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Sky City: The Rise of an Orphan #1-6
Sky City: The Rise of an Orphan
Skye City is a biopunk adventure set in a world where science is indistinguishable from magic and oppression is near-inescapable. Technology has created a newer, 'superior' form of human and genetically engineered monstrosities are as terrifying as anything encountered in your nightmares. The underclass have been underestimated and as they fight back the boundary between freedom fighter and terrorist becomes increasingly blurred. Meanwhile, the drug-induced haze of a traumatised mind places a question mark over the meaning of reality.
568 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2014
53 people are currently reading
1027 people want to read
About the author
R.D. Hale
14 books302 followersR.D. Hale is a professional writer with no formal qualifications to speak of, hailing from somewhere in the UK. Little is known about him other than titbits, rumours and hear'say.
Some say he is a menace to society, a ghost who has crept into the corporate machine with the intention of bringing down the establishment. Others say he is just an idiot from a council estate and his achievement is somewhat akin to a monkey on a typewriter randomly mashing out the full works of Shakespeare.
One thing is for certain though, he has made a statement which cannot be ignored and his words are going to make a difference to this wretched 'civilisation' we have created!
Some say he is a menace to society, a ghost who has crept into the corporate machine with the intention of bringing down the establishment. Others say he is just an idiot from a council estate and his achievement is somewhat akin to a monkey on a typewriter randomly mashing out the full works of Shakespeare.
One thing is for certain though, he has made a statement which cannot be ignored and his words are going to make a difference to this wretched 'civilisation' we have created!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 24, 2014
This is really a masterpiece of a debut novel. Mr. Hale demonstrates an imagination and flair for storytelling that puts him in league with the best sci-fi writers of today. The story’s forward momentum is relentless, and I found it impossible to put the book down. Set in India, amid the poorest of the poor, the social commentary regarding the abuses being perpetrated against the masses of humanity remains poignant and heartfelt throughout. And though set in the future, the writer can’t help but shine a revealing light on what’s going on in today’s world. As such, this story is one of the best impetuses I’ve yet encountered in fiction to get off our duffs and do something about social inequity. And that makes this more than just a triumph of great storytelling; it’s a transformative bit of magic that leaves the reader and the world forever changed for the better.
Follow our slumdog as he overcomes every crushing obstacle put in his way, and uses those pressures to transform himself from less than nothing in the downward cast eyes of his social “betters” into an unstoppable, larger than life force, who will spearhead a rebellion to bring justice to an unjust world. Will the rebellion succeed or fail? And either way, will he lose his humanity in the process of becoming superhuman?
Follow our slumdog as he overcomes every crushing obstacle put in his way, and uses those pressures to transform himself from less than nothing in the downward cast eyes of his social “betters” into an unstoppable, larger than life force, who will spearhead a rebellion to bring justice to an unjust world. Will the rebellion succeed or fail? And either way, will he lose his humanity in the process of becoming superhuman?
June 22, 2014
I started Hale's Sky City three days ago and have spent nearly 20 hours absorbed in his fantasy. A wonderfully written piece that goes beyond the action and excitement of overcoming a corrupt social system and digs deeper: rising from the ashes of despair. A beautiful world and I am eager to discover where Book 2 will take our characters.
July 24, 2014
Rare indeed to discover an author with something original to offer in this age of the stale and contrived. RD Hale offers a powerful voice and depicts the world of Eryx with poetic beauty, through the eyes of a teenage drug addict. The confusion and inconsistency of Arturo, makes him a fascinating protagonist and his experiences help to open the reader's eyes to so many of the horrors we face today, and so often deny the existence of. Variety and excitement are key elements and are delivered with consistent panache, taking us on a rollercoaster ride into the fantastical and the horrifying. Silliness and humour prevent things from becoming too dark, despite terrorism being one of the key themes. There is a love story running through all of this, but Hale has resisted cliche and turned romantic convention on its head.Genuine surprises are frequent all the way to the heartpounding conclusion and I was blindsighted so many times. Without wanting to give too much away, Sky City develops into a dark superhero kind of tale.
Elmore Leonard and Frank Herbert spring to mind when I try to think of comparisons, but really there aren't any authors with true similarities to Hale.
There are, however some problems with this book and they are as follows: Occasionally contrived lines of dialogue and tacked on scenes which jarred ever so slightly. An overload of plot threads which were difficult to follow, some of which went unresolved, no doubt until the sequel. Lots of characters but some were either unlikeable or did not appear frequently enough so felt pointless. Events drift from unusual to weird, and I like weird, but this may be off putting to some.
The flaws in the story are real, but it is important to give full credit to an author who has been so daring in his debut effort.
Elmore Leonard and Frank Herbert spring to mind when I try to think of comparisons, but really there aren't any authors with true similarities to Hale.
There are, however some problems with this book and they are as follows: Occasionally contrived lines of dialogue and tacked on scenes which jarred ever so slightly. An overload of plot threads which were difficult to follow, some of which went unresolved, no doubt until the sequel. Lots of characters but some were either unlikeable or did not appear frequently enough so felt pointless. Events drift from unusual to weird, and I like weird, but this may be off putting to some.
The flaws in the story are real, but it is important to give full credit to an author who has been so daring in his debut effort.
August 19, 2014
I recently purchased this book on a whim. Not normally a sci-fi enthusiast, I was first attracted by the authors voice in the free sample. The other reviews also led me to believe that the story would be just my cup of tea. I think one reviewer mentioned it being a slum dog sort of tale. I was not disappointed.The telling of this story through the MC's eyes gives us a real, intimate perspective on this dystopian world as the hero and his friends battle through day to day living. The characterizations are really well done, as is the dialogue. But what really made it for me was the carefully crafted descriptions that really brought this futuristic world to life. A thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish that I have every confidence recommending to others.
June 11, 2014
I may be biased by the fact the writer is a personal friend of mine, but I can't say how impressed I was by his first novel. The plot follows an orphan named Arturo and his friends as they embark on an adventure in a world similar to our own but with some bizarre twists: the genetically engineered creatures being a particular highlight, trust me you'll be surprised and impressed by what Ricky has come up with!
The story is incredibly descriptive, full of action and I felt I was there every step of the way. Time and again I was amazed by the creativity on display and the book is also hilarious despite covering dark subjects. I absoluteley loved it!
The story is incredibly descriptive, full of action and I felt I was there every step of the way. Time and again I was amazed by the creativity on display and the book is also hilarious despite covering dark subjects. I absoluteley loved it!
July 23, 2014
This is one cool book with a phenomenal, original plot and great characters. Arturo is one of the best lead characters I've come across because he's so unique and very complex. There are so many twists and turns you won't know what to expect and I was constantly blown away. The fight sequence against a flying robot will live long in my mind. I sat up reading all night and still did not get to the end, so I finally finished it after some sleep and now I'm reading all over again!
June 15, 2014
First of all let me start by saying I am not usually a fan of reading science fiction, as a horror author myself I am more predisposed to that genre. However, this book is not just a great science fiction book it is just a great book. The world that RD Hale creates is utterly real to the reader and so are the characters who reside there. I enjoyed the way the author infused the book with social commentary and philosophy, but without detracting for. The story at any point, or coming across preachy.
I was utterly absorbed in the world of sky city from the first page, and Hale's prose is a joy to read. I hope there is more to come for. This series, and this author. I highly recommend this book.
I was utterly absorbed in the world of sky city from the first page, and Hale's prose is a joy to read. I hope there is more to come for. This series, and this author. I highly recommend this book.
July 24, 2014
I got this on a free download a while back, and what a bargain it was! The book is truly epic but it kept me reading all the way to the very end. It's full of adventure in amazing places, with monsters, robots, cool tech and it would make an awesome movie. Sky City is exceptional and I'll happily pay for the next one!
July 19, 2014
A good sci-fi action novel.
The book began slowly but, after several chapters, the plot and the action started to heat up. The novel contains many dystopian and fantasy elements that make this book an interesting read. The storyline is fast-paced and action-packed. I would recommend this book to lovers of a good sci-fi/action novel.
The book began slowly but, after several chapters, the plot and the action started to heat up. The novel contains many dystopian and fantasy elements that make this book an interesting read. The storyline is fast-paced and action-packed. I would recommend this book to lovers of a good sci-fi/action novel.
July 26, 2014
Epic would be one word to describe this book. A tale of orphans living in a dystopian city, they have fallen into the pitfalls of drugs and alcohol and live a pretty bleak existence, yet ultimately found this to be an uplifting tale. The author takes us through madcap episodes showing firstly how the teens survive in their world with hilarious results. The protagonist, and later his friend are sucked into a rebellion against the religious elite. From this point the tale gets more action packed. And darker. The imagery is quite beautiful. Throw some robots and monsters into the mix and you have the recipe for a masterpiece. Sure, the pacing was a little off at times, but this was inevitable because there is just so much in there. The grammar was flawless and faults were few and far between. This could be the start of an outstanding series.
June 27, 2014
An exciting and immersive adventure written in language that is rich and evocative. I think readers will look back on this in a few years and boast "I remember discovering his first book and telling my friends..."
July 30, 2014
Sky City is a FUN read. Every chapter is a page turner. Reading the book is like riding on a roller coaster. R. D. Hale succeeds in throwing readers surprises and suspenses with no lack of humor. Every scene is pictured well and the fantasy element portrayed is beyond imagination. Sky City is a MUST read, where readers get to know the predicament of the orphans, and witness them grow from slumdogs to heroes. This story is perfect for teens and young adults who love Sci-Fi and Adventure genre.
September 3, 2014
I have just bought the rest of this collection! Great sci fi thriller.Arturo Basilides lives in Medio City a slum area of the future where magic and technology combine for a great adventure.I loved the writing style of this author and the way the story drew me in and kept me until the last turn of the page.
August 7, 2014
A must read for Fantasy- Sci Fi fans. Written with an exciting immediacy, I was kept on the edge of my seat throughout. I literally couldn't put this book down.
August 4, 2014
A dazzling dystopian adventure which spans genres and defies categorisation. Sky City covers themes from poverty to religion to physics to the paranormal. Shown through the eyes of the title orphan, the world of Eryx is spectacularly surreal. Like the blurb suggests, the story blurs the boundaries of imagination and reality. In a time where the seemingly magical is possible and where drug abuse is prevalent, it is difficult to establish where that boundary lies, yet its location is made to seem unimportant.
Terrorists have won the world war and they subjugate the impoverished masses with the iron rule of their hypocritical regime. Atheists are now freedom fighters, adopting morally dubious tactics which make it easy for the ruling elite to portray the rebellion as the terrorists. The internal struggle of the protagonist as he tries to establish the path of virtue and redemption is fascinating and as confusing as it should be. Everything in this book is a shade of grey.
The main characters in the story represent the societal underclass and are full of great personality traits and believable flaws. It is refreshing to see heroes with at times broken moral compasses, making bad decisions, letting you down as you're rooting for them and redeeming themselves just as you're about to write them off.
The technological element of the story is particularly impressive. So often sci-fi seems to be stale and unambitious. Most of what we see in sci-fi movies is either already technologically achievable or just around the corner. The author has done particularly well to come up with inventions which seem absurd until you dwell upon their plausibility and realise there is no reason such a device should not one day exist.
Various forms of intelligence are depicted: human, transhuman, artificial and mutant. These examples of sentience challenge the identity of humanity, forcing us to look first into our own minds and second outwards to the inhabitants of the surrounding world.
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of this book is how a rabble of 'street rats' with all their flaws, their naivety, with every possible obstacle in their way, manage to rise above their pitiful environment. Their path is so far from smooth and I commend the author for choosing challenging directions and defying conventions. The structure is fantastically complex and I was impressed with how everything pulled together, just as I thought plot threads were going nowhere. Written episodically, their are so many sub-plots and minor characters, so many brilliant locations, that I wonder where on earth Hale draws his imagination from. The end result is something truly spectacular. Hyperbole is something I shy away from, but Sky City may just end up taking over the world.
Terrorists have won the world war and they subjugate the impoverished masses with the iron rule of their hypocritical regime. Atheists are now freedom fighters, adopting morally dubious tactics which make it easy for the ruling elite to portray the rebellion as the terrorists. The internal struggle of the protagonist as he tries to establish the path of virtue and redemption is fascinating and as confusing as it should be. Everything in this book is a shade of grey.
The main characters in the story represent the societal underclass and are full of great personality traits and believable flaws. It is refreshing to see heroes with at times broken moral compasses, making bad decisions, letting you down as you're rooting for them and redeeming themselves just as you're about to write them off.
The technological element of the story is particularly impressive. So often sci-fi seems to be stale and unambitious. Most of what we see in sci-fi movies is either already technologically achievable or just around the corner. The author has done particularly well to come up with inventions which seem absurd until you dwell upon their plausibility and realise there is no reason such a device should not one day exist.
Various forms of intelligence are depicted: human, transhuman, artificial and mutant. These examples of sentience challenge the identity of humanity, forcing us to look first into our own minds and second outwards to the inhabitants of the surrounding world.
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of this book is how a rabble of 'street rats' with all their flaws, their naivety, with every possible obstacle in their way, manage to rise above their pitiful environment. Their path is so far from smooth and I commend the author for choosing challenging directions and defying conventions. The structure is fantastically complex and I was impressed with how everything pulled together, just as I thought plot threads were going nowhere. Written episodically, their are so many sub-plots and minor characters, so many brilliant locations, that I wonder where on earth Hale draws his imagination from. The end result is something truly spectacular. Hyperbole is something I shy away from, but Sky City may just end up taking over the world.
September 6, 2014
A fantastic beginning to the dark, futuristic world full of orphans struggling to survive the aftermath of wars, greed of the human race and poverty of the unfortunates who cannot ever hope to be more. Arturo and his band of lonely teenagers set out with the hopes and dreams of a better life for themselves and I am definitely rooting for them! I really enjoyed this book, not normally a sci-fi reader i took to the style and surroundings with ease and found myself eager for the next instalment of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will recommend RD Hale to my friends.
September 4, 2014
In the not too distant past, Europe and the US contemplated attacking Syria. Now, Syria is a potential ally in the war against jihadi extremists. The US and Europe backs the Kurds fighting against the extremists, but not too much - the Kurds want independence from Turkey, a major ally. Old enemies the US and Iran are now friends, holding hands, at least, because both back the Shia government in Baghdad.
Meanwhile, the rich, while getting richer, remain hidden in gated communities and on yachts the colour and style of battleships. While the poor look out on the apocalypse. I don't know if that is what RD Hale had in mind when he penned Sky City, but hidden in the subtext of his futuristic distopia is the fear that faces us all, that the society we know is falling apart.
Welcome to Medio City, where Arturo Basilides lives the marginal life among the beggars and drug addicts, while 'superior' beings (surely a metaphor for the rich with access to health, food, exercise and education?) oppress the underclass. Will Arturo score the girl of his dreams? Will the downtrodden shake off their fears and addictions (tabloid newspapers, soap TV) and reclaim their humanity? A mixture of sci-fi, fantasy and social comment, RD Hale weaves together a tale that will keep you interested until the last page and gives you an ending that you may expect, but not in the way you expect it.
Meanwhile, the rich, while getting richer, remain hidden in gated communities and on yachts the colour and style of battleships. While the poor look out on the apocalypse. I don't know if that is what RD Hale had in mind when he penned Sky City, but hidden in the subtext of his futuristic distopia is the fear that faces us all, that the society we know is falling apart.
Welcome to Medio City, where Arturo Basilides lives the marginal life among the beggars and drug addicts, while 'superior' beings (surely a metaphor for the rich with access to health, food, exercise and education?) oppress the underclass. Will Arturo score the girl of his dreams? Will the downtrodden shake off their fears and addictions (tabloid newspapers, soap TV) and reclaim their humanity? A mixture of sci-fi, fantasy and social comment, RD Hale weaves together a tale that will keep you interested until the last page and gives you an ending that you may expect, but not in the way you expect it.
August 5, 2014
This is not my preferred genre if I am honest and so I did not rush to read this book. However I really got hooked. The writing is good, the characters compelling and the plots keep you guessing. Fantastic
September 2, 2014
Totally out of the genre that I'm used to reading but I have to say that this is an amazing piece of work in that R.D. Hale's imagination is just fascinating. Sky City is an exhilarating ride to follow with each character experiencing the intensity he clearly puts forth into their journey. It's a wonderful read.
August 22, 2014
Action packed from start to finish! I'll need a few days to come up for air before beginning another book--could not put this one down!
September 14, 2014
Sky City: The Rise of an Orphan
Written By R.D.Hale
PLOT
The story is set in a dystopian city in India in the year 2045 and follows the conflict; struggle and efforts of young male protagonist, Arturo Basilides and his comrades who seek to overthrow the extremist and corrupt ruling elite in a desperate attempt to save what is left of humanity.
The biggest questions throughout the plot are will Arturo and his army of teenage orphans succeed to overthrow the extremists? And if so at what cost? Or will their rebellion fail?
Dialogue
“Shit, we´re in trouble! We need Ivor to arrive before the gunner droid or we’re dust!”
It’s a difficult thing to portray Northern English dialogue, yet Hale manages to do this in such a way it’s flawless and flows naturally alongside the plot.
Writing
Although a work of fiction Hale successfully highlights some of the current conflicts that are going on in the world today with regards to social inequality, the civilisation that humans, technology and advances in medical science can create in this thought provoking fast paced Sci-Fi thriller.
Hale is a master of depicting things of an unnatural nature and encouraging the reader to root for the underdog.
Written By R.D.Hale
PLOT
The story is set in a dystopian city in India in the year 2045 and follows the conflict; struggle and efforts of young male protagonist, Arturo Basilides and his comrades who seek to overthrow the extremist and corrupt ruling elite in a desperate attempt to save what is left of humanity.
The biggest questions throughout the plot are will Arturo and his army of teenage orphans succeed to overthrow the extremists? And if so at what cost? Or will their rebellion fail?
Dialogue
“Shit, we´re in trouble! We need Ivor to arrive before the gunner droid or we’re dust!”
It’s a difficult thing to portray Northern English dialogue, yet Hale manages to do this in such a way it’s flawless and flows naturally alongside the plot.
Writing
Although a work of fiction Hale successfully highlights some of the current conflicts that are going on in the world today with regards to social inequality, the civilisation that humans, technology and advances in medical science can create in this thought provoking fast paced Sci-Fi thriller.
Hale is a master of depicting things of an unnatural nature and encouraging the reader to root for the underdog.
October 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this book very much, it is not what I was expecting but that was definitely a good thing. It starts off as a tale of impoverished kids living day to day but it quickly changes in complexion with superpowers and bizarre creatures adding a different flavour to the science fiction setting. It felt very much like a mishmash of genres and that took a little getting my head around. However I was very impressed by the characters and descriptions and I found it impossible to get bored when I was reading because I simply could not figure out what was going to happen next. It's quite a long story but I didn't want it to end and that is the mark of a great book.
The author has avoided the good guy/bad guy cliche and keeps you guessing as to what the characters true motives are. As a result I was often unsure of who's side I was on or how I wanted things to pan out. I was also impressed by the fact the author rarely took the easy or conventional option with the plot twists. Sky City is very complex but I also found it to be a fairly easy read despite the eloquent diction. I recommend this book to sci fans looking for something a little different.
The author has avoided the good guy/bad guy cliche and keeps you guessing as to what the characters true motives are. As a result I was often unsure of who's side I was on or how I wanted things to pan out. I was also impressed by the fact the author rarely took the easy or conventional option with the plot twists. Sky City is very complex but I also found it to be a fairly easy read despite the eloquent diction. I recommend this book to sci fans looking for something a little different.
September 10, 2014
This book is exploding with ideas. It's got all kinds of weird looks into the future, not only in terms of technology and science but of the way society is constructed and how individuals see the world, as a result.
The characters are my sort of characters...bottom rung of society but brave and tough and full of grit.
The present tense took me a bit to get used to. I normally don't like present tense much, but eventually I settled in.
The language is more 'literary' (yes I know there are all kinds of problems with that term, but it serves its purpose) than I normally see in speculative fiction, which was good. At times, it almost reminds me of A Clockwork Orange, with the odd turns of phrase that made me take a moment to figure but, once I did figure them out, realized they fit perfectly.
The characters are my sort of characters...bottom rung of society but brave and tough and full of grit.
The present tense took me a bit to get used to. I normally don't like present tense much, but eventually I settled in.
The language is more 'literary' (yes I know there are all kinds of problems with that term, but it serves its purpose) than I normally see in speculative fiction, which was good. At times, it almost reminds me of A Clockwork Orange, with the odd turns of phrase that made me take a moment to figure but, once I did figure them out, realized they fit perfectly.
October 8, 2014
This is a great book.It reminded me of growing up and hanging out with my friends. The world created is similar to all the Manga and sci fi I used to watch and daydream about. But at the same time it felt different,like I was discovering something new and fresh. That's what I find exciting about this book. It really stands out from the crowd. I could take all day about the plot but I'd prefer not to spoil it. Those who like fun and exciting sci fiction cant go wrong.
October 24, 2014
This book is an energetic and sprawling epic which begins in a dystopian underworld of infinite dead-ends and culminates in a shattered realm where anything has become possible. The protagonist is Arturo, very much the anti-hero of his own story, a scrabbling grifter at the very bottom levels of society, living in the carcass of a planet while the elites fritter away their frivolous lives in Sky City. This book is the story of Arturo’s journey from nothing to everything.
Arturo, despite the humblest of beginnings, is a keen observer of the world and people around him and possesses an endless thirst for knowledge and experience. We initially meet Arturo in a Dickensian dystopia, just trying survive with his sister, but his quest for survival quickly morphs into a Copperfield-like pursuit for a better life across one of the more interesting cityscapes since the dark cities of Wolfe’s “Book of the New Sun” and Bellona in Delany’s “Dhalgren.”
The setting of the novel is uncertain. Could it be the near future? Perhaps. While there are indicators that this is so, it could also be set in the distant future, an alternate timeline, or on another planet. There are echoes of familiarity, but place names are used in odd ways, or out of step with what we expect. Vaguely familiar names sometimes lead nowhere, or have roots in mythology or heavy-metal bands. Genetic engineering (and other advanced technology) is common, so when we’re confronted with Sasquatches at one point in the novel, we’re not sure whether we’re dealing with survivals, artificial creatures, or aboriginals of some alien world. One scene in the novel takes place in a phantasmagorical zoo in which Neanderthals are among the exhibits…a character explains that the engineered Neanderthals are their ancestors, but mentions that homosapiens are also in their family tree.
This is a great novel for anyone looking for a science fiction epic that is challenging, fast-paced and entertaining. It will also certainly appeal to fans of crime and urban fiction who do not mind a setting that is not only outré but constantly evolving, much like the narrator protagonist. I look forward to reading more work from this author, but in “Sky City” he has set the bar rather high for himself.
Arturo, despite the humblest of beginnings, is a keen observer of the world and people around him and possesses an endless thirst for knowledge and experience. We initially meet Arturo in a Dickensian dystopia, just trying survive with his sister, but his quest for survival quickly morphs into a Copperfield-like pursuit for a better life across one of the more interesting cityscapes since the dark cities of Wolfe’s “Book of the New Sun” and Bellona in Delany’s “Dhalgren.”
The setting of the novel is uncertain. Could it be the near future? Perhaps. While there are indicators that this is so, it could also be set in the distant future, an alternate timeline, or on another planet. There are echoes of familiarity, but place names are used in odd ways, or out of step with what we expect. Vaguely familiar names sometimes lead nowhere, or have roots in mythology or heavy-metal bands. Genetic engineering (and other advanced technology) is common, so when we’re confronted with Sasquatches at one point in the novel, we’re not sure whether we’re dealing with survivals, artificial creatures, or aboriginals of some alien world. One scene in the novel takes place in a phantasmagorical zoo in which Neanderthals are among the exhibits…a character explains that the engineered Neanderthals are their ancestors, but mentions that homosapiens are also in their family tree.
This is a great novel for anyone looking for a science fiction epic that is challenging, fast-paced and entertaining. It will also certainly appeal to fans of crime and urban fiction who do not mind a setting that is not only outré but constantly evolving, much like the narrator protagonist. I look forward to reading more work from this author, but in “Sky City” he has set the bar rather high for himself.
October 23, 2015
Sky City is a book outside my comfort zone which I enjoyed nonetheless. I have read only a handful of Sci-Fi books this year, loved 2 hated the rest, so for me to like this one it is high praise indeed. I have to address the elephant in the room to start which is the date - 2045 which is 30 years away. Too soon for me, look at Back the future 30 years ago coincidentally - and it tells you Sci-fi writers need to kick things further into the future. That said, a well crafted story evolves and like my dislike for Sci-fi books, I really only found a few books recently, written in the first person that I have actually finished. Once more Kudos to the author here for keeping me engaged under the circumstances. Me ... reading a science fiction book written in the first person! Congratulations R.D. Hale, you've probably broken a record in that I finished your book but more so that I enjoyed it. This is ultimately a good story so all else goes out the window really. Clever, inventive, slightly complex which can slow you down but a book for fans of the genre and beyond.
July 28, 2014
I think this book has fantastic futuristic imagery and scenes. It also has interesting discussions on terrorism and religion.
For some reason though...I had a hard time getting into it. I never felt very connected to the characters.
I often found my mind leaving the book to think of other things.
I can't really blame the book.
I just think the book and I weren't a good match.
I imagine other people will like it a lot.
For some reason though...I had a hard time getting into it. I never felt very connected to the characters.
I often found my mind leaving the book to think of other things.
I can't really blame the book.
I just think the book and I weren't a good match.
I imagine other people will like it a lot.
April 29, 2015
Someone described this as squatters of the future in survival mode. I couldn’t agree more. It is a compelling story of the underdog of society stuck in a dangerous world of drug use and alcohol abuse yet desperate to escape this life and make a new one — one way or another.
The story is action packed, the characters are entertaining and varying in personality.
A well-written first novel.
The story is action packed, the characters are entertaining and varying in personality.
A well-written first novel.
December 9, 2015
I have mulled over this book and decided that the pace and humour of this book won me over. The characters were more fun than well written and their roguish exploits in a futuristic setting made for a pleasurable read. Despite the time it took me to read- other books were read meantime- my final time with the book left a very positive impression.
May 28, 2015
Good fun (with something for your head)
This was a rip-snorter! Some parts of it put me in mind of J.G. Ballard. Very "Clockwork Orange"ish. Almost surrealistic. Quite mature in theme and scope, it was at the same time, joyously jingoistic. There are passages in this book that I defy you to read without a big, cheesy grin on your gob! All in all,a very satisfying read.
This was a rip-snorter! Some parts of it put me in mind of J.G. Ballard. Very "Clockwork Orange"ish. Almost surrealistic. Quite mature in theme and scope, it was at the same time, joyously jingoistic. There are passages in this book that I defy you to read without a big, cheesy grin on your gob! All in all,a very satisfying read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews