What do you think?
Rate this book
Moon 514: Blaze and the White Griffon
It's technology must evolve alongside magic. Trained from boyhood to be protectorate of the only known community of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world, Blaze's life takes a devastating turn when he fails to save the Order from an unexpected and devastating attack. When his mentor turns executioner, Blaze gets arrested for treason and falls victim to Toka's secret genetic engineering experiments. He’s further thrown into confusion when his legendary combat skills prove useless against the magical powers of a small, unintimidating alien woman. After Evelia, his unquenchable crush, becomes the alien’s unexpected apprentice, Blaze is called to lead mankind’s last few survivors to a surprising a technologically advanced civilization governed by magic. With death, treason, treachery, and genetically modified monsters at every corner, that may not be so easy. Featured on Wattpad, Moon 514 quickly gathered nearly 80,000 reads. Young adult readers who enjoy action packed page-turners will love Moon 514’s unique and hopeful twist on a post-apocalyptic world. Consider it a thriller-paced mashup of Star Wars meets Divergent.
- GenresFantasy
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Drew Briney
42 books18 followersRecipient of London's prestigious Editor's Choice Award of Literary Excellence - Reader's House magazine. He was also featured in Author Essence, Mosaic Digest, Novelist Post, Newyox, the Bookshelf Times, Arts Society & Me, Central Europe Online, Book Press Releases, and more.
Drew writes both historical non-fiction and sci-fi/fantasy books. He's been lauded by non-fiction readers as "one of the greatest LDS scholars of our day" and "the icon of thoroughness." When he's ready to chill, he explores what happens when technology clashes with magic.
For his sci-fi/fantasy work, he's drawn comparisons to heavy hitters: Ursula LeGuin (Harry Potter influence), Elaine Cunningham (queen of dark fantasy and Forgotten Realms), Fydor Dostoevsky (psychological godfather of Crime and Punishment), Andre Norton, and J.R.R. Tolkien. However, Drew takes greatest pride from knowing he can juggle more balls than any other author on the planet (sometimes, 8).
His books feature post-apocalyptic genetically engineered humans joining forces with magic-wielding aliens (Moon 514), superstitious steampunk societies warring with a powerless mage and camouflaging dragons (Unproven), high-tech assassins trying to discern memory implants from reality (Assassin Hunter), drug-enhanced magic systems (Slice), psionically gifted dragons, telepathic griffons, symbiotic vampiric vines, and entrancing world-building. He aims to deliver thriller pacing a la Dan Brown and tightly outlined Brandon Sanderson-esque plots all while exploring deeply personal character growth.
For regular and up to date information from Drew, look him up on Substack.
Drew writes both historical non-fiction and sci-fi/fantasy books. He's been lauded by non-fiction readers as "one of the greatest LDS scholars of our day" and "the icon of thoroughness." When he's ready to chill, he explores what happens when technology clashes with magic.
For his sci-fi/fantasy work, he's drawn comparisons to heavy hitters: Ursula LeGuin (Harry Potter influence), Elaine Cunningham (queen of dark fantasy and Forgotten Realms), Fydor Dostoevsky (psychological godfather of Crime and Punishment), Andre Norton, and J.R.R. Tolkien. However, Drew takes greatest pride from knowing he can juggle more balls than any other author on the planet (sometimes, 8).
His books feature post-apocalyptic genetically engineered humans joining forces with magic-wielding aliens (Moon 514), superstitious steampunk societies warring with a powerless mage and camouflaging dragons (Unproven), high-tech assassins trying to discern memory implants from reality (Assassin Hunter), drug-enhanced magic systems (Slice), psionically gifted dragons, telepathic griffons, symbiotic vampiric vines, and entrancing world-building. He aims to deliver thriller pacing a la Dan Brown and tightly outlined Brandon Sanderson-esque plots all while exploring deeply personal character growth.
For regular and up to date information from Drew, look him up on Substack.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 20, 2014
I finished this book before bed last night, but only just found time to leave a review. First of all, let me say that I love science-fiction and especially any sci-fi that has a dystopian or post-apocalyptic influence. That is what first intrigued me enough to give this book a chance, but it's definitely not the only thing that kept me hooked once I had delved into the story.
The main thing that stood out to me about this book is the author's view of a "post apocalyptic world", it's not what you would typically expect when you first see the worlds, and I'm glad that Drew Briney isn't afraid to stand out and offer his own unique twist to the genre, which, I should mention, is executed near flawlessly through the great writing. Instead of using the same archetypes that almost everyone else uses, the author offers readers a unique view of what the future and technology may look like. Most people have this grim, mechanical, almost artificial view of the future - but Drew Briney has a much different perspective that I'm sure will impress even the most critical fans of the genre out there.
I feel I should mention that there is a strong fantasy influence, but for me that just added to the allure (I love fantasy, anyway) of the book and I think the author has done a really great job of adding the fantasy influence, without making it overbearing or too over-the-top to the point that it takes away from the sci-fi element of the book.
Overall, I would give this book a 9/10. I am very impressed and I will be keeping note of the author's name, but I do think some characters could have benefited from a little more 'background detail'. This is so minor, though, that I absolutely have to give this book 5 stars, as the pros far outweigh the tiny cons of this book. No story is perfect, but "Moon 514: Blaze and the White Griffon" comes pretty close to perfect, in my eyes.
The main thing that stood out to me about this book is the author's view of a "post apocalyptic world", it's not what you would typically expect when you first see the worlds, and I'm glad that Drew Briney isn't afraid to stand out and offer his own unique twist to the genre, which, I should mention, is executed near flawlessly through the great writing. Instead of using the same archetypes that almost everyone else uses, the author offers readers a unique view of what the future and technology may look like. Most people have this grim, mechanical, almost artificial view of the future - but Drew Briney has a much different perspective that I'm sure will impress even the most critical fans of the genre out there.
I feel I should mention that there is a strong fantasy influence, but for me that just added to the allure (I love fantasy, anyway) of the book and I think the author has done a really great job of adding the fantasy influence, without making it overbearing or too over-the-top to the point that it takes away from the sci-fi element of the book.
Overall, I would give this book a 9/10. I am very impressed and I will be keeping note of the author's name, but I do think some characters could have benefited from a little more 'background detail'. This is so minor, though, that I absolutely have to give this book 5 stars, as the pros far outweigh the tiny cons of this book. No story is perfect, but "Moon 514: Blaze and the White Griffon" comes pretty close to perfect, in my eyes.
May 17, 2014
Unforgettable, imaginative, and unbelievably exhilarating
To state that this was a breath of fresh air to read is, well, an understatement. This is one of those books that provide such a visual and great read that it makes you think “I wish that they made THIS into a movie!”. So many books get made into movies within this genre that are poorly constructed, but this I think would do well in that form. Going through this book while following Blaze's journey was a great read, and trying to figure out the resolution to this story kept me from putting this book down.
I started to flip through this book in the morning and read through it through the day. Honestly, I'd recommend it to anyone that likes interesting blends of scifi and fantasy. And I'm glad that I gave this author a chance, as I will certainly be following all of Drew's future books! Loved it!
To state that this was a breath of fresh air to read is, well, an understatement. This is one of those books that provide such a visual and great read that it makes you think “I wish that they made THIS into a movie!”. So many books get made into movies within this genre that are poorly constructed, but this I think would do well in that form. Going through this book while following Blaze's journey was a great read, and trying to figure out the resolution to this story kept me from putting this book down.
I started to flip through this book in the morning and read through it through the day. Honestly, I'd recommend it to anyone that likes interesting blends of scifi and fantasy. And I'm glad that I gave this author a chance, as I will certainly be following all of Drew's future books! Loved it!
June 18, 2014
Wow, this book is well written. It is great at pulling you in and makes it hard to put the book down. It is a very exciting world to experience and the author is good at making that world alive. I highly recommend the adventure this book gives.
May 27, 2021
It is difficult for me to write a good review on this book although it deserves it by all means. The problem I have to find the right words to really define how I felt about reading this book. I enjoyed the plot and the history behind it and felt that any one who does not read it, may be losing a lot that respect.I could go into detail how Blaze turns out in this book but that would be anti climatic and riuin reading the book but it is well worth reading.
April 19, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"As puzzled as puzzled gets."
I can understand why this book has received numerous five star reviews. This is a fresh re-imagined look at a post apocalyptic (in fact, three times apocalyptic) world that is very different from most. It is very heavy on the fantasy, though, and I am not a fan, I fear, much preferring a far more fulfilling science fiction base. Yes, there is a space ship and a simulator (where the hero seemingly fights endlessly), and mention of genetic manipulation but it is outweighed by constant feelings of intuitions and sort of energy auras and mind readings, and overall there is the dream-like fantasy veil. And I never could determine if it was supposed to be funny.
Personally, I was reminded strongly of the type of story book a slightly oddball parent reads to a delighted child at night, exciting and daring, suspenseful - and it really doesn't matter if it doesn't make sense, or slips into a different time frame, because it is magical, far away from real life and a great precursor to sleep. Worked for me: I was only able to listen to a short length before nodding off. This was ably assisted by narrator, Julian Pearson, who read well, great inflection, steady pace and oh, so soothing. For the first half of the book, each time it happened, I backtracked to catch up on what I'd missed; but eventually I gave in to my body's reaction, probably missing a total of nearly an hour's text taken in bite sized pieces. I don't think I missed anything crucial but ...
The book was atmospheric, unusual and like a wild magical dream, or nightmare, not sure which. I'm sure it would appeal to many but sadly, not me. My fantasy tolerance is spread thin. My thanks, hosever, to the rights holder of Moon 514, who, at my request, generously and freely gifted me with a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom.
"As puzzled as puzzled gets."
I can understand why this book has received numerous five star reviews. This is a fresh re-imagined look at a post apocalyptic (in fact, three times apocalyptic) world that is very different from most. It is very heavy on the fantasy, though, and I am not a fan, I fear, much preferring a far more fulfilling science fiction base. Yes, there is a space ship and a simulator (where the hero seemingly fights endlessly), and mention of genetic manipulation but it is outweighed by constant feelings of intuitions and sort of energy auras and mind readings, and overall there is the dream-like fantasy veil. And I never could determine if it was supposed to be funny.
Personally, I was reminded strongly of the type of story book a slightly oddball parent reads to a delighted child at night, exciting and daring, suspenseful - and it really doesn't matter if it doesn't make sense, or slips into a different time frame, because it is magical, far away from real life and a great precursor to sleep. Worked for me: I was only able to listen to a short length before nodding off. This was ably assisted by narrator, Julian Pearson, who read well, great inflection, steady pace and oh, so soothing. For the first half of the book, each time it happened, I backtracked to catch up on what I'd missed; but eventually I gave in to my body's reaction, probably missing a total of nearly an hour's text taken in bite sized pieces. I don't think I missed anything crucial but ...
The book was atmospheric, unusual and like a wild magical dream, or nightmare, not sure which. I'm sure it would appeal to many but sadly, not me. My fantasy tolerance is spread thin. My thanks, hosever, to the rights holder of Moon 514, who, at my request, generously and freely gifted me with a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom.
December 15, 2019
What an excellent story! The world building was amazing and the character development was also incredible. Blaze is a young warrior living after the Third Holocaust and his attempts to help his people. There is so much going on with betrayal and danger at every turn. Genetic enhancements are also a part of the story with some good and some not. It was hard to tell as the story progressed who was a enemy and who was an ally. It was very exciting and fast-paced. The endings felt abrupt to me but there is room for more stories.
February 15, 2023
Audiobook: This was an interesting story. There was a lot of worldbuilding and many detailed descriptions. My issue with this tale was that at times there was so much worldbuilding that it overwhelmed the story. I enjoyed the characters and the creatures that populated the world. Julian Pearson's narration was passable, but he lacked expressiveness, and since a lot of this story was descriptive, his prosaic delivery was unimpressive. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
August 14, 2020
A magnificent read!, I loved it, an astounding work of fiction in the fantasy genre.
October 15, 2020
A nice story. Difficult to put down, although the end left me a bit wanting.
February 17, 2023
Excellent story. Characters developed nicely. Great pace. I wasnt sure I would like it and was really pleased I took the gamble. Would read more
June 21, 2014
Drew Briney pushes the readers imagination to the fullest with this post-apocalyptic novel. Strong character development leads the reader to be engaged by creatures and aliens and a protagonist at his wits end blasted with adventures and battles, while struggling with unrequited feelings. The author holds no reservations when it comes to descriptive details, including bits of the grotesque to the brilliant.
Moon 514: Blaze and the White Griffon is a an epic tale with the not commonly combined themes of magic and technology. However, the underlying message here is that the two go hand in hand. This reminds me of the series "Ancient Aliens" on the History Channel, which revolves around the theme of how ancient civilizations may have mistaken technology for magic. I'm not much of a sci-fi reader, however I am into magic and fantasy and this unique novel has just the right effects to capture and hold my attention.
Moon 514: Blaze and the White Griffon is a an epic tale with the not commonly combined themes of magic and technology. However, the underlying message here is that the two go hand in hand. This reminds me of the series "Ancient Aliens" on the History Channel, which revolves around the theme of how ancient civilizations may have mistaken technology for magic. I'm not much of a sci-fi reader, however I am into magic and fantasy and this unique novel has just the right effects to capture and hold my attention.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews