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Chronicles of Altor #1
The Precipice: The Chronicles of Altor, Book 1
In 2032, there are more than five hundred billionaires worldwide. In 2033, there are none.
As a teenager, Quinn Starkweather builds a computer program that accurately predicts world events. He has created a Nostradamus machine.
While Quinn becomes very wealthy, the program predicts the world will be torn apart by financial inequity. The 99.9% will rise up against the billionaires in what is dubbed The Rage Wars.
The world stands on the razor’s edge of disaster. With enough warning of the coming apocalypse, Quinn builds an ark in the desert—a self-sufficient domed city he calls Altor.
The Fifteen, a powerful band of anarchists, revel in the world burning. They are intent on not just sabotaging Altor but destroying everything.
Can Quinn finish Altor before the Fifteen destroy not just it but the entire world?
Contains special note from the author.
As a teenager, Quinn Starkweather builds a computer program that accurately predicts world events. He has created a Nostradamus machine.
While Quinn becomes very wealthy, the program predicts the world will be torn apart by financial inequity. The 99.9% will rise up against the billionaires in what is dubbed The Rage Wars.
The world stands on the razor’s edge of disaster. With enough warning of the coming apocalypse, Quinn builds an ark in the desert—a self-sufficient domed city he calls Altor.
The Fifteen, a powerful band of anarchists, revel in the world burning. They are intent on not just sabotaging Altor but destroying everything.
Can Quinn finish Altor before the Fifteen destroy not just it but the entire world?
Contains special note from the author.
Audible Audio
First published November 27, 2022
189 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 1, 2023
Just for posterity, I usually read a book in three days and this one took twenty, but that’s only because I got hooked on a podcast and got covid in the middle there.
The Precipice jumpstarts Shawn Inmon’s crack at dystopian sci-fi, although sci-fi is probably not the right genre, since there’s nothing in here that reads as farfetched under the right circumstances. 5 stars because I love the author’s writing style and can’t wait to see where he takes this universe, although we have some strong foreshadowing already. A lot of this first book was worldbuilding and character introduction, so of course we didn’t get to spend nearly enough time with some characters, although when we did, they jumped off the page. Eagerly looking forward to book 2!
The Precipice jumpstarts Shawn Inmon’s crack at dystopian sci-fi, although sci-fi is probably not the right genre, since there’s nothing in here that reads as farfetched under the right circumstances. 5 stars because I love the author’s writing style and can’t wait to see where he takes this universe, although we have some strong foreshadowing already. A lot of this first book was worldbuilding and character introduction, so of course we didn’t get to spend nearly enough time with some characters, although when we did, they jumped off the page. Eagerly looking forward to book 2!
October 20, 2023
Wow. Shawn Inmon writes about the beginning of the end in a very scary manner. I think the only far fetched part of this story, is Altor. Everything else can be expected when the power and supplies run out.
April 1, 2023
Well there is no doubt in anybody's mind about how I feel reading a Shawn Inmon book. I have always given a 5 star rating of his work and wish I could give 10 stars. I so enjoy reading a book that has depth in character, not so much in books that use a huge amount of sex to draw people in. Mr. Inmon's books give us wonderful adventures to get lost in, with wonderful casts of characters that lure us deep within his made up world. I have loved each and every one of his series, Middle Falls having been the first, but his further ventures into other times and places have been just magical to read. I so look forward to the next book, be it Middle Falls, Alex Hawk, I would even like to see another Kradak adventure, and now we have Altor to explore along with Dust City. I admit I am a big fan, and this new series promises much fun, and I for one am going to do the hurry up and wait dance until book # two arrives. Thank you Mr. Inmon for your greatly appreciated writing style that keep this senior citizen a happy camper when a new book shows up in my Kindle. Your fan await the next adventure on pins and needles.
March 3, 2023
How long....?
Do I have to wait until the next one comes out? Truth be told, I love anything Shawn writes but I liked this one so much that I'm actually going to make a note in my calendar so I won't forget when the sequel is released.
Shawn has the unique ability... a gift, really...of writing in such a clean, yet descriptive way that the story just sucks you in and Poof all of a sudden it's 2 in the morning and you should have been asleep hours ago.
His "Middle Falls" stories are all like that as well in addition to being such a clever premise. I really loved them all.
And as a somewhat personal note: Shawn, thank you for writing in full, complete, and intelligent sentences. Likewise, thanks for actually using beta readers/proof readers. It shows and was appreciated.
This is a terrific story.
Sincerely,
Do I have to wait until the next one comes out? Truth be told, I love anything Shawn writes but I liked this one so much that I'm actually going to make a note in my calendar so I won't forget when the sequel is released.
Shawn has the unique ability... a gift, really...of writing in such a clean, yet descriptive way that the story just sucks you in and Poof all of a sudden it's 2 in the morning and you should have been asleep hours ago.
His "Middle Falls" stories are all like that as well in addition to being such a clever premise. I really loved them all.
And as a somewhat personal note: Shawn, thank you for writing in full, complete, and intelligent sentences. Likewise, thanks for actually using beta readers/proof readers. It shows and was appreciated.
This is a terrific story.
Sincerely,
February 21, 2023
Excellent read.
A great post apocalyptic book. It also links up well with the middle falls books and gives a nod to middle falls and also the Kragdon-ah world without needing to read those.
A great post apocalyptic book. It also links up well with the middle falls books and gives a nod to middle falls and also the Kragdon-ah world without needing to read those.
March 2, 2023
Read all of this writer's book
From middle falls to altor this man is amazing. The book is all about a future where the poor rise up but unbeknownst to them, the situation is still orchestrated by powerful people.
From middle falls to altor this man is amazing. The book is all about a future where the poor rise up but unbeknownst to them, the situation is still orchestrated by powerful people.
March 9, 2023
Innovative and Enthralling
Inmon has done it again, with fiery characters and a page turning plot. The domed eden of Altor, along with its neighboring city, Dust City, come to life in this well written novel. I very much look forward to the sequel!
Inmon has done it again, with fiery characters and a page turning plot. The domed eden of Altor, along with its neighboring city, Dust City, come to life in this well written novel. I very much look forward to the sequel!
August 14, 2023
One of the criteria when judging a post-apocalypse novel is how much thought the author has put into the veracity of the fall of civilization, and the logic of what happens next. Mr. Inmon excels at this aspect of the genre, perhaps to a fault. But more on that later.
The opening mob scene plays out with frightening logic, giving a taste of how the plot will unroll. Or should we say, unravel, as it involves the end of society as we know it. And that’s how this novel continues. All the events are well thought out and completely possible. In fact, some might find the exposition of the logic slows down the action. It’s a matter of balance.
The writing exhibits a careful blend of backstory with present action, keeping the plot moving at a slow but steady rate. The plotline is closely entwined with events as far back as 2008, anchoring the tale in the here-and-now, crumbling the line between fiction and reality.
There is a huge cast, as would be expected in such a broad-ranging story. This author has perfected the technique of making new characters stand out with quick, broad strokes of the brush, giving us just the right number of interesting details to pique our interest and create basic empathy. The first third of the book concerns the gathering together of this group for the action to come.
In the section where we are learning about the dome, the author uses a metaphor involving a quick, two-sentence discussion of why small woodland creatures get run over by cars. Then back to the description at hand. This author is an interesting guy. Reading his book is like spending an evening around the campfire with him. The conversation wanders, but wherever it goes, we are entertained.
There are plenty of action sequences, well-planned and thoroughly described, including a fair amount of blood. This is not a book for children or the faint of heart. From the mid-point on, this is the story of how various groups and individuals survived (or didn’t) the first few weeks of the apocalypse. This conflict grows until the final battle which is an actual battle with helicopters and tanks and hundreds of soldiers.
But it isn’t over yet, because there are numerous loose ends to be tied up in the next book.
Just to keep things straight. This is the second book in the series, but it’s not quite a sequel to “All Fall Down.” This story also starts from the opening apocalypse, even before the events of first book begin. So “Precipice” can definitely be read as a stand-alone. Then you can go back and read the first book without too many spoilers.
Recommended, especially for readers who like intelligent speculation about the nature of the apocalypse.
The opening mob scene plays out with frightening logic, giving a taste of how the plot will unroll. Or should we say, unravel, as it involves the end of society as we know it. And that’s how this novel continues. All the events are well thought out and completely possible. In fact, some might find the exposition of the logic slows down the action. It’s a matter of balance.
The writing exhibits a careful blend of backstory with present action, keeping the plot moving at a slow but steady rate. The plotline is closely entwined with events as far back as 2008, anchoring the tale in the here-and-now, crumbling the line between fiction and reality.
There is a huge cast, as would be expected in such a broad-ranging story. This author has perfected the technique of making new characters stand out with quick, broad strokes of the brush, giving us just the right number of interesting details to pique our interest and create basic empathy. The first third of the book concerns the gathering together of this group for the action to come.
In the section where we are learning about the dome, the author uses a metaphor involving a quick, two-sentence discussion of why small woodland creatures get run over by cars. Then back to the description at hand. This author is an interesting guy. Reading his book is like spending an evening around the campfire with him. The conversation wanders, but wherever it goes, we are entertained.
There are plenty of action sequences, well-planned and thoroughly described, including a fair amount of blood. This is not a book for children or the faint of heart. From the mid-point on, this is the story of how various groups and individuals survived (or didn’t) the first few weeks of the apocalypse. This conflict grows until the final battle which is an actual battle with helicopters and tanks and hundreds of soldiers.
But it isn’t over yet, because there are numerous loose ends to be tied up in the next book.
Just to keep things straight. This is the second book in the series, but it’s not quite a sequel to “All Fall Down.” This story also starts from the opening apocalypse, even before the events of first book begin. So “Precipice” can definitely be read as a stand-alone. Then you can go back and read the first book without too many spoilers.
Recommended, especially for readers who like intelligent speculation about the nature of the apocalypse.
January 9, 2024
This book was okay and it's definitely worth a read. It's got a lot of fun stuff going on in it but it also has some issues. I just couldn't believe the main premise on who actually set-off the apocalypse. That really hindered my ability to enjoy the rest of the book. I think perhaps we needed to better undsterstand the motivation and end-goal of the cabal, because otherwise it just made no sense. I think it would have been much better if the apocalypse occured more organically due to the problems in society so well discussed in the book. I most enjoyed the parts of the book focused around the protagonist and his end-times project. I know side stories about different individuals caught up in the disaster are a mainstay of these types of books but it's not my favorite part of the stories. It's nice, not to heavy action-packed reading to entertain one on a cold, rainy winter weekend. Think SyFy network series type stuff.
November 3, 2023
I'm a huge Shawn Inmon fan, specifically his middle falls books. I've read the Alex Hawk series, but it bores me because he fails to do what the Destiny's Crucible series does so well (using 21st century knowledge as an advantage). Here, Inmon has built an intriguing story, with a bunch of good characters. The excitement is constant throughout the novel, keeping me glued to the pages. I considered giving this five stars, but it lacked that extra-indefinable quality that I reserve for 5 star novels. Nevertheless, I thought it was great and I very much look forward to the next in the series.
February 20, 2023
Best book I've read in years.
Mr Inmon doesn't just tell an interesting story. He fills in with so many characters and events that draw the reader in. I became fully invested in several characters. Of course the main story, the dome and its inhabitants, is terrific. So many avenues for the next books to build on. Dust City, filled with those folks who were instrumental in getting the dome built, is filled with equally interesting people whose stories I look forward to reading. GREAT read. I highly recommend this book.
Mr Inmon doesn't just tell an interesting story. He fills in with so many characters and events that draw the reader in. I became fully invested in several characters. Of course the main story, the dome and its inhabitants, is terrific. So many avenues for the next books to build on. Dust City, filled with those folks who were instrumental in getting the dome built, is filled with equally interesting people whose stories I look forward to reading. GREAT read. I highly recommend this book.
May 24, 2023
A surprise find!
Love this story and the writing! I am so glad to have found this author. This tells the story of a billionaire who built a super computer, Janus, which predicted the fall of the world, accurately. Ten thousand are selected by Janus to live in a controlled dome, a city called Altor. There is another group taking down the US and other countries. The chroniclers of Altor begins.
Love this story and the writing! I am so glad to have found this author. This tells the story of a billionaire who built a super computer, Janus, which predicted the fall of the world, accurately. Ten thousand are selected by Janus to live in a controlled dome, a city called Altor. There is another group taking down the US and other countries. The chroniclers of Altor begins.
June 30, 2023
I love the Middle Falls series but recall being disappointed with A Door Into Time by Shawn Inmon, so dived into The Precipice with trepidation. My fears were quickly dissolved in this absorbing tale of the apocalypse which has come about when the general public tire of billionaires. Walls come tumbling down as civilisation collapses. Did chuckle to myself when Middle Falls features. Already bought the next in the series.
Read
November 4, 2023End of days hit a bit closer to home
I've read dozens of book series about apocalyptic and end of days. Ironically, this is one of my favorite authors and I finally get around to this book and I can honestly say it hit home a bit too close with our current reality. Awesome job Shawn Inmon! I can't wait to read the next. Especially keeping an eye out for the connection with Alex Hawk.
I've read dozens of book series about apocalyptic and end of days. Ironically, this is one of my favorite authors and I finally get around to this book and I can honestly say it hit home a bit too close with our current reality. Awesome job Shawn Inmon! I can't wait to read the next. Especially keeping an eye out for the connection with Alex Hawk.
not-interested-for-now
March 19, 2023I'd read the shorter version of this (Eat the Rich: The Chronicles of Altor, but when I opened this one and saw the 3-page-long list of characters, I just couldn't bring myself to jump back in.
December 15, 2023
Cool premise. Pretty good execution. Good pacing. Some pretty good dialog work.
Characters need their own individual voice. They're all sight shades of eachother. And the cast of characters is very large... a large cast of people that all sound the same. Also the rage war is poorly explained and was a huge stretch.
Characters need their own individual voice. They're all sight shades of eachother. And the cast of characters is very large... a large cast of people that all sound the same. Also the rage war is poorly explained and was a huge stretch.
January 20, 2024
Great prelude to Kragdon-ah
As I’ve read most of the Kragdon-ah series, I was fascinated by how Altor developed and the motivations behind it. Shawn Inmon has a genius way of tying all his stories together. The very real demise of the world as we know it was a bit scary but believable. Just wish there wasn’t the needless violence.
As I’ve read most of the Kragdon-ah series, I was fascinated by how Altor developed and the motivations behind it. Shawn Inmon has a genius way of tying all his stories together. The very real demise of the world as we know it was a bit scary but believable. Just wish there wasn’t the needless violence.
February 24, 2023
Another great Inmon read and as always he leaves us wanting more. If you're familiar with Inmon's body of work, Precipice is shaping up to be a bridge of sorts. However, the great thing is that it's a great place to start if you are new to Inmon's catalog.
March 1, 2023
Wonderful that the intriguing short story of years ago was quickly a series
I loved the short story and yearned for more. Now I have it. Altor and Dust City and their citizens are so well developed.
I loved the short story and yearned for more. Now I have it. Altor and Dust City and their citizens are so well developed.
April 6, 2023
Shawn Inmon did it again!!
Another great read from Shawn Inmon. Lots of ups and downs. Story line never dull. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and in the Middle Falls series.
Another great read from Shawn Inmon. Lots of ups and downs. Story line never dull. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and in the Middle Falls series.
April 24, 2023
This Is Not Middle Falls
Between hard copies and ebooks I've read about 40 books in the last 12 months. I won't critique this book. I will say that when I looked down and saw that I'd read 92% without realizing it ... Well, I give it 5 stars.
Between hard copies and ebooks I've read about 40 books in the last 12 months. I won't critique this book. I will say that when I looked down and saw that I'd read 92% without realizing it ... Well, I give it 5 stars.
May 10, 2023
I nearly gave up after the first chapter, but the idea was interesting so I kept going. Unfortunately by a quarter of the way through I was beginning to think the author was so intent on showing how clever he was, he had forgot to make the story actually make sense.
May 16, 2023
Having read the second book first, this answered a few questions for me. That said, it all seems too real and too possible. Rumors I’ve heard for years seemed to become reality in this near future page turner. Shawn Inmon has done it again. Well done, again.
July 7, 2024
Great series starter
Fascinating and original take on the apocalypse, full of great characters, action and drama, but best if all something that is missing from most books in this genre: hope. All in all, a brilliant read and I am off to grab the next one right now.
Fascinating and original take on the apocalypse, full of great characters, action and drama, but best if all something that is missing from most books in this genre: hope. All in all, a brilliant read and I am off to grab the next one right now.
February 18, 2023
One of the best yet.
The story is engaging, exciting and on of Shawn Inmon’s best series yet. The characters are believable and nicely developed.
The story is engaging, exciting and on of Shawn Inmon’s best series yet. The characters are believable and nicely developed.
February 20, 2023
Amazing post-apocalyptic novel! I absolutely loved it!
February 21, 2023
excellent book
Totally believable, given the way the world seems to be going. I can't wait for the second book to come out. Shawn Inmon, you are a genius!
Totally believable, given the way the world seems to be going. I can't wait for the second book to come out. Shawn Inmon, you are a genius!
March 14, 2023
This isn't a genre I would normally read however I enjoyed the book & would like to read the next one. Shawn Inmon writes well and is good at immersing you in the story.
April 4, 2023
I love all of Shawn’s books so it’s no surprise that I devoured this one quite quickly! It’s a terrific story that makes you want more! Can’t wait for the next one!
April 23, 2023
Terrific start
This one has been worth the wait.
Sometimes feeling familiar, but more often novel, this will surely appeal to any fans of Shawn Inmon’s books. Bring on book two :)
This one has been worth the wait.
Sometimes feeling familiar, but more often novel, this will surely appeal to any fans of Shawn Inmon’s books. Bring on book two :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews