The Flight of the Silvers

Silvers #1

by Daniel Price

Without warning, the world comes to an end. The sky looms frigid white. The electricity falters. Airplanes everywhere crash to the ground.

Within moments, the sky comes down in a crushing sheet of light, and everything and everyone are gone—except for Hannah and Amanda Given.

Saved from destruction by three fearsome and powerful beings, the Given sisters suddenly find themselves elsewhere: a strange new Earth where restaurants move through the air like flying saucers and the fabric of time is manipulated by common household appliances.

Soon Hannah and Amanda are joined by four other survivors from their world--a mordant cartoonist, a shy teenage girl, a brilliant young Australian, and a troubled ex-prodigy. Hunted by enemies they never knew they had and afflicted with temporal abilities they never wanted, the sisters and their companions begin a cross-country journey to find the one man who can save them—before time runs out.

“Highly recommended for fans of apocalyptic and dystopian fiction.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“An absorbing adventure with a fresh take on both the parallel-universe and the paranormal subgenres.”—Kirkus (starred review)

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Time Travel, Dystopia, Audiobook, Science Fiction Fantasy

595 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 2014

About the author

Daniel Price is the author of The Flight of the Silvers, The Song of the Orphans, and Slick, the first of which was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award for Best Science Fiction Novel in 2014.

His latest novel, The War of the Givens, was published by Penguin Random House/Dutton in March 2024.

He lives in Gilbert, Arizona, with his partner Nancy (also a Goodreads author) and her wonderful kids. You can learn more about him and his books at his author site.

Reviews

[thefourthvine · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was what lightreads calls a grudgeread. I knew it was bad at 20% but I kept on reading just to prove it was as bad as I thought. Ha ha! It was actually worse.

Here's what reading this book is like:

Drama with bracelets and weirdos! Inexplicable apocalypses! Lone survivors in a strange new world!

THERE'S THIS LADY NAMED HANNAH. SHE'S QUITE ATTRACTIVE. SHE HAS BOOBS.

The lone survivors are called Silvers! For some reason! It's pretty stressful being in a new world after yours is destroyed!

BOOBS. SHE HAS BOOBS. GOSH, HER BOOBS. THEY'RE SO GREAT. LARGE AND GREAT.

Introduction of characters! Among the dudes, we have: socially clueless but incredibly hot teenaged genius, sarcastic and socially awkward web cartoonist, and Sir Not Appearing for the First Half of the Book (an alcoholic and the only main character of color, so obviously you've got to keep him separated). Among the ladies, we have: self-righteous Christian, teenaged girl who is fat and sad because she's fat did I mention fat, and

BOOBS OH MAN THE BOOBS LIKE THESE BOOBS WOW NO ONE ANYWHERE HAS BOOBS THIS GREAT OBVIOUSLY THE LADIES ALL HATE HER AND THE DUDES ALL WANT TO BANG HER BECAUSE OF HER BOOBS WOW BOOBS

Also there's the antagonist, who is the world's most annoying supervillain. He's basically Gamergate Dude. His powers come from his incredible memories of the future, and he turned bad because of

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOBS

And now there's some extremely spurious science talk but

BOOBS BOOBS BOOBS BOOBS BOOBS BOOBS BOOBS

Plot developments

BOOBS

Stuff ha--

BOOBS

But

BOOBS

So I guess I'd recommend this to anyone who likes mediocre writing, an interesting central concept, characterization of dudes via authorial self-insert, characterization of ladies via extensive study of Cosmo, random strangely misused words, and, most of all, boobs.

Although I have to tell you, as a boobs owner, operator, and enthusiast, this book mostly made me boobsick. (And also worried about Hannah; the characters were given clothes, including underwear, but they weren't given bras. But I guess your truly exceptional boobs are fine without support.)

In conclusion:

BOOBS.

[Ysabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My optometrist would like a word with Mister Price, cause this book of his gave me a serious case of reader's dry eyes. "Just a few more pages, and then I'll go to bed/get back to work/eat dinner/consider George Clooney's marriage proposal."

Once you get into the action, it's like riding on a roller coaster during a thunderstorm at night, exhilarating and scary, where you have to trust that you'll get taken safely to your destination even though you have no idea how - except for these shining moments of clarity where you think you finally figured it out... only to see it all shatter as you go around another loop.

The characters grow on you as you read, and you discover their layers as they get put through trials and tribulations. This is not a pampered journey full of deus ex machina', there are no easy outs, just wits, feelings, and a little bit of luck.

I enjoyed discovering the logic underpinning the world that Daniel built, where time has been turned into a tool to be used and not simply experienced. The "science" behind it is solid, and I was fascinated by how far he took it.

Not an easy read, but the results are worth it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Stitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is now one month since I finished the first installment of the Silvers series. I have what can only be described as "book hangover" - don't get me wrong, I love getting book hangover. If you didn't know, book hangover is where you read something SO good, as soon as you're finished you enter a curious state of both elation for the brilliance of what you just read and a sort of depression, for knowing that reading anything this good won't happen again for several years/ever again/generations/until the sequel. A bit like comets, really.

I won't say too much, but this is why you need to read this book:

The Flight Of The Silvers opens in our own world and swiftly whisks you away to another, believable and astounding world that you won't want to leave. Six people called "Silvers" are saved from the ending of our universe, dragged from their (our) own sane and explainable reality into a world, while not dissimilar to our own, has moved in a different direction with the advent of fantastical but altogether believable and wholly plausible technology, transport and such (why, oh why isn't "tuping" a thing here? I needed that in my life when I was a student. Cold pizza in the fridge too long? No problem! TUPE! Running low on soup? TUPE-SOUP .)

The Silvers themselves come from varying backgrounds and as characters, they are so well-written and developed, distinct and ultimately human with flaws that you find yourself recognizing and identifying with - which serves to reel you in even more. You see how they change over the course of the book, which is a real feat in writing. Unlike so many of the over-chiseled characters I've stumbled across, they are normal people like yourself with their traits, flaws and neuroticisms, that are ripped into this strange new world. Ultimately, you as the reader are always riding along with the Silvers, as you find yourself awake at 4am unable to stop turning the page for fear of missing something crucial in the action, as though the book is happening in real time and running parallel to your own life. (And hey, going by this book, just maybe it is.)

The pacing of The Flight Of The Silvers is another incredible thing. Every. Single. Page. Matters. There is no boring filler or downtime, like so much in the sci-fi genre these days - two pages to describe a mountain? Not here. 100% filler-free. You will find yourself gripping the book (or your e-reader) with white knuckles, maybe you'll even forget to breathe once in a while as the story twists and certain characters pop-up.

There's powers, paradoxes, parallel worlds, time travel and so many threads of an epic plot that weave together so perfectly and even the "villains" have motives that you're not quite sure are all that evil.

This may be one of the greatest fictional worlds I have lost myself in, along with Mass Effect, Firefly, Lost, the DC Universe, Battlestar Galactica and Continuum. Not since I was 11 (and reading Harry Potter - yes, I know, but this was before the movies) have I felt so strongly a part of, so fully engrossed and enjoying a fictional universe. Having read it, I feel like I'm on the precipice, having discovered something that is about to explode and firmly kick the world in the shins and say "This, you fools, is how character driven sci-fi is done.".

This is The Flight Of The Silvers. Just read it. and let me know when you're done so I can mail you a postcard with "I told you so!" in big, bold letters. Maybe even on a shred of notebook paper. You'll see what I mean when you read this utterly brilliant story.

Thankyou, Mr Price, for sharing this story with us and writing something so damn enjoyable. "Keep walking" indeed, good sir. (Or... "keep writing"? *camps with a Thermos of tupe-soup*. I need to know what happens next in the Silververse! :o) )

[Kelly]

Six ordinary people survive the end of the world. They are visited by three ethereal beings and given a silver bracelet. Moments before the sky collapses on them, they are surrounded by protective bubbles and have to watch everything and everyone they care about disappear. When the dust settles, they find themselves on an alternate Earth, one where the discovery of a new elements has changed the way people live. Time and space can be manipulated. Cars fly and food can be freshened by a household appliance. There are machines that can reverse near fatal wounds and suits that allow the wearer to travel at twenty times the normal speed.

I could list the wonders of this new world for a while, but I’d rather let you discover them for yourself when you read the book. You should read this book!

Each traveller is collected and brought to a facility where they will spend time adjusting to the facts. This is when we get to know our cast of characters. We have David, the young and frighteningly intelligent Australian. Mia, barely more than a girl, who seems rather meek, but extremely compassionate. Zach, the artist. He’s smart, too. They all are. He’s also very observant. Theo is a bit of a mystery at first. He’s quite a bit more to the group than the token Asian. Then we have the sisters Given, Hannah and Amanda. Hannah is busty and gutsy. She quickly befriends each member of the group – the male members of the group. Her sister is more intense. Amanda is all about control. She takes Mia under her wing.

Nine silver bracelets were issued to the group, which will be referred to throughout the novel as the Silvers. Two of the other travellers suffer accidents of transport and circumstance and one slips away to mess with his fellows. He’s a serial nutcase. (Bit of an inside joke there. Read the book and you’ll get it.)

While at the facility, our ordinary travellers begin to develop extraordinary abilities. They’re easily explained. The alternate Earth has been manipulating time and matter for close to a century but machines are required. People can’t run twenty times as fast or punch through walls, reverse an overripe banana to an edible state, see ghosts, send notes through portals or predict the future. Not outside of urban myth, anyway. Even on this alternate Earth, not all is as it seems.

There is little rest for the weary as the Silvers are forced to take flight. They have questions, big and small. Where did their abilities come from and why do they have them? What happened to their world? Why were they chosen? Who were the three eerily beautiful strangers? What happened to those they left behind? Who is trying to kill them? Who is helping them? What awaits them in Brooklyn, New York?

Some of these questions are answered during their cross country run, but more are raised. The Silvers struggle to come to terms with their extraordinary abilities and with each other. They squabble like siblings and the two sisters almost seem to revel in their rivalry. Loyalties clash and divide and blood is spilled. There are moments when no one knows who to trust, amongst themselves or even themselves. Leaps of courage and faith are required, which bring out the humanity in these extraordinary characters.

If you couldn’t tell already, I loved ‘The Flight Of The Silvers’. I found it very difficult to put it aside to deal with my own life and by the time I got to the four-hundredth page, I simply gave up trying. I informed the family that I would return about then and cuddled up on the couch with the final third of the book.

The best thing about the novel, what keeps the pages turning, is that the reader has as little idea what is going on as the characters do. The only way to solve the mystery is to keep reading. Thankfully, that is easy to do. The story is really different and imaginative. The characters are distinct. They develop over the course of events, as they adapt to their abilities and circumstances.

The writing is great. There is some interesting word use, otherwise the narrative is so fluent that it supports the story invisibly. I love it when that happens. The omniscient pov takes a while to get used to. It works for the book, though. If we got any deeper into any individual heads than passing thoughts, it would become too much that character’s story. A final note on the writing: I admired the way the author managed to portray villainous characters without resorting to crude language. Instead, Price exposes their evil intent through carefully chosen dialogue and nefarious deeds.

The speculative elements are seamlessly integrated. The setting is Science Fiction/alternate reality, but it doesn’t read that way. The world they end up in operates very differently, but there are enough familiar elements that you don’t feel as if you’re trying to learn a new culture. Alternate America is more interesting than distracting. Also, the story is a mystery, a really deep and twisty one. I honestly had no idea what was going to happen. Half-way in, I had enough information to make a few predictions, but I wasn’t confident in any of them. For all I knew, everyone was going to die…and the amazing and scary part was that that would have been an acceptable ending. It would have worked.

It really is an amazing book. I’m thrilled to be able to write such a positive review so early in the year. Perhaps it’s a harbinger of good things to come. Meanwhile, I’ll be looking forward to the next instalment, even if it is another six hundred pages that entices me to abandon my family all over again.

Written for SFCrowsnest.

[Don Elder · Rating 1 out of 5]

A pre-teen novel written for boys between the ages of 11-15. Why are there so many CONSTANT references to Amanda's and Hannah's BOOBs. yes, details on how the fit into their dresses, how they bounce when they dance, how other's notice their boobs...... I had to put this book down after page 46 because I was reducing my IQ with every word read, this book was/is terrible and I can't ever understand who writes this crap, who reads this crap and then I realize that they "all" must be tied into Kim Kardashian's twitter feed, oh, those folks.

[Sarah Brehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads giveaways, and if I could send Past-Sarah notes, I'd use my timey-wimey ability to 1. Ensure that I enter the giveaway and 2. In the chance that Past-Sarah doesn't win the giveaway, to make sure she goes and buys this book.

Within the first few pages, where events of a car crash defy the laws of time and physics, I was instantly hooked. I had trouble putting the book down as I followed the Silvers through the end of the world and into an alternate/parallel world where things are distinctly different — The Cataclysm of 1912 drastically altered history, turning America into an isolationist nation with a heavy dose of paranoia. Also, cars can fly, ghostly images are a commonplace, and you never have to worry about fruit going bad again, all thanks to temporis.

And there's lots of mysterious people trying to kill help them. Or are these people trying to help kill them?

It was when I had about a hundred pages left that I realized there weren't enough words left to effectively answer all the questions I had running through my head. It was then that I noticed the very last page that read "The Silvers Saga continues in Book Two..."

So, if Future-Sarah ever learns to send me things, kindly send me Book Two now. No, seriously, send me Book Two now!

The Flight of the Silvers is going to be a hard book to beat for my favorite read of 2014.

[Tara Mcdonough · Rating 5 out of 5]

As others have noted, this book's first chapter contains A LOT of exposition ... but I can deal with exposition, especially when the payoff is an alternate world as nuanced and imaginative as this AltAmerica. I loved the world Mr. Price has created in The Flight of the Silvers. (In fact, as I was reading, I kept catching myself trying to peer around corners to see more of it. Of course, this is a novel, so I couldn't -- but it doesn't mean I can't try!) Another reviewer mentioned that reading this book is like reading a movie, and I echo that sentiment. Mr. Price clearly has thought A LOT about the world and its characters, and his attention means we get to see and feel the detail and not just broad strokes.

I loved this book. Can't wait to get my hands on the next installment of this story.

[Brendan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always loathe to say that something I read in February is The Book of the Year. Like saying a Tuesday is the worst day of the week, or that your only time visiting New York was your favorite time, it seems like damning it with faint praise at best, or, more likely, a pithy insult. So understand when I say that when I say this is The Book of the Year, I mean it because I have trouble imagining a better book coming out this year, or possibly for years to come.

This is The Book of the Year. Hell, this is in my top three ever, and I’m not trying to humble brag when I say I read I a book every ten days. The Flight of the Silvers is just that goddamn good.

A lot of people look down on science fiction and fantasy. They scoff at it because so many people who write in that genre are terrible authors who happen to have a good idea or two. So the books they write may be based on an interesting premise, and that premise may be well developed, but ultimately their writing is atrocious. And their novels are driven by that premise, and character development is all but abandoned. For all that I love Philip K. Dick, I refer to this as the PKD Problem.

Sometimes these scoffers write “magical realism.” Which is a genre defined being written by people who don’t love science fiction and fantasy, are never well developed from an interesting premise, but have a character-driven story.

Many people don’t understand that science fiction and fantasy don’t preclude both. A book can have an amazing story and an amazing premise. It can provoke the mind, provide a sense of awe, and make you feel as attached to the characters as you would Raskolnikov or Tom Sawyer. There just aren’t a lot of books like that. In fact, there are very, very few.

This is one of those books. Hell, this may the shining example that the literary scene needs to take finally take the genre seriously. Because I don’t quite agree that this story is genre-bending.

This book is Science Fiction.

This book is Alternate History.

This book is Romance.

This book has superheroes.

This book is Literature.

This is all of those things and more. It does not bend genres. It is a citizen of all of them, and more.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening chapter of this book completely captivated me and the great news is that the rest of The Flight of the Silvers lived up to it, through all of its 600 glorious pages. Mindbending and bonkers in places, this is a fantastic beautifully written piece of speculative fiction, introducing us to a strange new Earth, similar and yet so different, in which little can be relied on - most especially time. At the heart of it lies the Silvers themselves, six extraordinary individuals that you grow to love deeply and fear for intensely. An absolute treat of a book.

[Iris Mccormick-clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just recently finished this book, and have to say I think it was an excellent read!! Especially do to the fact that this is Mr. Price's first venture into a beloved and seriously "hard to compete with" world of science fiction/fantasy ;-)
If his future books are this good (better no doubt;)then this wide readership out here, now have a new author with a big talent to enjoy.

A great story with characters who, with all their flaws/weaknesses, unknown depths/strengths, are people we all know or have known...
I can't wait to continue the story in the next book, and the next, and the next.. ahhhhh the wait though.. has to be the worst part of a continuing saga. Guess maybe it could be considered building up the suspense when we have to wait! Sure...

Great book Dan! Thank you ;-)
Keep up the good work..

Iris M

[A.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short review: Hands down the best book I've read this year. Possibly last year too.

Longer review/thoughts: The awkward moment when you almost miss not one but two of your public transit stops because you're so engrossed in the story you're reading. I caught myself the first time (just barely). On the second one, my shuttle driver yelled at me. Disorienting, but at least I made it to work? Thanks, Daniel Price. That was a literary first for me.

It's rare that you come across a character driven book that falls into the sci-fi genre, in my experience. Rarer still to find one so well-written, with a nuanced, believable world and relatable (if not always entirely likable) characters.

There happen to be a few little aspects of writing that irritate me and usually involve me either giving up on a book prior to finishing or complaining via GoodReads review: 1) POV/head-hopping, particularly within the same chapter, and 2) referring to characters by some random descriptor ("the actress", "the widow", etc.) Author Daniel Price employs both techniques in this story.

Weirdly enough, they work really well, and I sincerely believe it's because Price is just that darn good of a writer. The book has some serious moments, without question, but there's a humor infused throughout the writing, and Price has created some really fantastic lines that raise the level of this story from just another interesting sci-fi premise to something more...literary, I guess is the word I'm looking for here.

And the world building, my god. It's masterful. The world these six (or seven, depending on how you look at it) characters find themselves in is both achingly familiar to the one they left and completely foreign. The world's technology and history is digestible but creative. What's more, the Silvers' interactions with one another are realistic, and interesting. Even the occasional sub-character whose thoughts we hop into is well fleshed-out. One of my biggest issues with books that focus on an ensemble of characters is giving a crap about more than one or two of them by the end of the story. Without question, I have my favorites in terms of characters, but not a one among them is expendable or throwaway, in my view.

By far, the most interesting characters whose development I can't wait to see furthered in future books are David (of the Silvers bunch), Ioni (of the Gothams, I'm assuming?), and the Pelletiers. I would pretty much buy an entire book about the history of the Pelletiers, so I sincerely hope they feature prominently in book two.

I probably should also have given a bit of book synopsis, but there were just so many surprises for me throughout the story that I'd hate to inadvertently give any of it away. Read the book teaser if you want that. Then go buy this book and enjoy. I know I did.

[Craig Robertson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow, this book got mostly great reviews? When will avid readers cease to break my heart? Breasts - breasts - boobs, big boobs, big breast-boobs. Yeah, one character has guess what? We hear about them a big boob amount, and we leer a lot too. Okay, seriously, who isn't whip-sawed by the early, middle, and then late introducion of simultaneously interacting characters? Writing style quite average, word choices occasionally iffy. What I was negatively impressed with is how all the characters clung to their inital disbeliefs or attitudes long past when they should have matured. I had to stop reading when the purely evil character was introduced (late) who told of a boring, repeating universe where he promised to comtinue the pointless, cruel cycle. If he was to be believed, the story was spoiled and, hence pointless to read. Clearly, this cycle of the universe was to be different - powerfully so! The characters would interact just like they should - dismally - until some brave Silver broke the mold and saved the world at great personal hazzard and loss... Wait, I just guessed the whole plot. Why read on? It promised to be two-dimentional and predictable. If I am way off on my plot prediction, someone who stuck with this high school level novel please correct me. PS: I almost didn't start the book, based on the do-it-yourself cover hard cover drawing - very cluncky

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. I realized about halfway through that this is only book one of yet another series. Had I known that, I probably would have passed. But I was intrigued. Found this on the library shelf and figured I'd give this labor of love and years of development a chance. First, the dialogue is complete crap. So unnatural for the most part. There are times when it grabs you, but they are few and far. Second, the characters just don't percolate. With the exception of Evan, there are no surprises. They do what the plot requires and little else. The "entwining" is ridiculous and distracting. And if I never read about people "shining" smiles at one another, it will be too soon. The action sequences are silly for the most part, confusing and teasing. All will be answered in the next books, but I'm not to sure I really care ...

[Bonnie_blu · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book after reading the good reviews since I am a long-time SF fan. However, I was quickly disappointed as I progressed through the 600+ pages. The writing is superficial, amateurish, and trite. The characters are unpleasant, immature, and show virtually no development. Also, the author's fixation on Hannah's breasts is downright creepy. I truly don't understand the good reviews.

[Jeff Soyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short review: A superbly entertaining science fiction novel with a fascinatingly complex and well thought out plot.

Okay, you need more than that to pay the price of admission, right? I don't blame you!

The long review: The Flight of the Silvers, by Daniel Price (Amazon link) is the type of novel that all science fiction authors should aspire to write. According to the author notes, Mr. Price spent three years writing this marvelous story and it shows; oh gosh it shows itself in the intimately drawn characters, with all of their flaws, insecurities, strengths, and especially their personalities.

The Plot: Here's another thing that's wonderful about this book; I can reveal much of the plot without giving out spoilers. That's not easy to do with the average (in every sense of the word) SF book I've reviewed.

Chapter one: Our universe comes to an end! Trust me, that's not a plot spoiler -- it's the beginning of a harrowing ride for six protagonists who are "saved" by a trio of mysterious . . . humans ("quote--unquote") and are transplanted into an alternate universe, an Earth mostly like our own but also different in many disturbing ways. In this new, alternate universe, a "split" from our own, the inhabitants have discovered time manipulation through technology. However, our six characters don't need this technology because each of them have an innate, or genetically programmed ability to shape, or read, or alter, or communicate with, or predict the future. Thanks to mysterious benefactors, they wind-up in a laboratory where they are the subjects. That's a gross simplification that doesn't do justice to what Mr. Price has written. They're aliens in an alien Earth. (Thank you, Mr. Heinlein!)

Six young individuals who are torn from OUR universe and wind-up in another, scary one where they are not welcomed and are hunted down by many who want to kill them. Through the course of the book, their variously specialized skills are slowly realized and developed.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, there are a whole bunch of folks who would like to eliminate these intruders into their universe. You have the equivalent of (our) FBI regarding them as criminals and killers. You have a rogue (our universe) saved guy who is trapped in a time-loop and hates several of our story heroes and lives to hurt them. You have the mysterious "saviors" who help or hinder our gang-of-six. You have "tribes" in this alternate Earth with their own special powers, trying to kill them. You have someone who might be trying to help them, or might be the ultimate enemy. Man-O-man, they have almost everyone against them! Perfect plotting. Our friends from the original (our) world have more hurdles than horses in a steeplechase, maybe the highest one being themselves. They don't get along that well with each other, or listen much to each others' advice.

Flight of the Silvers is a wonderful accomplishment; great sci-fi with fabulous characters and a marvelously plotted story. Don't "speed read" this book. Slow down and savor the whole story as you'll benefit from carefully dropped clues. There are slow parts, where the characters interact with each other. That includes self-and other- hating, loving, introspective individuals trapped in an alterverse they don't belong in, and illumination of their makeup. Other parts of this finely written story move along at break-neck pace. This is how great novels are supposed to be. Alternate universes, time travel and manipulation, paradoxes galore, and great story telling all in one large but fast moving tale.

This is a big book, satisfying in itself, but just the first part of a series. It ends at just the right place in that some momentary security for our six protagonists is reached. But, there is a whole lot more to come and I'm an impatient kind of guy. Please, Mr. Price, write the next chapter (book) swiftly and surely, because anyone who reads this first installment is (like me) anxiously going nuts to see what happens next in your alternate universes.

The Flight of the Silvers is a great read for any science-fiction fan, as well as anyone else who just enjoys a mind-expanding story.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read some dystopia books lately that have been unoriginal and use shock to warrant itself as a good read, and even the shock that is incorporated feels borrowed from other books. The Flight of the Silvers was completely original and very engaging from beginning to end. I was excited upon finding out that it is one of a series and I cannot wait for the next installment. I would highly recommend this book.

[Sternej · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sincerely rate this as one of the best books I've read in a long time. This really stands out in the science fiction genre. The ideas and technical concepts are as intriguing as the best of science fiction. However, The story is much more character driven than 'most' Sci-Fi. Any details I would give away here would spoil the discovery for readers. The characters are strangers that find themselves together through a cataclysmic event in modern America. They have metaphysical powers, the reasons for everything and where it's all going is very gradually revealed in a plot that fits together like fine timepiece. My description sounds like a cliché but this book is not at all. What kept me going for all 600 pages was that the characters transformed to a believable and compelling sort of family. They go on a 'Matrix' like road trip where time/space is manipulated through powers around them and powers they posess. Nothing seems the slightest bit forced or overly complicated just for the sake of it, which is quite an accomplishment for a book like this. The story has you rooting for them all the way. The suspense remains intact and very tight throughout. There's never a feeling of wanting the author to just get on with it. The writing is very, very good. My taste has changed to the point where I only really enjoy books like this with sympathetic characters AND an interesting plot. Someone like H.P. Lovecraft I've lost my taste for. I am extremely excited about the sequel novel being released next year.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

What did not work for me:

-The characters mostly felt like sketches. Almost every one could have used some more details and fleshing out. Because of this, when they are experiencing high emotions for each other, it came across as more telling than showing.
-There are tropes very familiar to anyone who watches watches the same TV shows and movies the author obviously enjoys (X-Men, LOST, Fringe). Characters withholding vital information from each other for weak reasons. Bickering in every other scene. Making dumb decisions that gets them in trouble. A villain who speaks in mocking, sarcastic, sing-songy dialogue.

The good news is that these problems are easily fixable in the future books in this series.

What did work for me:
-The world-building and plotting are top-notch. The basis for everything is the manipulation of time, so the author gets to have fun with foreshadowing without it being cheap.
-It's tough to come up with fresh ideas for superpowers, but the author puts a cool spin on them.
-The story has a nice flow with each section never feeling too rushed or too long.
-I look forward to the inevitable movie series. Because that's definitely going to happen.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really enjoyed this book. The writer's style is minimalist, which I love! Focus is on the story rather than describing all sorts of innocuous cr@p. It kind of read like a script.

Enjoyed the characters, all the characters! Price was not one to spend pages giving justification for a character's actions...This book was a roller coaster ride from the Prologue...and it was a prologue like nothing I've ever read again. The book had everything, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Espionage, Drama, Romance...and it was all woven together so beautifully. Hard, hard, hard book to put down...but at 600+ pages, I had to to get anything else done!

About half way through I was hoping that his wasn't a stand alone book, but that it would be part of a series. By the end I knew we were not going to discover all there was to discover and was so thankful to see confirmation that there would be a second book.

I will be looking forward to see where the Silvers go from here! Now to just find some patience to wait!

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, the best science fiction authors build worlds.

Building worlds takes serious amounts of time and effort. Details become as important as narrative and just as hard to develop. That this book succeeds so brilliantly on both counts speaks as much to Daniel Price's assiduity, as it does his creativity. You can't help but be drawn in – drama, action and intrigue abound. The central characters are alternately endearing, fascinating and infuriating and occasionally all three at the same time.

I really wish that I hadn't read this book. Now I have to wait a year or more for the sequel.

[John Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a bittersweet read for me for several reasons. After reading it, I found that I immensely enjoyed it but regret that it has has been shelved in my bookcase for ten years. Then I discovered it is the first book in a three-part series. This could be read as a standalone novel; however, there is enough teasers in this book to hound you until you complete the series and find how our group of protagonists fare in the end.

Regarding the book's plot, the Earth has experienced a cataclysmic extinction event. Essentially, all have died with the exception of a widow, actress, cartoonist, augur, a boy and a girl. Six people, who shortly before their ends are rescued by omniscient god-like beings who magically appear and slap silver bracelets on their wrists. Each are then surrounded by a spherical egg-shape device that transports them to an alternate earth, where they are safe for a while. Each possess a similar genomic pattern that served as a beacon attracted these rescurers. Days after their arrival each begin developing specific paranormal abilities.

Initially, the group are guests of a scientific facility located in San Diego employing a number of physicists. For reasons, I won't divulge, the new arrivals discover that they must flee for their lives and make a long journey to, a different than ours, NYC. During the journey, each will discern their superhuman abilites, learn more about themselves, and learn how to be a new family.

If you enjoy science fiction, especially those with characters possessing paranormal powers, I would recommend this series. The plot for the inaugural novel of the Silvers series are the trials and tribulations the group encounter as they travel across country to hopefully reach sanctuary in New York. It is a roller-coaster ride of thrills and suspense as they encounter people they don't know whether they are friend or foe, ally or enemy.

[Carley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads giveaways. Being that it is an uncorrected proof, the book could change between the time of this review and the book's February 2014 release.

I really, really enjoyed this book. The Flight of the Silvers focuses on a group of 6 characters who have all been chosen by the mysterious Pelletiers to survive the end of their world and arrive in a parallel one. These characters realize shortly after a brief orientation to their new world that they now possess a "weirdness," an ability they didn't have before. Some have premonitions, another can affect age, while others utilize a matter called tempis. These six characters, the Silvers, come under attack by people with similar abilities, as well as by the defensive forces of the new world, and must band together to survive and to realize why they were chosen by the Pelletiers.

Price was able to create an entire new universe in this book and really developed the characters well, considering that he had six main characters, along with a number of reoccurring supporting characters. I was immediately sucked into the world he created and found myself thinking about the book constantly during the short periods when I had to put it down. I am hooked. Bring on book two!

[Lauren Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best books that I've read in a long time. There is so much I love about it that I'm not sure where to start. One thing that I love is the author's clear intention to make sure that we, as the readers, get all of the answers. I'm not saying that all of the answers come in this book, but enough of my questions were answered that I feel reasonably confident in thinking that the next volume will contain even more answers (and probably give rise to a host of new questions). The entire story feels meticulously planned and crafted. The level of detail is astonishing, yet not overwhelming. As a speed reader, I knew going in that this book would require an emotional investment and a fair bit of attention. However, I was pleased to discover that the story was so engrossing that time flew by as I read. Overall, I can't wait for the second book - would love a projected release date!

[Michael Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a friend who said "I think this book is right up your alley." He was right and then some. The Flight of the Silvers is what I would call slick, finely crafted, page-turning, digestible sci-fi pop pulp. All the cliches in book reviews apply here: hooked from the first few pages, couldn't put it down, bla bla bla, but I'm not kidding when I tell you I flew through this book so damn fast. When you enjoy it this much, reading is effortless. The thing I liked the most about it was every time I had a internal-logic question, something that made me scratch my head, in short order the answer would present itself, so I never had trouble suspending my disbelief. Daniel Price sets up the rules of this very detailed, very compelling, fast-moving world and he FOLLOWS THEM RELIGIOUSLY. So you very quickly learn to let go and trust his storytelling instincts. Plus the book is just fun as hell.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. It started off with a bang and it never stopped. It was a long book so we really got into the character and story development. I feel like I read three books in a series afer all of the Silvers adventures. There were many interesting side stories that were woven well into the story. I can't wait until the next book comes out. I know it is going to be a little while considering this book just came out. The first book was really an introduction to the characters, their relationships and their capabilities. The real story wil begin in the second book. It's like when you are watching your favorite series and something really big happens and then it ends abruptly with the dreadful ( will be continued ). I will be here waiting patiently. Definitely a must read for people who like science-fiction and action!

[Danielle Crail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic thrilling ride while it lasted. Yes, it's 600 pages but still not long enough! You can definitely see the three years of writing in this book. I had to promise to go to bed by 1:00 a.m. and while I kept that promise, it was a struggle to put the book down. I finished in less than 2 days and excitedly await the next book...I just hope it's not in three years.....

As a side note, when I started the book I was aware that it had a sequal and did not expect the book to resolve itself before I reached the end (and very glad it didn't).

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a ride! I love a book that gets you so into the book that you can't put it down and when you do, you don't remember exactly where you are and what year it is. Definitely felt like I time traveled when I finally finished and put this book down! Wonderfully paced, carefully crafted characters and plot, beautifully designed world. Careful sentence structure and nice realistic dialogue. I'm excited for book two!

[Ricki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The characters were very natural, albeit, in a very unnatural setting -- Altamerica. Mr. Price uses his imagination to describe different aspects of time, itself, and a world which has learned to manipulate those aspects as we manipulate the physical sciences.

The most frustrating thing is that every time I thought the plot would twist in one direction, I was surprised -- and I am one of those readers who loves to foresee twists and what will happen. I cannot predict where Mr. Price will go. He has a very unique imagination.

[Allen Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.themaineedge.com/buzz/take...

In the course of my reading life – both personal and professional – I experience a lot of work within many different genres. Some of those genres carry within them their own varying dynamics. In others, however, there’s a tendency to an across-the-board sameness that can be a little off-putting.

(Science fiction, fantasy – I’m looking in your direction.)

However, that makes it all the more enjoyable to discover genre fiction that is more than formulaic paint-by-numbers boilerplate. There’s real delight in finding work – especially series-oriented work – that offers something more than same-old same-old.

Work like Daniel Price’s “The Flight of the Silvers”.

Our world ends. A flash renders all electronics unusable. Hours later, a falling white sky annihilates all traces of the world we know. It’s the end of everything for everyone – save six.

Six people – chosen by mysterious strangers to wear silver bracelets that protected them from the crushing cataclysm of our world – who find themselves in a new place…a new Earth that is similar to, yet very different from, the one they left behind.

The Given sisters – nurse Amanda and actress Hannah – are joined by cartoonist Zack, shy teenager Mia, brilliant Australian David, and failed prodigy Theo. These six are the lone survivors of their world, set adrift in a place that they don’t quite understand. In this world, time is a force that has been harnessed by mechanical means. But these six – the Silvers – soon learn that they are special indeed, gifted with abilities to manipulate those same forces with nothing more than their minds.

Unsurprisingly, there are those who would look to exploit the talents of the Silvers. There are also those who would see them captured and others who would do them harm. And behind it all, the hazy motives of the enigmatic power brokers who brought them to this new world, this alternate America.

Science fiction novels – especially those intended as part of a series – often sacrifice character, contenting themselves with broad archetypes and minimal development. “The Flight of the Silvers” avoids that trap, building the entire story on a foundation of character. Creating a single nuanced character is difficult enough; Price manages a whole cast.

That isn’t to say that the worldbuilding takes a back seat. Far from it; the AltAmerica constructed here is a fascinating place, filled with an impressive level of detail. This parallel place bears marked similarities to our own, but it also has enough differences to be compelling - so compelling, in fact, that there’s room for even more history. The hope is that those differences – springing from this world’s own cataclysmic event back in 1912 – are further explored down the road.

Perhaps the most impressive feat of “The Flight of the Silvers” is the blending of introductory exposition and engaging narrative; many series debuts have a tough time finding the proper balance and find themselves going too far in one direction or the other. Here, Price finds ways to tell us who these people are and what this place is while still advancing a well-constructed story.

Daniel Price has given readers the first installment of what promises to be a well-wrought sci-fi saga, colored by intriguing ideas and complex characters adrift in a wonderfully weird world. “The Flight of the Silvers” is thought-provoking, cinematic in scope…and very, very good.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, so, yes I'm giving this full stars. I won't call it perfect, in fact I could list reasons why it shouldn't deserve a 5... but then I list reasons that astound me.

Though, any book that gives me a reference to commedia dell'arte by one character (used properly) and another character responds knowing exactly what it is... Okay, that got you bonus round points right there!

First, I'll give some non spoiler comments. I'll warn you if we go into spoiler territory.

As I said, the book isn't perfect. My biggest gripe is jumping around from point-of-view inside a section. It's hard to be in Zack's head and then Hannah's and then Mia's in the span of several sentences. Sometimes this travels across phone lines or video feeds. It's not how I like to write or read. I've seen it more often lately for some reason. It's hard to get used to, even in a book nearly 600 pages long.

But that aside, I like the rest a lot. I picked it up from the library on a whim. It started off nothing too strange - but still intriguing. But I was quickly brought into the story and the characters and the world. It's not much of a spoiler (this is in the jacket cover summary) to say much of this story takes place on an Earth with an alternate history. It's strongly thought-out, especially the cultural changes and differences in technology.

There are lots of characters and I found out all the main ones to be interesting. A few I thought would be used more but even some of the minor characters felt very fleshed out - as if they could be main characters in their own story (and maybe they will be someday).

The technologies and science and manipulations of time... Wow, I wish I had thought of this. I have characters in more than one of my stories who can manipulate time and I wish I had come up with some of these ideas. I'm going to have to try to not subconsciously take from this!

The book is not always temporally linear... But given it's about time manipulation and timelines I think that fits. Stories told out of order can be really good when done right. I usually prefer to have a non-omniscient narrator, to experience everything the eyes and experiences of our point-of-view character(s) but in many ways I liked how it was done here.

When I had a chance to read, it was hard to put down. And for two nights straight, all my dreams related to the box. I was either in the story, continuing the story, or thinking about the story. And that doesn't usually happen with books.

I've seen people think the characters too flat. I thought they had depth, foibles, failings, and strengths. Unkind things about these characters are often unkind things about us when you think about it.

I'd love to see this get turned into a TV series. Not a movie; couldn't do that. But I found myself trying to plot where each epic episode would end. The first book could be an entire season; maybe a short one but short seasons have been doing well lately.

Oh, yes, it's a series. Glad of that. Eager for the next book!