The Ninth

The Ninth #1

by Benjamin Schramm

As the millennial anniversary of galactic peace nears, the Lazarus project achieves its first success with unforeseen consequences. In the fallout of the devastation, a boy is found in the wreckage of a fortress from the Great War. The strongest of the Weavers, ones who can sense emotions in others, is dispatched to monitor the child. As the boy matures it becomes evident there is a dangerous power within him. Relocated to an academy on the edge of the Commonwealth, Brent is put to the test to determine if he is the greatest threat humanity has ever encountered. As his every move is observed and scrutinized he’ll have to face the exams of instructors, attempts on his life, and the wrath of the young Weavers.

Genres: Science Fiction

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2014

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

A ridiculous, poorly written attempt at military sf

Obviously the author knows nothing about the military. His academy recruits not only fail to salute, they whine, sneer, try to murder one another and refuse to obey their instructors. Really? The premise is the only interesting thing in this book, and Schramm does nothing with it. Other reviewers compare this to Ender's Game. Sure--except that Orson Scott Card can write and create realistic characters and evoke depths of emotion, while Schramm can do none of the above. Don't bother with this one.

[Wolfgarr · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can i say.. I really liked this book. That said.. I have to confess that the second book in this series though was a disaster. It turned into a gossip mag full of who's interested in who etc with the occasional giant leaps in the story's plot. All rushed through like the author was in a series hurry to get the book finished. Very little real content in that book i am sad to say.

This book is worth 4 stars.. The second book is at BEST 2 star material.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate comparing books...but this really felt like an Enders Game lite to me. And that's not a bad thing!

Enjoyed the premise, and Brent wasn't some over-powered guru with all the answers which was nice. I went in thinking it would be heavy on the military and action, but there was more YA teen stuff then I cared for.

One thing that really bothered me, you have these "Weavers" who can basically make you do whatever they want, can manipulate your mind in horrific ways. In one scene there is a group of them basically trying to cause mass suicide...they are stopped...but barely anyone is reprimanded! And before that are you telling me that in an Academy full of young adults, you have a few of these Weavers abusing their gift and causing all kinds of ruckus and not one adult or teacher notices? I mean, at least in Enders Game, they were always monitoring the situation. Usually they let these scenarios play out to see how the cadets reacted...but in this, its just like, cool. All good, no one died. Move along.

I got the second book, so going to continue the series though.

[Bookaddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoyed the book. a refreshing read

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dont understand why people are comparing military in a sci-fi book to real life if you want authenticate go read a Tom Clancy book but this is Sci-fi novel so stop nitpicking

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good series, loved book one and two, I'm just about to start book 3 but it has mixed reviews as main storyline ends in book two, so it seems forced. But it is a good Sci-Fi YA series.