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Mytro
Imagine if, right now, clattering underneath your feet was a secret train system that could take you anywhere in minutes. Imagine a trip full of mystery and excitement from New York to Barcelona to the wind-swept coast of Italy to the edge of space. Imagine dangerous strangers, amazing friends, and high adventure.
Imagine Mytro.
The first book in the Mytro trilogy, this thrill ride of a story follows Turtle and Agata as they learn the secrets of a mysterious group trying to control the world and the strange creatures that could destroy it. Written by a tech blogger turned YA author, this tale is full of old fashioned adventure, steampunk cool, and clever code breaking. It's a real romp and great for boys and girls (and adults) of all ages.
Imagine Mytro.
The first book in the Mytro trilogy, this thrill ride of a story follows Turtle and Agata as they learn the secrets of a mysterious group trying to control the world and the strange creatures that could destroy it. Written by a tech blogger turned YA author, this tale is full of old fashioned adventure, steampunk cool, and clever code breaking. It's a real romp and great for boys and girls (and adults) of all ages.
ebook
First published May 2, 2014
8 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
John Biggs
55 books53 followersI live in Brooklyn, NY and write about technology, security, gadgets, gear, wristwatches, and the Internet. After spending four years as an IT programmer, I switched gears and became a full-time journalist. My work has appeared in the New York Times, Laptop, PC Upgrade, Surge, Gizmodo, Men’s Health, InSync, Linux Journal, Popular Science, Sync, The Stir and I’ve written Black Hat: Misfits, Criminals, and Scammers in the Internet Age and Bloggers Boot Camp. I also speak and consult. I have forthcoming books about Marie Antoinette’s watch as well as a YA fiction book, Mytro.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 5, 2014
Mytro is the story of Paul (known as Turtle), an 8th grade boy in New York who discovers a mysterious “train” station and meets a (temporarily) mysterious girl, Agata, whose parents have gone missing. It is an action-adventure/science fiction novel that leans toward fantasy, includes some fun with alternate-history and dips a big toe briefly into horror.
MyTro is the second self-published book I have read, and the second one to obliterate my pre-conceptions of the quality of a self-published book. A well-written and fast paced middle grade novel, John Biggs has created an extremely readable, fast-paced story. Admittedly, I was a bit unsure in the first few chapters of this seemingly standard middle grade boy type story, but by chapter four I was very interested and chapter five’s first paragraph had me completely hooked. My middle school aged nephew, who has just started reading the book, informed me that he was hooked by chapter three.
Though this novel reads well as a complete story within itself and could have been left as a stand-alone novel, it is the start of a trilogy. I am very interested to see where the author takes the story next (and my inner Doctor Who fan loved it too, as I could easily see a story for the Doctor being lifted from or inspired by this novel).
I was the lucky recipient of a free copy, courtesy of the author, through a booklikes giveaway. Here is a summary of my honest opinion, if you enjoy middle grade fiction or if any of the descriptions of this book interest you, buy a copy! When the second MyTro book comes out, I certainly will.
MyTro is the second self-published book I have read, and the second one to obliterate my pre-conceptions of the quality of a self-published book. A well-written and fast paced middle grade novel, John Biggs has created an extremely readable, fast-paced story. Admittedly, I was a bit unsure in the first few chapters of this seemingly standard middle grade boy type story, but by chapter four I was very interested and chapter five’s first paragraph had me completely hooked. My middle school aged nephew, who has just started reading the book, informed me that he was hooked by chapter three.
Though this novel reads well as a complete story within itself and could have been left as a stand-alone novel, it is the start of a trilogy. I am very interested to see where the author takes the story next (and my inner Doctor Who fan loved it too, as I could easily see a story for the Doctor being lifted from or inspired by this novel).
I was the lucky recipient of a free copy, courtesy of the author, through a booklikes giveaway. Here is a summary of my honest opinion, if you enjoy middle grade fiction or if any of the descriptions of this book interest you, buy a copy! When the second MyTro book comes out, I certainly will.
June 20, 2014
This story sort of reminds me of Wrinkle in Time, except there is something like a train involved. At least what humans see of it. I really liked reading it and what the two kids did to save a family.
Paul (nickname Turtle) has just found out about the Mytro when he followed his friends and fell into a large rock which opened up. The Mytro was like the NY subway but much faster (as if time stood still or slowed down. Turtle goes back to the rock and out comes Agata (from Barcelona). She is in trouble and some nasty men are following her because they want what they think she has. The two kids pair up and help save her family who was kidnapped by the evil men. They meet 411, a Nazun, and he helps them find Agata's mother and uncle. The Nazuns build and repair the Mytro and then Mytro is also a entity in itself. If it gets angry, it can burn down all the tracks and take care of problems (such as the evil men).
Agata and Turtle find the keys that make the Mytro run and with the help of Ehioze, Turtle and Agata find her mother and uncle. Agata gets caught and Turtle and Ehioze get away. Again with the help of 411, the bad men are caught and Agata and her family get back to Barcelona. And Turtle goes home. The only one not yet found is Agata's father so there will be a sequel to this
I got this book from a goodreads giveaway.
Paul (nickname Turtle) has just found out about the Mytro when he followed his friends and fell into a large rock which opened up. The Mytro was like the NY subway but much faster (as if time stood still or slowed down. Turtle goes back to the rock and out comes Agata (from Barcelona). She is in trouble and some nasty men are following her because they want what they think she has. The two kids pair up and help save her family who was kidnapped by the evil men. They meet 411, a Nazun, and he helps them find Agata's mother and uncle. The Nazuns build and repair the Mytro and then Mytro is also a entity in itself. If it gets angry, it can burn down all the tracks and take care of problems (such as the evil men).
Agata and Turtle find the keys that make the Mytro run and with the help of Ehioze, Turtle and Agata find her mother and uncle. Agata gets caught and Turtle and Ehioze get away. Again with the help of 411, the bad men are caught and Agata and her family get back to Barcelona. And Turtle goes home. The only one not yet found is Agata's father so there will be a sequel to this
I got this book from a goodreads giveaway.
April 16, 2015
Goodreads Paperback Win
This is the first book in a three part series of the adventures of Turtle and Agata.
What is Mytro and why are members of Agata kidnapped and being held hostage?
Mytro is an underground train system that can take you anyway in a blink of eye but not everyone has access to it. Along the way there are mysterious people and creatures that must be taken care of.
We watch as these two manage to work out secret codes and finding the keys that everyone wants as they risk themselves on this journey to find her family.
A start of a nice adventure for young readers to read.
This is the first book in a three part series of the adventures of Turtle and Agata.
What is Mytro and why are members of Agata kidnapped and being held hostage?
Mytro is an underground train system that can take you anyway in a blink of eye but not everyone has access to it. Along the way there are mysterious people and creatures that must be taken care of.
We watch as these two manage to work out secret codes and finding the keys that everyone wants as they risk themselves on this journey to find her family.
A start of a nice adventure for young readers to read.
July 16, 2014
Absolutely fantastic. Gripping, fast paced and beautifully written. A must read. I'm already looking forward to the sequel. There'll be a sequel, right?
May 6, 2017
John Biggs is probably best-known for the work that he does at TechCrunch – he’s a technology journalist by day, a family man by night and an author in those rare moments in between. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Mytro, his first work of fiction, because he’s so well-known for writing non-fiction – it turns out that I needn’t have worried.
In a nutshell, the story follows a young New Yorker called Turtle and his new friend Agata, as they explore the Mytro whilst simultaneously trying to escape the forces of evil. The Mytro is a mysterious underground train system, one that can take you from one part of the world to another in seconds but that comes with its own set of risks, including guardians called the Nayzun and the possibility that you might disappear on the tracks, never to be found again.
There are a few minor typos here and there, but that’s to be expected when a book is published independently – it has huge potential and I’m looking forward to the next two books in the series. An excellent read for kids and adults alike, and one I recommend.
In a nutshell, the story follows a young New Yorker called Turtle and his new friend Agata, as they explore the Mytro whilst simultaneously trying to escape the forces of evil. The Mytro is a mysterious underground train system, one that can take you from one part of the world to another in seconds but that comes with its own set of risks, including guardians called the Nayzun and the possibility that you might disappear on the tracks, never to be found again.
There are a few minor typos here and there, but that’s to be expected when a book is published independently – it has huge potential and I’m looking forward to the next two books in the series. An excellent read for kids and adults alike, and one I recommend.
September 14, 2014
It looks like such a small book but it provides so much adventure, history, and drama within its pages. John’s great imagination shows through with this fantastic storyline with unique characters, realistic imagery and a fast-paced novel. Nate and Nick ride the Mytro every day but they don’t know the Mytro’s history nor the capabilities this mysterious train system has, they just know that it helps them get where they need to go faster. Finding the hidden passageways, they climb aboard and off they go. Their father has been quietly unearthing the history of the rails unbeknownst to the twins. Just a few individuals are aware of the rails existent and of course, everyone has plans for what they would like to use this powerful rail system for. The Mytro itself is unique and with its long history, it’s not ready for change. John provides the reader with lots of interesting history setting the stage for what is coming next and for that, some of the characters are put into motion and you are off and running. Make sure you catch the next train and don’t forget…… you’ll need a map. Can’t wait to see book two of the series leads me.
I won a copy of this book from BookLikes and John Biggs. Thanks!
I won a copy of this book from BookLikes and John Biggs. Thanks!
November 6, 2015
Mytro by John Biggs brings together Paul "Turtle" Fulton, a boy from New York City, and Agata, a girl from Barcelona, Spain. Paul stumbles on a secret subway system, by following 2 friends, and finds out that this secret subway can get you anywhere in the world in the matter of minutes. He is given a map, meets Agata who came over on the Mytro from Spain, and together the go on an adventure to find her parents who have been taken by people who want to take over the Mytro.
Once I sat down to read this, I couldn't put it down. The adventure takes the 2 teens to different countries, introduces them to another teen from another culture who becomes a friend, and gives them a chance to break secret codes to help put the pieces together as to where Agata's parents are. John Biggs has been able to keep the fast pace of the plot consistent throughout the story. Both Turtle and Agata are intelligent, thoughtful, and likable.
The ending did seem a little open ended, but Mytro is the first installment in what is to be a trilogy. I am definitely interested in reading what comes next.
****This book was won in a giveaway through Booklikes from the author, John Biggs.***
Once I sat down to read this, I couldn't put it down. The adventure takes the 2 teens to different countries, introduces them to another teen from another culture who becomes a friend, and gives them a chance to break secret codes to help put the pieces together as to where Agata's parents are. John Biggs has been able to keep the fast pace of the plot consistent throughout the story. Both Turtle and Agata are intelligent, thoughtful, and likable.
The ending did seem a little open ended, but Mytro is the first installment in what is to be a trilogy. I am definitely interested in reading what comes next.
****This book was won in a giveaway through Booklikes from the author, John Biggs.***
June 7, 2014
John Biggs is probably best-known for the work that he does at TechCrunch – he’s a technology journalist by day, a family man by night and an author in those rare moments in between. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Mytro, his first work of fiction, because he’s so well-known for writing non-fiction – it turns out that I needn’t have worried.
In a nutshell, the story follows a young New Yorker called Turtle and his new friend Agata, as they explore the Mytro whilst simultaneously trying to escape the forces of evil. The Mytro is a mysterious underground train system, one that can take you from one part of the world to another in seconds but that comes with its own set of risks, including guardians called the Nayzun and the possibility that you might disappear on the tracks, never to be found again.
There are a few minor typos here and there, but that’s to be expected when a book is published independently - it has huge potential and I’m looking forward to the next two books in the series. An excellent read for kids and adults alike, and one I recommend.
In a nutshell, the story follows a young New Yorker called Turtle and his new friend Agata, as they explore the Mytro whilst simultaneously trying to escape the forces of evil. The Mytro is a mysterious underground train system, one that can take you from one part of the world to another in seconds but that comes with its own set of risks, including guardians called the Nayzun and the possibility that you might disappear on the tracks, never to be found again.
There are a few minor typos here and there, but that’s to be expected when a book is published independently - it has huge potential and I’m looking forward to the next two books in the series. An excellent read for kids and adults alike, and one I recommend.
July 24, 2015
Great read for kids and adults
We were hooked from the start! I easily connected with the main character, Paul (Turtle) and my kids (9 and 7) really liked Turtles new friend Agata. I was reminded of A Wrinkle of Time, and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
I look forward the the second and third book in this series.
We were hooked from the start! I easily connected with the main character, Paul (Turtle) and my kids (9 and 7) really liked Turtles new friend Agata. I was reminded of A Wrinkle of Time, and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
I look forward the the second and third book in this series.
July 6, 2014
Entertaining and vivid book. Great adventure over many European Cities and New York of course. Highly recommending it!
June 25, 2014
Solid YA novel, makes for a fun and quick read
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews