rough existence where you’re immediately forced into survival mode. The author does an amazing job using blunt visuals and strong narration to keep the reader engaged throughout the book. The internal demons and struggles of Ordulis only add more interesting twists to the overall character and plot development.
Tabula Rasa by Paul Centeno is a brilliant science fiction/fantasy story that’s unique and ideal for anyone new to this genre or already a die-hard fan. It’s a page-turner that can be easily binged over a weekend, leaving the reader wanting more. I highly recommend this fantastic book and I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 12, 2024
What do you get when you throw in a complicated character, action on every single page, and vibrant descriptions that make you feel like you are there with the characters, experiencing everything alongside them? Well, you get Tabula Rasa by Paul Centeno. A fantastic read in the fantasy/science fiction genre that you aren’t going to be able to put down.
This book does not hesitate to throw the reader right into action. The word building can feel a little overwhelming at first, but you quickly adjust, able to see exactly the world that Ordulis Cavo lives in.
Speaking of the main character Cavo, he is a complicated character. He’s painted as a flawed individual, but this is what makes him so interesting! Cavo is far from being one-dimensional and is as three-dimensional as you can get in a character. You may not agree with all his choices, but you can understand the rationale behind them.
Some might call Cavo a villain or an antihero. I don’t think one label can fully describe him. The man is truly a complicated and complex character, always keeping you guessing until the very end. One thing is for sure—you will end up rooting for this man.
There are plot twists in this novel that you won’t expect. The book is going to keep you guessing until the very end. But the plot twists aren’t frustrating—in the context of the plot, they make sense.
Then there is the worldbuilding, which again, might be overwhelming at first for some readers, but the longer you read the more you get into it. It’s a complicated world but Centeno’s writing helps paint a vivid picture from the very beginning.
Tabula Rasa by Paul Centeno deserves all five stars it’s been given for it’s worldbuilding, complex characters, and on-the-edge-of-your-seat action.
This book does not hesitate to throw the reader right into action. The word building can feel a little overwhelming at first, but you quickly adjust, able to see exactly the world that Ordulis Cavo lives in.
Speaking of the main character Cavo, he is a complicated character. He’s painted as a flawed individual, but this is what makes him so interesting! Cavo is far from being one-dimensional and is as three-dimensional as you can get in a character. You may not agree with all his choices, but you can understand the rationale behind them.
Some might call Cavo a villain or an antihero. I don’t think one label can fully describe him. The man is truly a complicated and complex character, always keeping you guessing until the very end. One thing is for sure—you will end up rooting for this man.
There are plot twists in this novel that you won’t expect. The book is going to keep you guessing until the very end. But the plot twists aren’t frustrating—in the context of the plot, they make sense.
Then there is the worldbuilding, which again, might be overwhelming at first for some readers, but the longer you read the more you get into it. It’s a complicated world but Centeno’s writing helps paint a vivid picture from the very beginning.
Tabula Rasa by Paul Centeno deserves all five stars it’s been given for it’s worldbuilding, complex characters, and on-the-edge-of-your-seat action.
October 10, 2024
Compelling
Tabula Rasa is a mesmerizing science-fantasy novel that truly amazed me with its imagination. The story combines futuristic technology with mystical magic, which made it all the more intriguing. The protagonist, Ordulis, has a mysterious past, and his journey starts when he finds himself stranded on the planet Vorealis, accompanied by Atlas and Pookie. The author’s descriptions were so vivid that I felt completely immersed in this otherworldly setting. It was as if I was right there, exploring alongside the characters.
Ordulis is a fascinating character. His survival-focused mentality makes him seem cold at times, but I found his efficiency and rational approach very compelling. He’s not emotional, but in such a dire situation, his logical nature becomes a strength. On the other hand, Pookie brings a more childlike and playful energy, which creates a dynamic contrast between the two. Their interactions highlight how different personalities can complement each other, and it reminded me that everyone has unique value. Pookie's childlike qualities are as important as Ordulis' practicality, and their teamwork added a nice touch of humor to the story. The relationship between Ordulis and Atlas, the drone, is another key aspect of the story. There’s tension between them, as Ordulis resents Atlas for its cold and superior attitude, but they rely on each other for survival. This uneasy alliance adds an interesting layer to the story, as Atlas saves Ordulis several times despite their differences.
The book has everything—adventure, humor, mystery, and even moments of philosophical reflection. The intersection of science and magic is explored in a way I’ve never seen before, making it a truly unique read. I found it captivating and highly enjoyable.
Tabula Rasa is a mesmerizing science-fantasy novel that truly amazed me with its imagination. The story combines futuristic technology with mystical magic, which made it all the more intriguing. The protagonist, Ordulis, has a mysterious past, and his journey starts when he finds himself stranded on the planet Vorealis, accompanied by Atlas and Pookie. The author’s descriptions were so vivid that I felt completely immersed in this otherworldly setting. It was as if I was right there, exploring alongside the characters.
Ordulis is a fascinating character. His survival-focused mentality makes him seem cold at times, but I found his efficiency and rational approach very compelling. He’s not emotional, but in such a dire situation, his logical nature becomes a strength. On the other hand, Pookie brings a more childlike and playful energy, which creates a dynamic contrast between the two. Their interactions highlight how different personalities can complement each other, and it reminded me that everyone has unique value. Pookie's childlike qualities are as important as Ordulis' practicality, and their teamwork added a nice touch of humor to the story. The relationship between Ordulis and Atlas, the drone, is another key aspect of the story. There’s tension between them, as Ordulis resents Atlas for its cold and superior attitude, but they rely on each other for survival. This uneasy alliance adds an interesting layer to the story, as Atlas saves Ordulis several times despite their differences.
The book has everything—adventure, humor, mystery, and even moments of philosophical reflection. The intersection of science and magic is explored in a way I’ve never seen before, making it a truly unique read. I found it captivating and highly enjoyable.
January 30, 2025
The audiobook was easily the highlight of this experience. With background sounds and immersive production, it felt almost like a graphic audiobook, making the story far more engaging than it might have been in print.
The book is character-driven yet action-packed, a combination I usually enjoy. However, the action scenes often felt rushed, with the protagonist overcoming obstacles too easily, which diminished the tension. The overall plot was predictable, lacking the twists and stakes needed to keep me fully invested.
The world-building took time to settle in, but once established, it painted an intriguing setting. The mix of sci-fi and fantasy elements had potential, and I appreciated the philosophical undertones, though they occasionally felt heavy-handed.
Ordulis Cavo, the protagonist, was a compelling antihero with a dark past, adding some much-needed depth to the narrative. The supporting characters, like Laza’rethus and Pookie, brought interesting dynamics, but most of the cast felt underdeveloped, and the relationships—especially the romance—lacked emotional impact.
Despite its strengths in atmosphere and ambition, the execution didn’t fully land. Some passages were overly descriptive, dragging the pacing, while the story at times felt overcrowded with ideas that weren’t fully explored.
While Tabula Rasa has an intriguing premise and solid world-building, its predictable plot, rushed action, and shallow character development kept it from truly shining. The audiobook adaptation helped elevate the experience, but overall, it left me feeling lukewarm. That's why I'm giving it 2.5 ⭐.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy!
The book is character-driven yet action-packed, a combination I usually enjoy. However, the action scenes often felt rushed, with the protagonist overcoming obstacles too easily, which diminished the tension. The overall plot was predictable, lacking the twists and stakes needed to keep me fully invested.
The world-building took time to settle in, but once established, it painted an intriguing setting. The mix of sci-fi and fantasy elements had potential, and I appreciated the philosophical undertones, though they occasionally felt heavy-handed.
Ordulis Cavo, the protagonist, was a compelling antihero with a dark past, adding some much-needed depth to the narrative. The supporting characters, like Laza’rethus and Pookie, brought interesting dynamics, but most of the cast felt underdeveloped, and the relationships—especially the romance—lacked emotional impact.
Despite its strengths in atmosphere and ambition, the execution didn’t fully land. Some passages were overly descriptive, dragging the pacing, while the story at times felt overcrowded with ideas that weren’t fully explored.
While Tabula Rasa has an intriguing premise and solid world-building, its predictable plot, rushed action, and shallow character development kept it from truly shining. The audiobook adaptation helped elevate the experience, but overall, it left me feeling lukewarm. That's why I'm giving it 2.5 ⭐.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy!
January 30, 2025
The moment our MC called himself a fucktard in the prologue, I knew this would be a treat. Cavo is the meanest most badass soldier and yet has no problem with self-deprecating humor. I was hooked from the first minute. This story has no bounds and is NOT for the faint of heart. Those who grew up in a church or wince at curse words…run for your life. Don’t even dare have a gander. If you’re like me, worshipping The Boys where the word cu*nt is used like love and is a kid’s nickname courtesy of Butcher, then you’ll have a feast with this one cus Ordulis is the Black version of Butcher.
I chose the audiobook, and boy did I make the right choice. Epic storytelling, vibrant descriptions that make you feel like you’re right there with sounds of nature, fun characters that have depth, and a female villain who blows away maleficent. Don’t even get me started with Wicked, turning villains like Skeletor into Yogi Bear. Go read Harry Potter if you want PG-13. There are a billion other rehashed fantasy stories. They all sound the same.
Most authors like to play it safe. I get it. But not this cat. Speaking of cat, the dedication literally says “For my cats who were no help at all” lol ain’t that the funniest shit? Listen, if you want something different for real for real, look no further. Remember how The Matrix reinvented cinematography? Remember how FF 7 reinvented video games? Well, when it comes to books this novel reinvents sci-fi and fantasy for the next generation. Forget about 5 stars. This one gets 10. I couldn’t recommend it enough.
I chose the audiobook, and boy did I make the right choice. Epic storytelling, vibrant descriptions that make you feel like you’re right there with sounds of nature, fun characters that have depth, and a female villain who blows away maleficent. Don’t even get me started with Wicked, turning villains like Skeletor into Yogi Bear. Go read Harry Potter if you want PG-13. There are a billion other rehashed fantasy stories. They all sound the same.
Most authors like to play it safe. I get it. But not this cat. Speaking of cat, the dedication literally says “For my cats who were no help at all” lol ain’t that the funniest shit? Listen, if you want something different for real for real, look no further. Remember how The Matrix reinvented cinematography? Remember how FF 7 reinvented video games? Well, when it comes to books this novel reinvents sci-fi and fantasy for the next generation. Forget about 5 stars. This one gets 10. I couldn’t recommend it enough.
February 2, 2025
An unexpectedly fun story that challenges the traditional tale of good vs evil. We follow a "protagonist" who is more of a villain. But what happens when an even worse antagonist is in the picture? That is what's happening here. The protagonist was obviously meant to be the spotlight but Laza resonated more with me. There can certainly be a prequel on the MC's past and even a sequel on adventures to come but secondary characters helped brighten the novel from some of its darker elements.
I think we can all agree that Atlas is the perfect sidekick, but as I said, Laza turned out to be my favorite. Heck, there can probably be a book about her too. The entire plot is literally centered on her quest. Cavo just gets sucked into the mess while trying to find a way back to where he belongs. Laza's persona as a mystic rubs off on him. I didn't really see her as an alien, she was more sophisticated than others in this strange new world. She's an impressive "supporting" character and a strong female lead...a sublimely second protagonist.
Jinn was another character who stood out, reminding me of a more crude Beast. He's a monstrous alien with a code of honor, turning good and evil upside down. It's not about better or worse...interesting. Pookie was a child stuck in the body of an adult. Then you have Mitzy the polar opposite who's possibly the most hilarious. Loved that voice. It would be interesting to see a sequel that shows more depth or sheds more light on this lively bunch.
I think we can all agree that Atlas is the perfect sidekick, but as I said, Laza turned out to be my favorite. Heck, there can probably be a book about her too. The entire plot is literally centered on her quest. Cavo just gets sucked into the mess while trying to find a way back to where he belongs. Laza's persona as a mystic rubs off on him. I didn't really see her as an alien, she was more sophisticated than others in this strange new world. She's an impressive "supporting" character and a strong female lead...a sublimely second protagonist.
Jinn was another character who stood out, reminding me of a more crude Beast. He's a monstrous alien with a code of honor, turning good and evil upside down. It's not about better or worse...interesting. Pookie was a child stuck in the body of an adult. Then you have Mitzy the polar opposite who's possibly the most hilarious. Loved that voice. It would be interesting to see a sequel that shows more depth or sheds more light on this lively bunch.
October 10, 2024
Great novel!
Tabula Rasa by Paul L. Centeno pulled me in from the very start, and I was especially impressed by the incredible world-building and character development. The novel blends magic, artificial intelligence, humans, and mythical creatures, creating a universe that feels both futuristic and ancient. At the center of it all is Ordulis Cavo, a deeply flawed and morally complex convict. His journey isn't a typical hero's tale—he's pushed into reluctant heroism, driven more by circumstance than by any noble intention. This makes him a captivating character, full of imperfections that make him feel real, even in such extraordinary situations.
I also loved the dynamic between Ordulis and Atlas, the drone that constantly accompanies him. Their interactions add an intriguing layer to the story. The combination of these elements feels seamless and natural, building a rich, immersive world that completely drew me in. The narrative is gritty and fast-paced, keeping the tension high as it delves deeper into a dystopian setting where technology and magic coexist. Centeno’s descriptive writing makes both the action and Ordulis' emotional struggles come alive.
The moral dilemmas and high stakes only add to the intensity, making this an unforgettable epic that brilliantly fuses science fiction with fantasy. I’m eager to see more of Ordulis Cavo and the fascinating world he inhabits, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves these genres.
Tabula Rasa by Paul L. Centeno pulled me in from the very start, and I was especially impressed by the incredible world-building and character development. The novel blends magic, artificial intelligence, humans, and mythical creatures, creating a universe that feels both futuristic and ancient. At the center of it all is Ordulis Cavo, a deeply flawed and morally complex convict. His journey isn't a typical hero's tale—he's pushed into reluctant heroism, driven more by circumstance than by any noble intention. This makes him a captivating character, full of imperfections that make him feel real, even in such extraordinary situations.
I also loved the dynamic between Ordulis and Atlas, the drone that constantly accompanies him. Their interactions add an intriguing layer to the story. The combination of these elements feels seamless and natural, building a rich, immersive world that completely drew me in. The narrative is gritty and fast-paced, keeping the tension high as it delves deeper into a dystopian setting where technology and magic coexist. Centeno’s descriptive writing makes both the action and Ordulis' emotional struggles come alive.
The moral dilemmas and high stakes only add to the intensity, making this an unforgettable epic that brilliantly fuses science fiction with fantasy. I’m eager to see more of Ordulis Cavo and the fascinating world he inhabits, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves these genres.
February 7, 2025
3.5
Tabula Rasa by Paul L. Centeno is a real adventure through multiple planets and universes full of magic and technology. Drawn into this quest, you are introduced to Ordulis Cavo and his epic journey against evil.
This audiobook is full of music and background sounds that made it feel like a movie and you are along with all the adventurers and individuals Cavo encounters on his journey.
Whereas at times I myself seemed a little lost in the world building and all the places, I found the magic system just a little less grandly developed. Whereas I don't quite know how I feel about the protagonist and antagonist yet, I quickly found that I was totally a fan of the side characters! I especially liked the great variety in these.
Despite this being one of my first really Comic fantasy reads, I really enjoyed the humor woven into this book. Especially with the way our main character sometimes doesn't want to believe it all himself and reacts like a normal human would.
One of the lesser points is that the MC seemed a bit too overpowered at times in my opinion. Some battles seemed to be just a little too easily won over and over again, only to have others happen again and again through yet another escape. Always just a little too easy if you asked me.
I also found the romance a little too forced, after all, for me it didn't even need to be in there! In fact, I think I would have liked it more without it.
This is an ARC audiobook thanks to netgalley
Tabula Rasa by Paul L. Centeno is a real adventure through multiple planets and universes full of magic and technology. Drawn into this quest, you are introduced to Ordulis Cavo and his epic journey against evil.
This audiobook is full of music and background sounds that made it feel like a movie and you are along with all the adventurers and individuals Cavo encounters on his journey.
Whereas at times I myself seemed a little lost in the world building and all the places, I found the magic system just a little less grandly developed. Whereas I don't quite know how I feel about the protagonist and antagonist yet, I quickly found that I was totally a fan of the side characters! I especially liked the great variety in these.
Despite this being one of my first really Comic fantasy reads, I really enjoyed the humor woven into this book. Especially with the way our main character sometimes doesn't want to believe it all himself and reacts like a normal human would.
One of the lesser points is that the MC seemed a bit too overpowered at times in my opinion. Some battles seemed to be just a little too easily won over and over again, only to have others happen again and again through yet another escape. Always just a little too easy if you asked me.
I also found the romance a little too forced, after all, for me it didn't even need to be in there! In fact, I think I would have liked it more without it.
This is an ARC audiobook thanks to netgalley
September 2, 2024
This story pulled me in right from the start with its intricate world-building and the enigmatic character of Ordulis Cavo. What I found particularly gripping was how Centeno portrays Cavo—not just as an antihero, but as a deeply flawed individual grappling with the weight of his past and the potential for his future. His journey felt incredibly real, full of inner turmoil and reluctant heroism, making his character arc both fascinating and relatable.
The setting of the decaying godlands, paired with the looming threat of the sorceress seeking Anima, created a vivid and haunting atmosphere that kept me on edge. Centeno’s descriptions are so rich that I could easily picture the withering landscapes and feel the tension in every encounter. The plot twists were unexpected, yet they felt earned, and they kept me guessing until the very end.
What resonated with me most was the book’s exploration of redemption. It’s not just about defeating an external evil; it’s about Cavo’s struggle to come to terms with his own dark history and the possibility of change. Tabula Rasa challenges the idea that a villain’s story is set in stone, offering a powerful message about the potential for transformation. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys complex characters and thought-provoking narratives.
The setting of the decaying godlands, paired with the looming threat of the sorceress seeking Anima, created a vivid and haunting atmosphere that kept me on edge. Centeno’s descriptions are so rich that I could easily picture the withering landscapes and feel the tension in every encounter. The plot twists were unexpected, yet they felt earned, and they kept me guessing until the very end.
What resonated with me most was the book’s exploration of redemption. It’s not just about defeating an external evil; it’s about Cavo’s struggle to come to terms with his own dark history and the possibility of change. Tabula Rasa challenges the idea that a villain’s story is set in stone, offering a powerful message about the potential for transformation. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys complex characters and thought-provoking narratives.
October 10, 2024
This book is a captivating fantasy novel that I think will resonate with fans of intricate world-building and complex characters. While it’s packed with dramatic action, plot twists, and tense moments, I wouldn’t call it a “quick read.” Instead, it's the kind of book that draws you in for a deep, immersive experience. If you're into science fiction and fantasy that creates a believable, gripping alternate universe, this is a great choice.
The main character, Ordulis Cavo, is fascinating and deeply flawed. His dark past makes him both horrifying and intriguing, and I loved how the author explored his complexities. Cavo’s internal struggles, alongside his fight against the ambitious sorceress Anima, kept me fully engaged. I found myself wondering if he’s too burdened by his past crimes to save his world or if he's exactly what this dying world needs. The novel plays with familiar fantasy and sci-fi elements, like the ultimate battle between good and evil, but what I really appreciated was how the author puts a fresh spin on these tropes. The villain is enigmatic and multi-dimensional, making it hard to decide where your loyalties lie, and the question of redemption runs throughout the story.
Tabula Rasa is a gripping, intense read that balances action with character depth and rich world-building. It’s perfect for fans of epic fantasy and space operas.
The main character, Ordulis Cavo, is fascinating and deeply flawed. His dark past makes him both horrifying and intriguing, and I loved how the author explored his complexities. Cavo’s internal struggles, alongside his fight against the ambitious sorceress Anima, kept me fully engaged. I found myself wondering if he’s too burdened by his past crimes to save his world or if he's exactly what this dying world needs. The novel plays with familiar fantasy and sci-fi elements, like the ultimate battle between good and evil, but what I really appreciated was how the author puts a fresh spin on these tropes. The villain is enigmatic and multi-dimensional, making it hard to decide where your loyalties lie, and the question of redemption runs throughout the story.
Tabula Rasa is a gripping, intense read that balances action with character depth and rich world-building. It’s perfect for fans of epic fantasy and space operas.
October 8, 2024
I loved this book so much!
Centeno has masterfully crafted a vivid and imaginative world in this book. From the dynamic character development to the richly detailed scenery, every aspect draws you in. I love how the action kicks off right from the start, pulling you into the story without hesitation. The creativity that went into building this unique world, where we meet the main character, Ordeluis Cavo, is truly impressive. Cavo is far from a typical hero. He’s not an antihero either; he’s a complex man shaped by a troubled past and present. Carrying the weight of being a convict, Cavo is constantly haunted by his past, enemies, and inner demons. The author does a fantastic job of bringing Cavo to life, giving him depth and a compelling personality. This book is detailed, rich in language, and refreshingly original. As a fan of science fiction, I find it to be a shining example of the genre at its best. The creativity is boundless, and the fast-paced action keeps you on edge from beginning to end. The plot twists are unexpected and left me genuinely surprised, adding to the excitement. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging, action-packed story.
Centeno has masterfully crafted a vivid and imaginative world in this book. From the dynamic character development to the richly detailed scenery, every aspect draws you in. I love how the action kicks off right from the start, pulling you into the story without hesitation. The creativity that went into building this unique world, where we meet the main character, Ordeluis Cavo, is truly impressive. Cavo is far from a typical hero. He’s not an antihero either; he’s a complex man shaped by a troubled past and present. Carrying the weight of being a convict, Cavo is constantly haunted by his past, enemies, and inner demons. The author does a fantastic job of bringing Cavo to life, giving him depth and a compelling personality. This book is detailed, rich in language, and refreshingly original. As a fan of science fiction, I find it to be a shining example of the genre at its best. The creativity is boundless, and the fast-paced action keeps you on edge from beginning to end. The plot twists are unexpected and left me genuinely surprised, adding to the excitement. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging, action-packed story.
October 10, 2024
Amazing book
If I had to pick three things I loved most about this incredible sci-fi novel, they would be the character development, Centeno’s writing style, and how it made me feel while reading.
The character development is exceptional, especially with Cavo, the main character. The supporting characters also play a vital role in this journey, either helping or hindering him along the way.
Centeno’s writing style is another standout. He seamlessly blends intense action scenes with thought-provoking philosophical dilemmas that keep you hooked from the start. His vivid descriptions of settings and characters give you a clear sense of the world, making it easy to dive into the story.
I found myself putting myself in Cavo’s shoes, wondering how I would feel if my memory were restored, or if I could restart my life today—who would I want to be? It made me appreciate my own memories and experiences in a new way.
I highly recommend this book not just to sci-fi fans, but to anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking story. Cavo’s journey as an antihero is unforgettable, and everyone should get to know his story.
If I had to pick three things I loved most about this incredible sci-fi novel, they would be the character development, Centeno’s writing style, and how it made me feel while reading.
The character development is exceptional, especially with Cavo, the main character. The supporting characters also play a vital role in this journey, either helping or hindering him along the way.
Centeno’s writing style is another standout. He seamlessly blends intense action scenes with thought-provoking philosophical dilemmas that keep you hooked from the start. His vivid descriptions of settings and characters give you a clear sense of the world, making it easy to dive into the story.
I found myself putting myself in Cavo’s shoes, wondering how I would feel if my memory were restored, or if I could restart my life today—who would I want to be? It made me appreciate my own memories and experiences in a new way.
I highly recommend this book not just to sci-fi fans, but to anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking story. Cavo’s journey as an antihero is unforgettable, and everyone should get to know his story.
October 11, 2024
Great book
Science fiction has a special ability to immerse readers in a new world, offering an escape from daily life. This book does exactly that, taking the reader through a variety of different scenarios and stories. I loved how it’s divided into distinct parts and chapters, almost like watching several movies within one series. This structure makes the reading experience feel unique and keeps it from ever feeling overwhelming.
The detailed descriptions make it easy to picture what’s happening, helping me engage even more with the story. The blend of fantasy and science fiction feels fresh, and the characters are just as unique as the world they inhabit. Even though the book may seem long at first glance, it doesn’t feel that way once you dive into the story, thanks to how well-paced and engaging it is.
For fans of fantasy and sci-fi, this book is like binge-watching a TV series that you can’t put down. It’s perfect for anyone looking to let their imagination run wild and enjoy a captivating, well-crafted adventure. Even if you're new to science fiction, this book offers a great introduction to the genre.
Science fiction has a special ability to immerse readers in a new world, offering an escape from daily life. This book does exactly that, taking the reader through a variety of different scenarios and stories. I loved how it’s divided into distinct parts and chapters, almost like watching several movies within one series. This structure makes the reading experience feel unique and keeps it from ever feeling overwhelming.
The detailed descriptions make it easy to picture what’s happening, helping me engage even more with the story. The blend of fantasy and science fiction feels fresh, and the characters are just as unique as the world they inhabit. Even though the book may seem long at first glance, it doesn’t feel that way once you dive into the story, thanks to how well-paced and engaging it is.
For fans of fantasy and sci-fi, this book is like binge-watching a TV series that you can’t put down. It’s perfect for anyone looking to let their imagination run wild and enjoy a captivating, well-crafted adventure. Even if you're new to science fiction, this book offers a great introduction to the genre.
October 10, 2024
Paul Centeno offers readers a captivating blend of science fiction and fantasy that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story introduces Ordulis Cavo, a flawed convict who unexpectedly takes on the role of a hero in a world on the brink of collapse. What stood out to me most was the focus on Cavo’s inner turmoil. Instead of following a traditional hero’s journey, the book dives into his moral struggles and psychological complexity, making his character incredibly compelling. The depiction of a decaying future, full of power struggles and deterioration, feels vivid and immersive. I also found the interactions between Cavo and his team particularly intriguing, as each character’s personal journey adds layers to the story.
What I loved most is how the narrative challenges the reader’s perception of heroism and redemption. Tabula Rasa is a thought-provoking read that not only entertains but also encourages reflection on the nature of good, evil, and change. If you enjoy stories with complex characters and rich world-building, this book is a must-read.
What I loved most is how the narrative challenges the reader’s perception of heroism and redemption. Tabula Rasa is a thought-provoking read that not only entertains but also encourages reflection on the nature of good, evil, and change. If you enjoy stories with complex characters and rich world-building, this book is a must-read.
February 5, 2025
This is not simply an audiobook, it is so much more. It has sound effects, voice effects, accents done by the narrators which all combine into making a very enjoyable audiobook.
I do not normally listen to Audiobooks, they tend to bore me and lose my attention rapidly. This book however grabbed me from the start and kept me listening.
The story itself is amusing and if you are looking for a laugh-out-loud moment then you will surely do just that with this one. And it has exciting and intense scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The world creation is slow building but once you get into it it is incredible. While this book is a science fiction, so of course you can expect the standard robots it is this and oh so much more.
This novel was quite surprising to me, and deals with a complicated morally questionable...morally gray main character and his snarky robot friend who have couples banter the whole time. It is a book about redemption but with a humourous tinge to it all.
I highly recommend this as something refreshing to anyone who loves fantasy and science fiction, especially for those who have been sucked into those dragon books or full cosmospheres.
I do not normally listen to Audiobooks, they tend to bore me and lose my attention rapidly. This book however grabbed me from the start and kept me listening.
The story itself is amusing and if you are looking for a laugh-out-loud moment then you will surely do just that with this one. And it has exciting and intense scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The world creation is slow building but once you get into it it is incredible. While this book is a science fiction, so of course you can expect the standard robots it is this and oh so much more.
This novel was quite surprising to me, and deals with a complicated morally questionable...morally gray main character and his snarky robot friend who have couples banter the whole time. It is a book about redemption but with a humourous tinge to it all.
I highly recommend this as something refreshing to anyone who loves fantasy and science fiction, especially for those who have been sucked into those dragon books or full cosmospheres.
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