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Aegis: Catalyst Grove
Be Careful What You Wish For.
It Just May Be Given To You.
An orphaned 15 year old boy named Graham is burdened with reoccurring dreams of loving parents, but the dream always takes a turn for the worse. Before seeing the ending, he awakens to find the supernatural elements of his nightmare manifested in real life.
In an effort to control his unexplainable power and protect those around him, Graham goes in search for a man who may hold the answers he needs. It isn’t until he wakes up tied to a chair with a black hood over his head that he wishes he could take it all back. Why was he taken captive? How do they also have supernatural powers and what do they want with him? Who is this group called Aegis? With Graham’s power becoming more uncontrollable with each turn of events, will they be able to escape before it is too late?
It Just May Be Given To You.
An orphaned 15 year old boy named Graham is burdened with reoccurring dreams of loving parents, but the dream always takes a turn for the worse. Before seeing the ending, he awakens to find the supernatural elements of his nightmare manifested in real life.
In an effort to control his unexplainable power and protect those around him, Graham goes in search for a man who may hold the answers he needs. It isn’t until he wakes up tied to a chair with a black hood over his head that he wishes he could take it all back. Why was he taken captive? How do they also have supernatural powers and what do they want with him? Who is this group called Aegis? With Graham’s power becoming more uncontrollable with each turn of events, will they be able to escape before it is too late?
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2014
About the author
Nathan Roten
11 books20 followersDuring the day, Nathan works at Samaritan's Purse - Operation Christmas Child, where he enjoys being a part of worldwide children's evangelism. At night, however, he is an aspiring novelist, writing action/adventure, modern fantasy novels.
Nathan Roten began his writing career in the non-fiction world with the publication of Embark, but has now dedicated all of his creative juices into creating the Adventure Epic novels of the Aegis Series. He is currently working on book 3 in the series along with many of the Character novelettes.
His goal in the series is to produce quality action stories that are clean, exciting and contain important, biblical undertones.
If he is not writing, he is either at the lake or roaming the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina with his wife and 3 children.
You can connect with him at
Connect with Nathan and get updates on his official websites here:
www.NathanRoten.com
www.AegisSeries.com
Nathan Roten began his writing career in the non-fiction world with the publication of Embark, but has now dedicated all of his creative juices into creating the Adventure Epic novels of the Aegis Series. He is currently working on book 3 in the series along with many of the Character novelettes.
His goal in the series is to produce quality action stories that are clean, exciting and contain important, biblical undertones.
If he is not writing, he is either at the lake or roaming the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina with his wife and 3 children.
You can connect with him at
Connect with Nathan and get updates on his official websites here:
www.NathanRoten.com
www.AegisSeries.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 18, 2016
This, the first book in the Aegis Series and was a real adventure of a book to read. Filled with mystery and secrets, the book was fun and easy to read as so enjoyable.
Graham is an orphan, he's 15 years old, he has nightmares about his past and during those nightmares he becomes aware of an awakening special power he seems to have within him, but he doesn't understand it. Nobody has any answers for him. He has heard rumours of a man who understands and has these types of powers too and decides to break the rules and seeks out this man, desperate to know what this is that burns inside him. But first he has to get past the woman who runs the orphanage and is aware of him sneaking off to places he should not go.
After seeking this man fruitlessly alone, Graham decides to take along Damien his best friend on a risky adventure to try to find this man, this man called Cavaness. They got a LOT more than they bargained for when they sneaked out of the orphanage together. Graham and his friend find Cavaness and enter a world that they did not know existed, they meet up with two other orphans from a different orphanage, Kel and Ailey and the four of them are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.
This book is fantasy, and I struggled at first to grasp what era it was set in, my mind kept placing the scenery in the middle ages for some reason! But it's not I established as the book went along, it's set in modern day times (it's not hugely clear though).
The four orphans learn of secrets and things they never thought existed and together are given a challenge, together they must work to help each other and find out why they have been taken to this strange and new place, and how to get back to the orphanages. What on earth have they got themselves into? Graham is beginning to regret his innate sense of adventure and open curiosity. Together they discover they are each not who they think they are and have abilities and powers that have been mostly latent. But why them? What is the bigger purpose?
We go on the ride with the four orphans as they encounter obstacles and challenges on their quest to get back home. The role of Cavaness and his men is not clear for most of the book, so I was eager to know what was going on and hoping for a reveal at the end of the book. Be excited to know that the reveal does come and when it does it's really, really good!
They are in a world where all is not what it seems, having to discern what is truth and what is not, having to rely on each other and trust each other, each of them bringing an important amount of abilities and character traits to the group as a whole. How are they going to get back home and what on earth were they brought here for? Why were they chosen? The answers are not clear until the thrilling end of the book. Their lives will never be the same again.
I felt the journey to the answers at the end at times went on a bit repetitively, I wanted a little bit more action and excitement, for moments in the book we are just meandering along with the four teenagers on their quest, but the pace of the book picks up dramatically towards the end. Don't get me wrong, this is by no means a boring book, I just wanted a bit more action in the middle of it than what I got.
Each of the four children have distinct personalities and the characters are well written. Cavaness as a character is a bit of a hard one, I did not like him for most of the book, then by the end I loved him. It was clever the way Nate Roten presents Cavaness and his men to the reader. We all like to hate the bad guys right? Or do we? And are they?
The thrilling conclusion to the book is an exciting display of supernatural powers and abilities as the teenagers learn to harness what they have learned about themselves along the way. The plot really bowls along at this point and as the reasons for everything is revealed I was so excited, I felt like the book was finally making it's point and it was this ending, the reveals that has spurred me on to want to read the second book in this exciting new series.
The suspense leading up to the end, the unanswered questions we have as the reader is both frustrating and thrilling at the same time. You know when you hope the ending is worth it? Well it was, and I am glad as a sappy ending would have really peeved me off. It was a satisfying end to a fun and interesting read. A very enjoyable book that I think many would enjoy.
I want to share so much more, so many well written moments but it would spoil it totally, you need to read it from start to finish to get the full picture, and don't worry, it all makes sense in the end.
Nathan Roten is an Indie author and I like to read and review books by Indie authors, there is so much unseen talent out there and Nate Roten is an author to watch in my opinion. This book has a lot going for it and I hope it falls into the hands of more readers, both teens and young adults, as well as adults too. It's not just a Teen/YA read at all.
This book was a 3 star read for me all the way but the ending was so well written and added such a deeper element to the book that I bumped it up to a 4 star rating overall.
I received a copy of this book direct from the author after his book won the most votes in a group read poll in the e-miner group I am part of. The book was sent to me as I voted on it and in return for a fair and honest review, my thanks to Nate Roten for the opportunity.
Graham is an orphan, he's 15 years old, he has nightmares about his past and during those nightmares he becomes aware of an awakening special power he seems to have within him, but he doesn't understand it. Nobody has any answers for him. He has heard rumours of a man who understands and has these types of powers too and decides to break the rules and seeks out this man, desperate to know what this is that burns inside him. But first he has to get past the woman who runs the orphanage and is aware of him sneaking off to places he should not go.
It wasn't that she was unusually evil - she was just strict all the time. Catching her smiling was like spotting a unicorn. You have heard tales of it's existence, yet no one was ever able to bare witness to it's existence.
After seeking this man fruitlessly alone, Graham decides to take along Damien his best friend on a risky adventure to try to find this man, this man called Cavaness. They got a LOT more than they bargained for when they sneaked out of the orphanage together. Graham and his friend find Cavaness and enter a world that they did not know existed, they meet up with two other orphans from a different orphanage, Kel and Ailey and the four of them are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.
This book is fantasy, and I struggled at first to grasp what era it was set in, my mind kept placing the scenery in the middle ages for some reason! But it's not I established as the book went along, it's set in modern day times (it's not hugely clear though).
The four orphans learn of secrets and things they never thought existed and together are given a challenge, together they must work to help each other and find out why they have been taken to this strange and new place, and how to get back to the orphanages. What on earth have they got themselves into? Graham is beginning to regret his innate sense of adventure and open curiosity. Together they discover they are each not who they think they are and have abilities and powers that have been mostly latent. But why them? What is the bigger purpose?
We go on the ride with the four orphans as they encounter obstacles and challenges on their quest to get back home. The role of Cavaness and his men is not clear for most of the book, so I was eager to know what was going on and hoping for a reveal at the end of the book. Be excited to know that the reveal does come and when it does it's really, really good!
They are in a world where all is not what it seems, having to discern what is truth and what is not, having to rely on each other and trust each other, each of them bringing an important amount of abilities and character traits to the group as a whole. How are they going to get back home and what on earth were they brought here for? Why were they chosen? The answers are not clear until the thrilling end of the book. Their lives will never be the same again.
I felt the journey to the answers at the end at times went on a bit repetitively, I wanted a little bit more action and excitement, for moments in the book we are just meandering along with the four teenagers on their quest, but the pace of the book picks up dramatically towards the end. Don't get me wrong, this is by no means a boring book, I just wanted a bit more action in the middle of it than what I got.
Each of the four children have distinct personalities and the characters are well written. Cavaness as a character is a bit of a hard one, I did not like him for most of the book, then by the end I loved him. It was clever the way Nate Roten presents Cavaness and his men to the reader. We all like to hate the bad guys right? Or do we? And are they?
The thrilling conclusion to the book is an exciting display of supernatural powers and abilities as the teenagers learn to harness what they have learned about themselves along the way. The plot really bowls along at this point and as the reasons for everything is revealed I was so excited, I felt like the book was finally making it's point and it was this ending, the reveals that has spurred me on to want to read the second book in this exciting new series.
The suspense leading up to the end, the unanswered questions we have as the reader is both frustrating and thrilling at the same time. You know when you hope the ending is worth it? Well it was, and I am glad as a sappy ending would have really peeved me off. It was a satisfying end to a fun and interesting read. A very enjoyable book that I think many would enjoy.
I want to share so much more, so many well written moments but it would spoil it totally, you need to read it from start to finish to get the full picture, and don't worry, it all makes sense in the end.
Nathan Roten is an Indie author and I like to read and review books by Indie authors, there is so much unseen talent out there and Nate Roten is an author to watch in my opinion. This book has a lot going for it and I hope it falls into the hands of more readers, both teens and young adults, as well as adults too. It's not just a Teen/YA read at all.
This book was a 3 star read for me all the way but the ending was so well written and added such a deeper element to the book that I bumped it up to a 4 star rating overall.
I received a copy of this book direct from the author after his book won the most votes in a group read poll in the e-miner group I am part of. The book was sent to me as I voted on it and in return for a fair and honest review, my thanks to Nate Roten for the opportunity.
October 1, 2014
Ever read one of those books that you can't quite figure out what it is about and you don't know why you like it but you do? This is definitely one of those books. As you read you get little tidbits of information that will make you say “oh now I understand” when the next is “no I didn't” and back and forth. Sounds irritating but it truly isn't when you are entertained and this book is certainly entertaining. It is extremely hard to describe this book without giving away what makes it unique and gives you those understand/don't understand moments. My husband asked me what the book was about, my answer “It's about this orphaned boy who has nightmares about the day his parents died and when he wakes up all his stuff is flying in the air and he doesn't know why. He thinks he has found people who can help him then he gets trapped with three other kids and has to get out”. Of course his next question was “and...?” to which I said “if I told you it would ruin the rest of the book, and I think I have said too much already.” He gave me a look. But it's true, any more than that and it would ruin the experience of traveling the road with our four heroes (how did the author come up with his blurb?). These are pretty young kids who really have to learn to work together and grow individually and as a group so much through the course of the book and the author lets you go along with them and feel every bump. I love a book that really makes me feel like I am on the journey with the characters and as this is told in third person you get a look into everyone’s part (although not too much or it would give things away). If I had an issue with the book it would be that the heroes accepted things a little too easy. After everything they went through to hear the story and just say “sounds great, sign me up” was a little too much. Our main hero Graham even questions the members of his little group to the point of having difficulty fully trusting one of the members but is as quick as the others to turn the cheek as it were. I would have liked to have seen a little more questions being raised and hesitancy from him at least – it was just to easy. Uh oh, did that give anything away? This is a great book and I look forward to reading the next in the series to see how the heroes face the next stage in their lives. This is a good quick read with a nice story of hardship, adventure, and friendship. Highly recommend.
I received my copy of Aegis: Catalyst Grove for free from the author as part of a Book of the Month event through the Goodreads group, ebook miner.
I received my copy of Aegis: Catalyst Grove for free from the author as part of a Book of the Month event through the Goodreads group, ebook miner.
August 19, 2014
When I started reading I really didn’t quite know what to expect. I knew it was science fiction but not a lot else about it. But I was soon thankful for flight delays and a long flight ahead as once I got into this story I just didn’t want to stop reading.
Graham has grown up in an orphanage after a terrible incident in his past which killed his parents. He knows there is something different about himself and is desperate to find answers. Desperate enough to go to some lengths…
The story follows after Graham’s pursuit of answers but, as is so often the way, the answers he gets inevitably lead to more questions. In meeting Chase, and then Cavaness, Graham is finally hopeful of understanding and controlling the strange powers which he has but does not understand. But it will take more than just meeting them. The only way involves challenges and adventures he never expected. It opens the door to a family he never knew he could be part of, the discovery that he can be part of something much bigger than himself and that in the powers he has always sought to hide may in fact be a higher purpose for his life. It seems his father’s statement remembered from years ago is indeed correct – Graham is special. His journey with Damien, Kel and Ailey is exciting and leaves you second guessing each character and their true motivation.
Just as Graham still has questions unanswered by the end so did I. While reading I was constantly trying to figure things out in my head… Trying to work out some answers… To figure out who was involved how… And why? Several times I felt like I had figured it out but then I’d keep reading and I’d question my expectation and change my mind. It kept me wondering throughout. Really hoping there will be a follow up to this story – not only do I want to figure out some of my unanswered questions, but I want to know what happens next from the cliff hanger at the end!
Graham has grown up in an orphanage after a terrible incident in his past which killed his parents. He knows there is something different about himself and is desperate to find answers. Desperate enough to go to some lengths…
The story follows after Graham’s pursuit of answers but, as is so often the way, the answers he gets inevitably lead to more questions. In meeting Chase, and then Cavaness, Graham is finally hopeful of understanding and controlling the strange powers which he has but does not understand. But it will take more than just meeting them. The only way involves challenges and adventures he never expected. It opens the door to a family he never knew he could be part of, the discovery that he can be part of something much bigger than himself and that in the powers he has always sought to hide may in fact be a higher purpose for his life. It seems his father’s statement remembered from years ago is indeed correct – Graham is special. His journey with Damien, Kel and Ailey is exciting and leaves you second guessing each character and their true motivation.
Just as Graham still has questions unanswered by the end so did I. While reading I was constantly trying to figure things out in my head… Trying to work out some answers… To figure out who was involved how… And why? Several times I felt like I had figured it out but then I’d keep reading and I’d question my expectation and change my mind. It kept me wondering throughout. Really hoping there will be a follow up to this story – not only do I want to figure out some of my unanswered questions, but I want to know what happens next from the cliff hanger at the end!
October 14, 2014
Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A story starts with a heart. If it’s successfully told and pulls you in as a reader, it must also layer on a plot with twists, characters you care about, and other elements that leave you needing to know what happens next. But without heart, there’s little to make it resonate.
It’s a tale that’s equal parts X-Men and Harry Potter with a voice and a cast all its own. Catalyst Grove moves you along with its simple but effective style, an intriguing structure, and young heroes one can’t help but root for.
I won’t repeat the summaries and details presented here by others, but it’s enough to say that we’re presented with thoroughly likable heroes in Graham, Damien, and the others we meet as the story unfolds. And while it’s satisfying as a standalone, it also does a nice job of setting up the series for what promise to be satisfying installments to come.
I tend to be stingy with stars in my person reading, reserving the full five for my utmost favorites. But I’m happy to give Mr. Roten a more-than-favorable four. He’s to be commended to crafting a novel that’s aimed at young adults, but is solid entertainment for all ages.
A story starts with a heart. If it’s successfully told and pulls you in as a reader, it must also layer on a plot with twists, characters you care about, and other elements that leave you needing to know what happens next. But without heart, there’s little to make it resonate.
It’s a tale that’s equal parts X-Men and Harry Potter with a voice and a cast all its own. Catalyst Grove moves you along with its simple but effective style, an intriguing structure, and young heroes one can’t help but root for.
I won’t repeat the summaries and details presented here by others, but it’s enough to say that we’re presented with thoroughly likable heroes in Graham, Damien, and the others we meet as the story unfolds. And while it’s satisfying as a standalone, it also does a nice job of setting up the series for what promise to be satisfying installments to come.
I tend to be stingy with stars in my person reading, reserving the full five for my utmost favorites. But I’m happy to give Mr. Roten a more-than-favorable four. He’s to be commended to crafting a novel that’s aimed at young adults, but is solid entertainment for all ages.
August 19, 2017
Title: Aegis Catalyst Grove
Author: Nathan Roten
Publisher: 12stone Press
ISBN: 0990637808
Buy Link: http://www.aegisseries.com/
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Be Careful What You Wish For.
It May Just Be Given To You.
For many nights in Greenwood Orphanage, visions of his loving parents flood the dreams of 15-year-old Graham. But the dreams quickly dissolve into haunting nightmares. Just when Graham thinks he will escape the darkness of his mind, he wakes up to find his possessions hovering in the air all around him before they crash to the floor.
Graham thinks he’s a danger to his friends, and in an effort to control his unexplainable power and protect those around him, he goes in search of the one man who may hold the answers. That is until he finds himself captured by Aegis, bound, with his head shrouded in a black hood. Nightmares seem the least of his worries now.
What is this group called Aegis? Why do they have similar supernatural powers? And what do they want with him? With Graham’s power becoming more unpredictable with each turn of events, he questions whether knowing the truth is worth risking everything—even his own life.
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
Graham never felt like he fit in because of all the secrets he was keeping. Being haunted by nightmares that left him knowing that it was his strange and dangerous abilities that caused his parents death. Damien was his only friend and Graham was determined to keep him safe even if that left him alone. Graham noticed a man who appeared to have different abilities and was sure that he might be able to help him. Little did he know that one meeting could change his and Damien's lives forever. There was more going on then Graham and Damien could ever imagine. Opposing forces were about to collide leaving Both Damien and Graham in the middle of a conflict that may change everything.
This was a fast paced and intriguing book that I hope is just the beginning of Graham and Damian's story
Author: Nathan Roten
Publisher: 12stone Press
ISBN: 0990637808
Buy Link: http://www.aegisseries.com/
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Be Careful What You Wish For.
It May Just Be Given To You.
For many nights in Greenwood Orphanage, visions of his loving parents flood the dreams of 15-year-old Graham. But the dreams quickly dissolve into haunting nightmares. Just when Graham thinks he will escape the darkness of his mind, he wakes up to find his possessions hovering in the air all around him before they crash to the floor.
Graham thinks he’s a danger to his friends, and in an effort to control his unexplainable power and protect those around him, he goes in search of the one man who may hold the answers. That is until he finds himself captured by Aegis, bound, with his head shrouded in a black hood. Nightmares seem the least of his worries now.
What is this group called Aegis? Why do they have similar supernatural powers? And what do they want with him? With Graham’s power becoming more unpredictable with each turn of events, he questions whether knowing the truth is worth risking everything—even his own life.
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
Graham never felt like he fit in because of all the secrets he was keeping. Being haunted by nightmares that left him knowing that it was his strange and dangerous abilities that caused his parents death. Damien was his only friend and Graham was determined to keep him safe even if that left him alone. Graham noticed a man who appeared to have different abilities and was sure that he might be able to help him. Little did he know that one meeting could change his and Damien's lives forever. There was more going on then Graham and Damien could ever imagine. Opposing forces were about to collide leaving Both Damien and Graham in the middle of a conflict that may change everything.
This was a fast paced and intriguing book that I hope is just the beginning of Graham and Damian's story
December 30, 2018
An Author worth following
The main audience for Catalyst Grove would seem to be Young Adults. This 69-year-old enjoyed it thoroughly, so you can add Senior Citizens to the classification.
This is not a generic, stereotypical world. The young people featured in it are given distinctive backgrounds and experiences. The term “predictable” has no place in the narrative.
This is the first of what is likely to run to at least four more novels. A couple of character novelettes are available, and another 18 are works in progress.
Aegis: Catalyst Grove is your ticket to a world of wonder and excitement.
The main audience for Catalyst Grove would seem to be Young Adults. This 69-year-old enjoyed it thoroughly, so you can add Senior Citizens to the classification.
This is not a generic, stereotypical world. The young people featured in it are given distinctive backgrounds and experiences. The term “predictable” has no place in the narrative.
This is the first of what is likely to run to at least four more novels. A couple of character novelettes are available, and another 18 are works in progress.
Aegis: Catalyst Grove is your ticket to a world of wonder and excitement.
May 17, 2017
Just as good as the first!
A solid, thoroughly enjoyable read for all ages. This second book in the series expands on the world and characters from the first. The strengths and abilities of the kids are expanded upon and the opposition is fleshed out. Definitely recommend for all sci-fi fans.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC.
A solid, thoroughly enjoyable read for all ages. This second book in the series expands on the world and characters from the first. The strengths and abilities of the kids are expanded upon and the opposition is fleshed out. Definitely recommend for all sci-fi fans.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC.
June 7, 2017
The power within...
A great start to what truly seems to be an amazing band of characters following a trail of wonderful stories.
A great start to what truly seems to be an amazing band of characters following a trail of wonderful stories.
March 8, 2017
A rollicking adventure!
This is a superb fantasy adventure tale for pre-teens and others who enjoy a rollicking good time between the pages of a book!
This is a superb fantasy adventure tale for pre-teens and others who enjoy a rollicking good time between the pages of a book!
February 27, 2017
Eric has strange dreams that he can't understand. There is a man who has the same thing and he needs to find him to get some understanding. Great young adult and adult book
September 27, 2014
**I received a copy of Aegis: Catalyst Grove through the eBook Miner BOTM program (check out the eBook Miner group)!. I would like to thank Nate Roten and eBook Miner for giving me a chance to read this novel!**
"Aegis: Catalyst Grove" is definitely a fresh novel and it is definitely a unique novel to read.
We start off with Graham and him people watching for a guy named Cavaness. Graham has nightmares and those nightmares make him believe that he killed his parents. When Graham hears that Cavaness helped another boy named Chase with this kind of stuff, he really wants to meet him. However, Graham and his friend Damien, along with two other girls, get more then what they bargained for.
There were definitely some twists that I totally didn't see coming. I loved the fact that Roten gave us both sides of the story (you'll get what I'm talking about more when you read the novel *wink wink nudge nudge*). It was interesting to see what Graham and his friends were going through at the same time that you got information about the enemy and wondered what in the world that you were planning.
Roten gave enough information about The Aegis and all the things that went along with it. I'm still wondering who the enemy is and the other questions marks make me want to read the next novel. However, the only thing that I didn't like was the fact that we kind of came away from Graham and his nightmares. I really wish Roten had addressed it even just a little bit! But, alas, you must save some things for the next novel. The novel also got a little cheesy at the end for me, but it wasn't too bad. It was nice to see that this novel had some character development aside from the major combat scenes.
All in all, I really enjoyed this novel and was glad to have read it! I'm definitely going to be following this series and I can't wait to see what happens next!
"Aegis: Catalyst Grove" is definitely a fresh novel and it is definitely a unique novel to read.
We start off with Graham and him people watching for a guy named Cavaness. Graham has nightmares and those nightmares make him believe that he killed his parents. When Graham hears that Cavaness helped another boy named Chase with this kind of stuff, he really wants to meet him. However, Graham and his friend Damien, along with two other girls, get more then what they bargained for.
There were definitely some twists that I totally didn't see coming. I loved the fact that Roten gave us both sides of the story (you'll get what I'm talking about more when you read the novel *wink wink nudge nudge*). It was interesting to see what Graham and his friends were going through at the same time that you got information about the enemy and wondered what in the world that you were planning.
Roten gave enough information about The Aegis and all the things that went along with it. I'm still wondering who the enemy is and the other questions marks make me want to read the next novel. However, the only thing that I didn't like was the fact that we kind of came away from Graham and his nightmares. I really wish Roten had addressed it even just a little bit! But, alas, you must save some things for the next novel. The novel also got a little cheesy at the end for me, but it wasn't too bad. It was nice to see that this novel had some character development aside from the major combat scenes.
All in all, I really enjoyed this novel and was glad to have read it! I'm definitely going to be following this series and I can't wait to see what happens next!
August 27, 2016
Go read Aegis and then wait patiently for the next one like the rest of us!
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I don't want to give anything away so I'll break this down with bullets and reasons why you should go read this.
It is different (in a very, very, good way)
It has a kick-butt ending (very solid and a crazy-awesome reveal [oh my goodness!])
The main character, Graham, is a fun character to follow through his search for the truth about his abilities
It has awesome powers and a beautifully detailed setting (loved the orphanage, reminded me of building back home)
My only concerns with Aegis was at times Graham didn't feel like a 15 year old. Sure he snuck out, did his own thing, and generally talked like a 15 year old, but sometimes he just didn't feel 15. He has a broad emotional stability which is nice.
My second concern is purely an editing error. I noticed that thoughts were in quotations sometimes and in italics other times. This made me have to reread a part to make sure I understood what was going on.
My last concern I guess coincides with the first, sometimes he reacted differently/in a way that I don't feel people would react. For example, when he causes the earthquake at the orphanage after his dream, everyone is chatting and freaked out by the disturbance. Meanwhile, Graham is just looking out the window and thinking to himself. Maybe it's just me, but it felt a little odd.
All in all Aegis is a good book and you should check it out. It has great pacing, characters, and mystery.
Thank you Nate for giving me the opportunity to read Aegis! I look forward to the next one.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I don't want to give anything away so I'll break this down with bullets and reasons why you should go read this.
It is different (in a very, very, good way)
It has a kick-butt ending (very solid and a crazy-awesome reveal [oh my goodness!])
The main character, Graham, is a fun character to follow through his search for the truth about his abilities
It has awesome powers and a beautifully detailed setting (loved the orphanage, reminded me of building back home)
My only concerns with Aegis was at times Graham didn't feel like a 15 year old. Sure he snuck out, did his own thing, and generally talked like a 15 year old, but sometimes he just didn't feel 15. He has a broad emotional stability which is nice.
My second concern is purely an editing error. I noticed that thoughts were in quotations sometimes and in italics other times. This made me have to reread a part to make sure I understood what was going on.
My last concern I guess coincides with the first, sometimes he reacted differently/in a way that I don't feel people would react. For example, when he causes the earthquake at the orphanage after his dream, everyone is chatting and freaked out by the disturbance. Meanwhile, Graham is just looking out the window and thinking to himself. Maybe it's just me, but it felt a little odd.
All in all Aegis is a good book and you should check it out. It has great pacing, characters, and mystery.
Thank you Nate for giving me the opportunity to read Aegis! I look forward to the next one.
August 19, 2015
Aegis is a fantasy/magic based start of a story about a group of young orphans. It starts with a bang, the first chapter almost as brief and as heady as a book blurb, then you go back to find out how the characters have reached this point.
The book mainly focuses on the main character Graham but cleverly interweaves the three other orphans into the story, no single character is over described - in fact there are short stories that accompany the series that go deeper into the characters for those that want to know them in minutia.
It is a basic good versus evil story but uses the fact that its main characters are teens as a slightly different outlook on to how things evolve and where the lines are drawn.
The confusion Graham has about his reoccuring nightmares and strange abilities and his desire to find someone who can explain to him what is happening drags him and his friends into what could be the most terrifying or the most rewarding time of their young lives.
They finally meet people with fantastic abilities and through trials and tribulations discovering their own, however the meeting neither starts or ends as anyone would wish. It may be aimed towards the Teen audience due to its main characters but is an entertaining read for any adult.
Characters and scenes are well written, although sometimes too descriptive ( a nod is a nod, shaking your head almost implies a no, even if described as up adn down) and teh pace of the book is such that you keep reading right up until the final word. be aware though that final word will leave you hanging.... as there is no finality at the end of the book, you need to read the next one to find out what happens.
The book mainly focuses on the main character Graham but cleverly interweaves the three other orphans into the story, no single character is over described - in fact there are short stories that accompany the series that go deeper into the characters for those that want to know them in minutia.
It is a basic good versus evil story but uses the fact that its main characters are teens as a slightly different outlook on to how things evolve and where the lines are drawn.
The confusion Graham has about his reoccuring nightmares and strange abilities and his desire to find someone who can explain to him what is happening drags him and his friends into what could be the most terrifying or the most rewarding time of their young lives.
They finally meet people with fantastic abilities and through trials and tribulations discovering their own, however the meeting neither starts or ends as anyone would wish. It may be aimed towards the Teen audience due to its main characters but is an entertaining read for any adult.
Characters and scenes are well written, although sometimes too descriptive ( a nod is a nod, shaking your head almost implies a no, even if described as up adn down) and teh pace of the book is such that you keep reading right up until the final word. be aware though that final word will leave you hanging.... as there is no finality at the end of the book, you need to read the next one to find out what happens.
September 24, 2014
This is the author’s debut novel. It is a fantasy about a fifteen year old orphaned boy seeking answers to the question of what is happening to him as he displays paranormal powers he can’t control. He goes about doing this with the help of his best friend from the orphanage and a couple of other orphaned kids (girls) they meet from a different institution.
Along the way, they come to the realization that each of them is endowed with certain powers, and that they have no choice but to learn how to use them to get themselves out of the predicament in which they find themselves, and they must get them under control. It is an adventure in which they form familial bonds with each other, discover who their friends are, and find that they also have powerful enemies.
I thought it was a little slow in spots and felt the execution was a hair choppy in places, but all in all, it was an easy read. Overall, it builds up the suspense and intrigue well, and resolves some main plot questions but leaves others unanswered - which is a good way to end the first book in a series.
I didn’t spot many typos or errors and the writing is pretty clear, though it’s a bit confusing at first as to the era in which the story is set; however, that becomes apparent fairly quickly.
It’s a clean book (no cussing or sex and the violence doesn’t get outrageous) that I think would be appreciated more by the younger set, such as anyone from around twelve on up to new adult, though it could be enjoyed by anyone who’s a fan of fantasy.
Along the way, they come to the realization that each of them is endowed with certain powers, and that they have no choice but to learn how to use them to get themselves out of the predicament in which they find themselves, and they must get them under control. It is an adventure in which they form familial bonds with each other, discover who their friends are, and find that they also have powerful enemies.
I thought it was a little slow in spots and felt the execution was a hair choppy in places, but all in all, it was an easy read. Overall, it builds up the suspense and intrigue well, and resolves some main plot questions but leaves others unanswered - which is a good way to end the first book in a series.
I didn’t spot many typos or errors and the writing is pretty clear, though it’s a bit confusing at first as to the era in which the story is set; however, that becomes apparent fairly quickly.
It’s a clean book (no cussing or sex and the violence doesn’t get outrageous) that I think would be appreciated more by the younger set, such as anyone from around twelve on up to new adult, though it could be enjoyed by anyone who’s a fan of fantasy.
July 13, 2015
I wanted to like this book, but unfortunately I just couldn't get into it. The dialogue was really stilted and didn't flow at all like actual speech, and was sometimes used to give backstory in a way that nobody would ever use unless they were writing their story down in a novel (eg Kel describing the first time she saw Ailey). It made their voices sound quite robotic as they pronounced every individual word and never used contractions in the way normal speakers would, especially young kids - "we have", "we are", "you are" instead of "we've", "we're" or "you're". It sounds small but as there was a lot of this dialogue I found it hugely distracting.
I will confess I didn't read past 60% as it just wasn't getting any better, but I was also distracted by the many similarities to the Psionic Pentalogy written by Adrian Howell, which I did like. Young, small girl called Ailey who doesn't speak? Young, small girl called Ali who doesn't speak. Older pre-teen boy who has lost his family and appears to be a telekinetic but can't control his powers? Check. Older girl with temper problems? Check... etc.
Unfortunately due to the above I just couldn't get into this book. It could have been better if the dialogue and writing had more work, and perhaps if I hadn't so recently finished a better-written series with extremely similar characters and storyline. I might check out the next one in the series to see if it gets better - it DOES have potential.
I will confess I didn't read past 60% as it just wasn't getting any better, but I was also distracted by the many similarities to the Psionic Pentalogy written by Adrian Howell, which I did like. Young, small girl called Ailey who doesn't speak? Young, small girl called Ali who doesn't speak. Older pre-teen boy who has lost his family and appears to be a telekinetic but can't control his powers? Check. Older girl with temper problems? Check... etc.
Unfortunately due to the above I just couldn't get into this book. It could have been better if the dialogue and writing had more work, and perhaps if I hadn't so recently finished a better-written series with extremely similar characters and storyline. I might check out the next one in the series to see if it gets better - it DOES have potential.
October 4, 2014
3.5/5 Stars
This is a fantasy thriller set around two boys in the Greenwood Orphanage. One boy, Graham is hiding a secret. He has powers. After the death of his parents he is sent to an orphanage. The nightmares of the day he lost his parents wake him up to every object in the room hovering.
He is on a quest with his best friend Damien to find someone to talk to about his powers. He is led to Portfield Manor where he meets Kel and Ailey. Together the four of them are thrust into Catalyst Grove where each discovers their own power as they work to defeat the people who set them on this path. They later discover it isn't a path but a test.
Will they pass the test? Will they help humanity? What will they do when it all comes crashing down?
This is book one in the Aegis Series.
This book started a little slow for me. I kept reading though and I am glad I did. The story is full of action and heroism. The four young kids must work together to get out of a sticky situation.
I really like the courage Graham exhibits. Damien is full of life and excitement as he fights to save his friends. Ailey's ingenuity is a great asset to the team. Kel is a girl who puts adopted family first before her own life.
I will be on the lookout for Book 2: The 7 Pillars to see how these characters develop and how their story unfolds.
This is a fantasy thriller set around two boys in the Greenwood Orphanage. One boy, Graham is hiding a secret. He has powers. After the death of his parents he is sent to an orphanage. The nightmares of the day he lost his parents wake him up to every object in the room hovering.
He is on a quest with his best friend Damien to find someone to talk to about his powers. He is led to Portfield Manor where he meets Kel and Ailey. Together the four of them are thrust into Catalyst Grove where each discovers their own power as they work to defeat the people who set them on this path. They later discover it isn't a path but a test.
Will they pass the test? Will they help humanity? What will they do when it all comes crashing down?
This is book one in the Aegis Series.
This book started a little slow for me. I kept reading though and I am glad I did. The story is full of action and heroism. The four young kids must work together to get out of a sticky situation.
I really like the courage Graham exhibits. Damien is full of life and excitement as he fights to save his friends. Ailey's ingenuity is a great asset to the team. Kel is a girl who puts adopted family first before her own life.
I will be on the lookout for Book 2: The 7 Pillars to see how these characters develop and how their story unfolds.
September 20, 2014
I couldn't put this book down! The whole thing is exceptional as it takes you through unimaginable events with four youngsters trying to come to terms with being different and not knowing who could be trusted - even among themselves. You feel for each character at every step, wanting to shout out warnings for them, being angry when they are so obtuse it makes them a danger to themselves never mind anyone else and wanting to shake them silly because they can't see the obvious even when it is nose to nose with them!
From humble beginnings to grand finale the characters grow and learn to interact with others as they also come to terms with new knowledge about themselves that they had no idea about prior to events that change their lives forever. They discover a depth of courage they couldn't have suspected and they forge themselves into a unit that becomes more and more like a family the longer they are together. The story keeps the reader in place as each dramatic event is brought through their every encounter, giving each of them new skills and a whole new perspective on life. The story gives the reader a need to stay with it so nothing is missed... this is indeed an epic in the making!
From humble beginnings to grand finale the characters grow and learn to interact with others as they also come to terms with new knowledge about themselves that they had no idea about prior to events that change their lives forever. They discover a depth of courage they couldn't have suspected and they forge themselves into a unit that becomes more and more like a family the longer they are together. The story keeps the reader in place as each dramatic event is brought through their every encounter, giving each of them new skills and a whole new perspective on life. The story gives the reader a need to stay with it so nothing is missed... this is indeed an epic in the making!
September 29, 2014
I was hooked into the story of Graham from the first page, and can't wait to read the next books in the series! I can only imagine how Graham must feel when he wakes from his dreams to find things floating in the air for a few minutes, not knowing who you can trust about his horrifying dreams and knowing that if he tells then he could lose his home at the orphanage. He hears about someone that might be able to help him with his dreams and goes everyday into town to try to find him, he'd do anything to make it stop or to understand what's going on. But knowing the truth could be extremely dangerous for him and those he cares about. But not knowing could be just as dangerous!
This is a Young Adult Sci-fi read but enjoyable for adults too!
This is a Young Adult Sci-fi read but enjoyable for adults too!
September 29, 2014
That wasn't quite what I expected but a fun read nonetheless. To me this book is definitely Y/A & perfect for those who enjoy stories where the characters act/react age appropriate. It took me till about 17% to fully fall into the story mostly due to dialogue/wording issues. I only use tts so it might only be an issue for me. However like another reviewer I was thrown by the whole shakes head yes. I know it's small & silly... I enjoyed the descriptive writing & the emotion infused into the characters. I've happily recommended this novel & look forward to book 2. Thank you to the author & eBook Miner for the discovery of a new series.
October 2, 2014
Labeled Young Adult Urban Fantasy Thriller this story is in some ways a coming of age story, too. The four orphans, two boys and two girls, meet at night and are searching for answers. Little do they know that they will be faced with what may seem insurmountable difficulties while learning to deal with powers they have been born with but that have not fully been realized. This is a story of friendship, teamwork, good and evil and filled with fantasy, adventures, and paranormal abilities. It will no doubt be fun for the preteen to teenage audience and I do believe that if the rest of the series is as interesting and filled with action as this first book was the readership will grow rapidly.
October 31, 2014
I really can't say much about the plot of this book, as a large part of it is a mystery for a long time in the story, but I can say that it kept me guessing. I thought I had it figured out early on, was very sure about it actually, but I didn't.
The book felt like it was geared for a younger audience, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment of it. If you enjoy fantasy and the description sounds interesting to you, I'd recommend you giving it a read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
The book felt like it was geared for a younger audience, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment of it. If you enjoy fantasy and the description sounds interesting to you, I'd recommend you giving it a read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
October 1, 2014
I loved this book! The author did a great job of hooking me in and keeping me interested throughout the whole book! As a former teacher, I would recommend this book for classroom libraries and my students! I was impressed with the formation of relationships, often through difficult situations, which made the book seem so much richer! Most teens/tweens/young adults struggle with finding "their place" among the world, so it is a very relatable story to most! I can't wait to read book #2 in the series to continue on the adventure with these characters that I have come to know!
May 13, 2015
Pretty good book
I think this will be a good one for my two kids. They are both boys and love anything having to do with supernatural powers. The story itself was very good. My only real complaint is there were a few times when I felt like the writer just sort of lost his way. The story got choppy and lacked direction briefly. He was always able to bring it back though. All in all it was a fun story and I will look forward to the next one.
I think this will be a good one for my two kids. They are both boys and love anything having to do with supernatural powers. The story itself was very good. My only real complaint is there were a few times when I felt like the writer just sort of lost his way. The story got choppy and lacked direction briefly. He was always able to bring it back though. All in all it was a fun story and I will look forward to the next one.
September 29, 2014
I really enjoyed this book! Normally I read main stream authors or concentrate on my to be read list, glad to have deviated from my path and come across this independent author. The story is about a few orphans who discover they have powers. A story of struggles, good and bad and also within the characters. I look forward to reading other works by Nate Roten.
September 26, 2014
It was a great story. I enjoyed reading it. However, some of the descriptions were over done. Also the author constantly says the characters are shaking their head up and down. I don't think this is incorrect, but to me it annoyed me since he didn't use nodded. Great story though and I would love to read more.
October 13, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Two boys who currently live in an orphanage sneak away on a quest, one to find answers of his mysterious past that cause him nightmares, and the other to accompany him. I am truly not doing this book justice. what these boys find, have me so excited to read book number two and enter their strange world.
January 5, 2015
I got a copy in my stocking for Christmas and was rather excited at what mystery and adventure would lay in store. And let me tell you that it was not a let down. This was one of those books where you don't want to put it down!
Well I guess we will all have to just hope the second book comes out sooner rather than later.
I look forward to reading more from this Author in the future!
Well I guess we will all have to just hope the second book comes out sooner rather than later.
I look forward to reading more from this Author in the future!
August 10, 2015
Great writing and fun to read
This book is full of fun humor, thoughtful processing of emotions, and intense action sequences. It's appropriately written so that lots of people can enjoy it. It makes for a great bedtime story to read aloud to kids that love adventure and excitement. I'd recommend it to everyone.
This book is full of fun humor, thoughtful processing of emotions, and intense action sequences. It's appropriately written so that lots of people can enjoy it. It makes for a great bedtime story to read aloud to kids that love adventure and excitement. I'd recommend it to everyone.
October 1, 2014
The author was good to get the readers attention in the first chapter, it made me want to know how Graham was in that situation. I don't think it was my kind of read, hence the 3 stars, however, I do think there will be many people who will find this addictive.
October 6, 2014
I enjoyed this story.It was interesting! :)
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