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Scavenger #1
Scavenger: Red Sands
**Part One novelette of the newly released novel, Scavenger: Evolution**
In the future, sand divers search the depths for the lost city of Danvar and the truth behind their bleak existence. Divemaster Rush hasn’t dove since he lost his infant. A job offer turns from an escape to a trap and the lure of a hardened heart to survive like anyone else would. One dive leads to another. Farther and farther from the surface, death and evolution change his world. He’ll have to change to or watch his wife rise without him.
Inspired by Hugh Howey’s world of Sand. Written and sold with his permission. Scavenger: Evolution takes the landscape of Dune and throws in the pacing and thrills of Alien.
In the future, sand divers search the depths for the lost city of Danvar and the truth behind their bleak existence. Divemaster Rush hasn’t dove since he lost his infant. A job offer turns from an escape to a trap and the lure of a hardened heart to survive like anyone else would. One dive leads to another. Farther and farther from the surface, death and evolution change his world. He’ll have to change to or watch his wife rise without him.
Inspired by Hugh Howey’s world of Sand. Written and sold with his permission. Scavenger: Evolution takes the landscape of Dune and throws in the pacing and thrills of Alien.
- GenresScience Fiction
Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2014
74 people want to read
About the author
Timothy C. Ward
14 books126 followersTimothy C. Ward once kicked a spider in the face. Now, he writes books about magic and mayhem from the safety of his man base.
Series to date:
Godsknife: Enjoy this apocalyptic battle for godhood in the rift between Iowa and the Abyss.
- Godsknife: Revolt (Book 1)
- Godsknife: Lineage (novelette set in the Outbreak)
- Coming soon: Godsknife: Revenge (Book 2)
Sand Divers: post- apocalyptic treasure hunters with sand diving set in Hugh Howey’s world of Sand and Across the Sand.
- Scavenger: Evolution
- Scavenger: A.I..
He also writes LitRPG under Theo Hodges, with his latest series, Badges of Dorkdom taking a future college dropout and training him to be a wizard for the ages.
You probably don’t want to hear about his other series, Ciphercraft, a sci-fi LitRPG about space heroes.
Follow him on X @timothycward or at www.wardbook.com
Series to date:
Godsknife: Enjoy this apocalyptic battle for godhood in the rift between Iowa and the Abyss.
- Godsknife: Revolt (Book 1)
- Godsknife: Lineage (novelette set in the Outbreak)
- Coming soon: Godsknife: Revenge (Book 2)
Sand Divers: post- apocalyptic treasure hunters with sand diving set in Hugh Howey’s world of Sand and Across the Sand.
- Scavenger: Evolution
- Scavenger: A.I..
He also writes LitRPG under Theo Hodges, with his latest series, Badges of Dorkdom taking a future college dropout and training him to be a wizard for the ages.
You probably don’t want to hear about his other series, Ciphercraft, a sci-fi LitRPG about space heroes.
Follow him on X @timothycward or at www.wardbook.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 1, 2014
Rush was a sand diver until his son died and he sank into a booze-soaked depression. When a stranger wanders into the bar where he works, Rush has a difficult choice to make...
Timothy Ward has been one of my Goodreads friends for a while now. When he mentioned needing a few more reviews of Scavenger before he put out another book, I said I'd give it a shot.
Scavenger takes place in the world of Hugh Howley's Sand but I was able to follow the story without reading it. America covered with Sand, there are sand divers looking for the lost city of Danvar, etc.
The plot is the classic "I have your wife so you have to do this for me" scenario. Ward puts a nice spin on it by putting it in Howley's setting. The character of Rush was by far the most interesting part of the tale. His insurmountable grief for his son and descent into alcoholism were completely believable.
Honestly, Ward didn't need the Sand setting for this. He could have easily tweaked it into a serviceable western or crime short story. However, the setting added some grittiness (get it?) to the tale. There were some claustrophobic moments near the end that reminded me of events in Howley's Wool.
About the only thing I had to complain about was that I wanted more. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Timothy Ward has been one of my Goodreads friends for a while now. When he mentioned needing a few more reviews of Scavenger before he put out another book, I said I'd give it a shot.
Scavenger takes place in the world of Hugh Howley's Sand but I was able to follow the story without reading it. America covered with Sand, there are sand divers looking for the lost city of Danvar, etc.
The plot is the classic "I have your wife so you have to do this for me" scenario. Ward puts a nice spin on it by putting it in Howley's setting. The character of Rush was by far the most interesting part of the tale. His insurmountable grief for his son and descent into alcoholism were completely believable.
Honestly, Ward didn't need the Sand setting for this. He could have easily tweaked it into a serviceable western or crime short story. However, the setting added some grittiness (get it?) to the tale. There were some claustrophobic moments near the end that reminded me of events in Howley's Wool.
About the only thing I had to complain about was that I wanted more. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
July 19, 2014
Rating: 3* of five
The Publisher Says: Hugh Howey's novel, SAND, introduced us to a future America covered in sand and the terrorists who will stop at nothing to unearth the fabled city of Danvar.
Scavenger centers on the story of Divemaster Rush, a bereaved father and estranged husband who is offered a job he can't refuse. Rush can either harden his heart and survive or risk his life for what already seems lost.
Scavenger can be read without having read SAND. Written and sold with permission from Hugh Howey.
My Review: I haven't read SAND, but this novelette set in the same universe makes me want to. The idea of a future of endless, shifting desert sands has resonance for my South Texan desertification-fearin' self. (Hey, the Rio Grande is a dry ditch in a lot of places. THAT is scary as fuck, people.)
Nice story indeed, and Rush is a character I can easily imagine tent-poling a novel. The Honorable Man among the Degenerates is an evergreen for a reason. I suspect this post-apocalyptic world can support quite a lot of stories. (One of my personal tests for good world-building is to see if I can imagine other characters in the setting, and see them in gripping stories that are wholly their own.)
It's 99¢ on Kindle, and it's a pleasant way to wile away an hour. Support indie SF and take a chance on this exciting tale.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
The Publisher Says: Hugh Howey's novel, SAND, introduced us to a future America covered in sand and the terrorists who will stop at nothing to unearth the fabled city of Danvar.
Scavenger centers on the story of Divemaster Rush, a bereaved father and estranged husband who is offered a job he can't refuse. Rush can either harden his heart and survive or risk his life for what already seems lost.
Scavenger can be read without having read SAND. Written and sold with permission from Hugh Howey.
My Review: I haven't read SAND, but this novelette set in the same universe makes me want to. The idea of a future of endless, shifting desert sands has resonance for my South Texan desertification-fearin' self. (Hey, the Rio Grande is a dry ditch in a lot of places. THAT is scary as fuck, people.)
Nice story indeed, and Rush is a character I can easily imagine tent-poling a novel. The Honorable Man among the Degenerates is an evergreen for a reason. I suspect this post-apocalyptic world can support quite a lot of stories. (One of my personal tests for good world-building is to see if I can imagine other characters in the setting, and see them in gripping stories that are wholly their own.)
It's 99¢ on Kindle, and it's a pleasant way to wile away an hour. Support indie SF and take a chance on this exciting tale.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
July 17, 2014
SCAVENGER is my introduction to Timothy Ward's own writing though I've read a couple of books he recommended on his site. Excellent recommendations, by the way.
I also come into this never having read SAND or any other work by Hugh Howey. I was assured I could read this short story without having read the novel first. That is certainly true. SCAVENGER is a self-contained story with a rather satisfying ending. That being said, I suspect reading Howey's work would give me an even greater better appreciation of this, particularly the origin and a more in-depth understanding of the sand menace.
Ward crafted a good character in Rush, ably communicating his despair at the beginning, his epiphany in the middle and his earnestness towards the end. The action sequence --the meat of the tale-- was suspenseful and terrifying.
The writing was straightforward and easy to read and, in notable moments, reveals a gift for lyrical prose.
There were abrupt and abbreviated scenes and transitions but they are likely constraints of the short story format and only serve to indicate great potential for a longer story. I would like to know more about many things-- the history of Springston and how it devolved into its present devastated state, details about Rush's special sand diving skills and his previous exploits, more about the Honey Hole tavern, the antagonist's story, and the legend of Danvar.
All in all, Timothy Ward has crafted a little gem of a short story with interesting characters and a rich world to build on and create a longer tale.
I also come into this never having read SAND or any other work by Hugh Howey. I was assured I could read this short story without having read the novel first. That is certainly true. SCAVENGER is a self-contained story with a rather satisfying ending. That being said, I suspect reading Howey's work would give me an even greater better appreciation of this, particularly the origin and a more in-depth understanding of the sand menace.
Ward crafted a good character in Rush, ably communicating his despair at the beginning, his epiphany in the middle and his earnestness towards the end. The action sequence --the meat of the tale-- was suspenseful and terrifying.
The writing was straightforward and easy to read and, in notable moments, reveals a gift for lyrical prose.
There were abrupt and abbreviated scenes and transitions but they are likely constraints of the short story format and only serve to indicate great potential for a longer story. I would like to know more about many things-- the history of Springston and how it devolved into its present devastated state, details about Rush's special sand diving skills and his previous exploits, more about the Honey Hole tavern, the antagonist's story, and the legend of Danvar.
All in all, Timothy Ward has crafted a little gem of a short story with interesting characters and a rich world to build on and create a longer tale.
Read
April 9, 2015***Now available on Kindle only. Free under the Kindle Unlimited program. First part of newly released novel, Scavenger: Evolution.***
Nick Cole, author of The Old Man and the Wasteland and the upcoming Soda Pop Soldier just gave Scavenger 5 Stars:
"Ward crafts a thrilling tale of desolation, desperation and redemption after the world ends. I thoroughly enjoyed this tight little jaunt through a sandy wasteland populated by the damned and the dying and those desperate for a last shot at redemption, or hell. Ward infuses a classic down-on-his-luck scavenger tale with pathos, nobility and a faithful insight into the allurement of temporary pleasures. In short, pick this one up, it's a strong read that stands on it's own two feet."
I wrote a blog post at Adventures in SciFi Publishing to get into the heart of what this story means to me.
Nick Cole, author of The Old Man and the Wasteland and the upcoming Soda Pop Soldier just gave Scavenger 5 Stars:
"Ward crafts a thrilling tale of desolation, desperation and redemption after the world ends. I thoroughly enjoyed this tight little jaunt through a sandy wasteland populated by the damned and the dying and those desperate for a last shot at redemption, or hell. Ward infuses a classic down-on-his-luck scavenger tale with pathos, nobility and a faithful insight into the allurement of temporary pleasures. In short, pick this one up, it's a strong read that stands on it's own two feet."
I wrote a blog post at Adventures in SciFi Publishing to get into the heart of what this story means to me.
July 12, 2014
Short, not so sweet, but to the point.
This is an intense, suspenseful novella that had me needing more. With the way that it was ended, I'm hoping there will be more.
This is the first story I've read of Mr. Wards. This is a story based of Sand by Hugh Howey (and with permission). Like the blurb says, you don't have to read Sand to read this one, but I feel like there was so much I didn't know. I certainly hope we see this story develop into a full length novel as the author has said he would do given enough interest. I don't feel like I've had enough. I didn't get to know Rush as much as I wanted and I would certainly love to get to know the world better as well. All in all, it's a very intriguing story that can be enjoyed in a single sitting. I recommend this quick and intense read to anyone who has read Mr. Howey's Sand and to those who enjoy quick escape from reality.
This is an intense, suspenseful novella that had me needing more. With the way that it was ended, I'm hoping there will be more.
This is the first story I've read of Mr. Wards. This is a story based of Sand by Hugh Howey (and with permission). Like the blurb says, you don't have to read Sand to read this one, but I feel like there was so much I didn't know. I certainly hope we see this story develop into a full length novel as the author has said he would do given enough interest. I don't feel like I've had enough. I didn't get to know Rush as much as I wanted and I would certainly love to get to know the world better as well. All in all, it's a very intriguing story that can be enjoyed in a single sitting. I recommend this quick and intense read to anyone who has read Mr. Howey's Sand and to those who enjoy quick escape from reality.
June 29, 2014
Scavenger is a fabulous story with breathtaking action and a relentless plot. The writing is brisk, vivid, and engaging.
The brevity of the story means that apart from the protagonist, Rush, characterization is pretty thin. The villain’s motivation is unclear, apart from his being a big meanie with a grudge against the elites. The other characters are all very secondary, because there isn’t time to know them.
Rush, however, is richly drawn and his circumstances present a fascinating moral dilemma. The turning point at which he makes his ultimate moral decision comes and goes a little too quickly, but once he chooses his path, the story drives inexorably and compellingly to its conclusion. Remember to breathe.
The brevity of the story means that apart from the protagonist, Rush, characterization is pretty thin. The villain’s motivation is unclear, apart from his being a big meanie with a grudge against the elites. The other characters are all very secondary, because there isn’t time to know them.
Rush, however, is richly drawn and his circumstances present a fascinating moral dilemma. The turning point at which he makes his ultimate moral decision comes and goes a little too quickly, but once he chooses his path, the story drives inexorably and compellingly to its conclusion. Remember to breathe.
July 8, 2014
"Scavenger" by Tim Ward is my first exposure to Hugh Howey's world of "Sand." With only a vague understanding of "Sand's" premise (Howey's latest novel is still on my TBR list), I was able to follow this story and make sense of the Dune-like setting and conceit. Although "Scavenger" is a tie-in work, it holds its own as a stand alone story - and with as much gritty realism as can be found in "Wool" and other stories by Hugh - including "Sand," I imagine. If sand-diving is of interest, and you want a taste of the promise of Danvar, I recommend Ward's addition to this latest SF epic.
May 19, 2016
This story constitutes my introduction into the world of Sand. I think Hugh Howey's books just got bumped up my lengthy TBR list, but first I'll finish reading what Ward has written.
Rush used to be a diver, but after losing his infant son to the sand, he aborted from life, in the process estranging his wife, Star. We meet him as a down-and-outer working in a bar. He is accosted by Warren, someone who wants a job done by a diver, by Rush specifically, and is offering money. Even in Rush's depressed state, he realises he must choose between losing his humanity and gaining it.
The plot of this tale is relatively simple, but Ward adds several layers that increase the obstacles for Rush. Add the sand on top of those, and one gets a gripping tale of suspense. I loved the sand-diving sequences. Ward used words sparsely to image them, but at the same time gave one a clear idea of how the divers dive. And the complexities involved. Add to those a distracted diver dealing with some pretty big emotional issues?
In short, Ward's writing is fantastic. Perhaps a small portion of this comes from the fact that the world is already built, but it also comes from the fact that there was very little worldbuilding in this story, as such. Everything is assumed, with little explanation given. I really liked that. The point wasn't belaboured, and nothing - even Ward's writing style, which is clear, precise and vivid - got in the way of the story. Much was left unsaid, leaving several questions still running around my head. Questions that beg for answers. Cue a Ward reading binge, methinks!
My only complaint? It's far too short. But that's ok. I'll read more of 'em, and hopefully I'll get the 'more' I seek, as well as the answers.
It's totally possible to read this story without having touched Hugh Howey's books - but be careful. You'll want to read those quite soon after picking this one up!
Rush used to be a diver, but after losing his infant son to the sand, he aborted from life, in the process estranging his wife, Star. We meet him as a down-and-outer working in a bar. He is accosted by Warren, someone who wants a job done by a diver, by Rush specifically, and is offering money. Even in Rush's depressed state, he realises he must choose between losing his humanity and gaining it.
The plot of this tale is relatively simple, but Ward adds several layers that increase the obstacles for Rush. Add the sand on top of those, and one gets a gripping tale of suspense. I loved the sand-diving sequences. Ward used words sparsely to image them, but at the same time gave one a clear idea of how the divers dive. And the complexities involved. Add to those a distracted diver dealing with some pretty big emotional issues?
In short, Ward's writing is fantastic. Perhaps a small portion of this comes from the fact that the world is already built, but it also comes from the fact that there was very little worldbuilding in this story, as such. Everything is assumed, with little explanation given. I really liked that. The point wasn't belaboured, and nothing - even Ward's writing style, which is clear, precise and vivid - got in the way of the story. Much was left unsaid, leaving several questions still running around my head. Questions that beg for answers. Cue a Ward reading binge, methinks!
My only complaint? It's far too short. But that's ok. I'll read more of 'em, and hopefully I'll get the 'more' I seek, as well as the answers.
It's totally possible to read this story without having touched Hugh Howey's books - but be careful. You'll want to read those quite soon after picking this one up!
October 30, 2014
Scavenger is an epic divided into multiple parts. The story focuses on Rush, a sand divemaster with a haunting past. As a man who has lost everything, he spends his time in a whore house tending to the clean needs of the clients and employees. Used to being an invisible man to all around him, he slowly drowns himself in his losses and bitterness. Losing his son in a sand accident and then turning on his wife for her failed attempt to keep Fisher safe, Rush hits rock bottom.
Rush stays at the bottom until a man shows up offering him a job and an opportunity to exact revenge and escape. For silver coins, Rush is charged with a devastating crime that will affect thousands of people. Will he be able to do this or not? Will he overcome the internal struggles of right vs wrong? Will he gain enough strength to defeat the unethical Rush he had become?
Struggling with himself he finds he must perform the dreadful deed to not only live but to rescue his kidnapped wife whom he realizes he truly loves and misses. Recognizing his failure to her and their son, he struggles to discover a way of out this mess.
Donning his special sand diving suit, manipulating the sands and proceeding with the assignment, Rush discovers a compromise that proves deadly to several people and possibly his wife.
Well written, strong characters and rich in details. A very short, quick read.
Please find this complete review and many others at bookie-monster [dot] com
[If this review helped, please press YES. Thanks!]
Rush stays at the bottom until a man shows up offering him a job and an opportunity to exact revenge and escape. For silver coins, Rush is charged with a devastating crime that will affect thousands of people. Will he be able to do this or not? Will he overcome the internal struggles of right vs wrong? Will he gain enough strength to defeat the unethical Rush he had become?
Struggling with himself he finds he must perform the dreadful deed to not only live but to rescue his kidnapped wife whom he realizes he truly loves and misses. Recognizing his failure to her and their son, he struggles to discover a way of out this mess.
Donning his special sand diving suit, manipulating the sands and proceeding with the assignment, Rush discovers a compromise that proves deadly to several people and possibly his wife.
Well written, strong characters and rich in details. A very short, quick read.
Please find this complete review and many others at bookie-monster [dot] com
[If this review helped, please press YES. Thanks!]
September 30, 2015
I'm not familiar with Hugh Howey's , but I don't think that really matters (I'm sure everything would have made more sense if I were). It takes a little time to understand how 'divers' do what they do, but it's done in an enjoyable way, as opposed to just info dumping (though I wouldn't mind a cheat sheet to fully appreciate what is going on).
Rush, the main character, is about as depressed as they come, but it is an understandable trait when you learn of what he's gone through. I think his internal journey/conflict will be relateable to a lot of readers -- there's a real human connection there.
A lot of growth and info in this short volume. Can't wait to see how it progresses...onto the next!
Rush, the main character, is about as depressed as they come, but it is an understandable trait when you learn of what he's gone through. I think his internal journey/conflict will be relateable to a lot of readers -- there's a real human connection there.
A lot of growth and info in this short volume. Can't wait to see how it progresses...onto the next!
Read
August 7, 2014I REALLY LIKED IT
I picked up this short story because I had read Cornhusker: Demon Gene by the same author and enjoyed it immensely. I’d peg Cornhusker: Demon Gene more in the horror genre while Scavenger falls into sci-fi. Now, if you’ve followed my reviews, you’ll know sci-fi and I don’t really get along. I generally have a hard time grounding myself into a sci-fi setting. Scavenger was no different. I admit I’ve never read Hugh Howey and therefore am at a complete loss as to the world Scavenger is based in. And while I don’t need to read Hugh Howey’s Sand Omnibus to grasp a general understanding of the story, I think I’d need to read it to get a full picture in my head.
Scavenger starts us out in a tavern. When there, I was completely and utterly immersed in this story. I could see and feel everything. It was brilliant. But when we left, I got lost. I’d have liked—and I can’t believe I’m going to say this—a bit more description of the surroundings, maybe dumbed down for someone who hasn’t read Sand Omnibus. However, I firmly believe my lack of sci-fi experience might have put me at a disadvantage while those who read sci-fi with some semblance of regularity probably cruised right along, even if they hadn’t read Sand Omnibus.
Like I said, when grounded, I really was there, and Rush was a character I could easily get behind and come to love. The writing was smooth and I enjoyed Ward’s voice. I’ve read that if people are interested, Ward might write more stories. I hope they would include Rush. There were moments when I would grasp something, get a nice visual in my head, and I loved it. I was just on the brink of understanding what a diver could do when the story ended. It sounded incredibly fun and something I'd love to read more about.
So in the end, I’d definitely read another short story written by Ward about this world and Rush. It’s a short read, and I’d recommend anyone who likes sci-fi to give this a go.
You can find this and other reviews on my website: http://booksbylkevans.com
I picked up this short story because I had read Cornhusker: Demon Gene by the same author and enjoyed it immensely. I’d peg Cornhusker: Demon Gene more in the horror genre while Scavenger falls into sci-fi. Now, if you’ve followed my reviews, you’ll know sci-fi and I don’t really get along. I generally have a hard time grounding myself into a sci-fi setting. Scavenger was no different. I admit I’ve never read Hugh Howey and therefore am at a complete loss as to the world Scavenger is based in. And while I don’t need to read Hugh Howey’s Sand Omnibus to grasp a general understanding of the story, I think I’d need to read it to get a full picture in my head.
Scavenger starts us out in a tavern. When there, I was completely and utterly immersed in this story. I could see and feel everything. It was brilliant. But when we left, I got lost. I’d have liked—and I can’t believe I’m going to say this—a bit more description of the surroundings, maybe dumbed down for someone who hasn’t read Sand Omnibus. However, I firmly believe my lack of sci-fi experience might have put me at a disadvantage while those who read sci-fi with some semblance of regularity probably cruised right along, even if they hadn’t read Sand Omnibus.
Like I said, when grounded, I really was there, and Rush was a character I could easily get behind and come to love. The writing was smooth and I enjoyed Ward’s voice. I’ve read that if people are interested, Ward might write more stories. I hope they would include Rush. There were moments when I would grasp something, get a nice visual in my head, and I loved it. I was just on the brink of understanding what a diver could do when the story ended. It sounded incredibly fun and something I'd love to read more about.
So in the end, I’d definitely read another short story written by Ward about this world and Rush. It’s a short read, and I’d recommend anyone who likes sci-fi to give this a go.
You can find this and other reviews on my website: http://booksbylkevans.com
October 7, 2014
Friends, I kept watching my Kindle progress and shaking my head...this COULDN'T be the end of the story! This awesome novelette needs to be built upon: Tim, give us more.
From the opening scene, you're drawn in by the vivid description of our protagonist, Rush, a sad and broken man who had pretty much lowered himself to a brothel's janitor.
But in this world, it's survive or die, and while I think Rush might argue he was surviving, in some ways he was dead inside. Whether it's the death of his son, or his cold relationship with his wife, this man is full of misfortune which is juxtaposed with a more glorious past as a diver.
When the mysterious Warren enters his life and promises a job, and perhaps a little more dignity, Rush is intrigued. When Rush finds out what the task entails, he's horrified.
This novelette is set in Hugh Howey's SAND universe (with permission). If you enjoy SAND, I definitely recommend you pick up SCAVENGER!
From the opening scene, you're drawn in by the vivid description of our protagonist, Rush, a sad and broken man who had pretty much lowered himself to a brothel's janitor.
But in this world, it's survive or die, and while I think Rush might argue he was surviving, in some ways he was dead inside. Whether it's the death of his son, or his cold relationship with his wife, this man is full of misfortune which is juxtaposed with a more glorious past as a diver.
When the mysterious Warren enters his life and promises a job, and perhaps a little more dignity, Rush is intrigued. When Rush finds out what the task entails, he's horrified.
This novelette is set in Hugh Howey's SAND universe (with permission). If you enjoy SAND, I definitely recommend you pick up SCAVENGER!
July 21, 2014
This novelette felt right. It was in the world of Sand, a place I would never want to visit but came to love as I read Hugh Howey's novel Sand. Timothy does a great job of placing you right back in that world and introducing new characters to you. I liked his descriptive prose too. I noticed it right away at the beginning of the book and it set the mood and tone for the rest of the story. For the brief time you get to spend with them you learn a lot about them and he does a good job of fleshing them out. There are some very personal things you learn about the character and before a bunch of action similar to what you loved in Howey's Sand happens you'll know the motivations of the main character well. If you like Sand, and I don't know who wouldn't absolutely love that novel, then you'll like this story too. It's always fun to go back to a place you love from a book and revisit it and Timothy does a great job of bringing us back to that barren wasteland we've all come to love.
January 19, 2015
I must admit that I have not read the Sand series, but this book had a Dune feeling to it that left me intrigued. While there is a brief introduction to the story with Rush's sulking, I was quickly caught up in the action. I had no idea where the plot was carrying me, but it was moving fast!
Rush is obviously a broken man, but as the author pieces together his story, I felt more and more connected to him. A few of his decisions confused me, but that gave him a human quality that brought him to life as a character.
And, of course, the ending was left wide open, making it virtually impossible for me to not immediately start reading the sequel.
Rush is obviously a broken man, but as the author pieces together his story, I felt more and more connected to him. A few of his decisions confused me, but that gave him a human quality that brought him to life as a character.
And, of course, the ending was left wide open, making it virtually impossible for me to not immediately start reading the sequel.
August 22, 2014
From a very dark - icky! - place, can our hero redeem himself?
This is a story about a quest for redemption in an odd almost magical-realist world best described as "Mad Max 2 with more sand".
Ward gives us a hero who is in almost the worst possible of places professionally (ewww) and emotionally then plunges him into a high-stakes adventure with redemption as the ultimate prize, if only he can attain it.
A surprisingly intense read, Gemmel does Stephen King. Ward is obviously an author to watch.
This is a story about a quest for redemption in an odd almost magical-realist world best described as "Mad Max 2 with more sand".
Ward gives us a hero who is in almost the worst possible of places professionally (ewww) and emotionally then plunges him into a high-stakes adventure with redemption as the ultimate prize, if only he can attain it.
A surprisingly intense read, Gemmel does Stephen King. Ward is obviously an author to watch.
January 25, 2015
An enjoyable romp through Hugh Howey's world of Sand, set in a dystopian future where terrorists threaten a middle-America buried in Sand, and folks with special equipment and training can "swim" through the sand like scuba divers. You don't have to have read Sand in order to enjoy this book, but I think that it would make a lot more sense to already have a sense of what this world is all about so I'd go there first if you are just introducing yourself to this world.
December 7, 2014
This is a short piece set in the world of Hugh Howey's Sand. I really enjoyed it and will pick up #2. I'm interested to see where Rush and Star will go. Also makes me want to read Sand now. :)
January 24, 2015
Solid fan-fic set in Hugh Howey's Sand universe. overly dramatic with some clunky dialogue, but overall an entertaining short read
March 28, 2015
I'm another reader who has never read SAND or any other work by Hugh Howey so I'm coming into this work blind. The premise of the novel is a post-apocalypse science-fiction setting with a Wild West sort of feel. The Earth is transformed into desert and there are countless valuables to scavenge underneath the sand--which has led to a cottage industry of 'divers.'
Ex-Diver Rush is a down and out drunk who works as a janitor in a brothel after the death of his son. He's given an offer to return to the fold which is almost too good to be true, and is, which causes a serious moral dilemma for him. His employers stand to make a vast fortune through mass murder and Rush is about as lost to the world that it sounds like a good idea rather than madness.
The novellette examines his position, thinking, and moral dilemma as he struggles with whether or not he wants to live or cares if his neighbors don't. The use of a Wild Western atmosphere works well as does the sleazy atmosphere of the brothel. The book could have used more introduction to the world and let things flow a little easier but the atmosphere is excellent as is the characterization. The climax to the work is especially good, packed with action and unexpected twists.
8/10
Ex-Diver Rush is a down and out drunk who works as a janitor in a brothel after the death of his son. He's given an offer to return to the fold which is almost too good to be true, and is, which causes a serious moral dilemma for him. His employers stand to make a vast fortune through mass murder and Rush is about as lost to the world that it sounds like a good idea rather than madness.
The novellette examines his position, thinking, and moral dilemma as he struggles with whether or not he wants to live or cares if his neighbors don't. The use of a Wild Western atmosphere works well as does the sleazy atmosphere of the brothel. The book could have used more introduction to the world and let things flow a little easier but the atmosphere is excellent as is the characterization. The climax to the work is especially good, packed with action and unexpected twists.
8/10
April 2, 2015
Rush is being blackmailed into doing a job. Do it or die, stuck between a rock and a hard place. The anti is raised when his wife life is threatened... And that's just the beginning of this action packed piece of fan fiction. What is Rush gonna do? Find out by reading this book. Oh and if you haven't read Hugh Howey's book "Sand" you may want to do that too...
August 14, 2014
The North American continent is covered with sand. Rush is a sand diver and a drunk since his son died. He is hired for a dive under the threat of death for his wife and him by a man who wants Rush to plant bombs that will bring down a city.
April 7, 2015
Excellent beginning & introduction to a new character in Hugh's fantastic Sand universe. Looking forward to the next two instalments.
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