What do you think?
Rate this book
NovaForge
Solaris. A planet like any other, rife with wars, science and love. But at the peak of its civilization, a great meteor fell, bringing long-dead souls to Solaris, souls that had been sustained by the life-force of one lone man, Ineal.
At the moment of impact, these souls scattered across Solaris, giving inhuman abilities to mortals while scarring their bodies and corrupting their lives.
Samuel was one such man, a man of faith who thought to use his powers to worship his God: he watched his followers, and his planet, die. Seas turned to lava and the skies darkened. And as Samuel’s heart grew weary and angry, he used his powers to manipulate the world to serve him alone.
Samuel became god of a planet whose only life was the symbiotic life so like his own.
Centuries later, he discovered others, threats that had not been on this planet before. A winged woman; a cyborg; a future-seer and a child. A great vengeance burned a comradery between them.
They were souls that could overthrow him. Souls that he would need to destroy.
An excerpt:
Darkness consumed Ineal as the voices tore at his thoughts. The sole survivor of the planet Eon, he wanted to shut off his brain, to destroy his consciousness and be nothing. But the voices would not let him.
The planets’ souls, he thought, encased in this meteor hurtling through space. The souls of dead planets destroyed us. I am the last. They take me for their own.
He did not know when the essences of dead planets first came to Eon. Men and women bonded with them, inviting the haunting gaseous essences to their bodies and allowing the essences to become necessary symbiotes of the flesh. The symbiosis with the dead planetary souls gave his people powers and abilities beyond their dreams. But the price, the price of the flesh was great, and an ultimate death of sacrifice and pain was given in return. Ineal was the last, and the only being of Eon who had not accepted them into his flesh.
But you took me, he thought as they spoke with their unintelligible voices, whispering in a constant echo through his mind. When my planet died you came to me. You took my body to keep yourselves alive. They kept him alive too, feeding him their energy as they fed off his living essence.
Millennia of time passed as the meteor orbited the solar system.
Ineal could take no more. Rock pressed against him, suffocating his thoughts.
He closed his mind, pulling blackness from the void beyond and urging it to destroy him and the planetary souls, so that whatever planet they would go to next might be spared.
His mind’s darkness came. He forgot speech. He forgot sight. He forgot love. But the essences would not release his life force and the greatness it became in their harnessing embrace. They would not allow him to forget primal sense.
Then, in that rawness of life, where he was barely being at all, he sensed a planet. They had intended this new planet as their destination from the start.
The essences’ telekinetic connection pulled away from him, severing the symbiosis and sending searing heat through his form.
There was a moment of silence for Ineal, of freedom. Then came the violent crack of stone, as meteor met planet. A great boom consumed him. Ineal’s consciousness was lost… almost. But his essence lingered somehow in the planet’s form.
The planetary essences fled their transport, consuming life and searching for prey.
At the moment of impact, these souls scattered across Solaris, giving inhuman abilities to mortals while scarring their bodies and corrupting their lives.
Samuel was one such man, a man of faith who thought to use his powers to worship his God: he watched his followers, and his planet, die. Seas turned to lava and the skies darkened. And as Samuel’s heart grew weary and angry, he used his powers to manipulate the world to serve him alone.
Samuel became god of a planet whose only life was the symbiotic life so like his own.
Centuries later, he discovered others, threats that had not been on this planet before. A winged woman; a cyborg; a future-seer and a child. A great vengeance burned a comradery between them.
They were souls that could overthrow him. Souls that he would need to destroy.
An excerpt:
Darkness consumed Ineal as the voices tore at his thoughts. The sole survivor of the planet Eon, he wanted to shut off his brain, to destroy his consciousness and be nothing. But the voices would not let him.
The planets’ souls, he thought, encased in this meteor hurtling through space. The souls of dead planets destroyed us. I am the last. They take me for their own.
He did not know when the essences of dead planets first came to Eon. Men and women bonded with them, inviting the haunting gaseous essences to their bodies and allowing the essences to become necessary symbiotes of the flesh. The symbiosis with the dead planetary souls gave his people powers and abilities beyond their dreams. But the price, the price of the flesh was great, and an ultimate death of sacrifice and pain was given in return. Ineal was the last, and the only being of Eon who had not accepted them into his flesh.
But you took me, he thought as they spoke with their unintelligible voices, whispering in a constant echo through his mind. When my planet died you came to me. You took my body to keep yourselves alive. They kept him alive too, feeding him their energy as they fed off his living essence.
Millennia of time passed as the meteor orbited the solar system.
Ineal could take no more. Rock pressed against him, suffocating his thoughts.
He closed his mind, pulling blackness from the void beyond and urging it to destroy him and the planetary souls, so that whatever planet they would go to next might be spared.
His mind’s darkness came. He forgot speech. He forgot sight. He forgot love. But the essences would not release his life force and the greatness it became in their harnessing embrace. They would not allow him to forget primal sense.
Then, in that rawness of life, where he was barely being at all, he sensed a planet. They had intended this new planet as their destination from the start.
The essences’ telekinetic connection pulled away from him, severing the symbiosis and sending searing heat through his form.
There was a moment of silence for Ineal, of freedom. Then came the violent crack of stone, as meteor met planet. A great boom consumed him. Ineal’s consciousness was lost… almost. But his essence lingered somehow in the planet’s form.
The planetary essences fled their transport, consuming life and searching for prey.
Unknown Binding
First published April 28, 2014
2 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Scott J. Toney
15 books26 followers{April 2014 - One of the "TOP 100 MOST POPULAR AMAZON KINDLE BOOKS" in Religious Science Fiction / Fantasy} - The Ark of Humanity
Barbershop Singer, Father, Husband and Author, Scott J. Toney is a family man first and a great lover of the written word. With over 45,000 copies sold he tackles Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Christian genres, using his Journalism and Public Relations background in constructing characters and worlds.
His first book, The Ark of Humanity, is a what-if mer novel based on the story of Noah and the flood. Scott is also the author of NovaForge, Eden Legacy, {Lazarus, Man} and Hearts of Avon, a Romantic Suspense novel dedicated to his wife. For a breakdown of Scott's novel genres, look below.
NovaForge - Sci-Fi *Releasing May 3rd
The Ark of Humanity - Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Religious Fiction
Eden Legacy - Fantasy/Religious Fiction
Lazarus, Man - Christian/Historical Fiction
Hearts of Avon - Romantic Suspense/Christian
Scott joins forces with other authors as a member of Breakwater Harbor Books and is enthusiastic about the worlds and stories to come!
Barbershop Singer, Father, Husband and Author, Scott J. Toney is a family man first and a great lover of the written word. With over 45,000 copies sold he tackles Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Christian genres, using his Journalism and Public Relations background in constructing characters and worlds.
His first book, The Ark of Humanity, is a what-if mer novel based on the story of Noah and the flood. Scott is also the author of NovaForge, Eden Legacy, {Lazarus, Man} and Hearts of Avon, a Romantic Suspense novel dedicated to his wife. For a breakdown of Scott's novel genres, look below.
NovaForge - Sci-Fi *Releasing May 3rd
The Ark of Humanity - Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Religious Fiction
Eden Legacy - Fantasy/Religious Fiction
Lazarus, Man - Christian/Historical Fiction
Hearts of Avon - Romantic Suspense/Christian
Scott joins forces with other authors as a member of Breakwater Harbor Books and is enthusiastic about the worlds and stories to come!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 16, 2014
EVERYBODY WINS!
CLICK ON BANNER TO ENTER!
Another gem in the pile that defies genre! NovaForge by Scott J. Toney is an excellent science fiction read, but it’s also a wonderful fantasy, filled with imagination, creativity and adventure. Sometime in the future on Solaris, a planet far, far away a meteor crashes and scatters dead souls over the entire planet, enslaving people’s minds. Only one man can control these souls and there are four brave warriors who are out to stop him, each empowered by “essences” who give them each a distinct ability. Are these “essences” really friend or foe? How many planets have been destroyed when they accepted the dead souls into their bodies? Is the call of amazing power so great that people are willing to give up their own souls or will they find the price too high, after it’s too late? Is this invasion a matter destiny or can this destiny be changed?
Scott J. Toney builds an amazing world to journey through, teasing our own imaginations to grasp onto each word and to see what he sees, feel what his characters feel and become part of the action as its screams by at breakneck speeds one moment and slows enough to meet the characters on a more personal level. Is there a touch of romance, here, too? I believe so! The camaraderie that grows between our four heroes is earned and feels right as the weight of the future weighs heavily on their shoulders. Without wasting a word, Mr. Toney writes with a sense of timing and intrigue that will hold you prisoner until that last page. I guess that means we are on parole until the next book in this trilogy arrives!
Publication Date: April 29, 2014
Publisher: Breakwater Harbor Books
ISBN: 1499134525
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Print Length: 186 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
CLICK ON BANNER TO ENTER!
Another gem in the pile that defies genre! NovaForge by Scott J. Toney is an excellent science fiction read, but it’s also a wonderful fantasy, filled with imagination, creativity and adventure. Sometime in the future on Solaris, a planet far, far away a meteor crashes and scatters dead souls over the entire planet, enslaving people’s minds. Only one man can control these souls and there are four brave warriors who are out to stop him, each empowered by “essences” who give them each a distinct ability. Are these “essences” really friend or foe? How many planets have been destroyed when they accepted the dead souls into their bodies? Is the call of amazing power so great that people are willing to give up their own souls or will they find the price too high, after it’s too late? Is this invasion a matter destiny or can this destiny be changed?
Scott J. Toney builds an amazing world to journey through, teasing our own imaginations to grasp onto each word and to see what he sees, feel what his characters feel and become part of the action as its screams by at breakneck speeds one moment and slows enough to meet the characters on a more personal level. Is there a touch of romance, here, too? I believe so! The camaraderie that grows between our four heroes is earned and feels right as the weight of the future weighs heavily on their shoulders. Without wasting a word, Mr. Toney writes with a sense of timing and intrigue that will hold you prisoner until that last page. I guess that means we are on parole until the next book in this trilogy arrives!
Publication Date: April 29, 2014
Publisher: Breakwater Harbor Books
ISBN: 1499134525
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Print Length: 186 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
May 3, 2014
If you are looking for a highly captivating read, you may stop here and try out NovaForge by Scott Toney. It’s Book 1 of the Nova Trilogy, set in the distant future on Solaris, a planet that suffers a fall of a meteor that brings dead souls with it and scatters them all over the planet to scar people’s bodies and enslave their minds.
And there’s one man, Samuel, who has the power to manipulate the souls. Julieth, Riad, Ivanus, and Bayne are the only ones who can stop Samuel.
I was very impressed by the novel on many levels. First, the world-building. Scott Toney has done a great job inventing a new world with creatures you’ve never read about. The author paints vivid pictures of the world where the story takes place and of the monsters this world is teeming with. Well done!
Second, the pace of the novel. You’ll never get bored reading NovaForge. From the opening scene you get right into the action that’s going to make your heart thump wildly. There are parts where the main characters are given a break from action, and these parts give us a chance to get to know the characters better.
NovaForge is a well-structured, captivating novel with twists and turns. It ends that made me want for more. I look forward to reading Book 2 of the series.
And there’s one man, Samuel, who has the power to manipulate the souls. Julieth, Riad, Ivanus, and Bayne are the only ones who can stop Samuel.
I was very impressed by the novel on many levels. First, the world-building. Scott Toney has done a great job inventing a new world with creatures you’ve never read about. The author paints vivid pictures of the world where the story takes place and of the monsters this world is teeming with. Well done!
Second, the pace of the novel. You’ll never get bored reading NovaForge. From the opening scene you get right into the action that’s going to make your heart thump wildly. There are parts where the main characters are given a break from action, and these parts give us a chance to get to know the characters better.
NovaForge is a well-structured, captivating novel with twists and turns. It ends that made me want for more. I look forward to reading Book 2 of the series.
May 24, 2014
Nova Forge is a Sci-Fi book that also fits in to the Fantasy genre, surpassing so many on this site. There is a distinct voice that makes this story what it is and from the onset, I knew it was going to be a good one.
A meteor punches through the atmosphere and we meet Julieth, bow and arrows in hand, fleeing a scorched city with the ten-year-old Bayne. As she meets Ivanus something strangely wonderful happens. Not only can she fly, but Ivanus can help her people. Is this perhaps the winged woman the dark-hearted Samuel is afraid of? The descriptions in the narrative are strong and we can ‘feel’ Julieth’s pain and her sense of mistrust. Already she is a character to root for. Bayne is injured and so she must carry him to safety. This cleverly fulfils the ‘pet-the-dog’ theme through the first chapter and we can only hope he survives.
Toney has cleverly set the scene of devastation, raging battle, ripping explosions and a crumbling city in this opening chapter that will keep readers rooted to the end. I can’t recommend Toney’s work more. He never fails to entertain. A five star review for another roller-coaster ride into the unknown.
CMT Stibbe
Author of Chasing Pharaohs and The Fowler’s Snare
A meteor punches through the atmosphere and we meet Julieth, bow and arrows in hand, fleeing a scorched city with the ten-year-old Bayne. As she meets Ivanus something strangely wonderful happens. Not only can she fly, but Ivanus can help her people. Is this perhaps the winged woman the dark-hearted Samuel is afraid of? The descriptions in the narrative are strong and we can ‘feel’ Julieth’s pain and her sense of mistrust. Already she is a character to root for. Bayne is injured and so she must carry him to safety. This cleverly fulfils the ‘pet-the-dog’ theme through the first chapter and we can only hope he survives.
Toney has cleverly set the scene of devastation, raging battle, ripping explosions and a crumbling city in this opening chapter that will keep readers rooted to the end. I can’t recommend Toney’s work more. He never fails to entertain. A five star review for another roller-coaster ride into the unknown.
CMT Stibbe
Author of Chasing Pharaohs and The Fowler’s Snare
August 10, 2016
Scott Toney is a talented writer, and this book just proves it: genre is a difficult thing to master, and in this cross-genre adventure, Toney has proven that he is a deft hand at manipulating the conventions of genre to his own devices.
Part science-fiction, part high-fantasy, NovaForge brings us to a world of superpowers, killer robots and just enough imagery from home that it keeps us guessing. Between the angelic Julieth and the man-of-faith Samuel present us with a discussion of faith, hope and higher powers, all in a world that is not quite our own.
Discussing the plot in any detail is a disservice to Toney's meticulous plotting: suffice it to say, I'm intrigued by just how much is going in this novel, and it seems like he has only touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this story.
As the first book in a trilogy, I'll definitely be back for more.
Part science-fiction, part high-fantasy, NovaForge brings us to a world of superpowers, killer robots and just enough imagery from home that it keeps us guessing. Between the angelic Julieth and the man-of-faith Samuel present us with a discussion of faith, hope and higher powers, all in a world that is not quite our own.
Discussing the plot in any detail is a disservice to Toney's meticulous plotting: suffice it to say, I'm intrigued by just how much is going in this novel, and it seems like he has only touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this story.
As the first book in a trilogy, I'll definitely be back for more.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews