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The 11th Percent #1
The 11th Percent
Jonah Rowe, a bored accountant and aspiring novelist, is sick and tired of his job as an accountant. He is burnt out from all the office gossip, politics, and double talk, and he longs for his life to matter. Truth be told, Jonah wants anything besides the lame routine of coasting through his workday....only to psych himself up enough to do it all over again the next day. He only wishes that his life had some meaning.
Amidst the combination of writer's block and society's expectations to have a "real" 9-5 job, Jonah gets his wish.
His world is turned completely upside down one evening when his vision inexplicably turns blue for several moments. He then receives a warning from a spectral visitor that not only is he in danger, but everything in his life is about to change.
Overnight, Jonah transforms from an overworked, underpaid accountant to the centerpiece of a spectral battle. Will he rise to the occasion? Can he accept that everything he knows about life and death is completely wrong? And, most importantly, will he be able to comprehend and harness the power of the mysterious 11th Percent?
Follow Jonah's journey in this new breed of ghost story!
Amidst the combination of writer's block and society's expectations to have a "real" 9-5 job, Jonah gets his wish.
His world is turned completely upside down one evening when his vision inexplicably turns blue for several moments. He then receives a warning from a spectral visitor that not only is he in danger, but everything in his life is about to change.
Overnight, Jonah transforms from an overworked, underpaid accountant to the centerpiece of a spectral battle. Will he rise to the occasion? Can he accept that everything he knows about life and death is completely wrong? And, most importantly, will he be able to comprehend and harness the power of the mysterious 11th Percent?
Follow Jonah's journey in this new breed of ghost story!
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2014
356 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
T.H. Morris
33 books48 followersHello, everyone!
I'm T.H. Morris. The "TH" piece of it are the initials of my real name, while "Morris" honors my late grandmother, whose memory is the impetus of my series in many ways.
I was born in 1984 in Colerain, North Carolina, a town so small that I'm STILL surprised when I see it on the map. I've been an avid reader since I was very small, and always had partiality to tall tales, fables, fairy tales, mythologies, and later on, science fiction and paranormal.
I suppose that I've always wanted to be a writer. I've always had millions of stories in my head, but I had no earthly idea how to go about making them into books. Plus I had a lot of "well-meaning" people who attempted to beat it into my head that I needed to let go of "childish" dreams and focus on a "real" job.
But in February 2011, my mind had different plans. I had a seven-hour uninterrupted dream that I recounted to me wife the following morning. She told me, "That needs to be a book." I started writing the next day, and The 11TH Percent Series was born! I haven't looked back!
The 11TH Percent Series follows the life happenings of Jonah Rowe, who goes from a nondescript accountant to the center of an ethereal conflict. There is humor, hardship, fear, adventure...you name it!
The 11TH Percent Series
The 11th Percent (Book 1):Released 10/31/14
Item and Time (Book 2):Released 5/29/15
The series will eventually be seven books!
It's an honor and a pleasure to connect with you all. I look forward to getting to know you and having you along for the ride for years to come!
I'm T.H. Morris. The "TH" piece of it are the initials of my real name, while "Morris" honors my late grandmother, whose memory is the impetus of my series in many ways.
I was born in 1984 in Colerain, North Carolina, a town so small that I'm STILL surprised when I see it on the map. I've been an avid reader since I was very small, and always had partiality to tall tales, fables, fairy tales, mythologies, and later on, science fiction and paranormal.
I suppose that I've always wanted to be a writer. I've always had millions of stories in my head, but I had no earthly idea how to go about making them into books. Plus I had a lot of "well-meaning" people who attempted to beat it into my head that I needed to let go of "childish" dreams and focus on a "real" job.
But in February 2011, my mind had different plans. I had a seven-hour uninterrupted dream that I recounted to me wife the following morning. She told me, "That needs to be a book." I started writing the next day, and The 11TH Percent Series was born! I haven't looked back!
The 11TH Percent Series follows the life happenings of Jonah Rowe, who goes from a nondescript accountant to the center of an ethereal conflict. There is humor, hardship, fear, adventure...you name it!
The 11TH Percent Series
The 11th Percent (Book 1):Released 10/31/14
Item and Time (Book 2):Released 5/29/15
The series will eventually be seven books!
It's an honor and a pleasure to connect with you all. I look forward to getting to know you and having you along for the ride for years to come!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 16, 2018
Very fun, light read.
The only issue I felt was how quickly people got classified:
Q:
“Jonah, this is Ti—” began Terrence, but the guy cut him off.
“It's Trip.” The man's tone was impatient, clipped, and frigid. He returned his attention to his laptop computer before anyone responded.
Jonah's eyes narrowed. “The hell with you, too,” he muttered. He glanced at Terrence, who seemed to be choking back some evil words of his own. (c) Really, how did this come about? Due to this, our hero came across as immature and I'm not sure it was the intention of the author.
And the whole 'You have been endowed' routine isn't probably the best one ever.
Q:
Time, word of mouth, and history have an interesting way of twisting what's accurate. (c)
Q:
“There is no such thing as death,… To be frank, there is no such thing as birth, either. There is only life. Life is all there is.” (c)
Q:
Jonah couldn't help but allow glimmers of the same vision to permeate the negative cloud that shrouded his mind. It'd be great to have the safe haven of a padded chair, a comfortable table, and mounds of paper just waiting to be covered with spellbinding tomes, all-encompassing verses, and thrilling tales that would etch their place in history and remain undeterred in the annals of time. (c)
Q:
imagination. His wild imagination was one of his most prized possessions, one of the reasons why he wanted to be a writer. He had always wanted to be one, from the minute he developed the dexterity and strength in his hand to hold a pencil and pen. The problem (or so he had been told back then by well-meaning adults) was that his fascination with “fantastical tales” was unhealthy. In high school, he was told that his brand of writing was known as “grossly imaginative meandering” (he believed that the teacher who'd told him that, Mr. Tann, had invented that classification, as he hadn't heard it before or since), and was evidence that he was “incapable of modern writing and was dedicated to imitating the writing styles of authors hundreds of years in the grave.” (c)
Q:
He continued to write, but the years of unconstructive criticism eventually succeeded in taking the wind out of his sails. (c)
Q:
“You are wrong. This isn't your imagination.” And the text was written in black ink. These words, however, were light blue. (c)
Q:
He also noticed that his mind, which had just been so clear and alert, was now back to its normal state. That was not a good thing, as the normal state was always muddled. (c)
Q:
And, strangest of all, did he just channel Zeus and summon wind and electricity? (c)
Q:
said. “Your major is not a limitation, and you are not stuck. The door to opportunity is never locked, friend. It might be jammed and warped sometimes, sure, but never locked. You've just got to put some extra force behind your foot when you kick it down.” (c)
Q:
“It's Friday night! Evening's going to be laced with fun because of that fact alone! I simply go where the night takes me. You never know what wonders you'll find! 'Night!”… Against his better judgment, he decided to see for himself. (c)
Q:
Jonah was not ready to be a new guy again. That was always the worst part. That was how it was in school, and things hadn't improved when he'd made it to adulthood, either. But one thing that slightly dulled his resistance was the fact that there was no way six people could break into several different cliques and talk about people. Not usually, anyway. (c)
Q:
“I would greet you properly, but I want to finish chopping up these vegetables; I have to make my juice. (c)
Q:
I think that over the next few days, Jonathan and the rest of us will have your head spinning.”
Jonah wasn't sure he enjoyed the sound of that, but he nodded at her. “I've always liked learning new things.” (c)
Q:
It was what it was; he couldn't miss people he'd never known. (c)
Q:
Could those wonderful insights that shone so brightly in his youth have possibly been spiritually inclined inspirations? (c)
Q:
“You should tell him you thought that. Terrence is a janitor that goes back and forth between the two high schools in Rome.”
“What! Why?”
“The same reason why I do clerical work when my passion is painting. The same reason why you're an accountant when your desire is to be a writer. Working our way into our respective niches is a struggle.” (c)
Q:
“Loss can be sad, but not because it's supposed to be,… Nor does it have to be morbid or depressing, as you put it. The term that would be most accurate would likely be 'misunderstood.' I'm willing to give you that. It is misunderstood. No one talks about it, they simply hide within themselves and allow their sanity and resolve to wither and break down without ever trying to understand exactly what passing is. Since it is not comprehended, the label of 'morbid' is slapped upon it and treated as law. Very limited train of thought, wouldn't you say?” (c)
Q:
One's anguish can be as resolute as bars on the cell in which they imprison themselves.
Jonah blinked. Did he just write that?
Mind clearer than it had been in a long time, he wrote on:The misconception of mankind is that prisons are extraneous. This is not the case, as extraneous factors can be altered or erased with laughable simplicity. That which lies in the internal is made of stronger material by far, as it is unseen, ever evolving, and limitless.The truest and most beneficial course of action, then, is to morph and transform the prisons we create in our own minds, for as they are opened, so too are the ones that were physically manifested. (c)
Q:
Jonah sat back. He lifted the paper and stared at it like a rare jewel or a winning Powerball ticket. The words came out of him as if they'd always been there, and with gathering excitement, he found that he wasn't done yet.
He wrote with fervor, speaking at length in the same vein that he'd begun. It came so readily that he didn't know where to stop. He hadn't had a literary inspiration in so long. The feeling was just all-consuming, like waking from a deep sleep or a dormant muscle suddenly being stimulated through exercise. He was so focused that he hadn't even registered Bast's presence on the bed next to him. Her meowing hadn't mattered. As far as he was concerned, it was familiar, a simple extension of sounds that were associated with the estate. The chirping birds, the sounds of the insects, Bast's meows…they all came with the territory. (с)
Q:
“Passing information through birds, Jonah?”… “Terrence, we use cats as heralds and scouts. Cut me some slack here.” (c)
Q:
He simply could not focus on those stupid billing reports and was pleasantly surprised to discover that when he stopped lying to himself about finishing them, the time passed all the more quickly. (c)
Q:
Do yourself a service, son… Climb out of the future, and think only of this moment. Realize the outcomes of the future are created out of decisions made in the present moments. (c)
The only issue I felt was how quickly people got classified:
Q:
“Jonah, this is Ti—” began Terrence, but the guy cut him off.
“It's Trip.” The man's tone was impatient, clipped, and frigid. He returned his attention to his laptop computer before anyone responded.
Jonah's eyes narrowed. “The hell with you, too,” he muttered. He glanced at Terrence, who seemed to be choking back some evil words of his own. (c) Really, how did this come about? Due to this, our hero came across as immature and I'm not sure it was the intention of the author.
And the whole 'You have been endowed' routine isn't probably the best one ever.
Q:
Time, word of mouth, and history have an interesting way of twisting what's accurate. (c)
Q:
“There is no such thing as death,… To be frank, there is no such thing as birth, either. There is only life. Life is all there is.” (c)
Q:
Jonah couldn't help but allow glimmers of the same vision to permeate the negative cloud that shrouded his mind. It'd be great to have the safe haven of a padded chair, a comfortable table, and mounds of paper just waiting to be covered with spellbinding tomes, all-encompassing verses, and thrilling tales that would etch their place in history and remain undeterred in the annals of time. (c)
Q:
imagination. His wild imagination was one of his most prized possessions, one of the reasons why he wanted to be a writer. He had always wanted to be one, from the minute he developed the dexterity and strength in his hand to hold a pencil and pen. The problem (or so he had been told back then by well-meaning adults) was that his fascination with “fantastical tales” was unhealthy. In high school, he was told that his brand of writing was known as “grossly imaginative meandering” (he believed that the teacher who'd told him that, Mr. Tann, had invented that classification, as he hadn't heard it before or since), and was evidence that he was “incapable of modern writing and was dedicated to imitating the writing styles of authors hundreds of years in the grave.” (c)
Q:
He continued to write, but the years of unconstructive criticism eventually succeeded in taking the wind out of his sails. (c)
Q:
“You are wrong. This isn't your imagination.” And the text was written in black ink. These words, however, were light blue. (c)
Q:
He also noticed that his mind, which had just been so clear and alert, was now back to its normal state. That was not a good thing, as the normal state was always muddled. (c)
Q:
And, strangest of all, did he just channel Zeus and summon wind and electricity? (c)
Q:
said. “Your major is not a limitation, and you are not stuck. The door to opportunity is never locked, friend. It might be jammed and warped sometimes, sure, but never locked. You've just got to put some extra force behind your foot when you kick it down.” (c)
Q:
“It's Friday night! Evening's going to be laced with fun because of that fact alone! I simply go where the night takes me. You never know what wonders you'll find! 'Night!”… Against his better judgment, he decided to see for himself. (c)
Q:
Jonah was not ready to be a new guy again. That was always the worst part. That was how it was in school, and things hadn't improved when he'd made it to adulthood, either. But one thing that slightly dulled his resistance was the fact that there was no way six people could break into several different cliques and talk about people. Not usually, anyway. (c)
Q:
“I would greet you properly, but I want to finish chopping up these vegetables; I have to make my juice. (c)
Q:
I think that over the next few days, Jonathan and the rest of us will have your head spinning.”
Jonah wasn't sure he enjoyed the sound of that, but he nodded at her. “I've always liked learning new things.” (c)
Q:
It was what it was; he couldn't miss people he'd never known. (c)
Q:
Could those wonderful insights that shone so brightly in his youth have possibly been spiritually inclined inspirations? (c)
Q:
“You should tell him you thought that. Terrence is a janitor that goes back and forth between the two high schools in Rome.”
“What! Why?”
“The same reason why I do clerical work when my passion is painting. The same reason why you're an accountant when your desire is to be a writer. Working our way into our respective niches is a struggle.” (c)
Q:
“Loss can be sad, but not because it's supposed to be,… Nor does it have to be morbid or depressing, as you put it. The term that would be most accurate would likely be 'misunderstood.' I'm willing to give you that. It is misunderstood. No one talks about it, they simply hide within themselves and allow their sanity and resolve to wither and break down without ever trying to understand exactly what passing is. Since it is not comprehended, the label of 'morbid' is slapped upon it and treated as law. Very limited train of thought, wouldn't you say?” (c)
Q:
One's anguish can be as resolute as bars on the cell in which they imprison themselves.
Jonah blinked. Did he just write that?
Mind clearer than it had been in a long time, he wrote on:The misconception of mankind is that prisons are extraneous. This is not the case, as extraneous factors can be altered or erased with laughable simplicity. That which lies in the internal is made of stronger material by far, as it is unseen, ever evolving, and limitless.The truest and most beneficial course of action, then, is to morph and transform the prisons we create in our own minds, for as they are opened, so too are the ones that were physically manifested. (c)
Q:
Jonah sat back. He lifted the paper and stared at it like a rare jewel or a winning Powerball ticket. The words came out of him as if they'd always been there, and with gathering excitement, he found that he wasn't done yet.
He wrote with fervor, speaking at length in the same vein that he'd begun. It came so readily that he didn't know where to stop. He hadn't had a literary inspiration in so long. The feeling was just all-consuming, like waking from a deep sleep or a dormant muscle suddenly being stimulated through exercise. He was so focused that he hadn't even registered Bast's presence on the bed next to him. Her meowing hadn't mattered. As far as he was concerned, it was familiar, a simple extension of sounds that were associated with the estate. The chirping birds, the sounds of the insects, Bast's meows…they all came with the territory. (с)
Q:
“Passing information through birds, Jonah?”… “Terrence, we use cats as heralds and scouts. Cut me some slack here.” (c)
Q:
He simply could not focus on those stupid billing reports and was pleasantly surprised to discover that when he stopped lying to himself about finishing them, the time passed all the more quickly. (c)
Q:
Do yourself a service, son… Climb out of the future, and think only of this moment. Realize the outcomes of the future are created out of decisions made in the present moments. (c)
July 15, 2016
This book is going to stay with me for a long time. I'm not even sure how to write this review because the book was just WOW! T.H. Morris had an absolute way with words that from the very first sentence, the words, the storyline and especially the characters suck you in and they don't let go. Highly recommend reading this book but be warned, you won't be able to put it down
November 17, 2014
Wow.
When I was asked to review The 11th Percent, I was hoping I would find a new series to get hooked on.
I was not disappointed.
The story itself is so well written, I found myself immersed in the world Morris has created. I found myself wanting to be one of the 11th Percent. The concepts are fresh for paranormal fiction and ultimately, could be seen as real theories for paranormal phenomena.
So what does that mean for The 11th Percent? This book is fiction, but holds the reader in a feeling of realism. These people could actually exist. Their abilities? Their enemies? Could be going on around us right now - which is the strange and wonderful thought I was left with when I finished this book.
Morris has a gift for character development. Jonah is so well developed that you could meet him anywhere. You can feel his confusion, his disbelief - his emotions - through his experiences. The supporting cast work as the perfect backdrop for someone who has just been thrown into a whirlwind of the paranormal.
My final thoughts are this: The 11th Percent is a must-read for paranormal fiction readers. The story is strong, fresh, and realistic. The characters are well developed, and the plot hooks you from the word go. I will be following this series - and this writer - for years to come.
When I was asked to review The 11th Percent, I was hoping I would find a new series to get hooked on.
I was not disappointed.
The story itself is so well written, I found myself immersed in the world Morris has created. I found myself wanting to be one of the 11th Percent. The concepts are fresh for paranormal fiction and ultimately, could be seen as real theories for paranormal phenomena.
So what does that mean for The 11th Percent? This book is fiction, but holds the reader in a feeling of realism. These people could actually exist. Their abilities? Their enemies? Could be going on around us right now - which is the strange and wonderful thought I was left with when I finished this book.
Morris has a gift for character development. Jonah is so well developed that you could meet him anywhere. You can feel his confusion, his disbelief - his emotions - through his experiences. The supporting cast work as the perfect backdrop for someone who has just been thrown into a whirlwind of the paranormal.
My final thoughts are this: The 11th Percent is a must-read for paranormal fiction readers. The story is strong, fresh, and realistic. The characters are well developed, and the plot hooks you from the word go. I will be following this series - and this writer - for years to come.
November 2, 2014
First of all, I totally thought this was a Halloween book. Definitely not a Halloween book!
Well, not exclusively, anyway. It has ghosts, haunted houses, cemeteries, that kind of thing, but doesn't reference the holiday specifically. Which is a good thing, I think. It stands alone!
I was pleasantly surprised with this book and really enjoyed my time with it despite some questions about the ending. It had a good variety of characters, the MC had lots of room to grow, and I liked some of the more philosophical concepts it brought to life.
What this book REALLY has going for it is the fresh ideas. It's a good and bad thing, really. So many awesome ideas (which I've never read before) also mean that a lot of explanation is required, and this happens heavily in the first 30% of the book. Happily, I didn't feel it dragged.
The writing is good, truly. While this is definitely a first book from this author, I felt a lot of heart and passion. The ending, however, let me down.
SPOILERS***
When it came to Jonah, (throughout the book) I felt like everything came FAR too easily. He just 'happened' to stumble on the needed weapons, and just happened to find his friends right away, and just happened to survive a second attack from the bad guy (who gave up far too easily in the final scenes), without any of them getting hurt through all this mess. Not to mention that he had REALLY angry spirits giving him power (who, though rabid and evil, agreed to an endowment after like 1 minute of conversation- too easy!), but was able to 'magically handle it' without any problems. And I found it difficult to believe that the bad guy would just leave him alive TWICE. Jonah's writing issues were never finalized either.
END SPOILERS******
All in all, I loved it. I loved the concept of endowment from spirits, the idea of 'life just evolving into a different form and not dying' as well as a couple of other things. There were many 'made me think' moments and philosophy concepts that I appreciated.
4 stars!
Well, not exclusively, anyway. It has ghosts, haunted houses, cemeteries, that kind of thing, but doesn't reference the holiday specifically. Which is a good thing, I think. It stands alone!
I was pleasantly surprised with this book and really enjoyed my time with it despite some questions about the ending. It had a good variety of characters, the MC had lots of room to grow, and I liked some of the more philosophical concepts it brought to life.
What this book REALLY has going for it is the fresh ideas. It's a good and bad thing, really. So many awesome ideas (which I've never read before) also mean that a lot of explanation is required, and this happens heavily in the first 30% of the book. Happily, I didn't feel it dragged.
The writing is good, truly. While this is definitely a first book from this author, I felt a lot of heart and passion. The ending, however, let me down.
SPOILERS***
When it came to Jonah, (throughout the book) I felt like everything came FAR too easily. He just 'happened' to stumble on the needed weapons, and just happened to find his friends right away, and just happened to survive a second attack from the bad guy (who gave up far too easily in the final scenes), without any of them getting hurt through all this mess. Not to mention that he had REALLY angry spirits giving him power (who, though rabid and evil, agreed to an endowment after like 1 minute of conversation- too easy!), but was able to 'magically handle it' without any problems. And I found it difficult to believe that the bad guy would just leave him alive TWICE. Jonah's writing issues were never finalized either.
END SPOILERS******
All in all, I loved it. I loved the concept of endowment from spirits, the idea of 'life just evolving into a different form and not dying' as well as a couple of other things. There were many 'made me think' moments and philosophy concepts that I appreciated.
4 stars!
November 26, 2014
Wow…..even though I’m not that much into horror or ghost-bound books, I liked this one. This is the first book of author T.H. Morris and he didn’t disappoint me at all.
The protagonist, Jonah, who’s also a writer, finished his masters in accounting, entered a good job but then he figured that his so called dream job actually bores him to death. Then one fateful day, his whole life changed through a blue light(literally) and he enters the world of 11th percenters. Now comes the question what is 11th percenter, right? Well as it goes, we normal humans only use 10 percent of our mind. Whereas, 11th percenters have access to further portions of their minds. They have access to the eleventh percent. They are ethereal human beings and as it turns out Jonah is one of them. Thus become his fight as 11th percenter.
The character built was not bad at all. Main character is your usual, normal man turned into a powerful hero type. The side characters are very good but they don’t overshadow the main character which is a huge plus point for me.
For me, the only thing lacking in the story, is absence of big climax scenes. Without them, the story was like, Jonah came, Jonah fought and Jonah conquered, which was a bit too general. Otherwise this is a good story
The protagonist, Jonah, who’s also a writer, finished his masters in accounting, entered a good job but then he figured that his so called dream job actually bores him to death. Then one fateful day, his whole life changed through a blue light(literally) and he enters the world of 11th percenters. Now comes the question what is 11th percenter, right? Well as it goes, we normal humans only use 10 percent of our mind. Whereas, 11th percenters have access to further portions of their minds. They have access to the eleventh percent. They are ethereal human beings and as it turns out Jonah is one of them. Thus become his fight as 11th percenter.
The character built was not bad at all. Main character is your usual, normal man turned into a powerful hero type. The side characters are very good but they don’t overshadow the main character which is a huge plus point for me.
For me, the only thing lacking in the story, is absence of big climax scenes. Without them, the story was like, Jonah came, Jonah fought and Jonah conquered, which was a bit too general. Otherwise this is a good story
March 31, 2015
In The 11th Percent, you'll get a ghost story...just not the one you're expecting. Yes, there are angry spirits, trips to the cemetery and spectral fights, but this isn't a horror novel. Instead, it's eerie, creepy and strangely insightful into the mind of a struggling writer.
That, I think, I'd actually the best part of the novel: Jonah's career and his life in general. For what author has not been stuck in a dead-end job, feeling as though their literary career is over before it begins? Jonah isn't a typical male lead in a ghost story, but he's the typical male. He's average, which makes him all the more relatable to the reader. He could be any of us.
The story seems long, in the beginning, but it quickly picks up the pace. The ghosts aren't all evil, some of them try and help poor, confused Jonah. And they're also not typical, moaning, cold-spot inducing, Supernatural-esque creatures. They're a little frightening, but not over-the-top. I think that the author made a great attempt at making everything about this story unique, and he mostly succeeded.
You don't need excessive violence or gore to make a reader get a chill down their spine!
That, I think, I'd actually the best part of the novel: Jonah's career and his life in general. For what author has not been stuck in a dead-end job, feeling as though their literary career is over before it begins? Jonah isn't a typical male lead in a ghost story, but he's the typical male. He's average, which makes him all the more relatable to the reader. He could be any of us.
The story seems long, in the beginning, but it quickly picks up the pace. The ghosts aren't all evil, some of them try and help poor, confused Jonah. And they're also not typical, moaning, cold-spot inducing, Supernatural-esque creatures. They're a little frightening, but not over-the-top. I think that the author made a great attempt at making everything about this story unique, and he mostly succeeded.
You don't need excessive violence or gore to make a reader get a chill down their spine!
April 27, 2016
Fun read never deviates from formula
T.H. Morris' The 11th Percent hits all the right notes for fans of the genre. For readers who want more, Morris delivers little else. The book follows the formula straight from the box, plugging in each piece and delivering the required misdirection at precisely the right moment.
For fans who want more from their read, however, the book may leave them wanting more. It's like going to Vegas hoping to see or Penn and Teller and getting the hotel floor show. You've seen the tricks before, just with different characters and costumes.
Meet Jonah Rowe, failed writer stuck in a miserable job, with a boss who piles on the work and supervisor who belittles him constantly. Sound familiar? One day he discovers he has more magical potential than any other practitioner alive (a blue aura) and only he can restore balance to the spiritual plane caused by Creyton, the most powerful evil wizard ever.
Morris follow up with a school of recruits, a traitor, an evil wizard recruiting spirits to his side and killing off good spirits one-by-one. All classic pieces of the Harry Potter formula. Morris frosts his formula with a vanilla premise: most people use only ten percent of their brains, only a special few use more. Authors and screenwriters have explored this premise frequently and often better.*
In fact, the question behind the premise kept nagging me throughout the book. How could one extra percent allow Jonah and the others to tap into all those powers? Was it a trigger point allowing them to access more of their spiritual awareness? Does the brain compress the powers into a few neurons like a .zip file? One of the characters, Reena, tries to explain when she discusses mind verses brain, but Morris opens too many tropes—blocked creative powers, free flowing writing, whole mind verses eleven percent brain—that he never attempts to tie up.
For readers who read occult fiction because it asks those questions, Morris' failure to bring his conjectures to closure constitutes a cardinal sin. Perhaps he intends to explore them in later books, but he allows Rowe's mentor Jonathan to express little concern when Rowe asks him. Readers can only hope Morris returns to them in the next two books. Occult fans will certainly want to read the second after finishing this one.
If you like a good read any any genre, you should give The 11th Percent a shot. You'll know by the end of the book if you want to read further. I enjoyed this one, but I think it's the end of the line for me.
* Most recently in the movie Lucy where Scarlett Johannson leanred to use her entire brain even if it consumed her. Also in the TV series Limitless, where Brian Finch unlocks his brain with the drug NZT. The scripts used drugs as the mind unlocking techniques, but the premise remains the same.
Rating system:
5 = Delicious dialogue, crisp prose, clever characters & compelling plot
4 = Great read, won't want to stop
3 = Worth buying but…
2 = I will tell you what audience will like this, but other readers might want to look elsewhere
1 = If I review a book this bad I felt seriously compelled to warn you
Phillip T. Stephens is the author of Cigerets, Guns & Beer, Raising Hell and the new release Seeing Jesus. You can follow him @stephens_pt.
T.H. Morris' The 11th Percent hits all the right notes for fans of the genre. For readers who want more, Morris delivers little else. The book follows the formula straight from the box, plugging in each piece and delivering the required misdirection at precisely the right moment.
For fans who want more from their read, however, the book may leave them wanting more. It's like going to Vegas hoping to see or Penn and Teller and getting the hotel floor show. You've seen the tricks before, just with different characters and costumes.
Meet Jonah Rowe, failed writer stuck in a miserable job, with a boss who piles on the work and supervisor who belittles him constantly. Sound familiar? One day he discovers he has more magical potential than any other practitioner alive (a blue aura) and only he can restore balance to the spiritual plane caused by Creyton, the most powerful evil wizard ever.
Morris follow up with a school of recruits, a traitor, an evil wizard recruiting spirits to his side and killing off good spirits one-by-one. All classic pieces of the Harry Potter formula. Morris frosts his formula with a vanilla premise: most people use only ten percent of their brains, only a special few use more. Authors and screenwriters have explored this premise frequently and often better.*
In fact, the question behind the premise kept nagging me throughout the book. How could one extra percent allow Jonah and the others to tap into all those powers? Was it a trigger point allowing them to access more of their spiritual awareness? Does the brain compress the powers into a few neurons like a .zip file? One of the characters, Reena, tries to explain when she discusses mind verses brain, but Morris opens too many tropes—blocked creative powers, free flowing writing, whole mind verses eleven percent brain—that he never attempts to tie up.
For readers who read occult fiction because it asks those questions, Morris' failure to bring his conjectures to closure constitutes a cardinal sin. Perhaps he intends to explore them in later books, but he allows Rowe's mentor Jonathan to express little concern when Rowe asks him. Readers can only hope Morris returns to them in the next two books. Occult fans will certainly want to read the second after finishing this one.
If you like a good read any any genre, you should give The 11th Percent a shot. You'll know by the end of the book if you want to read further. I enjoyed this one, but I think it's the end of the line for me.
* Most recently in the movie Lucy where Scarlett Johannson leanred to use her entire brain even if it consumed her. Also in the TV series Limitless, where Brian Finch unlocks his brain with the drug NZT. The scripts used drugs as the mind unlocking techniques, but the premise remains the same.
Rating system:
5 = Delicious dialogue, crisp prose, clever characters & compelling plot
4 = Great read, won't want to stop
3 = Worth buying but…
2 = I will tell you what audience will like this, but other readers might want to look elsewhere
1 = If I review a book this bad I felt seriously compelled to warn you
Phillip T. Stephens is the author of Cigerets, Guns & Beer, Raising Hell and the new release Seeing Jesus. You can follow him @stephens_pt.
December 5, 2014
Well written story full of action. I like the friendships and even the one that was not such a good friend ended up being good in the end and I actually liked that the author made him a good guy instead of a villain.
The villain was well written and I really disliked him and wanted him gone.
I loved that Jonah was all lost all the time and didn't really know what was going on but because he was so powerful he ended up kicking butt in the end.
I liked how the story ended and I think there will be more to the story, not a cliffhanger but room for more.
The characters were all mostly likable and even the ones that were not so likable you ended up wanting to know more about them. I like the twist to the story as to who the spy was, I didn't see that coming at all.
My favorite part in the story was when Jonah told Jessica to shut up, OMG! That was so funny and good, she really had it coming.
Recommended if you want a good story full of spirits (ghosts) and action.
The villain was well written and I really disliked him and wanted him gone.
I loved that Jonah was all lost all the time and didn't really know what was going on but because he was so powerful he ended up kicking butt in the end.
I liked how the story ended and I think there will be more to the story, not a cliffhanger but room for more.
The characters were all mostly likable and even the ones that were not so likable you ended up wanting to know more about them. I like the twist to the story as to who the spy was, I didn't see that coming at all.
My favorite part in the story was when Jonah told Jessica to shut up, OMG! That was so funny and good, she really had it coming.
Recommended if you want a good story full of spirits (ghosts) and action.
May 29, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)
This is a ghost story and supernatural adventure. I enjoyed the battle between our heroes and the enemy.
I have not read many ghost stories, but I imagine this is somewhat different than is traditional. The story begins as many fiction books do. There is a main character whom we follow through the entire book. He is not happy at his job. Suddenly his life begins to change.
What I assume might be different from some ghost stories is the movement into a full war that slowly develops for our hero. From incident to incident, he begins to see he must join with his new allies and engage the enemy who is doing some bad things on a massive supernatural scale. He acquires powers and is central to the battle against evil. This is a hero's journey story with a team of heroes taking on a very impressively powerfully enemy.
Some of the things I liked were the dialog between characters, character change through the story, and the strong description of locations. A good job was done giving each character different personalities. Each character changed through the story. The hero is a different person by the end. Some of his allies are not whom they seem at first. Some become better, some not so much.
I did not enjoy the information dumps. There is a great deal of information about the supernatural rules in this story. Sometimes, it goes on for pages and pages. I suppose it is hard to avoid when the author is presenting such an unusual world with a different set of realities than we are used to. Perhaps in followup books that particular exposition will not be necessary.
The story is told in 3rd person limited in past tense. We follow the one character's POV the entire story. He grows through the book but is very naive at the beginning of the story.
This story should be fun for people who would be interested in a battle on the supernatural plane. Our hero starts out weak and ignorant and becomes a powerful fighter physically and psychically. I would think the story would be appropriate for children as young as 8 years old. There is no sex, and while people and spirits are destroyed, supposedly there is "no such thing as death."
I enjoyed this read. I would try another offering from this author. Give it a try, you might like it. Thank you https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
This is a ghost story and supernatural adventure. I enjoyed the battle between our heroes and the enemy.
I have not read many ghost stories, but I imagine this is somewhat different than is traditional. The story begins as many fiction books do. There is a main character whom we follow through the entire book. He is not happy at his job. Suddenly his life begins to change.
What I assume might be different from some ghost stories is the movement into a full war that slowly develops for our hero. From incident to incident, he begins to see he must join with his new allies and engage the enemy who is doing some bad things on a massive supernatural scale. He acquires powers and is central to the battle against evil. This is a hero's journey story with a team of heroes taking on a very impressively powerfully enemy.
Some of the things I liked were the dialog between characters, character change through the story, and the strong description of locations. A good job was done giving each character different personalities. Each character changed through the story. The hero is a different person by the end. Some of his allies are not whom they seem at first. Some become better, some not so much.
I did not enjoy the information dumps. There is a great deal of information about the supernatural rules in this story. Sometimes, it goes on for pages and pages. I suppose it is hard to avoid when the author is presenting such an unusual world with a different set of realities than we are used to. Perhaps in followup books that particular exposition will not be necessary.
The story is told in 3rd person limited in past tense. We follow the one character's POV the entire story. He grows through the book but is very naive at the beginning of the story.
This story should be fun for people who would be interested in a battle on the supernatural plane. Our hero starts out weak and ignorant and becomes a powerful fighter physically and psychically. I would think the story would be appropriate for children as young as 8 years old. There is no sex, and while people and spirits are destroyed, supposedly there is "no such thing as death."
I enjoyed this read. I would try another offering from this author. Give it a try, you might like it. Thank you https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
December 20, 2014
This book was provided by the author to Nerd Girl Official for an honest review.
Brand new ghost story! This is unlike any ghost story I have read. Jonah hates his job and is an aspiring writer with a bad case of writer's block. He is just your average joe. Then one day his whole life is turned upside down. He finds out he is part of a group that can interact with spirits. He is welcomed into this group with open arms but finds out he is an integral part of an upheaval that is coming. There is a constant battle of good and evil but with a ghostly twist that I have never read before.
"The door to opportunity is never locked, friend. It might be jammed and warped sometimes, sure, but never locked. You've just got to put some extra force behind your foot when you kick it down."
"And once you know the truth, you can't, you know, unknow it."
"Climb out of the future, and think only of this moment. Realize the outcomes of the future are created out of decision made in the present moments."
Jonah is thrust into an epic battle with beings from another life level. The author will keep you guessing what is going to happen next. The author gives you just enough to make you assume one thing but then there is another twist. This is the first book I have read from this author and look forward to more!
Note: Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. See www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG or www.NerdGirlOfficial.com for more information
Brand new ghost story! This is unlike any ghost story I have read. Jonah hates his job and is an aspiring writer with a bad case of writer's block. He is just your average joe. Then one day his whole life is turned upside down. He finds out he is part of a group that can interact with spirits. He is welcomed into this group with open arms but finds out he is an integral part of an upheaval that is coming. There is a constant battle of good and evil but with a ghostly twist that I have never read before.
"The door to opportunity is never locked, friend. It might be jammed and warped sometimes, sure, but never locked. You've just got to put some extra force behind your foot when you kick it down."
"And once you know the truth, you can't, you know, unknow it."
"Climb out of the future, and think only of this moment. Realize the outcomes of the future are created out of decision made in the present moments."
Jonah is thrust into an epic battle with beings from another life level. The author will keep you guessing what is going to happen next. The author gives you just enough to make you assume one thing but then there is another twist. This is the first book I have read from this author and look forward to more!
Note: Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. See www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG or www.NerdGirlOfficial.com for more information
December 13, 2014
As you know most humans only use 10% of their brain. What would you say if I told you there were some who use 11% ? This is the story of one such 11th percenter. Jonah Rowe is a young man who lives a boring life until one day leaving the office his whole world turned blue and he saw things no one should be able to see. He has no idea what is going on and doesn't know he's an 11th till Jonathon shows up and starts to explain things to him. Turns out he's even more special than most and must learn to protect hisself along with helping protect people from the spirits wishing to do harm. Will what he learns save his life along with his friend? Is he capable of surviving what he has to face? I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
December 14, 2014
This was an interesting book. For someone (me) who loves reading romance books reading just paranormal was a great task. And I was surprised at how much I loved it. I love watching movies that are like this book, even action, sci-fi, but reading it was never something I would have done. Since the moment I read the synopsis I knew it would be really interesting and it was.
This book doesn't let you go through it without using you mind. Through every word, every sentence it demands your attention and focus. It is surprising how well this author's imagination ran, because I wouldn't be able to think of it no matter what. So many things, just amazing.
Even though it took me some time to read it, because it is rather long, I think it was time well spent.
This book doesn't let you go through it without using you mind. Through every word, every sentence it demands your attention and focus. It is surprising how well this author's imagination ran, because I wouldn't be able to think of it no matter what. So many things, just amazing.
Even though it took me some time to read it, because it is rather long, I think it was time well spent.
May 14, 2015
SNS Rating: 5.0
~~~~~~~~~~Virginia's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
T.H Morris has bought you into a wonderful new paranormal world with conflicts that you can relate to. This is my first book to read of this author and I was not disappointed at all. Jonah goes to his job that he is bored with and then discover something new. The characters are very well developed and they draw you in. Once you start the book it draws you in and with all the action you can’t wait to find out what happens next.
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE BOOK This is a must read new line of a ghost story that will hold your attention to the end of the story
~~~~~~~~~~Virginia's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
T.H Morris has bought you into a wonderful new paranormal world with conflicts that you can relate to. This is my first book to read of this author and I was not disappointed at all. Jonah goes to his job that he is bored with and then discover something new. The characters are very well developed and they draw you in. Once you start the book it draws you in and with all the action you can’t wait to find out what happens next.
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE BOOK This is a must read new line of a ghost story that will hold your attention to the end of the story
December 23, 2014
T. H. Morris did an amazing job writing this novel! This was my first paranormal fantasy book and I don't regret it one bit.
The plot of the story is gripping and spell-binding in a way that pulls you into it. I loved that Jonah is a character that people can easily relate to, for the most part :)
In this story Jonah goes from a lost character, not knowing what he was or how to handle his powers, to a superhero that learns to harness the powers of his 11th percenter within him.
This novel is a great addition for anyone to add to their bookshelf!
Great job, T.H.!
The plot of the story is gripping and spell-binding in a way that pulls you into it. I loved that Jonah is a character that people can easily relate to, for the most part :)
In this story Jonah goes from a lost character, not knowing what he was or how to handle his powers, to a superhero that learns to harness the powers of his 11th percenter within him.
This novel is a great addition for anyone to add to their bookshelf!
Great job, T.H.!
May 13, 2015
T.H Morris has bought you into a wonderful new paranormal world with conflicts that you can relate to. This is my first book to read of this author and I was not disappointed at all. Jonah goes to his job that he is bored with and then discover something new. The characters are very well developed and they draw you in. Once you start the book it draws you in and with all the action you can’t wait to find out what happens next.
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE BOOK This is a must read new line of a ghost story that will hold your attention to the end of the story’
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE BOOK This is a must read new line of a ghost story that will hold your attention to the end of the story’
June 5, 2015
I got this book on a trade with the author and I must say I enjoyed it. THM has a very easy writing style that is pleasant to read. The story progressed nicely from beginning to end building to a decent climax. I do agree with other reviews that Basil Exposition was rife early on and the end was a little scooby doo for me. I would have loved to have been chilled to the bone.
That being said I love a bit of camaraderie and overcoming adversity. That was present in abundance and I look forward to the next book.
That being said I love a bit of camaraderie and overcoming adversity. That was present in abundance and I look forward to the next book.
February 5, 2015
This novel from T.H. Morris is just an exquisite piece of work. Definitely a novel that will not be easily forgotten. While the story is exciting it also has stories and morals that one can implement and compare with their own lives, I know I certainly did. I highly recommend this novel for anyone and more than enjoyed reading it. Great work!
November 27, 2018
This is an interesting paranormal read. It doesn't really present any new ideas, but it does give you a nice diverse cast of characters that you get to know and relate to.
I did have a hard time relating to the main character, Jonah. For a writer who claims to have a lot of imagination, he has a pretty hard time wrapping his head around certain truths in the book. Also, he isn't very bright since everything has to be explained to him at least twice. I don't need a genius main character but I do need one that I care about and Jonah isn't relatable to me. I'm hoping he does more growing in future books, but right now my fave character would have to be Reena.
The story drags in a few places but the last few chapters are definitely worth the read. Take a dive into this one and you may find it quite enjoyable. I liked it enough to want to read the next in the series.
I did have a hard time relating to the main character, Jonah. For a writer who claims to have a lot of imagination, he has a pretty hard time wrapping his head around certain truths in the book. Also, he isn't very bright since everything has to be explained to him at least twice. I don't need a genius main character but I do need one that I care about and Jonah isn't relatable to me. I'm hoping he does more growing in future books, but right now my fave character would have to be Reena.
The story drags in a few places but the last few chapters are definitely worth the read. Take a dive into this one and you may find it quite enjoyable. I liked it enough to want to read the next in the series.
July 3, 2015
This book is something completely different from paranormal main stream books. Yes it is about paranormal but a new approach to the "afterlife" and spirits. I really liked how the author approached this subject and found a new way to look at this subject. I think that is very difficult these days. The writing style is pleasant and overall the book has a very good pace to it. No dragging things out nor rushing the reader along.
The characters are very well developed. They are a very nice mix that really complement each other well. Jonah is a very likeable character. Overall you can relate to the characters.
The main twist to the book however was a little predictable, it just didn't sit with me right and I had a suspicion that things not might are as they seem, my instincts with twists are usually very good. However the execution of that twist was done very well.
Overall this is a very good book and I enjoyed reading it. It is always nice to find a new twist to a much written about subject.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review. (LoP, Lovers of Paranormal)
The characters are very well developed. They are a very nice mix that really complement each other well. Jonah is a very likeable character. Overall you can relate to the characters.
The main twist to the book however was a little predictable, it just didn't sit with me right and I had a suspicion that things not might are as they seem, my instincts with twists are usually very good. However the execution of that twist was done very well.
Overall this is a very good book and I enjoyed reading it. It is always nice to find a new twist to a much written about subject.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review. (LoP, Lovers of Paranormal)
November 29, 2015
I enjoyed this exciting, fast-paced and original book. It brings a fresh and unique look at spirits and the afterlife.
The story is well-written, with lots of action and plenty of suspense. I was hooked from the first page.
Johan and the supporting cast were well-developed, had their own personalities, and were, for the most part, likeable. Even the unpleasant Trip, turned out not to be a villain, which I didn’t see coming!
Thanks to the descriptive and engaging writing, I felt as though I had joined Johan and his new friends in the challenging world of the 11th Percenters.
The book ended well, leaving room to continue the story, but without a cliffhanger.
Thank you to the author for gifting me an eCopy of the book.
The story is well-written, with lots of action and plenty of suspense. I was hooked from the first page.
Johan and the supporting cast were well-developed, had their own personalities, and were, for the most part, likeable. Even the unpleasant Trip, turned out not to be a villain, which I didn’t see coming!
Thanks to the descriptive and engaging writing, I felt as though I had joined Johan and his new friends in the challenging world of the 11th Percenters.
The book ended well, leaving room to continue the story, but without a cliffhanger.
Thank you to the author for gifting me an eCopy of the book.
December 15, 2015
What can I write here that wont do this book and injustice.
The 11th percent passed on all expectations I had of this book and more, the plot is fascinating to take in, the characters are instantly loveable in their own ways with their on quirks and talents. Each page sucks you deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole that T.H.Morris has created, I could read this book in one sitting ( not because it lacks substance of anything near that of the matter) but I found myself wanting to savour it, think about it, mull the quite frankly brilliant ideas around in my head.
If you are struggling to find books that take hold, or keep interest all I can say is please, please read this beauty of a book.
One of my favourite books I have ever read.
December 11, 2015
The 11th Percent is an incredible read that gives us a glimpse into what would happen if we used more of our brain. I picked it up because it will later tie into The Oracle Series by Cynthia D. Witherspoon. I was definitely not disappointed. I love Jonah! I enjoyed seeing his character evolve into a true butt-kicker. Of course, it's not over til it's over, right!? I look forward to discovering where his next adventure leads.
June 17, 2016
Jonah Rowe at work notice all in a sudden that everything around him looked blue. He met various spirits, but one of them Jonathan, told him he has been selected like eleven percenter, so he took Jonah to Grannison-Morris estate, that serves as a home for Eleventh Percenters.
Good the idea of everybody use the ten percent of the brain, and only selected people are able to use it for more, well Jonah was one of them. Nice book and I enjoyed to read, looking forward to read part 2.
Good the idea of everybody use the ten percent of the brain, and only selected people are able to use it for more, well Jonah was one of them. Nice book and I enjoyed to read, looking forward to read part 2.
April 17, 2016
Great concept
Jonah discovers he's an 11th precenter and what it means to him and the word. Jonah must learn to control his powers as an 11th percenter other he could get his friends and himself killed, and put the spirits that are trying to help him in danger. Has humor and suspense, most of the characters are likeable.. the non likeable ones weren't meant to be liked.all characters had depth. Was a good fun read
Jonah discovers he's an 11th precenter and what it means to him and the word. Jonah must learn to control his powers as an 11th percenter other he could get his friends and himself killed, and put the spirits that are trying to help him in danger. Has humor and suspense, most of the characters are likeable.. the non likeable ones weren't meant to be liked.all characters had depth. Was a good fun read
January 25, 2023
The 11th Percent is the first book in the 11th Percent series. I am absolutely brand new to this author and really wasn't sure what to expect. I am absolutely shocked on how much I enjoyed this. Although, this is not my normal genre, this book absolutely took me on a rollercoaster ride. It really made me think outside of the box. Add in a little bit of horror, mystery, suspense, and this book is what you get!
February 18, 2018
I read this awhile ago, I thought I would take a dive into this one this is a Paranormal it's alright but a bit shaky at first...but I enjoyed it...
May 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and honestly would not mind reading the rest in these series (despite some typos and grammatical errors). It's definitely a new take on the paranormal.
October 1, 2015
The 11th Percent is a fast-paced fantasy/action novel by T.H. Morris. The title is based on the theory that most people only use ten percent of their brain power, but Morris suggests that there is a subset of the population with an extra one percent. These so-called Eleventh Percenters have a high level of creativity but are plagued with self-doubt, experience emotions more strongly, and can communicate with spirits.
Jonah Rowe works at a boring job with an overbearing boss, struggles with writer’s block while attempting to complete manuscripts for his novels, lives alone and has few friends, and is still grieving the death of his beloved grandmother. A conversation with his boss in the first few chapters foreshadows hidden reserves of self-confidence and inner strength, which earned my respect and make me instantly like him as a character. After a particularly trying day at work, Jonah leaves and starts seeing visions-the world has turned blue, there are spirits and a cat that remains his companions throughout the novel. Later that night, he decides to go out for a while, when he is accosted by two malevolent spirits. A kindly spirit named Jonathan intervenes, and Jonah arrives at an estate where other Eleven Percenters stay. Feeling he has finally found his place with his new friends, he decides to develop his eleven-percent potential to its fullest. But there is danger lurking, and Jonah may be the only one who can unravel the web of deceit that he and his friends have been wrapped in.
Morris creates excellent characters. The reader will feel an instant connection to Jonah, and later will meet his new friends: the health-nut painter Reena, the fitness-obsessed sculptor Terrence, even the musical but disagreeable Trip. I especially liked Jonathan, a spirit protector who serves as the mentor for Jonah and his friends. A few of his characters are “epitome” characters who fall flat (such as the sycophantic, tartish Jessica) but they are so minor to the story that their further development is not essential. For the most part, the characterization is excellent and Morris does a great job at making the reader feel connected to them.
The plot is fast paced and provides lots of action and twists. It is not predictable by any means. Morris creates a lot of suspense and keeps the reader guessing. He does take a few convenient fictional liberties (such as one character’s ability to freeze out a fire), but they do not create plot holes or lessen believability. The flawless narration is one of the best parts of this book. Morris has an outstanding ability to choose the right words to convey his meaning. This is part gives the books a philosophical feel. There were so many quotes I loved from this book but one of y favorites was “The brain resides in the head but the mind encompasses the entire body.” Indeed, one of the major themes in The 11th Percent is the mastery of the mind over the body. The Eleventh Percenters can only reach their full potential once they learn strict mind control.
A highly recommended read, The 11th Percent is the first in a trilogy. I am looking forward to the other two books. Five stars.
Jonah Rowe works at a boring job with an overbearing boss, struggles with writer’s block while attempting to complete manuscripts for his novels, lives alone and has few friends, and is still grieving the death of his beloved grandmother. A conversation with his boss in the first few chapters foreshadows hidden reserves of self-confidence and inner strength, which earned my respect and make me instantly like him as a character. After a particularly trying day at work, Jonah leaves and starts seeing visions-the world has turned blue, there are spirits and a cat that remains his companions throughout the novel. Later that night, he decides to go out for a while, when he is accosted by two malevolent spirits. A kindly spirit named Jonathan intervenes, and Jonah arrives at an estate where other Eleven Percenters stay. Feeling he has finally found his place with his new friends, he decides to develop his eleven-percent potential to its fullest. But there is danger lurking, and Jonah may be the only one who can unravel the web of deceit that he and his friends have been wrapped in.
Morris creates excellent characters. The reader will feel an instant connection to Jonah, and later will meet his new friends: the health-nut painter Reena, the fitness-obsessed sculptor Terrence, even the musical but disagreeable Trip. I especially liked Jonathan, a spirit protector who serves as the mentor for Jonah and his friends. A few of his characters are “epitome” characters who fall flat (such as the sycophantic, tartish Jessica) but they are so minor to the story that their further development is not essential. For the most part, the characterization is excellent and Morris does a great job at making the reader feel connected to them.
The plot is fast paced and provides lots of action and twists. It is not predictable by any means. Morris creates a lot of suspense and keeps the reader guessing. He does take a few convenient fictional liberties (such as one character’s ability to freeze out a fire), but they do not create plot holes or lessen believability. The flawless narration is one of the best parts of this book. Morris has an outstanding ability to choose the right words to convey his meaning. This is part gives the books a philosophical feel. There were so many quotes I loved from this book but one of y favorites was “The brain resides in the head but the mind encompasses the entire body.” Indeed, one of the major themes in The 11th Percent is the mastery of the mind over the body. The Eleventh Percenters can only reach their full potential once they learn strict mind control.
A highly recommended read, The 11th Percent is the first in a trilogy. I am looking forward to the other two books. Five stars.
May 15, 2015
This book very much seems like something I would love, but for some reason, I just can't get into it. The premise is very cool and original. I do feel like there may be too many details or too lengthy of scenes for me sometimes. That may be why I'm having trouble staying focused. I hate to rate this book because I don't want to deter someone else from reading it. I believe it may be me and not the book
It deals with the paranormal, ghosts, powers. It feels YA, but has adult characters. I may one day come back to it and decide that I like it, but as for right now, this is not for me.
It deals with the paranormal, ghosts, powers. It feels YA, but has adult characters. I may one day come back to it and decide that I like it, but as for right now, this is not for me.
November 26, 2017
A mishmash of my favorite tropes! I love stories that explore utilizing the full capacity of the brain. I also loved the combination of that idea with wizards and spirits. Some authors take the safe route and only explore one or two tropes at a time, but I liked the combination here.
The characterization is done well, maybe a bit too well! The MC grew on me, and the other protagonist-type characters were very likable. The characters we aren't supposed to like are absolutely insufferable and I wanted to strangle them through the page. For example, the overbearing boss annoyed the heck out of me. It was a bit annoying how everyone freaked out that work hours increased from 9-5 to 9-6, since I work from 9-7 personally. I guess it depends on the job. The boss seemed unrealistic to me in that he would demand another hour from his workers but he himself would leave at 3, per narration of the MC. I prefer my evil characters to be ones I can empathize with, since without that they come off a bit hollow. I would have liked the story more if it didn't dwell on the menial corporate job since I didn't find it really tying into the story, other than it gave the MC something to live for.
I also found the prose a bit wordy and some beginner writer no-nos, like describing the MC's appearance by having them stare at themselves in a mirror, but those types of things weren't glaring. The book itself was clearly well-edited and overall this was a very enjoyable read!
The characterization is done well, maybe a bit too well! The MC grew on me, and the other protagonist-type characters were very likable. The characters we aren't supposed to like are absolutely insufferable and I wanted to strangle them through the page. For example, the overbearing boss annoyed the heck out of me. It was a bit annoying how everyone freaked out that work hours increased from 9-5 to 9-6, since I work from 9-7 personally. I guess it depends on the job. The boss seemed unrealistic to me in that he would demand another hour from his workers but he himself would leave at 3, per narration of the MC. I prefer my evil characters to be ones I can empathize with, since without that they come off a bit hollow. I would have liked the story more if it didn't dwell on the menial corporate job since I didn't find it really tying into the story, other than it gave the MC something to live for.
I also found the prose a bit wordy and some beginner writer no-nos, like describing the MC's appearance by having them stare at themselves in a mirror, but those types of things weren't glaring. The book itself was clearly well-edited and overall this was a very enjoyable read!
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