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The Valiant Chronicles #1
The Experiencers
Not killing her might be the death of him Something stinks and Agency black-ops assassin Michael Valiant is determined to sniff out what it is. He’s never questioned orders before, but then, targets never seemed so innocent before. Why silence a group of UFO enthusiasts who look less like terrorists than they do housewives and nerds? Unfortunately, Michael’s curiosity might destroy everything he holds dear. Psychic medium Carolyn Fairchild only wants a quiet, mundane life with her husband and daughter, but she has something the Agency her abilities. When the UFO group Carolyn belongs to threatens to expose a government-alien conspiracy, the Agency will stop at nothing to silence them. With deaths and disappearances dogging her, Carolyn has nowhere to turn. And then Michael Valiant comes calling. One killer. One innocent. Together, a formidable weapon that could destroy the world or redeem it. But can they survive long enough to do either? An exciting, fast-paced thrill ride, The Experiencers will leave you breathless.
- GenresAmazon
231 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2014
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 16, 2015
It's going to be difficult to review The Experirencers without giiving away spoilers but I will try. Firstly it is a well written and edited book, the story is great, fast moving and believeable.What surprised me more than anything is how a woman writer can detail the full on action parts so well and so accurate, I was spell bound at these scenes. Val Tobin is a great writer AND story-teller.
Her characters were kept to a minimum which I found helped keep the story tight knit. When I began reading I thought it was going to be a complex plot - maybe it was - but I didn't notice because the author has painstakingly kept her readers in mind, she explains everything concisely and descriptively through narrative. The plot moves forward mostly with clear, directive dialogue.
I found the format exceptional, there are leading chapters all the way through, it added to the suspense for me and made me want to turn the pages to read on.
The MC is a memorable one, an achiever, a killer and a protector. Carolyn is a character I really liked and I especially enjoyed her spirit guides. All in all, The Experiencers is a great action packed, fast paced book. It is Val Tobin's first novel and it thoroughly deserves 5 stars.
Her characters were kept to a minimum which I found helped keep the story tight knit. When I began reading I thought it was going to be a complex plot - maybe it was - but I didn't notice because the author has painstakingly kept her readers in mind, she explains everything concisely and descriptively through narrative. The plot moves forward mostly with clear, directive dialogue.
I found the format exceptional, there are leading chapters all the way through, it added to the suspense for me and made me want to turn the pages to read on.
The MC is a memorable one, an achiever, a killer and a protector. Carolyn is a character I really liked and I especially enjoyed her spirit guides. All in all, The Experiencers is a great action packed, fast paced book. It is Val Tobin's first novel and it thoroughly deserves 5 stars.
August 13, 2015
The Experiencers is a uniquely engaging read that has an extremely interesting protagonist in Michael Valiant, the aforementioned Black Ops operative in the synopsis. If you look at the story from his point of view, you will read the story in one particular way.
We are introduced to Michael early on, so readers can tell his role will be a pivotal one. An educated guess says that he is the one on the pretty excellent cover.
Later chapters introduce us to Shelly, who is having an affair with a man, whilst considering breaking it off out of some well placed loyalty to her husband.
The early part of the book reads like bottle episodes where the link with the later episodes seemed initially unclear, but that was just my perception. Actually, if you look at the book as a whole, a rather intricate storyline emerges. This is what I think makes The Experiencers a true gem. It's like one of those Russian Dolls. You believe you understand it, you believe you know the characters and their motivations.
But this is book one in the series, and if you read between the lines, you'll begin to be amazed at the attention Val Tobin has given to her characters.
Each are well drawn and developed. Carolyn was on a par with Michael for me, as I have a spiritual side and the way she explores her talent is pretty amazing.
Then...there's the aliens. Quite honestly, there is so much going on with this story it demands at least a second reading, which is what I chose to do.
If anything, the second reading is much more enriching. I felt empathy for characters that really didn't touch me on reading one; I imagine as the author constructed her edits for the book, she may have felt the same.
For a debut, this is an extremely well written tale that I imagine will be perfected in book two. I would definitely recommend this book and would give it a very strong 4.5 stars.
We are introduced to Michael early on, so readers can tell his role will be a pivotal one. An educated guess says that he is the one on the pretty excellent cover.
Later chapters introduce us to Shelly, who is having an affair with a man, whilst considering breaking it off out of some well placed loyalty to her husband.
The early part of the book reads like bottle episodes where the link with the later episodes seemed initially unclear, but that was just my perception. Actually, if you look at the book as a whole, a rather intricate storyline emerges. This is what I think makes The Experiencers a true gem. It's like one of those Russian Dolls. You believe you understand it, you believe you know the characters and their motivations.
But this is book one in the series, and if you read between the lines, you'll begin to be amazed at the attention Val Tobin has given to her characters.
Each are well drawn and developed. Carolyn was on a par with Michael for me, as I have a spiritual side and the way she explores her talent is pretty amazing.
Then...there's the aliens. Quite honestly, there is so much going on with this story it demands at least a second reading, which is what I chose to do.
If anything, the second reading is much more enriching. I felt empathy for characters that really didn't touch me on reading one; I imagine as the author constructed her edits for the book, she may have felt the same.
For a debut, this is an extremely well written tale that I imagine will be perfected in book two. I would definitely recommend this book and would give it a very strong 4.5 stars.
June 11, 2014
Well-paced character development, action, romance and menace!
For anyone who’s ever lent credence to the notion that aliens visit Earth, The Experiencers by Val Tobin is frighteningly real. Michael Valiant is a black ops assassin for a government agency that shields alien presence from public knowledge by silencing UFO researchers who know they’re here among us. Carolyn Fairchild is a psychic medium who functions as a sort of spotter for her local research group, and when they see something they shouldn’t, Michael and his partner are dispatched to shut them up before they blog about it.
Just when Carolyn’s group starts having fatal accidents at the agency’s hands, Valiant has a crisis of faith. He’s discovered our government is in league with the alien “establishment”, with the joint goal of global subjugation. But Valiant learns there’s a rebel alien base in a wilderness park, whose mission is to work with the people, not against them. So instead of killing Carolyn, Valiant enlists her help to find the base. Now the agency wants them both dead before they reach the rebels.
The Experiencers is written with a deft hand, and well-paced between thoughtful character development and straight-on action scenes. Lurking in the background is some entirely plausible bleeding edge technology. The few psychic episodes are both real and out there. And for the tender-hearted, there are a couple of poignantly real sex scenes between two people thrown together by fate and accepting it. Meanwhile, pursued by government men with stones where their hearts should be…
For anyone who’s ever lent credence to the notion that aliens visit Earth, The Experiencers by Val Tobin is frighteningly real. Michael Valiant is a black ops assassin for a government agency that shields alien presence from public knowledge by silencing UFO researchers who know they’re here among us. Carolyn Fairchild is a psychic medium who functions as a sort of spotter for her local research group, and when they see something they shouldn’t, Michael and his partner are dispatched to shut them up before they blog about it.
Just when Carolyn’s group starts having fatal accidents at the agency’s hands, Valiant has a crisis of faith. He’s discovered our government is in league with the alien “establishment”, with the joint goal of global subjugation. But Valiant learns there’s a rebel alien base in a wilderness park, whose mission is to work with the people, not against them. So instead of killing Carolyn, Valiant enlists her help to find the base. Now the agency wants them both dead before they reach the rebels.
The Experiencers is written with a deft hand, and well-paced between thoughtful character development and straight-on action scenes. Lurking in the background is some entirely plausible bleeding edge technology. The few psychic episodes are both real and out there. And for the tender-hearted, there are a couple of poignantly real sex scenes between two people thrown together by fate and accepting it. Meanwhile, pursued by government men with stones where their hearts should be…
August 3, 2017
A pretty rocking story I have to tell you. I read a lot and try not to get put off by the cover, perhaps my only criticism of any significance about this book because I thoroughly enjoyed it. I only mention the cover because it doesn’t match up to the quality of the story telling here and I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out because of it. Top marks for originality and flair. It is so difficult to find a writer who can create something this different. Smart simple and direct, this book was very enjoyable. No spoilers as always from me and it’s hard to say much about this one without giving too much away so I will stick to telling you that this is the most enjoyable book I have read in a couple of months, but then again I’m a Val Tobin fan. 5 well deserved stars.
June 18, 2016
Okay, this was not at all what I was expecting when I picked up this first book in "The Valiant Chronicles."
Judging from the cover (I know, I know, never judge a book by its cover) I was expecting a story about a stalwart hero bravely fighting an alien invasion; a guy relying on his survivalist skills to outwit strange visitors from another planet.
Instead, I meet Michael "Mick" Valiant, an assassin who has - for two decades - gone around killing people without really asking why or even worrying about it.
Until recently, that is.
I'm not going to spoil author Val Tobin's hard work by digging too deeply into the plot. That would be unfair to future readers and to Ms. Tobin. I will say, however, that Valiant works for an undercover agency that is in league with the aliens and has been for a long, long time. He was recruited and trained by the agency to be a remorseless killer. The problem is, after getting married to a woman who has no idea what he does for a living, he's found himself asking why some people must die.
For regular folks, that's a legitimate question.
For assassins, um, not so much.
"The Experiencers" is, as I said, the first book in a series and as such it lays the groundwork for the stories to come. As readers we get to know something about Mick, but not a great deal beyond the fact that he has an astonishing ability to wreak havoc on other human beings. We also meet the members of an amateur UFO group, some of whom have been marked for death and others who have been designated for capture and experimentation. In essence, we get to know just enough to make us want to know more.
Mick Valiant is an unusual character to star in a science fiction series. He is not lovable; in fact throughout much of the book he seems to have few redeeming qualities. He's very good at his job, or was before he started having doubts, but he's not a nice guy by any stretch of the imagination. He is secretive, is ruining his marriage to a perfectly wonderful woman, and - oh yeah - he kills unsuspecting people, many of whom are likely innocent of any wrongdoing.
Tobin's narrative style is a little unusual as well. It's fast paced and "in your face" a lot of the time. She doesn't pull many punches: I'd almost classify it as "sci-fi noir" in some respects because some of the characters are pretty hard-bitten and the action often takes place in the shadows. In addition to the science fiction elements in the story, there is also a strong dose of the paranormal, and an unusual - and fairly erotic - romance. Tobin ties these elements together nicely, not an easy feat.
In summary: "The Experiencers" is a high-energy sci-fi thriller and a book I highly recommend.
Judging from the cover (I know, I know, never judge a book by its cover) I was expecting a story about a stalwart hero bravely fighting an alien invasion; a guy relying on his survivalist skills to outwit strange visitors from another planet.
Instead, I meet Michael "Mick" Valiant, an assassin who has - for two decades - gone around killing people without really asking why or even worrying about it.
Until recently, that is.
I'm not going to spoil author Val Tobin's hard work by digging too deeply into the plot. That would be unfair to future readers and to Ms. Tobin. I will say, however, that Valiant works for an undercover agency that is in league with the aliens and has been for a long, long time. He was recruited and trained by the agency to be a remorseless killer. The problem is, after getting married to a woman who has no idea what he does for a living, he's found himself asking why some people must die.
For regular folks, that's a legitimate question.
For assassins, um, not so much.
"The Experiencers" is, as I said, the first book in a series and as such it lays the groundwork for the stories to come. As readers we get to know something about Mick, but not a great deal beyond the fact that he has an astonishing ability to wreak havoc on other human beings. We also meet the members of an amateur UFO group, some of whom have been marked for death and others who have been designated for capture and experimentation. In essence, we get to know just enough to make us want to know more.
Mick Valiant is an unusual character to star in a science fiction series. He is not lovable; in fact throughout much of the book he seems to have few redeeming qualities. He's very good at his job, or was before he started having doubts, but he's not a nice guy by any stretch of the imagination. He is secretive, is ruining his marriage to a perfectly wonderful woman, and - oh yeah - he kills unsuspecting people, many of whom are likely innocent of any wrongdoing.
Tobin's narrative style is a little unusual as well. It's fast paced and "in your face" a lot of the time. She doesn't pull many punches: I'd almost classify it as "sci-fi noir" in some respects because some of the characters are pretty hard-bitten and the action often takes place in the shadows. In addition to the science fiction elements in the story, there is also a strong dose of the paranormal, and an unusual - and fairly erotic - romance. Tobin ties these elements together nicely, not an easy feat.
In summary: "The Experiencers" is a high-energy sci-fi thriller and a book I highly recommend.
August 24, 2014
Although this is not the normal type of genre I would read, I was excited to dig into this book and see what it had in store. Some may consider it Sci-Fi, some consider it truth, and some just may not like it very much at all. I enjoy science fiction movies, as well as documentaries about government, history, and all things unknown or hard to explain. The paranormal, the mystical; it’s all right here.
The thing I enjoyed most about this story was that it wasn’t crowded. You know; when you meet 16 characters (and their back-story) in the first two chapters of a book. Then you spend the next 18 chapters trying to sort out who’s-who. I have been reading too many of those stories as of late, so it was nice to read a story where by chapter 5, I still knew who everyone in the story was.
And something else. I suddenly had a vested interest in these individuals, and their families. I needed to know what they were going to do next. I cheered them on (or scowled at the ones I didn’t want to succeed!). It was important that they accomplish what they set out to do. This is a story where I would continue to wonder what happened to Mick, and Carolyn, and Sam, and even Arnie. I had to finish it, because I had to know what happened. You don’t walk away from this type of story. You become part of it, feeling the emotions you are reading about, as you are reading about them.
You hold your breath, you get angry, you laugh out loud.
I am for the most part not one to spoil a story, so I again try to keep too much information to myself, so I do not ruin it for anyone else. But if you do indeed like science fiction; if you have an interest in aliens, spiritual beings, or government cover-ups, you will want to read The Experiencers. Are you all about family, and friends, romance, and doing what is right, no matter what? Then this is a story for you as well. It is not overly graphic (expect some blood and gore), or overly sexual, and the writing has you seeing and feeling what you would expect the characters to be seeing, and feeling.
The thing I enjoyed most about this story was that it wasn’t crowded. You know; when you meet 16 characters (and their back-story) in the first two chapters of a book. Then you spend the next 18 chapters trying to sort out who’s-who. I have been reading too many of those stories as of late, so it was nice to read a story where by chapter 5, I still knew who everyone in the story was.
And something else. I suddenly had a vested interest in these individuals, and their families. I needed to know what they were going to do next. I cheered them on (or scowled at the ones I didn’t want to succeed!). It was important that they accomplish what they set out to do. This is a story where I would continue to wonder what happened to Mick, and Carolyn, and Sam, and even Arnie. I had to finish it, because I had to know what happened. You don’t walk away from this type of story. You become part of it, feeling the emotions you are reading about, as you are reading about them.
You hold your breath, you get angry, you laugh out loud.
I am for the most part not one to spoil a story, so I again try to keep too much information to myself, so I do not ruin it for anyone else. But if you do indeed like science fiction; if you have an interest in aliens, spiritual beings, or government cover-ups, you will want to read The Experiencers. Are you all about family, and friends, romance, and doing what is right, no matter what? Then this is a story for you as well. It is not overly graphic (expect some blood and gore), or overly sexual, and the writing has you seeing and feeling what you would expect the characters to be seeing, and feeling.
September 28, 2015
Great story, suspenseful and engaging…
I have to admit I do not typically read Sci-Fi or alien abduction novels. However, I read ‘Injury’ by Val Tobin and loved it so I decided to give ‘The Experiencers’ a try. I was not disappointed. This is book one in a series and it does end leaving many questions unanswered. Not exactly a cliffhanger ending, but you will need to read book two to finish out the story. Michael Valiant is a complex character, an assassin with a heart. From the very first scene we learn that Michael is struggling with doubts about his assignments. He is supposed to blindly follow 'The Agency’s' directives, but he questions their motives. Ms. Tobin does an excellent job of creating a bad guy you can love because he’s not all bad. Carolyn is good, naive and complex. She is a psychic and a medium but is rarely believed, even by those closest to her. It is difficult to go into the story line without spoilers so I will just say the story is well written and keeps the reader engaged to the very end. The characters are well developed and come across as real people with real problems.
This story is well paced, the suspense keeps the reader engaged and the personal interaction between family and friends helps the reader feel empathy, frustration, sorrow and triumph. Another thing I liked about this story is that the author leaves much to the imagination. She is not overly graphic when it comes to the sex and violence. In my experience, this makes the story more believable and frequently more terrifying. Ms. Tobin masterful leads the reader where she wants you to go then let’s your imagination do the rest. This is a great beginning to the series. I would definitely recommend this book to others, especially those who enjoy a tale about aliens vs. humans and government conspiracies.
Melanie P. Smith
I have to admit I do not typically read Sci-Fi or alien abduction novels. However, I read ‘Injury’ by Val Tobin and loved it so I decided to give ‘The Experiencers’ a try. I was not disappointed. This is book one in a series and it does end leaving many questions unanswered. Not exactly a cliffhanger ending, but you will need to read book two to finish out the story. Michael Valiant is a complex character, an assassin with a heart. From the very first scene we learn that Michael is struggling with doubts about his assignments. He is supposed to blindly follow 'The Agency’s' directives, but he questions their motives. Ms. Tobin does an excellent job of creating a bad guy you can love because he’s not all bad. Carolyn is good, naive and complex. She is a psychic and a medium but is rarely believed, even by those closest to her. It is difficult to go into the story line without spoilers so I will just say the story is well written and keeps the reader engaged to the very end. The characters are well developed and come across as real people with real problems.
This story is well paced, the suspense keeps the reader engaged and the personal interaction between family and friends helps the reader feel empathy, frustration, sorrow and triumph. Another thing I liked about this story is that the author leaves much to the imagination. She is not overly graphic when it comes to the sex and violence. In my experience, this makes the story more believable and frequently more terrifying. Ms. Tobin masterful leads the reader where she wants you to go then let’s your imagination do the rest. This is a great beginning to the series. I would definitely recommend this book to others, especially those who enjoy a tale about aliens vs. humans and government conspiracies.
Melanie P. Smith
March 26, 2016
Whilst UFO and abduction stories rarely make my reading list, I am so glad I picked up this book. The Experiencers was a thrilling read, at times I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. There is an excellent combination of the science fiction, and dystopian genres.
The story follows two protagonists on different sides of the spectrum. Michael, an Agency assassin who works to silence those intent of revealing the secrets of UFOs and government plots. He is an executor or kidnapper of those deemed a threat to the mission. A task he undertakes without question, that is until his path crosses with Carolyn's. Carolyn is a psychic medium, abductee, wife, mother, and member of a sky watching group. All too soon Michael is forced to question the true intentions behind the Agency and there in lies the problem. He was trained not to ask questions.
This book has an excellent narrative which compels the reader onwards regardless of the hour. The characters are well-conceived and their interactions natural and involving. You can't help but become invested in their plight and there are certain very tense moments. I have little experience in the UFO area of literature, so the best comparison I can make would be a cross between The Men in Black, X-files, and perhaps The Chronicle.
I can honestly say that I am looking forward to picking up the second book in this series. As soon as this review is finished I am heading over to Amazon and putting it in my wishlist.
The story follows two protagonists on different sides of the spectrum. Michael, an Agency assassin who works to silence those intent of revealing the secrets of UFOs and government plots. He is an executor or kidnapper of those deemed a threat to the mission. A task he undertakes without question, that is until his path crosses with Carolyn's. Carolyn is a psychic medium, abductee, wife, mother, and member of a sky watching group. All too soon Michael is forced to question the true intentions behind the Agency and there in lies the problem. He was trained not to ask questions.
This book has an excellent narrative which compels the reader onwards regardless of the hour. The characters are well-conceived and their interactions natural and involving. You can't help but become invested in their plight and there are certain very tense moments. I have little experience in the UFO area of literature, so the best comparison I can make would be a cross between The Men in Black, X-files, and perhaps The Chronicle.
I can honestly say that I am looking forward to picking up the second book in this series. As soon as this review is finished I am heading over to Amazon and putting it in my wishlist.
February 8, 2018
“Kept Me Turning The Pages”
Michael Valiant works as an assassin for a secret government agency called Extraterrestrial Alliance Project (ETAP), with his partner Gerry Muniz. The agency is monitoring and attacking UFO groups that are too vocal about their sightings. Michael is becoming suspicious about the reason people are being eliminated. Thinking to keep him straight the agency decides to kill Michael’s wife to bring him back in line, making her death look like an accident, but when he discovers the truth he turns from them. Going after Carolyn Fairchild, an abductee, Michael kills his partner and takes Carolyn away from the agency’s clutches. But the aliens have her tagged, and unless they can find a way to remove the tracking device, they can pick her up anytime anyplace. Hearing of a rebel alien group, they head for the camp, hoping to find help, but before they arrive the agency’s military has attacked and destroyed the camp. And now the aliens have abducted Carolyn again.
This was a well written, action-packed novel more resembling a men’s action novel, but with the addition of an alien and paranormal background. We don’t actually see aliens until the end of the story, and thankfully some of the rebel aliens are still alive. I don’t believe in New Age, and a lot of paranormal stuff, but this fiction novel certainly kept my interest. Carolyn has future vision, as well as remote viewing ability, and can see and speak with the dead. So there is a lot of excitement in this yard, and I was unable to put the book down. Highly recommended.
Michael Valiant works as an assassin for a secret government agency called Extraterrestrial Alliance Project (ETAP), with his partner Gerry Muniz. The agency is monitoring and attacking UFO groups that are too vocal about their sightings. Michael is becoming suspicious about the reason people are being eliminated. Thinking to keep him straight the agency decides to kill Michael’s wife to bring him back in line, making her death look like an accident, but when he discovers the truth he turns from them. Going after Carolyn Fairchild, an abductee, Michael kills his partner and takes Carolyn away from the agency’s clutches. But the aliens have her tagged, and unless they can find a way to remove the tracking device, they can pick her up anytime anyplace. Hearing of a rebel alien group, they head for the camp, hoping to find help, but before they arrive the agency’s military has attacked and destroyed the camp. And now the aliens have abducted Carolyn again.
This was a well written, action-packed novel more resembling a men’s action novel, but with the addition of an alien and paranormal background. We don’t actually see aliens until the end of the story, and thankfully some of the rebel aliens are still alive. I don’t believe in New Age, and a lot of paranormal stuff, but this fiction novel certainly kept my interest. Carolyn has future vision, as well as remote viewing ability, and can see and speak with the dead. So there is a lot of excitement in this yard, and I was unable to put the book down. Highly recommended.
April 23, 2016
I really wasn't sure what to expect from this but Val Tobin had been recommended to me by several people who couldn't praise her writing enough. I am so glad they did, this was an exhilarating read. The genre 'new age sci fi thriller' doesn't quite do it justice as it covers so much more. This book satisfies the reader on so many levels. The UFOs and aliens were very believable and though we see them rarely, their presence and the impact on the characters is a source of tension that continues throughout the book. The action scenes are incredibly well written causing my heart to race on a number of occasions. There were no holds barred when it came to the violent scenes but they were all crucial to defining the characters of Michael and his partner Torque. They both made fabulous characters but my favourite was Carolyn. Carolyn is a psychic medium and her experiences throughout the story were fascinating. The paranormal sequences were smoothly interwoven with the real life action and gave depth and understanding to her character.
Val Tobin has a writing style that is complex and well researched, yet effortless to read. The pace increases as the plot develops, building tension through dialogue and clear imagery. This is a book that kept me intrigued right to the last page. It answers just enough questions while leaving the reader something to think about. There was only one thing I could do when I finished reading, download and start the sequel, A Ring of Truth.
Val Tobin has a writing style that is complex and well researched, yet effortless to read. The pace increases as the plot develops, building tension through dialogue and clear imagery. This is a book that kept me intrigued right to the last page. It answers just enough questions while leaving the reader something to think about. There was only one thing I could do when I finished reading, download and start the sequel, A Ring of Truth.
February 10, 2017
Last summer, I had the opportunity to participate in WCYR’s first annual Bookshelf event. It was there that I had a chance to pick up a copy of The Experiencer’s by Val Tobin.
The story follows Michael Valiant, an assassin from a secret organization that covers up alien abduction groups among other things and Carolyn Fairchild, an abductee that is gifted with psychic abilities. The two are thrown into a series of events that leads them to team up against the very organization Michael once served.
The short length of the chapters in this novel, combined with a fast pace of storytelling to match the action happening made this a very fun and light read, much in the way Dan Brown’s book have short chapters but a lot goes down. What I found even more enjoyable however where the characters themselves. One could tell a lot of research went into making each individual unique and the author managed to breathe a life of their own into them. I was particularly fascinated by Carolyn’s background in Reiki as it is something I’ve learned about recently in real life and it was neat to see that featured in a story.
Overall I really enjoyed The Experiencer’s and I highly recommend it to fans of sci-fi, action and the paranormal.
The story follows Michael Valiant, an assassin from a secret organization that covers up alien abduction groups among other things and Carolyn Fairchild, an abductee that is gifted with psychic abilities. The two are thrown into a series of events that leads them to team up against the very organization Michael once served.
The short length of the chapters in this novel, combined with a fast pace of storytelling to match the action happening made this a very fun and light read, much in the way Dan Brown’s book have short chapters but a lot goes down. What I found even more enjoyable however where the characters themselves. One could tell a lot of research went into making each individual unique and the author managed to breathe a life of their own into them. I was particularly fascinated by Carolyn’s background in Reiki as it is something I’ve learned about recently in real life and it was neat to see that featured in a story.
Overall I really enjoyed The Experiencer’s and I highly recommend it to fans of sci-fi, action and the paranormal.
June 23, 2015
When you profess not to be a fan of a particular genre, it comes as something of a shock to find yourself breathless as you are reading. Okay, I admit it; I’m becoming a Sci-Fi fan.
In this well-woven and intricate tale of black ops, violence, death, romance and intrigue, I was carried along by the superb writing style of the author. The pace was relentless. The characterisation, imagery, detail and plot were all impressive, but the standard of writing throughout was superb.
Michael Valiant, the lead character, lives up to his surname as he becomes a man possessed, by a burning desire to reach the truth, and the source of the evil within The Agency. He does, or doesn’t take prisoners, but it depends on the adversary and the circumstances. Valiant is a credible protagonist and you cannot help but root for him.
If ever proof were needed that good writing and a keen imagination produced a good story in any genre - this book is that proof. If you crave a story that is: fast-paced, exciting, and with a few good twists - you owe it to yourself to read this book. Kudos, Val Tobin.
The sequel, A Ring of Truth, is now on my TBR list.
In this well-woven and intricate tale of black ops, violence, death, romance and intrigue, I was carried along by the superb writing style of the author. The pace was relentless. The characterisation, imagery, detail and plot were all impressive, but the standard of writing throughout was superb.
Michael Valiant, the lead character, lives up to his surname as he becomes a man possessed, by a burning desire to reach the truth, and the source of the evil within The Agency. He does, or doesn’t take prisoners, but it depends on the adversary and the circumstances. Valiant is a credible protagonist and you cannot help but root for him.
If ever proof were needed that good writing and a keen imagination produced a good story in any genre - this book is that proof. If you crave a story that is: fast-paced, exciting, and with a few good twists - you owe it to yourself to read this book. Kudos, Val Tobin.
The sequel, A Ring of Truth, is now on my TBR list.
August 30, 2015
I normally do not read alien abduction novels. I really enjoyed Val Tobin’s ‘The Experiencers,’ because it is more than alien abductions there is conspiracy, psychic phenomenon, romance, and Sci-Fi.
Michael Valiant, an Agency black ops assassin, discovers the government is in cahoots with aliens. Valiant instead of following orders to silence Carolyn Fairchild a psychic, he partners up with her to find a group of aliens who rebel and want to help humans. Now Michael, the assassin, is being hunted.
Carolyn Fairfield is engaging. Michael Valiant is captivating. The other characters are also well crafted. The Experiencers is a well-written thriller that kept me at the edge of my seat. Good action scenes. The Experiencers is an alien story that you will not forget. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. Well done!
Michael Valiant, an Agency black ops assassin, discovers the government is in cahoots with aliens. Valiant instead of following orders to silence Carolyn Fairchild a psychic, he partners up with her to find a group of aliens who rebel and want to help humans. Now Michael, the assassin, is being hunted.
Carolyn Fairfield is engaging. Michael Valiant is captivating. The other characters are also well crafted. The Experiencers is a well-written thriller that kept me at the edge of my seat. Good action scenes. The Experiencers is an alien story that you will not forget. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. Well done!
January 28, 2018
Aliens agencies and action... This book has it all
Tobin has created an amazing world, where alien abductions are real, but talking about them could get you killed.
Carolyn Fairchild is a psychic, and abuctee, and her world is about to get turned upside down by a man who works for an agency that aids the aliens.
The story explores the journey of an assassin has he finds something worth living for, instead of killing for. But what us the secret his agency is protecting, and why does a particular group of UFO enthusiasts need to be silenced or discredited?
I loved this book because their are several stories unfolding at once, but it doesn't get confusing. All the characters have tales to tell, even if they're prevented from doing so...
Tobin has created an amazing world, where alien abductions are real, but talking about them could get you killed.
Carolyn Fairchild is a psychic, and abuctee, and her world is about to get turned upside down by a man who works for an agency that aids the aliens.
The story explores the journey of an assassin has he finds something worth living for, instead of killing for. But what us the secret his agency is protecting, and why does a particular group of UFO enthusiasts need to be silenced or discredited?
I loved this book because their are several stories unfolding at once, but it doesn't get confusing. All the characters have tales to tell, even if they're prevented from doing so...
June 26, 2016
Val Tobin (not the author of the Spirit Guide, BTW) doesn't pull punches with her action or allow her characters to stray too far off into the woods. By adding the psychic element to the classical UFO tale, The Experiencers has a dimension most alien abduction stories lack. The story is tightly paced and full of enough wonder to keep everyone entertained. Amazingly, considering the subject matter, The Experiencers manages to feel grounded and grittily (if that wasn't a word, it is now) realistic.
September 18, 2018
Excellent! I never imagined that I would read and enjoy a novel that combined UFO's, spirits, aliens, and government conspiracies, but Val Tobin kept me engaged from the first chapter!
Well written, this story piques interest throughout its 227 pages. Still a sceptic about all things unexplained, I found the plot surprisingly plausible. It's a great read for anyone looking for a novel that stimulates thought and intrigue -- even if it raises more questions than it answers!
I'll definitely be looking for the second book in the series!
Well written, this story piques interest throughout its 227 pages. Still a sceptic about all things unexplained, I found the plot surprisingly plausible. It's a great read for anyone looking for a novel that stimulates thought and intrigue -- even if it raises more questions than it answers!
I'll definitely be looking for the second book in the series!
October 19, 2015
Val Tobin grabs your attention on the first page of The Experiencers and she keeps you turning pages till the end. As another reviewer said, “You become part of it, feeling the emotions you are reading about, as you are reading about them.”
A powerful imagination has produced a good story that gets you involved and keeps your interest throughout. The imagery and detail are impressive and the story flows from beginning to end. Excellent writing skills and top notch delivery.
A powerful imagination has produced a good story that gets you involved and keeps your interest throughout. The imagery and detail are impressive and the story flows from beginning to end. Excellent writing skills and top notch delivery.
July 15, 2014
Val Tobin's "The Experiencers" is a fascinating tale of extraterrestrial abduction, government conspiracy and abuse of power, and individuals making difficult choices and fighting for their values and physical survival. The book's ending will leave you wanting more, so watch for the sequel, which I am told is coming soon!
October 19, 2014
This was an exciting read. It kept me on my edge of my seat. I love a good paranormal read and I'm glad I didn't miss out on this one. I loved having back story on the characters. I like having an idea of why they react in the way they do in situations. I hope to read more from Tobin.
January 21, 2018
What an interesting premise.
I hate giving spoilers, I will say this book was not what I expected. The story was well written with many twists and turns. There is enough left in this book for many follow-on books. Good work!
I hate giving spoilers, I will say this book was not what I expected. The story was well written with many twists and turns. There is enough left in this book for many follow-on books. Good work!
December 19, 2023
Mick Valiant is not a typical hero. He's a cold-hearted anti-hero with few redeeming qualities. He has a great wife but no children but works for a secretive organization. He's a hired gun with assignments to eliminate certain "enemies" of state. He does so without pause or regret but when his assignment get close to home and involve some of he and his wife's friends he begins to ask why they are being killed.
All he has known of them doing is having a UFO club, sharing abduction experiences, and filming paranormal happenings. Evidently the powers that be are seeking to silence them before real evidence can be posted online.
It's fast paced but also ropes in many pop conspiracy theories:environmental collapse, destruction of natural resources, global warming and implies these are all being controlled and must be stopped. The UFO group is trying to wake people up.
The heroine is a family friend who has a psychic gift and can communicate with the aliens - (another no-no)
It was a great read for characters and action; good pacing. A second book follows this one.
All he has known of them doing is having a UFO club, sharing abduction experiences, and filming paranormal happenings. Evidently the powers that be are seeking to silence them before real evidence can be posted online.
It's fast paced but also ropes in many pop conspiracy theories:environmental collapse, destruction of natural resources, global warming and implies these are all being controlled and must be stopped. The UFO group is trying to wake people up.
The heroine is a family friend who has a psychic gift and can communicate with the aliens - (another no-no)
It was a great read for characters and action; good pacing. A second book follows this one.
February 2, 2017
I loved the premise of this book when I read the blurb and the free sample chapters were quite excellent, so it was a quick and easy download choice for me. I was a big fan of the X-Files TV series when it aired on TV, and this sounded right up the same alley. But in addition to cool sci-fi and paranormal concepts, and UFOs and aliens, there was the added allure of the trained assassin hired to go after them. As it turns out, I also love a good assassin-cum-Jason Bourne story. It was one of those double your pleasure, double your fun deals.
The story also involves conspiracies involving the government, black ops agencies, and cabals spanning the globe that seem all too real. Did I tell you I love a good conspiracy theory novel? The story is also full of eco-consciousness, with tales of environmental degradation and corporations wantonly destroying natural resources as rapidly as they could get their hands on them for profit. This aspect of the story felt all too real and easily ripped from headline news. Did I mention I love a socially conscious narrative that helps people to wake up and take action against all the injustice going on in the world?
I felt as if the slot machine was going crazy at Vegas, with the novel ticking off all of my favorite themes and sub-genres in one. All dimensions of the novel, moreover, were handled ably throughout.
I enjoyed Michael (the trained assassin) who struck me as a kind of Bruce Willis action hero. He’s clearly his own man as opposed to a ready-made character yanked from one story and slotted into this one. But the point is, he’s likable on the inside for however tough he is on the outside.
And our psychic heroine who Michael is tasked with killing but secretly wants to protect—yes it’s one of those complicated relationships—was every bit as engaging.
Looking forward to further installments in what I hope will be a very long series.
The story also involves conspiracies involving the government, black ops agencies, and cabals spanning the globe that seem all too real. Did I tell you I love a good conspiracy theory novel? The story is also full of eco-consciousness, with tales of environmental degradation and corporations wantonly destroying natural resources as rapidly as they could get their hands on them for profit. This aspect of the story felt all too real and easily ripped from headline news. Did I mention I love a socially conscious narrative that helps people to wake up and take action against all the injustice going on in the world?
I felt as if the slot machine was going crazy at Vegas, with the novel ticking off all of my favorite themes and sub-genres in one. All dimensions of the novel, moreover, were handled ably throughout.
I enjoyed Michael (the trained assassin) who struck me as a kind of Bruce Willis action hero. He’s clearly his own man as opposed to a ready-made character yanked from one story and slotted into this one. But the point is, he’s likable on the inside for however tough he is on the outside.
And our psychic heroine who Michael is tasked with killing but secretly wants to protect—yes it’s one of those complicated relationships—was every bit as engaging.
Looking forward to further installments in what I hope will be a very long series.
June 13, 2016
Aliens and the government
Who would ever believe it?? Aliens in cahoots with humans.......a small group of UFO believers who sky watch and blog about what they see is targeted by the aliens. But what happens when they get too vocal??
Unlike anything else I have ever read. Fantastically addictive reading
Who would ever believe it?? Aliens in cahoots with humans.......a small group of UFO believers who sky watch and blog about what they see is targeted by the aliens. But what happens when they get too vocal??
Unlike anything else I have ever read. Fantastically addictive reading
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