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Blue Dawn
**Part Two novella 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.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2014
28 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 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 30, 2014
I must disclaimer that Tim Busbey and I were the editors for this book, but with this final polished copy, the book is a total winner for fellow Sci-Fi fans like us. It leads in well after Scavenger 1 and is full of action, emotion, and hope. I really loved the story and it was my pleasure to assist with it.
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October 20, 2014I REALLY LIKED IT
Okay, so my issues with this book directly relates to my weak connection with sci-fi. For some reason, my puny brain just can’t get a solid picture so it makes me feel as if I’m floating in the story, catching glimpses here and there, but never truly grounded.
Now, keep in mind that I haven’t read Sand, so someone who has might not have issues at all. For me, it took until the end of the book before I got the vaguest idea what the suit does for divers. I’m still shaky on it, but at least there was enough usage of it that ideas began to form. As for the city they start out in? Sadly, I have nothing. I’m drawing a complete blank. I’m not blaming Ward in the least; this is a personal issue. But if you’re like me and struggle to dream up pictures, you might find yourself at a bit loss.
So with my feet not firmly planted, I had to struggle through about 60% of the book. Towards the end, I don’t know if I just had an easier go at it or if I’d released my need for more setting, but I enjoyed it much more than the first part. The action was more grounded, intense, and the stakes ever growing.
I still find Rush to be an interesting character. He’s got some good layers. I liked him a bit more in the first book, but that’s just my personal taste when it comes to brooding characters. We meet some more of his friends in this book and the cast expands. No one stood out as someone I loved or hated. They moved the story along and provided a nice bit of banter that I enjoyed.
There was some good action in this book, but some of it I didn’t get (only because of my lacking imagination) while others seemed rushed. I would have liked them a bit slower so I could ground myself in the moment. It all ended too quick. I wanted more. I know for a fact my lack of setting ruined a few that would have been great had my imagination been working.
The story is very interesting and at the end of this book I’m definitely left curious as to what happens next. It all ties in with the first while opening up the floodgates with tons more story questions. I have no doubt that readers who enjoyed Sand will be entrenched in this world and understand just a hair more than those of us who haven’t read it.
So overall, I’m still going to continue on with the series. I’m engaged enough to wonder what happens, and I’m looking forward to Rush turning into a complete badass.
P.S. Love the book covers for this series.
Okay, so my issues with this book directly relates to my weak connection with sci-fi. For some reason, my puny brain just can’t get a solid picture so it makes me feel as if I’m floating in the story, catching glimpses here and there, but never truly grounded.
Now, keep in mind that I haven’t read Sand, so someone who has might not have issues at all. For me, it took until the end of the book before I got the vaguest idea what the suit does for divers. I’m still shaky on it, but at least there was enough usage of it that ideas began to form. As for the city they start out in? Sadly, I have nothing. I’m drawing a complete blank. I’m not blaming Ward in the least; this is a personal issue. But if you’re like me and struggle to dream up pictures, you might find yourself at a bit loss.
So with my feet not firmly planted, I had to struggle through about 60% of the book. Towards the end, I don’t know if I just had an easier go at it or if I’d released my need for more setting, but I enjoyed it much more than the first part. The action was more grounded, intense, and the stakes ever growing.
I still find Rush to be an interesting character. He’s got some good layers. I liked him a bit more in the first book, but that’s just my personal taste when it comes to brooding characters. We meet some more of his friends in this book and the cast expands. No one stood out as someone I loved or hated. They moved the story along and provided a nice bit of banter that I enjoyed.
There was some good action in this book, but some of it I didn’t get (only because of my lacking imagination) while others seemed rushed. I would have liked them a bit slower so I could ground myself in the moment. It all ended too quick. I wanted more. I know for a fact my lack of setting ruined a few that would have been great had my imagination been working.
The story is very interesting and at the end of this book I’m definitely left curious as to what happens next. It all ties in with the first while opening up the floodgates with tons more story questions. I have no doubt that readers who enjoyed Sand will be entrenched in this world and understand just a hair more than those of us who haven’t read it.
So overall, I’m still going to continue on with the series. I’m engaged enough to wonder what happens, and I’m looking forward to Rush turning into a complete badass.
P.S. Love the book covers for this series.
October 2, 2014
Timothy Ward did an excellent job in this follow-up to RED SANDS (Scavenger #1). Our hero Rush isn't perfect, yet you can't help but to root for him as he reforges the bond he thought he'd lost with his wife, and seek justice against a cold-blooded killer.
My full review is here at my blog: http://www.aleshaescobar.com/book-rev...
My full review is here at my blog: http://www.aleshaescobar.com/book-rev...
October 22, 2015
Another enjoyable installment. A lot of progression in this one -- character interactions, realizations, sand surfing, new places, new characters, deaths, sand diving. I still get a little lost during the dive scenes, but it's still very interesting. Onto part 3.
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September 27, 2014Advanced Readers Copies are available in eBook to anyone who has reviewed Red Sands: Scavenger #1. Message me with your email and preferred format. Release day is Wednesday, October 1.
April 2, 2015
Scavenger: Blue Dawn is part 2 of a series with Scavenger: Red Dawn being the first. If you haven't read #1, be aware there may be spoilers in this review. It is also a spin-off of another series but as I haven't read that series, it is best to consider this to be its own beast.
Blue Dawn takes place after the near-destruction of the protagonist's home town at the climax of Red Dawn. Having managed to save the majority of the citizens, Rush is still disliked by many of Springston's inhabitants due to the fact they suffered devastating casualties. Forced to evacuate the town, the situation causes him to reconnect with his ex-wife Star. Star and Rush broke up after the death of their son followed by his subsequent meltdown as well as her attempt to fill the hole in her life by seeking to join the upper crust.
I like Star and Rush's relationship but I was annoyed by the treatment of the prostitute River. She is portrayed as needlessly catty and clingy to Rush given they've never had a physical relationship. The fact Rush doesn't even give River the time of day once his ex-wife enters the picture makes him unpleasant given he's indicated a romantic interest in River for months as well as formed a bond with her. As such, Rush's insistence there's nothing between them comes off less as reinforcing his unbreakable bond with his wife than self-justifying if not flat out lying to Star. It doesn't help I strongly liked the character of River in the previous book.
Despite this, I enjoyed the book a great deal. Rush is an interesting three-dimensional protagonist and the world is well-developed. I also liked the new villain, the Gov, who is delightfully evil. He wants to uncover the lost city of Denver, CL (spelled "Danvar" due to being far in the future). He's also willing to do anything to get at it, including destroy dozens of city in order to uncover the ruins.
This is a fun book, short, and sweet. Buy it if you like sci-fi Westerns.
Blue Dawn takes place after the near-destruction of the protagonist's home town at the climax of Red Dawn. Having managed to save the majority of the citizens, Rush is still disliked by many of Springston's inhabitants due to the fact they suffered devastating casualties. Forced to evacuate the town, the situation causes him to reconnect with his ex-wife Star. Star and Rush broke up after the death of their son followed by his subsequent meltdown as well as her attempt to fill the hole in her life by seeking to join the upper crust.
I like Star and Rush's relationship but I was annoyed by the treatment of the prostitute River. She is portrayed as needlessly catty and clingy to Rush given they've never had a physical relationship. The fact Rush doesn't even give River the time of day once his ex-wife enters the picture makes him unpleasant given he's indicated a romantic interest in River for months as well as formed a bond with her. As such, Rush's insistence there's nothing between them comes off less as reinforcing his unbreakable bond with his wife than self-justifying if not flat out lying to Star. It doesn't help I strongly liked the character of River in the previous book.
Despite this, I enjoyed the book a great deal. Rush is an interesting three-dimensional protagonist and the world is well-developed. I also liked the new villain, the Gov, who is delightfully evil. He wants to uncover the lost city of Denver, CL (spelled "Danvar" due to being far in the future). He's also willing to do anything to get at it, including destroy dozens of city in order to uncover the ruins.
This is a fun book, short, and sweet. Buy it if you like sci-fi Westerns.
October 30, 2014
Scavenger: Blue Dawn is part 2 of a series with Scavenger: Red Dawn being the first. If you haven't read #1, be aware there may be spoilers in this review.
After having survived and departed from Springston, Rush finds himself on the outside looking in for misdeeds done in part 1. Rush is a sand diver, someone who moves effortlessly through the sand via a diving suit. Avery is also a sand diver. These two take residents and fellow survivors of Springston and convinces them to enter into No Man’s Land in search of Danvar (aka Denver). Boarding their sand ships, the survivors sail across the sand to the shortcut pointed out by Avery.
Rush attempts to comes to terms with the lost of Fisher and the renewed presence of his wife, Star.
The problem is “there’s a reason no one ever comes back from No Man’s Land.” While no one knows the real reason, Rush, Avery and Star discover why that is.
Power hungry, The Gov destroys all he comes into contact with unless he has a use for them. Trapped in a tunnel, Rush, Star and Avery fight for their lives. Rush's quick thinking once again saves his wife and friend.
"No time for playing nice. She’ll die if you don’t stop them.”
The Gov allows three to survive only to force them to do his bidding.
The book was a short, quick read. Diving through the sand and using the suit to tunnel through sand was unique. The blue light sabers were interesting weapons as opposed to guns but I am assuming the suit makes it more convenient to weld a light saber.
Well written and rich in details, the plot was strong with good character strength was as well. This book reinforces my dislike of men who call themselves “The Gov.”
Please find this complete review and many others at bookie-monster [dot] com
[If this review helped, please press YES. Thanks!]
After having survived and departed from Springston, Rush finds himself on the outside looking in for misdeeds done in part 1. Rush is a sand diver, someone who moves effortlessly through the sand via a diving suit. Avery is also a sand diver. These two take residents and fellow survivors of Springston and convinces them to enter into No Man’s Land in search of Danvar (aka Denver). Boarding their sand ships, the survivors sail across the sand to the shortcut pointed out by Avery.
Rush attempts to comes to terms with the lost of Fisher and the renewed presence of his wife, Star.
The problem is “there’s a reason no one ever comes back from No Man’s Land.” While no one knows the real reason, Rush, Avery and Star discover why that is.
Power hungry, The Gov destroys all he comes into contact with unless he has a use for them. Trapped in a tunnel, Rush, Star and Avery fight for their lives. Rush's quick thinking once again saves his wife and friend.
"No time for playing nice. She’ll die if you don’t stop them.”
The Gov allows three to survive only to force them to do his bidding.
The book was a short, quick read. Diving through the sand and using the suit to tunnel through sand was unique. The blue light sabers were interesting weapons as opposed to guns but I am assuming the suit makes it more convenient to weld a light saber.
Well written and rich in details, the plot was strong with good character strength was as well. This book reinforces my dislike of men who call themselves “The Gov.”
Please find this complete review and many others at bookie-monster [dot] com
[If this review helped, please press YES. Thanks!]
January 19, 2015
This second installment picks up immediately where the first left off. Rush and Star are struggling through their journey.
One aspect of this segment that I really enjoyed was seeing Star given the opportunity to take care of Rush instead of vice versa.
The ending was abrupt and quite interesting. I'm anxious to see what the author has in store for Rush and Star.
One aspect of this segment that I really enjoyed was seeing Star given the opportunity to take care of Rush instead of vice versa.
The ending was abrupt and quite interesting. I'm anxious to see what the author has in store for Rush and Star.
March 26, 2015
I didn't feel as though this were a particularly good followup to the first book. It's not a horrible story, but it felt a bit cliched and left me disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews